Ottoman gallantries, or, The life of the Bassa of Buda done out of French.

Ottoman gallantries, or, The life of the Bassa of Buda done out of French.

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Title page

To the Honourable, WILLIAM, Lord CAVENDISH.

IBRAHIM: BASSA OF BUDA.

IBRAHIM: BASSA OF BUDA.

[Page]

I Am not at all ſurpriz'd to ſee that Love occaſions many Diſorders in Private Families. It ever did ſo, and ever will: But to find that it is It that has kindled the War we at preſent ſee between the Turks and the Empire, is a matter very extraordinary, and nevertheleſs very [Page] true. Eaſie will it be to know this Truth, from the following Hiſtory, which I ſhall faithfully relate from the Memoirs I have received from one of my Friends at Conſtantinople, where he has an Employ under a Foreign Miniſter, by whom, as he writes me word, he was inform'd of what I am going to recount.

Count Teckeley, that famous Head of the Male-contents, that has ſo long born Arms againſt his Maſter, after having (according to the Deſtiny of thoſe that are engag'd in ſuch like Enterpriſes) found that there is nothing more difficult than to ſucceed in their Projects, was ready to ſink, when he reſolv'd to ſend his Secretary, once for all, to the Grand Signior, of whom he had already receiv'd divers Succours, but too ſlender to bring his Deſigns about. He expreſly encharg'd him to tell this Prince, [Page] and the Grand Vizier, that he was oblig'd to come to an Accomodation with the Emperour, unleſs they aſſiſted him better than they had hitherto done. That all his Partizans were weary of the War they had made for ſo long a time, and for the moſt part at their own coſt. That he could no longer hinder them from returning to their own homes, where they had their Wives and their Children, principally ſince the Emperour, gave them hopes of Liberty of Conſcience, and the Preſervation of their Priviledges; for whoſe Infraction they had taken up Arms againſt him. That they daily perſecuted him to accept theſe Conditions, which he had endeavour'd to elude; remonſtrating to them, that theſe were Promiſes that would never have effect. That this had ſtopp'd them hitherto: but that at length the want of Power he labour'd under, would oblige him to cloſe with thoſe Offers.

[Page] This Secretary having laid theſe Reaſons before the Grand Vizier, this Miniſter laid 'em before his Maſter; a Prince that having been brought up amid the effeminacy of the Serraglio, did by conſequence, love Peace much better than Wan. The Grand Vizier, for his part, deſired nothing but Quiet; not but that he was well experienc'd in Martial Affairs, but becauſe he loved a Sultana, whoſe ſight he preferred before all things. By theſe means the Secretary had but a ſcurvy Reception; and the Anſwer made to him, was, that the Grand Signior would by no means engage openly in the War; but that he would give Order for the aſſiſting of his Maſter, under hand, as had been done ſince his Revolt, againſt the Emperour. For this purpoſe ſeveral Baſſa's had Order to repair to Conſtantinople, and there, in the Secretaries preſence, were they commanded to keep a ſecret Correſpondence [Page] with Teckeley, and to favour him in all they could, yet without committing any Hoſtility that could embroil the two Empires.

The Emperour, who was but ill ſerv'd in Spies, hearing of Teckeley's Secretary's arrival at Conſtantinople, and this meeting of the Baſſa's, imagin'd all to be for the making of War againſt him; and an Envoy he had in that Court; having ſignify'd to him, that the thing was ſo, he ſent him Order to break the Deſigns that might be eſpouz'd to his prejudice in that Aſſembly, by ſeveral advantageous Offers he caus'd to be made to the Turks, if they would for Twenty Years prolong a Truce, that was made between the Two Empires, after the Battel of St. Godard. The Grand Vizier, who expected nothing leſs than this, was over joy'd at this juncture, and reſolv'd to procure the advantage of his Maſter, that was offer'd without running [Page] any Riſque; he began to give out a Rumour of an approaching Rupture, that ſo the Emperour augmenting his allarums, might cauſe ſtill more advantageous Conditions to be propos'd to him. Nevertheleſs, for the better inſinuating of the War, he ſent for the Baſſa of Buda, who had not been ſummon'd to the firſt Aſſembly: and as he was the Perſon the Port was wont to conſult in what concerned Hungary, the Emperour did not doubt, but that the Turks would proceed to a Rupture with him.

This Baſſa was a Man between Eight and Twenty and Thirty Years old, as well made as a Man could be, brave to the higheſt Degree; but whoſe Wit did nevertheleſs ſurpaſs his Bravery, and Good Mien. He had obtain'd his Government, not ſo much however by his Good Qualities, as by the Love the Sultana Zelinda had conceived for him: And this Adventure [Page] is extraordinary, and ſparkiſh enough, ſo as to believe that I ſhall not weary out my Reader, by giving him an account of it.

This Baſſa was one of thoſe Tribute-Children that are rais'd upon the Christians; and his Mother having not been able to diſpenſe her ſelf from this unhappy Law, which thus obliges to give what one beſt loves, no ſooner ſaw that her Child was cull'd out by thoſe that are appointed to exact it, but that ſhe made a Mark in his Face, that ſhe might be able to know him again another day. This Mark was juſt for all the World, as if he had put on a Patch; and far from being diſguis'd by 't, it on the contrary, ſerved as a Beauty-ſpot. For this muſt needs be granted, that it does not unbecome a Man. Nevertheleſs, as it is a Token of an effeminate Spirit, that has recourſe to theſe ſorts of Artifices, it muſt be allowed at the ſame time, that thoſe [Page] who pretend thereby to pleaſe, far from ſucceeding in their Deſigns, render themſelves contemptible to the Fair Sex, which loves a man that does not thus trifle away his time in playing the Woman. The Baſſa's Mother having taken this Precaution, ſaw him carry'd away with the leſs regret, as hoping ſhe had not wholly loſt him. He was educated in the place where the Children of Tribute are brought up; and when he was at an Age of learning ſomething, he diſtinguiſh'd himſelf from all the reſt: Inſomuch, that he was from that time obſerv'd to be a Subject worthy of officiating one time or other, the higheſt Places of Truſt. Nor were they deceiv'd in the hopes they had conceiv'd of him. The Grand Signior, who had been inform'd of his fine Qualities, having one day ſent for him into his Preſence, he lik'd him ſo very well, that he would needs have him to be his [Page] Page. But this Youth, who was but between Twelve and Thirteen Years old, fell on his Knees before him, and beſought him rather to let him bear Arms; promiſing him, that he would one day render him ſuch good Services, that he ſhould not be ſorry he had granted him his Requeſt. It is often a Capital Crime to oppoſe the Grand Signior's Will. And as their Yoak is tyrannick, ſuch like Complements have been often known to coſt the Lives of thoſe that made them. But either that the Grand Signior was in a good Humour that day, or that he was pleaſed with the prettineſs of this Child, he granted him what he deſired.

He was put among the Janizaries; and being one day upon the Guard, at the Grand Vizier's Tent, this Miniſter commanded him with his own Mouth, not to ſuffer any body to enter, be it who it would. A moment after the Aga, who is [Page] the Captain of the Janizaries, coming thither, our Youth deny'd him the Door, which he being ſcandaliz'd at, he lift up his Hand to ſtrike him; asking him, if he knew not his Aga. The Anſwer the young man made him, was, levelling his Piece at him; and he had been a dead man, if ſome Officers, that were with the Aga, had not interpos'd to ſave him. The Janizary would not fire, for fear of killing an Innocent inſtead of the Offender; but ſtill keeping his Arms in a Poſture, he prevented his being ſeiz'd, which the Aga would have gladly done, that he might have punish'd him upon the Place, for the Affront he imagin'd he had receiv'd.

The Grand Vizier hearing a noiſe, ſent to ſee what was the matter; and being told the occaſion of the Diſorder, he himſelf came out of his Tent-door, where Both demanded Juſtice of him. [Page] The young man was in ſuch a Rage, that the Aga had dar'd to lay his Hand upon him; that he could hardly open his Mouth. He remonſtrated to the Vizier, that he had done nought but executed his Orders: That thus he was as much concern'd as himſelf, to be revenged, ſince that the Aga, who had been inform'd of the Prohibition, did ſufficiently ſhew the little value he had for his General, in thus exceeding his Commands. But all that he could ſay, did not hinder the Grand Vizier from making him in the wrong; telling him, that he ought to have the Judgment to conſider, that the Prohibition did not regard the Aga, who being the Head of his Guard, ought to have free Ingreſs and Egreſs to his Quarters, for the receiving and executing what ſhould be commanded him. Nevertheleſs, as the Greenneſs of his Years render'd him excuſable, beſides his having [Page] [...]o expreſly forbidden any one ſhould enter, as that he might believe, that the Prohibition was for all, he order'd the Aga to contain his Reſentment, and impoſed Silence on him. He fancy'd he had not ſo many meaſures to take on the young man's account, whom he look'd upon as a ſimple Janizary; and to whom beſides he imagin'd he had been very kind, in cauſing him to be pardon'd. But it lying upon our Youth's Heart, that a Hand had been lift up againſt him, far from being ſatisfy'd with his Sentence, he reſolv'd to right himſelf, ſince the Perſon he expected it from, had not done it.

Nor was the Aga on his ſide ſatisfy'd; and as he imagin'd it to be a Blot upon him, in having been inſulted by a Man who was bound to obey him, he would have proceeded to ſtrange Extremities, if he had not been afraid of diſpleaſing [Page] the Grand Vizier, who would be abſolute. Things being in this manner, they both would quickly have found the means of ſatisfying themſelves, if they had been of equal Condition: But inequality being the Cauſe that the Aga ſlighted the young man, and that the young man durſt not on his ſide offer to challenge him; they both watched for the Occaſion to give themſelves ſatisfaction; and the Aga went this way to work: He commanded the Youngſter in all perillous occaſions, hoping it would be impoſſible for him to eſcape periſhing in one or other. But Fortune taking care of him, not only preſerv'd him from Dangers, but alſo extended his Reputation ſo far, by the fine Actions he performed, that he was talk'd of in the moſt remote Provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Nay, and as People are wont to magnifie all Objects, according as what is related, [Page] is more or leſs diſtant, he was ſaid to have atchiev'd ſuch great things, as would have been capable of defacing thoſe we read in Hiſtory, if they had been true. In ſhort, he began to make himſelf known in Places whither he was never like to go; and People had every where ſo good an Opinion of him, that as ſoon as the leaſt advantage befel the Ottoman Empire, the better part of it was attributed to him, tho very often he had not been preſent in the Encounter.

This did not at all pleaſe the Aga, who far from diminiſhing any thing of his Reſentment, in favour of his Merit, found, on the contrary, the averſion he had for him to augment. He look'd upon him as a Riſing Enemy, and as a man that would ſtand candidate with him for the firſt Offices of the State, and the favour of his Maſter. Being prejudic'd with ſuch like Sentiments, [Page] he did all he could in ſome wiſe to leſſen his great Actions; and not being able to raviſh him of the Honour that was due to him, he endeavour'd, at leaſt, to make him ſhare it with ſome others; hoping, that the more People partook therein, the leſs would be ſaid to his advantage. The young Janizary would not perchance have taken notice of this, if he had not moreover had a Grudg in his Heart. But being attentive to all he did, he quickly perceiv'd with what Spirit he was animated; which ſtill encreas'd the Deſire he had of meaſuring his Sword with his. The Undertaking was great for a young Soldier. Nevertheleſs, the Affront he had done him, being ever preſent to his Memory, he had no Quiet till he had ſatisfy'd himſelf in this. This he effected by an occaſion that was offer'd; and in this manner were matters brought about.

[Page] The Troops being in Winter-Quarters, the Aga, who had a great Paſſion for hunting, ſent for Engliſh Hounds; and though it is not the Cuſtom of the Turks, to hunt like us, a certain Renegadoe he had with him, diſcours'd him so often of the Pleaſure we had in Stag-hunting, that he ſuffer'd himſelf to be led along with the temptation of ſeeing whether our way was better than theirs. Thus being out a hunting, the young man, who being ſtill animated with the ſame Deſign, put himſelf into a falſe path, and caus'd one of his Friends, whom he had engag'd in his Intereſts, to ſuggeſt to him, that if he meant to be at the fall of the Stag, that was juſt coming to a Bay, he muſt ſcour along that way. The Aga was over-joy'd at this advice, which he took in good part; and being extraordinarily heated, he thunder'd along, without conſidering, whether he was attended, or [Page] not. And indeed, he that had gived him this Council, ſeeing that he was fallen into the Trap that was laid for him, inſtead of following him, gallop'd after the Dogs. By theſe means the young Janizary had the pleaſure of ſeeing himſelf alone with his Enemy, whom he cry'd to as ſoon as he ſaw him, that he had long ſought for ſuch an opportunity as that, and that ſince it offer'd it ſelf ſo happily, he deſired him to give him ſatisfaction for the Outrage he had received.

This Complement ſurpriſed the Aga. However, as he did not want Courage, he laid hand to his Piſtol, rather than to anſwer him: For you muſt know he had a pair at his Saddle Bow, contrary to the cuſtom of thoſe that go a Buck-hunting. The Young Janizary did the like on his ſide; and as they were in a place where they could not make any eſcape, to avoid a [Page] Shot, a Cut, or Thruſt, it was impoſſible for the Combat to be otherwiſe than cruel on both ſides. However, the young Janizary meaning to let him ſee that he had a Courage above all Fear, bid him fire firſt; and the Aga not ſtanding to be twice bid, levell'd his Piſtol at him, and miſs'd him. The young Janizary call'd out to him, to take his other Piſtol, and bid him fire again, which the Aga did, but with as little ſucceſs as the time before. He was very much at a loſs, after having thus miſs'd in his twice diſcharing: But he was very much ſurpriz'd when the Janizary, inſtead of availing himſelf of his advantage to kill him, or at leaſt, to make him beg his Life, cry'd out to him, not to be under any fear, and that out of acknowledgment for the Obligation he had to him for fighting him, he was willing to renounce the hopes he had of Victory. However, to let him ſee, [Page] that he ſaid nothing to him, but what he was ready to do, he fir'd his two Piſtols in the Air, which put the Aga into great admiration. But he had not the leiſure to make any great Reflexion upon his generoſity: For at the ſame time the Janizary attack'd him with his Sable in his Hand, and preſs'd him in ſuch manner, that he plainly ſaw, that though he was rid of his Piſtols, yet was he not the leſs to be feared. He ſtood upon his Defence, and did all he could to ſtop him; but either that the Aga was not ſo expert as the Janizary, or that Fortune concern'd it ſelf in the matter, the Janizary gave him two Wounds, one in the Arm, of no great moment, and the other in the Body, which was much more dangerous.

While this Combat was in Hand, the Aga's People not ſeeing him, and having heard firing ſeveral times, moſt of 'em quitted the Chace, and [Page] made that waywards, where they heard the noiſe. As they ran full gallop, they were not long a getting to the Place of Battel, and were much ſtartled to find him wounded. Yet as part of theſe People belong'd to him, and that the reſt were his Friends, they did not enquire into the occaſion of the Quarrel. All their care was only to ſecure the young Janizary, who being in a narrow way, could not avoid falling into their Hands. In vain was it that he ſtood upon his Defence; the Number overwhelm'd his Vertue, inſomuch, that he was loaded with Fetters, as if he had done the moſt criminal action in the World.

It was a great misfortune to him, in that the Aga did not ſee how they miſus'd him; for after having try'd, as he had done, his Generoſity, in all likelihood, far from ſuffering ſuch a thing, he would have hinder'd it with all his Power. But [Page] the Wound he had receiv'd, and whoſe danger. I have intimated, had reduc'd him to ſuch a Weakneſs, as that he had loſt both Speech and Knowledg. However, it could not be ſaid, that he had been aſſaſſinated; for he had been alſo found with his Weapons in his Hands: And thoſe that took the young Janizary, did themſelves declare, that he ſingly had brought him into that Condition. All this, together with the Youth of Ibrahim (ſo was the Janizary's Name), and the great Actions he had done, did occaſion his being generally pity'd by all People; eſpecially when reflexion was made, that the Aga had put a ſignal Affront upon him; and for which any man of Courage, as well as he, would have taken his Revenge.

The Grand Vizier was the firſt of this Opinion; but with all this not one durſt interpoſe in his behalf. If it was on one ſide conſider'd, that the Reſentment ſo common [Page] to Men of Valour, was the Cauſe of his Fault: on the other, they made reflexion, that this Action was of mighty Conſequence; at leaſt, without being ſeverely puniſh'd. Thoſe that had the beſt Intentions for him, did allow, that if he was pardon'd, it was the means to heighten the audaciouſneſs of the Soldiers againſt their Leaders; a Crime that already reign'd ſo very much among the Militia, that it was abſolutely neceſſary to remedy it. Thus Policy prevailing over any other Conſideration, the whole Diſcourſe was of making him ſerve for an Example to others. The Grand Vizier himſelf appear'd the moſt earneſt to have him brought to a Tryal; but it was only outwardly: for under hand he caus'd the Officers of the Council of War to be ſounded, by whom he was to be try'd, to know, whether there was no way to bring him off. If he would have employ'd his Authority [Page] in the Caſe, it would have been eaſie for him; and he needed only to ſay one word; but he was afraid of getting the Odium of all the Officers in the Army, that ſeem'd concern'd in the Aga's revenge.

Thoſe whom he had thus given order to ſound the Council of War, having brought him back word, that not one of them would promiſe him any thing, he be-thought himſelf of a very ſingular Stratagem, which was to ſend for each of them apart. Some he told, that the Janizary's Crime being the moſt enormous that a Soldier can commit, there was no Torment great enough to expiate it. That thus they would oblige him, by detaining thoſe that be prone to commit a like Action, in condemning him to have his Hand cut off, and then to be empal'd alive. His Directions to others were quite in an other Stile. He told them, That indeed the [Page] Janizary deſerv'd a moſt extraordinary Puniſhment; that Martial Law requir'd his Hand to be cut off, and then undergo an infamous Death: However, as he had perform'd a thouſand fine Actions, and this the only ill one, he ſhould be oblig'd to them, if they would in his favour relax of the Rigour of the Ordinances. That he did not demand of them abſolutely to abſolve him, but barely to condemn him to run the Gauntlet; a Sentence that nevertheleſs would be ſufficiently rigorous, ſeeing, that hardly any thing worſe can be done to a man, ſave putting him to death.

The Grand Vizier was too abſolute for them to dare to contradict him: every one of 'em promis'd what he requir'd, and effectually kept their Words. Thus when the young Janizary came to a Tryal, they were divided in their Opinions, ſome requiring he ſhould be empal'd alive, after having had [Page] his Hand cut off, and others, that he ſhould barely run the Gantlet Not a man of them would deſiſt from his Sentiments; ſo as that they could not agree upon the Sentence, for which cauſe they had it referr'd to the Grand Vizier. But he, far from deciding, bid both Parties be ſtedfaſt; and in the mean while outwardly to terminate this Conteſt, he nominated Six Officers more to aſſiſt at the Tryal of the Proceſs.. He for his Reaſons gave, that theſe would not perchance be divided, as the others; and that thus he ſhould make them agree in their Sentence. But before he nominated them, he made them all to promiſe all that he desired; inſomuch, that Three opin'd on one ſide, and Three on the other; which rather augmented, than laid aſleep the Diſſention. And indeed I may call by this name, what had like to have been the occaſion of a great Diſorder: for every one thinking, that [Page] the Opinion he declar'd himſelf of, was that of the Grand Vizier, they ſpar'd one another ſo little, that after having been at hard Words, they appointed a Rendezvouze, to ſee one another with Sword in Hand. Of this the Grand Vizier was inform'd by one of thoſe who thought to make his Court to him, by letting him ſee to what a Pitch he was affected to him. He was not miſtaken; for the thing pleas'd the Vizier extreamly: Nevertheleſs, not judging it convenient to let it proceed farther, he forbid theſe Officers from proceeding to any ſuch Extremity; and under Colour of not augmenting the occaſion of their Enmity, he ſaid, That ſince they could not agree upon the Point, he would ſend away the Priſoner to Conſtantinople, to be try'd by the Grand Signior himſelf.

[Page] All the Officers that would perchance have found fault, had he undertaken to ſave him, of his ſingle Authority, far from diving into his Secret, were the firſt to approve of his Prudence. Whereupon he ſent him under a good and ſure Guard; at leaſt it ſeem'd ſo: but having way-laid it with Men, that were ſtill more numerous than the Convoy, they freed him out of its Hands, after having put thoſe to flight that ſhould have oppos'd their Attempt. The young Janizary, who expected to die at Conſtantinople, as well as in the Camp, was over joy'd at this Adventure, which he knew not what to attribute to. However, his joy was but of ſhort continuance: for he had ſcarcely had time to thank his Deliverers, when that the Convoy return'd, with a Troop of Horſe, which it had met on the way, and whoſe aſſiſtance it had implor'd. As ſoon as the others ſaw this, and that the Match [Page] was not equal, they in their turn fled, and abandoned the poor Janizary, who being ill-mounted, according to the Cuſtom of all Criminals, could not follow them, tho his Heart did. The Convoy having thus taken him again, without much truoble, it did not otherwiſe mind running after the reſt, who, to cut off all knowledg of their March, threw themſelves into a Forreſt on their Right Hand, and which contain'd ten Leagues at leaſt in length.

By this means the young Janizary was conducted to Conſtantinople; which the Grand Vizier being inform'd of, all that he could do, was to write to the Sultana Zelinda, who was very much his Friend, that ſhe would employ her Credit, to ſave him. In the mean while the Aga had had time to recover; and as he was generous of himſelf, and that beſides, he valu'd the young Janizary's Courage, whereof [Page] he had had good proof in the Combat he had had with him, he was no ſooner upon his Legs, but that he entreated the Grand Vizier to ſuffer him to go to Conſtantinople, where he promis'd him to do all that in him lay, to obtain the young Janizary's Pardon. The Grand Vizier having this very much at Heart, did not only give him leave, but that he might make the more expedition, he advis'd him to embark in a Ship, which he offer'd him. The Aga accepted it, and going accordingly on Board, there aroſe ſo great a Storm the very firſt day, that he was forc'd to come to an Anchor on the Coaſts of the Venetians. This Re-publick was then in Peace with the Port, ſo as that the Aga there met with all ſort of good Reception. He ſtaid two or three days, waiting for good weather; and in that ſpace a Woman came to beg of him, he would give her leave to embark in his [Page] Ship, when that he made Sail. This Woman, who was already pretty well advanc'd in years, had a Daughter with her of an excellent Beauty; and the Aga thinking that ſhe would go the Voyage too, not only granted her Requeſt, in conſideration of the Damſel, but likewiſe made her a thouſand offers of Service. For he ſaid in himſelf, that this was a Bit fit for the Grand Signior's Tooth; and that if he could make himſelf Maſter of her, he ſhould not only obtain the Janizary's Pardon, but that he ſhould alſo oblige his Maſter to do many things for him.

While that he fed himſelf with theſe hopes, the Woman told him, that this Beauteous Perſon, who was her Daughter, would not go the Voyage; which oblig'd him to take other meaſures. That which he contriv'd, was to conceal what paſs'd in his Mind; telling this Lady, on the contrary, That ſhe did well, in [Page] not expoſing her Daughter to the danger of the Sea, or to the inconveniency of a long Voyage. By this means he remov'd all the ſuſpicions ſhe might have conceiv'd, joyn'd to this, that he never look'd upon this Beautiful Perſon, but as if ſhe had been altogether indifferent to him. In the mean while, the day of his departure being come, and the Nymph returning to conduct her Mother to the Ship, he made Sail all on the ſudden. The Mother having perceiv'd, that they were moving, begg'd of him, to cauſe the Long-boat to be put out, to carry her Daughter back on Shoar: But the Aga ſeeing that there was no longer any danger for him, in declaring his Mind, he told her plainly, that her Daughter was too lovely to be the Wife of any private perſon; that he pretended to preſent her to the Grand Signior, as ſoon as he was arriv'd at Conſtantinople; That he believ'd ſhe would [Page] infinitely pleaſe him: But if it prov'd not ſo, her Fortune would be greater than if ſhe ſtaid in her own Countrey: That he had not been able to ſee her, without finding her the moſt Charming Perſon breathing; and that if he did not love her, it was only for that it was not allowable in a Slave, as he was, to lift up his Eyes upon a Perſon deſign'd for his Lord: That he ſaid no more, becauſe he was not ſuffer'd to explain his mind further; that Time would ſhew the reſt; and that this depended on the manner of her Reception by the Grand Signior.

This Complement was extreamly vexatious to this Lady, as well as to her Daughter: And it is impoſſible to relate all the melting things they ſaid to perſwade him, nor how many Tears they ſhed, ſeeing their Intreaties were in vain. However, that I may not dwell longer upon a Subject ſo worthy of Compaſſion, [Page] you muſt know, that all conſpiring to the Aga's Deſires, he had ſo fair a Wind, that his Ship made more way in Two Hours than he expected to do in Four. By this means he arriv'd at Conſtantinople, before that Ibrahim was conducted thither; which was of extream conſequence to him, ſince it was to be feared, that the Grand Signior might take a Fancy to put him to Death as ſoon as he arriv'd. It was no extraordinary thing, that the Aga ſhould have this thought, ſince he was ignorant of what the Grand Vizier had done for him, or that he had written to the Sultana in his behalf. However, having begg'd Audience of the Grand Signior, he preſented him the Beautiful Perſon he had brought along with him, who was in ſome manner chang'd, both by the inconveniency of the Sea, and out of Grief to be thus led into Captivity. But though for theſe Reaſons [Page] ſhe did not ſhine ſo much as uſually, ſhe nevertheleſs appear'd ſo beauteous and charming to the Grand Signior, that he whiſper'd to himſelf a thouſand times, that there was nothing in his Serraglio comparable to her. He made her at the ſame time ſeveral magnificent Preſents, and worthy of ſo great a Prince. This Beautiful Perſon appear'd inſenſible to all this, as well as to the other Tokens of Love given her by the Grand Signior: But as the Will of thoſe Princes ſerves for Law in all their Dominions, whatever repugnance ſhe had to grant him any favour, ſhe could not diſpenſe her ſelf from doing all that he required.

Enjoyment, which is wont to extinguiſh all Deſires in other Lovers, produc'd a quite contrary effect in him. It is impoſſible to ſay to what Degree he lov'd her; and his fondneſs appear'd ſo ſtrong, that it gave a jealouſie to all the other [Page] Sultana's of the Serraglio. In the mean while, ſhe had not been eight days thus declared the Favourite, when the Guard that conducted the Janizary arriv'd. He that commanded it, having had Audience of the Grand Signior, he preſented him the Grand Vizier's Letter, by which this Principal Officer inform'd him of all that paſs'd between the Aga and the Janizary: And to inſpire him with Sentiments of Mercy, he gave him an exact Account of all the Occaſions Ibrahim had been in; and forgot not to give him the Praiſes that were due to him. While that the Grand Signior read this Letter, the Aga being then preſent, had his Eyes fix'd upon him, to mind after what manner he took the thing; and he only waited till he had done, to throw himſelf at his Feet, and demand his Pardon. For after having chang'd Colour ſeveral times while that he read this Letter, an indubitable [Page] mark that it ſenſibly affected him; he toar it in a thouſand pieces; then walking thereupon, as a furious man; This inſolent Wretch ſhall pay for it, ſaid he; and I am over joy'd that he is brought hither, that he may gratifie my own ſight with his Execution. How! continued he, to attack his Aga! And what Torment can be invented, but what he deſerves to have a thouſand times more cruel?

Every one ſeeing the Grand Signior in so great a Paſſion, caſt down their Eyes, and trembled. Thus not a Perſon but look'd on Ibrahim as a loſt Man, and all People pitty'd him, without knowing him otherwiſe than by Fame. In the mean time Sultana Zelinda, being ignorant of what paſs'd, ſent to entreat the Grand Signior to come and ſee her upon a matter of moment ſhe had to ſay to him. The Grand Signior went thither, and as ſoon as ſhe ſaw him, ſhe went about to prepoſſeſs[Page]him, in favour of the Janizary, by a Relation of his fine Actions. But the Grand Signior not being pleas'd with this Diſcourſe, Yes, Madam, he anſwer'd, he has done all you ſay: but d' ye alſo know what he has done more? D' ye know that he would have kill'd his Aga? And that to morrow I'le have him empal'd before my Eyes? Ah! God forbid, Sir, the Sultana anſwer'd, and have you no more care of your own Intereſts. Conſider, Sir, that after thoſe Trials of Skill this poor Wretch has made, he is born for the Glory of your Empire. If he had had leſs Courage, he would more patiently have born the Affront put on him by the Aga. See with what greatneſs of Mind he declin'd revenging himſelf, when it was in his Power to do it. He fires his Piſtols in the Air, againſt a Man that had newly fir'd two at him. Where is the Man that has done the ſame thing? and what Example have you of it in your Empire? Beſides, if [Page] your Celſitude did but conſider what you might expect from ſuch a Man, who is ſaid not to be Eighteen Years old as yet; and if you be not reſolv'd to yield to ſo many illuſtrious Marks of Valour, that you would, at leaſt, yield to my Entreaties. Yes, Sir, continued ſhe, 'tis I that implore your Mercy for that unfortunate Man. You know, Sir, I know him not; but I am ſo affected with his great Actions, that though he were my Brother, I ſhould not intercede more for him. At theſe words ſhe threw her ſelf at his Feet, and embrac'd his Knees, telling him, ſhe would never riſe, unleſs he granted her Requeſt.

This Sultana had formerly been his whole Inclination; and it was only ſince the Arrival of the New Commer, that her Credit was no longer ſo great. Nevertheleſs, this Prince ſtill expreſs'd a great regard for her; and the World ſaw, that notwithſtanding his new fondneſs, he ſtill honour'd her with his Viſits. [Page] Wherefore ſhe did certainly believe that her Requeſt was going to be granted her. But this Prince imagining, that it was for his Intereſt to puniſh a Crime, that being pardon'd, might give an Ill Example to his Soldiery; Ask me, Madam, ſaid he to her at the ſame time, all you pleaſe, and I will inſtantly grant it you; but do not importune me any longer, I beſeech you for a thing which I muſt, of all neceſſity, deny you. It ſenſibly troubles me, loving you ſo tenderly as I do; but you would not have my Complaiſance proceed ſo far, as to injure my Empire. You ſee the Conſequences of it as well as I; but as I fancy, you did not reflect upon them. Thereupon he repreſented to her, how neceſſary it was to keep up Obedience among the Soldiery; and that if Ibrahim was not puniſh'd, all the others would think it allowable in them to do what he had done. However, to let her ſee, that it was not out of Paſſion that he ſpoke in [Page] this manner, tho he had manifeſted ſome in the beginning of his Diſcourſe, upon her Conſideration, he chang'd the manner of his Death, and promis'd her, that he ſhould only be be-headed.

As this Sultana did not act of her own motion, and that it was only to do the Grand Vizier a kindneſs, ſhe would not importune him any longer, contenting her ſelf with telling him, that her Deſign was not to torment him; but that if he could have granted her this Requeſt, without injuring of himſelf, ſhe ſhould have been much obliged to him. The Aga, who had ſaid nothing as yet, having learnt, that this Sultana had been refus'd, durſt not ſpeak, well knowing, that his Credit did not come near to hers. Thus nothing now was expected, but to ſee the Janizary dye, the Day of whoſe Execution was aſſign'd on the morrow. The Grand Signior had the Cruelty to have it perform'd in his [Page] Preſence, and appointed the Place under the Windows of the Serraglio, contrary to the uſual Cuſtom. The Hour drawing near, he went to the new-come Sultana's Room, and there, without being ſeen, he view'd through a Lettice-Window, the whole Preparation for the Execution, having the Young Sultana by his ſide, and her Mother, whom he had left with her. A Moment after came the Young Janizary; and the Mother had no ſooner caſt her Eyes upon him, but that ſhe cry'd out; Ah, Sir, what ſee I here! this is my Son; and if you do not pardon him, I ſhall die at your Feet. Theſe Words did extreamly ſurpriſe the Grand Signior, as well as the Young Sultana: And the Grand Signior imagining, that ſome body made her ſay this, to ſave him: Ah! Madam, ſaid he to her, how can this be your Son? and though it were ſo, how can you know him again, he that is not above Eighteen Years old, and has [Page]been here above theſe Fourteen? It is my very Son, Sir, ſhe anſwer'd him in a frightful Condition, and if you have any kindneſs for the Siſter, ſave her unhappy Brother. Thereupon ſhe told him ſuccinctly the Mark ſhe had caus'd to be made upon him, that ſhe might know him again; and that ſhe came to ſeek him out, when that the Aga ſtole away her Daughter. She added, That if it was her Son, he muſt likewiſe have a Mark on the left Arm, but which was natural; That it was of the form of a Pigeon: and that if it were not ſo, ſhe did not pretend he ſhould pardon a Perſon that had had the unhappineſs to diſpleaſe him.

The Young Sultana hearing the Mother talk in this manner, or rather partaking in her Grief, ſhe threw her ſelf at the Grand Signior's Feet, and told him, That after having rais'd her to the Rank ſhe poſſeſs'd, ſhe did not think he would give her the Affliction of ſeeing her [Page] Brother paſs through the Hands of an Executioner: That ſhe found her ſelf in a ſtrange Concern, a Token that her Mother was not miſtaken: That ſhe muſt however tell him the ſame thing that ſhe had told him; namely, that they ſhould view his Arm, and then paſs on to the Execution, in caſe they did not find the deſigned Mark. The Grand Signior taking care to lift her up again; Yes, Madam, ſaid he to her, what you demand is juſt; and though I am going to make a ſcurvy Buſineſs on't with the Sultana Zelinda, to whom I have refus'd Ibrahim's Life, I am very glad that this has thus happen'd, to let you ſee, that I conſider you above all others. At theſe words, he gave a Slave order, to go immediately to the Place, where the Execution was going to be perform'd, to make the Janizary ſhew his Left Arm; and if the Mark before-mention'd was there, to cry out Pardon at the ſame time.

[Page] The Slave knowing what part the Sultana. Favourite took in this Commiſſion, did not leave off running till ſhe came to the Place, where it had been too late, had ſhe ſtaid never ſo little longer. For indeed in a moment later it had been done; and, as I may ſay, the Executioner had already his Arm lift up to compleat his Work. But the coming in of this Slave having ſtopp'd him: Look upon me, ſaid ſhe to the Janizary, who did not mind her: I come from the Grand Signior, and he commands thee to ſhew me thy Left Arm bare. Does he already repent, he anſwer'd her with a firmneſs becoming his great Courage, of his Favour to me? If he will have my Hand to be cut off, 'tis not the Left I am to give thee, but the Right, with which I attack'd the Aga. At the same time he preſented the Hand to him he then mention'd: But the Slave ſaid to him, The Grand Signior does not ſend me hither to do thee more [Page]harm than thou haſt receiv'd. I can ſay no more to thee, but ſhew thy Obedience to his Commands, by letting me ſee the other Arm inſtead of this. The Janizary ſeem'd very indifferent at theſe Words, and ſhewing her what ſhe demanded, ſhe had no ſooner turn'd up his Shirt Sleeve, but that ſhe perceiv'd the Form of a Pigeon: She immediately cry'd out, Pardon, pardon; which amaz'd all thoſe that were preſent, who knew that Sultana Zelinda had been refus'd the ſame thing, as was declar'd by the Slave. The Officers would not believe her upon her bare word; but alſo not daring to proceed, becauſe that ſhe ſpake in the name of the Grand Signior, they ſent to know his Pleaſure. The Grand Signior confirm'd what ſhe had ſaid: And thus in an Inſtant the Janizary was ſeen to paſs from a ſhameful Puniſhment, to a Fortune that would have been much greater, but for an unhappy Accident that befel his Siſter: She was become [Page] big with Child, miſcarry'd, and after that had a flux of blood, that hinder'd the Grand Signior from ſeeing her of a long time in private: And as ſhe no longer contributed to his pleaſures, ſhe was quickly in the Rank of forgotten Perſons.

After this Sultana Zelinda became more than ever in favour. She had mortally hated the other, during the little time ſhe had been in Credit; Not content to ſee her ſelf triumph o're her Rival, through the Diſaſter that was befallen her, ſhe did what ſhe could to ruine her entirely in the Grand Signior's Opinion. She forged ſeveral Letters, by which ſhe ſeem'd to be a Damſel that had had ſeveral Intrigues in her own Countrey: And if the Grand Signior had been Credulous, ſhe would have been ſhamefully turn'd out of the Serraglio. But this Prince knowing what to attribute this Detraction to, and who beſides look'd upon himſelf as the only Cauſe: of this Sultana's [Page] Calamity, entreated Zelinda to entertain him no longer with ſuch like Diſcourſes; adding, that on the contrary, ſhe muſt live in good Terms with her, if ſhe meant to be agreeable to him.

This Advice was a kind of Command. Thus Zelinda was to uſe Violence to her own Inclination. But what is not a Perſon capable of, when the Buſineſs is to captivate the Heart of a Great Monarch? Not only ſhe abſtain'd from ſpeaking ill of her any more, but ſhe likewiſe ſaw her with as great Expreſſion of Kindneſs as any other: So true is it, That when the Maſter commands, nothing is impoſſible. This pleas'd the Grand Signior extreamly, who was daily more and more concern'd at the unhappy Condition the other Sultana was reduc'd to. For you muſt know, that her flux of Blood did not ceaſe, which was doubtleſs worthy of Compaſſion. Now that he might declare to her his Regret [Page] for her Illneſs, he granted her all the Favours ſhe demanded of him: nay, and often prevented her Requeſts: Inſomuch, that Pity, with him, ſupply'd the Place of Love. But nothing could ſo much perſwade her of the Conſideration he had for her, as his giving her Brother leave to come ſee her Twice a Week in the Serraglio. A thing that was never ſeen in the Ottoman Empire, and which perhaps will never be ſeen again. He had already given him the Office of Vice-Admiral of the Seas, and had heap'd ſundry other Favours upon him; inſomuch, that he might be ſaid to be a fine Example of the Inconſtancy of Fortune, who after having us'd him ſo ſeverely, ſmil'd ſo much upon him at that time, ſo far, as that he was one of the Men of that Empire, to whom He promis'd moſt, and who, on his ſide, had the fineſt Qualities therewith to correſpond. For tho we daily ſee, that ſhe makes her Choice fall upon ſuch [Page] Perſons as are unworthy of it; yet muſt you agree with me, that when ſhe ſheds her Favours upon Men of Worth and Ability, they are much more capable of keeping them than others.

This is a Truth that cannot be deny'd. But without dwelling longer upon this Subject, you muſt know, that one day when he went to ſee his Siſter, the Sultana Zelinda came thither, but in ſuch an extraordinary Magnificency, that had ſhe had a Deſign of Dazling the Grand Signior, ſhe could not have done more. The Grand Signior had given the ſick Sultana order, not to admit any body into her Lodgings while her Brother was there. Thus when the other came to the Door, ſhe let her know, that ſhe was extreamly griev'd that ſhe could not receive her, and told her the Occaſion. But Sultana Zelinda made anſwer, that the Prohibition was not for her; and at the worſt, [Page] it was but letting the Grand Signior know nothing of the matter. This anſwer ſeem'd very ſparkiſh to the ſick Sultana; and as ſhe was afraid of incurring the Grand Signior's Diſpleaſure, ſhe roſe up haſtily to go mind her her ſelf, that far from the Prohibition's not being made for her, it would be found to be principally on her account, if the Grand Signior was brought to explain his Intentions. But the other making a Jeaſt of all ſhe ſaid to her, reply'd, That they were Both too wiſe ever to ſay a Word of the matter; and that thus there was no great danger in not remembring the Prohibition. And going ſtill on, as ſhe ſaid theſe Words, ſhe came into the Room, where was the ſick Sultana's Brother. Since he had been in Turky he had ſeen a World of fine Women; ſo as that he had no reaſon to be ſurpriz'd at Beauty: yet could he not ſuſtain the Luſtre of the Sultana's, which he gaz'd upon with [Page] Admiration. But this Admiration produc'd no Softneſſes and Wiſhings, either that he was withheld by Reſpect, or, as is more probable, that Sympathy, which is wont to produce ſuch ſurprizing effects in an Inſtant, was not in him. He would have gone away that very moment, which put Sultana Zelinda in a Maze; and ſhe ask'd him, whether ſhe frighted him? He made her ſuch an Anſwer as Gallantry requir'd of him to ſuch a Queſtion as that: Then he added, That he knew the Reſpect he ow'd her, and that this was the Cauſe that he was content to deprive himſelf of the Pleaſure there was in ſeeing her. That's being too wiſe, and too prudent, ſhe ſaid to him, for a Perſon of your Age: And if Reſpect, as you ſay, obliges you to be gone, I diſpence you from that, nay, and require you to ſtay here.

This Diſcourſe ſeem'd very free for ſuch a Perſon as Zelinda, who had ſo many meaſures to keep: and [Page] the ſick Sultana, and her Brother, did preſently imagine that ſhe muſt have powerful Reaſon to induce her to talk in that manner. If it had been becoming a Man to have had a little good Opinion of himſelf, Ibrahim might have fancy'd that he had ſome ſhare therein; and though this had happen'd, he would not have been much in the wrong, ſince in Truth Sultana Zelinda was fallen in Love with him, upon the Rumour of his Reputation; Inſomuch, that being very willing to inform her ſelf, whether greater Commendations were not beſtow'd upon him than were due to him, ſhe had paſs'd o're a great many Conſiderations to have a ſight of him. Thus was ſhe far from ſuffering him to be gone; and as People are wont to interpret all things to their advantage, ſhe took for Tokens of a budding Paſſion, all the fine things he could not forbear ſaying to her, both upon her Beauty and her Wit.

[Page] It is a wonder how Ibrahim came away from this Interview, without being in Love. For it is certain ſhe did all ſhe could to pleaſe him, which joyn'd to her Beauty, which was not Common, ought to produce great effect upon a Man of Eighteen Years old. She was oblig'd to go away firſt, becauſe that word was brought her, that the Grand Signior was going into her Apartment. Fough, ſaid ſhe in Ibrahim's Ear, he knows not how troubleſome his Viſit is to me; and if I might ſpeak my Mind, I ſhould deſire him to put it off till another time.

This was a ſufficient hint to a man that was not ſtupid: But what gave him ſtill a better Opinion of his good Fortune, is, that ſhe preſs'd his Hand at her going away. He thought not fitting to ſay the leaſt of this to his Siſter, though he was not wont to conceal the leaſt thing from her; but he believ'd there to be ſuch as he could not divulge, [Page]without being wanting to the Character of a well-bred Man, and he plac'd in the Number of theſe what had newly happen'd. Sultana Zelinda being gone, the beauteous ſick Sultana ask'd him, what he thought of her: All that a man can think, Madam, ſaid he to her, of a Beautiful Perſon; and I know only You that ever was capable of diſputing the Prize of Beauty with her. What I now ſay, he continued, ought not to be ſuſpected by you: You know, that Flattery is very ill becoming in the Mouth of a Perſon that has the Honour of being ſo nearly related to you: But if what I now ſay to you, be not ſufficient to perſwade you of my ſincerity, I mean to tell you with the ſame ingenuity, that I have hardly in my Life ſeen a more Beautiful Perſon; and yet I know none that affects me leſs.

This Converſe held them till the time requir'd for him to go to his own Houſe. The fair, though ſick [Page] Sultana, was over-joy'd to ſee him have theſe Sentiments: For though the Grand Signior had commanded her to live in good Terms with Sultana Zelinda, ſhe againſt her had a certain Jealouſie, which is natural to Perſons that aſpire to one and the ſame Heart. And indeed, though in the beginning ſhe had only comply'd with the Sultana's Deſires, out of a kind of neceſſity, ſhe came in proceſs of time, to reliſh the Occaſion; not, perchance, his Perſon, but at leaſt the Grandeur of his Empire, which he had ſhar'd with her, ſo long as ſhe had enjoy'd a perfect Health. So ſweet a time being ever preſent to her Memory, ſhe wiſh'd nothing ſo much as that ſhe might recover. It was rather on this account, than to deliver her from the Indiſpoſition ſhe labour'd under, that ſhe ſent for Phyſicians from all parts, to whom ſhe promis'd Immenſe Sums, if they could ſtop the Malady with which ſhe was afflicted. [Page] Several promis'd her what they did not perform; but at laſt, after having paſs'd through the Hands of all theſe Quacks, there was one that offer'd his Service, telling her, that he would ſtake his Life againſt her Recovery. That nevertheleſs, as ſhe was weakned both by the Nature of her Diſtemper, and the violent Remedies that had been given her, it requir'd time to ſee the effects of his Promiſes, for as much as that ſhe was to be reſtor'd by little and little, before the laſt Hand could be put to her Recovery.

The Promiſes this Phyſician made were quickly divulg'd throughout the Grand Signior's Court; and tho they could hardly obtain Credit, after ſo many others that had fail'd the beauteous Sultana; yet Zelinda was allarum'd at them, principally when ſhe knew, that by the Means of the Remedies he had given her, ſhe already began to mend daily. She [Page] would willingly have doubted of it, ſo ungrateful was the thing to her; but it was impoſſible for her to do it, ſeeing her ſelf, by the Change that appear'd in her Face, that to think the contrary, would be to flatter her ſelf. However, you muſt know, that ſhe ſtill continu'd to love her Rival's Brother: and of this ſhe had given him ſeveral Tokens, in ſome other Viſits which ſhe had ſtill paid him when he was there. Nevertheleſs, things had not proceeded further as yet, either for want of Conveniency, or that perhaps ſhe was afraid of truſting her Secret with a Perſon engag'd in Intereſts ſo contrary to hers. But in ſhort, ſhe paſſed o're this Conſideration in ſome days after, and that becauſe ſhe fancy'd ſhe ſaw in him a Love that fell in nothing ſhort of hers. It was in her Siſters Apartment; where ſhe imagin'd ſhe perceiv'd it. She was gone to pay her a Viſit, after her uſual manner; and diſcourſing familiarly [Page] with him of the return of her Siſters Health; She will be more beautiful than ever, ſaid ſhe to him; and as the Sultan will not fail of reviving his Flames, you will quickly ſhare his Favour with her. I do not envy, added ſhe, her happineſs; but I am vex'd that the Benefits you are going to receive, ſhould come to you through any other hands than mine.

Before I tell his Anſwer, you muſt know, that what ever indifference he had entertain'd for her in the beginning, he had in the proceſs of time, found ſo many Charms in her Converſation, that if he was not Hand over Head in Love with her, yet it might be ſaid, that ſhe was not indifferent to him; for which Reaſon, taking that time to declare the Sentiments to her he had for her, I love my Siſter, ſaid he to her, as a Brother is bound to love her; but in ſhort, if I was ſuffer'd to tell my whole thoughts upon the matter, as there are others in the World whom I love infinitely[Page]more, it would be much more grateful to me, that they took care of my Fortune. Wherefore, added he, if it muſt b [...] to their Prejudice, that ſhe recovers her Health, though it would be more handſome in me to think it than to ſay it, I am willing you ſhould know, that I wiſh ſhe might never be cured. This was a ſufficient Explanation of his Mind, as not to leave any room for doubt, but that ſhe was the Party ment in his Diſcourſe: So as that ſhe was extreamly well ſatisfy'd: And as there is nothing that makes greater progreſs with a Perſon, as her knowing that you correſpond with her Paſſion, Sultana Zelinda was quickly ſenſible of ſuch raging Flames, that ſhe was oblig'd to unboſome them to their Author.

It was not without Confuſion however, that ſhe reſolved to take this Courſe. Such a ſtep is ever a wrecking ſort of Buſineſs to a Woman: and if ordinary ſort of Damſels [Page] make ſuch a do in coming to that paſs, what muſt it not be when it befalls ſuch a Perſon as Zelinda? Nevertheleſs, Love being ſtronger in her than all the Reflexions ſhe could make, ſhe took Pen and Ink, and wrote theſe Words to him:

Sultana Zelinda's Letter to Ibrahim.

IT is time that I lay aſide the Scruples that ſtop me. I love you, ſince I muſt needs tell it you: And indeed, to what purpoſe would it be for me to conceal it, ſince you are ſufficiently clear ſighted, to ſee it in every thing I daily do. Your Siſter has no ſhare in the Viſits I make her: You ought to make the Application of them wholly to your ſelf: And ſhe is ſo very far from flattering her ſelf with them, as that we both of us make ſuch Figures, as would hinder us from ever being good Friends, had ſhe not a Brother [Page] that is capable of making me forget all things. Thus let her in peace enjoy the Sultan's Heart; I ſhall never be jealous of her, provided, that you aſſure me, you will render me the Miſtreſs of Yours.

Ibrahim being daily more and more taken with the Sultana Zelinda, reliſh'd this Letter extreamly; and for fear ſhe ſhould repent of having written theſe king things, he expreſs'd his own Gallantries in theſe Terms:

Ibrahim's Anſwer to Sultana Zelinda.

IF hitherto nothing but my Looks has told you, that I love you, do not think, Madam, that I was detain'd by any other Conſideration, than the Reſpect I have for you. I do not fear enting upon the Sultan's Tenures, and though it were to coſt me my [Page] Life, I am prepar'd for all, rather than remain any longer in ſilence. Thus it is not your Letter that quickens me, I had already my Pen in Hand, to aſſure you, that you are the moſt lovely Perſon in the World, and that I am the moſt in love of all men. Give me, I beſeech you, Madam, an Aſſignation elſewhere than at your Siſters; You will ſee, that the Expreſſion I have newly us'd, is much too weak to expreſs all thoſe ſoft Wiſhings you have inſpired me withal.

Though Ibrahim took mighty pleaſure in reading the Letter that was ſent him, yet Sultana Zelinda was no leſs ſatisfy'd than he. Thus Both having Sentiments ſo conformable to one another, they were careful when they ſaw one another at the Siſters Lodgings, to procure a more particular Interview to themſelves. Zelinda brib'd an Eunuch, who introduc'd Ibrahim privately into her Apartment; and there they interchang'd ſo many Teſtimonies of [Page] a Reciprocal Love, that after having ſpent the Night together, Ibrahim did not talk of going, nor Sultana Zelinda of ſending him away home. In the mean while, it being already broad-day, and Zelinda oblig'd to ſhew her ſelf to her Waiting-Woman, ſhe ſhut Ibrahim up in a Cloſet; and he, in hopes of having the ſame Pleaſures the following Night, as he had had the Night paſt, was not at all ſorry to be thus put into Priſon. He there ſpent Two or Three Hours in be-witching Imaginations, as is uſual with happy Lovers. But, as there is nothing ſo common as to ſee them paſs all on the ſudden, from the top of Happineſs to an Abyſs of Miſeries, at the time he was deepeſt plung'd in theſe agreeable Thoughts, he heard a great noiſe, which oblig'd him to liſten. It was the Grand Signior, who was come to ſee Sultana Zelinda; and Both being ſeated pretty near the Cloſet-Door, he heard the Sultan [Page] ſpeaking theſe Words to her:

It is a ſtrange thing, Zelinda, to ſee how you uſe me at preſent: I love you daily more and more, and yet far from correſponding therewith, you can hardly ſuffer my Careſſes. I ſee that all you do is only out of Conſtraint; and as that is not natural, ſome body muſt certainly have robb'd me of your heart. There was a time when I flatter'd my ſelf, that I had it all entire; and when I compare ſo happy a time with the preſent, I find my ſelf under ſo profound a Grief, that I know not how it comes that I do not die of deſpair. For you I renounce all the other Sultana's: With whatever Charms Nature has provided them, my Eyes are not favourable to them. Nevertheleſs, they all do what they can to pleaſe me. Whereas you now look on me ſo indifferently, that it ſeems as if. I was burdenſome to you. What does all this mean, Madam, added he, can I be ſo unhappy, as that you ſhould have a diſguſt for me, or that my Conduct [Page] ſhould make me incur ſo ill a Treatment? If I am the cauſe of it, you need only to ſpeak, and you will ſee me ſo complaiſant, that though I were your Slave, I could not obey you better. But what do I ſay! Am not I effectually ſo? And do you ſee, that I ever in your regard, made uſe of the Power given me by the Rank I here hold. All the People you ſee of both Sexes, make it their main Pride to ſooth my Will; and for my part, I make it mine wholly to ſooth yours.

Such a Diſcourſe at any time is troubleſome, principally when one knows, that there is ſome ground for it: But it's quite another thing, when a natural Coldneſs is joyn'd to ſome Conſideration. Thus the Fear Zelinda was in for her Lover, who was not ſo well concealed, but that he might be diſcovered, rendring her altogether unhing'd, or rather, quite nonpluſs'd and in utter Confuſion, ſhe made ſuch a ſorry Defence, [Page] that the Grand Signior, who was not, perhaps, as yet jealous, begun to harbour ſome gauling apprehenſions. You have reaſon, Madam, he ſaid to her, for not vouchſafing me ſo much as the trouble of diſabuſing me: When one hates People, it is very indifferent, whether they think they are beloved or not. But, what do I ſay? You would be glad that I left you, that ſo you might be at eaſe. He then held his Peace, to ſee whether ſhe would uſe her utmoſt endeavour [...] to give him better Impreſſions: but perceiving that ſhe continued in a kind of Inſenſibility, which was worſe to him, a thouſand times, than the greateſt Slights: Ah! this is too much, Madam, renew'd he, and ſince now I can no longer doubt, but that you deſpiſe me, at leaſt, without being inſenſible, I muſt watch ſo narrowly, to diſcover who can be the Cauſe of it, that nothing may eſcape my Penetration.

[Page] At theſe words he roſe up, all in Anger, and his Deſign was to be gone that very Inſtant; but his Love detaining him in ſpight of his Intentions: But pray, Madam, ſaid he to her, have you nothing to ſay to me? And will ye let me go away deſperate? What can I ſay to you, Sir? ſhe anſwer'd him: And if you be in an ill Humour, am I the Cauſe of it? Yes, that's it that makes me now incur all theſe Complaints: wherefore, as I hope it will quickly be over, far from detaining you, I ſhould be glad you would go your ways. She paid him her Reſpects after the rate of our Womens Courteſies, as ſoon as ſhe had finiſh'd this Diſcourſe: And the Grand Signior not being wont to be treated in this manner: Yes, I will go, Perfidious Woman, he ſaid to her, ſince you will have it ſo. Nay, I'le do more: I am going to uſe my utmoſt endeavours to forget thee; and happy ſhall I be, if I can accompliſh this Deſign. Nevertheleſs, I muſt [Page] tell thee, that I plainly perceive from whence thy inſenſibility proceeds; thou loveſt ſome other; and as thou muſt have ſeduced the People that are about thee, to ſerve thee in thy new Paſſion, my Wrath is going to pour upon them, till ſuch time as that my Love does permit me to revenge my ſelf on thee. At theſe Words he ſent for all thoſe he had plac'd about the Sultana, and after having queſtion'd them each by him, or her ſelf, and threatned cruelly, for that they had not with ſufficient Fidelity look'd after the Sultaneſs; he caus'd Two to be ſtrangled in his Preſence.

This was matter to ſtartle her mightily, as well as Ibrahim, who heard all that paſs'd, from the place where he was ſhut up. However, after having thus given Inſtances of his Cruelty, he went his ways in a terrible ſtorm. But hardly was he got out of her Chamber, but that he return'd his Eyes, all ſparkling [Page]with Fury: Open me, Madam, ſaid he to her, your Cloſet, to ſee if you have not had the imprudence to keep ſome Love-Letters: And ſince that I am ſo unhappy, that the People I have plac'd about you, are more truſty to you than me, let me, at leaſt, omit nothing of what may inform me of the Occaſion of my Misfortune. It is eaſie to apprehend, that theſe did ſtrangely ſurprize the Sultana as well as Ibrahim, who had heard them diſtinctly. However, Zelinda, after having committed the fault of not managing this Prince, as became her, by ſome kind Words, hoping that ſhe might repair it: Ah, Sir, ſaid ſhe to him, Muſt your Celſitude needs continue to outrage me by the moſt ſenſible ſuſpicions imaginable? Should I write to any Body but my Dear Lord? And ſhould I receive Letters from any other than himſelf? In ſaying theſe Words, ſhe threw her Arms about his Neck: but he ſtepping back, How, Madam, he anſwer'd her, [Page] from whence comesit, that you are ſo ſenſible to this Reproach, and that you were not ſo but a moment ago to ſo many others that I made you. I ſaid a thouſand things t' ye more outraging than this; and not content with Words, I proceeded to Effects. All this, nevertheleſs, was not capable, as I may ſay, of unlocking your Teeth. You ſaw, that I exerciſed my Justice upon Wretches, without ſo much as vouchſafing to implore my Mercy. What's the meaning of your talking now, when what I do does not come near the hundredth part of what I did. I muſt certainly, added he, have caught you by your Feeble; and I beſeech you to open this Cloſet to me inſtantly, to ſee whether I be miſtaken or not. The Sultana ſeeing that her Artifices had availed her nothing, found her ſelf ſtill at a greater loſs than before. She would ſtill have trifled him off with ſome ſorry Reaſons; but he, inſtead of being therewith ſatisfy'd, thinking, as it was[Page]true, that all her Excuſes only departed from the fear ſhe was in of his diſcovering her Concerns: Ah! this is delaying too much, Madam, ſaid he to her, and if you give me not the Key which I demand of you, I ſhall quickly break open the Door. The Sultana no longer knowing what to ſay, made ſemblance of feeling for it in her Pocket, and not finding it, making the Grand Signior very impatient; Piſh, once again I tell you, this is trifling too long, ſaid he to her in a furious Paſſion; and I ſee plainly that you fool me. At theſe Words he call'd ſome Perſons of his Train, with a reſolution to command them to break open the Door.

Ibrahim did not attend that Extremity to ſhift for himſelf; and having devin'd, that Matters would come to that paſs, he had ſeaſonably open'd the Cloſet-Window, that look'd into the Garden, and leap'd out of it. It was full Thirty Foot [Page] high; but he had been ſo happy, as not to hurt himſelf. However, in avoiding one danger, he fell into an other. No-Body comes into this Garden, but the Grand Signior and the Sultana's; and were he diſcover'd, it was almoſt the ſame thing for him, as if he had been caught in Zelinda's Cloſet. As he knew all this very well, he immediately ſought out ſome place where he might hide himſelf. This was no difficult matter; for Places there were enough, where a Man might hope not to be perceiv'd: but wiſely making reflexion, that it was not ſufficient to avoid all Peoples ſight, but that he muſt likewiſe contrive the means to get out of that Garden; which he could not do, but by the Miniſtry of the Gardiner: He reſolv'd to truſt himſelf to him: For this purpoſe he caſt his Eyes about, to ſee if he could ſpy him; and getting no Body in ken, he perceiv'd an Houſe, which could belong [Page] to none but him: Thither ſtole he, and after having liſten'd attentively at the Door, he knock'd, and a Woman came and open'd it, and was mightily ſurpriz'd to ſee ſo handſome a Man, and of ſo good a Mien. Save my Life, ſaid Ibrahim to her, without Heſitation; and to merit her giving ſome attention to his Words, he gave her his Purſe, which was top-full of Gold, with a Diamond of great value. This does Wonders in the Age we live; and in Turkey, as well as here, there are very ſerviceable People, when a man knows how to engage them by ſuch winning, Such attractive Means as theſe Ibrahim made uſe of. And indeed, this Woman, without making any Reflexion on the Danger ſhe expos'd her ſelf to, if it ſhould chance to be known, that ſhe had given him harbour (for in fine, ſhe might well imagine, that he came from the Serraglio), let him in very amicably; and having diſcours'd ſome time together upon this Adventure, [Page] he was oblig'd to tell her, that Love was the Cauſe of his Diſorder, yet without ſpecifying to her any further particulars.

The Woman, who was the Gardiner's Wife, hearing him talk in this manner, bid him fear nothing; and as ſhe had been formerly in Love, ſhe would take a moſt peculiar Care of him. That ſhe knew what a Perſon was capable of in that Condition; not that ſhe had ever done any thing but in Honour and Honeſty, but becauſe that her Relations being againſt her marrying the Husband ſhe had, they were both oblig'd to have recourſe to Artifices, to deceive them. Thereupon ſhe began to run into Particulars of her Husband's Courtſhip; and already began to make known by the Prologue, that the Hiſtory would be long, when Ibrahim, who had other things in his Head, deſired her to defer that Account till an other time; giving her to underſtand, [Page] that ſome body or other might pop in upon them immediately; and that it was expedient to find out a Place where to hide him.

In all this Houſe there was but one Chamber, and a Garret over it; and Ibrahim was of Opinion to go into the Garret; but was diſſwaded from that by this Woman, who told him, that a Fellow her Husband employ'd in his Profeſſion, lay in it; and that as they knew not how long he ſhould be obliged to ſtay there, it was not fit he ſhould be ſeen by a young giddy-pated Cox-comb, who might perchance diſcover the whole Myſtery. She was rather of advice, to diſguiſe him as a Woman; and he jumping with her in Opinion, ſhe gave him a whole Suit of hers, and hid his in the Bed. While that this Metamorphoſis was doing, in came the Husband, who was mightily ſurprized to ſee a ſtrange Face, and whoſe Sex [Page] his dear Spouſe was buſie a changing. As ſhe was ſo ſo pretty, and that it's very natural to be jealous, he began to make a terrible Busſle; nay, and perhaps things would have proceeded further than Noiſe, had he had the ſtrength in his Hand. Ibrahim threw himſelf at his Feet, begging him not to ruine him, and owning ingenuouſly to him, that it was for an other Woman than his Wife, that he was fallen into that Perplexity, it moderated his Jealouſie a little. But nothing put him in ſo good an Humour as the Purſe and the Diamond, which his Wife ſhew'd him. Whereupon Ibrahim added, that what he ſaw was nothing, and that he would make him other-gueſs Preſents, in caſe he was truſty to him.

This Husband ſeeing ſome likelihood in what he ſaid to him, did a little calm his Anger. Nevertheleſs, having heard, that Gallants paulm'd ſtrange things upon Husbands, he [Page] began to fall again into his jealous fit, telling Ibrahim very reſolutely (for fear all this was Trick), that he would know from what part of the Serraglio he had thrown himſelf into the Garden. This was a queſtion he would never have been prevail'd upon to ſatisfie, nay, though it had coſt him his Life, if in that inſtant he had not remembred that his ſteps were printed in the place where he fell, and that thus it was a Proof againſt the Sultana, ſhould the Grand Signior come to take notice of it. For this reaſon did he no longer perſevere ſo much in concealing his Secret from him; he own'd all ingenuouſly to him; and deſiring him at the ſame time to take a Spade, and under pretence of working in that place, ſet what he ſhould think neceſſary to rights, as well for the Sultana's ſafety as his own. Though that at the Name of the Sultana Zelindu, the Gardiner knew her to be the Grand Signior's [Page] Favourite, he was a little troubled at the danger he was going to throw himſelf into, if the Intrigue ever came to be diſcovered. Yet as one is ever more ſenſible to one's own Concerns, than to thoſe of an other, he was very glad that he had cured him of thoſe Suſpicions that might have remained in his Head. He went immediately to do what Ibrahim ſaid to him; and he had hardly ſtruck twice with his Spade, but that the Grand Signior appear'd to him out of the Cloſet-Window, asking him if he had not ſeen any body leap down.

As you will doubtleſs wonder, that after the Orders the Grand Signior had given to his Men, to break open the Door, ſo much time had paſs'd before he came into that Cloſet, it is fitting that you know, that thoſe he had brought with him to the Sultana's Apartment, thinking he would ſtay there ſome time, as he was wont to do, had ſtragled up [Page] and down, ſo as that when he wanted them, they were not to be found. Nay, ſome hearing what paſs'd, and thinking to oblige the Sultana, who they knew had a great aſcendant over him, went out of the way on purpoſe, ſo that he had himſelf been forc'd to take an Iron Crow; and as the Door was ſtrong, he had been a long while before he could break it open. Beſides, he had proſecuted his firſt Thought; That is to ſay, of ferretting her Scrutoir, and all the other Places where ſhe might conceal her Letters: But in ſhort, having found nothing, he made reflexion, that the Window was open, and that perhaps ſome body, having been hid in this Cloſet, had made his Eſcape that way. He had not dreamt in the leaſt of this before: So true it is, that when a Perſon is in Anger, they are but little guilty of reaſoning. This had made him ask the Gardiner, whether he had ſeen any thing; [Page] But this Man having anſwer'd him in the Negative, he was vex'd that he had made ſuch an Hurricane for nothing. It is not neceſſary that I ſay, how that the Sultana was in a terrible allarum while all this paſs'd; it is eaſie to be imagined. She repreſented to her ſelf at each inſtant, how ſhe had ſeen Two Perſons ſtrangled in her Preſence, and only expected the moment that the ſame thing ſhould befal her, as well as Ibrahim. But at length, ſeeing that the thing had turned ſo happily for her, ſhe began to be haughty again, and told the Grand Signior, with an Accent that rather ſpoke the Miſtreſs than the Slave: That the Condition of thoſe that are deſtin'd to enter the Serraglio, was a ſtrange thing; That they were expoſed to his Caprices, and to his Jealouſie: That Two poor Wretches had newly periſh'd in her ſight, whoſe Blood was every moment in her Mind: That this was not the first time ſhe had endured [Page]his peeviſh Humour: That it would be a greater kindneſs to kill her outright, than thus put her to a lingring Death: That in a Word, if he was reſolv'd ever to treat her in this manner, ſhe would rather make away with her ſelf than ſuffer it.

The Sultan had diminiſh'd much of his Anger, when he had found nothing in the Cloſet. Thus being wholly diſpos'd to make her ſatisfaction: I am too blame, Madam, he ſaid to her, I own it: but in ſhort; blame your ſelf, if I have puſh'd my Jealouſie ſo far: A Word ſaid timely would have freed me out of this Extremity: but you took delight in augmenting my Suſpicions; and you, doubtleſs, did it to ſee, whether I really lov'd you. You know that Jealouſie is inſeparable from true Love: You were not content with mine, it ever having been ſedate and calm: But why put ye me to this Teſt, you that know 'tis you I only love, and that for your ſake I ſhould be ever[Page]capable of quitting my Empire?

A ready way to a Reconciliation, was certainly ſuch words as theſe, coming out of the Mouth of ſo great a Monarch; and Zelinda being not altogether ſo fierce as ſhe might have been, if ſhe had found her ſelf innocent, quickly clos'd with it. Things having paſs'd in this manner, the Grand Signior, after having ſpent an Hour, or thereabouts, in an Entertainment all full of Affection on his part, and all full of Artifice on Zelinda's, propos'd to her to go walk in the Garden. As ſhe could not imagine any thing elſe, but that Ibrahim was there, ſhe did what ſhe could to divert him from this Reſolution. Nevertheleſs, ſeeing that he perſiſted therein, ſhe durſt no longer oppoſe it, for fear that a longer Refuſal might make him ſuſpect ſomething. They took ſeveral Turns in a cover'd Alley, and which was very pleaſant; but the Sultan being weary of walking [Page] there, he propos'd to her the going into a Grove, that was the whole Ornament of that place. The ſame Reaſon that had oblig'd her to decline coming down into the Garden, ſet her a ſtudying to contrive ſome Excuſe to avoid that Walk. But the Sultan taking her by the Hand, hall'd her along, as a Man may ſay, in ſpight of her teeth. She would not ſtand upon any further Entreaty; and having made way into the thickeſt of the Wood, the Sultana rely'd upon the Fancy ſhe had, that if Ibrahim ſhould by Chance be there, he would take care to hide himſelf; when ſhe perceiv'd a Man ſtealing acroſs the Grove, ſhe did not doubt but that it was he, and imagin'd her ſelf abſolutely ruin'd. And indeed this Object, which the Grand Signior had perceived as well as ſhe, having reviv'd his Jealouſie, he quitted her ſurlily, to run after the Spark. In that Inſtant the Sultana [Page] fell into a Swoon; and if by chance the Sultan had come preſently back, there needed nothing elſe to convince him of her Infidelity. But he was ſo taken up with his Purſuit, that though his whole Empire were at ſtake, it is to be thought it would not have diverted him. The Man being a good Runner, made him take ſeveral Turns before he could overtake him; but, as ill luck would have it, his Cloaths catching upon a Paliſado, the Sultan, who follow'd him cloſe, got up to him before he could get looſe. Thou ſhalt die, thou Wretch, ſaid he, laying hold of him, but of ſo cruel a Puniſhment, as ſhall detain all thoſe that might, like thee, be capable of corrupting the Fidelity of the Sultana's. The Ʋngrateful Woman ſhall alſo periſh, added he; And though I ſhould love her ſtill more tenderly than I do, which nevertheleſs is impoſſible, I ſhould chuſe much rather to die my ſelf than pardon her.

[Page] The Man was ſo ſeiz'd with Fear, to ſee that it was the Sultan himſelf that had ſtopp'd him, that he was as a Man that had loſt all manner of Knowledge. Wherefore he ſuffer'd himſelf to be led on, without making any reſiſtance, or ſo much as ſaying a Word. Now this was exactly the way to confirm the Sultan in his Suſpicions. It is impoſſible to expreſs to what a Degree his Anger proceeded; and after having put this Man again into the Hands of the Eunuchs of the Serraglio, he commanded them to carry him into Sultana Zelinda's Apartment, and to attend his Orders there. After this, returning back, and after having ſought out the Perſon he thought he now hated much more than he had ever loved her, he found her in the ſame place where he left her.

She was recovered from the Swoon ſhe fell into; but ſhe was in ſuch a piteous Condition, that [Page]ſhe might be ſaid to be rather dead than alive. The manner of the Sultan's accoſting her, was the way to put her into a greater Diſorder. Thou hadſt Reaſon a while ago, ſaid he to her, to tell me, that thou wert very unhappy, in being bound to ſuffer my peeviſh Humours. Perfidious, faithleſs Woman, I have at length in my hands, he that robs me of thy Heart, and within a moment I am going to give him his due deſerts. I ought already to have ſacrificed him to my Reſentment; but I will have thee to know, that if I have deferred his puniſhment, 'tis only that thou maiſt ſee him expire thy ſelf under the moſt cruel Torments. I ſhall ſpare thee no more than he: And ſince thou haſt had ſo much Pleaſure in preferring that miſerable Wretch to me, thou muſt alſo go and keep him company in the other World.

At theſe Reproaches the Sultana fell again into a Swoon; and as the Grand Signior had call'd his Attendants [Page] of Eunuchs about him, he order'd them to carry her into her Apartment. There they threw her upon her Bed, and while they did what they could to bring her to her ſelf, he ſent for Executioners, that ſo as ſoon as ſhe had open'd her Eyes, he might before her Face put to Death the Man he had taken Priſoner. This Man, who had appeared ſo dejected at the time he was laid hold of, had mightily chang'd his form. He was prepared for all the Grand Signior ſhould cauſe to be done to him, with a wonderful Courage: Wherefore, making a generous Contempt of Death; Why doſt thou tarry, ſaid he to him, to bereave me of Life? Know, that it is ungrateful to me, ſince thou haſt robb'd me of what could make me love it. I love the Sultana, it is true; And ſince it is a Capital Crime in ſuch a Barbarous Nation as thine, I would have thee know, that this, inſtead of troubling me, is the moſt acceptable[Page]thing I could have met withal.

Theſe Words put the Sultan into ſuch an Exceſs of Rage, that he drew his Sword to ſacrifice him to his Reſentment; But at the time he was going to run it through his Body, coming to make Reflexion, that he would come off at too cheap a rate; No, ſaid he to him, I will not follow the Dictates of my Anger; And I plainly perceive, that thou only ſeekeſt to animate me, to eſcape the Torments I deſign for thee. Arm thy ſelf with a true Constancy, instead of the bare Appearances thou now ſhewest us. It is ſeaſonable for thee, I aſſure thee; and never hadſt thou more need of it. And indeed, the Executioners were juſt ready; and if they began not their Work, the Reaſon was, that the pitileſs Sultan would needs feed Zelinda's Eyes with this fatal Spectacle. He gave Order for that purpoſe, that ſhe ſhould be immediately brought to her ſelf again [Page] by the means of Remedies: And through the impatience he was in of wrecking his Revenge, he was ſeen to run where ſhe was, hoping that his Preſence would give more Vertue to the Remedies. But ſeeing that this had no effect as yet, he return'd again to that Wretch, whom he endeavoured to overwhelm with New Reproaches. For all this staying, he ſaid to him, thou ſhalt ſuffer nevertheleſs; And if I hold theſe Executioners hands, it is only becauſe I mean, that the Sultana ſhall be her ſelf an Eye witneſs of thy Puniſhments. Her Fear for the Torments I am preparing for her her ſelf, had made her fall into a Swoon, out of which they have much a-do to fetch her; but in ſhort, this will laſt but little longer, and you ſhall quickly ſee an end on't.

Thou think'st this is an horrible wrecking of me, cry'd this Unhappy Priſoner, in ſaying all thou ſaist to me: but I would have thee to know, [Page] that thou canst not oblige me more. How! is it poſſible that the Sultana ſhould think of me, and ſhe, whom I have ever found cruel in the time that I might believe that ſhe opened her Eyes to the Propoſition I made her of marrying her, ſhould be propitious to me now, that ſhe ſees me in thy Hands, and just ready to periſh for having loved her too much. No, I have no longer any regret to die, if thou telleſt me true; And though I had already comforted my ſelf after all the misfortunes that perſecute me ſince I ſaw her, it is now quite an other thing, that I know ſhe yields to ſo many illustrious Marks that I have given her of my Affection. Let her only come and ſpeak one word to me with her lovely Mouth, and after that do the worſt thou canſt. I defie thee to get one bare Word from me that may expreſs any impatience; nay, and provided, that I have but the pleaſure of ſeeing her once again, I ſhall be but over-well contented.

[Page] This Exceſs of Love put the Sultan into a Rage, as thinking this unfortunate Creature did only ſay, he was unhappy in his Miſtreſs, to hinder his Reſentment from falling upon him. Wherefore, to let him ſee, that he did not ſo eaſily credit him; We ſhall ſee in a moment, ſaid he to him, whether we are able to humble this Pride, and whether by the means of Torments we can force the Truth from thee. Juſt as he had utter'd theſe words, he had notice brought him, that the Sultana was come again to her Sences. And as each Moment was a Year to him, as I may ſay, ſo hot was he upon his Revenge: Bring that ungrateful Woman hither, he anſwer'd, and let us ſee whether we can find out any thing ſevere enough to puniſh her. Provided that thy Vengeance falls only upon me, reply'd the unfortunate Priſoner, thou needest only to ſatisfie thy ſelf; and I tell thee once again, I ſhall have ſufficient Constancy,[Page]not to utter one ſole Complaint.

The Grand Signior did not vouchſafe to anſwer him any longer; and caſting his Eyes that way the Sultana was to come, he had no ſooner perceived her, but that uſing his Tongue again; Come near, Perfidious Woman, ſaid he to her, and after having render'd thy ſelf ſo unworthy of the Honour I did thee, come and view the Torments that are prepared for thoſe that dare to ſully the Bed of the Ottoman Emperors. This is a Capital Crime among all Nations; but know, that it is much greater here than elſewhere. Other Princes do not chuſe Women, but through reaſon of State; and very often they do not love them; but for my part, I love thee tenderly; and it was on that account that I had preferr'd thee to an infinite number of others, that would have thought themſelves honoured by my Choice, and who would have been favourable to [Page] me, though it were only in gratitude for the Favours I had rais'd them to.

Ought not this Obligation to produce the like Sentiments in thee? But what do I ſay! Wert thou not obliged to it by a more engaging Sentiment than this? Oughtſt thou not to anſwer to my Love, whereof I give thee ſo many instances; and for a reward of which, thou would'ſt now give me my Death?

As the Sultan had put himſelf between the Priſoner and Zelinda; to make theſe Reproaches, they could not ſee each other: but ſtirring from his place, the Priſoner, who was at watch to ſee a Perſon he infinitely lov'd, and for whoſe ſake he had expos'd himſelf to ſo great a danger, had no ſooner view'd Zelinda, but that turning towards the Sultan; With what falſe hopes haſt thou fed me, he ſaid to him, and after having made me expect to ſee the Perſon for whoſe [Page]ſake I came ſo far, muſt thou inſult me to that degree, as to ſhew me an unknown Face, inſtead of that which is ſo well engraven in my Heart, that I can never forget it?

Hitherto Zelinda had had her Eyes down upon the Ground, as a Perſon that found her ſelf Culpable, and who expected every moment to be convicted. For ſhe had ſo fix'd it in her Head, that it was Ibrahim whom the Grand Signior had taken, as that ſhe did no longer doubt of it. But finding by the Tone of his Voice, how far he was miſtaken, ſhe interpos'd with her Tongue, and thereby hinder'd the Grand Signior from ſpeaking, tho he had already his Mouth open to anſwer the Priſoner. She addreſs'd her Diſcourſe to the Sultan, and did it in theſe Terms: It is ſo dolorous a thing to me, Sir, to ſee my ſelf ſo unjuſtly accus'd; and my Grief muſt have very much deceiv'd me, that I now find my ſelf alive. [Page] And it is in this, that I am oblig'd to jump in an Accord with what People ſay of our Sex; namely, that only Men die of Grief, and that for our parts, we live by't. God keep me, however, from it, and after the injuſtice that you do me, if I am ſo unhappy, as not to ſink under my Griefs, I know the Means to free me all of the ſudden. Yes, I will my ſelf stab my own Boſom, added ſhe; And all that I require of God, and my Great Prophet, is, that you may have eternally a Regret for the ſad Extremity you have reduc'd me to.

The Grand Signior, who look'd upon both their Diſcourſes as Trifles, as ſuſpecting them of Intelligence, the better to deceive him: Piſh, to others, Madam, ſaid he to her; for I am not ſo eaſily impos'd upon. We ſhall preſently make that Wretch ſing an other Tune; and turning at the ſame time towards the Executioners; Come, ſaid he to them, Employ your whole induſtry to force [Page] the Truth out of his Mouth. That is not neceſſary, this unfortunate Man anſwer'd, with a firm and vigorous Voice; and I ſhall tell it thee plainly, without thy needing their Miniſtry. I do not ſay this to thee, added he, that I might eſcape the Torments that thou art preparing for me: I know, that thou ought'ſt to ſatisfie thy Cruelty. A Man that deſpiſes Death, has nothing to fear; And all that I can tell thee, is, that if I could be reveng'd on the Aga of the Janizaries, and ſee her once again I love, I ſhould die the moſt contented of all Men. But thou denieſt me the One, and as for the Other, it was impoſſible for me to ſucceed in the Projects I had laid, it being the VVill of Deſtiny, that this Aga, whom I had ſo much Reaſon to hate, was no longer here when I arriv'd. And what has the Aga done to thee, the Sultan reparty'd, that thou ſhould'ſt have that inveteracy againſt him? He has robb'd me of my Miſtreſs, this Unfortunate[Page]Priſoner anſwer'd; And what makes me hate him ſtill the more, is, that he carried her away contrary to Good Faith, and as a Thief as he is. I will inform thee of that Circumſtance, added he, if thou art ignorant of it; And thou muſt know, that her Mother going to entreat him to afford her Paſſage in his Ship, to come hither, to ſeek out a Son that had been a long while in theſe Parts; and this lovely Virgin having accompany'd her on the day of her departure, to give her her farewell, he weigh'd Anchor, without being affected either by her Cries or her Tears. I have been ſince told, added he, that he has delivered her into thy Hands; And it was to ſee her once again, that I paſs'd o're the Garden Walls, where thou found'ſt me. This is the whole Naked Truth, ſince thou wilt needs know it. But let not this hinder thee from doing all that thou haſt reſolv'd on: I did not tell it thee, to avert the Puniſhments with which [Page] thou haſt menac'd me: And once again, thoſe that do not fear Death, do little fear all that can uſher it in.

Never was Man ſo out of Countenance as the Sultan, when he heard him talk in this manner: For in fine, as a body cannot feign ſo well, but that it may plainly be ſeen when a Perſon lies, it is in like manner eaſie to know when he ſpeaks the Truth. However, that he might not paſs for too credulous a Man, he ſent for the other Sultana; and when ſhe was come into the Anti-chamber, he went out to meet her, and queſtion her. And indeed, he was reſolved to be Cully to neither of them; and though he no longer loved this latter, yet was he not without Jealouſie. The Sultana, little dreaming of what paſs'd, ſeeing him coming, advanc'd with a ſmiling Countenance, asking him from whence ſhe derived her great Felicity, to ſee her ſelf ſent [Page] for to a place where he was ſeldom us'd to think of her. But the Sultan, far from anſwering, as ſhe expected, to ſo handſom a Complement; Forbear, Madam, ſaid he to her, going about to abuſe me any longer: I am inform'd of your Demeanor; and if I ſend for you hither, it is only to puniſh you, as you deſerve. The Sultana was much ſurprized at theſe Words. Nevertheleſs, as ſhe knew her ſelf innocent, and that People when ſo, are never at ſuch a loſs as when they have ſomething upon their Conſcience: My Life, Sir, is in your Hands, ſhe anſwer'd him; but I think you too juſt to go about to deprive me of it, without firſt telling me wherein I may have offended you: For the more I examine my ſelf, the leſs can I gueſs it; and unleſs you acquaint me with it your ſelf, I ſhall remain all my Life long without knowing it.

[Page] Theſe Words were ſaid with a certain Air, that made the Sultan know that ſhe was innocent. Nevertheleſs, being willing that ſhe ſhould fully juſtifie her ſelf, How, Madam! he renewed, d' ye call this nothing, to have an other Lover than me; the appointing him Aſſignations; And after having been rais'd to the glorious Rank of Sultana, to allow a Slave to ſhare the Favours you have granted me? Theſe Reproaches made a ſhift to put the Sultana into the utmoſt Surprize: Nevertheleſs, her Innocence continuing to give her aſſurance: Theſe Words, Sir, ſhe anſwer'd him, would not deſerve my puzzling my Head in the leaſt with them, if they came to me from any other than you: but ſince they depart from a Mouth I muſt ever revere, whatever it may utter againſt me, I have nothing to anſwer, but that you would let me ſee thoſe that dare to accuſe me, and I will make their Calumny ſo clearly known to you, that I do [Page] not believe you will any longer ſuſpect me. This is just, Madam, the Sultan reply'd to her, he being ſtill more and more perſwaded of her Innocency; and making her paſs at the ſame time into the Chamber where the Man was I have mention'd, ſhe was in a ſtrange ſurprize when ſhe had caſt her Eyes upon him, and had already open'd her Mouth, to expreſs her Wonder to the Sultan, when this Man prevented her. There's ſhe, cry'd he, ſhe I came ſo far to ſeek: And how could I miſs of knowing her again, after having imprinted her ſo deeply in my Heart? But alas! I plainly perceive ſhe is no more propitious to me than ſhe was in our own Countrey; ſhe already colours for Anger: And ſince it is impoſſible for me to live without loving her, you will do me a kindneſs, Sultan, in taking away my Life, which in my Circumstances, cannot be otherwiſe than ungrateful to me.

[Page] Sultana Zelinda, after having been in ſo terrible a Fright, triumph'd in her mind to ſee her ſelf delivered from it with ſo much advantage: And as ſhe was not without Jealouſie of her Rival; From whence comes it, Sir, ſaid ſhe to the Sultan, that you have us'd me ſo very ill, upon a bare ſuſpicion, and that now that things are made out, your Anger is cool'd, to a degree, that you ſeem to be inſenſible? Why are not you curious to know whether you have been told All? Perchance that this Wretch has ſtill a Deſign upon me. What has been newly told you, might be invented on purpoſe to make your Reſentment fall upon an other, and to skreen me from your Anger. Lovers have Fences that are not always found out. And when one has the Soveraign Power in Hand, as you have, methinks that good ſence requires, that you ſhould not thus ſtop at the half way of your Revenge. Command theſe Executioners to do [Page] their Duty, and you will perhaps diſcover things which you did not expect.

Now if we make Reflection on this Diſcourſe, nothing is more malicious. It was an inſinuating into the Grand Signior, that the other Sultana was capable of deceiving him; and that in a word, this Unfortunate Wretch correſponded with her. But as he was naturally far from the Cruelty of his Predeceſſors, I mean, when he had no Cauſe: for upon the leaſt ſuſpicion he was like them; and what I have above related is a good Teſtimony of it, as I ſay, he fancy'd he was ſufficiently inform'd, as not to need to go any further: Ceaſe, Madam, ſaid he, a Diſcourſe that is ſo very much out of ſeaſon. If I have given but a moment ago Marks of my Cruelty, you ought only to impute it to my Jealouſie; and far from being in Anger at it, you ought to have been vex'd if I had not done[Page]it, ſince Tranquility, upon theſe ſort of Matters, is a ſign of but little Love.

Theſe Words were as many Stabs with a Ponyard, into the other Sultana's Boſome, who ſaw, that notwithſtanding ſhe recover'd her Health, the Grand Signior made ſo little account of her, that even in her own Preſence, he did not ſtick to ſay ſoft and kind things to her Rival. However, as Peoples Demeanor towards theſe Emperors, is not the ſame with that to other Perſons, ſhe was oblig'd to ſwallow her Affliction, which Sultana Zelinda having perceiv'd, ſhe did further all ſhe could to inſult her. At the laſt, being no longer able to bear with ſo many Inſtances of Contempt from her, and from the Grand Signior too; I joyn my Entreaties, Sir, ſaid ſhe to the Sultan, to thoſe of Zelinda, that you would revenge the injury that this Wretch has done to you, and of which I am [Page]as culpable as he, ſince I muſt needs tell you the Truth. Yes, if h [...] had not known he was beloved, he would not have expoſed himſelf to ſo great a danger. I can no longer live without him, juſt as he was no longer able to live without me; and the greatest kindneſs that you can do to us Both, is to bereave us of our Lives, that are equally burdenſome to us Both, ſince that the Aga has ſo cruelly parted us.

If the Grand Signior was ſurprized to hear this Diſcourſe, he ſhe pointed at in it was ſtill more than he. Ah! Madam, ſaid he to her, would to God, that what you have now ſaid was true, and that I, on that condition, were deſtin'd to endure all that theſe infamous Executioners can invent moſt cruel againſt me. But to my Misfortune, you are but too cruel to me; and what ſtill plunges me into a farther deſpondency, is that I plainly perceive with what Spirit you are animated at preſent. You lay to Heart, [Page] that the Grand Signior ſays kind things to an other in your preſence; And the injuſtice of my Fate, is ſuch, as that not content with all the Cruelti's that you have exerciſed againſt me, to compleat my miſery, you add what I could never have expected.

I thought that Virtue was the Rule of All your Actions; but by what I perceive, you are very much a ſtranger to it. And this is what ought to comfort me in my preſent Condition, ſince that the loſs I have is not ſo great as I imagin'd it. Yes, Sultan, 'tis out of Jealouſie that ſhe goes about to provoke you; And if I had ſtill ſufficient Power to acquaint thee what her Cruelty was to me, thou would'ſt ſee, that I am ſo far from ever having been happy, that my Misfortune has even ſurpaſſed that of the moſt Ʋnfortunate.

As much as Sultana Zelinda had been tranſported with joy at her Rival's Diſcourſe, whom ſhe thought ruin'd in the Grand Signior's Good [Page] Opinion, after her Confeſſion; ſo much was that of this Man unpleaſant to her. Wherefore, that ſhe might not give the Grand Signior time to make Reflexion upon it; D' ye not ſee, Sir, that the Exceſs of his Love ſets him upon ſaving his Miſtreſs at the Expence of his own Life. Now are Torments and Tortures ſeaſonable; and I am very much deceived, if you do not find out many things. The Sultan had almoſt forgot the Love he had had for the Sultana while that ſhe had been indiſpoſed: but the Words of this Man having made him return into himſelf: It is not your Buſineſs, Madam▪ ſaid he to Zelinda, to teach me what I have to do. I love the Sultana, well enough to be willing this Mystery ſhould be unravelled; And I ſhall take care to revenge her Love, or reward it, according as it ſhall prove guilty or innocent. But there are ways of informing ones ſelf, which though they be leſs cruel the one than[Page]other, are nevertheleſs equally certain. It is to thoſe of Mildneſs that I am very willing to have recourſe: And who knows not, that very often, instead of extorting a Truth by the means of Tortures, the miſerable are often oblig'd to ſay all they have not done, ſo to free themſelves from the Exceſs of the Torments they are made to ſuffer. At theſe Words he ſent Ibrahim's Siſter back into her Apartment; commanding, that no body ſhould ſpeak to her till farther Order: Then queſtioning her Lover, he would needs have of him a particular Account of his Paſſion. And this Man, who had made the Sultana a Thouſand Reproaches when ſhe went out, but nevertheleſs lov'd her beyond expreſſion; thinking, that the only means to ſave her, was to tell the Sultan the Truth, related his Hiſtory to him. And as it is full of a World of Incidents, I am [Page] perſwaded the Reader will not be ſorry that I impart it to him. And here you ſhall have it Word for Word as he told it to the Grand Signior, without my changing the leaſt thing in it.

[Page]

THE HISTORY OF Rivelli and Lidiana.

‘I Shall not trifle away time, Sir, in giving you a long account of my Birth, nor of the Sultana's: And to what purpoſe would it be for me to tell you any thing to the advantage of our Extraction, ſince no regard is had to that in your Empire? I will tell you nevertheleſs by the by, that we are both Natives of a Town, which is but Two Italian Miles diſtant from that where [Page] the Aga plaid his Prank: That our Relations are the moſt eminent for Eſtate and Quality in that Place: That for my part I had all imaginable Reaſon to be ſatisfy'd with Fortune, if Love had not come acroſs, and robb'd me of my Repoſe. At Fifteen Years old my Father ſent me to Venice, to ſerve the Re-publick in its Armies, where, in his time, he had had conſiderable Employs; and Three Years after I was liſted under its Colours, the Senate ſent me Order to return into the City, and gave me a Regiment. During the abode I made there, I lead the ſame Life which People of Eighteen Years of Age do commonly lead, and who want no Money▪ That is to ſay, that being naturally prone to Love, I ſaw an infinite number of Courtezans, which that Town is better ſtock'd with than any other in the Univerſe At length, growing weary of that [Page] Life, which, in Truth, is unworthy of an Honeſt Man, I abſtain'd from returning into that Place of Debauchery, which did in no wiſe pleaſe thoſe that had taſted of my Liberality; and eſpecially a certain Woman, whoſe Miniſtry I had made uſe of in my amorous Expeditions. I was daily perſecuted by her; ſhe every day ſhew'd me the Picture of ſome new Courtezan; and I own, that among them there were ſome of a wonderful Beauty, and for whom a Man would have been capable of doing all things, if their Beauty had been accompany'd with Wiſdom. But as I was utterly pawl'd by the eaſineſs of theſe ſorts of Conqueſts, or rather, I knew they were common to me with the firſt Comer, I perſiſted in the Reſolution I had taken of remaining Diſcreet. This almoſt madded this Woman; and I was for ſome time without hearing of [Page] her: But at the Months end I ſaw her come into my Room with a ſatisfy'd Countenance; and having deſired me to ſend my Servants out; And this, ſaid ſhe to me, ſhewing me the fineſt Picture I had ſeen in all my Life, will you reſist it? No, ſaid I to her, I own it, after having attentively view'd the Pourtraict; And I agree, if the Original be conformable to the Copy, there is nothing but what you may expect from my Liberality. I do believe it, ſhe anſwer'd me; And if you ſay this to me now, what will you ſay, when I ſhall have told you, that this is the Picture of Madamoiſelle Lidiana, a Perſon whoſe Name cannot be unknown to you, no leſs than her Birth and Fortune. I was ſurprized at theſe Words; and muſt tell you, Sir, that this Name is that of the Sultana you have in your Hands; who being of the moſt conſiderable Birth in our Countrey, was as familiar to me as my own. [Page] For my part, I am called Rivelli: And I am very willing to acquaint you with Both our Names, that Circumſtance being neceſſary to the Sequel of my Diſcourſe.’

‘My Surprize was not ſo great, but that I preſently re-collected my ſelf out of it; and ſtill holding my Eyes fix'd upon that Picture; Is it poſſible, ſaid I to this Woman, that you can put the Original into my Hands▪ Doubtleſs, anſwer'd ſhe me; And provided you do what is requiſite for that purpoſe, you will quickly ſee the Accompliſhment of my Promiſes. I thought that this Woman, who was ſelf-intereſted, as are commonly all thoſe of her Profeſſion, meant, that I muſt be liberal: Wherefore taking out my Purſe at the ſame time, I gave it her, with a Promiſe, that it ſhould be only a Sample of my Gratuities. In fine, being enflam'd more than I can repreſent to you, I told her, that I pretended not to wait any [Page] longer than Night, to ſee whether ſhe was a Woman of her Word: Whereupon ſhe told me, that I was too hot upon the Spur; and that the Conqueſt ſhe propos'd to me, was none of thoſe that are atchieved in ſo ſhort a time. Nay, ſhe added, that the Perſon being in nothing inferior to me, as I know very well my ſelf, ſhe did not pretend to grant me any Favour that could redound to her Prejudice: That this was what ſhe had to tell me on her behalf; and that if I was an Honeſt Man, and would think of marrying her, that then it ſhould be my own fault, if I was not happy.’

‘This Complement, far from diſpleaſing me, was extreamly acceptable to me. There wanted nothing to my budding Paſſion, but a little Eſteem, to render it ſuch as it ought to be, that it might be wanting in nothing. Thus there being nothing more now to ſtop the Progreſs [Page] of it, Yes, I ſaid to her, a Thouſand times more enflamed than before, I accept of theſe Conditions; and I charge you to tell her, that I ſhall never enfringe them. In uttering theſe Words, I ſnatch'd the Picture from her, and kiſs'd it with ſo much tranſport, that a body muſt have been very blind, as not to perceive that I was paſſionately in Love. After a thouſand Follies of this nature, and which would be too long to relate: But tell me, I ſaid to her once again, is it really true, that ſhe is as beauteous as her Picture? And may I flatter my ſelf, that my Vows may with her meet with a kind Reception? I warrant ye both, ſhe reply'd to me: And if you would have me tell you things as they are, I come hither only by her Order. You may know this from her when you pleaſe. And to ſhew you, that I tell you nothing but the Truth, be you a while hence, at her going out of her Houſe to the[Page]Church: She is lodg'd near the Church of St. Mark: Follow her, and when ſhe comes near the Holy Water, ſpeak ſomething to her, and you will ſee in what manner ſhe will anſwer you.’

‘Theſe Words were ſo poſitive, that I had not the leaſt room left for doubt, but that ſhe ſpoke the Truth to me. Thus abandoning my ſelf to joy, I confirm'd the Promiſes I had made her, that ſhe ſhould not loſe her Pains: After which I accepted of the Expedient ſhe propos'd to me, that I might fully ſecure my happineſs to my ſelf. Now you muſt know, that this Woman did really ſpeak the Truth; and that at that time I was not indifferent to the beautiful Lidiana. But I muſt inform your Celſitude how this came to paſs: This Woman ſeeing that ſhe loſt all her Gains of me, by the Reſolution I had taken, to be no longer debauched: And having [Page] thereby loſt her beſt Cuſtomer, had been cudgelling her Brains, to contrive the means of getting my Favour again. As ſhe had ſeen me very ſenſible for the Fair Sex, ſhe fancy'd there was no other Expedient for her, than to bait me with this Temptation. Nevertheleſs, having ſeen me pawl'd by all the Courtizans, ſhe ſought out one that was no Miſs, but who might become one by her way of Management. As ſhe was attentive to this Jeaſt, ſhe ſaw Lidiana, whoſe raviſhing Beauty offer'd her the Fetter wherewithal ſhe ſought to enſnare my Liberty. She inform'd her ſelf carefully, who ſhe was, how ſhe had been brought up, whether ſhe was giddy-headed, and well diſpoſed to the World; and in ſine, whether her Mother, in whoſe Company ſhe was come, had a ſtrict Eye over her: But all that ſhe was told, having inform'd her, that ſhe had fed her ſelf with hopes, which ſhe [Page] was far from ſeeing effected; ſhe took other Meaſures, and ſuch as I am going to re-count to your Celſitude.’

‘Having acquainted her with the Name of the Town where I was born, and ſhe knowing Lidiana to be of the ſame Place, our Birth, our Age; and in ſhort, all that People ſeek to make a Match ſeeming ſuitable to her, between us Two, ſhe found the Means to get to the Speech of this lovely Perſon; and after having told her, who I was, and that I was extreamly taken with her Beauty and Merit, though I had never ſeen her, ſhe us'd her Perſwaſions ſo effectually, that ſhe inſpir'd her with the Curioſity to ſee me. Lidiana giving Credit to all ſhe ſaid to her, made her ſwear, that ſhe would not give me intimation of it, which the other was very glad of, as having not yet diſcours'd me upon the Matter, and by Conſequence, [Page] fearing that I might have made ſome falſe ſtep, that might have diſcovered her Cheat. The Place ſhe appointed her to ſee me in, was the Church of Saint Mark, whither I commonly went to Maſs; and there, without dreaming of it in the leaſt, I was contemplated by Lidiana's fair Eyes, to whom I could not make Returns, ſhe being mobb'd up, after the Mode of Italy, in a great Veil, that robbed me of the ſight of her. I appear'd to her the ſame as the Woman had deſcrib'd me to her; and though it was very advantageouſly to me, I may, without Vanity, ſay, that I did not belye the Eſteem ſhe had conceived upon the Go between's Relation.’

‘This interview being made in this manner, Lidiana ſaid a thouſand things to her in my favour: And after ſeveral Diſcourſes, of which I was ever the Subject; and wherein the Woman did not forget [Page] to aſſure her, that I daily became more and more in Love, and that I continued in the Deſign of marrying her; ſhe brought her at length to conſent to give her her Picture; and it was the ſame ſhe brought me. Things being in ſo fair a way, without it's having coſt me either Cares or Pains, which however is ſeldom ſeen in ſuch an Occaſion as this. I had no longer any other diſquiet, than the longing to ſee ſo fair an Original. It was eaſie for our Go-between to procure me this ſatisfaction; and after what ſhe had done, ſhe needed only to ſpeak, to effect that. It was ſtill in a Church where this interview was made; and Lidiana ſeeing that I did not take my Eyes from off her, this confirm'd her ſtill in all that had been told her; and ſhe lift up ſlily her Veil, and gave me ſufficient leiſure to contemplate her; ſo as to tell my ſelf a thouſand times, that I had ſeen nothing [Page] in all my Life that came near her Beauty.’

‘To tell you, that after this, I had no longer any Repoſe, till ſuch time as that I had ſpoken to her, is to tell you nothing new. Whoever has ever been in love, knows, that Lovers require ſomething more real than ſight. Nevertheleſs, it was a Difficulty, and as the Mode of Italy is, that Maidens do not render any Viſit, ſo incommode a Cuſtom did not allow me to have a plenary ſatisfaction in that point. This Faileur advis'd the using of Stratagems. But though I was paſſionately in Love, and that the Property of Love is to inſpire Wit, I muſt needs own to my own Confuſion, that I was endebted to our Go-between for our Contentment. This Woman having prudently judg'd, that we could never do any thing, unleſs we had ſome Servant to be a Confident in the Concern, had wriggled a Waiting [Page] Gentlewoman into the Family, of whom the Mother had occaſion: She daily gave Lidiana one Letter or other that I had written to her, and very often two or three, inſtead of one, She likewiſe convey'd her Anſwers to me: And this Petty Commerce was a mighty Eaſement to both of us. Now our Go-between having ſo good a ſtring to her Bow, ſhe bid this Maid to tell Lidiana, that ſhe ſhould make ſemblance of falling all of the ſudden into a Swoon, when that the Mother was gone abroad, which Lidiana having accordingly done, this Maid went our, as if it were to fetch a Chyrurgeon, to bleed her; and as I had notice of the Myſtery, I ſtaid hard by in a Decent Habit. Thus was I conducted into Lidiana's Chamber, where becauſe there were ſome other Domeſticks, ſhe told me aloud, that ſhe would not ſuffer me to blood her; and that I was too [Page] young for that. The Waiting-woman, with whom all things were concerted, and who had her Leſſon at her ſingers ends; You ſay right, Madam, ſhe ſaid to her▪ but as it is not certain, that we ſhall find any other than this; and as your Malady is preſſing, I am of Opinion, that he stay here till you ſee whether an other will come. At theſe words ſhe gave the Servants Order to go ſeek out one; nay, and a Phyſician. And that they might not return too ſoon, ſhe ſent them to ſuch as were lodged at the fartheſt end of the Town, as if they had been the moſt expert.’

‘To prevent giving of ſuſpicion, I made ſemblance of being vex'd at this Preference, and would needs be gone; but they promis'd me, I ſhould be rewarded as much as if I had let her Blood: And as the part I acted required my ſeeming ſelf-intereſted, I promis'd to ſtay upon theſe Conditions. All of them by [Page] this means being diſpatched out of the way, except the Waiting-Gentlewoman, I threw my ſelf at the Feet of Lidiana's Bed, who had caus'd her ſelf to be undreſs'd on purpoſe, the better to make her illneſs thought to be real; and I not only confirm'd to her, what our Go-between had told her on my part, but I alſo vow'd to her an eternal Love. She ſeem'd to be affected with all theſe Aſſurances; and as there is nothing that more re-doubles the Affection, than the being poſſeſs'd, that ſhe for whom one ſighs, has a grateful ſenſe of it, it is impoſſible to expreſs to what a Degree I found my ſelf▪ enflamed.’

‘I cannot tell exactly how long I ſtaid with her; but I dare affirm, that though, as I have ſaid, the Lodgings of thoſe Perſons we ſent for, were a mighty way off, they nevertheleſs came when I thought they muſt needs be ſtill a long time [Page] before they could return. That is to ſay, in one word, that I was not weary in her Company. Nevertheleſs, hearing the others upon the Stair Caſe, and having nothing more to do there, at leaſt, without expoſing my ſelf to the being diſcovered, I was obliged to ſound a Retreat. The Waiting Gentlewoman conducted me back; and to make it the more believed I was what I really repreſented, ſhe put the piece of Money into my Hands in the Preſence of the other Servants.’

‘That interview having paſs'd in this manner, both our Paſſions augmented in ſuch ſort, that in an other Viſit that was procured me by the like Artifice; That is to ſay, in ſtill ſeeking to deceive thoſe that might be concerned therein: Tho by other means, ſhe propos'd to me, to demand her in Marriage of her Mother. I made her anſwer; That it would be but ill timing of [Page] our Buſineſs; and that it was rather a thing that depended on the Father than on her: That hers being far off; and as there was no paying him this Deference, by reaſon of his Abſence, we muſt e'en ſtay till I could have the honour to ſee him. That I would take a journey on purpoſe to our Countrey-Houſe, at my return from the Campaign, then at hand: That in this Expectation I ſhould think it a Thouſand Years long; and that if ſhe doubted of it, ſhe would do me a great deal of injuſtice.’

‘I know not what to attribute the refuſal to that Lidiana made of being ſatisfy'd with my Reaſons, unleſs that Fortune, being weary of favouring me, was reſolved to play me the moſt cruel Prank that ever could befall a Man. But ſo it is, that ſhe, after having urged ſeveral things in oppoſition to the Reaſons that I gave her, I had not any quiet [Page] till I had promis'd her to break the Matter to her Mother. I did ſo out of hand, to ſatisfie her rather, than out of any hopes I had, that ſhe could give us ſatisfaction. And indeed, the Mother, after having receiv'd me with great Civility▪ ſo far as to tell me, that no greater advantage could befal her Daughter, gave me to underſtand, that I ask'd her a thing that was out of her Power; but that ſhe would write concerning it to her Husband, who was particularly informed of my Birth, of my Eſtate, and of the Repute I had acquired in the World, to receive my Alliance with the ſame Joy ſhe did. Thereupon I entreated her that I might accompany her Letter with one of my own; and having declared to me, that my Requeſt was too juſt to be deny'd, I gave it into her Hands, that ſhe might encloſe it in her Pacquet.’

[Page] ‘Lidiana ſeeing things in this diſpoſition, far from being ſorry at the ſtep ſhe had made me take in this Matter, was over-joy'd at it, and advis'd me to ask to ſee her till ſuch time as that her Father's Anſwer came. This was my intention, had ſhe not mention'd it to me. Thus I went to pay a Viſit on purpoſe to her Mother; but ſhe told me, that could not be, without furniſhing Matter of Talk to the World; and that if I lov'd her Daughter, as ſhe was perſwaded I did, I would not inſiſt upon that, as being bound to take more Care than any body of her Reputation. She urg'd to me a World of things to the ſame purpoſe, and ſuch as were conformable to the Cuſtom of the Countrey, and even to Decency. But as a Lover is ſeldom well content to have ſuch narrow bounds preſcribed him, I oppos'd Reaſons againſt her, but which ſeem'd ſo weak to this Lady, that [Page] ſhe continued to refuſe me what I required.’

‘Things remaining in this Poſture▪ to my great Regret, I impatiently waited for the Father's Anſwer. In the mean while, not being able to be without ſeeing Lidiana, I had recourſe to the Go-between, whom I was upon the point of diſmiſſing, as ſecretly reproaching my ſelf for ſuffering ſuch an Affair as that to be manag'd by ſuch an Hand as hers. But having been withheld by ſome Conſideration, I was very happy in meeting her ſtill to do me Service. I went to Lidiana's Houſe when her Mother was not at home, and having ſhut our ſelves up in that Ladies Chamber, having with us only the Waiting▪ woman I mention'd a while ago, whom we had for a Witneſs of our Actions; I perceiv'd a Paper behind a Glaſs; and Curioſity having ſet me to ſee what it was, I found it to be the Letter I had given her. It was juſt [Page] the ſame as I had put it into her Hands; at which, being both of us ſurprized▪ Lidiana told me, that ſhe muſt of neceſſity have forgotten it there, which I thought to be very probable. Nevertheleſs, being not at all ſatisfy'd with this Neglect, I told her, that it would be convenient that we put it again where we found it, and that ſhe making ſemblance of perceiving it when her Mother was come home, ſhe ſhould ask her what was the Reaſon ſhe had not ſent it.’

‘I was ſo out of Humour at this Adventure, and ſo eager to find out the Riddle of it, that I left Lidiana in that very inſtant, as if my Departure muſt have forwarded her Mothers Return. Lidiana, who had no leſs impatience than I, ſeeing her come back, immediately performed what we had agreed on together. This Lady appear'd extreamly ſurpriz'd to her: And indeed, ſhe fancy'd ſhe had ſent that [Page] Letter, which ſhe had left by miſtake. The thing ſeem'd ſo extraordinary to Lidiana, in a Concern of that Conſequence, that ſhe thought it to be an Excuſe ſhe us'd, and which ſhe paulm'd upon her: But in Truth, it was really ſo as ſhe ſaid: and what had been the occaſion of this Miſtake, is, that ſhe had ſo much Buſineſs on the day ſhe had written, that one thing had made her forget an other. However what is extraordinary in ſuch an Occaſion as this, is, that though ſhe had thus forgot my Letter, ſhe had not however been wanting to make mention in hers of the Propoſal I had made to her; wherefore ſhe told Lidiana, that I needed not to be concerned; and that this would nevertheleſs produce its Effect.’

‘Lidiana repeated this to me the firſt time that I found the occaſion to ſee her again; and thinking to comfort me mightily, by vending [Page] the ſame Money to me with which ſhe had been paid, this Circumſtance plung'd me into the utmoſt Deſpondency: So much the worſe, ſaid I to her, if ſhe has committed that Fault alſo: And what will your Father ſay, when he ſhall ſee that I demand you of your Mother, and that I do him not the leaſt Civility; he who is the Head of the Family, and whoſe Affection I only ought to captivate, if I mean he ſhould be propitious to me. Lidiana made a Mock of my Fears, aſſuring me, that her Father was not a Man of ſuch ſcrupulous Regards. She told me farther, that though he were of that Humour, he might be appeaſed by letting him know that it was none of my Fault. I made a ſhew of believing her, becauſe I perceived I oblig'd her in ſo doing; yet I could not forbear trembling ſecretly, till ſuch time as that they heard from him: and when the Letters were come accordingly, it [Page] was with a greater trembling ſtill, that I went to her Mothers Houſe, to enquire what they contained: But alas! I was but too good a Prophet. She ingeniouſly told me, that her Husband was piqu'd that I had not accompany'd her Letter with one of mine. But as ſhe certainly did cordially eſpouſe my intereſts, ſhe told me, that ſince it was ſhe that had committed the Fault, ſhe would repair it▪ and that I ſhould not trouble my Head about the matter.’

‘Theſe Promiſes had been ſomething to a Man that had been leſs perſwaded than I of the Capricious Humour of the Perſon, which I had heard inſtanc'd ſeveral times. I knew, without being particularly acquainted with him, that he was of the ſame Temper with thoſe Countrey ſort of Noblemen that will have every thing preciſely in its form, and a ſuperſtitious Obſerver of Method. All his Life long he [Page] had been wedded to Appearances, without ever ſtanding to ſhrift into the Truth: And what could I expect from a Perſon that paſs'd for ſuch in the Opinion of all People. My Suſpicions prov'd to be but too real; his Wife having ſent my Letter to him, and given him a fair account how all matters went: Piſh, to others, ſaid he, it's now too late: This was a convenient Match indeed, I own it: But I'le ha' no Son in Law that knows not how to live, that underſtands not good Manners. At the ſame time he divulg'd my Courtſhip throughout the whole Town; and as I had many Relations and Friends there, I received intimation from ſeveral Hands, that I had nothing to hope. The Anſwer he made his Wife, was conformable to what was ſignify'd to me; inſomuch, that having loſt all Hopes on that ſide, I went to ſee that Lady, to whom, after having made known how ſenſible I [Page] was to this Refuſal, I propos'd, that ſhe would give us her Conſent for a Private Marriage. To make her condeſcend thereunto, I told her, as it was Truth, that her Husband having found nothing to reprehend in me, ſave the Fault whereof I was accuſed, he would be oblig'd to be appeaſed, when the thing was once done. That ſhe had promis'd me to repair the Miſchiefs, which ſhe knew very well her ſelf to be the only Cauſe of. That thus I hop'd ſhe would not diſapprove of the Expedient I ſtarted; and that it was the only Remedy to my Misfortune. This Lady lov'd me, and I cannot deny it, though indeed, ſhe was the only occaſion of all my Misfortunes: Nevertheleſs, ſhe was frighted at my Propoſal; telling me, that ſhe ſhould be ruin'd if ſuch a thing ſhould happen. That her Husband was a Man not only never to relent, but likewiſe to cauſe my Proceſs to be made as a Seducer. [Page] He'll not meddle, Madam, I anſwer'd her: And d' ye not know, that we have ſeen People as much wedded as he to their Sentiments, that have been oblig'd to conform to ſuch an Occaſion?’

‘I told her ſtill many things more to perſwade her; but all that I could ſay having been to no purpoſe, I was obliged to take other Meaſures. Thoſe that came into my Head, as likely to be the moſt effectual, were to ſpeak to Lidiana, having ask'd whom, whether ſhe laid her Father's refuſal to Heart? As much as you, ſaid ſhe to me, at leaſt; And I think it ſtrange, that after ſo many inſtances that I have given you of my Eſteem, you ask me ſuch a Queſtion. It is not that I doubt of it, Beauteous Lidiana, I anſwer'd her: And if I was willing to hear you once more ſay, that you love me, it is a Token of the ſenſibility of my Paſſion: And to demand ſuch Proofs of yours as may ſolace me [Page] in my Misfortune. I have propos'd them to your Lady Mother; But as ſhe more cordially eſpouſes Conjugal Love than that ſhe had given to me as her future Son in Law, ſhe would not liſten to them. I hope it will not be the ſame with you; and that having look'd upon me by her Order, as a Perſon that was one day to have the happineſs of being your Husband, that ſame Conjugal Love will make you concur with me, to procure the things that are neceſſary for our mutual ſatisfaction. You ought not to doubt on't, ſaid ſhe to me, provided you only propoſe ſuch things as I may honeſtly do: for otherwiſe I do not think you expect I ſhould obey you. No, my dear Lidiana, I reply'd to her; and you would be too blame, did you ſo much as but ſuſpect it; And all the Propoſal that I have to make to you, is only that we may marry privately.’

[Page] ‘I pretended to go on, and tell her how things would be accommodated after that ſhe was once my Wife. I would farther convince by good and ſpecious Reaſons, how that ſhe could be in no wiſe prejudic'd, and that there were thouſands daily, who by theſe means brought their Parents to reaſon: but inſtead of giving me time for ſo doing, ſhe interrupted me with theſe Words: I wonder, Rivelli, ſaid ſhe to me, how you dare make Propoſals of this nature to me. I muſt certainly have given you Occaſion, by ſome Action unbecoming a Virgin, which puts me ſo out of countenance, that I promiſe you to prevent it for the future. No, my dear Lidiana, I anſwer'd her, all in a maze at this Diſcourſe, you never did any thing that could ſhock Decency; And though I ſhould have ſeen you of a humour to do it, which God be thank'd, is far from your inclination, my Love is of ſuch a Nature, [Page] that I ſhould have quickly have advertiz'd you of it. I love you not only becauſe you are lovely, but alſo becauſe that you are virtuous. With theſe Sentiments can I propoſe any thing to you that may make you uneaſie; And then why exclaim you ſo highly for telling you, that I wiſh to be your Husband? There are often ſecret Reaſons that oblige a Lover to make the like Propoſitions. The Fortune of ſhe they love, that is more conſiderable than their own; the Advantage they derive from an illuſtrious Alliance; and ſometimes alſo the deſire of deluding them, after having gratified their fooliſh Paſſion. But thanks be to God, I am exempt from all theſe Weakneſſes; and I do not believe that you can ſuſpect me of them. I have a Fortune conſiderable enough, ſo as not to mind that of a Wife: Your Birth, all illuſtrious as it is, does not ſurpaſs mine: And as for my Deſign, I do not think there is any need of telling you, that it has [Page] only Virtue in Recommendation. If it was otherwiſe I ſhould not have made the Paces you have ſeen me make: And you know, that it was not till after the Refuſal of our Parents, that I have been oblig'd to make you this Request.’

‘I told her nothing but the Truth; and ſhe knew all this as well as I; nevertheleſs, giving me a greater repulſe than before. If I did well, ſaid ſhe to me▪ after ſeveral ſharp things that uſher'd in this, I ſhould never ſee you more after ſuch a Propoſition: And though I will not deny that it is not Intereſt that has ſet you to court me, yet you must agree with me, that you offend me in the moſt ſenſible part imaginable. Is it not the diſhonouring of me, the propoſing a ſecret Marriage to me? How can the matter be conceal'd when People ſtand in ſuch fair Terms? What can thoſe ſay that take notice on't? And muſt one carry in one's Pocket one's Contract of Marriage, or the [Page] Certificate of the Greek Prieſts. Papas, to oblige them to paſs a better Judgment? Ah Madam! I anſwer'd her, can one ever paſs an ill one of you▪ you that paſs for an Example of Virtue in every Bodies Opinion? Such an Apprehenſion is valuable for thoſe whoſe Virtue appears doubtful▪ the leaſt thing may make the Balance incline on the Bad ſide: Whereas thoſe that reſemble you, would do all things without my concerving the least Suſpicion. That is to ſay, Rivelli, ſhe retorted upon me, that you would inſinuate to me, that Reputation all alone is ſufficient for a Woman: But know from me, that we are ſo far from being bound to believe you, that they are thoſe that have the moſt meaſures to keep. The Reaſon is, that when People come to diſcover their Concerns, the noiſe of 'em is much beyond that of thoſe they call Perſons of mean Virtue. Now as that you propoſe to me, [Page] muſt of all neceſſity be one day detected, you will take it in good part, that to avoid ſuch a trouble, I deſire you to deſiſt from all ſuch Pretentions.’

‘In ſpight of all the intereſt I had in theſe Words, I muſt own to you, that they gave me Admiration. I tacitely applauded my ſelf for loving ſo virtuous a Perſon. Nevertheleſs, as I was more ſenſible to my Love than all the reſt, I was very cautious of unboſoming theſe Sentiments to her. On the contrary, I ſtill did all I could to make her lay aſide hers: But not having been able to bring that about, my only care was now to ſweeten her up, ſeeing her beyond meaſure inſens'd. This I had much a-do to effect: but in fine, all things being reconciled by my Submiſſion, we thus parted as good Friends as ever, after I had promis'd her nevertheleſs, that I would never make her the like Propoſition again. However, [Page] it was very neceſſary that I ſhould ſet my Mind at reſt on that ſide; For Two Days after her Father arriv'd, he having run Poſt to ſtop the Progreſſes of my Paſſion; ſo pre poſſeſs'd was he againſt me, on the account of the Circumſtance I have before-hinted. The firſt thing he did upon his Arrival, was to forbid his Daughter ever to think of me; and told his Wife, that as he judg'd by her Letters, that ſhe eſpous'd my intereſts, he commanded her abſolutely to lay them aſide. Theſe were the very Terms he made uſe of; of which I had notice by Lidiana; who aſſured me at the ſame time, that if I remained faithful to her, all this ſhould not make any impreſſion upon her Mind: That ſhe would ſo order Matters, as to make him come to himſelf, by a feigned condeſcention: And ſhe entreated me to ſet my Friends to work, and to go to work my ſelf, to gain his good Opinion.’

[Page] ‘It was needleſs in her to give me this Counſel; my intereſt obliged me to take it of my ſelf. Whereupon I went to pay him a Viſit as ſoon as he had made known his Arrival; but I was very much amaz'd to ſee, that though the Door was open to all People, it was ſhut to me. He ſent me word, that he was buſie in writing of Letters, and deſired me to excuſe him. This might have paſs'd current with me, if the ſame Complement had been made to all Comers: but a Man coming at the ſame time to ask for him, the Porter let him in under my Noſe, either that he had not the Wit to know that this might vex me; or, as is more probable, he did nothing without his Maſter's Order. If it had been in an other Occaſion, I leave it to be gueſs'd how I ſhould have taken this Affront: But the Concern of my Love not permitting me to manifeſt my Reſentment, I went my [Page] ways without ſaying a word; but not without carrying along a peeviſhneſs, as render'd me quite another man. I returned thither on the morrow; and the ſame Complement having been made me; or at leaſt, the Porter having contriv'd an other Excuſe not to let me ſee his Maſter, this was more than needed to cauſe me to make a noiſe, if the ſame Reaſons that had detain'd me the Evening before, had not ſtill detain'd me that Day.’

‘What ſhall I ſay? In ſhort, I had the Patience to do the ſame thing for Eight Days together; at the end of which, ſeeing that it would be the way to make me ridiculous, if I went again, I choſe to write to him; and accordingly did ſo in moſt ſubmiſſive Terms: And the Tenour of this Letter was to undeceive him of there being any Fault of mine in what had paſs'd; and to let him know that I had [Page] been ſeveral times at his Houſe to diſcourſe him my ſelf on this Affair. I gave it to One of my Men, with Order to deliver it to him himſelf, and to demand his Anſwer. Nevertheleſs, as I was afraid, after what had befallen me my ſelf, they would not introduce him, if he ſaid he belong'd to me, I forbid him ſaying of that; but only that he had a Letter to give him from one of his Friends. With this Pre-caution he was introduced to him: And as my Man could then no longer excuſe himſelf from telling him from whom he came; he had no ſooner mention'd my Name to him, but that he refus'd to take the Letter; telling him angrily, That when he had been once offended he never pardoned. As I did not expect ſuch an extraordinary Complement, I had not inſtructed him what Anſwer to make him. Nevertheleſs, happening to have ſome Wit: My Master is not [Page]a Man, ſaid he to him, to be treated in this manner: And though it were true, that he had offended you, which however I ſhall not grant, the Submiſſion he makes to you would be capable to ſweeten any other Spirit than yours.’

‘Theſe Words, far from producing the Effect he hoped, did only ſerve to inſenſe him the more: So as that my Man ſeeing there was nothing to be done with ſuch a rugged Temper, thought fitting to come his ways. But in coming out of the Chamber, he left the Letter upon a Stool; telling him he was afraid I ſhould beat him if he brought it back. As I was impatient to know the Succeſs of this Embaſſy, I thought the time tedious till he return'd: But I had ſo little Reaſon to be ſatisfy'd with the Reception that had been made him, that the hopes that had fed me hitherto quickly vaniſht. I approv'd what he had done, and what he [Page] had ſaid: And as he was making an end of giving me an Account of all, word was brought me, that a Footman ask'd for me. I was ſurprized to ſee Lidiana's Livery. What would'ſt thou, Friend? I ſaid to him haſtily; already hoping for ſome better News. It is a Letter, Signior, anſwer'd he, that my Maſter ſends you back; and he deſires you never to take the pains of writing to him. At theſe Words he preſented me my Letter, which was ſtill ſealed up; And as there was no way for me to decline taking of it, I was ſtruck with grief, in having to do with a Perſon of ſo little Reaſon.’

‘This was as yet but the Moiety of my Misfortune. This whymſical Man, gueſſing that I did not make all the Paces without finding ſome returns in his Daughter, he forbid her not only to have any Commerce with me, but he watcht her ſo narrowly, that though ſhe [Page] had been of an Humour to do things to the prejudice of his Commands, it would have been impoſſible for her. Nevertheleſs, he knew not that we had a String to our Bow, which it was difficult for him to break: This was the Waiting-woman whom the Go-between had placed with the Mother, by whoſe means I receiv'd five or ſix Letters after one another.’

‘But all on the ſudden I ſaw my ſelf depriv'd of this Conſolation; and when I ask'd the Reaſon, the Go between told me, that the Father had taken away all the Ink and Paper that was in the Houſe; that there was no longer any Writing but by his Order; and not content with this, he had plac'd Maids with his own Hand about the Mother and Daughter, to hinder any one from being ſo charitable as to furniſh them wherewithal to keep on foot our Commerce.’

[Page] ‘All theſe Pre-cautions ſeem'd to me very ſtrange in a Man I had never offended: and all the Comfort I had left in ſo great a Misfortune was, that I could ſtill write, and receive Anſwers by word of Mouth. I knew not whether they were ever conformable to what the Go-between told me: But in fine, as they could not be more obliging for me, I took thence an occaſion to revive the Deſign I had interrupted for the Reaſons already ſpecify'd: I mean the propoſing a-new a private Wedding. To oblige this Woman to do her Duty well, I not only ſhew'd my ſelf beneficial to her, but ſtill made her hope for great rewards if ſhe ſped. This is a Secret very ſerviceable to many People; and there are thouſands that thereby ſucceed in their Deſigns. But for my part, who am the moſt unfortunate of all men, I found my ſelf Ship wrack'd where others find an Harbour.’

[Page] ‘That you may apprehend this Truth, I muſt tell you, Sir, That this Woman underſtanding her Trade to Perfection, lur'd me for ſome time without giving me any poſitive Anſwer. One while Lidiana did but weakly oppoſe my Propoſal; another while ſhe abſolutely rejected it, as the thing in the World the moſt injurious for her. At length, after having thus impos'd upon me for Two Months; That is to ſay, during the whole time that my Employment permitted me to ſtay at Venice, ſhe no ſooner ſaw me upon the Point of my Departure, but ſhe told me, That Lidiana being perſwaded of the Honeſty of my intentions, had at length reſolved no content me. So great a piece of News, and which beſides was ſo little expected by me, overwhelm'd me with an indicible Joy. Is it poſſible, I ſaid to this Woman, that Lidiana yields to my Deſires? And how ſhall I ever[Page]acknowledge this Obligation, for which I know I am only endebted to you? I told her thereupon, all that an Inamorato is capable of ſaying, when he thinks himſelf juſt ready to enjoy a Felicity after which he has long ſigh'd: And not content with expreſſing my Acknowledgement to her by Words, I made her Preſents ſo-ſo conſiderable.’

‘The Joy I was in had hinder'd me from asking her, after what manner ſhe had agreed with Lidiana to execute our Project: but ſuſpecting that I ſhould not be long without asking it, ſhe prevented me by queſtioning me how I pretended to go to work: For in ſhort, ſaid ſhe to me, I do not ſee that you would have been the better by having her Conſent, at least, if I had not ſmoothened a Difficulty that was offer'd. You know ſhe is kept in her Father's Eye, and by the Perſon he has put about her; and how to deceive theſe Two Argus's, [Page] and find the time neceſſary for you Both, before you can put your Concerns in a good way. Yet this is what I have done, added ſhe, without giving me time to anſwer her: For having objected this ſame Difficulty to Lidiana, now in diſcourſe, I let her ſee, that having but a Quarter of an Hours time, this Marriage could not be done in the Forms; but that if ſhe would trust to a Promiſe you ſhould give her of marrying her, it was all one and the ſame thing, ſince that you lov'd her too much to deceive her.’

‘This, Sir, is what this dangerous Woman told me; to which ſhe added, that after having had a great deal to do before ſhe could bring Lidiana to reſolve upon this, ſhe gave her her Word at the long run; That in conſideration of this Promiſe ſhe would do all I pleas'd. That if I had the aſſurance of mounting by Night into her Chamber with a Rope-Ladder, I ſhould [Page] find the Window open: But that I was to make no Noiſe when I was once got in, becauſe that the leaſt Word was capable of diſcovering me: That I knew there was only a ſingle Wall between her Mothers Chamber and hers; Nay, and that the Two Beds were very near one another: That therefore I ought to take my meaſures accordingly: That I needed only to preſent my Promiſe; that was my Paſport: That Lidiana would take it; after which ſhe would grant me all things as her Husband.’

‘It is impoſſible to expreſs the joy theſe good News gave me. That I had before was nothing in compariſon of this: Not that I meant to abuſe Lidiana's facility, but becauſe I ſaw my ſelf thereby delivered from the trouble of lulling to ſleep a Father more difficult to deceive than a jealous man: Beſides I had no time to loſe, being upon the Point, as I have already ſaid, of [Page] my Departure. Be it as it will; being urg'd on by my Love, and this Circumſtance, I deſired the Go-between to procure the Aſſignation for that very Night; and to ſignifie to me, whether it would be accepted. Her Anſwer was favourable to my impatience: She told me, that Lidiana would leave the Window open▪ and recommended to me on her behalf, that I ſhould not in the Sequel abuſe the Favour ſhe did me▪ as alſo to obſerve a profound ſilence. I told her I would perform all ſhe deſired, in ſuch manner as that Lidiana ſhould never have the leaſt matter to upbraid me withal.’

‘Things being thus concluded on both ſides, I kept my ſelf ready for the Hour of the Rendezvouze: And having written the Promiſe in agitation, which I was ſo fooliſh as that I muſt needs ſign it with my Blood, I went from home, and repaired under Lidiana's Windows: [Page] at the time I thought all People to be in Bed, I ſlung up my Ladder of Ropes, which ſhe was to faſten, for fear I ſhould break my Neck; and finding it fixt, I mounted-up in ſuch haſte, as that I ſeem'd to fly. When I was at the Window, I puſh'd againſt it, to ſee if it was open; and having found all things conformable to what had been told me, I entred the Chamber, where I ſhould have ſee my ſelf up againſt the Wall, though I knew the Room well enough, if one had not come to take me by the Hand. Ah! Lidiana, I ſaid to her ſoftly, getting as nigh as I could to her Ear; how infinitely am I oblig'd to you? And though I ſhould give you to the laſt Drop of my Blood, can I ever acquit my ſelf to you of what I owe you? I was ſo very much in Love, that notwithſtanding the Prohibition that was made me, I was going to launch out into a Diſcourſe of a World of ſuch like things, when [Page] this Perſon put her Hand upon my Mouth. I thereby underſtood that ſhe barr'd my ſaying any thing more; and ſtudying only to pleaſe her, I held my Tongue immediately. But in exchange I took that Hand, and kiſſing it with Tranſports that are more eaſie to be imagin'd than deſcribed; I held my Fortune ſo great, that I would not have exchanged it for that of a King. From thence I would have proceeded to the Face, but this Perſon repuls'd me gently with her Hand; inſomuch that ſhe did but the more augment the flames I was ſenſible of for her.’

‘What ſhall I tell you in ſhort, after ſeveral little things of this Nature, ſhe yielded to my Deſires, after having receiv'd the Promiſe I have mention'd, and which I gave her upon my accoſting her. How! the Sultan interrupted, has Lidiana granted you the last Favours? And dare you boast of this in my Preſence,[Page]you that know, that of a ſorry Slave, as ſhe was, I made her a Sultana; nay, and a Sultana-Favourite. Pardon me, Sir, this Man anſwer'd; Matters went not ſo; and if you would be pleas'd to have one Moments Patience, I will quickly acquaint you how all this Concern was unravell'd. You muſt know, that in the Moment that I thought my ſelf the moſt Unhappy of all Men, I found ſo little of what I ſought, that I could have wiſh'd my ſelf a good way off. Is it poſſible, ſaid I in my ſelf, that there can be ſuch deluding Maidens, and that it is my ill Fortune to have made ſo ill a Choice? I did not make theſe Lamentations without cauſe: She I had in my Arms had been already in thoſe of ſeveral others, by what appeared to me. Thus my Love being changed all of the ſudden into a terrible Diſguſt, I need not tell you that the Night ſeem'd a thouſand Years long to me. This is a [Page] thing you may eaſily ſuppoſe of your ſelf; and it is not neceſſary that I utter my mind further. In fine, I made the Day come at leaſt Two Hours ſooner than ordinary: I mean, that there were Two Hours of Night ſtill to come, when I told this Perſon that I was going my ways becauſe the Day drew near. She graſp'd me in her Arms, ſeemingly to make me believe that ſhe let me not go without Regret: But this little avail'd her, ſince I was ſo far from making Returns to her Fondneſſes, that I could have been content, as they vulgarly ſay, to have been kick'd out thence. In ſhort; having broke out of her Arms without obſerving many Meaſures, I went my ways with a Mortal Vexation; but which would have ſtill been much greater but for a dexterous Trick I us'd This Perſon had put my Promiſe under the Bolſter; I took it ſlily away, with a full Reſolution not to marry [Page] her, ſince that inſtead of the Raviſhments I had promis'd my ſelf to have met withal in her, I had found ſomething ſo different, that the Day was not more from Night.’

‘Now theſe are the Particulars of that Rendezvouze; to which it is convenient to add to undeceive you at preſent of the thought you had of its being Lidiana: for the Go-between having propos'd to her the Secret Marriage I have before-mention'd, and in no wiſe prevailing with her to conſent to it, ſhe bethought her ſelf of making an other ſupply her Room, to merit the Recompences I had propos'd. Thus one may ſee how dangerous it is to truſt in thoſe Venial Souls; and provided they have your Money, they mind not by what means. Beſides it was an eaſie matter for her to paulm this Trick upon me. She had in the Houſe a Creature ſhe had ſeveral times put [Page] to all ſorts of Tryals: Beſides ſhe lay in Lidiana's Chamber; nay and in her Bed; the Father of that fair Virgin thinking fit to have her by him, for fear of thoſe Nocturnal Rendezvouzes by which the ſharpeſt circumſpection is over-reach'd. Now I was ignorant of this Circumſtance. Thus all things conſpiring to my Misfortune, it is not to be wondred that I was cruelly deceived.’

‘In the mean while I went away the next Morning without bidding Adieu to the real Lidiana, of whom however I had no cauſe to complain. But the Adventures of a Wicked Night had ſo pawl'd me, that I was no longer capable of Gratitude or of Love. Being poſſeſs'd with ſuch Sentiments, if I could have made my Horſe fly, I ſhould have done it; ſo eager I was to diſtance my ſelf from Lidiana; to whoſe diſadvantage▪ I told my ſelf then at leaſt as many things [Page] as I had told my ſelf a little before in her favour. So precipitated a Departure did extreamly ſurprize her: She was not for ſome time to be perſwaded that I was gone: but at length having no room left for doubt, if her Love made her be troubled for my Proceedure, her Spight ſuggeſted into her ſo many things againſt me, that it may be ſaid to have got the Victory. Nevertheleſs ſhe was not ſo well Miſtreſs of her ſelf as that ſhe could entirely forget me; wherefore after having waver'd a long time, whether ſhe ought to write to me or not, her weakneſs was more prevalent than her Haughtineſs. Perhaps ſhe thought hereby rather to revenge her ſelf on me, than make appear the Remnants of her Love. Nevertheleſs, as in regard of that Paſſion it is more grateful to a Lover to meet with Reproaches than to be treated with indifference, this had been ſtill matter of Triumph [Page] to me; ſuppoſing I had been ſtill as ſenſible to her Merit as I had formerly been. But leaving this Queſtion apart, which nevertheleſs was never conteſted by able People, I will repeat to you the Tenour of the Letter ſhe ſent me.’

LIDIANA's Letter to RIVELLI.

I Thought you of a Character ſo different from that of other Lovers, that I made no Scruple of giving you Teſtimonies of my Weakneſs. But in fine, it was a folly in me to believe otherwiſe than that all Men reſemble one another: There is not one but that is a Deceiver: And as it would be Blindneſs to doubt of this after your Carriage, I am become ſo wiſe at preſent that I ſhould rather chooſe to loſe my Life than ever more commit the Folly I have done. In ſhort, I hate you now as much as I ever lov'd you: [Page] This ſays All to expreſs the Sentiments I am in, ſince it is certain that I have been ſo poſſeſs'd in your Favour, that nothing could be added to my good Opinion.

‘She has Reaſon, ſaid I ſmiling in my ſelf, never more to commit the Folly ſhe has done. It is effectually the means to diſquiet thoſe that have to do with her; and I adviſe her to ſtick to her Face; which far from diſcovering her Defects, has ſo many Attractions, that no body would ever imagine that the reſt was ſo little anſwerable thereunto. After this Reflexion, and ſome others that were as little to her advantage, I felt my Pulſe, as I may ſay, to know whether I ought to make her an Anſwer; but fearing if I did ſo, it might make me incur an other Letter, I reſolv'd by my ſilence to break off all Commerce between us Two.’

[Page] ‘Now this was my Proceedure; whence it is eaſie to conjecture, that Lidiana ſeeing her ſelf ſlighted in this manner effectually hated me in ſucceſſion of time, as much as ſhe had ever lov'd me. But what do I ſay? Her Averſion did much ſurpaſs the Love ſhe had ever had for me: I will make who will be Judge: And I will take you your ſelf, Sir, to Witneſs, after I ſhall have related to you the Sequel of my unhappy Hiſtory.’

‘You muſt know, that the Campaign being ended, I was in Garriſon in a City where all the Women, even ſuch as were of the very Dregs of the People, were ſo many Beauties. And certainly though I have travell'd as much as any Man of my Age, I know no place where Beauty is more generally found. This infinitely pleaſed all the Officers; Severall allured by ſo great a Charm, married in this Place; others that had not as yet Devotion [Page] enough for ſo holy a Buſineſs, got Miſtreſſes; and of the whole number of us I may ſafely ſay, that only I remained inſenſible. They all wonder'd at this; and particularly thoſe that knew me to be of a Temper very prone to Love: But in ſhort, one ſingle Night had given me a Diſguſt to all Women; and they were all Lidiana's to me,’

‘About the middle of our Winter Quarters I had a Boon to ask of the Senate; and thinking to obtain it better in Perſon than to demand it by a Letter, I departed Poſt; though to tell the Truth, I conſidered on it more than once by reaſon of Lidiana, whom I was afraid of meeting ſome where or other; nay and for whom I had ſo much Averſion, that I dreaded to hear her ſo much as ſpeak. Being arriv'd at Venice I did not ſo much as enquire after her, for fear ſome troubleſome Perſon or other ſhould come and extoll her Gracefulneſs [Page] and Beauty to me. Only the Go-between knowing of my Return, came to ſee me; or to ſpeak more exactly, to renew ſome Commerce with me; ſo to get ſome Money from me. But I ſent her Word, that I would not ſpeak with her▪ Yet this not making her deſiſt, ſhe came again ſeveral times; which oblig'd me to ſend her Word, That if ſhe was ever more ſeen at my Gate, I would have her whipt. She knew not what to think of ſo great an Alteration: But in fine, theſe Words being poſitive, ſhe was afraid of the Baſtonnade, and importuned me no more.’

‘I came not alone to Town; one of the moſt Conſiderable Officers of the Army kept me Company. As he was Young, well-made and very Rich, he quickly made an Hurry-durry among the Ladies; who were not all Cruel to him. Nevertheleſs he met with One to whom he ſigh'd in vain: And as he [Page]very ingenuouſly told me his Concerns after having entertain'd me with his good Succeſs with the others, he imparted to me the Rigour of this Perſon; at which he ſeem'd to me to be very much afflicted. As I was no longer an Inamorato, I did not take his Paſſion by the ſame Byaſs I ſhould formerly have done. On the contrary, I told him, That I wonder'd that he who was ſo richly ſtock'd with Wit, laid a thing ſo very much to heart that was only the Well-bred Man's Trivial Play-thing; or at moſt ought to ſerve him only as an Amuſement. He was ſurpriz'd to hear me talk in this manner; I whom he had ever known to be of a Character quite different from this Diſcourſe. You are no longer the ſame Man I knew, he ſaid to me: And pray ye ſince when have you been ſo very much chang'd? Since, I anſwer'd him, that I have found all Women to be deceitful. I thereupon [Page] told him my Hiſtory; at which he did but laugh, after the rate of moſt Young People, that make a Jeaſt of all. You laugh at my Coſt, I ſaid to him: but have a care I do not quickly laugh at yours. This cannot be long first, ſince you tell me you are ſo very much in Love; For▪ craving all Lovers Pardon, there is not One but is a Culty: And notwithstanding all your Wit and Ʋnderstanding, I have no better Opinion of you than of an other. All Women cheat us, continued I: Some ſmile upon us, as having need to recover their Honour that has long been under a Cloud; Others ſeek to loſe it: And if there be any one that has ſincerity at firſt, ſhe keeps it not long, either that We being firſt wicked, we quickly teach them to become ſo as they cannot repair the Corruption of their Nature; which makes them run full ſpeed to Perdition. The truth is, he ſaid to me, you ſurprize me ſtill more and more by ſuch extraordinary [Page] Sentiments: I do not much wonder to ſee you have ſuch a bad Opinion of her that has deceived you; but to extend it indifferently over all Women, is what I cannot reliſh; nor will ever any Body reliſh it no more than I. Pardon me, I ſaid to him; For let a Man but have never ſo little Practice of the World, and he will quickly know that they are all mark'd in the ſame Corner; and all the difference I find in them is, that ſome are cunninger than others; inſomuch that they can longer diſguiſe their ill Nature.’

‘We could never agree upon this Matter; which did not much trouble my Head no more than the Rumour he ſpread abroad of me, that I ſlighted all Women. And indeed they were all ſo indifferent to me, that he aſſerted nothing but the Truth. Nevertheleſs as he was daily more and more poſſeſs'd in Favour of his Miſt reſs, he was ſo [Page] particularly aſſiduous in his Addreſſes to her, as oblig'd her to look upon him with a better Eye than ſhe had hitherto done. He came to proclaim this Triumph to me with an unequall'd Joy; and in all probability expected I ſhould have complemented him upon the Occaſion; when I told him with a very dull Face; Well! You ſee now which of us two was in the right: Now the Cheat's diſcovered: You was only put off at firſt that you might be the more enflam'd; and now you are only look'd upon with a better Eye for fear you ſhould be gone. Do but continue, and you will ſee ſtrange things. In fine; I do not deſpair but that the ſame thing will quickly befall you as did me; and you need only to preſs on, as I did, to be convinc'd of this Truth from your own Experience.’

[Page] ‘I ſhall not tell you, Sir, all that he reply'd to me upon this Point: that would be too tedious: and it is ſufficient that you know, that he having continued to ſing to me ſtill in the ſame favourable Tune of his Miſtreſs, I was oblig'd to draw him Lidiana's Picture, to ſhew him, that thoſe that had the fineſt appearance, were not the Shees in whom he ought moſt to truſt. He was very attentive to the firſt Stroaks I touch'd of her; but I perceived that he afterwards grew concerned; which I was preparing to ask him the reaſon of, when he interrupted me with this Diſcourſe: Forbear your Raileries, I beſeech you, Rivelli, and do not draw the Pourtraict of my Miſtreſs inſtead of yours. I! the Pourtraict of your Miſtreſs, ſaid I to him, ſtrangely amaz'd: Faith I had no ſuch Thoughts: I know not who ſhe is, and hitherto have not been much concerned to know her; [Page] but you will ſee, that if they be ſo alike in Face, they are much more alike in inclination: I told you plainly enough, that all of them are Cheats; and you will never believe it till you are caught.’

‘He took in ill part all I ſaid to him; and ſeeing it impoſſible for me to get him out of his penſive Humour: But for God's ſake, I ſaid to him, acquaint me with your Miſtreſſes Name; for I know that of mine; and this will be ſurer than all the Conjectures you can derive from my Diſcourſe. She is call'd Lidiana, he anſwer'd me; and ſhe is a Perſon of Quality, who is come hither with her Mother for a Proceſs of Conſequence which they have before the Senate. I leave it to be judg'd whether I was not ſurpriz'd at this Declaration. Nevertheleſs I judg'd it not convenient to tell him what I thought of the matter: On the contrary, being very willing that he might be caught as well as I: [Page] You have been falſly allarum'd, ſaid I to him; I only knew Lidiana by Fame; and though ſhe is of my Countrey, as I departed thence when very young, I do not remember I ever ſaw her. A body has never ſo much aſſurance when he tells a Lye as when he tells the Truth; either that the ſerious look I put on, made him ſuſpect ſomething, or that there appear'd Signs in my Face that I did not ſpeak ſincerely; he had no ſooner left me, but that he left Lidiana, whom he ask'd if ſhe knew me. She bluſht at this Queſtion, and appearing ſtrangely non plus'd; What is the meaning of all this, Madam, he renew'd? And the Queſtion I put to you, is it ſo extraordinary that it muſt needs caſt you into the Confuſion I ſee you labour under. This perplext her ſtill more than before; inſomuch that it was not neceſſary he ſhould queſtion her farther to diſcover that it was ſhe I had pointed [Page] at in my Diſcourſe: Ah! Madam, he ſaid to her, who would have thought it of ſo lovely a Perſon? And what will become of me after all I know? He ſaid no more: but as this was more than needed to make Lidiana apprehend that ſome Story had been told him that touch'd her Honour: Yes, Sir, ſhe ſaid to him, I know Rivelli: But whence comes this Perplexity, and the Diſcourſe you hold me? He was in ſo lamentable a Condition, that he could not anſwer her in his Turn: Whereupon Lidiana confirming her ſelf ſtill more and more in her Suſpicions: From that proceeds what I ſee, ſhe renew'd: And is it a Crime in me to have known Rivelli? I'le tell you farther, he has lov'd me; or at leaſt he would have made me believe ſo: and perhaps he would have marry'd me, but for Conjectures which it's not neceſſary I inform you of. I believe it ſufficiently, Madam, he anſwer'd: But [Page]let me adviſe you not to mention it to any Body. Nay and I adviſe you to tell Rivelli, that he be more diſcreet an other time: And if like him, I had had the Fortune to have Favours from ſo beautiful a Lady as you, I would ſooner have been kill'd than ever have ſpoke of them to any Body.’

‘He judg'd not convenient to ſay more to her, though ſhe earneſtly entreated him to conceal nothing from her: But what he had ſaid to her being more than ſufficient to make her underſtand that I had ſpoke ill of her, I was ſtrangely ſurpriz'd to ſee her enter my Chamber one Morning; and having ask'd her the Occaſion, I come, Sir, ſaid ſhe to me, after having taken off her Veil, to know why you ruine my Reputation: and I wonder very much that you, whom I ever thought a worthy Perſon, ſhould do Actions ſo unworthy of a Man of Honour. You was ſuffer'd, added [Page] ſhe, to go your ways, as you did, without your taking leave of me: I never made you any great Reproaches for breach of Faith: and you ſhould never have heard talk of me, if you had not oblig'd me to it by your Carriage.’

‘Lidiana appear'd ſo beauteous to me in holding this Diſcourſe to me; and ſhe was really ſo lovely, that it is not to be wonder'd if I perceiv'd thoſe Flames to revive that had been formerly ſo ardent. I was ſtrangely ſurpriz'd; I that ſlighted her ſo much before, that I ſhould have preferr'd the moſt deſpicable of Creatures before her. For this Cauſe did I ſeek to excuſe my ſelf; or rather, I abſolutely deny'd the ever having ſpoke ill of her. It is very true, Madam, I added, that I have great Reaſon to be ſurpriz'd that you have ſo much forgotten me after what paſs'd the Night before my Departure; and I can only attribute it to the [Page]Levity ſo natural to thoſe of your Sex.’

‘I had no ſooner bolted the Word but that I check'd my ſelf tacitely for ſo doing. I ask'd my ſelf what this meant: and if after the imperfections ſhe had under her Linnen, a Man muſt not be void of Judgment to be ſtill ſenſible of any Spark of a Flame that muſt needs make me bluſh for ſhame. But if I made this Reflection, Lidiana immediately free'd me from it by a Tranſport of Anger which ſhe could not moderate, after having heard me talk in this manner What then has paſs'd between us, ſhe ſaid to me? And impart it to me, ſince that I do not remember it. Let's leave that matter apart, I ſaid to her, and let it never be mentioned, ſince you have forgotten it ſo ſoon. I have tenderly lov'd you, you know it: but in ſhort, one is not born to love eternally: And though this ſhould not commonly happen, yet this [Page]is what has befallen you, who had promis'd never to love any Man but me. It will be a ſurprizing thing to you, Sir, that I talk'd to her in this manner; after the tacite Reproaches I had newly made to my ſelf: But the more I look'd upon her, the more I found the Wounds to open again that ſhe had made in me. Wherefore all I could ſay to my ſelf of the Condition I had found her in, being not capable to make me turn my Eyes from off her, I grew more enflam'd than ever; which will not ſeem ſurprizing to you when I ſhall have told you, that ſhe quickly juſtify'd her ſelf to me of the Suſpicions I had conceiv'd of her Vertue.’

‘As all I ſaid to her did ſtill denote that ſomething very particular had paſs'd between us, ſhe would by all means know it; and thinking there was no great Myſtery in diſcovering a thing to her which ſhe muſt needs know as well [Page] as I, I ſurpriz'd her extreamly, when I told her what I told you before. I perceiv'd ſhe bluſh'd at this Relation, and I attributed it to the Modeſty that is ſo natural to Maidens; or to the Regret ſhe had perchance for having granted me this Favour now that ſhe no longer lov'd me. But I remain'd not long in this Opinion: What you now tell me, ſhe ſaid to me, is an Impoſture ſo enormous, that I will die in Torments, or I will be revenged. You ſhall maintain before the World what you have now ſaid to me: It concerns your Honour and mine ſo to do; and I perceive you have been deceiv'd.’

‘Theſe Words open'd my Eyes when it was too late; and no difficult matter was it for me to apprehend that it was the Go-between and her implement that had plaid me this Prank. In the mean while, if without having been inform'd of Lidiana's innocence, I had a-new [Page]conceiv'd for her Sentiments all full of tenderneſs, it was quite another thing, when I was perſwaded of it. Ah! Madam, I ſaid to her, what can I ever do to repair my Fault? It was the loſs of the Eſteem I had for you that has been the Occaſion of all this Diſorder. But now that I know your Virtue, I ſhall ſo well repair what has paſs'd, that you ſhall ſee that it is not without an extream Regret that I ſee my ſelf oblig'd to leave you. But I do not pretend, I added, that my Repentance ſhould exempt me to you wards from the Satisfaction I owe you: You need only impoſe a Puniſhment upon me, and I ſhall not appeal from it, however rigorous it may be: and on the contrary I will ſay, that you are too good, ſince I own my Fault does not merit any Pardon.’

‘If ſhe would have liſten'd to me, I ſhould have ſaid much more to her, ſo penetrated I was with Love: But her Head being only [Page] poſſeſs'd with her own Juſtification, ſhe went directly to her Mother, to whom ſhe gave a faithful account of all I have newly related. As that Lady could not act all alone in this Concern, ſhe gave her Husband intimation of the Matter, who preſented a Requeſt to the Magiſtracy, that he might be permitted to take up all thoſe he ſuſpected of this intrigue. The Magiſtracy having upon his Requeſt given way to Juſtice, the Go-between and her imp were put into Priſon; and I was confronted againſt them after they had deny'd the Points upon which they were examined. As the Truth was eaſie to be made out, notwithſtanding all their little Tricks and Circumventions, the Judges condemn'd them to be put to the Rack. This ſtruck a Terror into them; and preferring a ſpeedy Death to Sufferings that are very often worſe than the loſs of Life; they own'd [Page] their Crime, without ſtanding to be put to Torment. After this they were condemn'd to the Whip and to Baniſhment; a Puniſhment too mild for a Crime of that Nature.’

‘This Affair did not thus occur in Venice, without furniſhing Matter of Talk to a World of People: And as Detraction finds occaſion to bite upon all things, People there were that would needs have it, that theſe Wretches had been ſacrifie'd to recover Lidiana's Honour. This Rumour was quickly buzz'd about the Town; which the Father having notice of, he expreſs'd a Concern at it to his Friends, who advis'd him to marry her out of hand. They told him, as it was true, That it was the means to put an end to all theſe Diſcourſes: Whereas-as long as ſhe ſhould remain a Maiden, People would be ever talking of this Adventure. He found their Reaſons [Page] very pertinent: and as they advis'd him at the ſame time to prefer me before all the Matches that could be offer'd, it ſo fell out, that his intereſt made him forget the averſion he had conceived againſt me. One of our mutual Friends propos'd the thing to me, which fill'd me ſo with joy as was impoſſible for me to expreſs it. I went immediately to find out Lidiana's Father; and after having thank'd him for his kind thoughts to me, I told him that he might make the Contract of Marriage as he pleas'd: That I pretended to give all I had to his Daughter: wherefore that it could not be ſo advantageous to her but that I ſhould ſtill wiſh to do more for her. He receiv'd my Complement with abundance of Civility; and after having made ſome Excuſe to me for what wa paſs'd, he bid me go ſee his Daughter, and tell her this News▪ found her alone in her Chamber [Page] and having thrown my ſelf at her Feet: Your Father beſtows you upon me, ſaid I to her, Beauteous Lidiana. But as this Preſent, however incomparable it may be, cannot pleaſe me unleſs it comes from your own hand: Tell me, I beſeech you, whether the Regret I have for having offended you, has made you forget the hatred you had for me.’

‘Lidiana gave me not time to finiſh theſe laſt Words; or at leaſt did not give her ſelf the Patience to hear them. And indeed, interrupting me with a Diſturbance of mind not eaſily to be obſerv'd: My Father beſtow me upon you! ſhe ſaid to me: And is he ſo poor ſpirited after the Reaſons we have to hate you? Does he not remember the ill Opinion you had of me? And in ſhort, after the moſt ſenſible Affront that a Man can offer to a Virgin, is it poſſible that he can pitch his Choice upon you? How, Madam! I ſaid to her, is it poſſible that you your [Page] ſelf do remember my Offence, rather than the Regret I have for having offended you? I ſhall ſay nothing to ye of my Love: yet if you have the leaſt Memory, you muſt know that I have lov'd you with all the Paſſion and all the Honeſty imaginable. This is ſufficiently juſtify'd by the Esteem I have forborn having for you from the very moment that I thought you leſs honeſt than I imagin'd; but now that nothing more hinders me from entertaining that Esteem a-new, I may tell you, that I ſhall render ſo much Juſtice to your Merit and Vertue, that never Husband ſet ſo great a Value upon a Wife as I pretend to have for you. If you never eſteem me but in that Quality, ſhe anſwer'd me, you will never have other than an ill Opinion of me. Though I know the Obedience that I owe to my Father, yet I would have you know that I ſhall diſpence my ſelf from it in this Occaſion: Wherefore if you have the leaſt Conſideration for me, I [Page] beſeech you to lay aſide all thoughts of courting me; otherwiſe you will oblige me to things which will not be to the advantage of either of us both.’

‘You may think, Sir, I could not be otherwiſe than afflicted at theſe Words. Ah! Madam, I perceive how the Caſe ſtands, I anſwer'd her: I now experience a Calumny that is common to me with many Ʋnfortunate Wretches. I have a Rival; and you do not hate me ſo much on the account of what I have done to you, as becauſe that you love an other. I was ſtruck with Jealouſie at the ſame moment: and after having cudgelled my Head with a thouſand deſires of revenge, I went away all in a Fury, and fully reſolv'd not to let things reſt ſo. In this Deſign I went to find out my Rival, whom I let know, that one of us muſt die. He was a brave Man, and not of an Humour to be ſtartled at ſuch a Complement: Wherefore[Page]without being in any manner heated; Very willingly, he ſaid to me; but perhaps there will be no need of that, if you will but acquaint me what animates you ſo much againſt me. Can you be ignorant of that, I anſwer'd him? And when you rob me of my Miſtreſſes Heart, can I be without Reſentment? I have not ſo much Preſumption, he reply'd to me: but though it were ſo, I ſwear to you, that things ſhall never go farther on my ſide. I have lov'd Lidiana, I own it; nay and my deſign was to marry her; but ſince the News you imparted to me, I am ſo thoroughly pawl'd, that I no longer remember that I have lov'd her. If ever I happen to marry, added he, it ſhall not be a Chronicle-Wife, at leaſt in my knowledge.’

‘This Diſcourſe made me apprehend that he was one of thoſe that had an ill Opinion of Lidiana: And though I had a ſufficient Eſteem for her, as to be very glad [Page] that every one ſhould do her Juſtice, the leaſt of my Cares was to undeceive him. Having no longer any Occaſion to quarrel with him, after ſuch a Declaration, I ſet my Mind a little more at reſt; hoping that ſince I had not a tender and paſſionate Lover to combate withal in her Boſom, in time I might with eaſe recover the Honour of her good Opinion. Being poſſeſs'd with theſe Sentiments, what did I not do for Two whole Years together? I quitted my Employment that I might be the more aſſiduous with her; and declining to make uſe of her Father's Authority, who ſtill favour'd my Addreſſes, I plac'd my hopes only in the Exceſs of my Repentance, and in the Violence of my Love. What did I not do, Sir, during ſo conſiderable a time, and which ſeem'd ſo much the longer to me as that I was in Torment? But what need is there of ſpinning out this Diſcourſe [Page] any further? You muſt know, that I only loſt my Pains; which putting me into the utmoſt Deſpondency, I departed from Venice with a Reſolution to go ſeek in Forreign Countries the Cure I could not hope for as long as I ſtaid in a Place where I ſhould be continually expos'd to the ſeeing of Lidiana. I had much a-do to form this Reſolution, and much more to execute it; ſo great is the Feeble when one is in Love. But what much help'd to make me gain this over my Mind is, that Lidiana had no longer any Quiet with her Father ſince ſhe had ſo formally thwarted his Will. Thus believing my Abſence would skreen her from all theſe Perſecutions, I went to Rome, and thence into France, where I ſerv'd in the Forces that were appointed againſt Flanders. But though War be capable of poſſeſſing one's Mind entirely; principally when a Man has a little Ambition; [Page] it is nevertheleſs certain, that wherever I went I carry'd Lidiana's image along with me: She every where came to torment me; inſomuch that having no more Repoſe in that Countrey than I had at Venice, I return'd thither incognito, to have at leaſt the Conſolation of ſeeing her. I found ſhe was gone thence on her return into our own Countrey; and taking a Journey thither my ſelf, I was told the ſaddeſt News that ever could have befallen me. It is not neceſſary that I tell it you; you know it, Sir, as well as I; I mean the ſtealing away of Lidiana by the Aga. Any other that had been leſs in Love, would have contented himſelf with venting of Sighs, and with accuſing Fate of injuſtice: But as my Love was of a different Nature from that of all Men, I alſo took a Reſolution, which no other Man but I would have taken; it was to come ſnatch [Page] Lidiana out of the Aga's Hands; wherein though I ſaw an inſurmountable Difficulty, my Conſolation was, that either I ſhould die in pain, or that I ſhould ſpeed in my Deſign. Whereupon I came hither only as courting Death, as I may ſay: but Deſtiny ſeeking ſtill more and more to oppreſs me, I was inform'd that your Celſitude had had the ſame Eyes as I: That is to ſay, that you had found Lidiana ſo Beauteous that you had put her into your Serraglio. It would be impertinent for me to tell you my Deſpondency at this News: it is eaſie for you to judge of it by the Reſolution I took to paſs over the Walls of the Serraglio: And I undertook to do ſo, ſo much the more willingly, in that I hop'd that Lidiana being there againſt her Will, ſhe would concur with me to free her ſelf out of Slavery; ſuppoſing that I was ſo happy as to get to the Speech of her. There is no need [Page] of my telling you any thing farther: You know how you found me; and I ſhall only add, that your Celſitude is concern'd to puniſh me out of hand, ſince that as long as I ſhall be alive, I ſhall not only diſpute againſt you, but alſo againſt the whole Earth together; for a heart without which I cannot hope to live.’

This Man having thus related his Concerns, the Grand Signior, who had hearkened to him without one's being able to ſay whether he was animated with Revenge or Hatred, went out of the Chamber, and ſo to that of the Sultana, who was intereſted in this Diſcourſe. There, without telling her what this Man had related to him, he would needs be acquainted with her Hiſtory from her own Mouth, to ſee whether he had not impos'd upon him. But her Account having been altogether conformable to his, he wanted much of [Page] being in that Anger he would have been in had he perceiv'd they had prevaricated with him. Nevertheleſs he was ſtill uncertain what he was to do: For on the one ſide he judg'd this Man worthy of Death for the Love he dar'd to harbour for the Sultana: He conſider'd on the other, That he was ſufficiently puniſh'd in the manner he was treated. In fine, Mildneſs having prevail'd over all other Conſiderations, he granted him his Pardon at the Requeſt of Sultana Zelinda; not that ſhe did honeſtly eſpouſe his intereſt, but becauſe ſhe thought that by preſerving his Life, it would be for her an inſtrument ready at hand that would ſerve to render the Grand Signior jealous of her Rival. Now indeed her Policy had been good, ſuppoſing that his Celſitude had ſuffer'd him to ſtay in his Dominions; but having had the Pre-caution to ſend him away thence; nay end to cauſe him to be accompany'd to the [Page] very Frontier; that ſo he might not be impoſed upon by this means, her Malice prov'd all to no purpoſe.

While that all this paſs'd Ibrahim was ſtill in the ſame place, whence he imagined he might eaſily eſcape, having engag'd the Husband and Wife in his intereſts. But as People often reckon without their Hoſt, it happen'd that in the very time that he thought himſelf in the greateſt ſecurity, it wanted little but that he had been diſcovered in the manner I am going to relate: After all the Busſle that I have newly re-counted, the Grand Signior went down into the Garden with the Two Sultana's; and as he was walking there fell a terrible Rain that oblig'd him to ſeek out ſome Place where he might be under ſhelter. There being none nearer than the Gardiner's Houſe, he ran thither with his Company; and Ibrahim had but juſt time to hide himſelf. In the mean while [Page] the Gardiner's Wife was ſo ſurprized, that the Grand Signior eaſily perceiv'd that ſomething ail'd her. The Sultana's paſſed alſo the ſame Judgment. But they all having attributed it to the ſurpriſe ſhe was in to ſee Perſons of their Rank, the lowneſs of her Extraction ſav'd her. The Rain being over, the Grand Signior return'd into the Garden; and there it was that Sultana Zelinda was ſurprized with a ſtrong Jealouſie. For while ſhe was amuſing her time, in contemplating ſome Figures that were upon their Pedeſtal, the Grand Signior ſtruck aſide with her Rival; and kindling his Flames a-new that had only been interrupted by her Malady, he entred into an Arbour that was at the end of an Alley, the Door of which he ſhut after him, for fear Zelinda ſhould come and diſturb his Converſation. Zelinda no ſooner perceiv'd that he went off, but that being vex'd for having given Occaſion to the Affront [Page] that was done her, ſhe walk'd apace to overtake him. She was almoſt as ſoon as he at the Arbour, which ſhe ſaw him direct his ſteps to; and when ſhe was juſt got up to it, ſhe ſaw her ſelf ſhut out.

This was ſo terrible a Vexation to her, that ſhe had never had the like. Perhaps ſhe did not love the Sultan; and the Love ſhe had for Ibrahim is a good inſtance of the contrary, ſince Two great Paſſions are incompatible with one another. But in her Ambition ſupplying the Room of Love, ſhe was for all the World as jealous as if ſhe had really lov'd him. I ſhall not however loſe time in relating all that her Anger made her ſay: and indeed it would be needleſs, ſince there is no body but may imagine, that in ſuch Circumſtances one is capable of ſaying many things. It is more expedient that I proceed to her Actions, by which it will be made more manifeſt than by her Words, with [Page] what Spirit ſhe was animated.

All the World agrees, That Women have infinitely more Wit than we Men, when the Matter in agitation is Love. The Reaſon for this is eaſie to be given: As it is of an extream Conſequence for them to conceal their Concerns, they make it their ſtudy, as I may ſay, from their Infancy, to foreſee all that may befall them. From hence it comes, that ſome of 'em are ſo expert at deceiving their Gallants and Husbands. But this is not my Buſineſs; and I ſhall only ſay, that as they excel us in the Art of making Love, it is the like in Jealouſie, to which they are ſo naturally prone, that it makes them often commit a thouſand Follies. If I ſought for the Reaſon of it, I ſhould quickly find it. As Jealouſie is a Companion of Love, it follows, that he that is the moſt wedded to this laſt Paſſion, is the more ſmartly ſenſible of the other. Now Zelinda making this fatal Experience, [Page] it is not to be thought ſtrange if ſhe ſtudy'd the means to ruine her Rival, to which ſhe was ſo much the more powerfully excited, in that ſhe daily ſaw her Favour augment, and that her own, on the contrary, did viſibly diminiſh.

After having fram'd this Reſolution, ſhe was not long before ſhe contented her ſelf; and in this manner went ſhe to work: She made reflection, that Ibrahim only paſs'd for her Rival's Brother, on the ſcore of what her Mother had ſaid of him: That the Sultan was to be made believe, that it was a thing invented on purpoſe to conceal the ſecret Flames he had for her. That if he was ſufficiently jealous after this, to be hurry'd to the utmoſt Extremities againſt him, ſhe would ſee to preſerve him from danger, either by the Aſcendant ſhe had over him, or by the Credit of others that had the Grand Signior's Ear, and [Page] who would be over-joy'd to employ their intereſt in her behalf. That at the worſt, if Ibrahim periſh'd in this Occaſion, ſhe ſhould have, at leaſt, the Conſolation of having involv'd her Rival in his Misfortune.

Such a Reſolution was no great Proof that ſhe lov'd Ibrahim with over-much Affection: But without troubling my Head, in going about to juſtifie her, I ſhall only ſay, that ſhe is not the only Perſon that has thus ſacrific'd her Love to her Ambition. Be it as it will, being daily more and more perſwaded, that ſhe could not take more juſt meaſures than theſe, to re-eſtabliſh her ſelf in the Sultan's Favour, and baniſh her Rival from it, ſhe caus'd Notes to be dropp'd in the Grand Signior's Chamber, by which he had intimation given him, that People frequented the Serraglio for the Love of the other Sultana. One of theſe Notes falling into his Hands, he was [Page] ſtruck with ſo terrible a Paſſion, that nothing was capable of cooling it, but a thought that came into his Head, that it might perchance be an Artifice of Zelinda. That he might ſhrift into the Truth, he went to this laſt Sultana's Apartment, and pretending to conſult her upon this Affair: Is it poſſible, Madam, he ſaid to her, that I am deceiv'd? And you that have ſo much intereſt to make the Truth known to me, how can you be at rest in a thing that concerns you as well as I.

He conſider'd her attentively, to ſee if he could diſcover upon her Face, with what Motions ſhe was ſeiz'd. But Zelinda being Miſtreſs of her Movements, and beſides excelling in the Art of Diſſembling above all thoſe of her Sex: It is true, Sir, ſhe ſaid to him, that this Diſcovery concerns me as well as you, ſince it would be the means to recover the Honour of your Favour, which you have bereav'd me of, without my having [Page] render'd my ſelf unworthy of it. But to what purpoſe would it be for me to intermeddle with a matter, ſince that your Celſitude is ſo pre-poſſeſs'd, that though I ſhould let you ſee things with your own Eyes, yet would you not believe them. She ſaid theſe Words with ſuch an Air of Simplicity, that the Sultan fell into the Trepan. How will you let me ſee things with my own Eyes, he anſwer'd her? And having it in your power to procure my Repoſe, you have hitherto had the Cruelty to be ſilent. Ah! Sir, the Sultana ſaid to him, is this still the means to get out my Secret? And theſe Tranſports of Love that ſtart from you in ſpight of your Anger, do they not acquaint me, that the greateſt harm that can be done you, is to diſabuſe you. Continue, Sir, ſhe added, to love thoſe that deceive you, and on the contrary, hate thoſe that love you. This is the Fate I have of late undergone.

[Page] This augmented the Sultan's Jealouſie to ſuch a point, that he would needs at the ſame inſtant give order for the ſtrangling of Ibrahim, which Zelinda being mightily ſurpriz'd at: Moderate your Paſſion, ſhe ſaid to him, unleſs you would have me believe that I am now the moſt unfortunate of all Women. How can you have the leaſt kindneſs left for me at a time when you are ſo ſenſible for an other. But if my intereſt does not affect you, do, at leaſt, for your own ſake what you will not do for mine. Suſpend your Revenge, till you know whether you are really jealous. Perhaps you are impos'd upon, and would you not be very glad to be ſo inform'd, that you may not have any Scruple left.

Tho theſe words were not capable of appeaſing his Anger; yet at leaſt he gave bounds thereunto, till ſuch time as that he had ſhrifted into the matter. In the mean while the Sultana was very much perplex'd how to reconcile the Jealouſie ſhe had againſt [Page] her Rival, and the Love ſhe was ſenſible of for Ibrahim. She had in her Mind invented an infallible means to confirm the Grand Signior in his Suſpicions: But at the ſame time ſhe repreſented to her ſelf, that it would be the loſs of her Lover, which render'd her a little more reſerv'd in her Revenge. At length, Ambition prevail'd over Love, and to the hazard of all that could happen, ſhe reſolv'd to ruine her Siſter. What farther oblig'd her to take this Reſolution, is, that after having promis'd, as ſhe had done the Grand Signior, to make him ſee clear into her Rival's infidelity, he earneſtly preſs'd her daily, to which it was impoſſible for her to reſiſt, at leaſt, without letting him ſee, that all that ſhe had done, was only an impoſture: Wherefore being preſs'd by ſuch powerful Conſiderations, ſhe confirm'd to the Sultan the Promiſes ſhe had made to him; and to acquit her ſelf of them, ſhe told him that it [Page] was neceſſary he ſhould diſſemble both to the Sultana and to Ibrahim. That ſhe would make him hear with his own Ears, his amorous Cajolleries to her: That ſhe did not think he required more of her, ſince that to ſpeak on one ſide, and to liſten on the other, was a Proof ſufficiently great, that ſhe had told him nothing but the Truth. That ſhe ask'd him but Two or Three Days for that purpoſe; that is to ſay, till Ibrahim went to pay a Viſit to his pretended Siſter, according to the Permiſſion he himſelf had given him.

The Grand Signior agreed to all, as alſo to put himſelf in a Woman's Cloaths that day, that ſo in Quality of Zelinda's Maid, he might ſlip into the other Sultana's Apartment, without being known. Things having been concerted in this manner, they were accordingly executed. Zelinda knowing that Ibrahim was at her Rival's Lodgings, carry'd the [Page] Sultan thither, and letting him into a Cloſet that was▪ beyond the Sultana's Chamber, ſhe bid him ſtay there. Before ſhe left him, ſhe promis'd him, that ſhe was going to bring them both near him▪ and that there being only a Partition of Deal Boards, he might hear all that they ſaid to one another: For ſhe inſinuated to him at the ſame time, that ſhe would withdraw immediately, to afford them the means of ſaying kind things to one another.

The Sultan fell into this Trap, and Zelinda being gone out, ſhe pull'd to the Door, ſhutting it to with a Hook, without the Sultan's perceiving it. After this ſhe went to find out Ibrahim and his Siſter, who were in a place pretty remote from that where the Sultan was, and there making ſemblance of having ſomething to deſire the Wife of one of the Grand Signior's Principal Officers, ſhe told her Rival, ſhe knew not how to go about it, for that there [Page] had been ſome Bickering between them: that if ſhe pleas'd, ſhe could free her from that Trouble, ſhe that was a Friend of this Officers Wife: That ſhe entreated her to write to her, as if the thing came from her, and ſhe offer'd to do her the ſame Service in the like Occaſion. By this means ſhe engag'd her in writing: And as ſhe had made it a long tedious Buſineſs, a Tale of a Tub, and that it was neceſſary ſhe ſhould be a long while a writing, ſhe took that time to go to the Place whither ſhe had promis'd to bring the other Sultana. She us'd their not diſturbing her as a Pretence, and Ibrahim, who was very glad of it, being reſolv'd to improve that Occaſion to the diſcourſing her: Wherefore he follow'd her at the ſame time; and had no ſooner overtaken her, but that taking her by the Hand, How much am I oblig'd to you, Madam, ſaid he to her, for having found the means to ſend away the other Sultana? [Page] And how happy ſhould I be if it was for my ſake? Pardon me for my boldneſs, in ſaying ſuch things to you. It is perhaps ſhewing a little too much Preſumption: but after all the indulgence you have had for me, it is pardonable in me, though I believe that you prefer me even before the Sultan.

The Grand Signior, who heard all theſe Words as diſtinctly as if he had been in the very place where they were, not being able to contain his Reſentment; Ah! Wretch, cry'd he, with an inconceivable Fury, ſtay one moment, and I will make thee throw off that Criminal Love that dares attack me, who am thy Maſter and Benefactor. At theſe Words he would have ruſh'd out of the Cloſet; but finding reſiſtance at the Door, his Reſentment augmented in ſuch a manner, that all that I might ſay of it, would fall much ſhort of it. Ibrahim was much ſurpriz'd when he heard the Sultan talk [Page] in this manner; and Zelinda making ſemblance of being the like, Ah! you are ruin'd, my Dear, ſhe ſaid to him, after having got at ſome diſtance from that Place, for fear the Sultan ſhould know her Voice: Make your Eſcape preſently, and for my part, I will ſee to come off as well as I can. The Neceſſity was too urgent to ſtay long in conſulting what Courſe to take. Thus Ibrahim not knowing of any more ſafe Retreat than the Gardiner's Houſe, where he had already been, leapt out of the Window, without being perceiv'd by any body. Zelinda having ſhut it after him, went to the Sultan, who us'd his utmoſt endeavours to break the Door open.

He was in a terrible Fury, and without ſaying one word to Zelinda, he ran with his Sword in his Hand, where he expected to have found Ibrahim, and the other Sultana. He was not ſurpriz'd that he found no body there, and he had [Page] made noiſe ſufficient, as to imagine that they had made their Eſcape: but thinking that they could not be far off, he fell to ſearching, having ſtill his Sword in his Hand, an indubitable Mark that he had no mind to ſtand ſhilly ſhallying. It will doubtleſs be wonder'd that the Sultana did not go to meet him, to juſtifie her ſelf: but you will forbear doing ſo, when you ſhall know, that her Cloſet was remote from the place where this Scene was acted, and that ſhe was there ſedately finiſhing her Letter, and without ſuſpecting in the leaſt the Misfortune that was grapling her. In the mean while, the Sultan, after having ſought her every where in vain, directed his ſteps towards this Cloſet; and as he hurry'd along, ſhe turn'd her Head that ways, to ſee what was the matter. She was much ſurpriz'd to ſee him thus with Sword in Hand, and all tranſported with Anger, which was eaſie to be gueſs'd by his Eyes, [Page] as well as by his Carriage. Thus without thinking of what ſhe did, ſhe threw her ſelf at his Feet, ſaying to him, Ah! Sir, do not let your Reſentment fall upon your poor Sultana. Theſe Words confirm'd him ſtill more, that ſhe was culpable; ſo that he lift up his Arm to plunge his Sword into her Boſome; but having by chance caſt his Eyes upon the Letter, See here-still doubtleſs, ſaid he to her, Marks of thy infidelity, perfidious as thou art; and Curioſity ſuſpending his Reſentment, he went to take that Letter, wherein he was very much amaz'd to ſee quite an other thing than he expected. This diſarm'd him in ſome manner, not being able to apprehend how the Sultana, having ſuch reaſon as ſhe had to tremble, could amuze her ſelf, in writing ſuch indifferent things. Thus not being able to conceal his Aſtoniſhment, Ah! this is too much, ungrateful Woman, he ſaid to her, to join inſenſibility to the moſt [Page]mortal Offence that can befal me; and tell me how thou canſt be ſo in Cold Blood, when that I ſurprize thee with Ibrahim, and dallying away the time with him in Amorous Diſcourſes.

The Sultana was ſo far from dreaming of the malicious Prank that had been plaid her, that without caſting the Fault upon her Rival: If I have ſeen Ibrahim, Sir, ſhe ſaid to him, it is only with your Conſent; and you must have taken for amorous Diſcourſes the brotherly Kindneſſes that have paſs'd between us, but which never went beyond the bounds of Honesty. At theſe Words ſhe fell into a Swoon; and her Fright having made her Malady return at that very inſtant, ſhe vented in a moment ſo great a Quantity of Blood, that the Sultan imagin'd, that without being oblig'd to revenge himſelf, he ſhould preſently be revenged by this Accident. This made him direct his ſteps another way, to ſeek[Page]out Ibrahim: but he was far from finding him, ſince that he had made his Eſcape, as is before related. All theſe Diſappointments did a little cool his Fury, infomuch, that Zelinda ſeeing her ſelf reveng'd on her Rival, without there being any Neceſſity to ſhed all her Blood, took that time to endeavour to ſave Ibrahim. Sir, ſhe ſaid to the Sultan, I may perchance be mistaken, and the Tranquility you found the Sultana in, is a certain ſign that ſhe never underſtood any fineneſs in all the Careſſes ſhe has made to Ibrahim. You know there are Brothers and Siſters that love one another tenderly, and diſcourſe one another accordingly. Wherefore I am vex'd that I have animated your Celſitude by falſe Accounts, which will be the Occaſion of the Sultana's Death. If you would take my Advice, added ſhe, you ſhould ſeek to inform your ſelf, before that you proceeded further: And you ought to take my Advice; mine, that notwithstanding the [Page] interest I have to rid my ſelf of a Perſon that ſhares your Heart, do ſufficiently love Justice, as not to be willing you ſhould ſully your Hand with a Blood that you would perhaps unjustly ſhed.

The Grand Signior, who had already judged favourably of the Sultana, being ſtill pre-poſſeſs'd in favour of her by Zelinda's Words: Yes, Madam, he ſaid to her, I will follow your Advice, ſince you judge it convenient. But be ſhe innocent or not, I cannot but, after the Generoſity you have had to ſave her, when that one bare Word of yours would have ruin'd her, I give you for a Recompence the whole Empire, which your Virtue merits o're my Heart. Yes, my lovely Zelinda, You need not fear that your Rival ſhall ſhare it with you; nay I am ſorry that I have given you any matter for Vexation in that point: but I will ſo behave my ſelf henceforward, as that you ſhall never have any Occaſion to be diſcontented.

[Page] Such Words as theſe were a mighty matter of Triumph to Zelinda; and her Wile could not have a more advantageous Succeſs. Thus, all haughty at this Event, ſhe ſignify'd to Ibrahim, after what manner ſhe had turned things, and how that he had nothing more to fear. As there is nothing that touches us more nearly than our ſelves, Ibrahim, who at another time would have been ſenſibly afflicted at his Siſter's Misfortune, was eaſily comforted. Nevertheleſs the Grand Signior was not ſo well cured of his Suſpicions, but that he forbid him expreſly ever more to enter into the Serraglio, which extreamly diſpleas'd Zelinda, who had been ſo well ſatisfy'd with the Viſits he paid his Siſter, that if the Sultan had taken her Advice, matters ſhould have gone otherwiſe. However, ſhe was too cunning to deſire him to revoke that Order. When People know themſelves culpable, they are ever afraid, that the leaſt [Page] thing ſhould be capable of diſcovering them, as indeed this daily happens, when that it is the leaſt expected. Beſides Zelinda having judgment enough, as not to commit a Fault of that Nature, ſhe ſtudy'd how to find in ſecret interviews, the Occaſions of ſeeing Ibrahim, and of not making her Fidelity to be ſuſpected by the Grand Signior.

This was abſolutely impoſſible, at leaſt without engaging an Eunuch, who might facilitate the entrance of the Serraglio to her Lover: Wherefore to ſurmount this Difficulty, ſhe careſſed one of them, call'd Almonack, a Perſon of Wit, and whom ſhe had already done ſome Service, though at that time ſhe did not expect any Returns. Now you muſt know, that Jealouſie prevails as much among Eunuchs as among others; they would all be Favourites of the Sultana's: and at the moment that any one of them is ſo, he has as many Enemies as he has Comrades. [Page] This befel Almonac, and one call'd Moro, who had at leaſt as much Wit as he, having got a Fancy to dive into the Reaſons that made him ſo gracious with Zelinda, was not long without diſcovering the whole Myſtery. He one day perceiv'd that he let Ibrahim into the Serraglio, and that he conducted him into Zelinda's Apartment. There needed nothing more for him to judge how matters went: But he was in a great Perplexity, when it came to the puſh, what Courſe he was to take upon this Diſcovery. For in ſhort, he was no ſtranger to Zelinda's Aſcendant, and her Artifices, inſomuch that he was afraid, that the Grand Signior being inform'd of it, he might have ſo much Weakneſs as to believe her, to his Prejudice. Being poſſeſs'd with this Apprehenſion, he reſolv'd to go warily to work in this Concern: That is to ſay, not to intimate Zelinda's infidelity all at a Clap to the Sultan; but that Ibrahim [Page] had a ſecret Commerce in the Serraglio by Almonac's means. Moro having given this Account to the Sultan, his Celſitude fancy'd it to be for the love of the other Sultana, inſomuch that being vex'd at his having pardon'd her, he went to find out Zelinda, to whom he imparted the News he had been juſt then acquainted withal. Zelinda gave Heaven thanks, for that he came to unboſome himſelf to her, ſeeing otherwiſe ſhe had been abſolutely ruin'd, as well as Ibrahim. Nevertheleſs, not judging it convenient to oppoſe the impreſſion this News had made upon his Mind, ſhe told him on the contrary, that Ibrahim merited a moſt extraordinary Puniſhment, and that if he would take her Advice, he ſhould endeavour to nab him in the Fact, ſo to make him afterwards ſuffer the Puniſhment ſuch a Fault did deſerve.

[Page] The Sultan reliſh'd this Advice, and commanded Moro to be ſo narrowly upon the watch, as that he might ſurprize him: And Moro imagin'd this to be no difficult Province, becauſe that in one Week only he had ſeen him enter four times into the Serraglio. But Zelinda being none of thoſe that ſleep upon an Affair of ſuch great Conſequence, gave Ibrahim intimation of all that paſs'd, inſomuch that Moro lay all in vain perdue. The Grand Signior, whom he had promis'd, that Three Days ſhould not be over before that he put him into his Hands, ſeeing Fifteen ſpent, ask'd him, if he jeaſted with him. To which, Moro not knowing what Anſwer to make, he gave him but one Week more, threatning him, that if in that time he did not ſee the Effects of what he had promis'd him, he would treat him as a Calumniator. There paſs'd a Week more without his being able to keep his Word: Whereupon the [Page] Sultan being animated againſt him by Zelinda, commanded the Mutes to ſtrangle him. Moro knowing that he dy'd unjuſtly, he demanded permiſſion to ſign his Laſt Will and Teſtament, to which he had Anſwer made him, that he might not only do it, but alſo that the Grand Signior had ſo order'd it.

Whereupon he began to maintain, that what he ſaid of Ibrahim was true; after which, he that ſerved as Clerk, bid him ſign it; but he made Anſwer, that it was not yet time, and that he had many other things to ſay. Thereupon he would have talk'd of Zelinda; but this Clerk being oblig'd to her for his Fortune, would not liſten to his Depoſition, but made Signs to the Mutes to do their duty, inſomuch that he was ſtrangled at the time he was going to conceive ſome Conſolation, in knowing that the Sultan would revenge his innocence.

[Page] Moro periſhing in this manner, it was eaſie for the Clerk to ſerve Zelinda thoroughly; and he needed only to ſuppreſs the Depoſition that concerned Ibrahim: but as he wanted much of having the ſame Sentiments for him, as he had for her; and that on the contrary, he was overjoy'd at this occaſion to revenge himſelf, for an injury he had receiv'd from him, he carry'd the Laſt Will to the Grand Signior; and it made upon his Mind all imaginable impreſſion. Zelinda was not long without taking notice of it; for after he had diſmiſs'd this Man, and caſt his Eyes twice or thrice over what he had left him, Ibrahim is culpable, he cry'd, and I muſt not ſuffer him to live any longer. At theſe Words he gave order, that the Mutes ſhould be bid to go ſtrangle him: Whereat, Zelinda being ſtrangely ſurpriz'd, and meaning to endeavour the fencing off ſo great a Misfortune. What is your Celſitude going to do, ſhe ſaid to [Page]him? And muſt you, upon the Tale of ſuch a Wretch, put to Death one of the greateſt Generals of your Empire, and who is the moſt capable of doing you ſervice. The Eunuch, who had Order to go warn the Mutes, ſurceas'd his Departure at theſe Words, being very glad to oblige the Sultana, in giving the Grand Signior time to make Reflection on what he did. The Sultan appear'd uncertain in this, and tenderly viewing Zelinda, You are too generous, Madam, ſaid he to her, for a Rival; and if you did well, far from interceding for them, as you do, you would animate me to put them both to death. Far be I from that, ſhe anſwer'd, Sir; if I aim at your Heart, it is not by ſullying my ſelf with a Crime which I ſhould be eternally upbraiding my ſelf withal. But alas! I perceive, that I ſhall never poſſeſs it, that Heart that makes all my Joy. It is much more my Rival's than mine; and if it were not ſo, you would not command [Page] that Ibrahim ſhould be put to Death upon a bare Suſpicion. But what do I ſay! rather upon the Deposition of an Enemy, ſince he that had promis'd you ſo many things, is dead, without being able to acquit himſelf of his Word; ſo great a Jealouſie, added ſhe, I very much ſuſpect; and it is perhaps the Cauſe I concern my ſelf ſo much in Ibrahim's ſafety, ſince that if you grant me this, it is an infallible Mark that you love me more than her.

Zelinda having turn'd matters thus dexterouſly, the Grand Signior was far from diving into the Motive of her Interceſſions; and that he might not give her Occaſion to believe, that he entertain'd any Sentiments for her Rival, to her Prejudice. You confound Delicacy and Love, Madam, he ſaid to her: if I am jealous, it is not of your Rival, but rather of my Glory, which ſuffers by Ibrahim's Audaciouſneſs. If I put him to Death, it is only to learn thoſe [Page] that might reſemble him, that it is Temerity for them to addreſs their Vows to the Sultana's. Thus if I am jealous, it is only of you; and I do not pretend, that Ibrahim's Action had the Confidence to entertain you with his Love. How ſhould I be capable, Zelinda anſwer'd, ever to liſten to any Body, to the prejudice of what I owe to my Lord! I ſay this, the Sultan reply'd, only to render others wiſe. It is expedient that one or other die. At theſe Words he reiterated the Order he had given for the ſtrangling of Ibrahim; inſomuch, that Zelinda being no longer able to parry ſo Unhappy a Blow, ſhe could not retain her Tears; which ſhe nevertheleſs cover'd with an other Pretext: If you ſee me weep, Sir, ſhe ſaid to him, it is not without Reaſon: The whole Ottoman Empire is going to impute Ibrahim's Death to your Jealouſie: And, as I told you, this Paſſion never proceeding but from a violent Love, who will [Page] not believe, but that I am the leaſt beloved; I, for whom your Celſitude has ever appeared ſo indifferent, as never to have any ſuſpicion of my Fidelity. How! the Sultan retorted, would you have me jealous of you? No, Sir, Zelinda anſwer'd; And whatever I ſay, I will never give you occaſion for it: But I could wiſh, that you were not ſo much of others, or at leaſt, that you would not let it be ſo manifeſt. If Ibrahim is ſo unhappy as to rob you of your Repoſe, you may remedy it, without ſuffering the thing to retort upon me: You need only to diſtance him, under the Pretence of the Good of your State; after that, you need not fear his returning into the Serraglio, to ſee my Rival; But to put him thus to Death on her ſcore, I tell it you once again, is clearly to ſhew to all the World, that I am the wretched ſhe, and that it is ſhe only for whom you have an inclination.

[Page] The Sultan was ſtrangely amaz'd to ſee her take things by this Byaſs; and as he did not penetrate into the ſource of her Tears, that ſtill trickled down more and more, he became very much mollify'd. Thus, to ſhew him, that he had more conſideration for her, than ſhe ſaid, he diſpatch'd away an Eunuch, to hinder the Mutes from doing their Office. The Eunuch made haſte, for fear of coming too late; and indeed it was neceſſary he did ſo, ſince that all Ibrahim had been able to obtain, was, that he might bathe, and ſay his Prayers, before they executed the Sentence that was paſt upon him. Nevertheleſs, as the Sultan's Deſign was not to pardon him to all Intents, he ask'd the Sultana, whither he ſhould ſend him, and Zelinda, chooſing rather to deprive her ſelf of him, than ſee him die, advis'd the Grand Signior to confer the Government of Buda on him, an Employ that requir'd a Man of a [Page] conſummated Experience in War, and which, by Conſequence, he was as capable of as any body.

Thus you ſee how Ibrahim came to be made Governour of ſo conſiderable a Place, and why in the firſt Convention that was held of the Baſſa's, he was not ſent for with the reſt. But at length, the Good of the State prevailing over all other Conſiderations, he came to Court, and Sultana Zelinda having ever a great influence over the Grand Signior, made uſe of that Occaſion to ſee him; Abſence having not been capable to make her forget him, though it had been of ſome Years duration. It was not ſo with Ibrahim, not that he had enter'd into any other Engagement, but he had made uſe of his Reaſon, to cure himſelf of an Amour that had like to have been fatal to him, and wherein he could not perſevere, at leaſt, without being expos'd to the ſame Dangers he had run. Thus [Page] the Returns he made to the Teſtimonies ſhe gave him of her Paſſion, ſpoke but little fondneſs; nay, and he excus'd himſelf from accepting of an appointment ſhe made Almonac propoſe to him, who on his part did not allow Zelinda his Miniſtry but with trembling, after what had happen'd. The Sultana was ſtartled, and alſo picqu'd at this Refuſal; and though he had us'd, as a Pretext, that if he did not accept the Offers ſhe made him, it was rather out of fear of engaging her in ſome ill Buſineſs, than for his own ſake; yet was ſhe of a quite different Opinion. She entertain'd a Fancy, that his denying of her thus, was becauſe he had got an other Miſtreſs; and this thought inſpiring her with a Deſign to ruine him, ſhe only ſuſpended this Reſolution till ſuch time as that ſhe could be truly inform'd, how this Matter ſtood. To effect this, ſhe brib'd one of his Principal Servants, [Page] imagining, that if he had any Intrigue, there muſt be ſome one or other to whom he muſt have imparted it: But not one having been able to give her any ſuch Account, becauſe that effectually her Suſpicions were ill grounded, ſhe laid aſide above half her Anger, beginning to believe, that it was only Fear that had hinder'd him from accepting of her Rendezvouze.

After ſhe had thus juſtify'd him in her Mind, ſhe was but a very little while before ſhe reſtor'd him her Affection: So true it is, that in the Hearts of Lovers, the Paſſions that ſeem the moſt contrary, ſucceed one another. Far am I from ſaying, that they be effectually ſo: For after all, whatever Hatred a Lover, or a Miſtreſs may think they have for each other, we are too blame, to call by that Name the Sentiments with which they are animated. So far it is from being Hatred, that it is an Exceſs of Love, inſomuch, [Page] that the greateſt Miſchiefs that can befall them, would be, if that ſhould happen which they deſire againſt the Beloved Perſon. Sultana Zelinda did quickly give proofs of what I now ſay; for inſtead of continuing in the revenge ſhe meditated a moment before, ſhe ſignify'd to Ibrahim, that ſhe lov'd him more than ever, inſomuch, that ſhe could live no longer, if he refus'd her the ſatisfaction of entertaining him in private.

It would not have been well in Ibrahim to have perſiſted any longer in his Denials: Cruelty does ill become a Man; and after all, ſince it was only fear that detain'd him, it was in ſome manner ſhameful for him, that a Woman ſhould have more Courage than he. I know not, whether it was for theſe Reaſons, or others, that he chang'd his Mind; for in ſhort, he ſaw Sultana Zelinda, and ſhe took ſo much pleaſure in his Converſe, that ſhe [Page] would have been very glad if the Grand Signior would have conceiv'd a Fancy to have detain'd him at Court. Nevertheleſs, as this was a thing rather to be deſired than hoped for, ſhe fell to contriving ſome other expedient, for the giving her ſelf content, and found none better than this.

As ſhe knew not the Secrets of State, ſhe innocently thought that Ibrahim, and the other Baſſa's, had been ſent for, only with a Deſign of making War, and imagining, that there would be a thouſand Occaſions for her to ſee her Lover, if ſhe could oblige the Grand Signior to go himſelf at the Head of his Armies: She us'd all manner of means to perſwade him, that it concern'd his Honour not to leave any other than himſelf to make the Conqueſt of Hungary. The Sultan, who to ſpeak frankly, loves a Camp leſs than the Serraglio and Hunting, having not anſwer'd her upon this [Page] Point, as ſhe deſired him, ſhe addreſs'd her ſelf to the Grand Vizier, who, in Quality of Prime Miniſter, might do much for her ſatisfaction. She was very loath to do it however; For this Miniſter had been in Love with her for ſome Years; but he, far from ſeeming to her, amiable enough to create the like Sentiments in her, he was diſagreeable to her, to a Degree beyond ſufferance. But being capable of doing all things for the Love of Ibrahim, ſhe ſent to tell the Grand Vizier, that ſhe had a longing deſire to ſpeak with him, and entreated him, that it might be the ſame Day. Almonac was the Bearer of this good News, which afforded the Vizier ſo much Joy, that he made him a Preſent of a Diamond of great Value. You may be ſure, he did not fail the Rendezvouze: He threw himſelf at the Sultana's Feet; he ask'd her, what he could do for her Service, entreating [Page] her, that ſhe would employ him. Zelinda receiv'd him with a Countenance, which ſhe knew how to compoſe as Occaſion ſerv'd. Thus having appear'd all Sweetneſs, contrary to her Cuſtom, the Vizier was ſo enflam'd, that he vow'd to her, that what ſhe demanded of him, muſt not be in his power, or that he would inſtantly grant it her. We ſhall ſee that, the Sultana made Anſwer; and what I deſire of you, is, that in the War we are going to make in Hungary, you would induce the Grand Signior to go thither in Perſon.

The Grand Vizier was ſurpriz'd at this Requeſt, and ſeeing that the Sultana had ſuffered her ſelf to be abuſed by the Rumours that ran about of an approaching Rupture between the Two Empires, he thought it convenient to undeceive her, that ſo ſhe might convert her Demand into an other, wherein there might be means of doing her [Page] Service. Whereupon he inform'd her, how the Reports that run about of the War, were only to oblige the Emperor ſtill to augment the Offers he had made to the Grand Signior: That there were not the leaſt thoughts of proceeding to a Rupture with him, and how far from that the State ſtood in need of Peace. Though ſuch an Anſwer ought to have ſtopp'd the Sultana's Mouth, ſhe did not reſt ſatisfy'd therewithal: She told the Vizier, That it was very true, that ſhe had thought, as well as others, that the War was juſt breaking out; but that by being miſtaken, ſhe did not ſee why he refus'd her her Requeſt: That Peace and War being equally in his Hands, he might chuſe either: That if he did it not, it was for that he had no Deſign to oblige her: That ſhe was very glad ſhe knew it, that ſo ſhe might accordingly regulate her Sence upon his Conduct.

[Page] Theſe Reproaches were ſenſible to the Grand Vizier, proportionably to the Love he had for her; and as it proceeded even to Exceſs, I ſhall not undertake to expreſs his Grief: Nevertheleſs, being very willing to mollifie her Spirit: Ah! Madam, he ſaid to her, would you, that for my own ſake, I ſhould plunge the Empire into the Diſorder that is an inevitable Conſequence of War. Should not I remain reſponſable towards the Sultan, and towards his People? And for having confided his Authority in me, muſt I be the Author of ſo many Miſchiefs? Tell me, he added, what can oblige you to make ſuch a Requeſt, and perhaps I may find ſome other Expedient for your ſatisfaction.

The Sultana was not ſo mad as to do it. And indeed, if there are Women that impart to their Lovers what paſſes ſecretly in their Hearts, it is only to their Favourites; but to believe they do ſo to [Page] others, is what never happen'd, and never will. Thus the Sultana guiding her ſelf by theſe Rules, far from owning things to him as they were, us'd, as a Pretext, That the Grand Signior ſhar'd his Favour between her and her Rival, ſhe fancy'd ſhe could not better remove her from his Heart, than by removing her from his Preſence. That as ſhe did not enjoy her perfect Health, the Grand Signior would never expoſe her to Fatigues, ſuch as were thoſe of War: That this was the Service ſhe expected from him: if not, that he might expect ſhe would never look upon him with a good Eye.

The Grand Vizier believ'd ſincerely what ſhe ſaid: Wherefore, imagining, that provided he propos'd ſome Expedient that could produce the ſame Effect, ſhe ſhould like one as well as an other: It is not neceſſary, Madam, he ſaid to her, that we proceed to that Extremity, [Page] for the giving of you ſatisfaction; and though in the ſentiments I have for you, it is very grievous to me to underſtand, that all your Vows aim only at poſſeſſing the Grand Signior; Yet will I ſerve you in it, to ſhew you, that your Content will ever be dearer to me than my own: Suffer us only to finiſh, he added, the Treaty that is now negotiating with the Emperor; and after, I promiſe you to engage the Sultan to undertake ſuch a Progreſs as ſhall be the ſame thing for you, as if he had been engag'd in War.

This Expedient was ſuch as would have non-plus'd a Perſon that had leſs Addreſs than the Sultana: But beſides her being naturally crafty, and that beſides, Love whetted her Wit: What you ſay, ſaid ſhe to him, would be ſomething, if I did not ſee an inconvenience in it. If you thus cauſe the Emperor to take a Progreſs, this will be ſo far from quieting my Mind, that it is on [Page] the contrary a Courting in me of new Diſgraces. For one Rival that I ſhall rid my ſelf of, there will thence ariſe an hundred others. How many People are there that have not the leaſt thoughts, by reaſon of the length of the way, of preſenting a Beauty to the Sultan, who ſeeing him upon the ſpot, will be proud of the Occaſion of bringing him all that they ſhall find handſome. I ſhall be every where afraid of meeting with one or other, to ſupplant me, and only in War can I find my ſafety.

Theſe were the Reaſons the Sultana urg'd, to deſtroy the Expedient the Grand Vizier had ſtarted: And as they had ſome Face, he bent his Thoughts to effect her purpoſe by ſome other means. In the mean while, as it was not his Opinion to make War with the Emperor, he propos'd that of the Perſian, wherein he made appear much more facility; but which the Sultana thwarted with Reaſons I ſhall ſuppreſs. [Page] In fine, the Grand Vizier in no wiſe prevailing to get her approve of it: Well, Madam, he ſaid to her, 'tis done, ſince you will have it ſo, and we will have War with the Emperor. But at leaſt remember, that it is only to oblige you; and that if this makes me loſe the Sultan's Favour, you are bound to treat me a little more favourably than hitherto you have done. The Sultana being over-joy'd at her having obtain'd what ſhe deſired, gave him ſome good Words, which render'd him ſo fervent to oblige her, that he ſent for Ibrahim that very day, by whom he expected to be better inform'd than by any other, by reaſon he was acquainted with the Countrey, and knew the means how to carry on the War ſucceſsfully in Hungary.

Ibrahim repairing to the Houſe of this Prime Miniſter, came at a time when he was buſie: Wherefore there being no means of ſeeing [Page] him in half an Hours time, the Grand Vizier ſent Directions to his Wife, to introduce him into her Lodgings, and to entertain him till ſuch time as he had diſpatch'd an Affair he had then in hand. This was a ſignal Favour for Ibrahim, and which the Grand Vizier ſeldom did to any Body: But the neceſſity he had of him, was the Occaſion of ſo great a Diſtinction. Be it as it will, Ibrahim no ſooner ſaw this Lady, but that he remain'd, as it were, charmed with her Beauty. The Lady, on her ſide, found him perfectly handſome; and if they had dar'd to interchange their thoughts upon this Caſe, they would have mightily gratify'd their Inclinations, ſince there is nothing that more abridges the pains of Lovers, than the knowledg they give one another of a Reciprocal Love. But in ſhort, both of them were cautious of ſo freely declaring their Sentiments, Ibrahim was detain'd by [Page] the Reſpect that People commonly have for the Perſon beloved, and the Grand Vizier's Wife, by the Decorum of her Sex. I do not ſay, by the Obligations of her Duty, ſince it is certain they ſeldom ſtick to fail in that, from the time they amuſe themſelves thus in ogling ſo tenderly any other than their Husbands.

Thus this Interview only terminated in a great deal of Civility on both ſides: But though the Grand Vizier remain'd full an Hour without coming, the Converſation did not languiſh, as commonly happens when there is nothing that animates it. They ſaid a Thouſand pretty things to one another: and they had ſtill abundance more to interchange, if he had not come ſo ſoon. In the mean while, the Grand Vizier being to diſcourſe him in private, took him along into his Garden, where he immediately fell to the matter, asking him, [Page] what he thought of the Emperor's Forces. Ibrahim told him what he knew of them; and as he required nothing more than Occaſions to ſignalize himſelf, he made the Conqueſt of Hungary ſo eaſie to him, that the Grand Vizier was the more excited to keep his Word with Zelinda. Wherefore this Miniſter having been very much ſatisfy'd with him in this firſt Interview, demanded a ſecond of him, and after that, ſeveral others, which Ibrahim took care to lengthen as much as he could, becauſe that in thoſe Occaſions, he took his meaſures ſo well, that he ſaw his Wife ſeveral times, with whom he fell ſo in Love, that he abſolutely forgot Sultana Zelinda.

What made him proceed ſo far in ſo ſhort a time, is, that he found in her all the Acknowledgment he could deſire. Nevertheleſs, Sultana Zelinda was ſufficiently jealous, as to take notice of it; but by [Page] good luck for him, as ſhe knew that he had Buſineſs in that Houſe, ſhe was far from believing that he went thither on any other account. After all theſe Conferences, the Grand Vizier ſpoke to the Sultan of making War upon the Emperor▪ at which his Gelſitude ſeem'd amaz'd, having heard him ſay ſeveral times, that it was not for the Good of his Empire to break with him. He ask'd him the Reaſon of ſo ſudden a Change: And as the Vizier was prepared for this Queſtion, and that beſides, the Sultan was none of thoſe penetrating Wits, that can defend themſelves againſt the Artifices of a Crafty Miniſter, he made him believe all he was minded. The War being thus reſolv'd on in the Council, was proclaim'd forthwith throughout the whole Ottoman Empire, with this Circumſtance, That the Grand Signior would go himſelf in Perſon.

[Page] Sultana Zelinda, after having expreſs'd her Acknowledgment to the Vizier, thought that there was nothing more wanting to her Happineſs, than to intimate to Ibrahim, that ſhe was the Cauſe of it, and why ſhe had done it. Ibrahim thought himſelf bound to thank her for it; but he did it with ſo little Fondneſs, that the Sultana was not ſatisfy'd. Still leſs ſatisfy'd was ſhe with ſeveral Reaſons he urg'd to divert her from this Voyage: He told her, among other things, that if ſhe ſuffer'd the Grand Signior to make War, he would ceaſe perhaps making of Love. That tho theſe Two Paſſions be not incompatible, it nevertheleſs often happens, that the one is neglected for the other: That her Intereſt was to keep him with her, and not to ſuffer his Flames to evaporate by Occupations that were of ſufficient Conſequence to make him lay all other Thoughts aſide.

[Page] The Sultana vouchſaf'd to hear him out; but he having done ſpeaking, ſhe was ſo ſcandaliz'd at his Diſcourſe, that ſhe was ſeiz'd with a furious anger: It ill becomes thee, ungrateful wretch, ſhe ſaid to him, to give me Leſſons how to keep the Sultan's Heart: And when I only aſpire to thine, ſhould it not be thy Province to make me forget him, inſtead of ſpeaking to me in his behalf. Ibrahim ſaw plainly he was in the wrong; and meaning to repair it, he endeavour'd to excuſe himſelf upon the Care he had of her Fortune. But the Sultana made him Anſwer, That as he only faggotted ſorry Reaſons upon each other, he muſt needs do a great many things to make her forget ſuch an Offence. This was frankly telling him to be more tender for the future: But as this did not depend on him, and that beſides, the Love he had for the Grand Vizier's Wife, was an Obſtacle to the return of his Affection, [Page] he ſo little ſatisfy'd her, that ſhe was ſtill more angry than before. However, it had been a Thouſand times worſe, had ſhe known the Cauſe of her Misfortune; but by good luck for her, ſhe was a ſtranger to it; and as wretched as ſhe thought ſhe might reckon her ſelf, ſhe had, at leaſt, the comfort of flattering her ſelf, that ſhe had not any Rival.

In the mean while, the Grand Signior made all the neceſſary Preparations for his Journey; and Ibrahim judging that he ſhould be perſecuted, if Sultana Zelinda went along, us'd his utmoſt endeavours to have it put off, or at leaſt, that ſhe might not be of the Number. But the Sultan having formally declared his Mind, That he meant ſhe ſhould accompany him every where, he had no other means left than to ſet the Grand Vizier to work. Wherefore he told him, that if he was minded to Husband his own Glory, [Page] it was not expedient he ſhould let the Grand Signior march to this Expedition: That though he was without experience, and by Conſequence oblig'd to rely in all things upon him, Fame would nevertheleſs adjudge the Praiſe of all his Conqueſts to the Sultan: That ſince He it was, that muſt undergo the whole trouble, it was but Juſtice that he ſhould have all the Glory: Wherefore he thought himſelf oblig'd, as a real Friend, to give him this Advice.

The Grand Vizier having weigh'd this Diſcourſe, found it to be of very good ſenſe, and ſeeking the Occaſion of ſpeaking to the Grand Signior, he urg'd to him Four Difficulties as to his Journey, inſomuch, that this Prince, who was more a Lover of Repoſe than of Trouble, promis'd him to make reflection upon the matter. Thus People began from that very day to forbear talking of the Journey, as of a thing very certain: And this being told [Page] again to Zelinda, ſhe ask'd the Grand Vizier the meaning of it. He had only ſorry Excuſes to give her, which made her ſtill the more angry. Nevertheleſs, not ſatisfy'd with telling him, that ſhe took it very ill that he chang'd things in this manner, after having concluded them with her, ſhe declared to him ſo poſitively, that ſhe expected they ſhould be executed according to their Project, that the Grand Vizier durſt not thwart her. In this manner the Grand Signior's Journey being upon the point of being broken off, was ſet on foot again, ſo as left no room for doubt.

When Ibrahim firſt heard this News, he thought every body miſtaken, and that he alone was inform'd. That he might be the better aſſured, he enquir'd of the Grand Vizier about the matter; and he being willing to let him ſee that it was none of his fault, own'd ingenuouſly to him, how the Caſe ſtood, and [Page] at the ſame time, that he was forced to it by the Sultana. Ibrahim did all he could to repreſent to him, that in his Poſt he needed only to ſlight all ſuch Menaces: but he knowing the Influence ſhe had over the Grand Signior, not judging it convenient to incur her Diſpleaſure, he made Ibrahim Anſwer, That he lov'd rather a little leſs Glory, and to be what more aſſured of living the longer.

After this Anſwer, Ibrahim judg'd that it would be a difficult matter for him to prevail with him to take an other Reſolution, ſo much the more as that his Paſſion ſolicited him himſelf, not to abſent himſelf from the Sultana; and as that he had taken, was very contrary to the Love he began to be ſenſible of for his Wife, he invented all manner of means to abſent himſelf from the Eyes of a jealous Woman, whoſe detection he judg'd it would be impoſſible for him to eſcape, if the Grand Signior [Page] went the Journey. Being poſſeſs'd wth theſe Sentiments, he whirl'd his Head with a Thouſand ſuch things as I may well call Chimaeras, ſince that he himſelf gave them this Name, when that after having troll'd them in his Mind, he had found their Extravagancy. Nevertheleſs, after long muſing, he paws'd upon one that he thought certain, but which being extraordinarily dangerous for him, did well merit he ſhould take it into his ſerious Conſideration. This was to intimate to the Grand Vizier, that the Sultana was only deſirous of this Journey, that ſhe might have the Opportunities of ſeeing him, and that what ſhe had ſaid to him, was only a thing invented to conceal her Concerns.

The ſtep was very ſlippery, as I have ſaid, and he was not ſo unprovided of underſtanding, but that he plainly ſaw, that he ſtak'd his Life. But as Inamorato's are half mad, whatever Reflections they [Page] may make, he caus'd this Intimation to be given under Hand to the Grand Vizier; but to leſſen the Vexation he might entertain upon this account, he ſignify'd to him at the ſame time, that far from making returns to her Paſſion, there was nothing that was more inſupportable to him. That he might not doubt of this Truth, ſeveral Circumſtances were related to him, which he himſelf might remember. However nothing perſwaded him more than that invincible deſire the Sultana had to cauſe the Grand Signior to undertake this Voyage, and Ibrahim's Requeſt to hinder him from ſo doing.

Without this Circumſtance he would a thouſand times have dy'd of grief, to ſee, that before him ſhe preferr'd a Rival, whom he eſteem'd ſo much below him. But being in ſome manner comforted, by making reflection, that the Sultana was made to endure the ſame Treatment [Page] he endured, he went to the Grand Signior, whom he told, That he had maturely weigh'd the Reaſons that were Pro and Con his Journey, and that all well conſidered, he ought to think of it no more, at leaſt, without expoſing himſelf to Perils, to which, whatever Precaution he might uſe, there was no Remedy. There needed no more to make him break it a ſecond time: But the Grand Vizier not content with what he had newly done, he ſent Ibrahim away Poſt, without giving him one moments delay, under colour, that in the then Conjuncture, the Frontier ſtood in need of ſuch a Man as he.

This was to his great Regret, that he ſaw himſelf oblig'd to go thus away Poſt, and he could have wiſh'd he might have bid Adieu to the Grand Vizier's Wife, with whom he had been ſo happy as to come to a right underſtanding. Nevertheleſs, his Vexation was much leſs than that [Page] of the Sultana, when that ſhe knew he was gone. She knew not whether ſhe ought to impute the Fault to him, or to the Grand Vizier, whom ſhe had heard, had only given him a Quarter of an Hours time to take his leave; of which, being very willing to be inform'd, ſhe ſent to require a private Converſation, with him, which he was far from refuſing her, out of the deſire he had to reproach her. Coming both with ſuch Sentiments, it was impoſſible their Interview ſhould paſs without ſome noiſe; and indeed the Sultana having farther learnt, that the Vizier had diſſwaded the Grand Signior from going into Hungary, which ſhe knew not before, She was no ſooner in his Preſence, but that without making him any Complement, ſhe ask'd him why, after having promis'd her, that the Journey ſhould be undertaken, he had broken it, to the prejudice of his Word. The Reaſon is, Madam, the [Page] Grand Vizier ſaid, without being ſtartled, that I knew not you was in Love with Ibrahim, and as I have a Care of my Maſter's Honour, I am very glad that a pitiful Slave ſhould not ſhare what is deſtined for him. The Sultana was very much ſurprized at theſe Words.; but not thinking fit to agree to what he ſaid; I excuſe this want of Reſpect, ſhe anſwer'd, becauſe I know very well, that it proceeds from your Jealouſie; but know you, that you muſt not relapſe; otherwiſe I ſhall not ever be of an humour to take things ſo mildly. Thus it is to your Love, ſhe added, that you are now indebted, that I do not puniſh you, as you deſerve; and it is further in its Favour, that I conſent that there be not any Journey, to let you ſee whether I love Ibrahim or no.

It was an extraordinary thing to hear the Sultana talk in this manner, who naturally was violent, and who beſides, according to all appearances, [Page] ought not to have taken the Vizier's Complement ſo mildly. But you muſt know, that ſhe had the knack of diſſembling when ſhe pleas'd, and that when her Heart was ſeiz'd with a ſtrong Anger, that was the time when ſhe affected the greateſt Mildneſs. And indeed, far from doing what ſhe ſaid for the Love of him, her whole Contrivance was, how to know who had revealed her Secret to him, that ſhe might afterwards accordingly make her Reſentment fall upon them both. The Grand Vizier not knowing her to be ſo great a Miſtreſs of Diſſimulation, having taken in good part ſo ſudden a Reſignation, inſtead of perſiſting in jealous Motions, fell into an Exceſs of Tenderneſs. He ask'd her Pardon for having unjuſtly ſuſpected her; and the Sultana ſeeing him at the Point ſhe deſired, preſs'd him to tell her the Author of ſuch an Allarum. The Grand Vizier imparted all things to her, and [Page] having not omitted to tell her, that Ibrahim had himſelf entreated him to break off the Sultan's Journey, ſhe chang'd Colour, and call'd him a Thouſand times Ungrateful and Perfidious in the bottom of her Soul. But this plung'd her into a greater Deſpondency; the Vizier aſſuring her, that either he was miſtaken, or that the Intimation came from the ſame Hand.

They parted pretty good Friends in appearance, which muſt needs caſt a diffidence in the Mind of a ſuſpicious Man. But as much as Lovers are ſuſpicious in Points of their Misfortunes, they are on the other hand as full of Confidence in Point of their good Fortune.

Thus the Grand Vizier having fallen into the Trap, went to the Army the moſt ſatisfy'd Man living, and was no ſooner come thither, but that the Sultana, who was very glad that he appeared in theſe Sentiments, for fear that out of Jealouſie [Page] he ſhould reveal her Concerns to the Grand Signior, had it buzz'd in his Ears, that what had been ſaid: to him of Ibrahim, was not only true, but alſo, that he lov'd her beyond expreſſion. He had much a do to believe this News; but they promis'd him to give him ſuch convincing Proofs of it, that he ſhould no longer doubt of it. He had nothing to ſay after this, till ſuch time as that it was made clear out to him, as was promis'd, he faſten'd upon the Siege of Vienna, after having laid waſte the open Countrey by Robbery, Slaughter, and Conflagration.

If this Famous Siege related to my Subject, I ſhould have fine things to inſert in this place; but as it is not ſeaſonable, I ſhall only ſay, that the Vizier was ſo jealous of Ibrahim, that he did all he could to have him cut off. It was a Miracle how he eſcap'd, at which the Vizier being ſtrangely amaz'd himſelf, he contriv'd [Page] to ruine him after an other manner, charging him with the length of the Siege. The Sultan ſetting a Value upon Ibrahim, wonder'd to ſee that the Vizier complain'd of him; and having communicated his Letters to one of his Principal Officers; This Perſon being a Friend of Ibrahim's, told him, that he needed not to wonder, and that the Vizier had Cauſe to hate him. The Sultan ask'd him, why? Becauſe, Sir, he ſaid to him, that Ibrahim loves his Wife. At theſe words he took out of his Pocket a Letter that was written from the Camp, in which ſeveral Circumſtances of this Amour were ſignify'd to him. The Sultan, who delighted in diverting himſelf at an other's expence, retain'd this Letter, and half an Hour after imparted it to the Sultana, who had taken a ſtrange courſe to revenge her ſelf on Ibrahim. She had caus'd a Letter to be put into the Vizier's Hands, which Ibrahim [Page] had written to her formerly, and which, being without a Date, might paſs for New. But ſeeing this, which might produce the ſame effect, ſhe was very ſorry ſhe had ſent the other, yet kept it, however, that ſhe might make farther uſe of it againſt Ibrahim. The Sultan left it with her, without ſo much as thinking whether ſhe kept it, or not; but as ſoon as he was gone, ſhe ſent it to the Vizier, by an expreſs Courrier, with order to tell him by Word of Mouth, That now it was his part to revenge himſelf on a man that made Love to his Wife, and to his Miſtreſs: and this done, ſhe imagin'd he would not ſuffer him to live long.

This was all the Complement ſhe made to him: for ſhe was ſo incens'd, to ſee that Ibrahim lov'd an other, that ſhe only breath'd Revenge. And certainly, this is not to be wonder'd at, ſince that ſome few days before, ſhe was alſo prompted by the ſame Sentiments, [Page] though ſhe as then thought him but iudifferent. The Grand Vizier, at the Reception of this Letter, had much a-do to believe what he ſaw. He had newly learnt by the other, that Ibrahim lov'd the Sultana: And by this: he ſaw plainly, that it was his Wife of whom ſome Circumſtances were related, touching ſome Beauties ſhe had under her Linnen; which made known to him, that thoſe that talk'd in that manner, muſt needs have ſeen them. I leave you to think, what Two Injuries of this Nature were capable of producing in his Mind: To which, we ſhall add a Third Affront, which was as ſenſible to him as the other: This was to ſee, that after his Wife had had the Weakneſs to grant him ſome Favours, he had been capable of divulging them, which he perceiv'd by the Character of the Letter he had newly receiv'd. So it is, that being ſeiz'd at the [Page] ſame time with Shame, Rage and Jealouſie, he ſent to ſeek out Ibrahim, and enquir'd of him about a Mine, with which he had encharg'd him. Ibrahim made him an Anſwer ſuitable to his knowledge of the matter: Where upon the Vizier taking occaſion to fall into a Rage: There's no need of asking, he ſaid to him, why the Siege is thus ſpan into a length; no body does his duty; and Ibrahim, whom I thought the braveſt of our Officers, is the moſt a Coward. Ibrahim is no Coward, this Baſſa made Anſwer; And he dares ſay, that if every one had performed his duty, as he has done, the Town would long ſince have been taken. Theſe are only Words, the Vizier reply'd, and Words very remote from Effects. But if you are ſo brave, go now inſtantly and attack ſuch a Baſtion, and either be kill'd upon the ſpot, or return victorious, when the Mine has been [Page]once ſprung. I conſent to it, was Ibrahim's Anſwer: And if you would your ſelf ſee how I go to work, I would adviſe you to follow me.

The Vizier ſeeking a Quarrel, was upon the Ferment at theſe Words: You are a raſh, arrogant fellow; ſaid he to him, to go to tell me what I have to do: March where I command you, without further Reply: if not, I ſhall make you ſenſible what it is to diſobey me. I do not diſobey you, Ibrahim reply'd: but once again, it is not yet time to attack the Baſtion: And if you do it, it is the way to ruine your Army. I'le march thither, however, ſince that you will have it ſo; but I will have every one to know, that I do it not without Regret. I do not doubt that, the Vizier reparty'd: And it is long ſince, that I know, that the greateſt vexation that can be done to ſuch a Man as thee, is to ſend him to [Page] ſuch an occaſion. I trouble my ſelf little for this Reproach, Ibrahim made Anſwer: My Comfort is, there's none but thou of that Opinion: but thou muſt needs bear me a Grudge upon other Accounts; And the whole Army is my Witneſs, that I ſpare my ſelf no more than an other, when it concerns the Sultan's Service. At theſe words, out he went, and ſo to his Expedition, which was as unhappy as it was ill digeſted. He caus'd Three Thouſand Men to be kill'd in this Action: and the Vizier ſeeing that the whole Army was ready to revolt againſt him, accuſing him of cauſing all theſe Men to periſh without any neceſſity, ſent him an Order to retreat.

In the mean while, though the Siege thus ſpun into a length, as the Chriſtians dreaded, that at the long run the Place would fall into the Hands of the Infidels, ſeveral [Page] haſten'd to its Relief, and, among others, the King of Poland. All theſe Troops being come within Two Leagues of the Ottoman Camp, the Grand Vizier was at a very great perplexity, having an Ill Will born him equally by the Officers and Soldiers. This did not hinder him however, from contriving to rid himſelf of Ibrahim; and having ſent for a Man in whom he confided, he commanded him, that when the Baſſa was engag'd in the Battel, he ſhould give him a Bullet in his Back. This Order being given, he detach'd Ibrahim to go view the Chriſtians, who were advancing upon the Mountain of Calemberg. The Aſſaſſinate follow'd him; but before he had time to do his Buſineſs, there came a ſhot that kill'd him himſelf, and which preſerved Ibrahim from danger.

[Page] It is not my Province to give the Particulars of that great Day, a Day ſo glorious to the King of Poland. It is ſufficient, I ſay that after Ibrahim ſaw that all was in diſorder on his ſide, he march'd towards the Grand Vizier's Wife's Tent, which was already ſurrounded with Chriſtians; inſomuch, that ſhe ran a riſque of falling into their Hands.

He open'd his Paſſage to it with his Sable: and having thus freed her from danger, he conducted her into the Body of his Army, which fled before the King of Poland. The Grand Vizier, who thought her a Priſoner, and who, as is thought, would have been glad ſomething worſe had befallen her, which is juſtify'd by the little Care he had taken of ſaving her timely, was in a Rage to ſee that ſhe was endebted to Ibrahim for her Safety. Nevertheleſs, as he had too much Buſineſs [Page] upon his Hands, to think then on that, his whole Thoughts were how to get off with his Forces and himſelf. But when this was done, he openly complain'd, that Ibrahim had abandoned the Poſts he had confided to him, under Colour of giving Succours to Ladies, but in effect, to cloak his Cowardize. He further complain'd of ſome other Officers, that ſo he might not be thought to point at Ibrahim, out of any particular Reſentment. Having prepared Peoples Minds by theſe Complaints, he ſent for them to his Tent; and after having upbraided them with their Cowardize, he caus'd them to be ſtrangled in the Preſence of the Principal Commanders of the Army; Ibrahim only did he reſerve for the laſt, and having made him go into a By-Apartment, he ſhew'd him the Two Letters before mention'd; after which he [Page] had the ſame Fate as the others had had.

His Execution ſurprized all the Officers that knew that the Pretext that had been us'd to put him to Death, was altogether unjuſt, ſince that he was not only brave of his Perſon, but that he had moreover, more Experience in point of War than the Grand Vizier himſelf. And indeed, this Miniſter imagining, that after ſo hardy a ſtroak, and done by his ſingle Authority, he had many meaſures to take, he ſent a Courier to the Grand Signior, to acquaint him with the Motives that had oblig'd him thereunto. This News being ſpread in the Serraglio, the Two Sultana's were forthwith animated with different Sentiments. Ibrahim's Siſter being extreamly afflicted, went to caſt her ſelf at the Grand Signior's Feet, and demand Juſtice of him againſt the Vizier: And as for Zelinda, [Page] ſhe did not think it became her to concern her ſelf in this Affair, that freed her from a Lover blacken'd with Infidelity. Theſe were her firſt Motions: but having quickly made room to others, more tender, ſhe look'd upon her ſelf as the Cauſe of Ibrahim's Death, which caſt her into an Affliction much greater than that of the other Sultana.

Being thus poſſeſs'd a-new with Sentiments of Tenderneſs, it is eaſie to apprehend, that far from taking the Vizier's part, who beſought her however, by a Letter, that ſhe would grant him her Protection with the Grand Signior, ſhe did him all ſort of ill Offices, but under-hand. Yet did ſhe not think it expedient to uſe Ibrahim's Death as a Pretext, for fear he might accuſe her of revenging him, as a Party concern'd, which he might have juſtify'd by the Letter he had in his Hands: but having [Page] had the Cunning to get it again, ſhe no longer kept any meaſures, and accus'd him of being the Cauſe of all the ill ſucceſſes of the Army. Now as theſe ill ſucceſſes had caſt the Ottoman Empire into a great Conſternation, the Grand Signior did no longer look upon the Grand Vizier with ſo good an Eye: and then Zelinda coming alſo to the Charge, it was no difficult matter for her to obtain of him, that he ſhould be put to Death. The Order for that purpoſe was diſpatched out of hand; and for fear the Grand Signior ſhould revoke it, Zelinda ſent it to the Mutes by one of her Servants, with an Injunction to be himſelf preſent at the Execution.

Such an Order did extreamly ſurprize the Grand Vizier, who expected quite an other Treatment from the Grand Signior, whom he had done great Services in ſeveral Occaſions: but ſeeing that it was brought by a Confident of Zelinda's, he plainly [Page] perceiv'd, that he was going to dye, rather as a Victim of Love, than as a Victim of State, which was perform'd at that very inſtant; and Zelinda had the Cruelty to go ſee him ſtruck dead, as he was, as if ſhe had been afraid they had not executed the Grand Signior's Orders.

THE END.

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§

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Ottoman Gallantries: OR THE LIFE. OF THE BASSA OF BUDA.

Done out of French.

LONDON: Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes, in Ruſſel-ſtreet, in Covent-Garden. 1687.

To the Honourable, WILLIAM, Lord CAVENDISH.

[Page]

[Page]

My Lord,

I Should not know how to Apologize for the Preſumption of this Addreſs, if the Introduction of a Forreigner did not in ſome wiſe plead in my Excuſe. His Priviledges, as ſuch, in a great manner entituling him to your Lordſhip's Protection, I reſolv'd, at the ſame time I implor'd his Admittance, to improve the Occaſion, as well for the diſcharging ſome awful ſenſe of Gratitude, for the Obligations I have to your Illuſtrious Father, as for the paying your Lordſhip that Homage that is owing you from all thoſe that make Profeſſion of publickly honouring Merit and Virtue. Yes, my Lord, as the World does both Eſteem and Admire the raviſhing Excellencies of your Perſon, the ſurprizing Progreſs you have made in all ſorts of Noble Exerciſes, that Blooming Beauty of [Page]your Genius, that Vivacity of Imagination, Solidity of Judgment, thoſe Charms in Converſation, and that early Harveſt of Polite Learning that ſo ſoon in your Spring your Lordſhip ſtands poſſeſs'd of; as if the Muſes had a Mind to make ſome Amends by ſhedding all their Gifts upon your Lordſhip, for the conſtant ſupport and azylum they have ever found in your illuſtrious Family: So it has a Reſpect and Veneration for your Goodneſs, your Condeſcention, Generoſity, Candour, and Gallantry, that conſpicuouſly declares the Nobility of your Extraction. Thus I hope this Offering will not only be interpreted, as an Effect of my Zeal and Admiration, but as a Teſtimony of the ardent and reſpectful Paſſion, with which I am,

My Lord,

Your Lordſhip's moſt Obedient, And moſt Humble Servant, B. Berenclow.

Information about this book

Title statement

Ottoman gallantries, or, The life of the Bassa of Buda done out of French.

Edition statement

1687

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A53505

ID [STC]

Wing O536

ID [STC]

ESTC R26172

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

09378629

ID [OCLC]

ocm 09378629

ID [VID]

42899

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A53505)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 42899)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1313:7)

Source

— Ottoman gallantries, or, The life of the Bassa of Buda done out of French., Berenclow, B..

Extent

[2], 271 p.

Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes,. London :: 1687.. (Dedication signed: B. Berenclow.) (Reproduction of original in the British Library.)

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