THE Revolution which happen'd in the Ottoman Empire, in the Month of No­vember, by the Deposal of Sultan Ma­homet, and the Advancement of Soliman his Brother to the Throne, is one of the greatest Changes that have fallen out in this Age; and [Page 2]of which the secret Circumstances that caus'd it, not div'd into by many Persons, are most wor­thy to be known.

The greatest part have attributed 'em only to the misfortunes of the Ottoman Arms, and to this Principle of the Musselmen's belief, that when Adversity attends a Man, 'tis an infallible sign of the Wrath of God, and of the contempt of their Prophet, and consequently that it is lawful to Sacrifice to the Publick Good the Prince whom they believe to be the subject of that Coelestial Anger.

But though it must not be deni'd, but that the unlucky Conjunctures contributed very much to the Deposal of the Sultan, by reason of the pretences with which they were sup­ply'd; nevertheless, the Truth is, that Love was the secret cause, and that that same Love only made use of a pretence which had its rise from thence.

However, before we enter into the particu­lars of this same extraordinary Story, it will be necessary for the better understanding of it, to give the Publick a general Idea of the Ottoman Family at that time.

Ibrahim, Emperor of the Turks, a Prince cru­el even to Barbarism, was Strangl'd upon a Re­volt of his Janizaries, and Dying, left three Sons; Mahomet, between Nine and Ten Years of Age, who succeeded him under the Regency of the Sultaness his Mother; Soliman, about a year Younger, and Achmet, who was not then [Page 3]above Four or Five Years Old, all three Born of different Sultanesses.

Some there are who have asserted, that Ma­homet was not an Ottaman: That the Sultaness only fain'd her self with Child, that she might procure to her self the Title of Asseki, or Sulta­ness Mother of the First-born Prince: That he was the Child of a Jewish Woman that was brought to Bed in a Chamber near the Sultanes­se's; that the Infant was carry'd to her in a Bas­ket of Flowers, and afterwards set up and own'd by Her for a Child born of her own Bo­dy. The Author of the Ottoman Mirror pub­lishes this Story. But it is neither credible, nor to be imagin'd, that a project of this Nature should be put in practice within the Serraglio; and if there had been the least Suspition for a ground of this Fable, Sol [...]man, who dethron'd him, would never have spar'd his life, nor the life of the Prince his Son, who at this day wears the Ottoman Diadem.

That which might have been the occasion of this Fiction, might be this perhaps; that the Sul­taness never had any other Children; that she was at continual Odds with Mahomet, when he raign'd by himself; and for that she Protected the other two Princes against the Violences of her Son, every time that he went about to at­tempt their lives.

Mahomet, for Stature, was somewhat Taller then the ordinary Height, well Proportion'd, black Hair, little Eyes, but Quick, more ill Fa­vour'd [Page 4]then Comely; nimble in all the Exerci­ses of the Body, Valiant, Courtly, Profuse, Magnificent, passionate in his Amours, a lover of Hunting even to Excess; an extraordinary discerner of Merit; but Rash, Obstinate, Ingrate­full, and one that suffer'd himself to be very much govern'd by the Ministers of the Serraglio.

Soliman was very Tall, Straight, Majestick, in­clining to Fat, a pleasing Countenance, large and black Eyes, with a lively and fair Complex­tion; his Nose and Mouth admirably Shap'd, the turn of his Countenance somewhat Oval, his Hands white and Fleshy. He was Nimble at all Exercises that requir'd no great labour; he was naturally Melancholly, and full of Dissimu­lation; he spoke little; and whether it were out of Policy, or by Inclination, he devoted himself to the study of the Alcoran, which he unfolded like a Doctor. He was Generous, Crafty and Bold, with a Heart most tenderly enclining to Love; but he was one who had an admirable Gift at concealing a secret.

As for Achmet, in regard he has no share in this History, 'tis needless to say any thing of him, only that Nature had deform'd his Body, and that he retain'd something of his Fathers Stupidity, but nothing of his Cruelty.

The Janizaries in the fury of their Sedition, set Mahomet upon the Throne, and engag'd him to give Order for putting his Father to Death. And for the Sultaness his Mother, she was one of the most beautiful Women in the [Page 5]World; a Circassion, but of mean Birth, and one who from a Slave had mounted to the high­est degree of Female Glory, by means of a ge­nius most sublime, and capable of governing a great Empire.

To fix her self in her Authority, she thought it behov'd her to advance to the Dignity of Grand Visir, such a person as should be behold­ing to her for his Fortune and Preferment; and knowing the Capacity, the Courage, and the Wit of Basha Cuproli, who then lay loaden with Irons at the bottom of a Dungeon, she obtain'd his Release, confer'd with him in Private, drew from him what Protestations and Assurances she pleas'd her self, and at the same time deliver'd to him the Seal of the Empire, and set him at the head of the Council, and the Ministry.

His Government was Prosperous and Prudent, his Fidelity inviolable, his Services advantageous; and laden with Honours and Victories, by a strange fortune without example in the Ottoman. Empire; he had two Sons, and two Sons in Law, that succeeded him in his Employment.

His Father was a French Renegado, born in Champagne, near Chalons, in a Village call'd Cu­perli, from whence he took his Name, being a Serjeant in a Foot Company, and which he left to his Posterity. A certain Murder which he com­mitted, enforc'd him to fly his Country, and the Bark to which he betook himself being ta­ken by the Turkish Corsairs, he thought it more convenient to wear a Turbant, then to see him­self [Page 6]chain'd to the Oar; and being a handsom person, he was soon enroll'd among the Jani­saries, among whom, having rais'd himself by his Valour to signal Employments, he obtain'd a Timar, or a proportion of Lands for Life, and spun so fair a Thread for himself, that by de­grees he arriv'd to the highest place of the Em­pire. This is the truth, both of the Original and Name of the Cuproli's, and whatever is aver'd to the contrary is meer Fiction.

The cruel Polities of the Ottomans was the rea­son that formerly the Sultans always sacrific'd the Blood of their Brothers to the security of their Government. But, the first Counsel which Cuproli gave the Sultaness Validè, that is to say, Mother, was carefully to preserve the two Princes, Soliman and Achmet, not only to pre­vent the Extinction of the Ottoman Blood, but out of a secret Aim which the Visir had to make a Bulwark for his own safety, both of the one and the other, and to have in his hands where­with all to keep his Master in continual aw, in case that when he came to Rule by himself, he might be induc'd by some intreague of the Ser­raglio, to deprive him of the chief Ministry.

Thus it came to pass, that those two Princes were beholding to Cuproli for their lives, who by a marvellous Dexterity of Wit, being desi­rous to mannage at a distance the several Hu­mours both of Mahomet and Soliman, so order'd it, that his Eldest Son, who was about the Sul­tan's Age, was bred in his Company among the [Page 7]Children of Honour, and that the Youngest was nurtur'd in company with Soliman. I relate this particular circumstance, because it will prove serviceable to unfold the intregue of this Revo­lution carri'd on by this Young Cuproli. And indeed Soliman from his Infancy contracted so strickt a Friendship with him, and with Siaous, who was next him in the same Quality, that those two Persons were his most secret Confi­dents. But in regard that as well by Nature, as by the care that was taken to instruct him, he was become a Master in Dissimulation; this con­fidence was so well manag'd, that it never gave Mahomet any cause of Suspition.

After this general Idea, we are now to enter into the secret of the History.

The great Cuproli being dead in the midst of his Tryumphs, had for his Successor his Eldest Son, who was bred up with Mahomet, but he dyed within a short time after his Advance­ment.

At that time the Ottoman Empire enjoy'd a perfect Tranquillity, by vertue of a Truce that was sign'd by the Christian Princes. Mahomet also, by the Sultaness Asseki, had a Son, a hand­some Young Gentleman, and of promising Hopes, about twenty Years of Age, and he quietly en­joy'd the Fruit of his Victories which had ac­quir'd him Candie, Kaminiec, and some places in Hungary; so that he abandon'd himself to the sports of Hunting, and the pleasures of Love, notwithstanding the raging jealousie of the [Page 8]Sultaness, who oft-times broke his measures.

But because it is the temper of some Men, that they cannot contain themselves when they are well, Kara Mustapha, whom he had made choice of for his Grand Visier, constrain'd him indiscretly to break his Truce with the Empe­ror, and plung'd him into a War no less fatal to him then unjust.

The Truce was broken, Vienna Besieg'd; but at the same time that the Ottoman Puissance seem'd ready to overturn the Western Empire, the God of Battel, who distributes Victory according to the decrees of his Providence, strook the Visir with a Spirit of Terror and Confusion; the Seige was rais'd by the assistance of the King of Po­land, and the Valour and Conduct of Charles of Lorrain signaliz'd all the following Campaigns with new Conquests.

Mahomet, during his Misfortunes, remitted nothing of his sports; he had several Favourites, among the rest whom he honour'd in a more particular manner, there was one Basha, who was call'd by the Name of Soliman, and whom he had made Serasquiss, or General of his Arms, upon the Borders of Poland. He was about Thirty Years of Age, and it was a hard matter to meet with a more Graceful Person. He was a Man who had never a whit the less Valour for having been bred up in the soft pleasures of the Court. He was Tall, and his Beauty which was Masculine, and full of Fire, was seconded with a sparkling Wit, which no way lessen'd his Judg­ment; [Page 9]his undauntedness was proof against all Danger, and his Address imcomparable, in ma­naging the Intreagues of the Serraglio, wherein he had for his principal and inviolable Friend, the Kisser Agasi.

This Officer is an Officer of the greatest com­mand and power in the Serraglio: He is a black Eunuch, and is the chief of all the Eunuchs: To him belongs the superintendancy over all the Sultanesse's Guards: Whatever concerns 'em de­pends upon his absolute Power; and it is a hard matter for a Woman to obtain or preserve the favour of the Sultans, but by the intregues of this Eunuch. He ruins, or becomes serviceable to those whom he has a mind to Favour, or De­stroy. And from thence 'tis an easie thing to conceive what immense. Riches he heaps up by means of the Presents which he receives from the Sultanesses, who are sensible of his Kindness, or fear the Effects of his Ill-will; or from those, who by the assistance of his Credit aspire to great Employments. Lastly, his place is so considera­ble, that he has Six Hundred Horses kept for his service only at the charges of the State.

Soliman undertook the Command of the Arms upon the Frontiers of Poland, at the beginning of the Campaign that was signaliz'd by the Bat­tel of Gran. At what time one of the principal Orders which he had to put in Execution, was to take his just measures for the conveighance of a considerable relief into Caminiec. To which purpose, he went himself one day at the head of [Page 10]two Hundred Horse, to view a narrow Lane through which the Convoy was to pass. But he was no sooner within sight of certain hol­low ways; when he heard a great Noise of a sud­dain, when his Scouts brought him word that a body of four or five hundred Polonians had fallen upon two hundred Tartars that guarded the close Waggons.

Soliman never stood to consider, but march­ing directly toward the Noise, fell with that Fury upon the Squadrons of the Enemy, that he broke 'em at the first Charge, slew a great num­ber upon the place, while the rest being dis­pers'd, made their escape to a Wood, whither he thought it not convenient to pursue 'em, but to make immediately up to the Waggons; where he heard the cries of certain persons in distress, and presently cast his Eye upon four Women, among which there was one in a Mus­covite Habit that seem'd to be not above Sixteen Years of Age, but so wonderfully Beautiful, and so accomplish'd in all outward Perfections, that he could not choose but behold her with asto­nishment.

The Fright she had been in, the Emotion of her Spirits, which the Noise and Surprize of the Skirmish had occasion'd within her, did but serve to redouble the lilly whiteness and liveli­ness of her Complexion. Soliman, who was na­turally Amorous, and who at that very instant felt in his Heart a more than ordinary Commo­tion, paid her all the respects that his Character [Page 11]would permit him, and which the excellency of her Beauty deserv'd. But if the Charms of this unknown person caus'd so great a surprize in Soliman, she became no less sensible, when she beheld the the goodly Aspect, the delicate Li­neaments, and obliging Manners of her Preser­ver. He never left the Convoy till he had seen her safe beyond the narrow pass, and having seen her in the plain, he sent along with her fifty of his Horse for her greater Security, with Orders to the Commander of the Party, exactly to inform himself, who that assable Person was, whither she was Travelling, and where she was to make her stay.

After this, Soliman, having acquitted himself of every thing that his duty requir'd from him, return'd to his Camp. But it was imposible for him to apply himself to any other thoughts then those which the Idea of the unknown Lady had imprinted in his Mind; and his restlessness caus'd him to expect with impatience the return of his Detachment, which at length arriv'd; and at the same time the Commander brought him an accompt, that the Lady, whom he had seen was call'd Abra-Mulè, taken about six years of Age, in an incursion made by the Tartars into Musco­vis; that a rich Merchant of Samarcan had bred her up, and carefully preserv'd her for Ten Years together, and that he was t [...]velling for Belgrade through Transilvania, in order to carry her to the Grand Visir, Karah Ibrahim, but according to all the conjectures by what he could draw [Page 12]from him, his design was only to get Letters of Favour from him, for admission to present her to the Sultan. That the Convoy and the Waggons staid at Kolenko, a Castle seated within two miles of the Camp, and that they were resolv'd to stop there for one day, to recover the young Lady from the Disorder into which the Encounter with the Polonians had put her.

Such was the Love that Soliman had conceiv'd for this young Muscovite, that the first growth of it had made such a deep impression in his Heart, that the last part of this Relation was like a clap of Thunder to his Sences. In the midst of his first Thoughts, he persuaded himself, that being Master of the Armies through the whole extent of the Frontiers of Poland, and both Banks of the Niester, it would be easie for him to find pre­tences to stop the farther journey of the un­known Lady, and to prosper the attempts of his Love. But so soon as he consider'd, that she was design'd for the Sultan, despair took posses­sion of his Soul; nor could all his Wit imagin which way to flatter his Desires. In the midst of these Agitations he omitted nothing of his Duty, but having issu'd forth his necessary Or­ders, he was ready to retire into his Cabinet, that he might surrender himself with more Tran­quility to his amorous Contemplations, when word was brought him that the Tartarian Mer­chant desir'd to kiss his Hands.

Mursa, for that was the name of the Tartar was no sooner arriv'd at Kolenko, but after he [Page 13]had taken all the requisite Precautions for the se­curity of his Company, he bethought himself, that it not only behov'd him to pay his acknow­ledgement to the Seraskier, but that he might obtain from his generosity Letters of Recom­mendation to the Visir, and the Kisler Agasi, with pass-ports requisite for the crossing of Tran­silvania; and to the end that his Compliments and his Presents might be the more graciously accepted, he would needs have 'em accompani­ed with a few lines from Abra-Mulè, and a pre­sent in her Name.

Upon the proposal which he made the fair Muscovite, she fell into a Disorder, which might have easily unravell'd the thoughts of her Heart, had not the Mer­chant attributed to her modesty the ruddy Blu­shes that spread themselves in her Cheeks. So­liman's victorious Merit, at the first sight, had cast into her Soul the Sparkles of a Passion, which the condition she was in, commanded her to stiflle. On the other side it was no small plea­sure to her, that it was in her power to oblige him to renew her in his Memory, by means of an opportunity, that put neither her Chastity nor her Modesty in any hazard; only she was afraid least her Heart should dictate too much to her Pen. This combat suspended her Resolution. But at length Mursa, who was to her instead of a Father, pressing her with the Authority of a Master, she took her Pen and wrote the follow­ing Lines.

This Letter she accompany'd with a rich Scan of Gold Tissu, Embroider'd with Pearl, the work of her own hands. Mursa also took along with him a magnificent Turbant, and with twenty Horse arriv'd at the Seraskier's Camp.

'Tis no hard matter to imagin how much to his satisfaction he was receiv'd. Mursa gave Soliman to understand that Abra-Mulè was the Daughter of a Boyar or Muscovite Nobleman whose name was Mulè-Alexowitz, who being too confident of maintaining his Ground against an Inundation of Tartars into his Castle of Sinolo seated upon the Frontiers, had the misfortun [...] to be taken by storm, to have all that he ha [...] plunder'd, burnt or put to the Sword; that th [...] [Page 15]Boyar himself was slain in the first heat of the onset; that a common Tartar having his Scimi­ter lifted up to Massaker Abra-Mulè, an Officer compassionating the tender Beauty of the Infant, stopt his Arm; that the same Officer took her as part of his share, and sold her to himself; that she was bred up with his Daughter, and that her Beauty every day increasing, and being arriv'd at an accomplish'd perfection, he de­sign'd to make a present of it to the Sultan; that he had already written to the same pur­pose, both to Kara Ibrahim, the Grand Visir, and to the Kisler Agasi, who had return'd him favourable answers, with orders to set forward with all speed; that he was expected at Adria­nople, where the Sultan intended to spend the Summer; and that he made all the hast that pos­sibly he could. That his Instructions were to re­ceive Orders from the Visir at Belgrade, and last­ly that he besought Soliman to second him yet farther with his Letters of Recommendation.

This Recical not a little perplex'd the Seraski­er, and his Grief would have more loudly ma­nifested it self, had not Abra-Mulè's Letter some­what calm'd his Sorrows. What an unexpected joy! What Agitations did he not feel within his throbbing Heart! though it contain'd no more then a bare Compliment, he thought he disco­ver'd somethings in it that flatter'd both his Ima­gination and his Love. He kindly accepted the presents, promis'd Mursa whatever he demand­ed; and while his attendants were entertaining [Page 16]the Merchant with usual Refreshments, he be­took himself to his Cabinet, and return'd the following answer more circumspect out of Policy, then his Love would otherwise have prompted him to make.

The Seraskier deliver'd this Letter open to Mur­sa, and told him withall, that since he was to stay a whole day at Kolenco, he would be there upon the morrow, on purpose with a small en­tertainment to alleviate the hardships he had suf­fer'd in a toilsom Journey: That it was the least he could do to wait upon a Person design'd for his Master's Embraces; in the mean time he would take care for the making ready such Or­ders, as should render more supportable the fa­tigues of their ensuing Travels.

Mursa departed very well satisfied, and Soliman retiring, took his Letter, and read it over and over again, and kissing it as often as he cast his eyes upon it, Can it be possible fair Abra, said he, that the Remembrance of Soliman should e­ver be eternal in thy Memory? But, answer'd he to himself, to what purpose would that Re­membrance serve, but to render me more mise­rable! Stifle thy Love unfortunate Soliman, thou wouldst dispute thy Right in Abra with any o­ther but thy Sultan; but in contesting with thy Master, there is nothing that can flatter thy hope. Stifle then, this Love, before it gets too powerful a Dominion over thee.

After this, he walkt to and fro in a profound silence, till at length his Passion getting the up­per hand. Well! said he, What signifies it? Maugre my despair, can I prevail upon my self to say I will not Love her? No, no,—I will love her—and make known to her the Passion which she has kindled in my Heart: What is to be done, should she by chance love me? But Oh—that's the Question. A thousand Accidents, which I foresee not, may favour the success of my Love. The Kister Agasi is my sure Friend, he is the Ma­ster of the Serraglio: Mahomet loves me; nor is it a new thing for the Sultans to honour their Favourites with Wives out of their Serraglio: The Sultaness Asseki is jealous: Mahomet may be hinderd from fixing his Affection upon Abra. Lastly, there is nothing but what my be hop'd for from Time, and my Intregues.

With these Chimera's he flatter'd his Passion, and then revolving in his memory the same Thoughts over and over again, he consider'd, that before he let himself loose to these Ima­ginations it was to be presuppos'd that he was belov'd by Abra, and after he had been some­time reflecting upon this, at length he resolv'd to try whither he could gain her, and then to carry on his Intrigues, as Accidents and Oppor­tunities should offer.

Having spent the night in these restless Ex­postulations of his contending thoughts, he sent his Servants the next morning to Kolenco to make ready, with all the magnificence that possible could be, the Entertainment which he had pre­meditated: he apparell'd himself as sumptuous­ly as possibly he could, girded his Vest with the Scarf that Abra had presented him, put on Mur­sa's Turban, and accompanied with eight or ten of the principal Officers of his Army, to the end his Journey might be the less suspected, or rather that it might be lookt upon as a piece of Honour pay'd the Sultan, he arriv'd at Ko­lenco.

The Collation was Superb; the Dances after the Turkish manner; Wrestling, Racing, and the rest of the Divertisments were successfully per­form'd; and toward Sun-set a Promenade in a little Grove serv'd for an Interval, in expectation of the Fire-works that were to enlighten the first Appearances of darkness.

Soliman could not till then meet with an Op­portunity to discourse Abra; but then he gave her his hand; and while the Officers made their several Applications to other Women, the whole Company perceiv'd themselves near the En­trance into a long green Arbour. Soliman led in the young Muscovite; and Mursa, who had gi­ven her Directions to request something of the Seraskier, which he durst not presume to ask himself, kept his post, out of respect, at the en­trance into the Arbour, and his Example obli­ging all the rest to seperate themselves, some one way, some another, Soliman caus'd Abra to seat her self upon a Bank of Turf, and percei­ving that though he might be seen, he could not be heard by the Merchant, he thought it behov'd him not to lose an Opportunity so fa­vourable to his Passion. Presently therefore with a low Voice, and a passionate and tender Look.

Fair Abra, said he, how dear has my good Fortune cost me! that I should have the plea­sure to come to your Relief, but that that same succour should prove the only occasion of my Torments. I ought indeed, to bury 'em in si­lence from yee; the Respect which your Eyes Imprint, the Grandeur to which you are de­sign'd, and my duty to the Sultan, all these Considerations should lock up my Tongue, but my Love o'rerules me. Perhaps I may never have but this moment of my life to let you know it. But though I were sure it would prove my [Page 20]Ruin, I could not resolve with my self to loose so happy a Minute,

Abra, who till then had never perceiv'd in all the Seraskier's Conduct, other then respectful Wariness, by means of which he had under­stood so well to conceal the Sentiments which he reveal'd to her, did not expect so lively a Declaration of his Love. Wherefore, as much inclin'd as her heart might be to please it self with the thoughts of being belov'd by a Person whom she found to be altogether Admirable, yet was she tost with a most terrible Combat between the Pleasure of knowing the effect of her Charms, and the fear of explaining her self upon a subject of which she her self was so sen­sible.

A suddain Blush redoubl'd the Luster of her Complexion; she cast her Eyes upon the ground, for fear they should betray the trouble of her mind, and with the same restriction upon her Voice.

Heaven, Sir, said she, does not consult our Hearts to regulate our Destinies. I am a Vi­ctine Sacrific'd to the interest of a Tartar; would you hinder me from suffering my self to be led without murmuring to the Altar? Alas, as free a Woman as I shall enter into the Serraglio, I shall endure perhaps but too much pain to see my self the slave of false Grandeur that will sig­nifie nothing to one that contemns it as I do; and would you labour to redouble the Tor­ments that are preparing for me in that place?

Ah, Madam, reply'd Soliman, did you look upon as a surplusage of pains what I have said to yee, how happy should I be; since then I might hope that my Love would make some impres­sion in your Heart, The word is slipt from my Mouth, and I can no longer hold my Tongue. I love ye Madam, I Adore ye, I Burn, but with a Fire that never can be extinguish'd. Ah, Ma­dam, what is there that I would not strive to merit, so that I might not be indifferent to your Affection!

Here Soliman stopt, but finding that Abra con­tinu'd silent, and that with her Eyes fix'd upon the Ground, she seem'd to be in a kind of un­certainty what answer to return; Speak, fairest Abra, continu'd he, speak, or give me my Deaths wound, and perceiving some Tears drop from her Eyes, yes, charming Abra, repeated he, I love ye beyond all that man can Love, I A­dore yee: Can you look with indifferency upon a Passion so tender and so lively?

Ah, Sir, answer'd the Muscovite, with a sigh that she could nor restrain, had your Passion been indifferent to me, I should have told ye but too much ere now. I never had so great a dread, added she, of being sacrific'd to the Passions of an unknown person, as since I know that man of all the world most worthy to possess my heart. I now have said too much, Sir, but time which is to you so Precious, and your Eternal Separation make me forget my self, and put me quite to Shame. I Blush for my Weakness, in [Page 22]not being able to conceal the Tryumph of your Merit. However, Sir, abuse not this my Weak­ness, it has betray'd me. But since Heaven has surrounded this Passion with an invincible Ob­stacle, let us stifle it in its Birth, and let not this secret be known to yee, for any other rea­son then to forger it.

Who I? Madam, reply'd Soliman, I must then forget the only thing that can procure my Hap­piness. If Heaven obstructs the accomplishment of my desires, at least it shall not hinder me from easing my Torments with the pleasure of know­ing that your Heart is not insensible of my Love. Leave the rest to time, to my Fortune, and to my Industry. I shall be at Adrianople af­ter the Campaign is over; trust to the Kisler Agasi, I will instruct him what he is to do in my behalf, and confide in the inviolable fideli­ty of Soliman.

And you; Sir, since your Merit has forc'd me to betray the impression which it has made in my heart, assure your self that it shall be my chief delight to preferr you before all the Crowns of the Earth; and that all my Consola­tion in the Horrors of my close confinement shall be to find that you are constant.

The fear of rendring suspicious a longer Dis­course made Abra rise. The Seraskier led her by the hand, they rejoyn'd Mursa, and all the com­pany being come together, they went to the Banks of a River, upon which there were pre­par'd a great many Fire-works; while a mag­nificent [Page 23]Collation under a stately open Tent by the River side concluded the Divertisements.

Soliman departed a thousand times more ena­mour'd then at his first Arrival; and the next morning Mursa continu'd his Journey, having obtain'd of the Seraskier whatever he could de­sire. But if he travell'd with contentment, the nearer he advanc'd to his journeys End, the more mortal was Abra's Grief for the remoteness of a Separation, so much the more dreadful to her, because she could not foresee any means or way by which she should ever meet again with the person who already she lov'd so tenderly, and with such a sincere Passion.

'Twas no hard matter soon to perceive the Melancholly that began to weaken her, and which was ascrib'd to the fatigues of a long Journey. But her slave Sarai, who had always attended her as a Governess, penetrated into the true reason of it; and in regard she lay by her side, her Sighs could not escape her. She also observ'd, that ever since the morning of her departure from Kolenco, she had in the Agitati­ons of her Dreams several times repeated the Name of Soliman, so that having a singular kind­ness for this Amiable Virgin, and on the other side the merit of the Seraskier, and his Generosi­ty having an influence upon her Mind, she ven­tur'd to push her Penetration a little farther, and to seek some remedy for the pains her Mi­stress endur'd.

With this purpose the Night following when they were alone, and that she heard her Sigh more violently, she drew near her Bed, and em­bracing her, I love ye tenderly, my dear Abra, said she, I love yee tenderly, and will you con­ceal any longer from me what I already know too well? Open your self to me, and expect from my Fidelity and my Descretion whatever my zeal can offer yee.

Abra, surpriz'd at this Discourse, answer'd only with a Sigh. But Sarai embrac'd her more closely, and conjur'd her with so much importunity, and after such an affectionate man­ner, to trust her with what she could no longer conceal from her, that at length Abra, melting into Tears lay'd open her Heart. Sarai on the o­ther side, promis'd her all assistance, and assur'd her, that if she had a thousand Lives, she would venture 'em all to make her happy.

From that very moment Abra appear'd more blithe, as if by entrusting her secret, she had discharg'd her self of some weighty Burthen. And in regard that Soliman sought allways im­aginable with safety to convey his mind in writing to Abra, Sarai spar'd him the fruitless trouble which he put himself to, while he thought to accomplish his desires by any other assistance then hers.

A correspondence of that Importance hazar­ded the Life both of the one and the other, and therefore to avoid all Danger, it was agreed, that the Seraskier's Letters should be so contriv'd, [Page 25]as if he had an Affection for Zaid, who was Sarai's Neece, and Beautiful beside, and that Sarai her self should write Abra's Letters, in Zaids Name. The intercourse was thus settl'd upon the third day after the Separation of the two Lovers, and the first Letter that Abra re­ceiv'd from the Seraskier, contain'd these kind Expressions.

Abra receiv'd this Billet from Sarai's Hands, and Dictated to her the following Answer.

These Letters were attended by some others; and in regard that Soliman in his second testify'd a great desire to see Abra once again, Sarai's Advice was that she should fain her self sick, to the end they might be forc'd to stop in a kind of a Castle seated upon the Edge of a Forrest. The measures taken by Sarai were put in Exe­cution, and the Seraskier being fully inform'd of Sarai's contrivance, he took Post by the means of lay'd Horses; and under pretences which he never wanted, arriv'd at the place appointed; where he disguiz'd himself in the Habit of a Dervis, or one of the Turkish Priests; in great Veneration among those People, and par­ticularly thought to be endu'd with a power to [Page 27]cure all sorts of Sickness by reading in private certain Chapters of the Alchoran, laid upon the head of the sick Person. Sarai therefore had prepar'd all things ready for the Applications of the Dervis to Abra's Distemper, and the super­stitious Mursa was fallen into the snare, so that 'twas no hard matter to introduce Soliman un­der that disguize, which Mursa so little suspe­cted, that seeing him coming at a Distance, he fell with his Face upon the Ground, and made all his Servants do as much, while the counter­feit Saint past forward with a great Alchoran, which he held open, and resting upon his Fore­head, as upon a Desk, to the end he might the better hide his Face.

Soliman being thus enter'd into Abra's Cham­ber, thought it not convenient to spend his time in reading the Alchoran, but throwing him­self at Abra's Knees, and embracing 'em, who would have thought, said he, fair Abra, who would have thought that I should ever have been so happy to see you again.

Abra, that she might oblige him to a posture more becoming his Grandeur, seated her self upon a Couch that was close by; but Soliman still continuing with one Knee upon the Ground, and perceiving that Saria was retir'd to have an Eye at the Door, he took both her hands be­tween his own, and continuing his Discourse. No, No, Madam, No, said he, I no longer question your Love, since without any he [...]a­tion or scruple you have ventur'd all to afford [Page 28]me this alleviation of my Pains. Ah, Madam, what a Pleasure it it, what a Satisfaction to me to see you once again! Sir, reply'd Abra, if the Pleasure of seeing what we love be to be mea­sur'd by love, your Joy is not superiour to mine. But with what bitternesses is this secret Pleasure intermix'd, when we consider that 'tis but for a Moment, which will be attended with a long and perhaps perpetual Separation.

Hope better Madam, reply'd Soliman, and since our Prophet himself affords me this day by the help of this Disguise, an Opportunity of seeing you, be assur'd that he approves our Fires, and that he will direct us to find our which way to enjoy our Affection with more free­dom. I come here chiefly to instruct yee what measures are to be taken, to prevent our being expos'd to the Sultan's passions. To which pur­pose here is a Letter to the Kisler Agasi, which Sa­rai shall take care to deliver him, before he re­ceives those wherewith Mursa is entrusted; and provided you can but preserve me your heart till I return to Adrianople, and that the Kisler does but prevent your being seen by Mahomet, I will set all Engins at work, and I presume so much upon his Highness's favour, that I despair not to obtain you as his own gift.

If it only depends upon my Constancy, said Abra, to avoid the Sultan, and enjoy your Love, you may rely upon me, Sir, that nothing shall be wanting on my part to prosper the success of your Passion: But take care, Sir, that I may [Page 29]not be depriv'd in the Serraglio of the comfort of having my faithful Sarai about me; my Heart is in her hands, and she will be of great Use to us.

This, reply'd Soliman, is one of the principal Motives of my Letter: for I do not discover to the Kister the secret of so dangerous a Passion. I referr that till we come to discourse together: But I send to him only to do me those Kind­nesses, which I can only expect from his Indu­stry in favouring my desires. He is Master of the Serraglio; he shall keep Sarai with yee, no doubt of it; and he shall do nothing without consulting her. And to the end, that by know­ing what I have written, you may the better be able to understand how to govern your Af­fairs, here is a Copy of it. Abra took the Copy, and calling Sarai, read the following Lines.

After the reading of this Letter, Soliman in­structed Abra and Sarai, in all the secret In­treagues of the Serraglio, and how it behov'd 'em to manage their Affairs; so that they might be able to second whatever he sent to the Kisler. After this, two the Lovers fell into pri­vate discourse, wherein they omitted no­thing to give each other reciprocal Marks of [Page 31]their most tender and ardent Passion. At length the time which the Dervis usually employ with their sick Patients being almost spent, and the fatal Moment of Separation approaching, Abra took out of a little Trunk three of her own Por­traitures, and requested Soliman to make choice of one. He took that which he thought most like her, and at the same time Abra threw the other two into the fire.

What d' yee do, Madam, cry'd Soliman, why d' yee so profusely destroy the Images of Na­tures Master-piece. In regard I have but one Heart, reply'd Abra, and that never any Person in the World shall enjoy it but your self, for whom would you have me preserve those other Portraitures? I offer 'em up to that which I give you, and which I beg you to keep; as I sacri­fice all the rest of the Earth to the only Love I have for Soliman.

The Seraskier admir'd the Delicacy of Abra's Heart, and kissing the Hand from which he re­ceiv'd the Portraiture, how sweet a thing it is, Madam, said he, how sweet a thing it is to be belov'd after so tender and delicate a manner. I accept this precious pledge of your Love, I will preserve it till Death, and it shall be a per­petual Testimony of my Constancy. After this the Seraskier took leave of Abra, who could not restrain her Tears, and at the same time taking his Head between her Arms, and pressing it close to her Bosom, she gave him a kiss upon the Fore-head, and then permitted him to take the [Page 32]same liberty upon each hand. Which done, So­liman rose up, and after he had prevail'd with Sarai to accept a magnificent present in Jewels, he left the Chamber with the same Ceremony as he enter'd in, Mursa attending him with a great Train to the Gate of the Castle. Abra recover'd her Health; the Reputation of this Dervis was spread abroad, and Soliman quitting his Religi­ous Habit, took Post again, and return'd to the Army.

Mursa extreamly satisfy'd with the pretended Miracle of the Alchoran, which redoubl'd his Superstition, departed the next morning, pro­ceeding prosperously in his journey, while Abra comforted her self in Sarai's Bosom, with read­ing the Letters [...]ich she receiv'd from time to time directed to Zaid, and spending some nights in returning answers to 'em.

They cross'd Transilvania, travelling easie Jour­neys, and Michael Abaffi defraying their charges all along; and being arriy'd at Belgrade, at a time when Karah Ibrahim was there, obtain'd Mursa from him, whatever Letters of Recommen­dation he desir'd. At length he got to Adrianople, where the Sultan had been since the Spring, that he might be ne'r at hand to issue forth his or­ders for the motion of his Troops, and that he might be the more punctually inform'd of e­very thing that fell out.

Sarai, whose Diligence inclin'd her to spare for nothing, and who understood, that in the Serraglio all things were mov'd by the Springs [Page 33]of many, was no sooner arriv'd there, but she won the heart of the Kislers first Dragoman, or Interpreter, and caus'd Soliman's Letter to be de­liver'd to that powerful Eunuch, before Mursa had made any progresses toward his obtaining Audience. The Kisler being thus anticipated, kept the Tartar above two Months before he suffer'd Abra to be introduc'd into the Serraglio; besides, that he found a way to bring her in un­drest, and among a Huddle of eight or ten o­thers which various Basha's had sent, and made choice of a day that the Sultan was vext and out of humour upon the receit of some ill News; so that Mohomet being taken up with the trou­blesom Consultations, wherein the taking of Neuhansal had engag'd the whole Divan, toge­ther with the raising of the Siege of Gran, which the Turks had fruitlessly attempted, and the loss of a Battel fought within two Leagues of that place, and being more over continually besieg'd by the Sultaness Asseki, and Abra never seeking to expose her self, it was no difficult thing for the Kisler to put her into an Appartment out of the way, and keep her out of Mahomet's Eye.

But if Abra avoided the sight, and consequent­ly the love of the Sultan, till the end of the Campaign, she found her self expos'd to ano­ther Amour, which though at first it appear'd less dangerous, yet the Consequences of it were most terribly fatal.

Mahomet kept his Brothers under a kind of Confinement, where nevertheless they had free­dom [Page 34]enough. He forc'd 'em to attend him in all his Progresses, and they were then in the Serra­glio at Adrianople serv'd as Princes in their se­veral Appartments; and the Sultan who would not deprive 'em of their Pleasures, but was un­willing however they should have any Children, took care that they should not be suffer'd to come at any Women, but such as were past Child bearing; yet that they should provide for 'em the handsomest that could be found out at those years.

Prince Soliman, who, as I have said, was a handsom person, notwithstanding he seem'd so addicted to the study of the Alchoran, was of an amorous Complection, and was not satisfi'd with the superannuated Mistresses with which they endeavour'd to amuse him. He was wily, and full of dissimulation, and having acquir'd a perfect confidence with an Elderly Woman, call'd Marama, who was impos'd upon him for one of his Bed-fellows, he had so much influ­ence over her, as to engage her to supply him by dextrous Intreagues, with younger pastimes then those to which he was forc'd to confine himself, and she had already succeeded in seve­ral Negotiations that requir'd a most nice con­duct.

She had her Appartiment in the same Gallery where Abra had hers; and in regard she was extreamly Insinuating, full of Flattery, together with an Anticipating and frolick Wit, she soon struck in with the young Muscovite, and fasten'd [Page 35]her self to her in a strict familiarity, which their near Nighbourhood allow'd of, and which the Kisler favour'd, to the end she might be taken up with divertisements, that might hinder her from thinking of the Sultan.

Marama had no sooner knit the knot of this familiarity, but having found out that Abra had no ambitious design of making her self known to the Sultan, it came into her Head to in­tregue her with Soliman. To which purpose she made such a lively Description of the young Muscovite to the youthful Prince, that without any trouble she infus'd into him a violent de­sire to see her; and on the other side, she made use of all her Wit in magnifying to Abra the merits of Soliman.

Now to create an opportunity for the Prince to satisfie his Eyes with the sight of an Object which she had painted to him adorn'd with so many Accomplishments, she obtain'd leave of the Kisler to give a Collation to five or six of her Friends in the Sultaness's Validès private Gar­den, and she so order'd her Business, as to en­gage Abra to be one of her Guests.

The Collation was serv'd up at the end of an Alley that was overlook'd by a Cross-bar'd win­dow of Soliman's appartiment, who from thence had a full view of the Muscovite, whom he found infinitely more beautiful then Marama had set her forth to be; and of a suddain fell so vi­olently in love with her, that his dear confident coming in the Evening to visit him, he shut [Page 36]himself up with her, and closely embracing her, I am a dead Man, my dear Marama, said he, if you afford not some asswagement to that love which you have kindl'd, and which can only be expected from your address and dili­gence.

This Relief reply'd Marama, depends not upon me; I have found the way to bless your Eyes with an Object that most deserves the love of the greatest Prince in the World. This is but the first step; it behoves me now to sound her Heart, which seems to me but very indiffe­rent as to all sorts of Pleasures, and less inclin'd to love then any other Passion. But the main difficulty is for you to see her, and speak to her. However leave that to Time and my Diligence, and be assur'd that I shall omit nothing to bring it to pass.

This Promise something quieted Soliman's first Disturbances; he rely'd upon Marama's cunning, and in the mean time not believing that a Wo­man of the Serraglio could hold out against the Love of an Ottoman Prince, He flatter'd his Pas­sion with that success which was at a great di­stance from him.

In the mean time Marama united her self more closely to the young Muscovite, and by her Assidui­ties she also insinuated her self into Sarai's Con­fidence, and at length she carry'd her self so pliant, that Abra who sought only for Pastimes to conceal and asswage her Anxieties, could not live without her company.

When she found her self so well settl'd in a heart which she thought void of Love, she at­tempted to infuse that Passion by a general dis­course of the pleasures that attended the Union of two Persons in a charming Affection. Abra listen'd to her, and seem'd to give Credit to her discourse, because that all she said to her flatter'd her Inclinations for the Seraskier: And Marama, who was perswaded she had made some Impression upon her Soul, imagin'd that nothing remain'd for her to do, but only by some Artifice to get Soliman and Abra together, which she thought might be easily brought to pass.

The body of the Building wherein were the Appartiments of Abra, Marama, and a great num­ber of other Women, was directly opposite to that wherein the Princes were lodg'd; and to prevent their Communication, and seeing one another, a very thick and high Wall divided the Court, by which they were separated.

The body of the Building wherein were the Appartiments of Abra, Marama, and a great num­ber of other Women, was directly opposite to that wherein the Princes were lodg'd; and to prevent their Communication, and seeing one another, a very thick and high Wall divided the Court, by which they were separated.

Amurath, who built those two Structures, or Piles of Lodgings, to be himself in the one with the favourite Sultaness, and to lodge the most beautiful Women of his Serraglio in the other, had contriv'd a private little Gallery under Ground, whereby he might pass from one Buil­ding to the other, and avoid the jealous Eyes of the Sultaness when he had a mind to visit his other Women. The Entrance into that Gal­lery jutted upon the Appartment possess'd by Prince Soliman, and led to Marama's Cabinet; but [Page 38]two Doors a long time since made up prohibited the use of it.

To attempt the opening of a place in the Ser­raglio clos'd up, was a Crime sufficient to awa­ken Mahomet's jealousie, and to hazard Soliman's life: But in regard it was the only way that Marama could think of, she furnish'd her self with Irons, and false Keys, requisite to make a Breach, and when all things were ready pre­par'd, and concerted with Soliman, she engag'd Abra to come to her Chamber, and while her Slaves kept Sarai in a pleasing Chat, she led her alone into her Cabinet.

Soliman got through, and had hid himself behind the hanging that hung before the Out-let of the Gallery: At what time Marama having sea­ted Abra upon a heap of Cushions cover'd over with a Carpet, entertain'd her with high Ap­plauses of the marvellous lustre of her Beauty, the brightness of her Eyes, the whiteness of her Skin, and all her other Charms; and after that, shifting her Discourse, she fell to talk of Prince Soliman, and cry'd up his Merits to the Skies; insomuch that the portraiture that she gave of him seeming to have a fair resemblance of the Aire, the lovely Meen, and Lineaments of the Seraskier, the poor betray'd Lady, out of an innocent openness of heart, gave her self the liberty to signify, that if the sight of the Prince had not been forbidden by the strict Rules of the Serraglio, her Curiosity might have been prevail'd upon to see him.

Upon those words, Soliman, who thought he had met with the Minute proper to make his Appearance, bolted of a suddain from behind the Hanging, and falling upon one Knee at Abra's feet, with his Eyes fix'd upon hers, which she cast toward the ground in a deep surprize, that render'd her Immovable, Madam, said he, behold a Prince that burn'd with impatience to behold the most wonderful of all perfecti­ons that ever Nature produc'd, and who is come to prostrate his Heart at your feet, and put his Life in your hands.

Abra who could not recover her self from her Astonishment, durst not cast an Eye upon Soli­man; but upon Marama she threw a look that seem'd at once both to reproach her Treachery, and bemoan the trouble into which she had plung'd her. A Ruddiness more then ordina­ry spread it self upon her Cheeks, her whole Body trembl'd, and not knowing what course to take under a Circumstance so little expected, she stood in a profound silence, when Soliman re­suming his first Addresses, I see, Madam, said he, I see, that the Happiness I have had, for the sight of you, to surmount those Obstacles that would have appear'd invincible to any other Love but that which I have for your self, of­fends yee; but impute to the power of your Charms, and the tenderness of my heart, this Crime that has affrighted yee, and which you will pardon me, when you consider that no man living can behold those Eyes without ado­ring 'em.

Abra, who during this disorder, felt her an­ger augment as her astonishment began to quit her, cast a smart look upon Soliman, and at the same time turning again her Eyes away from him, Sir, said she, did you only expose my life by an Enterprize so dangerous both for you and Marama, you should not have seen me tremble. But Sir, what ist you aim at by an Undertak­ing no less fruitless then rash and indiscreet? I am not ignorant of the full extent of your Me­rit, and I pay it the real homage of my Esteem: But if you have forc'd those Obstacles that for­bad you the sight of me, there yet remains o­thers far more invincible, that forbid my heart to entertain a Passion that must never enter there.

Oh, Madam, were the Sultan so happy as to have touch'd your heart, I might justly fear the meeting with an invincible Obstacle to my Love; but since I know that he has never cast his Eyes upon you, and that you your self are careful to avoid his sight, what Obstacle can the Love of a Prince, who adores yee, meet with in a heart so free as yours? A Prince, who would sacrifice the whole Earth to the satisfa­ction of infusing into your Soul the smallest Pas­sion for him.

Prince, reply'd Abra, whatever liberty Maho­met gives my heart, you will not find it less in­sensible then if he had the sole possession of it. Stifle therefore a Love that may precipitate yee into a thousand dismal Inconveniencies, I am not [Page 41]ignorant of the danger to which, at this Instant, you have expos'd your self; nor has the sur­prize into which you have put me; or my in­dignation to see my self thus betray'd by Ma­rama so clouded my Reason, as not to consi­der what I have to do. I esteem and respect yee, Sir, too much to deny yee my silence for the security of your head. Be gon Sir, and do not ruin your self for the sake of an Amour, where there is no probability of success.

You may, Madam, never have any Affection for me, but I can never cease to have a Love for you. If my pure Flames offend yee, here's my head, deliver it up to my Brother to punish the Presumption of my Adoration.

Sir, said Abra, a heart like mine, never seeks Revenge, and the Injuries done by Love are al­ways excusable, nor will I revenge my self of that which yours has done me, but in labour­ing to extinguish it: I also pardon Marama's Treachery, for the sake of her friendship for you. Require of my heart all the Esteem that is due to a Prince of extraordinary Merit: 'Tis your due, and I pay it freely. But require not a Love from a heart that is not at Liberty, and which it would be therefore in vain to impor­tune.

Though this same mildness that Abra shew'd was only an effect of her Prudence and Discre­tion, yet Soliman, who easily flatter'd himself in his pleasures, vainly imagin'd that the reason why she so willingly consented by her silence [Page 42]to conceal an Attempt so criminal, was only be­cause his Love and his Character had made the first Impressions in her heart; and judging that he had done enough for the first meeting, in having shewn himself in person, and declar'd his Love, he wittily turn'd the Discourse upon other things more general, and after he had stay'd sometime in the Cabinet, he took his leave.

So soon as he was gone, Marama, who had the same thoughts as he, presently began to put Abra upon a new Discourse of the Prince's love, imagining that she would open her Mind with more freedom to her: But she was soon con­vinc'd, by the Reproaches of her Infidelity, and the smart Answers which she made her, that that there was nothing less in her heart then those Inclinations wherewith Soliman flatter'd himself; and that if she intended to make any farther progresses toward the vanquishing her Indifferency, or to preserve the familiarity she had with her, it behov'd her either not to say a word more of that Amour, or else to make use of Artifices more nice and delicate.

While this Intreague, which in the Con­clussion prov'd so fatal to Mahomet was taking root in the Serraglio, the end of an Unsuccessful Campaign redoubl'd the Sultan's Anxieties.

Prince Charles of Lorrain had the year be­fore undertaken the siege of Buda; but the jea­lousie of his Enemies which he had in the Em­peror's Council, and who envy'd those Hon­ours [Page 43]which ecclips'd their own, caus'd the Mis­carriage of that Enterprize, by maliciously keeping from him those Supplies which were most necessary for the Attacque of so impor­tant a Place, and the subsistance of his Men. So that wanting every thing, and not being able to hinder Cheitan Basha, Serakeire of the Armies in Hungary from releiving it, he was forc'd to raise his siege.

Enrag'd at the Success of his Enemies Malice, the next year he took more certain Measures, to the end he might not be expos'd to the same Inconveniencies, and open'd a Glorious Cam­paign with the siege of Neuhansel.

The Vizir Karah Ibrahim, who rather chose to employ the Valour of other men, then to act himself, and who from Belgrade issu'd forth all his Orders to all the Armies, in hopes to make a Diversion, laid siege to Gran. But in regard the Turks found more resistance there then they expected, after they had wasted twelve days in vain they rais'd their siege, and joyn'd all their Forces under Cheitan Serakier, to oppose Prince Charles, who without discontinuing the siege Newhansel, march'd directly with the Body of his Army to decide the destiny of the Campaign by the fate of a Battel.

The Armies came in view of each other with­in three Leagues of Gran, there being nothing between 'em but a Morass, which could not be cross'd but through narrow Passes at a distance one from the other; besides that the Cheitan had [Page 44]sixty thousand Men; so that Prince Charles, who had not above forty five, thought it would be a rash attempt to pass the Morass in view of the Enemy, and within the reach of their shot, to attacque 'em in their Entrenchemnt. He therefore try'd whether he could engage 'em to pass it first themselves, which it was not diffi­cult to do by two Stratagemes. The one by spreading a false report, that his Army was re­duc'd to forty thousand Men; and the other, by faining a precipitate and false retreat.

This double Stratagem succeeded to a wonder: for the Turks observing the motion of that faign'd retreat, pass'd the Morass in the night time. But then Prince Charles who march'd slowly, under­standing they were got over, fac'd about, Embat­tell'd his Army, and having given the left wing to the Elector of Bavaria, and taking the right himself, advanc'd toward the Enemy.

The Onset was Vigorous on the Turks side, who thought they had been marching to a Victory, not to a Combat. They charg'd the two Wings three times, and the Principal weight of their Strength falling upon the Right Wing where the Princes of Conti and Roche sur Yon fought as Volunteers at the Head of Lanthiers's Squadron, the immoveable steadiness of these Princes render'd ineffectual the Enemie's Efforts, and their undaunted Valour contributed not a little to the winning of the Battel.

The sight was long and Obstinate on the Turks side, who gave ground, and rally'd as often [Page 45]as they were broken, and returning to the Charge, endeavour'd still to Flank the right Wing, where lay the main strength of the Battel; but at length the Elector of Bavaria, after he had first broken and dispers'd all that stood be­fore him, fell with his left Wing upon the Turks, and put 'em into such a general Confusion, that being every where Broken they betook them­selves to flight, and repass'd the Morass, beyond which they were still pursu'd with the Loss of Ten thousand men, and not daring to stay in their Entrenchments, never thought themselves safe till they were got under the Cannon of Buda.

After this great Victory, Newhansel was taken by Storm, and the Emperour carry'd his Victori­ous Arms as far as the Drave, ruining the Bridge of Esseck, and by taking a good Number of other Places, put the Divan into such a Conster­nation, that upon the false Information of Karah Ibrahim, whose ill Conduct and Cowardise had not a little contributed to the Misfortunes of this Campaign, and who was a Mortal Enemy to the famous Count Tekeli, they blindly took a Resolution to seize upon that Count at Waradin; and to have him carry'd laden with Fetters to Adrianople. Which compleated the Ruin of the Turks affairs in Hungary.

Karah Ibrahim soon after attended upon the Sultan, and finding him incens'd at the Misfor­tunes of the Campaign, that he might turn the Effects of his Anger upon some other Head, so [Page 46]dextrously lay'd the Cause of all the Summers ill success upon the ill Conduct of the Seraskier Cheitan, that Mahomet, who was naturally un­grateful, forgetting the Signal Services which he had done him both in Poland, and the Relief of Buda, order'd him to lose his head, which was publickly put in Execution.

By his Death the Employment of Seraskier of the Hungarian Armies became Vacant; and for the supplying it, the Sultan cast his Eyes upon the Seraskier Soliman, whom we left upon the Frontiers of Poland, and who had promis'd the fair Abra, that after the end of the Campaign he would be at Adrianople.

He had perform'd his Duty with so much conduct and valour, that all the Efforts of the Polanders prov'd abortive, and that notwith­standing all their Opposition, he had supply'd Caminiec with a considerable Convoy. But not­withstanding his Assiduity in the performance of his Duty and his Vigilance, which carry'd him where ever his Presence might be useful, he took his times, by Sarai's Address, and the assistance of some Eunuchs of the Serraglio, whom she had won to her side, to let the fair Muscovite frequently hear from him, while on the other side he receiv'd from her no less obliging Marks of her fidelity.

At length, as soon as possibly he could, he arriv'd at Adrianople, and was receiv'd by the Sultan, as one who had the greatest share in his favour, and who alone of all his Generals during [Page 47]the Campaign had prevented the Misfortunes of ill Success.

So soon as he alighted he had a long and pri­vate conference with the Sultan, touching the General State of Affairs, and in regard he was a particular Friend of Count Tekeli's, he visibly made appear the false Steps which they had made, who counsell'd his Arrest; and from this Accident passing to the Grand Visir's Conduct, who was the Author of that pernicious Advice, he so sensibly made out all his Mistakes, that Mahomet, in whose favour that Minister began already to totter, was absolutely determin'd to degrade him, and at the same time to satisfy the favourable Inclinations which he had always had for Soliman; so that the Seal of the Empire was soon after taken from Karah Ibrahim, and given to Soliman, who was declar'd Grand Vi­sir.

Yet did he not rejoice at his Exaltation so much for any other reason, as that he now ho­ped that Mahomet's favour would not re­fuse him the happiness which he far more de­sir'd; seeing that if the Sultans did not some­times disdain to give their own Daughters to their Grand Visirs, he might well obtain a Stran­ger taken out of the Serraglio. But he thought it not convenient to be too hasty, before he had taken his right measures; he consider'd with himself that in the New dignity which he held, and which would fasten the Kisler Agasi more closely to his Fortunes, he might disco­ver [Page 48]to him his love for Abra, and that it behov'd him to make, use of the Industry and Assistance of that Eunuch, as well as his own Credit to ob­tain the main Aim of his Intentions, and to give the Sultan some notice of it before hand, so soon as an Opportunity offer'd.

Abra receiv'd the News at once both of the Arrival of her dear Soliman, and of his Advance­ment to the chief Dignity in the Empire, and Sarai it was who brought her the Intelligence into her Cabinet.

Now tho' she had bin inform'd that he would be in a short time at Adrianople, nevertheless be­cause the reiterated Orders of the Sultan had precipitated his Journey, he prevented the time which he had perfix'd, and this was that which made her more sensible of the joyful news which she receiv'd from her dear Confident. She was in hopes she should have heard from him the same day; but he could not withdraw himself from the Importunate Throngs that crouded to load him with their Homages; nor could he quit the Urgency of those pressing Orders wherein he spent the rest of the day, and good part of the night.

At length being with a world of trouble disengag'd from so many slaves, the Adorers of his Fortune, about midnight he detain'd the Kisler Agasi with him, and took him into his private Cabinet, under pretence of most Important Orders which he had to impart to him.

After they had paid to each other what was due to a long and reciprocal Friendship, the Kisler gave Soliman an Accompt of the Artifices which he had been forc'd to make use of, to hinder Mahomet from the sight of Abra, and the precautions which he us'd every day, to make the best of the warning he had given him in his Letter, but that things could not long remain in the same posture, unless recourse were had to other ways more hazardous. For that within a few days the Sultanesses Festival was to be kept, and that day all the Women of the Serraglio appear'd in the private Mosquee, with the Habits and Ornaments which the Sultan order'd to be distributed among 'em.

This news was no way pleasing to the Visir, however it did not put him quite out of those hopes wherewith he flatter'd himself; so that at length; after repeated Expressions of the Synce­rity of his Affection, he open'd his Heart to the Kisler, told him he was passionately in love with Abra, and that she corresponded with his Af­fection.

The Kisler, surpriz'd at the acknowledgement of so bold a Passion, remain'd for some time without answering and gave the Visir to under­stand, that the Entrusting him with such a Secret had put him into a strange Consternation. Nevertheless, after he had consider'd a while, and recovering himself of a suddain, Sir, said he, the more dangerous the Tryal is upon which you put my Friendship, the more I am assur'd [Page 50]of yours. You are not ignorant to what a dreadful danger you expose me, but since we have begun, it behoves us to make an end. Should I go about to repair the Crime I am guilty of in the eye of the Sultan, I should become an Offender in respect of my Friend, and yet not cease to be the same in respect of my Soveraign. And therefore depend upon my Fidelity, as I depend upon your prudence.

Upon those words the Visir embrac'd the Kisler, and imparted to him his design to obtain Abra, by begging her of the Sultan. Ah, Sir, said the Kisler, would you ruin your self and me too? The Sultans will sooner part with their own Daughters, then the meanest slave in the Sarraglio; because their Daughters are Burthens to 'em, which they would willingly be rid of, and for that by bestowing 'em upon their weal­thy Ministers, they sell 'em the Honour of that Alliance, or make use of it as a snare to sacri­fice 'em to their Avarice. But Mahomet, jea­lous of every Woman that he keeps in his Serra­glio, would look upon the Gift of one of his Woman, as a most sensible loss, and therefore since Abra has an Affection for yee, and will not refuse to correspond'd with our Contrivan­ces, we must seek which way to take some sa­fer methods. After this they propos'd to them­selves several intreagues, but came to no resolu­tion, only referring all things to time, to chance, and their own diligence, for the carrying on so nice an Enterprize, the Kisler retir'd. But the [Page 51]Visir could not think of taking any repose till he had writ to his dearest Abra; when at the very time that he was going about it, an Eunuch brought him a Billet, which after he had open'd it, he found to be Sarai's Hand, who only wrote what her Mistress dictated, and read the follow­ing lines.

Notwithstanding the Visir was over-joy'd up­on the receipt of this Letter from Abra, yet was he no less perplex'd to find out a way to get into her Appartiment, but in regard he put his [Page 52]whole confidence in the Address and Friendship of the Kisler Agasi, he flatter'd himself that he should accomplish his design; and with these hopes, he took his Pen, and return'd the follow­ing Answer, with which he entrusted the same Eunuch,

But while Mahomet's Favour rais'd the Visir to the highest pinacle of Fortune, and that Soliman met in Abra's Constancy, with all that his Love could wish for from a Heart entirely devoted to him, Prince Soliman still flatter'd himself that by Marama's Intreagues he should at length gain the heart of the young Muscovite.

To which purpose that crafty Female-friend, having concerted with the Prince what Methods to take, liv'd with Abra under the greatest cir­cumspection imaginable; and ever since the En­terview in her Cabinet, which had not the suc­cess [Page 53]which she expected, she observ'd her with a wonderful attention; and in regard she had a peircing wit, and a smooth insinuating way to dive into the most hidden Folds of the heart; she perceiv'd that the young Muscovite was not without some inward disquiet, and rightly judg'd, that such disquiet could not proceed from any other occasion then Love.

These Thoughts she imputed to Prince Soli­man, and in regard Mistrust is inseperable from Love, and that the twitches of Jealousie do but serve to inflame a Heart the more, he found himself, by this Information, jealous without an Object, and more enamour'd then he was be­fore; and in the midst of these Agitations that inspir'd his Jealousie, he would needs put Pen to Paper, and accordingly wrote the following Bil­let.

Marama undertook the delivery of this Letter, and judging well that Abra would refuse to receive it from her hands, she thought it the best way to call to her assistance Natural Curiosity. And there­fore she made her a visit on purpose, and in the midst of a world of pleasant and divertising discourse, having found a way to slide the Billet under Abra's Toylet, so soon as she had done she withdrew, and left her to her self in hopes that the next day, by the effect of that Letter she might read in her Countenance whether her heart were engag'd or no.

In the mean time the Visir went to the Kisler, and shew'd him Abra's Letter; and press'd him with so much earnestness to procure him admittance in her Appartiment, of which he was the Absolute Master, that at length in de­spite of all the Hazar'd which the Eunuch ran, after he had consider'd the most proper ways to put in Execution so perilous an At­tempt, seeing the Visir had but little Beard, he carry'd him into his Cabinet, order'd him to rubb his face and hands with Ethiopian Black­ing, and putting him in an Eunuchs Habit, he feign'd to make a private Visit in the Wo­mens [Page 55]Appartiments, and to that purpose de­manded all the Lamps in the Galleries to be put out, and with a Dark-Lanthorn accompany'd only with the Visir in disguize, he made as if he lookt into other Appartiments in his way, and at length chopt into Abra's, who was just going to undress herself.

Though Abra might have some apprehension of the Truth, yet seeing the Kisler with a black Eunuch enter at such an unseasonable hour of the Night, her surprize not permitting her to recollect who the Black Eunuch should be, she thought at first that the Chief Minister of the Sultan's Pleasures had been come by his Order to fetch her away, and expose her to his Passion; so that in the suddain Tumult which that sur­prize had rais'd in her heart, of which she was not then the Mistress, she swoonded away in Sarai's Arms.

They lay'd her upon the Bed; and the Kisler commanding the rest of the Slaves to quit the Room, went to work together with the Visir to recover her out of her fainting fit, when Sarai, who held Abra's Head, and took the Visir for one of Kisler's Eunuchs, bid him fetch a Gold Bottle of Cordial water, that stood upon the Dressing Table; which the Visir readily did, and at the same time seeing a Billet lying by the Bottle, slipt it into his Bosom. After this Abra recover'd her Spirits, and the Kisler understand­ing the Reason of her swooning gave her to understand in two words how much she was [Page 56]deceiv'd; and then discovering to her who the person was in a habit that so ill became him, he retir'd with Sarai, to the farther end of the Room, that the two Lovers might have the more liberty to entertain each other.

How did they power forth their Hearts to one another! What Reciprocal Tendernesses! What Assurances of Fidelity! What Tortures of Minds to contrive which way to arrive at that happy Union which equally they Both desir'd. At length after a thousand Oaths and Protesta­tions to love each other till death, and Measures taken to prevent her appearing at the Sultanesse's Feast, the Kisler admonish'd 'em, that without ex­traordinary danger they could not stay any longer.

The Visir delay'd as long as possibly he could the cruel moment of their Seperation, but at length taking both Abra's hands, and fixing his Lips upon 'em he took his leave of her and de­parted. The Kisler carry'd him back to his Lodging, he quitted his Disguise, embrac'd the Kisler, and retir'd to his own Home.

But under what a strange surprize was the astonish'd Lover, when opening the Billet which he found upon Abra's Toylet, he found that it came from Prince Soliman; that he was not only in love with Abra, but that he had seen her, that he had wrought himself into such a Con­fidence with her as to send her Letters, and that which seem'd more Cruel to him was, that Abra had told him no thing of it; so that her Silence ap­pear'd [Page 57]to him a Mystery that created in him a most furious Jealousy.

He read the Letter over and over again, and tho' it plainly shew'd him that Abra had never Corresponded with his Rival's Passion, never­theless, in regard the Prince had an outward Merit which was taking, that it was certain he had seen her, he attributed that which was only an effect of prudence to the wavering of a shaken Heart.

Is this, said he, in a terrible Agony of mind, is this the fidelity which the Ingrateful has sworn to me with so many Oaths! If her heart be so impenetrable to the Passion of this Prince, why did she not let me know it! At those words, whatever the fury of jealousy could suggest to a mistrustful Love, and which believ'd it self to be offended crouded into his thoughts: And he was about to have ruin'd his Rival by re­vealing his attempt to the Sultan. But besides that it was his Interest to conceal Abra from him, he had a heart too Great and Generous to do any thing that was base and treacherous. To Impart it to the Kisler, was to create a most terrible Confusion in the Serraglio, and in all the Ottoman Family; and to dissemble his Re­sentment with Abra, was to favour the Projects and Contrivances of his Rival; to make known his jealousy to her, was to charge her with a piece of Infidelity of which perhaps she might not be guilty; and to accuse himself of a Curiosity, no no less indiscreet then Inconsiderate. At last all [Page 58]these Irresolutions ended in sending to the Kisler to let Sarai have the Liberiy to wait upon him.

Marama, who had a vigilant eye upon every thing that past in the Muscovites Appartiment, knew that the Kisler had been there, and not doubting but it was to prepare her to see the Sultan, she was alarum'd for the Princes sake, and restless to know the fate of her Billet she went the next morning to Abra's Appartiment. At what time the secret which she imparted to her of the Kisler's Visit, confirm'd her the more in her first Conjectures; and for her better satisfaction, she cunningly dropt into a discourse about Prince Soliman, but finding that Abra re­turn'd her no Answer, by which she could ap­prehend that she had ever seen his Letter, she presently began to think, that it might have lit into the Kisler's hands.

The Dread of this, constrain'd her to open her mind to Abra, and frankly to ask her whi­ther she had seen what Soliman had wrote to her. Abra, surpriz'd, and falling into the same Dread, blush'd and lookt pale, both at the same time; and having assur'd Marama that she never saw any thing, the Billet was sought for up and down to no purpose, so that the Prince's Wittie Procuress being quite overcome with her feares and Grief could not refrain from sending forth a loud Cry, and looking upon Abra with an Eye of Consternation, Ah, Madam said she, Prince Soliman is sacrific'd to Mahomet's fury, the [Page 59] Kisler, of whom you say not a word to me, and who came that night to your Apparti­ment to prepare you for the Passion of his Master, has the Letter without doubt, if you conceal your self from my Syncerity, you are agreed with the Sultan, and Soliman is ruin'd; but if the Kisler has got the Letter, and you know nothing of it, you are also ruin'd as well as the Prince.

You do me wrong, said Abra, I am not guil­ty of betraying the Prince, since you know that my silence bury'd the dangerous attempt he made to see me. As for the Kisler's visit, It hought my self not bound to give any Body an ac­count of it; I have no Correspondence with the Sultan; and therefore if I am ruin'd, and the Prince too, by the surprize of his Letter, he must impute it to the imprudence of the Per­son that ventur'd it. But let happen what will, you will do me a kindness, to disswade the Prince to desist the putting of me to any farther trouble to no purpose.

Abra and Marama were under equal Agitatinos of mind, but the one and the other being per­swaded that the Letter had lit into the Kisler's hands, they expected some terrible disor­der about it. The rest of their Discourse was no way divertizing; and the Passion she saw Abra in, besides those other Anxieties that were plainly perceptible in her Visage, caus'd the other pre­sently to imagin, that since the Kisler Agasi's Visit was not upon the Sultan's Accompt, he was [Page 60]setting some other Important Engin of Love at Work, which render'd Abra so inaccessible to the Prince.

She retir'd therefore, but with a Resolution to watch all Abra's Motions so narrowly, that it should be impossible for her not to discover the Correspondence. Abra, on the other side, hav­ing call'd Sarai to her, gave her a full accompt of all her grievances; she inform'd her of Prince Soliman's Passion which her prudence had con­ceal'd from her, and lay'd open to her her Dis­quiet for the loss of the Billet. But at the same time that these discourses put 'em into most dreadful Agonies, their terrours were yet more augmented by the Arrival of a Black Eunuch, who brought Sarai an Order from the Kisler, to attend him at his Appartiment.

This was only to send her privately to the Visir, who stay'd for her, and no sooner saw her, but casting a look full of Fire and Indigna­tion upon her; Very well Sarai, said he, you are then in a confederacy with Abra to betray me. Prince Soliman is in Love with her, he Visits her, he writes to her, and you from whom I expect an Account of all these things, you see me at her Appartiment, and conceal this In­fidelity from me.

Sarai answer'd the Visir with all the prudence and Modesty that such a nice Justification re­quir'd: But when Sarai, going about to clear Abra, assur'd him, that our of her singular dis­cretion, she never had made known to her the Ad­dresses [Page 61]of Prince Soliman, till she came to be disturb'd for the loss of the Billet. How! cruel Sarai, said the Visir, what is that thou tell'st me? Did Abra conceal from thee the Prince's love? Had not that Love made some Impression in her heart, would she have ever conceal'd it from thee? Abra does not yet perhaps correspond with the Prince's Affection, but who can assure me she will not yield at last, since she is so wil­ling to carry it on at the beginning; who shall assure me that her heart does not already begin to waver, since her Silence tells my jealousy what ever I can prognosticate of most Funest and fatal to me?

Sarai lest nothing omitted that lay in her pow­er to calm a mind that she saw turmoyl'd with all that the most restless Suspitions, and the most piercing Pains have in 'em of tumultuous and tem­pestuous. However 'twas impossible, upon the first sight, to reduce him to a perfect Tran­quility. Nevertheless she left him in a Conditi­on, so as to wish that he might be absolutely convinc'd of Abra's Innocence: He told her, 'twas he himself who had lit upon the Letter, that the Kisler knew nothing of it; and that he was so generous, that tho' he were betray'd, he would not for the satisfaction of his Revenge, make a base and treacherous use of what his Curiosity, perhaps too Indiscreet, had put into his hands.

Abra was under Mortal fears, when Sarai re­turn'd and came to give her an Accompt of what the Visir had said. But she was almost at her wits end that he had lit upon Soliman's Letter. So that whatever danger would have befallen the Prince or Her, had the Kisler found the Letter, she would have been more contented rather to have perish'd, then to have given her Lover any Ground for those Suspitions he had of her.

Her Grief and Vexation for this Accident caus'd such a Commotion in her Veins, as cast her into a Violent fever; so that she took her Bed, nor would she suffer Sarai to stirr from the Bed side, to the end she might be some Con­solation of her Pains, by sharing with her in her Tears.

In the mean time night was come; and Ma­rama with a wonderful Exactness had a watch­ful Eye upon every thing that pass'd in the Mus­covites Appartiment, and in regar'd she durst not confide in any Body but herself, but yet a­voyded all discovery, she took the Habit of one of her Slaves, and sat upon a Bench not above two or three Paces from Abra's Door.

The Lamps were not as yet lighted in the Galleries of the Serraglio, and it began already to be so dark, that there was no distinguishing colours, when she saw an Eunuch, who stopping about ten paces from her, clapt with one of his hands upon the other. Marama, who made no question but this was some concerted Signal, [Page 63]did the same; and at the same time the Eunuch coming up to her, Who's there, said he, Sohema? Yes, said Marama. Here then, reply'd the Eu­nuch, carry this Letter to Sarai, and at the same time putting the Billet into her Hands, he vanish'd. On the other side, Marama return'd to her Appartiment, and opening the Letter read the following lines.

Marama did not know the Visir's hand; but dis­covering by the Letter, that Abra was in Love, and that she was belov'd, and that that same Lover had been introduc'd into her Appartiment [Page 64]by the Kisler himself, she rightly judg'd that it must needs be a person of the Highest Qua­lity.

She could not inform Prince Soliman that e­vening of an Adventure that so nearly concern'd him; but the next Morning she fail'd not to be with him. But it was a double Astonishment to him to understand that he had a Rival, whose Credit extended so far as to give him Admissi­on into the Serraglio; and that it was in the power of that Rival, having his Letter, to in­cense the Sultan to his Ruin.

A thousand different thoughts presented them­selves all at once to his mind; but none but onely such as appear'd no less Terrible to threaten his Life then his Love. He knew not the Visir's hand, but Mustapha Cuproli, who arriv'd about two days before from Chio, of which Island, and of the rest of the Archipelago, he was Basha, being come to pay him a Visir, He shew'd him some lines of the Letter, and ask'd him whether he knew the Hand. As well as my own, reply'd Cuproli, 'tis the Visir Soliman's: Nor Can any Body know it better, because he was Kiaia to my Brother Cuproli Oglou, when he was Visir; and for that at that time I had great Correspondencies with him.

The Knowledge of his Rival's Quality re­doubled Prince Soliman's Vexation, and his Grief with all. Cuproli was Witty, Ambitious, Bold Intreaguing, Undaunted, a great Captain, and Soliman's Intimate Friend. He had marry'd [Page 65]his Sister to Siaous Basha, General of the Spahi's; and in regard that Cuproli had been the Son and Brother of two Visirs, nothing could beat it out of his Head▪ but that that same preferment was due to him; nor was there any one who was advanc'd to that Dignity, but he became his Mortal Enemy at the same time, and whose downfal he did not wish in hopes of having his Turn.

These Ambitious thoughts he never con­ceal'd from Soliman, and the Prince was so far from condemning 'em, that he flatter'd 'em, and assisted him under hand, in hopes that if Cuproli should obtain the Chief Ministry of the Empire, he might prove a favourable Support to his Affairs.

With a mind thus dispos'd and inflam'd with jealousy against the Grand Visir, he carry'd Cuproli into his Closet, and shutting himself up alone with him, Do you love me so well Cuproli, said He, as that I may relye upon your Fidelity? There is nothing, answer'd Cuproli, that I would not undertake, to assure yee that I am less my own then I am yours. The Sultan has made choice of a Visir, reply'd the Prince, and Fa­vour only has exalted Basha Soliman to a Dig­nity which is your Due; he is the most Intimate of my Brother's Favourites; but he hates me, and my life is not safe so long as he Governs the Empire; we must find out a way to ruin him in the good Opinion of the Sultan, and that the Dignity wherewith he has honour'd him, [Page 66]may prove as fatal to him, as to those that pre­ceded him. Unite you Friends, and Siaous's, to the end they may concurr in a Design, which will secure me from a Death which o­therwise I certainly foresee, and which will re­move the Obstacle to the Fortune you de­serve.

What you say, reply'd Cuproli, is conforma­ble to the Inclinations of my heart; but 'tis no easy thing to bring this Enterprize to pass: nor is there any way to succeed in it, but by Contrivances manag'd at a distance. So soon as I have sounded Siaous, Ile give ye an Accompt what Course is to be follow'd.

Soliman thought it sufficient to incense Cupro­li with the consideration of his fortune, and the concern he had for the Life of a Prince his friend; and that there was no need of impar­ting to him the secret of his Amour, which would have only serv'd to have render'd his Pro­posals more suspected, as proceeding more from Interest.

Cuproli conferr'd with Siaous, and they both concluded, that 'twas not possible directly to attack the Visir by any open Attempts, to ex­clude him from the Grand Seignior's Affection; for he lov'd him too well, and therefore that would be to ruin themselves; but that it behov'd 'em so to order it, during the whole Campaign, as to frustrate all his Designs, and to render all his Undertakings so successless, that his Misfortunes might work him into Disgrace. [Page 67]That every thing seem'd to favour 'em in this Contrivance, seeing the Visir had propos'd Cu­proli to Command the Armies in Hungary; for which reason it was that Mahomet had sent for him from Chio; and that for his part he could not be dispens'd with, because he Commanded all the Spahi's, which render'd him absolute Arbitrator of the success of all such Battels as should happen to be fought.

Things being thus resolv'd between Siaous and Cuproli, and the time for entring into the Field approaching, the Sultan hasten'd, and in­deed anticipated the Departure of the Visir, and oblig'd him to be with all speed at Belgrade, that he might issue forth all requisite Orders for drawing the Army together.

In the mean time the Fever that seiz'd Abra prov'd to be of long continuance and danger­ous. The Visir also, not having receiv'd any Answer of the Letter which he had written, began more and more to suspect the worst: He was therefore desirous to be better satisfy'd by Sarai, who inform'd him, that never any such Billet was brought to Abra's Appartiment. Up­on that the Eunuch was sent for, who affirm'd that he gave it to Sohema; but Sohema denying the matter, it was judg'd that the Letter had been intercepted, and Sarai charg'd Marama with the Treachery. But because the Visir would not that the Kisler should be inform'd of Soliman's being in Love with Abra, for fear it should come to the Sultan's Ear, he thought it suffici­ent [Page 68]to obtain that Favour from the Master of the Eunuchs, that Marama should be remov'd to an Appartiment out of the way.

The Kisler also did him the kindness to in­troduce him a second time into Abra's chamber disguis'd in a Physician's habit, to the end he might obtain his satisfaction from her self; which absolutely dissipated all his Jealousies, and which much more conduc'd to the Recovery of her Health, then if he had been a real Artist.

'Twas the next day after he had receiv'd this Satisfaction that the Sultan Commanded him to depart for Belgrade, and to draw together the most powerful Army that possibly he could to oppose the Enemies Designs and Resoluti­ons, as Fame had given it out, to besiege Buda.

'Tis well known that the Visir did all he could to perswade the Sultan to go in Person into Hungary, and take upon him the Command of the Army; insomuch that 'twas the wonder of the whole Port, that he should desire the presence of a Person, who would but lessen and ecclipse his Power. But it was the effect of Jealousy and his fear, least Mahomet, during his Absence, should happen to cast his Eyes upon Abra, the Consequences of which might prove fatal to his Love. Whereas the Sultan carrying his Brothers along with him, it would have de­liver'd him from that disquiet which Prince Soliman's Passion caus'd within him.

But Mahomet thought it not convenient to ha­zard his Person, considering the Condition of his Affairs. So that the Visir being oblig'd to a hasty departure, could not have the pleasure of bidding his dear Muscovite farewel, and there­fore instead of taking his personal leave, he was forc'd to content himself with writing the fol­lowing Letter to pay her that Homage.

The care for the safe delivery of this Letter, was the last which he took at Adrianople; and being thus departed in order perform his Duty, within a few days after the Sultan remov'd to Constantinople, with his two Brothers, and all the Train of his Serraglio.

THE Vizir march'd long marches directly to Belgrade, and the farther his Marches remov'd him from her, the more he felt his heart oppress'd with the burthen of his sighs. What ever Confidence he had in the Assurances that Abra had giv'n him of an invio­lable [Page 72]Fidelity, Prince Soliman's Love gall'd him, and the great difficulty always to conceal that Beauty from the Sultan's Eyes made his Love tremble.

On the other side Prince Soliman, whose Pas­sion was no less violent then unfortunate, found himself o're whelm'd with an infinite number of threatning Difficulties: He saw that Abra's heart was no way touch'd with his Love, that it was prepossess'd with the Merits of a belov'd Rival; that this Rival was in great Power, and the Favourite of a distrustful Brother, and that the Kisler was deep in his Intreague, that Mara­ma was become suspected, and for that reason all access to the fair Muscovite was forbid her; that the Resolutions of Siaous and Cuproli would perhaps become useless to him through the te­diousness of Execution, that Mahomet might fall in Love with Abra, and in the midst of these Re­flexions he saw nothing but grounds of Fear and Dispair.

'Twas at the beginning of May that Maho­met, with all his Court, arriv'd within sight of Constantinople. The weather was the most love­ly in the world, and the Bostangi Basha had ta­ken care to dress up the pleasant Gardens of the Serraglio, and set 'em out with all the Beau­ty and Politeness that their Master could de­sire.

The Prospect of these Gardens is wonderful to those that come to Constantinople by Water; more especially that same admirable Terrafs, [Page 73]which Achmet caus'd to be rais'd for a Walk for the Sultanesses, and which surpasses all the mag­nificence that can be imagin'd enchanting the Eyes with the sight of it. To devertise himself with so delicious a Prospect, Mahomet having lain by the Sea side about three Leagues from Constantinople, embark'd together with the Sul­taness Asseki, in a light Saique, magnificently a­dorn'd, and steer'd by the Bostangi Basha. The rest of the Women, and Persons belonging to the Court, were distributed into smaller, but very neat Barges. And thus the floating and magnificent Court row'd toward the Ha­ven which is form'd by a little Bay, made in the likeness of a Canal, at the foot of the Ser­raglio.

They were just entring into it, when a ter­rible Tempest rising of a suddain caus'd so great a Disorder among the Barges, and made such a confusion, that there was no longer any Order to be observ'd. The Sultan's Bark put in first▪ and set him a shoar, while the rest confusedly croud­ing together fell foul one upon another, and one of them which carry'd the Women had the misfortune to over-set. As for the Seamen they took care for no Body but themselves, lea­ving the Women to perish▪ when Prince Soli­man, who was in the next Bark to that which had miscarried, not only encourag'd the Seamen with large promises of Reward, to succour the poor Women in distress, but to enliven 'em by his Example, threw himself into the Water and [Page 72] [...] [Page 73] [...] [Page 74]luckily took one by the Hair, as she was just going to sink, and recovering his own Bark, by the help of his slaves, got her out of the dan­ger.

The Disorder which this unexpected Acci­dent had caus'd, the motion of the Waves, the darkness of the gloomy Weather, would not permit the Prince to know at first the Person to whom he had lent his Assistance. But how strangely astonish'd, How over-joy'd! when he understood, that but for him the fair Abra had been swallow'd up by the merciless Waves. She was fallen into a Swoond, and whatever they could do, she did not recover her Sen­ses till the Prince was landed, and had got her ashoar.

Then it was that she open'd her Eyes, and calling to mind what had befallen her, her first care was to ask for her dear Sarai: The Seamen had had the good luck to save her, and the greatest part of the rest; but Sarai who thought Abra lost, was fall'n into fainting Fits, from which she could not recover: However there was a necessity of carrying her to her Mistress let her Condition be what it would, in regard that nothing but her own Eyes could assure her of the Life of so dear a Confident. It would have been Imprudence for Soliman to have troubl'd her with his Love, considering the con­diction she was in, and therefore he thought it sufficient not to quit her till he had caus'd her, together with Sarai, to be carry'd into one of [Page 75]the Bostangi's Lodgings, which was opposite to the nearest Gate; from whence the Kisler Agasi, who was inform'd of the Accident, took care to have her remov'd to the Appartiment which he had appointed for her.

This Adventure, which one would have thought should have been favourable to Soliman begate him new Vexations, because that what ever care the Kisler took to stifle the noise of it, the Bostangi, to whose Lodging she was first brought, inform'd the Bostangi Bachi, and gave him a wonderful description of the Muscovite's Beauty, whose Name the Sultan bad hardly heard of, that that same great Officer, who was deeply concern'd in his Master's pleasures, was not only contented to give him a Relation of the Accident, but aggravated with so much Vehe­mency what he had heard, that the Sultan the same Evening demanded an Account of her from the Kisler Agasi

The Eunuch, who saw himself upon the brink of the fatal Moment which he had always dread­ed, and who kept himself prepar'd for all Acci­dents, answer'd the Sultan, without lessening or magnifying the Sultan's beauty, that she kept her Bed, in so weak a Condition, and brought so low, by the Terrour of the Affright into which the danger she had escap'd had cast her, that he knew not whether she would live or no; that nothing but Rest for some time could re­cover her, and that so soon as she should be in a Condition to enjoy the Honour of appearing [Page 76]before his Highness, he would not fail to come and receive his Orders, and yeild him Obedi­ence. The Sultan being satisfied with the Kisler's Answer, commanded him to take particular care of her, added two thousand Aspers a day to her former Allowance, and Order'd his chief Physican Sedekias, a Jew, to visit her, and give him an Account of her.

The Kisler Agasi having warded off this first Blow had the leisure to see Abra, as he did forthwith, under pretence to give her notice of the Sultan's Generosity, but indeed to con­sult together what Methods were requisite to make her self appear to Sedekias more sick then she was, and to drill out a counterfeit Distemper, till they could think of some other Intreague to fend off she Blow: And in the mean time he wrote to the Visir, and gave him a full Account of the Accident, with all its Circumstances.

'Twas no hard matter to amuse the Sultan for above a Month, and till he receiv'd the News, that the Siege of Buda was fully resolv'd upon in a Council of War which the Emperor held at Neustadt, and that Prince Charles, and the Elector of Bavaria, were upon their march at the head of Fourscore Thousand Men, in order to sit down before the place: That the Gover­nour of the Town, who was a resolute Rene­gado, had already burnt Pest, that he might have nothing else to do, but to mind the De­fence of Buda, and that there was nothing want­ing for a vigorous resistance.

The Emperor's Attempt upon that Place, which bad prov'd unsuccessful two Years before, the new Fortifications of the Town, the numerous Garrison, the vast Stores of Ammunition and Provision, and the Confidence he had in the Valour of Visir Soliman, who was able to draw together above a hundred Thousand Men to relieve it; all these things were great Assi­stances to set the Sultan's Heart at rest, and made him give himself up to his Pleasures with as much security, as if he had been reposing in the Arms of a profound Peace. Therefore in regard he daily press'd the Kisler to hasten the the pleasure which be expected from the Mus­covite, and it being impossible any longer to fain a continuation of the Sickness, the Eunuch, who found he could no longer delay the pre­senting her before the Sultan, thought it high time to awaken the Jealousy of the Sultaness Asseki, so that she being privately made acquain­ted with the Diversion that was preparing to in­terrupt her Pleasures, all Engins might be set at work to thwart, the new Desires that now in­flam'd the lustful Mahomet.

In the mean time, Soliman, who flatter'd him­self that so considerable a piece of Service as he had done the Muscovite, deserv'd a favourable Acknowledgment of his Love, burn'd with im­patience to give her a Visit: But the familiari­ty which Marama had with her was broken off, and all that she could learn by means of her Slaves was this, that a long Ague had atten­ded [Page 78]the Accident that befell her, and that she kept her Bed very much, so that there was no coming at her, and all that the crafty Procu­ress could agitate by her Artifices was to cor­rupt one of Abra's slaves, and engage her to slide a Letter into her Mistresses hands, yet so as that she should not discover by what hand it came. This Marama make known to Soliman, who unwilling to lose the Opportunity, put Pen to Paper, and gave the Billet to his Confident.

The Slave whom she had won, and well in­structed, discharged her Trust with so much dexterity, that Abra found the Billet in her Bo­som, not knowing who had been so bold as to put it there, and not able to withstand her Curiosity, she open'd it, and read the follow­ing Lines.

Abra ow'd her life to the Prince, and nothing griev'd her more then that she was beholding to him; seeing that her heart being absolutely the Visir's, she could not pay to his Rival all that acknowledgment which he expected for so great a piece a Service. Her acknowledgment [Page 80]therefore went no farther, then only to pitty him for throwing away his Affection upon an object that could not admit it. But after she had read a second time that part of the Letter which gave her to understand that the Visirs being in love with her, was not unknown to the Prince, it struck her with a more then extraor­dinary Grief; and not doubting but it was the letter which had been intercepted in the Gal­lery, the consideration of that infus'd into her a Detestation of such a paltry Trick, and that Detestation of the fact, soon turn'd to a hatred of the Person; for that being perswaded that since the Visir and he both knew them­selves to be Rivals, they could not but hate each other, her heart never waver'd which side to take. So that Seliman's Billet was so far from moving Abra's heart, that it did but inspire her with hatred, tell then she never had for the Prince, and that she might not undergoe the same Reproaches which the Visir had made her upon her first silence, the first time she wrote she sacrific'd to his view this Letter from her Rival.

This was the Posture of Affairs at Constantino­ple, while other intreagues were in Agitation at Belgrade. Siaous and Cuproli Basha's, who were the most signaliz'd for their Valour and Con­duct, had as I have already said, devoted them­selves to serve Prince Soliman's Passion by the ru­in of the Visir. Finding therefore that Buda was beseig'd, and that the Visir had given out Or­ders [Page 81]for the drawing together a numerous Army, with a design to relieve the place, they resolv'd by all manner of Artifices to prevent the succour of it, and rather so to order it that the Visir should lose a Battel, then have the Hon­our of saving it; not questioning but a loss of that importance would be attended with the Downfall, and perhaps the Death of that Mini­ster. Nevertheless the better to conceal their cor­respondence, and not to endanger both their Heads, at one time, in the hazards which this con­spiracy might produce, they thought it conve­nient that Siaous, who had a great Reputation among the Soldiers should remain in the Army, and that Cuproli, who had accepted the command of the Dardanells, which is an Employment of great Trust, should keep his post there, where he might so much the more effectually make use of his power to detain or divert the Succor and Subsistance of the Armies. On the other side, Prince Charles of Lorrain, being desirous to take all the precautions imaginable that might conduce toward the success of his Enterprize, thought it convenient that Michael Abaffi, Prince of Transilvania, should be constrain'd to declare himself for the Emperor, to the end the Turks might be depriv'd of the subsistances which they drew from him as their Tributary; and to the end, that at the same time they might act in the Upper Hungary, and by keeping Tecekly in play, prevent his joining the Ottoman Army.

The Visir, who forsaw the consequence of these two designs, did two things in hopes to disappoint 'em. In the first place he order'd Sultan Galga and the Basha, with all speed to u­nite their forces with Takeli's, in order to make a powerful diversion in the Upper Hungary, and at the same time to defend the Passes of Transil­vania.

Siaous began the Execution of his Conspi­racy with his thwarting the prudent contri­vances of the Visir, and having at the same time engag'd the Basha of Walachia in his intreague, 'twas no hard matter for the Imperialists to beat the Ottoman Troops that shew'd themselves upon the frontiers of Transilvania. They made them­selves masters of Hermansbourg, forc'd Abaffi to break with the Turks, and reinforc'd with his Troops, fell upon the Tartars, forsaken by the Basha of Walachia, so that by this first blow of Siaous's intreaguing Treachery, the Visir found himself at the beginning of the Campaign de­priv'd of that subsistance he was wont to have out of Transilvania, and upon which he rely'd; and at the same time bereft of that Advantage which he expected from his projected Diversion in Hungary.

Prince Charles lay'd Siege to Buda with Forty Thousand Foot, and Twenty Thousand Horse, Sixty great Pieces of Cannon, and forty Mortars; and Abdi Basha, the Renegado, left nothing omit­ted that a prudent, undaunted, and accomplish'd Governour could do for the preservation of a [Page 83]place that was furnish with a Garrison of Ten Thousand Men, and all things necessary for a long defence.

On the other side, the Trenches and Attacks were carry'd on with all the Vigour and all the Art imaginable; the Sallies were frequent and terrible, and it cost the Germans a world of Blood, before they got to the body of the place.

In the mean time the Grand Visir gave out Orders every way for the rendevouzing an Ar­my sufficient to raise the Siege, and manger all the secret Obstacles that he met with, but of which he knew not the reason, having muster'd together an Army which he thought sufficient to decide the fortune of Buda by a Battle, he cross'd the Theysse. But they still founder'd his purposes with so many new oppositions, that he was no sooner got over the Bridge of Esseck, towards the end of July, but Buda, after a close Siege of six weeks, began to be very much di­strest.

Nevertheless he surmounted all these difficul­ties, and about the beginning of August ad­vanc'd within five Leagues of the Lines, and encamp'd upon the rising Grounds adjoining to the Danaw. Now in regard that Abdi Bosha had sent intelligence, that his frequent Sallies had ex­treamly weaken'd his Garrison, and promis'd him to hold out all the rest of the Campaign, provided he might be reinforc'd with fresh sup­plies of Men, the Visir commanded the Seraskier to force his way, and put in a Relief of two Thousand Janisaries.

To this purpose the Seraskier set forward with six Thousand Foot and three Thousand Spahi's, which made up a body to defend the two Thou­sand Janisaries. Their intention was to force the Imperialist's Quarter, while Adbi made a Sal­ly upon the Bavarians, and by that means to throw in two Thousand men into the Town. But Siaous having found a way, by means of a Deserter, to inform Prince Charles of all these de­signs, he sent forth a numerous Body to meet the Enemy without the Lines. The Combat was smart and cruel; the number of the slain on both sides was very great; the Turks no sooner broken, but rally'd again, perhaps they would have forc'd their passage, if the Spa­bi's, whose Officers observ'd the private moti­ons of Siaous, had not forsaken the Janisa­ries; so that the Infantry being left alone and at­tacqn'd on every side, could no longer defend themselves against fresh Troops that pour'd in upon 'em, and the Visir not being able to come to a general Decision, among the Mountains where his Enemies lay entrenched, the Seraskier was routed, his Infantry broken, almost all the Janisaries slain, not one being able to get into the place.

The Visir enrag'd at this Repulse, and desi­rous to put all to the venture in order to force the Enemies lines, call'd a Council of War; where Siaous, who cunningly carry'd on his In­treague, feign'd at first to applaud the Visir's Resolution, and threw upon the Seraskier all [Page 85]the blame of the success; but then his own Creatures which he had ready prepar'd starting contrary Sentiments, supported by reasons that appear'd extreamly plausible, he turn'd o' their side, and drew the rest of the Officers after him. Nevertheless, in despite of their Advice, the Visir would follow his own judgment, and got every thing in a readiness to fall upon the Ene­my next Morning. But then Siaous rais'd a kind of Sedition among the Spahi's, so that the Visir fearing to be set upon himself in the heat of the Tumult, pull'd down his Tents and remov'd three Leagues farther.

He thought by this means to have calm'd their Fury, and proposing the same thing a se­cond time, he saw 'twas impossible to overcome the resistance of the Basha's. So that all he could do, in the height of his Vexation was, to pull thirty Thousand Ducats out of a little Chest, and tell 'em to two Thousand Janisaries, who for the sake of that summ, primis'd to lose their lives every man, or to get into the Town.

They march'd in the Night time, seconded by a part of the Army, and fell upon the Quarter of the Brandenburghs and Croates with so much fury, that they made all give ground be­fore 'em, and had not the vigilance of Prince Charles put a stop to it, the Succour had infal­libly cut their way through; but he having drawn up his whole Army in Battalia, after a bloody slaughter, the Turks were repuls'd, by reason that eight thousand Spahi's refus'd to [Page 86]obey the Visir's Orders; so that of two Tho­sand there were not above four Hundred Jani­saries that could force their way over the bodies of the slain into the Town, the rest being all devour'd by the Sword.

But this Disobedience of the Spahi's remain'd not unpunish'd; for the Visir having caus'd some of the most Mutinous to be empla'd, he call'd another Council, and told 'em, that he did not call 'em to deliberate, but to shew 'em the Sul­tan's Order, which was, rather to venture all then lose Buda; and that a Moor having swam the River had brought him Letters from Abdi to let him know that he could hold out but a ve­ry few days longer.

Having dismiss'd this Council, he caus'd his Army to march, and reapproach'd the Lines, and having drawn up his Army in Battallia, rea­dy to fall on, he detach'd a thousand Spahi's, two thousand Janisaries, and two thousand Tar­tars to begin a false attaque on the Imperialists side, while he fell upon the Bavarians Quarter with the body of the Army.

Prince Charles, being well inform'd of the Vi­sir's design, display'd his Courage, his Wisdom and Experience to a Miracle. The false attack was so violent, and the medley so hot, that the Prince had his Camp Adjutant slain close by him; the besieged also made a vigorous Sally. But Prince Charles had order'd every thing with so much prudence and fore-sight, that the Turks were repuls'd with great loss, at the same time [Page 87]that they who began the false attack were beaten and disperss'd. So that the Visir, who at that very moment was about to have fallen upon the Bavarians, found such a Pannick fear among his men, because they saw the Count of Schaf­femberg's Volant Camp pass the Danaw Bridge, that 'was impossible for him to command the Obedience of the Soldiers; insomuch that he was constrain'd to retire without making any far­ther attempt.

This last Blow put him into a Fury, and there­fore discovering that the two Bashas who com­manded the false attack, had not done their du­ty, he commanded their Heads to be struck off, and to repair his losses, he sent to an Aga, who commanded six thousand Janisaries at Esseck, to joyn him with all speed; and to other Basha's he sent Orders to spare him what men they could.

But while he was preparing for new Efforts, Prince Charles, perceiving the Breaches open and level enough for a general Assault, he storm'd the Town in three several places; the Renegat Abdi was kill'd upon the Breach, and the place carry'd, and nothing escap'd the Sword of the victorious Soldiers, but what the generosity of the Princes could save from their Fury.

The Visir, at his Wits end for the loss of so important a place, retir'd under the Guns of Esseek, and there without passing the Drave, entrench'd himself. Prince Charles follow'd him, but could not force him to a Battel, which [Page 88]would have been a vain thing against a victori­ous Army. Therefore he kept himself close in his Entrenchments, where he had the misfor­tune to receive the News of the loss of Segeden, and some other places of less consequence; but at length repassing the Drave in his Return to Belgrade, the Imperialists burnt the Bridge of Esleck, and so ended the most glorious of all Prince Charles's Campaigns.

In the mean time the sad tidings of the loss of Buda, and other places, were carry'd to Con­stantinople; which wrought upon the People the full effect that Prince Soliman, Siaous and Cuproli desir'd. But the Visir was too well fix'd in the Sultan's favour, not to find him graciously inclin'd to hear his justifications; which was the only Consolation left him in the heap of his Afflicti­ons; for that while he lay at Belgrade, he un­derstood by Letters from the Kisler, that the Sul­tan had seen Abra, and that he was desperately in love with her; nevertheless, that the fair Muscovite was resolv'd to be constant to him, though Mahomet had order'd her to be remov'd into the Serraglio of Calcedon, call'd the Serraglio of Looking Glasses; however in regard the Sul­tan did not prosecute his Amours like a Turk, but as a courtly and generous Prince, he did not believe that Mahomet would seek to enjoy her against her will, but that he would make use of his Courtship to win her Affection.

Let us therefore leave the Visir a while at Bel­grade, settling Affairs in the best method he could, [Page 89]and making all the hast his business would per­mit to return and give the Sultan an Account of a Campaign, the ill success of which he was sure could not be imputed to his ill Conduct; and let us see how things were carry'd at Constan­tinople between Abra, Mahomet and Soliman.

The Sultan, who before he had seen the young Muscovite, but barely upon the relation of the Bo­stangi Bachi, had plac'd her by an augmentation of her Pension in the Rank of his Favourites, press'd the Kisler to satisfy his amorous Impati­ence; so that the Eunuch after long delays, which tended only to give motion to the Jealousy of the Sultaness Asseki, could no longer defer fulfil­ling the Duty of his Employment; and therefore he told the Sultan that Abra being in perfect health was now in a Condition to appear, and that the next morning she would be walking up­on the Sultanesses Terrass.

The Eunuch however was so crafty, that he would not permit any more then eight or ten to walk along with her, who being every one of 'em exquisite Beauties, he was in hopes that such a dazle might puzle the Sultan's heart, and cause an amorous diversion. He also oblig'd 'em to add to their natural Charms whatever Artifice could procure, while Abra, who had no designs of conquest, appear'd with all the care­lessness that modesty and decency would permit her.

However he could not so order it, but that the Sultan found her much more assable then all the rest, who would have been much more wil­ling to have answer'd his desires. After a turn upon the Terrass, which was only spent in gene­ral converse, and in expressing his surprize at the sight of so much Beauty, and his Astonishment that he had not seen nor taken notice of her at her first Entrance into the Serraglio; they walk'd down into the Garden of Fountains, where a noble Collation was prepar'd in a Grotto, adorn'd with Coral and Mother of Pearl, and wherein the Water sported after a thousand delightful manners. After this Entertainment, Mahomet, who had not till then apply'd himself particularly to the Muscovite, took her from the rest of the Wo­men, who retyr'd, and leading her into a green Arbour, he declar'd to her those Motions, to which he imagin'd she would not have testify'd the least coyness.

But he was strangely surpriz'd to find in her that coldness and indifferency, which he least ex­pected; however he imputed it to that awe which the Majesty of a Sultan might imprint in her up­on the first sight; and therefore being endu'd with a Noble and Courtly mind, he forbore to press her, in hopes that the pleasures he should receive from the hands of Love, would be infi­nitely more sweet then those for which he was beholding to his Power and Authority.

The next morning at the time that Abra rose, the Kisler attended by six Eunuchs enter'd her [Page 91]Chamber, and kneeling with one knee kiss'd a gold Box enrich'd with Diamonds, which he held between both his hands, and without spea­king a Word set it upon her Toylet, and at the same time the six Eunuchs, who had every one a Basket of Gold Filagreene, with a Present in each, set down the six Baskets by Abra, and af­ter a profound Bow retyr'd, leaving the Kisler alone with her. Abra, who understood well e­nough the meaning of all this Serraglio-Mumme­rie, could not forbear weeping, and casting a sorrowful Eye uyon the Kisler: Must it then be, dear Agasi, said she, must it then be, that this E­vening my heart and the Visir's must receive their deaths wound from your hand.

I betray not, said the Kisler, neither your Love, nor the sincere friendship I have for the Vizir, I only discharge the indispensable Duty of my Employment, wherein if I should fail, I should disable my self from serving yee.

Ah, what service can you do me, cruel Agasi, reply'd Abra, when you have once deliver'd me over to the Sultan. As a slave, reply'd the Kisler, I owe my Obedience to the Sultan, and as a Friend my Service to the Visir, and I fullfil both these Duties, by telling you in favour of his Highness, that if Ambition could tempt yee, and that you could but conform to the Sultan's Love, there would be nothing wanting to the Grandeurs which he has design'd you. But if your Love be still more prevalent on your heart then these ambitious Prospects, I must tell you [Page 92]also in his behalf, that you have no more to do but to persist in your Coldness for Mahomet: I know him: he loves to be beholding to his Merit and his Passion, and not to his Power, nor does his Presumption ever call violence to the succour of his lust, he will trye allways of per­swasion to gain your affection, but he will never proceed to constraint; act according to these In­structions, and trust the best Friend the Visir has.

Ah, dear Agasi, reply'd Abra, you restore me to Life, and never doubt but I will rather lose it a Thousand times then prove unfaithful to your Friend. I must also acknowledge to you, that since I have heard what you have said to me, 'tis something of a Pleasure to me to see my self belov'd by the Sultan, because it afford's me a pleasing Opportunity to sacrifice to the Visir all Mahomet's Grandeur. May nothing Extinguish so noble a flame, reply'd the Kisler; but it will be necessary, Madam, added he, that you read the Sultan's Letter, and that I carry him your An­swer. 'Tis in that Box. Abra open'd the Box; and found a Letter Written in Purple Characters upon White Taffata, Embroider'd with Gold, and folded up in a Handkercher of most Deli­cate Workmanship, where after she had open'd it, she read the following Expressions.

Would to Heaven, said Abra, that Mahomet would be as good as his word, and that he would keep within the Bounds which he prescribes himself. But, added she, casting a wishful look upon the Kisler, is there no way to be dispenc'd with from writting to him? That would be the way, reply'd the Kisler to ruin all: Nor dare I look the Sultan in the Face unless I carry him your Answer. Thereupon Abra set Pen to Paper and wrote the following Billet to Mahomet.

The Sultan, who valu'd himself for being an Artist in the Curiosities of Courtship, found something in this Billet wherewith to flatter him­self, that this same first Reluctancy was onely an artificial Slight to enflame his Passion so much the more. And therefore he undertook to van­quish it by regular Attacks; and his first care was to conceal from the Sultaness, the Methods which his Love should oblige him to take.

On the other side Prince Soliman, having re­ceiv'd no answer to his Billet, sought all the ways imaginable to see Abra. She was ac­custom'd to walk in a private Garden, which consisted onely of a Bowling green, and a Laby­rinth [Page 95]of Palisado's. Soliman therefore had screw'd himself into the Friendship of one of the Bostangi's that were wont to work there; and by him it was, that he was inform'd of her frequent walk­ing there.

The Prince under pretence of a bare Curiosi­ty, made so many Presents and Promises to this old Bostangi, that he consented to furnish him with a Habit of his Companions, and to let him in­to the Garden after the Hour of third Prayers, provided he hid himself in a nick or hollow Seat which he fitted for him, in the body of one of the Palisado's of the Labyrinth; assuring him that that was the part of the Garden which Abra most usually frequented.

This contrivance was put in execution to So­liman's wish: Abra fail'd not to come, and af­ter she had taken a Turn in the Bowling-Green, she enter'd into the center of the Ladyrinth, where she sate down, together with her Confi­dent, upon a Bank of Turf, which adjoyn'd to the Receptacle of the Fountain.

She had receiv'd the Evening before a very tender Letter from the Sultan, and fearing least at length he should come to exert his Love like a Tyrant, she chose this time to condole her Misfortunes in Sarai's Company, and to impart her Sorrows to her for the ill success of the Visir.

No sooner were they sate down, but Abra, continuing the Discourse which they had had before, Be you judge, dear Sarai, said she, whe­ther it be possible for a Woman to be expos'd [Page 96]to greater Misfortunes. 'Tis not anough that Heaven has destm'd me to Love the Visir to that degree that nothing can be more belov'd; that this Love was not inspir'd into me till I was sacrific'd to dismal Slavery; that the Visir, not­withstanding his Valour and Conduct has mis­carry'd in all his Enterprizes; that his Misfortunes expose him to the Murmurs of the People, and perhaps to the Sultan's frowns; but that still to the heap of my Misfortunes and my Sorrows for his ill success, I must be yet more afflicted with the troublesome Passion of Prince Soliman; and then to the accomplishment of my Afflicti­ons, the Sultan has seen me, and is in Love with me.

What was then Prince Soliman's astonishment and grief may readily be conjectur'd. He found his Love disarm'd, the Visir belov'd, and as a surplusage of Afflictions he perceiv'd he had a new and more dangerous Rival, the Sultan him­self. While his heart lay drown'd in these deep inundations of Dispair and Grief, Sarai pursu­ing the Discourse, Heaven usually reserves, said she, her greatest-Misfortunes for the greatest Souls. But what reason have you to make such loud Complaints? You love, and are belov'd; may not the Visir's Courage recover his Misfor­tunes; the Sultan loves him, and excuses him already: And what need Prince Soliman disturb yee, considering how little you esteem his love, and his want of power to molest yee: As for the Sultan, you know he scorns to make any [Page 97]Attempts upon your heart, but by ways of Love. And therefore never abandon your self to the agitations of a Despair, that proceeds rather from Imagination then any real Grounds.

Ah! dear Sarai, my Passion is mounted to that degree, that if the Visir cannot find a means to release me from this slavery, or that the Sul­tan's Lust transports him to the least violence, a Dagger shall punish my heart for all the Vex­ations it has put me to. Alass! Into what seas of Grief will it not plunge the Visir? What Jea­lousies and Fears will overwhelm him, when he understands that Mahomet is his Rival, he that was so vehemently jealous of Prince Soliman? Neverthe­less, said Sarai, I never perceiv'd that you had the least spark of love for that Prince. Who I, reply'd Abra, I knew the worth of Prince Soliman, I could not blame his Passion for me; I admir'd the excess of it, that caus'd him to expose his head, that he might discover it to me; besides that I am so unfortunate to owe my Life to his preservation; all this might prevail something o're a heart that was not prepossess'd. But mine is not my own, nothing can deprive his Rival of it; and seeing then they must hate each other, seeing they know themselves to be Rivals judge thou how hateful that Prince must be to me, and how careful I ought to be to avoid his company.

How extraordinary soever Soliman's trouble might be, this Confession however left him some room to flatter his hopes, and imagining that the Opportunity might be favourable to some new [Page 98]Effort, he was about to shew himself from the Palisado, when a great noise gave him to understand that the Sultan was approaching. The Sultan took a turn or two, and being inform'd that Abra was in the Labyrinth, thither he went: She rose up, but Mahomet engag'd her to reseat herself upon a Bank of Turfs, so near to Soli­man, that he might be almost heard to breath. Mahomet sate down by her, and they had a long and courtly Conference together, which termi­nated on the Sultan's part only in amorous Importunities, and in respectful and modest de­nials on Abra's side. At length the Sultan rose up, gave his hand to the fair Muscovite, and having led her to the Garden door, he went off through another with the Bostangi Basha, to communicate some Intelligence to him which he had receiv'd.

It may be easily imagin'd in what condition Prince Soliman was, and what various Agitations turmoyl'd his heart. How! said he, have I two Rivals at one time? One of which is belov'd, and the other has all the freedom imaginable to declare his Passion, and is able to make him­self happy when ever he pleases to make use of his Power, while she is insensible of my flames, and it is my Misfortune that I cannot meet with an Opportunity to make known my noble fires. No—'tis impossible for me to continue un­der such a sultry Violence, nor to suffer the fe­licity of two Rivals both at one time.

He was then labouring under the Tumults of his thoughts, and left his station possess'd with [Page 99]as much fury as Love: but in regard the Bostan­gi, who had plac'd him in his convenience was without, he was oblig'd to stay till the dusk of the Evening began to confound the sight, and render the Objects of it less discernable, and then he made a shift to eseape; but he could not do it so dextrously, but one of the Bostangi Basha's Eunuchs perceiv'd that a Man had hid himself in the Lybyrinth while the Sultan was there, of which the Sultan was inform'd; and though it could not be discover'd who the Person was who had ventur'd to that degree, yet in regard that Love is always ingenious to afflict it self, it soon came into Mahomet's head, that Abra's cold­ness to him must needs be the effect of some my­sterious Love; that his assiduity to get into the Labyrinth was the Effect of that Love, that it must be some unknown Lover that had been so daring, and never suspecting the Prince his Bro­ther, he resolv'd to prevent the Consequences of such an Intreague, and to that purpose or­der'd the Kisler the same day to carry Abra over the streight of Calcedon, and shut her up in the Serraglio of Looking-glasses.

The Eunuch could not avoy'd the putting this Order in Execution, tho' it griev'd him to the Soul, and broke all the measures he had taken to serve the Visir: for that being oblig'd to remain in the Grand Serraglio near Mahomet's Person, the Ser­raglio of Looking-Glasses was govern'd by the Kisler Kiasi, who is a kind of Deputy to the Kisler Agasi; and because not being able to go [Page 100]thither, but when he was order'd by the Sultan to attend him, Abra was now destitute of the Consolation and Advice which he was wont to give her. So that all the good he could do her was only to place such Slaves about her as she desir'd, and Eunuchs for whose fidelity he could be answerable.

In the mean time Constantinople was all in an Uproar, by reason of the continual bad Ty­dings that follow'd one another of the Mis­fortunes of the Campaign; and Siaous's and Cu­proli's Friends spread abroad Reports so disadvan­tageous to the Visir's Conduct, that he was be­come the Object of the Peoples Aversion and Scorn.

But when the Prince understood by Marama, that the Sultan had remov'd Abra, and put her into the Serraglio of Calcedon, and had caus'd her to take upon her the name of Sultaness, his jealousy made him believe that she had Sur­render'd to the Love of this new Rival, and his despair not being able to imagin any other way to enjoy her, but by making himself Master of his Brother's Throne, from that very Moment he took a Resolution to pull down his Brother, and to take the Advantage of the Conjuncture to dis­pose the exasperated minds of the People to Revolt.

His Mysterious applying himself to the study of the Alcoran, had made him take particular care always to insinuate himself into the Friendship of the Mufti's, who are the Soveraign Pontiffs of the Law, and to be in a Continual familiarity with the Imans, who are the Preach­ers [Page 101]that hold forth in the Mosquees, and with all the Mahometan Clergy; by which means he had gain'd their Hearts by the affected shews of a superstitious Devotion, and by the Liberality of his Alms of which he made them the Trustees; so that 'twas no hard thing for him to incense those senseless Ecclesiastics, and put 'em upon rayling publickly against the Authors of all the Disorders in the Empire, under pretence of Preaching Repentance to the People.

From the Abuse of this false Zeal, it was that the first Inclinations to Revolt, slidd themselves into Male-contented Breasts. But Mischief was yet a great way off, and therefore before they could fall upon the Person of the Sultan, there was a necessity of ruining the Visir, who was his Zealous Favourite, and who possess'd the hearts of the Principal Officers of the Empire.

The Prince was therefore perswaded that the loss of Buda, that the victorious Progresses of the Christians, ev'n to the Bridge of Esseck, and that the Murmurs of the People against his Chief Minister, would wean the Sultan's Affection from him. But he was surpriz'd when he saw the Visir arriv'd at Constantinople, with a Writting sign'd by all the Principal Officers of the Army, and Siaous himself, who was forc'd to swim with the stream, for fear of Discovering his In­tentions, and that this Writing was an Encomium of the Visir's Conduct, prudence and Courage, and which justify'd him in every particular that could be Objected against him.

The Sultan, who had always had a kindness for him, was overjoy'd that his Souldiers gave his Favourite so advantageous a Testimony: He receiv'd him with open Armes; and order'd him to hasten more powerful Preparations, that he might the next Campaign repair the Misfor­tunes which were not to be imputed to any de­fect in Him.

Prince Soliman, who began to buckle the Spurrs of his Ambition with the Impetuous de­sires of his Love, and who by the loss of one of his Rivals, was desirous to hasten the downfall of the other, finding that whatever Siaous and Cuproli had done during the Campaign prov'd fruitless, labour'd under unimaginable Vexations. Siaous and Cuproli were arriv'd at Constantinople, and Prince Soliman so order'd it, as to meet 'em both in a place, wither he came to 'em in disguize.

Presently the Prince told 'em, that after what they had done the last Campaign, things were reduc'd to that Extremity, that either they must ruin the Vizir, or expect all three to perish by the Bow-string; that there was no time to be lost; that since the Loss of Buda, of such Importance to the Empire, wrought no effect upon the Sul­tan, but that his Minion was still as much in favour as ever, there was but one way to suc­ceed, which was to make themselves absolute Masters of the Army; that they should cause 'em to revolt in the midst of the Campaign, and oblige 'em to demand the Head of the Grand Visir, and of all his principle Friends; Seeing [Page 103]then, that the Sultan affraid of himself, would be forc'd to sacrifice him to his own Security; and that then the Seal of the Empire could fall into no other hands, but either Siaous's or Cuproli's.

The two Basha's acknowledg'd that the Prince spoke nothing but what was reason, however they did not yet penetrate into all his Designs; and Soliman, like a crafty Politician, was desirous to render 'em still more Guilty before he impar­ted to 'em the last Crime they were to commit. All this while they follow'd the Interests of their own Ambition, and as the first steps they had made engag'd them to push forward the ruin of the Visir, or else patiently to submit to their own destruction, they promis'd Soliman to go on with the project, of which he had given the draught.

The favourable reception which the Sultan gave the Visir, and the augmentation of his Pow­er and his Credit did not abate his deadly Affli­ctions, to find that his Master was his formidable Rival, in whose power it was to make him hap­py. Nor was the Kisler any longer able to give him the Opportunities of seeing his beloved Mi­stress. All that he could do, was cunningly to conveigh his Billets to her by Saria's means, and the fidelity of the Eunuchs which he had plac'd about her. So that the Visir having no other consolation left, desir'd his friend to get the following Letter deliver'd to her.

The Kisler caus'd this Letter to be faithfully deliver'd: In the mean time the Sultan, maugre all the Vigilancy of the jealous Sultaness, found out pretences to go to Calcedon. For the murmurs of the People, and the insolent Harangues of the Imans, afforded him anow; and therefore faign­ing not to be safe in Constantinople, he frequent­ly crost the Streight, and to give the more co­lour to his Pretences, he many time held the Divan in the Serraglio of Looking-Glasses, and [Page 105]then he order'd the Visir to attend him.

One Evening that he went thither with his chief Ministers, and that they two were just en­tring into his Cabinet to prepare what was fit to be propounded the next day to the Divan, they were amaz'd to hear the loud Cries and Skreekes of Women quite through the Galleries, at what time they were inform'd that a suddain Fire was broken forth in the Body of the Building, and that the Flames besieg'd the principal apparti­ment on every side, which was the appartiment where the Sultan had plac'd his fair Muscovite; so that hastning thither, together with the Visir and their Train, they found the Conflagration so violent, that neither Slaves nor Eunuchs durst venture thorough to succour the Women who were in extream Danger.

The Sultan's Voice and his Orders encourag'd 'em, but the Visir understanding which was A­bra's Appartiment, was the first that flew to her Aid; and having sought and found her alone in a Swoon in her Chamber, he took her in his Arms, and seeing that the violence of the Flames had seiz'd that part at which he enter'd, he made his may through Clouds of Smoak, and through another Gallery which led to an Apparti­ment a good way from the Fire.

The Sultan, who neither saw the Visir return, nor knew what was become of Abra, thought her lost, and display'd his Sorrow at a more then usual Rate; some Women that were sav'd could tell no tydings of her; neither could Sarai her [Page 106]self make any Discovery, who was not with her Mistress when the Fire broke out.

In the mean time, Abra being carry'd to the furthest end of that Appartiment, which the Tu­mult had quite Empty'd, recover'd her Spirits, and found her self in the Visir's Arms. How­ever she was still in an Amazement, nor could she apprehend the meaning of such a surprizing Adventure. But the Visir, who was not willing to lose so precious an Opportunity, threw him­self at her Feet, and Embracing her with no less Ardour then Respect; Ah, Madam, said he, you behold once more your Unfortunate Lover; Heaven could not remove the Obstacles that ren­der'd you invisible, but by exposing your life to the most dreadful of all Dangers; nothing but a miraculous accident could afford me this oppor­tunity of seeing you. Lucky Danger! Favour­able Meeting! But may I know, Madam, whi­ther your heart be as constant as mine: I was affraid of a Rival who had no power; but Fate has found me out another who can do whatever he pleases; have I no cause to fear neither his Love, nor his Power?

His Empire, answer'd Abra, may be absolute over every thing else, but o're my heart. But as for my heart, I preserve it for your self till Death, and I will lose a thousand Lives, before I prove unfaithful to you. But, Sir, will you suffer me to perish in his Fetters, are they so in­vincible that you cannot release me?

Ah, Madam, reply'd the Visir, there is not any Reason, or danger that can hinder me from doing it, if it be your desire, and this is the most favourable opportunity in the world if you can resolve to make use of it. The whole Serraglio is in an upproar, the Sultan will believe yee lost in the Flames, stay but a minute here, and Ile go fetch one of my white Eunuch's Habits, and set yee out of the Serraglio, through the door of one of the Gardens, of which I have the Key; for the rest never trouble your self, Love, Pru­dence and Opportunities will direct us.

How odd and dangerous soever this propo­sal appear'd, such was the cruel Condition that Abra was in, that without any more ado she accepted the offer. The Visir was soon furnish'd with the Habit he desir'd, and having disguiz'd her, he let her out at the Garden Door, and deliver'd her into the charge of one of his most faithful Eunuchs, who not knowing who she was, but taking her for some new Eunuch that had been presented to his Master, put her into a little Fisher Boat with a disign to land her in Constantinople.

The Visir, having thus entrusted his Treasure to the Fidelity of that Slave, went to attend the Sultan, a thousand accidents presenting them­selves for pretences to excuse his Absence. Maho­met was at his wits end; though the Fire was quite Extinguish'd, by leaving the Flames to feed upon the grand Appartiment, while they stopt it from going any farther, by pulling down some [Page 108]building between that and the rest of the Serra­glio; but search was made for the Muscovite in every corner, so that at length the Sultan gave her over for lost; and that which confirm'd him the more in that Opinion was, that after the Fire was put out, they found the remainders of five or six Bodies.

In the mean time, Abra's Vessel row'd directly to Constantinople by the bright Rays of the Moon, and she flatter'd her self that she should now soon enjoy the only Person whom she Lov'd above all the World; but there is nothing more to be wonder'd at then the Fantastick changes of For­tune.

The News of the Fire in the Serraglio of Look­ing-Glasses was brought to the chief Sultaness a­bout Midnight; therefore because she kept the chiefest part of her Treasure there, and for that she knew besides that the Sultan was gone thi­ther, these two disturbing reasons oblidg'd her to send for the Kisler, and take her Saick imme­diately, with orders to cross the Water to Calce­don. But no sooner had she put to Sea, but by the dawning light of day, they discover'd a little Fisher Boat making for the Europaean shore; upon which the Sultaness who was willing to hear News, constrain'd the Visir's slave to come aboard her Vessel. Presently she ask'd him se­veral Questions, and finding him tripping in his Answers, she sent for the White Eunuch, with whom he said he was entrusted.

No sooner was he come into the Cabin in [Page 109]Disguise, but the Kisler, who accompany'd the Sultaness knew Abra notwithstanding her dis­guise; and the Asseki, charm'd with the Beauty of the Eunuch, declar'd that she would keep him to attend upon her. But the Kisler being a man of a cunning, sharp and present Wit, and quickly conceiving that Abra had made her es­cape by some contrivance of the Visirs, he knew that if the Sultaness should carry her back to Calcedon, 'twould be the ruin of both the two Lovers, and therefore never hesitating what course to take, he put all the People out of the Cabin, excepting the White Eunuch, and that done, the Kesler taking Abra by the hand, and squee­zing it in his own to prevent surprize, he look'd upon the Sultaness, and putting the Question to her as it were in jest, may a man rely upon yee, Madam, should he trust ye with a secret which you would be glad to know? I had thought, re­ply'd the Sultaness you had known me better then to doubt it. Upon your word then, Ma­dam, I must put so much confidence in you, as to let you understand that this fair Eunuch is the lovely Muscovite with whom the Sultan is so des­perately in love, but who no less obstinately re­fuses to correspond with his Amour. I find she has taken her opportunity in the confusion caus'd by the Fire to get away. Would you, Madam, carry her back to Mahomet whom she avoids, and who without question hunts after her in a thou­sand disquiets of mind? My duty indeed re­quires that I should seize her, and deliver her [Page 110]back into his hands; but I am too much your friend to take that course. 'Tis for you, Ma­dam, to do as you think sitting; and if you will take the Advice of a Slave, that is solely de­voted to your interests, I would not have yee let go this happy opportunity that Heaven has put into your hands; you may at once deliver your self from the fears of so amiable a Rivaless, and at the same time release her from all her Pains. Bury this important secret in a pro­found silence, and content your self with allow­ing her a safe sanctuary from the Sultan's Passion, which at length perhaps may cool and return to its first object.

The Asseki, confirm'd by Abra's confession, who instead of revealing to her the secret of the Visir, gave her to understand, that she had of her own head made her escape from the Sul­tan, embrac'd her, and promis'd her all manner of favour and security, and by concert with the Kisler, sent her to Constantinople, to a place where she was absolute Mistress, and where she kept her conceal'd under an unknown Name. However she pursu'd her first intentions, went to Calcedon, and return'd with the Sultan, who was more perplex'd for the loss of Abra, then for all his other misfortunes. On the other side, the Kisler inform'd the Visir of what had befallen the Mus­covite, which peirc'd him to the Soul, finding that he had lost her again, tho' he thought him­self a competent gainer in having releas'd her from slavery to the Sultan.

During these amorous motions, the prepara­tions for the Campaign were carry'd on might and main, and the Visir left nothing omitted that lay in his Power to put himself into such a condition that he might repair his losses; while Siaous and Cuproli prepar'd the minds of the Sol­diers every where for mutiny, instilling it into their heads, neither to have any confidence in the Grand Visir, which is the Soul of obedi­ence, nor any esteem for him, which preserves respect.

The Visir stay'd but a while at Constantinople, for the Sultan oblig'd him to hasten away for Bel­grade; and this it was that occasion'd the report, as if he never had been there. His first care was to repair the Bridge of Esseck, notwithstanding those difficulties which appear'd unsurmounta­ble; and soon after he put himself at the head of his Army.

On the other side Prince Charles, and the Duke of Bavaria, having rendevouz'd together above Sixty Thousand Men, advanc'd at the head of 'em, and resolv'd to decide the Fate of the Cam­paign by a pitch'd Battle, and to that purpose cross'd the Drave. But the Vizir, who had been more speedy in his march then they ex­pected, came and Encamp'd with Fourscore Thousand men in view of the Christian Army; and in regard he understood perfectly well how to make choice of his Ground, he had got the Drave upon the right, a Forrest upon his left, Esseck in his rear, and an intrenchment in front, [Page 112]fortify'd with a double Moat forty foot wide, and a double Rank of Palisado's: So that he forc'd Prince Charles, after some Rude Encounters, to retreat for want of Provision. But he made his Retreat in so good Order, that he repass'd the Drave in view of the Enemy without the least disturbance, and Encampt within a league of Mohatz.

The Visir, flatter'd with this first Advantage, and desirous to make the best of it, past the Drave, and being posted between Esseck and Darda, sent out numerous detachments to har­rass the Christian Army. As for his own Camp, he had entrench'd it with a Palisado'd moat which secur'd his Front, he had Esseck in his rear, from whence he was plentifully supply'd with Provisions, the Danaw, and Impassable Morasses secur'd his Right Wing, and his Left was cover'd with a Wood, by the side of which lay a long Morass; so that it was a difficult thing for Prince Charles to venture the forcing his Camp without hazarding the loss of his whole Army.

Therefore he made use of all manner of stra­tagems and motions, to try whether he could draw the Visir from his Post, and bring him to a General Battel. But he, who found himself better supply'd with Provisions then the Impe­rialists, sought to ruin 'em by frequent Skir­mishes, and therefore keeping close in his Camp, sent out Parties continually to disturb the E­nemies Forragers, or to attack 'em in their Movements.

But all this while he was ignorant of what Siaous was plotting in his Camp, in Conjunction with Basha Yeghen, a Man Daring, of a Turbu­lent and Seditious Spirit and the Visir's particu­lar Enemy, insolent in his language, but Eloquent, gifted in persuasion, and who by his fami­liar deportment had gain'd great Credit with the Souldiery. Their Design was to force the Visir to a Battel, and so to order their Affairs that he might lose it, that it might serve for a pre­tence for the Souldiers to revolt.

All things being thus concluded, upon the 12th. of August Prince Charles, faigning a Retreat pass'd a narrow Lane full of Hedges that co­ver'd his March, and gave order's for his Army to embattel in the Plain of Siclos. The Visir having Intelligence of this General motion of the Christian Army, sent away some consider­able Bodies to follow 'em, and fall upon their Rear commanded by the Elector of Bavaria. The Basha of Arabia also was order'd with one part of the Army to second the Detachments. But Siaous who judg'd the Opportunity proper for his design, presently put the Souldiers into such a fit of Murmuring, as if their General had depriv'd 'em of a certain Victory, that the Visir finding that the Basha acting beyond his Orders, march'd on with the Detachments, and not be­ing able to restrain the Heat of the Souldiers, drew his whole Army out of their Entrench­ments, and advanc'd directly toward the Impe­ [...]ialists in Battel array.

The Vanguard of the Turk's overtook the Rear of the Christians, before they had pass'd the narrow Lane; so that the whole stress of the first Charge fell upon the Elector of Bavaria. However, having gain'd the rising Ground design'd him for his Post, in despite of all the Enemies Efforts, he stood firm, and Prince Charles reinforc'd him with the second Line of the Vanguard, to prevent the Enemies Charging him either in Flank or Rear.

The Turks charg'd him with great fury, and he withstood 'em with no less prudence then undaunted Bravery, and venturing in the hottest of the Enemies firing, he was wounded in the left hand with a Musket Bullet.

In the mean time Prince Charles, who was ad­vanc'd a great way farther, thought it conve­nient to draw the Enemy into the Plain, where they might have more Roome for Action, and succour one another with more Freedom. This caus'd the Elector to quit his Ground, tho' Skirmishing all the while, so that his Rear-guard made the Left Wing equal with the Right, which Prince Charles Commanded.

Presently the whole Army of the Turks ap­pear'd in Battell array, and the Princes who had now what they wish'd for charg'd 'em on all sides: The Insidels also fell on with great Fury, and at first had some considerable Advantage, having routed the Croates, and almost cut in pie­ces Comercy's Regiment; and the success of the Bāttel had been very dubious, had not the Spahi's [Page 115]by the contrivance and treachery of Siaous, Yeghen, and the Basha of Arabia, left the Janisaries that fought against the Duke of Bavaria, who taking his advantage of that disorder, fell upon the In­fantry opposite to him with an extraordinary fury. However, the Janisaries instead of being brok'n, retir'd in good order as far as their En­trenchments, where at first they fell a firing at a prodigious rate, but not being seconded by the Horse, they betook themselves to flight, and this Rout of the Turks Right Wing striking a Terrour into the Left, the Disorder became Gene­ral, the whole Army was denfeated, and the Camp. taken and pilladg'd; at what time the Vizir retreating of Esseck, and having rally'd his scat­ter'd Troops, found he had lost above Twenty thousand Men.

Siaous would not let this Opportunity slip, which he had taken so much pains to bring a­bout; so that the Mutiny began with the Quar­rels between the Spahi's and the Janisaries; but they being soon reunited, vented all their fury in Murmurs against the Visir; who not under­standing whence the mischief proceeded, thought to have appeas'd 'em, by distributing among 'em all the Money he had. But the poison was too well prepar'd, and had spread it self too far; so that the minds of the Souldiers being more and more envenom'd, their Clamours augmented, while the Imperialists prosecuting their Victory, made themselves Masters of Esseck, and the Pas­sage of Drave. Nor was Siaous contented with [Page 116]stirring up the Souldiers to murmur, but in­censing them to an open Revolt, put himself at the Head of 'em, and Yeghen had the boldness to enter the Visir's Tent, and demand in the Name of the Army the Seals of the Empire, and Mahomet's Standard, declaring, they were re­solv'd no longer to obey him.

This Insolence producing a great Uproar, the Visir made his escape, got by water to Belgrade, and thence posted to Constantinople, to give the Sul­tan an Account of the Campaign, Siaous's Trea­cheries, and the Condition of the Army.

The Visir having thus withdrawn himself, Siaous became Master of the Army, and depu­ted six Officers to demand, in the Name of the Souldiers, the Heads of the Vizir, and of all his principal Friends, of which they drew up a List. The Vizir being inform'd of these furi­ous Proceedings, sent the Seals of the Empire to the Grand Teffterdar, for him to deliver 'em into the Sultan's hands, and with only one slave stole privately into Constantinople, and went to the Kiamakan's House, where the Kisler came to him, and assur'd him, in the Sultan's Name, that neither his Misfortunes, nor the Mutinies of the Souldiers, had shaken his Fa­vour; that he lov'd him; that he pitty'd him, and that he was not only resolv'd to see him, but to defend him against the fury of the Re­volters.

However, nothstanding all the weight of these Misfortunes with which the Vizer seem'd to [Page 117]be overwhelm'd, he had still his thoughts fix'd upon the fair Muscovite.

We gave an Account, how some few days before the departurte of the Vizir for Belgrade, she fell into the Hands of the Sultaness Asseki; but the Vizir was so far from being able to get to her in the place, where she was kept con­ceal'd, and under another Name, that he could hardly procure the delivery of a Letter to her; nor had he receiv'd any from her, though the Kisler had had credit enough to keep Sarai about her still.

However he understood by a Eunuch, that the Sultan knew very well that she was not burnt in the fire, and that he had private Intel­ligence that she had made her escape out of the Serraglio of Looking-Glasses; nevertheless that he knew not who had contributed to her escape, and that all the Diligence he had us'd to find out the Place of her Retirement had prov'd fruitless. That Prince Soliman had been better inform'd; for that Marama who held her Correspondencies every where, had div'd into the Secret out of a Conceit she had that her escape was a stroke of the Sultaness's jealousy, and that upon that discovery she was negotiatiog with the Sultaness Asseki; with whom she had intrusted the secret of Prince Soliman's Love, and had put it into her head that the only way to deprive Mahomet of her was to deliver her up to his Brother.

This drove the Visir to his Wits end, to see the utter Ruin of his Fortune and his Love both [Page 118]at one time: However the Kisler carry'd him privately to the Sultan, who receiv'd him ten­derly, and assur'd him not only of the continu­ance of his favour, but of his Protection against the Fury of his Enemies.

In the mean time the Commanders from the Army arriv'd, and Mutaferaka, the chief of 'em, an intimate friend of Siaous's, after he had pri­vately conferr'd with Soliman hautily demanded an Audience, which the Sultan would fain have refus'd him.

He declar'd, that the Souldiers, having found that the Visir Soliman was not able to command 'em, would no longer obey him, that they de­manded him Head, and the Heads of the Kay­makan Redgeb, the Grand Teftarder, the Kisler Agasi, with the heads of several Others, of which he deliver'd a List in writing: That while they receiv'd his Highnesses Orders they had made choice of Siaous for their Captain, a person of accomplish'd Experience, and Zeal for the good of the Empire; that they hop'd the Sultan would approve their Choice, and would send him the Ensigns of an Employment which he merited by his Services and his Fidelity.

But this Insolence of the Army which went about to give Laws to their Soveraign, shook not Mahomet's Resolutions as yet, for he thought by distributing Money among the Souldiers to appease their fury; and they who either shar'd in his growing Troubles, or fear'd the Conse­quences of the mutiny, readily contributed to [Page 119]the raising a considerable Summ. The Sultaness Asseki gave two Thousand Purses, of five hun­dred Crowns each; the Kisler Agasi furnish'd almost as much, and others proportionably: But the minds of the Souldiers were too much ex­asperated; they took the Money indeed, but it was all thrown away to no purpose.

The Mutiny therefore growing more outragi­ous, and Siaous and Yeghen being Masters of the Army, and in Constantinople, where Soliman caus'd the Directors of the Mosquees to act their Parts, and the Sultan remaining Obstinate, and resolv­ing rather to lose all, then deliver up the Visir to the Mercy of his Enemies, bethought himself of taking another Course; which was to de­grade the Visir and the Caimacan, and to conferr the Employment of the first upon Siaous, and upon Cuproli his Brother in Law the place which the latter held; imagining that the Ambition of the Ringleaders being satisfy'd, the tumults would cease.

With these hopes, he sent for Cuproli from the Dardanells, and made him Caimacan, instead of Redgeb, and dispatch'd away the Seal of the Empire and Mahoment's Standar'd to Siaous; but he declar'd he would never consent to the death of Officers whom he esteem'd both Loyal and faithful.

So soon as Cuproli saw himself advanc'd to the second place in the Empire, he had a private Conference with Soliman, and then it was that the Prince descover'd to him his design to make [Page 120]himself Master of the Empire, which till then he had always kept conceal'd in his Breast. Now in regard it was the Interest of this New Caima­can and Siaous, who found the power in their hands to attempt what they pleas'd, to corre­spond with the ambitious Designs of Prince Soliman, he found Cuproli inclin'd to second his desires, and undertook for Siaous, that he should concurr with 'em in the Accomplishment of their wishes.

Things being in this Confusion, and Mahomet still resolv'd not to abandon the Visir to the Rage of the mutinous Souldiers, had caus'd him to re­solve upon a safe Course, which was to with­draw himself from the impetuosity of their Ha­tred, by retiring to the Prontiers of Persia, and there to stay till Affairs might recover a new face, and furnish him with a favourable Op­portunity to regain his Reputation.

This was concluded between 'em, and ready to have been put in Execution: But the Visir, who in the midst of his Misfortunes could not forget his Dearest Abra, desir'd the Kisler that he would engage himself to procure the delivery of but one more short Letter to her, and afford that last comfort to a Friend whom perhaps he might never see again.

The Kisler mov'd with compassion of his Friends overwhelming Misfortunes, would not refuse him that last favour; so that being en­trusted with the Letter, he gave it into the hands of an Eunuch, who was wont to carry others [Page 120]of the same nature to Sarai. But a most cru­el Destiny, and unexpected accident hinder'd it from falling into the hands of that beloved Con­fident. For the Eunuch gave the Letter to ano­ther slave, who seeing Sarai in the arms of Death, and believing there was some secret in the Gold Box, wherein the Letter was enclos'd, her cu­riosity made her open it, and understanding by the reading of it, that the unknown person whom she serv'd was that Abra, for whose loss the Sultan was so extreamly troubled, she thought the discovery of such a secret would raise her Fortune, and therefore being introduc'd into Mahomet's presence, she deliver'd the Box into his Hands; at what time the Sultan having o­pen'd it, read the following words.

Never was surprize to be compar'd with that of the Sultan's; and never did so violent a Fury seize the heart of a Lover enrag'd, and a Master betray'd. He made a considerable present to the slave, and being exactly inform'd of every thing, and understanding that the Letter pass'd through the Kisler's hand, he bid her be silent, and so dismist her.

No sooner was he alone by himself, but with a fuming Indignation sparkling in his Eyes, and looking a second time upon the Letter, the Tray­tors shall dye, cry'd he, with a sigh of high displeasure. How! a Favourite, upon whom I have heap'd my Favours, is it he that rends from my Bosom the Person whom I adore! An Infa­mous Eunuch, who my Bounty has rais'd from the Chains of Thraldom to excessive Power and Wealth betrays me in my own Serraglio, and in concert together both the one and the other make me their sport, while I hazard the loss of my Diadem to protect 'em from the fury of their Enemies. 'Tis too hard on my side, but they shall perish both.

Afterwards he rack'd his Brains, to penetrate who might be his other Rival. He knew the Sultaness could easily resolve him, but he was loath to mention the matter to her. But at length [Page 123]after the first commotions of his Fury were over, he gave Orders to seize the Visir, the Kisler A­gasi, and all the rest whom the Soldiers demand­ed, as Victims to the tranquility of the Em­pire.

He order'd Abra's Picture to be brought him, which was found about the Visir in a little Case, and which he wore upon his heart; the sight of the Picture redoubled his inward Vexations, and the fire of his Anger or'e ruling his Friendship which he thought abus'd by the foulest of all acts, In­gratitude, he resolv'd the Visirs Ruin. Never­theless he was willing that the victim which he offer'd to his Love, should be lookt upon as an oblation sacrific'd to the publick good. To which purpose calling a Divan, wherein the new Cai­macan Cuproli presided, he decreed the Death of the Visir, the Kisler Agasi, and of all the rest whose Heads the Soldiers demanded, who under Yeghen, follow'd by Siaous, were marching with all speed toward Constantinople.

This decree was put in Execution the same day upon the Visir; and the Sultan would needs have him tortur'd, to make him discover who was that other Lover mention'd in his Letter; but his generosity would not permit him to make any Confession: So that after he had suffer'd the Rack, he was strangl'd in the Serraglio, and his Head sent to the Souldiers; and to give 'em entire satisfaction he order'd the Kisler Agasi, the Caimacan Redgeb, the Grand Teftardar, and all the other unfortunate Objects of their Fury to [Page 124]be deliver'd up in Chains to their Fury, who no sooner appear'd before the Army, but they were cut in pieces with a more then barbarous Inhumanity.

The Army had already past through Adrianople, and were still advancing, while the Sultan who thought he had fully satisfy'd 'em by this Bloody Sacrifice, was desirous that his Love should in some measure reap the Fruite of what he had done; to which purpose the New Agasi took away Abra from the Sultaness, and shut her up again in the Serraglio of Calcedon, whither he went to Visit her, shew'd her her Picture, together with the Visir's last Letter, and upbraided her with all the severest Reproaches that she could expect from an enraged Sultan, and a furious Lover.

During this cruel Catastrophe, Prince Soliman saw his ambitious Aims advancing toward their Accomplishment. The Visir, and all his princi­ple Friends, most Loyal to the Sultan, were now cut off. Siaous and Cuproli possess'd the two chiefest employments in the Empire, the Old Musti was chang'd, and a new one put in by Cuproli, and the Imans still heated the People, and supply'd 'em with fuel to feed the Flames of premeditated Revolt; but all this while he miss'd the satisfaction of his Love, in regard the Sultan having broken all his private Measures with the Sultaness, had got Abra into his own Possession; so that he saw no other way to wrest her from his Embraces, but by ascending his Throne, and making himself Lord of his Ser­raglio.

Every day brought some new Persons over to his Party, and Cuproli, who by vertue of his em­ployment presided in the Divan, in the Visir's Absence had gain'd by his Artifices the new Kisler Agasi, whose Assistance was very necessary in case there should be any Tumult in the Serraglio.

The Prince therefore finding Abra forc'd away by the Sultan into a new Captivity, was affraid least he should make use of violence to procure the Satisfaction of his Love; and this it was which engag'd him to precipitate the Execution of his Design, for which he had all along taken his Measures with Cuproli, who was well convinc'd that Siaous and he enjoy'd their Employments only by vertue of that Force which had wrested the Grant of 'em from the Sultan, and that they could not preserve 'em but by placing Soliman upon the Throne.

By this time the Army that still march'd for­ward under Yeghen, was not above two days March from Constantinople, and Siaous follow'd with the Main Body, and the better to conceal his Design, faign'd a Quarrel with him, but their common Aim was the Deposal of a Master whom they had offended, and who could never have a real Affection for 'em. As for Cuproli, he had made all the Provision that could be for the execution of the Enterprize, as well in the Ser­raglios and his preparations of the Mufti.

Soliman therefore, for the sake of his Amour, desirous to hasten the Business, went to Cuproli, lay'd open to him the bottom of his Heart, and [Page 126]his Passion for Abra, and gave him moreover to understand, that in placing him upon the Throne they fulfill'd the Importunities of his am­bition, but did nothing for the Repose of his Mind, which depended upon the Enjoyment of Abra, and preventing Mahomet's Passion from offering Vielence to her.

She was in the Serraglio of Looking-Glasses deeply plung'd in sorrow and Affliction, nor could she reflect upon the unhappy Fate of her dear Visir, strangl'd by the order of his Rival, in whose power she was, without aban­doning her self to all that Rage and Despair could inspire of most Dismal and Mournful. She had seen her Picture in the Sultan's Hands, which he had not shew'd her, had it not been to tryumph the more barbarously over the Ruin of his Rival. By that, and by the Visir's letter, she knew that the Discovery of his Love was the only cause of his death and her Grief being so much the more bitter, by reason that death had depriv'd her of her dear Confident, nothing but only the Resolution she had taken to revenge herself upon Mahomet, had put a stop to the dire Effects of her own Despair.

In the mean time, the new Kisler Agasi having Engag'd himself in Soliman's interests, and being inform'd of his Amours, offer'd himself to speak to the Muscovite in his behalf, and after he had discours'd her in private, he found her highly incens'd against Mahomet; and therefore to ex­cite her the more willingly to correspond with So­limons [Page 127]Passion, he thought it proper to impart to her the inclinations of the great Officers of the Empire, to set Soliman upon the Throne.

Upon this Discovery, Abra who breath'd no­thing but Revenge, put the Kisler in some hopes, that so soon as Prince Soliman had satisfy'd her Revenge upon the Sultan's barbarous Cruelty, she would be more enclin'd to favour his Pas­sion.

The Kisler gave Prince Soliman an account of this seeming Compliance; and that was enough to make him seek all ways to hasten that Revo­lution, which he thought the only means to ar­rive at Abra's Heart. In the mean time he deem'd it necessary to assure her, by a Billet un­der his hand, that there was nothing which he would not willingly undertake, or endeavour to bring to pass, so he might deserve her Love.

Now in regard that Mahomet had plac'd a ve­ry faithful Slave to attend upon Abra, that she might have a watchful Eye upon all her Acti­ons, this Billet fell unhappily into the Sultan's Hands, who by that means found out who was that same formidable Rival whom the Visir never would confess; so that he no sooner had read it, but without any deliberation he determin'd a speedy Revenge.

'Twas Night, and therefore only attended with two of his Guards, he took his Arms, and flew to Soliman's Appartiment with a furious Precipitancy, in hopes to sacrifice him with his own hand to the attonement of his Rage.

Nor is there any question but he had succeed­ed in his Project, had not Cuprilo and the Kisler Agasi, by taking true measures to prevent what­ever might disappoint their designs, and by gi­ving forth all necessary Orders to secure the life of him they lookt upon already as their Sove­raign, frustrated the Effects of his Fury.

The Eunuchs who guarded Soliman, defended the first door of his Appartiment, but Mahomet himself who fell upon 'em with more then or­dinary fury, after he had kill'd one and woun­ded two more, had forc'd the first door, and without doubt had beat down the second, had not the Kisler Agasi hasten'd to the noise, with a Company of armed Eunuchs, who fell upon Mahomet's Guards, and constrain'd 'em to stand upon their own defence.

The Sultan enrag'd to see the Agasi in Arms against his Person, lay'd about him with his Sci­miter upon the Eunuchs, well seconded by his Guards, so that the Combat was beginning to be somewhat bloody, at what time the Bostangi Bachi arriv'd with a good number of armed Bostangi's. Mahomet thinking he had been come to his assistance, order'd him to seize the Kisler, and to put all the Eunuchs to the Sword; but the Bostangi, who was one of Soliman's Crea­tures, looking fiercely upon the Sultan, We no longer Acknowledge your Commands, said he, Your Life depends upon that Brother, who you are going basely to Assassinate. The Sultan was so surpriz'd at these insolent Words, that he stood like a Statue, [Page 129]while his Guards betaking themselves to flight, left him in the Power of the Bostangi, who caus'd his Attendants to surround him, and after he had seiz'd and disarm'd him, carry'd him to his Appartiment, where he was lockt up under a strong Guard.

In the mean time the Kisler carry'd the Princes into the old Serraglio, and Cuproli having assem­bl'd the Mufti, together with the Principal Offi­cers in Mosquee of Sta Sophia before day, there the Mahometan Pontiff sign'd the Fetfa for the Deposal of Mahomet.

This first Ceremony being over, Cuproli re­pair'd to the old Serraglio, caus'd Soliman to be plac'd upon a kind of a Throne, and having proclaim'd him Sultan, was the first himself that pay'd him Homage. After this, they re­ferr'd it to his pleasure to dispose of Mahomet's Destiny, who thought it sufficient to shut him up during the Remainder of his days.

His Ambition being thus satisfy'd, the only thing he apply'd his Mind to next, was to gra­tifie his Love. To which purpose he command­ed the Kisler Agasi to repair with all speed to Calcedon, and bring away the Sultaness Abra; whom he declar'd his Asseki, and to deliver her a Letter which he wrote to her in the following Termes.

Abra joyfully receiv'd the news which the Kisler brought her, that she was reveng'd upon Mahomet; but in regard she was not ignorant that the Visir's Misfortunss had been the Effect of a Conspiracy between Siaous, Cuproli, and Soli­man, and consequently that the Prince was the real Author of his death, she abhor'd him with the utmost Hatred that an Injur'd heart could be capable of.

Therefore she listen'd very heedfully to the Kisler, read Soliman's Letter, and then fixing her Eyes upon the Eunuch, Never, said she, did Wo­man Love a man with that Fervency and Fide­lity as I lov'd the Visir; for his sake I disdain'd and contemn'd all the Advantages wherewith Mahomet could flatter my Ambition; nor have I less despis'd Prince Soliman's vehement Passion. Mahomet put to death my Lover and I am re­veng'd, but the Disaster that befell that Lover was the Workman ship of Sultan Soliman's ar­tifices, and I have not a Heart so base and trea­cherous to seek my Revenge upon his person, by foul and ignominious means, with which a counterfeit Affection might furnish me, so that not being able to punish him any other way, then by wresting my self from the Embraces of his Passion, you shall tell him how I correspond­ed with his Love. And having pronounc'd these last words; she drew forth a dagger which she held conceal'd under her upper Garment, and stabbing herself through the heart fell dead at the Kisler's feet.

Such was the dismal Catastrophe of Abra-Mulè's Amours; so fatal to the Ottoman Empire, and to three Unfortunate Lovers. The Visir, whom she lov'd, was strangl'd; Mahomet lost his Empire, and Soliman fell into such a terrible fit of Melancholly and dozing Vexation, that he [Page 132]only languish'd upon the Throne in a pro­found and continual Pensiveness, the cause of which few persons knew; and at length, falling into a kind of insensibility of every Thing, excess of inward Grief, that never left him, brought him to his end.