OF all the Monarchies of the World, that of the Ottomans is without contradiction, the most despotick and absolute: All the Subjects of that vast Empire, are Slaves to the Grand Seignior; Birth giveth no rank amongst them; Chil­dren do not inherit their Fathers E­state; nay, the Bashaws themselves, [Page 2] know not their own Parents, the most part of them being stoll'n away in their most tender years, and brought into the Serraglio, wherein they learn all sorts of Exercises. There they are bred in such a great submission to the Sultan's orders, that they make to themselves a principle of Religion, to yield up their heads without repining, when that Prince demands them, [...], being satisfied, they go straightway to Heaven, if they be hap­py enough as to dye, either for the Ser­vice, or by the Command of their Emperour. As the Sultans do ordi­narily leave, all the care of the state to the vigilancy of the Grand Visier, that first Minister, hath a boundless and illimited Authority; he bestow­eth favours as he lists, and never wants fair pretences, to rid himself of those who have displeas'd him. All the other Visiers or Bashaws give him an account of that, which concerns their Ministry, and the Emperour is never acquainted with other things, but such as the Grand Visier is wil­ling to have him know; even to that, [Page 3] if the Prince comes to the Divan, that is the Council-board, his presence serves for nothing else, but to give more credit to the motions of the Grand Visier, which are always ap­proved of, without that any of the other Ministers durst contradict him. Nevertheless, that exceeding great power freeth him not from often be­ing exposed, to the danger of losing his life, through the secret Cabals, which are contrived against him, with­in the Serraglio, although he doeth his best endeavours to prevent them, by making sure of the protection of the Sultanesses, and the friendship of the Eunuchs; and because the Sulta­nesses are always sensible, either to love, or to ambition, and the Eunuchs do seek how to satisfie their insatia­ble covetousness, that gives occasion to an infinite number of intrigues; so that, notwithstanding the great pre­cautions of the Grand Seignior, and [...]he external rudeness of the Eunuchs, [...]here always passeth some secret ga­antry within the Palace, by such like [...]itrigues Cara Mustapha arrived to [Page 4] the place of Grand Visier; but, that we might give a more perfect and clear knowledge of it, we must come back and search into the very Princi­ples of the matter.

The Grand Visier Orcan, having displeased the Sultaness Queen Kiosem, was strangled in the Reign of Ibra­him. The Janissaries, who loved that Minister, revolted thereupon, and re­solved to revenge his death. Their fury brought them to such an extre­mity, that they cut off Ibrahim's head, and set his Son on the Throne. That Son was but Six years old, who is this now Reigning Emperour, under the name of Mahomet the Fourth. They did however consent, the Go­vernment should be given to the Sul­taness Kiosem, Mother of him whom they had just now Sacrificed to their Vengeance. That Princess who had much Wisdom, and was jealous of the pregnant wit of the Sultaness Va­lidè Mother to the Reigning Monarch, made a new Cabal for the undoing of Mahomet, and setting up in his place Suleiman, his Brother, who was Son [Page 5] of another Sultaness. The Sultaness Validé having discovered that Intrigue, had interest enough among the Janis­saries, to put them upon a second re­volt. The Old Sultaness lost her life in that sedition, and the Sultaness Va­lidé, was proclamed Regent of the Empire. After all those troubles, the Ottoman Monarchy enjoyed a long calm, through the great care of the Sultaness, and the peaceable temper of the Prime Visier Boinou-Egri; but the Eunuch, who has the direction of the treasure, having retrenched something of the Spahis pay, which are the Turkish Horse, they revolted, and made strange disorders. They could not be appeased, but by the Sacrifice of two of the chief Eunuchs of the Serraglio, whom they strang­led presently; which so much incen­sed the Eunuchs, that they ever since that time, conceived an implacable hatred against the Spahis, and put all Engins at work for a revenge. Nay, the Sultaness Validé had a share in their just resentment, and promised them to take a convenient time for the pu­nishment [Page 6] of the Criminals. She spoke about it several times to the Grand Visier; but that Minister, who had not courage and resolution enough to undertake such a dangerous re­venge, found therein a great deal of difficulties: So the Sultaness being pressed by the Eunuchs, resolved to cause the Grand Visier to be deposed, and designed for his Successor the Fa­mous Kioupruli, who had the repute of a fearless Soldier, and was account­ed a Man of a vast capacity. She communicated her designs to the Ke­haia, or Master of the Serraglio, and order'd him to wait upon Kioupruli from her, for to acquaint him with that great Fortune he was designed unto, thereby to engage him, to be for ever inviolably bound to her in­terests. The Sultan who Governed through his Mothers Councils, ap­proved of the resolution she had ta­ken. Boinou-Egri was turn'd out, and Kioupruli Proclamed Grand Visier with a general applause. A little while after, he found a way how to disunite the Spahis; they were dis­persed, [Page 7] and then separately punished for their revolt, by order of Kioupru­li. That Minister having so answer­ed the hopes of the Sultaness Validé, got deep into the Grand Seigniors esteem, and purchased the friendship of the Eunuchs, who have always e­ver since sought the occasions to shew him their sensibleness thereof; that which much contributed to the For­tune of the Grand Visier Cara Musta­pha. Kioupruli who owned him to be his Kinsman, had put him in the Serraglio, there to be brought up to­gether with a great number of young folks, that are called Itchoglans. The Eunuchs, the care of their breeding is committed unto, thought them­selves happy to have frequent occa­sions of favouring Mustapha, who, of himself was a very comely and witty young Man, and did in all his Exercises, behave himself to the ad­miration of the whole Court; so that, either by his own merit, or through the favour of the Master of the Ser­raglio, he got in less then ten years, into the Treasure Chamber, which is [Page 8] the post of distinction, and the first door of the Temple of Fortune; for the Itchoglans that serve there, do often approach the Grand Seigniors Person, and usually arrive to the emi­nentest dignities of the State.

The Beglierbey of Egypt being dead, his most precious goods were brought into the Sultan's Treasure, and because there were found a great many most curious things, the Grand Seignior invited the Sultaness his Mother to take a view of them; and although the like is almost never practised, ob­liged her to come along with him in­to the Treasure Chamber, attended by two of her Itchoglanesses, or Maids of Honour. The Officers who were not used to such like visits, were much surprised at. Cara Mustapha distinguished himself both by his good meen, and by a certain air of Gran­deur, which none of the others could pretend unto; so that he was pre­sently observed by the Sultaness, who did, with great earnestness look upon him. The Grand Seignior having perceived it, spoke of him most fa­vorably, [Page 9] and told her, he was Ne­phew of Kioupruli. The Sultaness o­verjoyed to have such a specious co­lour, to give him some token of that inclination she begun to feel for him, asked the Grand Seignior a rich E­merald he had shewed her, and as she had seen him bestow many gifts upon the other Officers of the Trea­sure (which he is wont to do when he commands it to be opened) she gave it to Cara Mustapha, who was so dazled at the sight of Women, hav­ing perhaps never seen any till that day, that he durst not accept of the Emerald, before the Sultan bad him to receive it. The Sultaness Valide retired, well satisfied with the Mag­nifick presents her Son had made her, but with her mind filled with the sweet Idea of the young Mustapha, who had appeared to her Eyes ex­ceeding amiable: As soon as she was alone, she recalled to her mind, all the features of Mustapha, together with all she had heard of his good parts; but when she reflected on the impossibility of ever seeing again that [Page 10] young Itchoglan, she was sorry that she saw him; nay, she earnestly en­deavoured to forget him. While she was working upon her self to con­quer it, the Kehaia, or Master of the Serraglio, who is a black Eunuch that commands all the others, put one day in his mind, to remit some dragm of his severe humour, and to be mer­ry with the Itchoglanesses of the Sul­taness Validé. Those Maids who spend their life in a perpetual confinement, resolved to fool him to some purpose; and accordingly, one of the hand­somest feigned to love the Kehaia. The Eunuch observing, that the It­choglaness used him with an extraor­dinary kindness, could not forbear be­lieving, she was indeed moved by his merit, and shew'd her a great sensi­bleness thereof. That young Person ravished with joy, for the happy suc­cess of her trick, acquainted her com­panions withal, and continued to feign a vehement passion. Our Eu­nuch, who had less love than vani­ty, promised her, not reflecting upon his sad condition; secretly to drop [Page 11] into her Chamber, when her Com­panions were a sleep. The Itchogla­ness, feigned to be most sensible at such a proof of his affection, and as­sured him, she would wait for his Eunuchship, with a great deal of im­patience; he failed not to come to the rendevous, and a minute after his coming, all the Itchoglanesses en­tred with Links, and scofft at the poor Wretch at an high rate. Eu­nuchs are revengeful People; there­fore the Kehaia took pett at this af­front, and resolved to seek for a re­venge. In the mean while, the Sul­taness Validé did in vain resist that vi­olent passion, which drew impetu­ously her heart towards Mustapha. It grew so strong with time, that she more than once had a mind to get him secretly into her apartment; but the fear of endangering the life of so dear a lover, and those almost un­conquerable difficulties, that she fore­saw would be found in making sure of the Master of the Serraglio, did plunge her into an unspeakable trou­ble of mind. She heard in that very [Page 12] time, by one of her Itchoglanesses, the merry trick they had played upon the Kehaia; and because she consented and referred all things to her love, she hoped, she could draw some ad­vantage out of that adventure. She called privately the handsome Itcho­glaness, who had feigned to love the Kehaia; and after she had represent­ed unto her, how much Eunuchs are inclined to vengeance, and that the Kehaia being Master of the Serraglio, would not fail to undo her, she pro­mised her her protection, and that she would never forsake her, if she would exactly follow her directions. That Maid being truly sensible of the Queens kindness, proffer'd her her own life, if such a victim should be necessary to her interests. Then the Sultaness commanded her to feign still to love the Kehaia, and to shew him both by deeds and words, she was brought to despair, for the misfortune happened in their interview without her knowledge. The Itchoglaness dis­charged her commission, with as much cunning as wit, but she found the [Page 13] Eunuch highly offended at the insult he had, being expos'd unto whatever she said, he could not be perswaded of her innocence: nevertheless, she gave him so many signs of an ex­tream passion, that at last, she made him believe it true. The poor Ke­haia, was so much moved by the false shew of that fair ones tenderness and constancy, that then he felt more sensibly, than ever, the misfortune of his State; he was conscious enough of his being utterly unable, to an­swer the forwardness of the young Maid, so it came in his mind to sup­ply in his room an Itchoglan of the treasure house, hoping with that trick, to breed in his Mistresses mind, an high apprehension of his Valour in Loves Wars, and that afterwards, he should have the pleasure of despi­sing her. That conceit so much tick­led and charmed his vanity, that he resolved to ask young Mustapha, if he would accept of a private conver­sation with the handsomest of the two Itchoglanesses, which he saw wait­ing upon the Sultaness Validé. Mu­stapha [Page 14] answered him out of hand, he would not be grieved to lose his life after such a happiness. The Eunuch conceiving by that brisk answer, he could not choose a Man more proper for his design, told him, he should e're long hear of him; and now, af­ter he had taken fair measures with his pretended Mistriss, he put Musta­pha in disguise, whom he had first in­structed, how he must behave him­self, to avoid the miscarriage of an unlucky discovery. Night being come, he led him with unheards of precau­tions into the Itchoglanesses Chamber. The Sultaness Validé, being acquaint­ed with all by that Maid, had taken her place, designing to catch the Ke­haia, and threaten him with his ut­ter ruine, except he would make an atonement, and buy his pardon for his crime, by an entire submission to her commands, and the introducing young Mustapha in her Chamber. As soon as he was come in, that Sulta­ness emboldened by her passion, and filled with the Idea of her Lover, o­pened a dark Lanthorn, and did al­ready [Page 15] begin to fright the false Eu­nuch, with swinging reproaches, when she knew again her dear Cara Musta­pha. There was never a surprise like hers; however it could not be but acceptable to her, since she saw him whom she had judged so worthy of her love, in lieu of a black and dread­ful Eunuch, she thought to meet with Mustapha, on his side, was not so much pleased at the encounter as she; having no experience in loves in­trigues, he fell so much out of coun­tenance at the sight of the Sultaness, and was so frighted at her threat­nings, that he durst not lift up his eyes to look upon her, fancying the Kehaia would undo him, and that he was a going to be abandoned to the merciless fury of the dumbs of the Serraglio, but our Sultaness did not leave him long in that fright. She plainly confessed him the violent pas­sion she had for him, and forgot no­thing that might give him such proofs thereof, as he could wish him­self, so Cara Mustapha abundantly sa­tisfied, nay almost overwhelmed with [Page 16] his Sultanesses kindness, acquainted her with the design of the Kehaia, and how he put him upon cheating the Itchoglaness; she heard that secret with a great deal of pleasure, and af­ter she had promised him to take care of his fortune, she sent him back, strictly forbidding him to tell the Ke­haia, he had seen her.

Now the Eunuch proud as can be, of an imaginary esteem, he thought, he had got in his Itchoglanesses appre­hension, did already affect to slight her, when the Sultaness sent for him; being come, and her waiting Ladies retired, she told him, four dumbs were in search of him, to strangle him by the Sultan's order, because he had, by Night, introduced a man into the Serraglio. The Wretch seized with fear, cast himself at her Feet, in­treating her to be so merciful as to save his life. She engaged to sue for his pardon, but on condition, he would confess his crime, and discover her all the circumstances of that Affair, that might, said she, regard the Sul­taness Queen. The Kehaia made her [Page 17] unheards of Oaths to undeceive her, and after a downright ingenuous ac­count of the Itchoglanesses adventure, freely confessed, his vanity made him choose Cara Mustapha, to supply his place. The Sultaness well pleased at his honest dealing with her, made him conceive, she knew well how to make a good turn to her friends, even be­fore their application to her, and as­sur'd him, he might retire without fear, because she had hindered the noise of his Crime, from coming to the Emperours knowledge. The Ke­haia gave her a thousand assurances of his gratitude, swore an inviolable attachment to her interests, and took his leave, a little while after, the Sultaness who longed to see her Gal­lant, called again the Kehaia in pri­vate, and declared to him, that ever since she had seen Cara Mustapha in the Treasure-house, her mind was so filled with the charming Idea of his good meen, that it was impossible for her to think of any other thing, and that the most important and accep­table service he ever might do her, [Page 18] was to introduce him at Night in her Chamber. The grateful Eu­nuch answered, he was exceeding glad he had opportunity to Sacrifice his life to her commands, and pro­mised her to acquaint Mustapha with so divine a fortune, that he might prepare himself to answer it, with such forwardness as was due to so special a favour.

The Sultaness having so cunningly engaged the chief Eunuch into the interest of her passion, got several times Mustapha into her apartment; but scarce was their sweet commerce well establisht, when the Grand Vi­sier who minded his Nephews prefer­ment, took him out of the Serraglio, and put him amongst the Troops, that he might give proof of his courage in the War. The Sultaness did resent to the quick her Lovers departure, and wholly applyed her self to seek how to have him back again, and at the same time to procure him an em­ploy, that should engage him to re­side there. She had still a great share in the Government, so it was an ea­sie [Page 19] matter to her to find a favourable opportunity for that. The place of Master of the Horse being vacant, she moved the Grand Seignior to be­stow it upon Cara Mustapha; assuring him, the Prime Visier would be ex­treamly sensible of it. The Sultan gave his consent, and happy Musta­pha is commanded to return speedily to Court.

The Sultaness having by these means, renewed her former correspondence with her Lover, failed not to put an high value upon the services she had made him; and he failed not on his side to do his utmost, for being even with her, but in the midst of his plea­sures, he did not neglect his interest; he made so good use of those suita­ble advices she gave him, for to insi­nuate himself in the Grand Signiors favour, that he honoured him with his special friendship, and gave him a little while after, a Commission that shewed both a great trust and esteem. Assan Beglierbey of Asia, being revol­ted against the Grand Signior, had drawn in several other Bashaws to his [Page 20] party, and with impunity plundered all the frontiers of Anatoly. The Grand Visier, had sent a small Body of Troops to fight that Rebel: but Assan was grown so powerful, that Kioupruli was forced to draw back his Army, and stay till he were able to send more considerable Forces thi­ther.

That Bashaw had Marryed the Princess Bash-lari, Sister to the Grand Seignior, who had already been Mar­ryed to three Bashaws, tho then but between Sixteen or Seventeen Years Old. Assan, who was grown in years, had not, since his revolt, the same respects as afore, to that young Princess; her Birth Inspiring her with a noble and Just pride, made her more sensible of the unkind usage, she received from him, she could ne­ver use herself to it, and found a way how to send a Letter to the Grand Seignior, wherein she complained to his Highness of her present misery. The Sultan was moved at Bash-lary's mis­fortune, and spoke of it one day to Mustapha, in such Terms, as might [Page 21] plainly shew the greatness of his sor­row. This was a sufficient warrant to Mustapha's Courage, he followed the Transport of his Zeal, and feign­ing himself extreamly Surprised, that there could be found upon Earth a man so base, and so unmannerly, as to want respect for a Princess of the Ottomans blood, he offered himself to feign a discontent from the Port, and go to Assan's Army, to cut off his Head upon the first opportunity, if his Highness would but give him a Hatchérif. You must observe the Turks have so much Submission for a Hatchérif (That is a warrant writ­ten with the Grand Seignior's own hand) That, as soon as it is shew'd them, they give over their life, chu­sing rather to die, than to oppose such an Order. The Sultan admiring the Zeal of Mustapha, accepted of his proffer, and made him depart secretly, authorised with a Hatchérif. Mustapha's Journey was not long hidden to the Sultaness, and the Grand Visier thought fit to acquaint her with the true motives thereof. She [Page 22] was so allarmed at the danger, her Gallant was like to be exposed unto, that she fell out with the Sultan her Son, and upbraided him with a re­proach that he did, without any ap­pearance of good success, Sacrifice the Nephew of a Minister, who serv­ed him with an Inviolable fidelity, giving him to understand at the same time, she was confident, Kioupruli could never find comfort in such a great loss. The Sultan perswaded by his Mothers reasons, Commanded the Grand Visier to send a Courier to Mustapha, to stop him in the way, and call him home again: but Kiou­pruli, who had already a prospect for the establishing of his own Son's Fortune, scrupled not to hazard the life of his Nephew, for such an im­portant service to the State. Where­fore he told the Grand Seignior, Mu­stapha had already entred the Coun­try occupied by the Rebels, and that his Couriers could not joyn him. The Sultaness was like to dye with grief, when she heard of the unhappy suc­cess of her cares, she spent several [Page 23] days in a dreadful trouble and per­plexity of mind, and found no com­fort, but in the flattering hopes that fortune would perhaps help her Lov­ers courage, he behaved himself with so much prudence, that he deceived the Rebel Assan, who rested abun­dantly satisfied, that indeed he was a Malecontent, and upon this account trusted him with a most considerable employ in his Army. Wise Mustapha dissembled for a while, but at last, sitting one day at Table with Assan, and other Bashaws of his Party, he drew out of his bosome the fatal hat­cherif, and having publickly read, and kissed it with a great deal of re­spect, set upon the unfortunate Assan, and cut off his Head, and none of the Bashaws offered to oppose him; which proves that Religion hath more influence, than policy in that blind obedience, the Turks pay to those orders, that comes immediatly from the Grand Seignior. Assans death dis­heartned so much all those of his Par­ty, that afterwards, they endeavour­ed to make their peace at the Port.

[Page 24]Next to this Famous action, his first care was to look for the Princess Bash-lari, who lived in Assan's Serra­glio, confounded with a great Num­ber of other ordinary Women, he waited upon her with all the respect due to a person of her rank, and begged her orders for the carrying a­way of all Assan's goods, which be­longed to her by the Death of her Husband. Basch-lari whom Old Assan did not use with so much civility, could hardly conceal her trouble, at so many Testimonies of respect from a man of so good meen. She stood a while speechless, and gave time thereby to Mustapha's Eyes, to view her exactly, and to satisfie himself, she was one of the handsomest persons upon Earth, he was himself so far ou [...] of order, that he knew no more what to say, when by good luck, Assan [...] slaves, who cast themselves at hi [...] feet, begging his favour, Interrupted his so stedfast staring upon her, h [...] rebuked them severely, and sent them back to the Princess, declaring, she was now the Sovereign Mistriss o [...] [Page 25] their destiny. Basch-lari could not but be very sensible of all Mustapha's civilities, and throughly inflamed his heart with a most kind and obliging answer, she made him. In the mean time, she shewed a great desire to return near the Sultan her Brother, and Mustapha, who was wholly pos­sest with the care to be officious, and complaisant to her, gave all suit­able orders for a speedy departure. During the Journey, he did exactly wait upon her, and went so far, as to make her observe, the respect he owed to his Emperours Sister, was but the least motive of his so assi­duous attendance, and so exact a complaisance for all her desires. The Princess could not but perceive at last, that he loved her, and whe­ther she was charm'd with his good meen and civilities, or dealt out of gratitude for that important service, she had just now received of him, in freeing her from Assan's slavery, she granted him the liberty, he with much earnestness sued for, to send her Selams in the Grand Seigniors [Page 26] Serraglio. Selams are Nosegays made up of Flowers, which the Turks use instead of Love-letters.

The News of Assan's overthrow, filled Constantinople with Joy. The Sultan did applause himself, that he had alone concerted that enterprise with Cara Mustapha. The Visier was exceeding well pleased, to see the Empire freed by his Nephew from such a dangerous Enemy; and for the Sultaness Validé, she was no less satisfied with the happy success of her Gallants perilous undertaking, as if she had her self cut-off the Re­bells Head. So Cara Mustapha came back again, and was upon his return, welcomed and overwhelmed with Presents. The old Kioupruli being sick to death, made use of this fa­vourable juncture to give the Sultan to understand, his Son alone had the secrets of the Empire; for he had al­ways bred him with a prospect to make of him a most able Minister of State. The Grand Seignior prepos­sest with the Fathers former services, and besides that, being well satisfi­ed [Page 27] that the change of Ministers is the greatest plague and disturbance, that may befal an Empire, thought fit to bestow the Fathers place upon his Son, and accordingly Proclamed him Grand Visier.

Although Cara Mustapha, stood as fair as any of the Court for Prefer­ments, yet he was contented with his employ, and put upon this mo­deration an high value before the Sultaness Validé, who took it as an un­questionable proof of his love: But indeed, she was no more but the pre­text of it. Mustapha's heart was wholly devoted to fair Basch lari, and if he answered the forward af­fection of the Sultaness, 'twas only to get thereby more means and con­veniency to court the Princess, 'twas not long e're he made use of the li­berty she had given him, he won with his Gifts, one of the Eunuchs that waited upon her, and sent her by him a Selam made up with my­sterious Flowers, which with a silent speech set forth the violence of his passion for her, and how smarting [Page 28] and cruel was his grief, to see him­self bereft of her sight. The Prin­cess kindly received his Selam, and to shew him how far she was satisfi­ed with it, she returned him a Box fill'd with Musk ('tis observable, that among the Turks this Language is as much intelligible as Love-letters a­mongst us) Cara Mustapha was so ravisht with joy to see, through Basch-lari's answer, she was not in­sensible of his Love, that he fancied he might, in time Marry her, not­withstanding the vast distance he saw betwixt his present state, and such a height of Fortune. This thought did so sweetly flatter and tickle his pas­sion, that he minded nothing else, but how to carry it on to an happy end; and because he well knew, 'tis not lawful for any man to ask a Prin­cess of the Ottoman Blood in Marri­age, and that the Grand Seignior himself must choose him, he deems worthy of the honour of his alliance, he resolved to court more assiduously the Sultan, that he might prefer him [Page 29] before all them, that were in right to pretend to the possession of Basch-lari.

Hunting is the darling passion of Mahomet the fourth; Cara Mustapha presented him with a great number of choice Dogs, he had gathered from all parts of Europe; so that the Sultan grew thereby more fond of the sport, and hunted since oftner than formerly: As many times as he Hunts, the Boars are commanded to encompass Six or Seven Miles about, a vast space of Land, to the end that the game might not escape. These frequent troubles being very tiresome to the People, and utterly defacing the Country, gave occasion to great mur­murs and complaints, but however no body durst tell the Sultan of it. The Mufty, which is the chief Do­ctor of the Law, spurred by his own zeal, and with the intreaties of seve­ral grave Bashaws, resolved at last to ventute on it, and fancied, he could, perhaps cure him of so vio­lent a passion, in urging to him this religious argument; that, when his [Page 30] Predecessors were not in War, they used, to work with their own hands; that so illustrious an example might move their Subjects to give themselves to useful things, no body daring stand idle, whilst the Ruler of the World was busie; that e­ven the Law it self ordered the Empe­rours to live upon their own labour, and not upon the sweat of their Peoples Eye­brows, or the Money of Taxes. Maho­met repining at such an unacceptable harangue, was ready many times to interrupt him, and shewed by his countenance and gestures, that so free a discourse did not please him. The Mufty, who already repented his having taken upon him that dan­gerous Commission, would a little sweeten what he said, and added, that if a handy-work should vex the Prince, he might, to fulfill the Precept of the Law, make Arrows or any such like small pieces of work, that require little or no application; that as soon as the work is finisht, he must but send it to some Wealthy Bashaw, who would receive it with a great deal of respect, as made with the [Page 31] Grand Seigniors own hand, and not fail to return his Highness such a Magnifick present, as might abun­dantly provide for the charges of his Table. The Sultan sweetned with these last words, or perhaps, dissem­bling his Anger, told the Mufty, that he took in good part his Fatherly remonstrance, and assured him he would make use of it. Cara Musta­pha had been very attentive to that conversation, and well knowing that Mahomet, though very respectful to the Ministers of the Alcoran, yet doth not willingly suffer himself to be crossed in his divertisements, begged of him the honour of a private audi­ence, and spoke to him after this man­ner.

Cara Mustapha, the humblest and devotedst of all thy Slaves, who useth his Ears, his Eyes, and his Tongue, but for the increasing of the Glory of his Lord, not being able to endure that the Mufty should abuse the Sacred Au­thority of his Character, presume to make remonstrances, and meddle with giving unseasonable advices to him that [Page 32] gives the Law, wherever the Sun shines, not remembring, that all the goods of the Earth are his own, and that 'tis through a special favour, that he be­stoweth part thereof to his Slaves, doth with a deep sense of humility shew thee, thou shouldest punish his rashness, and yet not recede from his advise, lest it might seem, the beloved of Alla and his Grand Prophet should contemn his Law. Thou knowest, the Mufty is the most covetous and saving of all Men; If thou wilt then, mortifie him to the quick, thou must but go a hunting a­gain, and send him part of the Venison, thou hast taken, with a word, that, to follow his sacred admonition, thou hast chosen the trade of a Hunter, and send­est him the fruit of thy labour; no doubt but he will liberally reward the Bearer, and return thee such a present, as may largely provide for the Expences of thy diet. I am confident, if thou but fol­lowest this my humble motion, he will no more in his life School his own Ma­ster. The Grand Seignior hearkned to Mustapha's Speech with an un­speakable joy, gave him a Thou­sand [Page 33] thanks, and vowed, he was more beholding to him for this coun­sel, than for the very head of Assan. Two days after he failed not to go a Hunting, and performed all he had resolved upon with Mustapha. The Mufti knew too late his fault in op­posing his Sovereign's pleasures, and was obliged to pay the honour he did him, with a very rich Present; and ever since that time, I warrant ye, he did never think of giving him such Godly Admonitions.

Cara Mustapha was so entirely pos­sessed with the care of courting the Princess, that his so frequent and regular attendance upon the Grand Seignior, was rather the pro­duct of his love, than of his ambiti­on. It fell out nevertheless, that this Monarch being extremely satisfi­ed with his Services, began to think of setting up his Fortune, and ac­cordingly Proclaimed him Bashaw of the Sea. Mustapha who look't upon this dignity, as a new step towards the Princess, was overjoyed at the happy news thereof; assoon as his [Page 34] preferment was publick at Court, all the Grandees of the Empire were very forward in complementing him thereupon, and sent him rich Pre­sents, as is usual in such like occasi­ons, but in the midst of all these ap­plauses, he thought of nothing but Basch-lari, and of preparing a rare Selam, that might with his silent Language, acquaint her with the true Sentiments of his aspiring heart; after he had got into the Selam all those Flowers he thought fittest to shew a strong passion, and to let his Princess know, that he had accepted of the place of General of the Sea, but to have more opportunity to grow less unworthy of her, he trusted with it that Eunuch who had espoused his interest, but this Block-head did so ill discharge his trust, that being catcht by the Kehaia, he could never have escaped a most severe punish­ment, if he had not confessed, the Selam came from Cara Mustapha. The Kehaia without any further in­quiry, doubted not but this Galan­try regarded the Sultaness Validé, [Page 35] he warned the Eunuch never to take upon him such Commissions, took the Selam out of his hands, and carried it himself in great hast to the Sulta­ness, who sometimes indeed was en­tertained with Selams by Cara Mu­stapha, but made up only with Flow­ers of a most respectful and sensible gratitude. She was so surprised, and at the same time so overjoyed that a Woman of her Age, was presented with so tender a Selam, that not find­ing now at hand what was necessary for a regular answer, she bid the Ke­haia to bring him, next Night, into her apartment. In the mean time, Cara Mustapha having heard of his Selam's miscarriage, attended all the day long upon the Grand Seignior, waiting for an opportunity to meet the Kehaia, who on his side was seek­ing for him. They met oppor­tunely together, the Kehaia shook Mustapha's hand, and whispered him in the ear that he himself had deliver­ed his Selam, and was commanded to bring him that very Night, in such a place where he should be [Page 36] thanked for it. The Sultan's presence did not permit him to explain him­self farther, Mustapha whose heart was fill'd with nothing but his royal Mistriss, was so agreeably surprised to hear, she would see him, that with­out any other reflection, he wholly gave himself over to the transport of his Joy; and tickled in this critical minute, with the sweetest hopes that may attend love, he lookt upon the Grand Seigniors condition as far less happy than his. The rest of the day was long to him, he past it away in dressing up and undressing himself, never finding himself well enough, to appear before the Eyes of his Basch-lari. This so long expected Night being come, the chief of the Eunuchs who used to guide him through dif­ferent ways, for fear of meeting the Guard, got him safe into the Sulta­nesses Chamber. What pen might express Mustapha's amazement? he had flattered himself with the hope of seeing his Princess, now he finds himself unavoidably engaged with the Sultaness Mother! that Sultaness [Page 37] beginning to press him hard, he could by no means master up his disorder; she perceived it, and begun to fall upon reproaches, when Mustapha fearing least she should dive into the true cause of his coldness, call'd back his wits about him, and told her that his new place forcing him short­ly to absent from her, and put out to Sea, she indeed wronged him with her wondering at his trouble. This witty and most seasonable answer charmed the Sultaness; she was so satisfied with Mustapha, that far from searching any more into the Mystery of his disorder, it turn'd into a source of merit to him, so true it is, that a beloved one is easily credited and tru­sted unto. The Sultaness dismissed him, overloaded with all sorts of caresses, bid him to ground upon her protection in all things, and to be sure she would shortly see him call'd back at Court. So Cara Mustapha very cleverly came off this time; he cleared afterwards with the Kehaia the matter of the Selam, but because he knew him to be wholly [Page 38] devoted to the Sultaness, he took heed not to give him the least hint of his love with Basch-lari. Now, nothing being impossible to a man that loves indeed, he found a way how to send to the Princess another Selam, no less mysterious and tender than the for­mer, through the contrivance of a Jewess, that sold Jewels in the Pa­lace, and he had before parting this comfort to receive from her a Box full of Amber and Musk, which are the most open and expressive tokens of love, a Lady might give to her Lover.

Assoon as the new Caplan-Bashaw had put to Sea, he bent himself whol­ly to the management of a glorious Campaign, hoping speedily to return, and throw his Lawrels at the feet of his Princess, he gave chase to seve­ral Christian Corsairs, and met at last the Galleys of Maltha, which he at­tached with much bravery: but a Prince of the House of Lorrain, who commanded them, made so stout a defence, that after a long and cruel Combat, the Wind so parted both [Page 39] Fleets, that though they made their uttermost endeavours, they could ne­ver engage again one another. Two days after this Combat, the Turks dis­covered a Spanish Man of War, which they Fired upon, and took it after a very feeble resistance. Cara Musta­pha having called on board his Admi­ral, the Spanish Captain, heard of him, that Ship was loaded with a great deal of precious goods, which the Viceroy of Naples, did send into Spain with his Daughter a beautifull Young Lady, who was a going to Madrit, in order to her being match­ed there with a Grandee. Mustapha conceiving that amongst so many rich goods, there might be found some­thing worthy of his Princess, strictly forbad pillaging, and after he had got all the Soldiers out of the Ship, he came in and viewed her; he met first a number of Women bitterly weeping, who surrounded the fair Spanish Lady, which he presently dis­cerned through her singular beauty, and the State of her Garb. Cara Mu­stapha, whose courage, and Warlike [Page 40] temper were asswaged by love, tho the only Princess Basch-lari, was the Goddess he thought worthy the Sa­crifice of his liberty, used his Slaves with kindness, and civilly answered the Petition of one of those Maids, that spoke to him in Italian, and whom he observed to be very witty. A­mong all the riches of the Ship, no­thing pleased him so much, as a mir­rour wrought with a great deal of art and Industry. It was encompas­sed with little Cupids, playing and saying to one another, felice chi e amato. Assoon as Mustapha saw it, he de­signed it for his Princess; the Captain of the Ship told him, it was a Ma­ster-piece, which the ablest workmen of Italy, had with emula­tion exercised their art on, and which was to be presented to the Queen of Spain, from the Viceroy of Naples by the Famous Roxolane, the very same Maid, which spake just now with him, whom the Viceroy had with most advantageous proffers en­gaged for the Court of Spain, be­cause she was endowed with the [Page 41] most pleasant and harmonious Voice that might be heard upon Earth. This stirred up Mustapha's curiosity; he discoursed again with Roxolane, who, notwithstanding the great trou­ble she was in, by such a sudden and cruel change of her condition, did nevertheless judiciously answer all his Questions: Mustapha, who aimed at his love in all things, conceiving, she could do him a kindness near Basch-lari, resolved to make her a present of that Slave, and the more to ingage her in his interest, he u­sed her with much civility, and saw all her goods exactly restored to her. Nay, his kindness stayed not there, he was no great admirer of vocal musick, however he desired her to sing, and after having highly praised her voice, he took this opportunity to present her with a Bracelet of Diamonds. Roxelane whose Birth was but mean, and who had bid a­dieu to her own Country, to purchase with her Voice those advantages, for­tune had refused to bestow upon her, thought her self fortunate in her sla­very, [Page 42] and left no argument untouch­ed to bring Donna Emanuela (such was the fair Spanish Ladies name) into a better temper, and to perswade her, not to give her self over to her sorrow; but that fair one, who had not the same reasons to bear up, did hearken to no counsels, and was con­tinually weeping. Our Bashaw see­ing, Roxolane was mighty sensible of his civil and gentle carriage towards her, call'd her once in private, and after he had exaggerated the great account he made of a person of so rare and excellent qualifications, he told her, he would make of her the most happy Slave in the World, if she would in good earnest espouse his interest, and engage to perform what he would prescribe her. Roxolane who had but an ordinary share of Beauty, and did never pretend to a very severe honesty, was e'en apt to think ill of the Turks palate, and did already prepare a favourable answer to his Gallantry, when he imparted to her the secret of his passion, and his design to place her near Basch-lari, [Page 43] that she might help his love, and keep the heart of the Princess besieg­ed in his behalf; he made her so in­ticing a Picture of the inner part of the Serraglio, and of the happy life of them that wait upon the Sultanesses, that she, hoping thereby to better her condition, promised him a blind obedience to his commands, and a careful and exact performance there­of. Cara Mustapha was exceeding well pleased at her readiness, and now thought of sending his Presents to the Sultan and Sultanesses, that he might have a colour to send to Basch-lari the rich Looking-glass, without danger of discovering the Mystery of his Love, he would fain have sent Donna Emanuela to the Grand Seigni­or, but being well acquainted with the fancy of the Prince, who was no way inclined to black beauties, and expecting an high ransom from a Person of so eminent a quality, he al­ter'd his mind.

Amongst all the Presents he sent to Basch-lari, nothing was more ac­ceptable to her, than the mirrour; [Page 44] but when a Christian She-slave, ex­plained to her the Motto of the little Cupids, felice chie amato, she did more attentively examined it, and found it more and more worthy of her esteem, well conceiving, Cara Mustapha would not have Presented her with it with­out a design. The Voice of Roxelane was wondered at in the Palace, and both the Sultan and Sultanesses would several times have the entertainment of her Singing; as for Basch-lari, al­though she was mighty pleased with it, yet she made more of her Com­pany, because Mustapha was always the subject matter of their conversa­tion: she did always commend to the Princess, either his good meen, his wit, his courage, or his unparalell'd passion for her: In all these discour­ses, she did often mention the hand­some Spanish Lady, not being able to forbear praising her excellent parts, as many times as she had occasion to name her; and her indiscreet zeal for Mustapha went so far as to com­mend him several times for his civi­lity and kindness towards this fair [Page 45] Slave. That unseasonable way of commendation wrought upon the Princesses mind quite contrary to her expectation; she fancied it was not impossible but that Slave were loved by Mustapha, since he had not sent her to the Grand Seignior; in a word she came to that height of suspicion and jealousie, that she turned into as many crimes, all the particulars of the Bashaws handsome usage to­ward Donna Emanuela.

The Sultaness Validé was indeed a great admirer of fine voices, but yet she discovered new graces, unknown to any other but her, in Roxelane, when she reflected upon her coming from Mustapha, and that she could by her hear of the present condition, and circumstances of her Lover. Therefore she feigned to spend whole Nights without sleeping, and upon this fair pretence, desired Basch-lari to give her Roxelane for a while, that the charm of her voice might ease her in her so long and troublesome watches.

The Princess durst not refuse her, [Page 46] and passing by all the secret reasons she had to keep that Slave by her self, she must yield her to the intrea­ties of the Sultaness Mother, for as long as she would. The Sultaness be­gun to work upon her with Presents, then feigning her self to be much concerned in her misfortunes, she cunningly brought her upon the nar­rative, of the taking of the Man of War she was Shipt in. Roxolane who served the times, turn'd all to the advantage of the Turks, and inserted in her discourse so many passages glorious to Mustapha, that the Sultaness was moved at them, and stuck not to tell her this Bashaws interests were very dear to her remembrance, nay, that she had just now procured him the place of Caimakan, which is the first dignity of the Empire, next to the Grand Visier's. Roxolane ravisht with joy for these good news, went on in her Commendation of Musta­pha's qualities, and well perceiving, the Sultaness had an extraordinary kindness for him, even to shew a great desire to see him possessed with [Page 47] his new dignity of Caimakan, which should engage him to a constant at­tendance upon the Grand Seignior, she was deceived by so likely appear­ances; and thinking, the Sultanesses inclination did not go farther than a vertuous esteem for Mustapha, tru­sted her with the intrigue of his Love with Basch-lari, and earnestly intreat­ed her to see that match made, as­suring her, she could never do any better, or more acceptable service to him, than this: So unexpected a con­fidence smote the Sultanesses heart, like a Thunderbolt; she bid her to tell again and again, what she had indeed too well heard for her peace at the first time; and fearing, lest the Slave might perceive the uncon­querable trouble she was in, she pro­mised her to remember Mustapha's business, and quickly retired into her Closet, where she gave her self over to all such transports, as a cruel jea­lousie can breed in a slighted Woman. After a thousand projects of revenge, she found at last some comfort to think she could, with her credit and [Page 48] intrigues, put a stop to a passion so ruinous both to her glory and love. She begun accordingly with seeking new pretences to keep Roxelane in her apartment, for fear she might dis­cover to Basch-lari, what had passed between them, and so quite spoil her designs.

In the mean while, Mustapha comes to the Court, where he finds himself far less sensible of the Grand Seigniors new preferment, than of the happi­ness of being so near his adorable Princess. Upon his arrival he pre­sented the Sultan, Sultanesses, and chief Eunuchs with Magnifick Pre­sents; and being conscious of the so many obligations the Sultaness Mo­ther had heaped upon him, he thought it his next duty, to make application to the Kehaia for a secret entertain­ment with her; the Sultaness being sa­tisfied of his ingratitude, and yet ex­ceeding well pleased at his continu­ing to court her, refused it at first, and sent the Eunuch packing; but that motion of pride proved too weak, to resist the plea of her own [Page 49] heart in behalf of Mustapha. She call'd back the Kehaia, e'en assoon as she had bid him retire, and com­manded him to bring with his usual precautions, the Caimakan into her Chamber. Assoon as Mustapha came in, he with an affected transport of joy, cast himself at the Sultanesses feet; but she, far from helping him up again, as she used to do before, rebuked him severely, and choose the most injurious reproaches to up­braid him with his perfidy. Vile Slave, saith she, Christian Brood, which I have from the very dust of Mankind, lifted up to the second dignity of this Grand Empire, dost thou believe me so insensible of my glory, as to hearken to thy tales, while I am convinced, thou cheatest me, and that with an unpresi­dented ingratitude, thou makest a sacri­fice of thy heart to a person famed, but by Assan's slighting of her, and who is altogether unworthy to come into a Pa­ralell with me, who am used to the a­dorations of the Rulers of the World. Mustapha overwhelmed with these so cruel reproaches of the Sultan [...]ss, [Page 50] and wondering at her being so far acquainted with his secret, durst nei­ther answer, nor lift up his Eyes to look on her. Speak thou, perfidious Wretch, continued she, spake, is it not true, thou lovest Basch-lari? I confess, answered then Mustapha, that I have deserved Death, since I have been so unfortunate as to incur your displeasure, but canst thou deny, replyed she, that thou hast sent a Christian Slave to the Princess, with a very strict order never to let slip any occasion to entertain her in thy favour? 'tis true, said Musta­pha, I have sent indeed a Slave to the Princess, and as I know that Christians are very ill bred, and know not what respect is due to the Ottoman Blood, I will not disown it, I took care to in­struct her; and because she doth not very well understand La Lingua Fran­ca, she must needs have mistaken my words. Though the Sultaness was sa­tisfied in her judgment, that he was guilty, yet she did so much wish to have him cleared, that she allowed of this slight reason, and heartily for­gave him, flattered with this thought, [Page 51] that if he had felt some tender moti­ons for Basch lari, he did truly repent it. Mustapha took his leave after a World of Oaths, that he would ra­ther undergo a Thousand Deaths, than to give her the least occasion of displeasure; he was so much troubled at the Sultanesses anger, and over all, to see her so near acquainted with the Mystery of his Love, that during a great many days he suffered all the torments a most disquieted mind is subject unto, a Thousand things per­plexed him at once; on one side he feared the Sultaness, on the other, he loved Basch lari; he would not dis­please the Sultaness for fear of ruining his fortune; but he could not live, without hearing of his Princess; he was jealous of any thing he doubted, whether Roxelane had betrayed him or not; and in case he should send a Selam to Basch-lari, he was afraid that the Sultaness should be acquaint­ed with it. After he had long float­ed among so many vexatious thoughts, he resolved at last upon undoing him­self, rather than to be any longer ig­norant [Page 52] how his case stood in the Princess's mind. Another Eunuch, whom he won with much bribing, took upon himself to deliver into her own hands a Salam, by whose silent Language, he assured her, that he was insensible to any other pleasure in the World, but to that of thinking he would love her for ever; and in­treated her to believe that he had rejoyced at the new favour the Sul­tan was pleased of late to bestow on him, but because he grew thereby less unworthy of her alliance. In the mean time, Basch lari, whose mind was still possessed with the opi­nion, that the Caimakan Loved Don­na Emanuela, had since confirmed her self into it, because of the so long si­lence of her lover, but more, especi­ally, since she was told that having upon his return made several consi­derable Presents to the Sultan, he had still kept by himself the Spanish La­dy. Such was her mind when the Selam came; she hardly took time enough to view it, and returned pre­sently a small Box, which Mustapha [Page 53] received with all joy imaginable, not doubting in the least, but it was full of Musk and Amber. The great desire, he had to know the true sen­timents of his Princess, did not per­mit him to put off one minute, the opening of the Box; but, oh strange amazement! he found it fill'd up with Rue, which herb shews, in that Language of Selams, the uttermost indignation; he was near to dye with despair, at the sight of so convincing a Witness of his misfortune; after he had long vexed his mind, and gues­sed at the true cause of his Mistrisses anger, he fancied that Roxelane had betrayed him; and upon this account conceived such a general hatred for all Christians, that without any other ground, he put a very ill usage up­on all those, who were in his pow­er, and caused Donna Emanuela to be clapt into a Dungeon, declaring her in plain Turk, her life should be ac­countable to him for Roxelane's per­fidy. The Spanish Lady, who did not apprehend the meaning of these words, and dayly expected to be re­deemed [Page 54] by her Parents, was so fright­ed with the Caimakan's threatnings, that she laid several days under the horrours of present Death, and with­out any comfort or hope of ever re­covering her liberty.

Now, the Princess Basch-lari, who was not yet undeceived about the pretended infidelity of her Lover, made her business to speak upon any occasion of the Spanish Lady's perfe­ctions, even to that degree of Wo­manly malice, that she said in the presence of the Grand Seignior, that if all that, Roxelane published of that Christian Womans charms were true, there was no such beauty in all the Serraglio. This word slipt out of her mouth as at unawares, stirred up the curiosity of the Sultan, who com­plained to Mustapha, for that he had not presented him with that handsome Slave, and bid him to send for her forthwith. She was brought, but so changed by the sorrow she felt for the loss of her liberty, and the bad usage of Mustapha, that the Grand Seignior found not her beauty an­swerable [Page 55] to the Picture, Basch-lari made him of it; however she remain­ed in the Palace, and did neverthe­less give great jealousie to the Sulta­nesses, who had been allarmed at the report of her perfections, and at the Grand Seignior's earnestness to see her. Basch-lari, whose jealous Eyes found out a Hundred faults in her Face and Features, delighted much in vexing that poor innocent Maid, and asked her, one day, if she was not very sorry to part from the Cai­makan. Donna Emanuela modestly answered, that ever since the begin­ning of her captivity, she knew no interruption in her misfortunes; that however, she found her condition much bettered in the Serraglio, since she was no more exposed to the threat­nings of the most cruel Man in the World, she was moved at these words, and with great eagerness descanted upon the hard usage, she had receiv­ed from Mustapha. The Princess, though she much pitied the Spanish Maids misery, did nevertheless feel a secret tickling joy at those complaints [Page 56] she made against her Lover; and though one cannot but be moved at the hearing of a Friend's misfortune, yet 'tis very true, that in this occa­sion, all the cruelties of Mustapha to his Slave, were put to account of merit by Basch lari, who knew, at last, her errour, and much repented her having sent to him a Selam made up with Rue. After she was fully convinced of the injustice of her sus­picion, she felt a secret shame for it, and upbraided her self with her jea­lousie, as a weakness unworthy of an Ottoman Princess. In the mean while, the Caimakan vexed to the highest degree at the last tokens of her anger, was still minding how to justifie himself; 'twas hard to do it: The Pallace was inaccessible to him, he durst not trust the Eunuchs, and saw a Thousand almost invinci­ble obstacles, that opposed his ap­proaching Basch lari, however all those difficulties disheartned him not. It came in his mind to make appli­cation to the Sultaness her Mother. She lived in the old Serraglio, and [Page 57] because the Persons that are sent thi­ther, are not kept under so strict a confinement, as in the other, it was easie to him to send Presents to that Sultaness, who seeing her self out of favour, was overjoyed, that one of the most powerful Officers of the Em­pire should seek for her Friendship. She made on her side all suitable ad­vances to answer the esteem he shew­ed for her, and meet him half the way; so that Mustapha seeing her well disposed, acquainted her with his Love for the Princess her Daugh­ter, and assur'd her, if he should e­ver become her Son in Law, she might expect from him an entire, and perfect obedience to her com­mands. The Sultaness did joyfully approve of his wooing, and proffer'd him her interest at Court to bring him to happiness. The Caimakan thanked her with much respect, but let her understand, 'twas more to the purpose to make sure of the heart of the Princess, than of the Sultan's con­sent. The Sultaness, upon the first opportunity failed not to speak a [Page 58] good word to her Daughter in favour of Mustapha, and shewed her the great advantages, that must needs attend her Marrying so puissant a Minister. That long silence, the Cai­makan had been forced unto, did a little perplex the Princess's mind; therefore, she was not sorry, that her Mother would manage her inte­rest, and she answered her, with a blush, she would willingly Marry Mustapha, if the Grand Seignior com­manded it. That conversation was not hidden to the Caimakan; Basch-lari's Mother gave him a faithful ac­count thereof; and conceiving through the modesty of her answer, that she was appeased, he sent her a Selam, wherein he got such Flowers as might best assure her of the unshaken fide­lity of his love, and of the pleasure, he felt for his being reconciled with her. The Princess was not insensible of his great zeal; at first, she would have return'd him a Box full of all sorts of perfumes, but upon better thoughts, and least so kind a Selam might shew too much the sentiments [Page 59] of her heart, she was contented to send him a Box, wherein he found a small piece of white linnen, which is a token of peace, he received it with much satisfaction, nay he would have it inchased into a rich Watch, which ever since he wore always a­bout him, kissing it a Thousand times in a day.

The Sultaness Validé, who was ne­ver wanting new pretences to keep Roxolane by her, that she might not speak to the Princess in behalf of Mu­stapha, begun at last to perceive, he was grown less forward in his duties, and attendance upon her than for­merly. This remissness permitted her not to doubt any longer, but he was bound Slave to the Princess, her jealousie discover'd to her, so many o­ther circumstances, that in the first transport of her anger, she thought of utterly undoing that ungrateful Bashaw, but having not vertue enough to countenance so violent a resoluti­on, she fancied, that if Basch-lari were once Marryed, Mustapha having no more hope to arrive to the possession [Page 60] of his Mistriss, might easily forget her: As she had still much credit with the Grand Seignior her Son, 'twas not long e're she moved to him a Match for the Princess, and urged so many reasons for it, that he gave his consent, casting his eyes upon the Bashaw of Aleppo, to honour him with his alliance; he sent him word there­of, by a Hatcherif, and bid him forthwith to take his Journey to Con­stantinople. The Sultaness ravisht with Joy, for a success so advantageous to her passion, did no more trouble her­self for any good office, Roxelane might do to Mustapha, and sent her back to the Princess, who found no small comfort in complaining with her, of that cruel Match she was threatned with; as for the unfortunate Caima­kan, nothing may be compared with his grief, when he heard of a decree that left no hopes to his Love. The Sultan's orders being all irrevocable, he gave himself over to despair, see­ing nothing at all that might help him: The Sultaness was grown odious to his remembrance, because he knew [Page 61] well, she had alone advised that Mar­riage. The Grand Seignior seem'd unjust to his Judgment; nay, his own fortune was burdensome to him, since he could no more, either share it with, or sacrifice it to the only person upon Earth, for whose sake he loved to live. In this so general consternation of his mind, he thought, he might ease himself, if he could but see his Princess pay some Tears, or some sighs to their disappointment. The fancy of so slight a comfort flat­tered him to such a degree, that, maugré all dangers, that attended the Execution of this bold enterprise, he resolved to speak with her, choosing rather to perish than to be deprived of that Comfort. So having taken a resolution so suitable to his love and despair, he begged a private audi­ence of the Sultaness Mother, who commanded the Kehaia to introduce him by Night, disguised in a Maids garb, as he was used to do; he got then into the Serraglio, and leaving aside the Sultaness Validé's apartment, he went straightway to Basch-lari's, [Page 62] his garb deceived the Eunuchs that waited in her Chamber; they thought this Itchoglaness came from the Sul­taness Mother, and gave her full li­berty to approach the Princess, who was little less cast down than her Lover, for whether her heart secret­ly pleaded for him, or she feared to fall again into the hands of an Old Man, after the sad experiment she had made of Assan's contempt, the very thought of her Match brought her to despair. She was much asto­nished at the sight of Mustapha, and though her surprise and trouble hin­dered her to apprehend throughly, the dreadful danger he had run him­self into, she nevertheless, blamed the boldness of his attempt; but, what have I to spare, when I lose you, fair Princess, saith he; since I must needs dye with grief, if I see you in any other Man's arms than mine, I had rather to dye by the hands of the Mutes, than to be forced to behold so dismal a Spe­ctacle. Basch-lari's heart melted into Tears at these words, and left to her Eyes the care to give him a Thousand [Page 63] Witnesses of her gratitude, for such a proof of his Love: but while they are so tenderly ingaged, the Sulta­ness Mother who waited for her Gal­lant, wondring at his not coming, sent for the Kehaia, who assur'd her, that he had long since let in the Cai­makan, and attended him pretty near her own Chamber. Then all her jea­lousie awaked, she doubted not but he was with the Princess, and fell in­to such a fury to see her self slighted by a Man, who notwithstanding those so many favours she had heaped upon him, used her as a Cloak to cover his Love for another, that without any far­ther Examination, she came to the Kaden or Governess of the Maids, and bid her presently to advise the Grand Seignior, that a Man had dropped into the Womens apartment, and at the same time sent word to the Mutes of the Serraglio, that they should be ready for the punishment of that rash mortal, assoon as the Grand Seigniors Orders were come, the Eunuchs be­gun to seek after that Wretch, who was easily found out just as he was [Page 64] going to rejoyn the Kehaia. The Sultan highly incensed at a boldness almost without president, would not have him Strangled by the Mutes; this Punishment not seeming to his Justice, cruel enough for so enormous a crime, he commanded, he should be the next day publickly impaled in the great yard of the Palace. The Kehaia himself was arrested, because he is accountable for all that comes into the Womens Serraglio. Now the Sultaness hearing of the cruel decree of the Sultan, spent the whole Night in a great perplexity of mind. Some­times she applaused her self, and flat­tered her passion with the hope of being soon revenged of her treache­rous Gallant, but a minute after she repented to have caused such a noise, and feared least the Caimakan would discover her secret commerce with him; pity succeeded these wise refle­ctions. That punishment, he was threatned with, seemed to her too cruel for a crime, which had no o­ther principle but Love; and besides that, minding that Basch lari's Mar­riage [Page 65] was resolved upon, and that her departure would have infallibly broken the two Lovers measures, she cursed her own transport, and was in an extream impatience to see the break of day, that she might go and beg the criminal's pardon. She thought moreover, if she discovered to the Sultan, that Mustapha had been so bold as to enter into Basch-lari's a­partment, it would be a hard case to hinder his death, and though she found an unvaluable pleasure in un­doing her rival, yet she choose to bereave her self of it, and renounce so tickling and so sweet a revenge, ra­ther than to exasperate her Sons spirit with so odious a circumstance. At break of day, she run into the Sul­tans apartment. Dear Lyon, saith she, it is the Caimakan, who hath been found disguised in a Maids garb; no doubt, the violent passion, he had for the Spanish Lady, put him out of his wits; I am very sorry for it, because he was a faithful Servant to thy Highness, he deserves indeed to dye; but, thy service being prefer­able [Page 66] before all, look thou whether it be not less inconvenient, to pardon him, than to deprive thy self of a Minister so zealous of thy glory. The Sultan surprised at the name of Mu­stapha call'd to mind, in that critical minute, the great and impor­tant services he had received from him, and finding much likely-hood in all that his Mother said, he told her he was sorry, that he had been arrested, because he did not at all concern himself for the Spanish Slave, nay that he had repented to have taken her away from him.

At the same time, he granted his pardon, but was not so indulgent to the Kehaia, whom he commanded absolutely to be strangled; neverthe­less, the Sultaness Mother so earnest­ly sued for his life; that, though with much ado, she at last obtained he should not dye; but he must lose his place, and be turned out of the Palace. So Mustapha was set at li­berty, when he expected nothing but Death, and as great Monarchs know well how to season their favours, [Page 67] The Sultan being perswaded, he was in Love with the Spanish Lady, sent her back again to him two days after, and Mustapha had ever since that time, all respect imaginable for Donna Emanuela, because he lookt upon her as the Grand Seignior's Slave. In the mean while, the very terrours of Death had not been able to diminish his Love; he was on the contrary so bewitched with Basch-lari's charms, since his private con­versation with her, that he grew more sensible than ever of that fatal Marriage, which was to rob him of his Princess, but especially, when he heard, the Bashaw of Aleppo her fu­ture Husband was upon his depar­ture, and would shortly arrive at Constantinople. This news allarmed him so much, and his hatred for that rival increased to such a degree, that he wholly bent his wit, to find a way how to undo him, and because he knew well, that the Bashaws who have Governments afar off the Court, do endeavour to grow rich by all sorts of wicked ways, and the Peo­ple [Page 68] durst not complain of their in­justice, but after they are called home, he sent one of his confidents to Aleppo, who did cunningly publish every where, that the Bashaw should never come back again. This false report wrought in the Peoples mind, as far as Mustapha could wish, an infinite number of complaints were made against the Bashaw; and the Cadi of Aleppo, who had a secret Or­der from the Caimakan, to examine carefully all that might serve a turn against him, he sent, in a few days, to the Grand Visier, an ample me­morial of all his cruelties and misde­meanors, he made the report there­of to the Divan, in the presence of the Grand Seignior, who was so highly offended and incensed thereby, that not expecting so much as the Grand Visiers Vote, he sent presently a Chiaoux with a hatcherif to fetch his Head. This unfortunate Bashaw, having no reason to fear such an or­der from the Grand Seignior, who had lately designed him his Brother in Law, bid his Steward to bring [Page 69] the Chiaoux into a magnifick apart­ment, which he had prepared for the Princess with great cares and in­finite expences. After he had given him sufficient time to view all the riches of the place, that he might give a favourable account thereof to the Grand Seignior, he came to him to know what was his errand. The Chiaoux served him with the fatal Hatcherif, and without any other complement threw a silk rope on his Neck, and Strangled him presently. The Princess, who hated that Old Bashaw, had the good fortune to suc­ceed him in his vast Estate, though she never saw him in her life; and Mustapha being so happily rid of one whose life was so great an hindrance to his love, flattered himself now that nothing would oppose his happi­ness, and contrived with the Sultaness Mother of Basch-lari, that upon the next Bayram, at which time the Sul­tanesses of the Old Serraglio wait up­on the Grand Seignior, she should recommend her Daughters interest to [Page 70] his Highness, and move to him the in­tended Match.

Although the secret commerce of Mustapha with the Sultaness Valide was ended, with the favour of the chief Eunuch, yet he still managed her protection, and sometimes sent Selams to her, wherein he affected to shew himself very sorrowful, for be­ing so long bereft of the happiness of her presence. These Witnesses of a remnant of love did very little per­swade the Sultaness. She doubted not but Mustapha had much contributed to the Death of the Bashaw of Aleppo; however, because Women do not wil­lingly part with any of their Con­quests, she accepted of his Selams, and feigned to believe what they meant, but she nevertheless, minded of Marrying Basch-lari, and removing her from the Port. The Grand Visi­er being dead in this juncture, all the Subjects of that vast Empire stood in great expectation of him that should be raised to that height of honours. The Sultanesses and prime Eunuchs made their interests, every [Page 71] one in favour of their particular friends; but the Sultan, who had a great inclination to Mustapha, pre­ferred him before all the other can­didates, and Proclaimed him his Grand Visier, whereupon he receiv­ed the complements of the whole Court, his very Enemies being the forwardest of all in sending Magni­fick Presents to him. The Sultanesses whose interest it is to keep a good correspondency with that first Mini­ster, sent secretly their emissaries to complement him in their behalf, e­very one of them respectively, en­deavouring to let him understand, they had had a great influence in the Grand Seignior's choice. Cara Mu­stapha being so arrived to the highest dignity a Subject of the Ottoman Em­pire may aspire unto, did no more doubt but the Sultan would honour him with his alliance, and give him the Princess Basch-lari in Marriage, and if sometimes his love made him apprehensive, and fearful of some dif­ficulties, he presently relyed upon the Grandeur of his fortune, which [Page 72] lifted him above all other Visiers and Bashaws, that might pretend to the possession of his Mistriss.

The Bayram being come, the Sul­taness Krali a very ambitious Wo­man, who hoped to get again in the Government of the State, if ever the Grand Visier should Marry her Daughter, waited upon the Grand Seignior, and so cunningly wrought upon him, that he approved of the Match, and promised her, he would shortly see it accomplisht. She fail­ed not to acquaint the Grand Visier with the good success of her visit, who was so transported with joy at these happy news that he set all his Slaves at liberty, the fair Spanish La­dy alone did not enjoy that favour, because having once entred the Sul­tan's Serraglio, the Visier could not free her without his special Warrant; but that Prime Minister used her with so much civility and kindness, that such a captivity might have been pleasant to any other, but this charm­ing Maid, who had secret reasons to bewail still the misery of her State. [Page 73] although the Grand Visier had grant­ed liberty to all his Slaves, yet there was found amongst them a young man of very good meen, who refused it. The Visier referring his refusal to the great Zeal he had for his service; proffered him several ad­vantageous conditions, if he would turn Turk. The Slave answered him, he was so well satisfied with his for­tune, that he would not change it for that of any Bashaw of the Port. So proud an answer surprised the Vi­sier, who caused him to be secretly observed, he that was charged with it, acquainted him a little while af­ter, that this young Slave spent whole Nights in weeping under the Windows of the Spanish Lady. The Visier conceiving he was in love with her, commanded him to be put in Fetters, and having sent for Donna Emanuela, told her, in a jesting way, that a Christian Slave did so passionately Love her, that he spent whole Nights under her Window, lying upon the ground; but that he would soon see her rid of that silly [Page 74] Gallant, and cure him of his folly, with a daily doze of Five Hundred Bastinadoes. She grew pale at these last words, and a deluge of Tears breaking out of her Eyes, stirr'd up the curiosity of the Grand Visier, who earnestly intreated her to tell him whether she knew that Slave. Donna Emanuela seeing herself betray­ed by her Tears, resolved to discover her secret, and being afraid, the Vi­sier might perhaps, put a bad con­struction upon her conduct, she spoke to him in these terms.

THat unhappy Slave you speak of, my Lord, is called Don Gaspard de Toledo, he is of one of the most Illu­strious Families in Spain, Donna Ma­ria de Mendoza his Mother, was bred together with mine in the Queens Palace, both under the quality of Maids of Honour; and though beau­ty doth always breed envy amongst Persons of the same rank in Royal Houses, yet there was such a confor­mity of humours and principles be­tween them, that they never con­cealed any thing one from another, [Page 76] and loved themselves withas much sin­cerity as tenderness. They were both Married the same year, and their love proved no less fervent and true after their Marriage, than while they were Maids. About the Years end Donna Maria was brought to Bed of the unfortunate Don Gaspard; as for my Mother she found her self big with Child but three years after, and you see my Lord the product of her breeding. Donna Maria was ex­ceeding glad that my Mother had brought into the World a Daughter, and e'en assoon as I was born, she demanded me in Marriage for her Son; our Planets approved of our Mothers design, and bred between us such a sympathy, that we did prefer the pleasure of being together, be­fore all other divertisements suitable to our Age; but our happiness ended almost assoon as we begun to know it. Don Gaspard was near twelve, and I eight years old, when my Fa­ther was sent Ambassador to Rome, and took along with him all his Fa­mily; our Parents were very busie, [Page 77] how to give us some comfort in this hard separation, and found no better way to sweeten our grief, than to conclude our Marriage, which was done with all usual formalities, hav­ing both signed it by their com­mand.

My Fathers Ambassy lasted Six Years, and because he had been at vast expences in Rome, the Govern­ment of Naples was bestowed upon him, as a recompence for his Char­ges; so that my Mother foreseeing, we could not return so soon in Spain, wrote to that of Don Gaspard, and desired her to send him into Italy. They gave him an equipage answer­able to his birth, and he departed. But Don Gaspard who then begun to be sensible of Martial glory, hearing of the Wars in the low Countries, took his Journey towards Flanders, and thought no more of Naples. My Mother who had been acquainted with his departure from Spain, was in a great trouble for him, and I must confess to you, my Lord, that I had a great share in her sorrow, [Page 78] a while after we had intelligence from Madrit, that he was in Flan­ders. My Father was so offended at his coldness, or rather, slighting of me, that he would have broken all the bounds of our Engagement, had not my Mother sweetned his anger, and taken him from that resolution, though with no small pain. Peace having succeeded the War between the two Crowns, which balance the Affairs of Europe, and Don Gaspard having no more occasion to get glo­ry, felt some impatience to see me again, but he was willing to satisfie his curiosity without being known, he came to Milan, and having com­municated his design to the Prince of Ligne, who was then Governour of that Dukedom, he earnestly intreated him to give him leave to go under the name of his Son, and to write a recommendatory Letter to my Fa­ther, that upon account of their an­cient friendship, he might hope a kind reception from him. The Prince, who was not ignorant of my being long since Married with Don Gaspard, [Page 79] conceiving, he would use that Letter only to play upon me some gallant trick, that should, at most, last one day or two, granted it to him in what manner he was pleased to have it. Don Gaspard arrived at Naples, where he passed easily for the Prince of Ligne's Son, for he was so chang­ed since his Child-hood, that no bo­dy knew him again. My Father gave him an apartment in his Palace, and forgot nothing that might Wit­ness the great esteem he had both for the Father and the Son. The first time, I saw him at Naples, I wished, my Lover might be as well made as he, he entertained me with so much wit, and I discovered in his Person so many excellent qualities, that I had a secret shame within my self for that natural inclination I felt for him, fancying that I ought to e­steem none in the World but Don Gaspard; so that I resolved to shun the Company of a Cavalier, whose sight might prove so ruinous to my vertue. In the mean time, my Fa­ther being extremely scandalized to [Page 80] hear no more of Don Gaspard, although the peace was made, was so satisfied with the young Prince of Ligne, that he said several times to my Mother, he would willingly have him to his Son in Law, my Mother gave him a Thousand reasons to the contrary, and though she did agree with him about the merit of the young Prince, yet she could not resolve to turn out the Son of Donna Mendoza her Friend. I had much to suffer in this juncture. My Father on one side would have me no more think of Don Gaspard; on the other, my Mo­ther represented to me as so many crimes, the least thoughts of any other but him who was designed to be my Husband. My perplexity was such as cannot be well imagined. I could not keep me from a great e­steem for the Prince of Ligne, but however my heart stood firm for Don Gaspard. I will not trouble you, My Lord, with the several ways he used to corrupt my vertue, which held out against all his attacks; nay, I did so happily hide from him the [Page 81] secret motions of my heart, that he could never observe in my conduct any thing that might give him the least hope. A little while after, my Father received a Letter from the Governour of Milan, wherein he begged his pardon for the little cheat he had put upon him, in writing a recommendatory Letter to him for Don Gaspard de Toledo, under the Name of his Son, and wished him much Joy for having chosen a Son in Law endowed with so many ex­cellent parts. As he was already prepossest with a great esteem for the Prince, he was overjoyed to find in him the true Don Gaspard, he sent immediatly for him, and all the at­tendants being retired, he embraced him with all the tenderness of a true Father, approved of his witty Plot and permitted him to carry it on still. Don Gaspard who fell at first in no small confusion, to see himself discovered, confessed to my Father, he had thought fit to know me be­fore our Marriage, for fear of fal­ling into that inconveniency which [Page 82] is so common amongst Spaniards, who slight their Wives, because hav­ing never seen them before their en­gagement, they use themselves to a possession which was never mixed nor seasoned with any allarm, and con­sequently they never feel for them but very lukewarm and languishing passions; he added so many things to my advantage, that I could not re­hearse them without a blush. My Father left him, being extremely e­dified to see so much wisdom in so tender a Youth. That very same day, he would have him sit at Table with my Mother and me, which is lookt upon in our Country, as a ve­ry extraordinary favour, my Mother repined at it, and did her utmost to hinder it; but seeing my Father would absolutely have it so, she ceased to oppose it. After meat she retired in her Chamber, and I was obliged to follow her. She told me, with tears, that she could not apprehend the meaning of her Husband, but intreat­ed me never to forget that I was bound to Don Gaspard, and feign a [Page 83] Distemper rather than sit again at Table with the Prince of Ligne. In the mean time, my Father not being able to see my Mother any lon­ger in a bad humour, let her know that the false Prince of Ligne was the true Don Gaspard, in Witness whereof he shewed her the Letter of the Governour of Milan. There was never a Joy like hers. She embra­ced her Husband an Hundred times, and recalling in her mind Don Gas­pard's features, she found that, in­deed, he resembled Donna Maria de Mendoza, and she could not imagine how she might have staid so long in so gross an errour. She was in a great impatience to see Don Gaspard and imbrace him, but my Father who had bound himself to secret, earnest­ly intreated her to be silent, nay to conceal still from me the business for a while, as I was ignorant of all these particulars, I lived in a great per­plexity of mind. I pleaded indisposi­tion according to my Mothers com­mand, but yet I insinuated to my Father, that I was well enough to [Page 84] go and sit at Table with him, he was angry with me, for that out of com­plaisance to her, I failed once to be there, but on a sudden, I saw a strange alteration in my Mother's carriage, she did no more oppose it, on the contrary, she bid me fit at Table every day just by the Prince, and dressed me with her own Jewels to set off my Beauty; I perceived at the same time, that she had an extraordinary kindness for him upon all occasions; nay, she affected to withdraw in her Closet after meal, and commanded me to stay by my Father, who usually plaid at Chess with an old Chaplain of his, so that the false Prince was in full liberty to court me; which indeed he perform­ed with so much passion, and in so tender and inticing a manner, that I was e'en ready to surrender, when my Mother did well perceive my weakness, and being afraid like a prudent Woman, that I would per­haps too favourably answer his Fires, and that Don Gaspard would not ap­prove of the Princes's progress upon [Page 85] my heart, discovered me the intrigue of his disguise, and recommended me over all, not to give him the least suspicion that I were acquainted with it. I resolved at first to be revenged of this trick, and to punish him sound­ly, who was the contriver thereof; but it was impossible for me to dis­semble long, and I found so much pleasure in thinking that I could, without failing to my former engage­ment with Don Gaspard, satisfie the secret Inclination I had to the Prince, that I had not vertue enough to shew him the least indignation; nay, far from frowning upon him, I sought his company, and admired all that he said, and kept with him as long as decency could allow, and when I was obliged to retire, it was always with a secret impatience to see him again; he had for me the same senti­ments I had for him, but with this notable difference, that he enjoyed the pleasure to express them to me an Hundred times a day, whereas I lived in a continual reserve, being forced to conceal mine from him, [Page 86] but at last his passion grew so violent that he came to my Father, desired him to accompany him to my apart­ment, to tell me his true name, and bring quickly our Marriage to an happy conclusion. I was so trou­bled, when my Father presented him to me, and I was so little attentive to his complement, that I have quite forgot it; but this I remember well, that Naples was preparing to honour our Wedding with Magnifick Feasts, and all manner of publick rejoycings, just at the time when Letters came from Spain, by which we were in­formed of the Death of Don Gas­pard's Father. This unseasonable news broke all our measures. It was re­solved, Don Gaspard should ride Post to Madrit, and that, for his Mother's comfort, we should be Married in Spain, whither I was to go by Sea three Months after. I will not trou­ble you, My Lord, with the sad ac­count of our grief, when we left one another; but it is certain that I had a foresight of those misfortunes that have befallen us since, and that I [Page 87] swooned away within my Mothers Arms, when he took his leave of me. Assoon as he was arrived in Spain, he wrote to my Father, and desired him to send me thither before the three Months we had agreed upon were expired. My Father who had a great desire to see me Married with that young Lord; whose merit and ver­tue were well known to him, thought fit to grant him his request; I im­barked, and after a long and trou­blesome Navigation, our Sea-men told us, they had discovered the Coast of Spain, this news made me forget all the toils of so painful a Journey, and I did already flatter my self with the hopes of seeing shortly my Lov­er, who expected me at Barcelona, when you made your self Master of our Ship. Don Gaspard's heart was broke at the tidings of my sad ad­venture, his courage or rather his Love, did not permit him to stay for any succour from my Father. He provided himself with a considerable Summ of Money, and took Ship to­gether with some Religious Men, [Page 88] who depart every year from Spain, for the Redemption of Christian Slaves in the Dominions of the Grand Seignior; having Landed at Constan­tinople, he was told, that I could no more be Redeemed, because I was shut up in the Serraglio, and what care soever he took to hear of me, it was impossible for him to do it. All his Friends advised him to return home, but he would not follow their Counsels, he stayed in Constantinople, though bereft of all hopes of ever seeing me again, he heard neverthe­less of some Jews, that I had been sent back in your Serraglio; he prof­fered them an ample reward, if they could but get him a place in your Houshould. As nothing seems hard to those Mercenary Souls, when they have a prospect to satisfie their insatiable avarice, they gave him great hopes; but however, after they had vainly tryed all sorts of ways to compass their design, they told him 'twas altogether impossible to do it, because, there was no President that a Mussulman had ever kept Christians [Page 89] in his service, except they were his Slaves. These difficulties disheartned him not, and he did very willingly consent that the Jews should sell him to your Kehaia; after which he found a way at last how to discover him­self to me, and notwithstanding the great alteration of his fortune, I pre­sently knew him again. Now see, my Lord, continued Donna Emanue­la, if he deserves to be so severely dealt with as you had designed.

The Grand Visier was moved at this Speech, and after he had com­manded his Kehaia to see Don Gaspard put out of Fetters, he assured the Spanish Lady, that her condition was not so unfortunate as she fancied, since the Grand Seignior whose Slave she was could permit her to Marry her Lover, and bestow upon them both such an Estate, as might equal if not surpass that which they had left behind them in their own Country; that they should but cause themselves to be instructed with the Law of Mahomet; to enable him thereby to speak in their behalf to the Sultan, [Page 90] and procure them all manners of be­nefits from his Highness; which else he could not do, because his Religi­on did forbid him to concur any way to the settlement of a Christi­an; he would or could not stay for her answer, but sent immediatly to both of them; his Doctors to teach them the Precepts of the Al­coran, being very confident, that loving one another to such an high degree of tenderness, they would ne­ver refuse those so advantageous con­ditions he proffered to them; but these couple of Heroick Souls stood firm and unshaken in their Religion, and after they had given one ano­ther a Thousand assurances, that their mutual love should indure as long as their life, they resolved in presence of the Turkish Divines, rather to dye than to renounce Christianity. The Grand Visier being acquainted with their resolution spoke again to Donna Emanuela, and let her know that she must bid an eternal farewell to Don Gaspard, if she would be so obstinate­ly bent upon her Religion; nay, that [Page 91] he was a going to embark him in a Ship, that was ready to sail for Spain, but all these threatnings did not shake her constancy. She answered still with the same courage, and her ver­tue carried it over her Love. The Grand Visier applyed himself next to Don Gaspard, urged to him all sorts of reasons and arguments drawn out of the interest of his Love and For­tune, but all in vain, so that seeing it was not lawful for him, according to the Principles of his Religion, to help them in these circumstances, he forced the Jews, who had sold Don Gaspard to pay his ransom, and sent him back in his own Country.

Whilst the Grand Visier waited with an unspeakable impatience, for the Grand Seignior's Orders upon his Marriage with the Princess Basch-lari; that Monarch who did never take a final resolution upon any thing, but more especially upon such matters as regarded the Princes, or Princesses of his Family, without first consult­ing the Sultaness Validé his Mother, imparted to her his design to match [Page 92] the Grand Visier with his Sister, and related to her all those reasons, the Sultaness Krali had urged to him, to move him thereunto. The Sultaness Validé needed the succour of all his wit to put by this dreadful Blow. She feigned at first to approve of the Sultan's project, and added yet other reasons to confirm her Son in this re­solution: but (oh what is not a cunning and jealous Woman capable to do) after a silence of some mo­ments she said, that when the Prince hath once trusted a Minister with the whole conduct of his Empire, he cannot be too cautious, or do too much to engage him in his interest by all possible means; that, for her, for from disliking a design so con­formable to the good of the State, she thought 'twas not enough to Match his Sister with the Grand Vi­sier, but moved further that, to bind him with a nearer alliance, he ought to give him his Daughter, though then but Five Years old. She upheld her motion with so many other ar­guments, that she perswaded the [Page 93] Grand Seignior of the reasonableness thereof, and he promised her to fol­low it. This Sultaness, whose aim was only to break the measures of our Lovers, was not contented with the resolution of the Sultan, to make of the Grand Visier his Son in Law, her jealousie did yet require a more cruel revenge. She shewed a great concern for the establishment of the Princess Basch-lari, and intreated the Sultan to prevent all the complaints of the Sultaness Krali her Mother, by Matching her with Bashaw Asasp, up­on whom at the same time he might bestow the Government of Buda, which is one of the most important and considerable post of the whole Empire. The Grand Seignior having approved of all his Mother's Coun­sels, thanked her for her great Zeal to his interest; the next day he sent for Cara Mustapha, to whom he de­clared his resolution to honour him with his alliance, by giving him in Marriage his only Daughter, which was the richest and dearest treasure he had in the World, and the infal­liblest [Page 94] Witness, he might have of his being fully satisfied with his services. Mustapha stood so amazed, and so overwhelmed with anguish at this cruel discourse, that the Sultan should have certainly perceived the great trouble, which was spread all over his Face and Person, had not he, to hide his commotion, cast himself at the Feet of his Master, which he em­braced a long while, without utter­ing one Word. The Sultan who at­tributed this respectful silence to an excess of ioy for so pleasant a news, told him at the same time of Basch-lari's Match with Bashaw Asasp, whom upon account thereof he made Go­vernour of Buda: The unfortunate Visier resented this addition of grief in a manner, that can be better ima­gined than expressed. The Sultan seeing him still prostrated at his Feet, and that he would not rise up, thought to the purpose to spare him the con­fusion of an answer, upon so nice an Affair, and retired still perswading himself, that Mustapha's silence could [Page 95] have no other cause but the excess of his Joy.

Assoon as he was alone, he gave himself over to despair, seeing no con­dition in the whole World more un­happy than his, he revolved in his mind, that he had arrived to the highest dignities of the Empire, far less by his ambition, than by his Love, which had made him vigilant and active in hope of pleasing his Princess; that after he had ventured his life to inform her of his passion, that same love had prompted him with means how to undo the Bashaw of Aleppo her designed Husband; that he had rejoyced at his preferment to the place of Grand Visier, but be­cause he grew thereby less unworthy of his Princess; that he had ingaged the Sultaness Krali to speak in his be­half; that the Grand Seignior had liked the motion of his Match, and that after all that he must spend his life in a continual Slavery with a Child of Five Years, and see his Princess in another's Arm, or to say better, never see her any more, since [Page 96] she must go to Buda with her Hus­band; these cruel reflections afflicted him so much, that he should have forgot to send the usual presents to the Grand Seignior's Daughter, had not his friends, hearing of the Ho­nour this Monarch had bestowed up­on him, earnestly intreated him to answer it, and to present the Young Princess with Slaves, Toilets, Gowns, and Jewels, according as it is practi­sed in such like occasions. The Grand Visier passed many days in private, during which he granted au­dience to no Body, and found no better comfort than to let Basch-lari know his despair, and assure her, that in spight of all the Grand Seig­niors violence and injustice, he was resolved to venture a Thousand lives, for to convince her, he would love her to his last breath; but Bashaw Asasp having used the Precaution to draw in, with rich presents, the Sultaness Krali to his party, she spoke to her Daugh­ter in his Favour, and cunningly let her understand, that the Grand Visier, [Page 97] being Master of the Empire, it would have been easie for him to Marry her, if sacrificing his love to his am­bition, he had not preferred the qua­lity of Son in Law, of the Grand Seignior before that of Brother. The Princess who found a great likely­hood in her Mothers reasons, was sensibly moved at that contempt, and resolved to forget the Grand Visier; but all the efforts she made to con­quer it, were fruitless. She endea­voured to stifle that secret inclination, she felt for him; but it had got so deep and so strong a root within her heart, that this rebellious heart did always revolt against her reason; and all that she had been told of her Lo­vers ingratitude, was not sufficient to blot out his sweet Idea of her mind; however, though she had an extreme repugnancy for a March with Bashaw Asasp, she must follow the stream of her destiny, and her Mo­ther made her at last resolve to obey the irrevocable Orders of the Grand Seignior. The Sultaness Validé whose aim was only to remove, assoon as [Page 98] she could, so dangerous a rival, per­swaded the Sultan to make her de­part upon the very same day of the Ceremony of her Marriage, which was performed with such rigour, that she had not so much liberty allowed to her, as to wait upon her Mother in the old Serraglio, to bid her the last adieu. The Grand Visier got ne­vertheless his Selam presented to the Princess, that same fatal day; she received it without knowing almost what she was a doing, being tossed with an infinite number of confused and opposite motions; yet, maugré her anger, and all those bounds she had just now entred into, she found some comfort in receiving a Selam from her Lover, though she conceiv­ed, that he could not alledge any good reason, to excuse his perfidy; but when she knew through the dis­position and quality of the Flowers the Selam was compounded with, that Mustapha was brought to des­pair, and assured her of an everla­sting love, that knowledge served but to increase her grief, and to [Page 99] make her more sensible of so cruel a separation. Roxelane who with her discourses had always nourished and cultivated her love for the Grand Vi­sier, in hopes of obtaining her liber­ty after their Marriage, was no less cast down than her Lady. This con­formity of sentiments, or perhaps, a secret pleasure the Princess felt in talking of Mustapha, with a Person that was in his interest, made her complain to that Slave, for to try her mind, of the perfidy of the Visi­er, who after having made a Sacri­fice of her to his ambition, was yet so cruel as to increase her anguish with vain endeavours to perswade her by most passionate Selams, that he did lose her to his great grief, and would never cease to love her; Roxelane forgot nothing that might justifie the Grand Visier, and the Princess was so ready to allow of all that could do it, that she easily be­lieved, the Sultan had forced him to Marry his Daughter; but when she reflected upon her Mothers reasons, and that the Grand Visier, being ab­solute [Page 100] Master in the Empire could have taken other measures to pre­vent her misery, she presently conclu­ded he had never had for her but an ordinary passion, since he had not opposed her Match with Bashaw A­sasp, as he did with the Bashaw of Aleppo; as these reflections did inter­ess her glory, she was so overpower­ed by them, that she took a final resolution never to hear of him, and accustomed herself by degrees to the caresses of her Husband, who used her with all imaginable respect and kindness.

The Grand Visier being inconsola­ble upon the Princesses departure, gave over the Government, and spent some Months in such a lan­guishing condition, that they des­paired of his Life. Nevertheless with time, and the remedies of the ablest Physitians of the Empire, he reco­vered his former health, and took a­gain the care of the State. Assoon as he begun to recover, the Sultaness Validé who was no more afraid of a rival, made several steps towards [Page 101] him, for the renewing of their com­merce, but the Visier, who could not forget her so maliciously con­triving the Match of Basch-lari, and would no more trouble himself with the intrigues of the Serraglio, since life it self was a burthen to him, did not answer these advances; nay, he took from her that share she had in the Government of Affairs, by in­sinuating to the Grand Seignior, that 'twas to bewanting to his own glory, & to violate all the Rules of State Policy, partake his authority with a Woman, who had abused it on several occasi­ons. The Sultaness being incensed at the Grand Visiers contempt, and well warned of his design to get her out of credit, turned all her kindness for him into a mortal hatred. She was seized with a fit of fury as often as she remembred, that the very Man who was beholding to her for his Life, and which she had raised to the e­minentest dignity of the Empire, did now slight her, and used that credit she had procured him, but to destroy her. She looked upon him as a Mon­ster [Page 102] of ingratitude, and found as much pleasure in contriving a revenge against him, than she had done for­merly in raising him to honours for to content the motions of her love, but the Grand Visier, who did put to no account all the good Offices he had received from her, since that cruel outrage she had made to him, by taking away Basch-lari e'en from his own arms, used such precautions near the Sultan, that he countermi­ned all the Sultaness Mothers cunnings, and was ever since more absolute in his Ministry, than he had ever been until that time. In the mean while, the Princess Basch-lari, who was at Buda with her Husband, lived a very happy life in appearance; but all the respects of the Bashaw her Husband, did not hinder her to think sometimes of Mustapha, and to feel a great pleasure in talking of him with Roxo­lane; she did nevertheless endeavour to perswade that Slave, she had wholly forgot him. But Roxelane, who knew well her sentiments was not complaisant to such a degree, as [Page 103] to agree with her about it. The Princess being ashamed of the opini­on, or rather knowledge, that Maid had of a Love, which she could not stifle, made an effort upon her self, and resolved to set her at liberty, that she might be rid of a Person, whose presence did continually up­braid her with her weakness; and that she might the better perswade the Slave, that she was no more troubled for Mustapha, she comman­ded her to return to Constantinople, to see the Grand Visier, to assure him, that she lived happy, and that she had set her at liberty, meerly to be rid of the sight of a Woman, that might remember her of her former complaisance to him. Though that resolution was most contrary to her sentiments; she thought it however most conducive to her glory, to let the Grand Visier know, that she saw his indifferency without grief. This last reflection thoroughly determined her, and caused her to take measures with her Husband, for the Journey of Roxolane to Constantinople upon o­ther [Page 104] pretences; assoon as she was ar­rived at the Port, she failed not to wait upon the Grand Visier, who re­ceived her with a great deal of kind­ness. She gave him an account of Basch-lari's sentiments, but with so much cunning, that he remained sa­tisfied, there was less indifferency in her anger, than love; from that mo­ment he thought himself less unfor­tunate, and begun to mind of the means, how to see his Princess again, he had several conferences with Ro­xolana, who helped him to perceive, that Basch-lari's so much affecting to be believed happy, shewed rather a passion not yet well extinguished, than a Soul truly quiet and calm. The Grand Visier was so transported with joy at the hearing of particu­lars which still flattered his passion, that he forgot nothing to shew his gratitude to Roxelane, and promised her to send her back in the Country of her Birth. Roxelane not being willing to let slip so fair an opportu­nity, intreated him to grant her also the liberty of Donna Emanuela; but [Page 105] the Visier let her understand, that it did not lye in his power to do it, because a Slave, who had had the honour to be designed to the Grand Seignior's pleasures, could never up­on what colour soever, be redeemed or freed; but he assured her, that he would never demand of her any thing contrary to her fidelity to Don Gaspard, though she should be used with the same respect, that was paid to his Wives. Roxelana seeing 'twas impossible for her to obtain Donna Emanuela's freedom, accepted of the Grand Visier's proffer, and returned in Italy overwhelmed with favours, and more happy than she was, before she fell into Slavery.

The Ambassadors of Count Teck­ley, that Famous Chief of the Male­contents in Hungary, did at that time renew their intreaties at the Port, to obtain a relief from the Sultan against the Emperour. The Grand Visier would fain have made use of so fa­vourable an occasion to go, and see his Princess at the Head of an Army, under the pretence of assisting the [Page 106] Malecontents; but he had just now concluded a Peace with the King of Poland, and put the Grand Seignior upon the thoughts of other Conquests, being both prepossest, through the intrigues of the House of Austria, that most part of the Princes of Eu­rope, were confederate under the Em­perour's command, to destroy France, which could never resist so many Puissances united against it: and not doubting, but in such a happy jun­cture, it would be easie for the Grand Seignior's Navy to make themselves Master of Provence, he had already sent Orders to Caplan Bashaw to put to Sea.

Now seeking a fair Colour to break honestly with France, It came in his mind to refuse the honour of the Sopha to the French Kings Ambassa­dor, and engaged the Corsairs of Al­giers and Tripoli to insult all the Ships of that Nation, they could meet with; assuring them of a powerful protection: But seeing, the War of the Christian Princes did not facili­tate any enterprise to the Grand [Page 107] Seignior, and that France did still maintain it self, maugré that great number of Enemies, he fell into a fit of impatience, and his love made him wish, that all that he had been told of the State of Christendom, might prove false, to the end, that he might have a pretext to go in Hungary, and see his Princess by the way at Buda. Therefore he sent se­cretly his Emissaries in most Courts of the Christian Princess, with Or­ders, to send him a faithful account of the posture, and condition of Af­fairs therein. A little while after he heard, by their reports, which were all found consentaneous, of the Con­quest of Lewis the French King, the admirable conduct of that Monarch, and of the great disorder of his Ene­mies. The Grand Visier acknowled­ging thereby, that all he had heard before, was but an effect of the con­trivance of the Emperor's Emissaries, acquainted the Sultan withal, and drew him out of that errour, he had himself so long been in, of the pre­tended decay of France's power, but [Page 108] they knew soon after with their own experience, that Lewis the great was more in condition to give the Law to others, than to receive it of any bo­dy. The Grand Seignior's Fleet fa­vouring by the secret Orders of the Port, the Corsairs of Algier, that of France blocked up Caplan Bashaw in the Port of Chio, and forced him to abandon them to their just revenge. The Grand Visier took no notice of this swinging affront, and insinuated to the Grand Seignior, it was now time to make War in Hungary, and make use of the ill posture of the Empe­ror's Affairs, who, aiming at the de­struction of France, had exhausted his treasure. So dreadful preparations were made in the whole Empire, that People believed the Sultan was going to conquer all Christendom. The Sultaness Validé was very well pleased at this design of War, hop­ing it might furnish her with means and occasions to undo more easily the Grand Visier when absent from the Port. The Emperour having intelli­gence of the extraordinary prepara­tions [Page 109] of the Turks sent Count Caprara to Adrianople, to treat of Peace, he proffered so advantageous terms, that all the Divan rejected them with scorn, conceiving thereby that the Affairs of the Emperor, were in a most desperate condition.

All the Troops being assembled a­bout Adrianople, the Sultan Muster­ed them, and taking a Herontops from his own Turbant, set it upon the Grand Visiers, with all the usual Ceremonies, to shew that he trusted him with all his Authority; 'tis ob­servable, that Mustapha who had his Friends and Spies in the Serraglio, was before his departure warned, the Sultaness Validé had boasted, she would undo him in this War, he slighted the advice, though he ought to fore­see, she would not fail to turn his ab­sence to her advantage, and could, perhaps, get again that great ascen­dant she had formerly had upon the Grand Seignior's mind; his private friends represented unto him, he could not remove himself so far from the [Page 110] Port, without breaking all the rules of Policy, and endeavoured to per­swade him to accept of Count Capra­ra's proposals; but he was too much in love, to hearken to their reasons. Princess Baschlari's Charms did wholly possess his Heart, and all the powers of his Soul. The meer hope of seeing her again, fill'd him with so much Joy, that he feared no more to loose his fortune, conceiving he should not buy such a pleasure too dear with his own life. Nevertheless, because he knew the Sultanesses Spirit, and that women do seldom forgive when they think themselves to have been slight­ed, he resolved to take from her all means to hurt him, and in order thereunto, to perswade the Sultan to March at the head of his Troops; he urged to him, that the Monarch's presence gives always much reputa­tion to an Army, and that he ought not to doubt but the Christians hear­ing of his Highnesses Marching with so formidable Troops, would rather crave his mercy with respectful sub­missions, than provoke his anger with [Page 111] an unprofitable resistance. In fine, he did so prepossess him he had no other motive in advising him so, but a great passion for his glory, that the Grand Seignior resolved to pass into Hungary; and now the Grand Visier seeing himself secured thereby from all the contrivances of the Sultaness, Injoyed before hand, unvaluable plea­sures in thinking that after he had troubled all the World, to put him­self in measures of seeing his dear Basch-lari, he was gone so far that he could see no more obstacles to the performance of his design.

The Grand Seignior parted then from Adrianople, at the Head of two Hundred Thousand Men, but the con­tinual rain that numerous and for­midable Army was troubled, and al­most overwhelmed with, the first days of its March, seemed to many of a very bad omen, the Troops up­on their arrival at Belgrad were so much out of Order, and the Trains so harassed, that the Sultan thought fit to dwell there a long while, that they might have time to be set up [Page 112] again in order. The Grand Visier longing to see Basch-lari, wanted not a pretext to go with a strong detach­ment straightway to Buda; and fear­ing lest she should be perplexed for the presence of the Bashaw her Hus­band, he sent him Orders to go and joyn Count Teckley, and both toge­ther to relieve Newheusel, which was threatned with a Siege by the Chri­stians. The Princess who had a Thou­sand reasons to be fully satisfied with her Husband, hearing of Mustapha's coming to Buda, fancied at first she could see him without trouble; she did nevertheless mistrust her own heart, and to avoid any return of her former tenderness for a Man whom she had judged worthy of her esteem, she recalled in her mind, with how much ingratitude this Grand Visier had sacrificed her to his ambi­tious projects, and at the same time, reflected upon those great obligations her Husband had laid upon her, and with how much respect and complai­sance he had used her ever since their Marriage. These tumultuous [Page 113] thoughts inspired her with so much pride, that far from being afraid of the Visier's arrival, she longed to see him, that she might have the plea­sure, to shew him a great indifferen­cy; he arrived at last, and demanded to wait upon the Princess from the Grand Seignior. She received him in State, and in an attire, which did so much set off her natural beauty, that the Grand Visier was extremely moved at it, he complemented her first in the Sultan's name, and would next perswade her, that he had ne­ver performed his Highnesses com­mands with so much contentment, as now. The Princess answered him haughtily, and with a set malice as­sured him, that the best token the Sultan her Brother could give her of his love, was quickly to send her Husband home. Mustapha being sur­prised at a repartee so contrary to his Love, pretended, he had orders to acquaint her with the operations of the Campaign, and the Princesses Women and Eunuchs being retired at a distance, he complained of her [Page 114] coldness, and used the tenderest ex­pressions to satisfie her of the conti­nuance of his passion. The Princess let him know, she had followed his Example, but however would not take it ill from him, since she had been so fortunate, as to fall into the hands of a Husband, who was with­out contradiction, the most honest Man in the Empire. The Grand Vi­sier deeply penetrated with grief, cryed out against the injustice she was doing to him, by believing him liable to change, he afterwards dis­covered to her all those tricks where­with the Sultaness Mother had broken their Match, and told her at last, that not being able to live any lon­ger, without the happiness of seeing her, he had moved the Grand Seig­nior to renew the War in Hungary, that he might have occasion to come and dye at her Feet, if he were so unhappy as to be indifferent to her. The Princess, who had till now been ignorant of these so material circum­stances for the justification of her lo­ver, was so much moved by them, [Page 115] and that pride, which is intailed in­to the Ottoman Family, was so much satisfied to see, that a passion she was the cause of, had put all Europe in Arms, that in spight of all her du­ties towards her Husband, her ten­derness carried it over all the other motions of her heart. She spoke ve­ry kindly to Mustapha, and after having bitterly inveighed against the Sultaness Validé, she could not forbear confessing she was for the future, a­fraid of a very unhappy life, well foreseeing she should feel an equal trouble to resist her passion on one side; and to weaken that great esteem she had already for her Husband on the other, a flood, of tears poured down from her eyes at these words; and hav­ing desired Mustapha to retire, she cal­led back her Women, and told them, she had not been able to keep in her tears, conceiving through the Grand Visiers discourse, this would be a Bloody War, and her Husband should be ex­posed to great dangers therein. Al­though Mustapha were extremely glad for his being at last justified in [Page 116] the Princesses mind, and had reason to be contented with those signs she had given him, of what passed with­in her heart in his favour; yet be­cause he looked upon the Bashaw of Buda as a rival, who had robbed him of his treasure; he was seized with so strong a jealousie, that he resolved to remove him speedily from the Princess; he revolved a Thou­sand times in his mind all the par­ticulars of his conversation with her, and knowing she was above all tak­en with a great shew of merit and vertue, he thought, that if he could command the Army in his own Person, it would be easie to dazle her with some shining action. Therefore he made speed to rejoyn the Grand Seig­nior, whom he endeavoured to per­swade 'twas fit he should stay at Bel­grad, and leave to him all the care of this War. The Sultan at first oppo­sed it; but as able Ministers do ne­ver want means and reasons to at­tain to their ends, the Grand Visier represented to his Highness, that if he should advance farther in the [Page 117] Christian Territories, his being so far removed from Constantinople, might give way to some Rebellion; where­as if he would reside at Belgrad, no insurrection was to be feared at home, and he should be near enough the Army to reap all the Glory of the Conquests to be made. The Sultan being overpowered with these reasons followed the Counsel of Mustapha, who being desirous to do any thing, that might shine to Basch lari's Eyes, he resolved to begin the Campaign with the Siege of Vienna, and sent Orders to the Bashaw the Princesses Husband to block up the place, he Marched afterwards, at the Head of an Hundred and Threescore Thou­sand Men to besiege it actually; his Troops to terrifie the Christians, plundered and killed all that they met with in their March. Assoon as the Siege was formed, the Grand Visier Summoned Count Staremberg Governour of the place to surrender it, assuring him of the Grand Seig­nior's friendship, if he would deserve it by a speedy Submission to his com­mand; [Page 118] but threatning him at the same time, that in case he would be so rash as to resist, and force him to expose and shed the Blood of the Mussulmans, he should put all to the edge of the Sword, without sparing either Age or Sex; nay, that he would excogitate a new torment for him in particular. Count Staremberg slighted this insolent Turkish Rodo­montade, and prepared to discharge his trust like a Gallant Man, by a stout and vigorous defence; he cau­sed all the Suburbs of Vienna to be Burnt, and so much encouraged both with deeds and words, the Soldiers and Citizens of the place, that they made a most solemn vow to defend it even to the last drop of their blood. The Turks attacked at first with much valour, but were beaten back, and lost a vast number of Men. The Grand Visier, whom the conduct of this Siege did not trouble so much as his love, had conceived an unspeak­able hatred for the Bashaw of Buda, he thought he had done but little to remove him from the Princess Basch-lari; [Page 119] his Jealousie demanded a great­er Sacrifice, and inspired him with a dark design to seek his Death, fan­cying this War gave him a fair op­portunity to rid himself handsomly, and without fear of the least suspi­cion, of so potent and troublesom a rival. So he called one day the Council of War, and after having complained of the length of the Siege, he moved for a general assault, which he got resolved upon against the opinion of his most experienced Officers. The Bashaw of Buda was commanded to head the detachment, though he was one of them, who had voted against this rash enter­prise. Nevertheless, he discharged his duty with much valour; but the Christians being encouraged with their former happy successes, slew many Thousand of Turks, and forced the Bashaw to a retreat, to save the small remnant of his Troops; howe­ver the Grand Visier blamed his con­duct, and charged upon him this un­happy success, which did not vex him so much, because of the great [Page 120] number of Soldiers killed, as because the Bashaw had escaped the danger. In the mean while, a report was spread of the great King of Poland's Marching toward the relief of Vien­na. The Bashaw of Buda, who was a great Commander, moved in the Council that a strong body of Troops should be sent forthwith, to hinder the junction of the King's Army with the Emperor's, and made it appear, that the Polanders could not approach the place without Marching through several narrow passages, which few Armed Men were able to keep a­gainst the Power of an Army, but the Grand Visier, would not hearken to this prudent Counsel, and proudly answered, they must be let come, that the Sultan might be revenged upon them, for the great losses he had suffered during this Siege. In­fine, upon the Twelfth of September 1683. the Christian Army was seen upon the Hills of Vienna. The Grand Visier, who relyed upon the Multi­tude of his Men, thought, he could well Fight the Christians, and carry [Page 121] the Siege on both together, left a strong body of Janissaries in the Trenches, and commanded another detachment to strengthen them, and hinder the Sallies of the besieged. Afterwards he Marched with the main Body, to fight the Christians, and conceiving that notwithstanding the huge inequality of both Armies, the first shok was like to be very cruel, he thought it might prove favourable to his jealousie, by occasioning the death of the Bashaw of Buda. Therefore he commanded him to go and meet the Christians, forbidding him to retire, what effort soever they could make against him, and assuring him to be backed with the whole Army; be­sides, he was so confident of the vi­ctory, that he would have all his Wives mounted on Horse-back, and upon Camels to behold from a Neigh­bouring Hill, the defeat of the Chri­stians; nay, they did already rejoyce before hand, for that imaginary Tri­umph, and attributed great praises to the Grand Visier. The only Don­na [Page 122] Emanuela, who heard talk of no­thing else, but of projects fatal to Christendom, was continually weep­ing; one of them, that was most of all in the Grand Visier's favour, and had always feared lest this Christian Slave's Beauty, might ingage her Hus­band, moved to her to pass into the Camp of the Polanders, since she found herself so unhappy amongst the Mussulmans. Donna Emanuela let her understand, that her escape was not altogether impossible, if she would countenance it. The Visier's Wife being very desirous to be rid of a Person, that could contend with her for Beauty; promised her, she would contribute to it with her utmost Power, and trusted with her design two other Women, who had the same interest in Donna Emanuela's escape. In the mean time, the Ba­shaw of Buda was beaten back, and his Troops having had no succour re­tired in such a disorder, that they broke a great part of the Turkish Ar­my. The Christians pursued them very close, and the Turks having no [Page 123] time to rally, lost a great number of Men. The fright was general, and many a squadron retired without fighting, or daring so much as to approach the Christians. The Grand Visier had much ado to keep in the Soldiers that fled on all sides; he did nevertheless, in such a hurly-burly cover with much are the disorder of his Troops, and without seeming to be forced to decamp, he made them retire with speed; nay, he left be­hind him the Janissaries, who were in the Trenches, lest he should be discovered in his retreat; but Donna Emanuela, who had contrived with the Grand Visier's Wives to make her escape, assoon as Night would help it, made use of the Turks con­sternation, and passed with little or to pain into the Christian Army. She was brought before the King of Po­land, and acquainted his Majesty with the Flight of the Turks, who Fled with so much precipitation, that they had abandoned their Tents, and all their baggage. The King won­dered at the great courage of that [Page 124] Heroine, and because he did not well understand Spanish, he sent for some Cavalier of that Nation in the Em­peror's Army. The Duke of Lorrain, sent a Man of quality, who served under him as adjutant General. The King of Poland, who had a mind to know the condition of the Turkish Army, commanded him to ask that Maid several questions, but assoon as Donna Emanuela had cast her eyes upon him, she knew him to be her dear Don Gaspard, and swooned away at the King's Feet. It was not long e're she recovered of her swoon, through the cares of Don Gaspard, who was ready to dye with joy, to see so unexpectedly that charming Maid; as the King wondered at such an extraordinary adventure, Don Gaspard acquainted him with Donna Emanuela's quality, and how far they were bound one to another. The King's presence could not hinder many tender expressions to pass be­tween them both at so sweet and charming a remembrance. Donna E­manuela put an end to them, being [Page 125] desired to relate the particulars of the Turks disorder, and the fright of their Camp, when she made her es­cape. The King made so good use of her advice, that without any fur­ther delay, he pursued the Enemy, cut in pieces the Janissaries, who guarded the Trenches, and made himself Master of all the baggage and Tents of that numerous Army, find­ing both the Grand Visier's pavillion, and all the others still set up, he charged afterwards their rear, and should have certainly defeated the whole Army, had he had Troops e­nough ready to stop the passages to the Grand Visier. Mustapha who had flattered himself, that he could make retreat without being pursued by the Christians, hearing of Donna Emanuela's escape, and of all the cir­cumstances that attended it, doubted not but she would inform the King of Poland of the dismal condition, he was brought unto, for which he sell so grievous angry with all those, that had favoured or countenanced her Flight, that he caused presently [Page 126] four of his Wives, and two Eunuchs to be Beheaded. In the mean time, though the loss of so many fine Troops did much trouble him, yet because he referred all things to his love, his heart was far less vexed at the rais­ing of that Siege, than at the Ba­shaw of Buda's still living maugré all the tricks he had made use of, to destroy him; and conceiving, this Bashaw might upbraid him before the Sultan with the so many gross faults he had committed in the manage­ment of the Siege, he resolved to prepossess his Master's mind, and to charge before hand upon the Bashaw all the misfortunes which had befal­len the Army; but when he reflected, that the Grand Seignior might per­haps forgive him for his Wife's sake, and that the Bashaw should find how­ever a great comfort within the Arms of the Princess Basch lari, this thought tormented him to such a degree, that without any farther examination, he gave himself over to the impetuous­ness of his vengeance, and caused this great but unfortunate Bashaw to [Page 127] be Strangled; and to avoid the sus­picion that any private grudge might have influenced in this severe punish­ment, he served so two other Bashaws whom he accused of ill conduct, and cowardise in the discharge of their duty. Every one was amazed at so bold an action, but the Visier did not matter much the murmurs and dis­courses of the People, he was only troubled about Basch lari, how she should receive this news. Neverthe­less, knowing that most Women be­wail the loss of their Husbands, meer­for decency's sake, and do easily for­get the dead in favour of the living, he hoped that the remedy of time, and his cares should diminish her an­ger. Therefore being pritty well freed from fear on that side, he bent all his wits to find a way, how to justifie himself before the Grand Seignior; he sent a trusty friend of his to Belgrad, and let the Sultan understand, that the Bashaw of Buda, looking upon his Highnesses Conquests with a jealous eye, and foreseeing Buda should no more be a [Page 128] Frontier after the taking of Vienna, had crossed with all manner of obsta­cles the success of that enterprise; that he had been contented at first to upbraid him with it, in hope that a man, who had the honour to be so near related to the Ottoman Fami­ly, would soon acknowledge his fault, and endeavour to make amends for it; but that the Bashaw abusing his moderation, had persisted in his for­mer sentiments, and that after he had been such a coward, as to fly before a handful of Christians, he had broken the ranks of the Mussul­mans, and put the whole Army into confusion; that two Bashaws having been frighted like Children, had in­creased the disorder, of which the Christians had made so good use, that if he had not used all necessary precautions to keep in the flying Sol­diers, and to make an orderly and honourable retreat, all his Highnesses Army, had run the danger to be cut in pieces; that afterwards having had intelligence, that those Bashaws being ashamed of their cowardise, were a­bout [Page 129] making secret Cabals, that might be of a dangerous consequence, he had judged it necessary to punish the criminals without any delay, that he might by their death stop the Re­bellion in its cradle; nay he assured him, that having no more Traitors nor Cowards in his Army, he should advantageously repair in the next Campaign, the losses he had made by the ill conduct of those unworthy Officers. The Grand Seignior being perswaded by the reasons, and satis­fied of the zeal of his Visier, appro­ved of all he had done, and as a witness of his satisfaction, he sent him a new Standard with Seven Horse tales, assuring him he would for ever honour him with his favour, and provide him abundantly with all ne­cessaries, that he might be enabled to revenge upon the Christians, the great affront he had received at Vi­enna.

The Princess heard very confused­ly of her Husband's Death, and con­ceived, he had been slain in the War, her grief hindered her to hearken to [Page 130] the other circumstances of his death, which none was very forward to ac­quaint her with. She pay'd a great tribute of Tears to his Memory, but was soon comforted with the thought that the Grand Visier loved her still, he arrived at Buda about that time, to receive there the great Standard the Grand Seignior had sent to him, together with all the Testimonies of his esteem, he might wish for. So being assured again of his Masters favour, he thought of nothing but to clear himself before the Princess, he could not but know how great was her esteem for her Husband, and he doubted a while whither he should see her, or no, but the new tokens he had just now received of the Sul­tan's kindness, made him so proud, or rather his love made him so im­patient, that he resolved to demand an audience of Basch-lari, pretending he had an Order from the Grand Seignior to communicate to her. The Princess received him with a great shew of sadness, and desired him to [Page 131] give her time to wipe off her Tears. The Grand Visier, who expected a greater transport, because he suppo­sed she knew already, what kind of Death had robbed her of her Hus­band, begun his own apology; and told her, he had passed by the Ba­shaw of Buda's faults, as long as he could; but that having occasioned the loss of the best part of the Army, he durst not put off his punishment any longer, for fear of exposing his own Head to the Grand Seignior's wrath. Basch-lari was ready to dye with grief at this discourse, which let her know, that her Husband was dead both by the Hangman's hand, and by the order of her Lover. These cruel circumstances vexed her so much the more, because she could not but be conscious of her having had a great share in his crime, her love did ne­vertheless plead for the Visier, but she was seized with such an horrour for his cruelties, that maugré all the secret motions of her heart, she re­viled him grievously, and threatned him to Strangle him with her own [Page 132] hands, except he would presently be gone; when he was retired, she con­demned her transport, and though she was satisfied of the justice of her grief, yet she perceived, her anger had made her speak against her true sentiments; but revolving in her mind a minute after, that neither the re­spect he owed to her, nor the fear of displeasing her, had been able to take him from the black design of Strang­ling her Husband, she thought her­self highly injured by so criminal a boldness, and that both glory and du­ty obliged her to be revenged of Mu­stapha's cruelty. These last sentiments prevailing upon her, she was asham­ed of her weakness; and believing, she had overcome the secret revolt of her heart in the Grand Visier's favour, she departed from Buda for Belgrad, with a firm resolution to pe­tition the Grand Seignior against Mu­stapha, about the unjust Death of her Husband. In the mean time, the Grand Visier, who resented to the quick the Princesses anger, did en­deavour with gifts to draw in her [Page 133] Women and Eunuchs to his interest, perswading himself, that time and love would do the rest. Neither did he neglect to write to the Grand Seignior, and prepossess him upon Basch-lari's discontent, he let him un­derstand, amongst other things, he could hardly imagine, that a Prin­cess of the Ottoman Blood, could be sorry for the Death of a Husband, who had no courage; his Letter had more effect than he expected. The Sultan seeking to justifie his Visier by all means, that might shine to the Eyes of the People, send Orders to the Princess not to come to Belgrad, and letting her know, he would see nothing, that might remember him of a Man, who had made himself unworthy of the honour of his alli­ance, he sent her back to Constanti­nople, attended by a Minister of the Alcoran, who declared to her that the Grand Seignior being willing, to condemn the Memory of the Bashaw of Buda to an eternal oblivion, and to blot out the remembrance of his alliance, with the Ottoman Family, [Page 134] had made choice of Bashaw Ibrahim to be his Brother in Law; he told her farther, the Sultan would very wil­lingly own her to be his Sister, and see her with pleasure, assoon as he could look upon her, as the Wife of a Man whom he loved, not as the Wi­dow of a Traytor. Basch-lari was at first surprised at this harangue; but when she had made reflection, that 'twas not lawful for her to oppose the Grand Seignior's Command, and that, by this Match she could both revenge the Death of her late Husband, and free herself from the cruel necessity, she was in, to speak against her Lov­er, she consented with less repugnan­cy, to Marry Basham Ibrahim, who was a Young Man endowed with ma­ny excellent parts. A little while af­ter, the Grand Seignior arrived at Constantinople, where he received his Sister with all the respect she might wish for; and now conceiving it would be a pleasant piece of news to the Grand Visier; which he had lest at Belgrad, he acquainted him with that Marriage, to shew him that he sought [Page 135] to destroy the Memory of the Bashaw of Buda, by all means that lyed in his Power. The Grand Visier, who had flattered himself, that the Prin­cess should be appeased by length of time, was mighty troubled at the news of her being Married, and when he knew, that Bashaw Ibrahim had reaped the fruit of all the pains he had taken, to undo that of Buda; he fell into so deep a Melancholly, that he troubled himself no more, either to keep his credit, or maintain his for­tune; he had advice, the Sultaness Mo­ther was about making new cabals a­gainst him, and that Gran was be­sieged by the Christians, but he neg­lected to relieve that place, and scorned to go and justifie himself to the Grand Seignior, choosing rather to perish, than to be a witness of Ba­shaw Ibrahim's happiness. The Gran­dees of the Port, being tired with the Tyranny of the Visier, who had lost by his fault the best Troops of the Empire, had vainly attempted to destroy him in the Sultan's mind, but after the taking of Gran by the Duke [Page 136] of Lorrain, the Sultaness did serve her­self so well of this favourable jun­cture, that the Grand Seignior being amazed at the dayly reports of the ill posture of his Affairs, begun to al­ter his Sentiments for the Grand Vi­sier. Now, the Janissaries who could not find in their hearts, to forgive him the foul trick he had plaid up­on them, in abandoning their Come­rads to the fury of the Christians, at the Siege of Vienna, and being coun­tenanced by the secret contrivances of the Sultaness, they did tumultu­ously repair before the Serraglio, and demanded the Head of that Minister; as the present condition of Affairs rendered such seditions very danger­ous, the Sultan spoke to them with much courage and firmness, and cau­sing some Money to be distributed a­mongst them, he dismissed them with hope, that he would mind how to see them satisfied. The Sultaness to­gether with all the Grand Visier's E­nemies, renewed their interest against him, and endeavoured to perswade his Highness, that the Empire was [Page 137] threatned with a general insurrection, except he would sacrifice his Visier to the publick hatred; at last, the Grand Seignior consented, the busi­ness should be referred to the Mufti's judgment, his case was brought un­der borrowed names, before him, who after a long debate thereof with the ablest Divines of the Empire, voted at last, and wrote with his own hand, that he who had committed those faults, which he had just now exami­ned, was worthy of Death. The Grand Seignior did nevertheless keep this resolve secret a great while, but being pressed by his Mother, he made choice of two Agas of the Janissaries, which he knew to be Wisemen, and giving them in charge to behave themselves with an extraordinary prudence, he gave them a Hatcherif, and commanded them to go secretly to Belgrad, and Strangle the Grand Visier. The two Agas being arrived at Belgrad, let Mustapha understand, they were sent by the Grand Seigni­or to take just measures with him, a­bout the things he might want for, [Page 138] to be ready against the next Spring to take the Field, and repair by some great exploit the miscarriage of the last Campaign. The Visier who was not ignorant of the Plot, that was a hatching against him at the Port, had some suspicion, that their errand was only to demand his Head, and de­layed a while to give them audience. The two Wise Agas shewed no im­patience at all to see him, on the contrary they sent him word, that they came meerly to wait for his Or­ders, and would stay as long as he pleased. This prudent carriage de­ceived the Visier; he assembled the Divan, and received the two Agas, one of them served him with the Sul­tan's Hatcherif, which was packed up in a small Bag of Velvet; at the same time the other Agas untied his Girdle, made up with several little silk twists, and threw it upon the Grand Visier's neck, who was reading the first lines of the Warrant, he seemed to be sur­prised, named the Princess without explaining himself farther, and ob­serving upon the face of the Officers, [Page 139] that sate about him, no motion, which might put him in hopes of a revolt in his favour, he desired the Agas to grant him time for a short Prayer, and then was Strangled; his Head was carried with speed to Constanti­nople, where it made a very pleasant Spectacle to the People, and especial­ly to the Janissaries. The only Basch-lari, who loved him still, maugré all the reasons she had to complain of him, paid Tears to his Memory, and not being able to endure, that the Head of a Man, whom she had ho­noured with her esteem, should be exposed to the scoffs of the rabble, caused it to be secretly taken away, and decently Buried.