IN the Mediterranean sea is situated an island called Sicilia, renowned over the world for the sweet wholesomness of the air, and fer­tility of the soil; extolled highly by fame for the wonderful mountain Etna, there fixed; which being always on the outside covered with snow, yet by a sulpherous or brimstone matter doth continually burn within. Often­times the flame mounting upwards is so strong it brings up with it burnt and scorching stones, and pieces of hard substances, which seem to be rent out of some rocks, to the great terror and danger of the beholder. Report has not been idle in proclaiming the known rarities of this isle; but above all, that so much famed ci­ty of Syracuse, twenty-two miles in compass, walled about with three strong walls, for strength and security; watered with many sweet springs adorned with many gardens, and pleasant ar­bours; [Page 24] the noble buildings added to its gran­deur, whose lofty towers and turrets seemed to support the skies, retaining a majesty, and yielding a glorious shew to the eyes of the be­holders. It was the mart town of the island where ships go out, and resort thither, to and from all parts of the world, which enriches the inhabitants.

It was this city that gave me birth; although my father had his original out of Norway, a kingdom far hence distant, towards the fro­zen north, his inclinations being more to trav­el strange countries than live a quiet life in his own; when the one begets nothing but effem­inateness and sloth, and the other produces ex­perience and valour. So that with his father's consent he took his journey, having well stored himself with jewels and money, necessaries ve­ry needful for such a voyage; in a few years he ranged over the greatest part of Afri­ca and Asia, where he saw the famous cities of Grand Cairo in Egypt, the city ot Jerusalem in Palestina; where he did behold many rare monuments, with the lofty pyramids. Hav­ing passed through many large dominions, at last he arrived at Constantinople, the imperial city of the Grecian empire. Here he spent some time, and at last took shipping there to visit the isles of the Mediterranean sea; so that he came at last to the famous island of Sicilia, [Page 25] where the pleasantness both invited and incited his longer stay and abode.

Where, by strange fortunes and unheard of chances, he was made known unto King San­credus, who at that time had his residence in Syracuse, in whose affection he gained so great an esteem, as he gave his own kinswoman in marriage, enriched him with several lordships, made him one of his council, and Governor of the famous city of Syracuse.

I was his only son, and in this city I receiv­ed my life and education. I lived with my father in a garb befitting a prince rather than a Governor's son. All their hope and comfort they seemed to treasure up in me. Thus I continued until I arrived at the age of sixteen years, and became capable to receive the im­pression of love.

Small time had passed away afterwards before fortune presented me an object to beget it.— For fate had so decreed, that in a pleasant gar­den belonging to the city, garnished with ma­ny private walks, among which I had chosen out one for privacy, to retire from the scorch­ing heat of the sun, here it was I went to seek rest, and found eternal disquiet; for by the bank of a little rivulet, which had a thorough­fare, and many turnings in the garden, sat a most beautiful damsel, who had seated herself as it were to observe the secret gliding of the [Page 26] murmuring stream. The place where I had retired was so ordered by nature, that I could see, yet remain unseen. Her years might be about fourteen; her stature tall, and comely; her face the perfect map of beauty, where the lillies and the roses did seem to surpass in glory what nature had ever framed, or art ever per­fected; I beheld her with amazement; for never before did my eyes behold any thing so lovely.

Thus unperceived was I conquered by this unknown beauty; and at that fatal hour, with­out resistance, I became her slave, and resolv­ed to wear her chains.

Yet how to make my addresses unto one that till then I never saw, or to talk of love to her, both seemed gross▪ the first seemed too full of confidence, and the other seemed to fa­vour much of impudence.

But here fortune supplied this want, and at first seemed to court me; but it was only to drill me into greater miseries; for no sooner I saw her rise from the place where she sat, but I made towards her, from the place where I lay concealed, when behold this charming beau­ty was surprized by an unknown stranger, who with expressions of joy uttered these words; "Fortune, I defy thy further malice, and dare my fate to make a second relapse in my de­sires"—So that by force, in spite of her resist­ance, [Page 27] taking her delicate body rudely in his arms, he began with a more than ordinary pace to convey her to a neighbouring thicket. My eyes had never left her, but were wholly em­ployed and fixed on this insolent action, per­formed on so lovely a creature. I needed no solicitors but her cries to prepare me for a re­venge; and it was but a few moments betwixt the resolution and the execution; for with the utmost dilligence I pursued him by the same track I saw him pass. Such expedition I made that my haste outwent his speed, and my fury overtook him before I had time to consult with reason; so that without demanding any ques­tions, I run him through the body, and he not having disburthened himself of his fair prey, fell down, clasping her in his deadly arms.

The first thing I did was to free her from him, which with some trouble I performed.— After I had set her at liberty from that danger, and her frighted spirits returned to her again, she fell down at my feet, and embracing my knee, Sir, said she, this sudden assistance per­suades me to esteem you as the genius of my better fortune, since you have by timely re­demption preserved what is more precious to me than that we prize most dear.

Her tears and sweet speeches transformed me from my usual temper; and I could not behold her in that mournful posture without [Page 28] participating in her sorrows; so that taking her in my arms, I returned her this answer: Madam, I rejoice in being made the happy cause of preserving you, if I have obliged you in this action, I have a satisfaction above what I could hope, and fortune has been kind above my hopes, in affording an opportunity to man­ifest my affection. O Madam! blame me not when I reveal I love you. If you think I have obliged you, Oh! pay it in love, and I shall soon become the debtor; and talk not of death, when the gods detest thy propositions; but think lovely creature, if so much beauty can be without pity, and yield no redress to my love, death will be kinder than you, and yield a remedy when you deny it.

This said, I set my sword against my breast, saying, here Madam, is that, that will yield re­lief in necessity; and seeing I cannot live without love, I will endeavour in death to gain your pity; and if my love is become an of­fence, this very sword shall make satisfaction, and destroy that life that gave it birth. She no sooner saw this desperate offer at my life, but casting an eye of pity on my rashness. Oh! hold, says she, that fatal weapon, the cruel dis­turber of my quiet! and think, whoever you be, what an error I must commit in yielding to love one who till this moment I never saw: and how shall I forget paternal duty to give [Page 29] myself away without their knowledge. Con­sider what an obligation will lie on you, when I rely upon your promise of fidelity to preserve my honor entire; and how the gods will pun­ish you if you prove purjur'd.

Virtuous lady, replied I, you wrong my love to think it base, and my integrity to imag­ine I may prove unconstant. No, no Madam, your charms are too strong to be rivalled by any other objects, and affection too entire to be deceived by any other beauty. Because you shall not be obliged to love one you know not, and to esteem one that till this moment you never saw; to disperse those doubts, know my name is Almerin, the only son of Artme­dorus govenor of this famous city of Syracuse; never before unfortunate, if you prove pitiless; never before happy, if you become kind. If ever I endeavour to violate your honor, or think to commit so great a sacrilege on your virtue, let all the gods rain down vengeance on my head for my disloyalty, and let the heavens be witness to what I promise.

Oh hold! said she, swear not by that; can­kers may eat a flower on the stalk: and when in these cheeks and lips which you extol so high, shall not be left red enough to blush at perjury, when you shall make it, what will be­come of me then?

O Madam! replied I, cease those doubts▪ [Page 30] and dissipate such needless fear; the sun shall as soon faulter in his career, the stars drop from their places, where they have of old been fixed; the earth shall remove, nature shall al­ter her course, and all impossibilities shall be performed, when I prove disloyal.

These protestations did give her some satis­faction; and prevailed so far with her, that she suffered me to enjoy the privilege to accom­pany her to her parent's house, which was within the city. When we came thither she gave her friends to understand the timely assist­ance I gave her, as also my birth and quality, and authority in the city. They no sooner received this relation from their daughter, but they bade me welcome, and caressed me with the greatest endearments. My entertainment was extraordinary: but the kindness that was bestowed on me was not after the lofty court mode, but most familiarly, as if I had been a near relation to them, and gave me thanks in the most obliging terms for the kindness conferr­ed on their daughter, which I could receive without a blush. Here it was I learned his name was Philaster, an aged knight, that liv­ed there many years; that his fair daughter was his only child, whose name was Desdemo­na.

In several discourses we passed away the time while supper lasted, where the chiefest delica­cies [Page 31] I fed on was Desdemona's beauty; and indeed it was she alone made all things seem pleasant.

Supper being ended; and the evening far spent I began to prepare for my departure. Af­ter I had bade farewel to the old knight and his lady, I began to order myself to take leave of the fair Desdemona, and in this manner I accosted her, "Fairest of creatures, let not absence beget a neglect in my love, but think of the torments I endure; and though neces­sity enforces me to leave you, yet think how all places will seem a hell when you are absent; and that you bring a heaven of felicities, when­ever your fair self doth appear. O Desdemo­na! I must leave you; yet shall I tell you, a poor criminal never went to execution with more reluctancy than this cruel parting seems to me, since I must leave all my happiness with you, and go away accompanied only with my torments and miseries." I had proceeded farther, but I saw some attentive to understand what I said.

Desdemona returned me no answer, but a blush. And after I had with an extacy sealed a kiss on her fair hand, I took my leave; yet not before the old knight and his lady desired me that I would honor them so much as to further oblige them with a visit. This com­pliment over, I was conducted, and accom­panied [Page 32] by them all to the door where stood a chariot richly adorned to convey me to my father's house. Here it was I parted from them, and bid the first farewel to myself. I was no sooner arrived at my father's house, but was welcomed by the greatest kindnesses that might be, my presence diverting the fear of a­ny dangers that might befal me. They began to enquire how I passed the evening so late; but I had a story ready that gave them satisfac­tion. After a while I gave them good night, and betook myself to rest.

But small rest, heaven knows, it was I could take: my fancy formed the idea of fair Desde­mona; and it was only these thoughts that did give a small cessation to my torments.

In this sort I passed away the time, thinking the night exceeded its usual length, exclaiming against Phoebus for his sluggish approach; and yet when he did appear, how often have I wish­ed his absence! so that night seemed a vexa­tion, and day a torment. Some few days pass­ed, and what for want of sustenance in the day, and for want of rest in the night, my spir­its began to decay, and my body fore-weaken­ed; my colour faded away, and my youthful vigour abated, so that I was but an emblem of what I had been. My careful parents wond­ered at this sudden alteration and change; the physicians were sent for, but their conjectures [Page 33] came far short of the disease; every one gave his judgment as fancy and opinion gave them birth, but all came short of the symptoms of my disease. My careful parents never forsook my pillow, seeking to search out the cause of this distemper, that so they might provide a remedy.

Perhaps you wonder I did not reveal my love to them at such a time when there was a possibility of having my desires granted.

Fairest lady, said he looking upon Cynthia, you will not marvel, nor have occasion to blame me, when you understand that about six weeks before I was betrothed, by my parents consent, to a fair damsel named Artemesia, second daughter to the earl of Palermo. Indeed I think she was more noble than fair, yet her beauty was not so mean but it might have satis­fied my nicety, had I never beheld the be­witching charms of fair Desdemona.—'Twas on this fatal marriage I was destinated a victim to my parents will, not my desires. I knew my father to be a man too passionate, and not to be altered by persuasions in his proceedings. Besides, this marriage seemed to augment and agree with his ambition; and his being allied to so great a lord, no mean honor. He was obstinate in his humours, nor could reason make him reverse what he had decreed; but especially those he imagined did tend to fur­ther [Page 34] and advance his aspiring ambition. These were the unhappy causes that I did not reveal to them the affection I had for the fair Desde­mona.

As nothing continues always in one state and condition, so my distemper began to abate, and my weakened body began to recover a little strength; yet in my mind I received no com­fort, since my dearest physician was absent.— Phoebus had scarce run his career thrice in this upper world, and lodged himself in the western ocean, but I left my bed: and though I was extremely feeble, yet I did endeavour to walk, and the first small journey I made, was secret­ly to Desdemona. I had no sooner set my face towards that part of the city, but mark the wonderful effects! although my body was weak, yet methought in every step I went towards her I received new strength; when I arrived, and entered the house, my body became as if it had been inspired with a new soul; and well it might, since it was there alone the felicity and content, which was the extacy and rapture of my soul, did reside.

Such unthought of alteration had my small time of sickness begotten on me, that none in the house could hardly discern who I might be; but these thoughts were silenced when I reveal­ed myself; so that they seemed to be possessed with amazement rather than unbelief. In a [Page 35] few moments all their suspicions were vanish­ed, so that I was entertained with their accust­omed kindnesses. In a few moments fair Des­demona did appear; and although she was forewarned by some in the house, yet in her first approach she could not contain from won­der. She bade me welcome as her deliverer, not as lover; yet did her eyes speak pity to my disasters; and then her looks seemed a sov­ereign balsam to expel the worst of miseries: what shall I say, it was here my sickness took its birth, and it was here I had the only reme­dy to expel it.

After dinner the old knight and his lady, with fair Desdemona, invited me to take a walk into a fair garden adjoining their house, beau­tified with shady arbours, where nature was helped by art to make the work more exqui­site, and was adorned with many pleasant walks.

But in the midst of the garden was a house of pleasure, the fairest for workmanship that ever I beheld; so that nature grew envious that art should excel her, endeavouring with fine shady trees, and what sweet summer's live­ry wears, to conceal it from the eyes of the spectators, when the pretty birds that harbour in those boughs seem to cross her intents with their melodious notes, inviting the eyes of the beholder not to leave so rare a work unseen.

[Page 36]Into this garden I accompanied them, where we had some discourse on different subjects, which I think impertinent, and nothing relat­ing to the story of my life. Thus having pass­ed away some time, Philaster and his lady re­tired themselves into the house of pleasure be­fore related, and left Desdemona only to enter­tain me. This opportunity fell out above my thoughts; and being unwilling to lose so fair a time, as we walked along the alleys I began this discourse.

Fairest Desdemona, I cannot tell whether I should say you are more kind than cruel, or whether you are more fair than I am misera­ble. See, my divine lady, behold I die alive; and what is more cruel than living death? can­not you pity one that dies for love? O, pierce my heart! It is the nobler way, and let me not live in such torments.

Sir, said she, I am not insensible of your love, nor do I take any pleasure in your tor­ments; I would I could perform the one as willingly as I can the other, you should not lan­guish for a remedy. If a return of love and compassion can give you ease, I can pity; if that be too low, I can grieve; if this will not do, O think, sir, in what bands you are bound not to violate my honor. Oh! seek not to ruin this, and command all things besides I am able to perform.

[Page 37]O Madam, replied I, heaven send those pun­ishments on my head I so lately did invocate, if I intend dishonor to you person. No, Mad­am, 'tis lawful marriage I desire; and what is more honorable? This way you may secure­ly give cessation to my torments, and not injure your chastity. Oh! think if you can pity, as you give me to understand you can; be not cruel to let me pine away with sorrow, when you are the only physician that can give me a remedy.

I had scarce finished these last words but old Philaster, and his lady, left the place where they had remained during our discourse; and their too sudden approach robbed me of Des­demona's answer. So that we made towards them; and joining our company and discourse with theirs, we passed away the residue of that time, fortune not offering me that day another opportunity where I might with secrecy renew our discourse. After a while we left our diver­sion, Philaster forsook the garden, and we at­tended him in, where we spent the remainder of the day. I then took my leave of my char­mer. And altho my desires were frustrated, and my intentions prevented of speaking unto her, by reason of her parents being present; yet my eyes and countenance severely spoke the language of my heart. And as far as I could perceive I did not find she had any aver­sion for my love.

[Page 38]With this hope of good fortune I gave Phi­laster the good-night, and returned secretly to my father's, where they all wondered at my long absence, yet glad to see me recovered so well, wondering from whence the cause of such a sudden sickness should arise, also at so uncommon a recovery; but leaving them to conjectures, I went to my chamber, where I passed the night in a different manner from what I had formerly done, my hopes now having overcome my despair. In such pleas­ing thoughts the hours passed away; yet not so swift but I could number them, and think them slow in going. I arose and attired my­self with a more than ordinary curiosity; build­ing many hopes in expectation of what the following day might bring forth, and the hour approaching wherein visits are accustomed to be given, I took my way to Philaster's house. As my visits were become more common, I was esteemed a less stranger, and my enter­tainment was more familiar and friendly: so that after some discourse had passed, I request­ed the favour of Philaster that I might take the privilege to pass some small time away in his fair garden: which request was kindly granted, himself intending to accompany me; when behold, as we were entering the garden, he was sent for by a messenger, that informed him that his brother did attend him, desiring [Page 39] some conferrences with him about earnest occa­sions that would not admit of delay; so after pleading necessity for his untimely parting, he left me.

Half an hour had not passed since I enter­ed the garden, but I saw fair Desdemona, who was sent by her father to entertain me in his absence. I made towards her with much respect, and she accosted me with as kind a reception, with such innocency as might seem to bring in compass the extravagant thoughts of any but myself.

Here it was we betrothed ourselves to each other and registered our vows in heaven.— Here it was I could not bound my joy, and consequently my passion; so that I could not retain from folding her delicate body in my arms, giving and receiving many a sweet kiss on her ruby lips. In this rapture of ravish­ment we spent the time, till Sol with his scorching beams, forced us to retire into that house of pleasure before-mentioned. This proved a defence against the heat, and a cov­er to act our loves more securely. Here we did double our kisses and embraces, while the pretty birds did seem to participate my hap­piness. The favours she then conferred on me could not yield content and satisfaction to my desires, but served only to beget a confi­dence to presume to purchase greater, and as­pire [Page 40] to higher felicities. So that from the fa­miliar conversation I began to request the fru­ition of that love I then enjoyed: and follow­ing my requests with such intreaties and im­portunities, with a promise of never failing fi­delity, urged by such strong persuasions, and resisted with such faint denials, that I came to the yielding up of that fort, which the great­est kings might envy me the conquest of; in the enjoyment of which imperial monarchs would have accounted it the highest felicity; all which was wholly prostrated to my raging pas­sion and lustful desires.

The kisses, embraces and endearments, were almost numberless, our discourse treat­ing wholly of our loves and servent affections of the day of marriage. Thus we spent our time in a paradise of pleasure; passing these few minutes we stayed there in such felicity as might well be termed the chiefest happiness of lover's bliss.

But to defer your expectation no longer, I'll go forward in my discourse, and give you to understand, that after I had quitted old Phi­laster's hospitality and kindness, with the these of his daughter's honor, and against the vows I had made, by inticements and deceit, I had forgotten the fairest jewel in Desdemona's ward­robe, we saw him and his lady enter the gar­den. With all expedition we forsook our de­lights, [Page 41] and descended down a private pair of stairs, unseen of them, being shaded by the friendly trees, which, in the time of our de­lights, seemed to stand as watchmen to defend us, and now a screen to secure us. This way we passed, left they might suspect what indeed was true, and so prepared to meet them acci­dentally. Here we joined company and dis­course with them, and passed away the residue of time till dinner was brought in, upon which notice was given, we left the garden, and spent the remainder of that day altogether in diver­sion, till night began to approach, and urged my departure; and returning them many thanks for their civilities and kindnesses, I took my leave of Philaster and his lady; and hav­ing saluted Desdemona with a promise of a sud­den return to require her in marriage of her parents, according to my vows in the garden, I left her, and with her all my joys.

I soon arrived at my father's house, but I found him inquisitive above his usual manner, to know where I had passed away my time these three days past; my absence having be­got a suspicion in him of what indeed was true; and sudden sickness, seconded with as quick a recovery, did confirm him: so that seeing me well recovered, and almost in as good a state of health as when I first fell sick, he began his discourse to me in this manner.

[Page 42]Son, your sudden health cannot give me more joy than the extraordinary cause gives me suspicion, lest in your carriage, which hath been so reserved to me, you should act any thing which should fall contrary to my intentions and desires. You know the time will draw short­ly near when you must marry your contracted bride, fair Artimesia; one which is fortunate as fair, and as wise as fortunate; one, my son, that will raise thee to a high esteem of high honors, which is the mistress young gallants court. And by the alliance of so great a lord, we shall be made shot-free against the strong­est batteries of fortune.

"Sir, (said I) your suspicions are not grounded amiss: if you suspect I love, and if I be a criminal in making it a secret unto you, forgive and pardon me when I shall make a re­al confession. Yes, Sir, I do love, and with that ardour and affection, with that constancy and fidelity, as death cannot divert my incli­nations: and should you make a separation, or imagine an alteration, know, Sir, my vows are registered in heaven, which if you once en­deavour to violate, expect the punishment may attend your endeavours. You may com­mand my life, since you give it me; but my soul, it is the gift of the gods."

This discourse, uttered with as much bold­ness as confidence, began to raise a storm in [Page 43] my father's countenance; for the form of his visage began to overcast with frowns, and all his actions beclouded over with anger. So that casting a frowning look on me, enough to daunt me, had not my love made me proof against his fury, and confident to sustain his utmost charge.

Villain, replied he, and shame to thy blood, dare you justify and vindicate that which is con­trary to my intentions? or can your disobe­dience own what I have an aversion against? Shall my hopes be thwarted by your extrava­gant youth, and my purposes frustrated by your ill-placed love? Curse on your willful ob­stinacy, which puts me into this unusual pas­sion; and your boldness, that durst give me this relation. Ungoverned young man! Can you think this giddy-headed youth, subject to all passions, and pliable to all impressions, should better know how to govern his passions and direct his actions, than his aged sire? Can he better chuse for his good, than one who hath so often been acquainted and concerned with the vicissitudes and changes of this nature? No, no, young man, you yet want that experience, which is always the best school-master, and the mistress of understanding. Your youth is un­ruly, and like a headstrong horse that will run himself on any danger, without he be surely curbed: so you grow bold and impudent, dar­ing [Page 44] any precipice so you may possess your un­bounded desires; but know I'll curb you from these extravagancies, and retain you from these wild wandering thoughts; and if I have been too indulgent, for the future you shall find me as severe: and so avoid my sight, that by the want of duty art become a grief to my eyes, and a vexation to my soul, and see that at our next meeting you show not the least aversion against your marriage with Artimesia; but that you bound your love and desires in the compass of my will, and that you tread no strange path, but that you reform and recollect yourself first, by taking your rules from me, and not reso­lutely [...] run yourself headlong to ruin, and me dishonor: but if you have any extravagant love, destroy it whilst it is young in the bud; and learn to forget it before you come to the knowledge of what it is. Return no answer to justify what I must condemn; but regulate your ways and life by my directions, and hav­ing so sure a guide, you cannot err or go as­tray▪ but if you continue still obstinate and audacious in your proceedings, you shall find I will disinherit you both of my love and es­tate, and make account of you but as a stran­ger, and a rebel to my blood.

Having said this, he left me and departed. But alas! how can I describe to you the grief that did seize on me at that time, when Desde­mona [Page 45] came to my remembrance, and my fath­er's cruelty was fresh in my memory. Oh! how was I torn between love and duty! now it was love that led me in a maze so difficult and intricate, that my best endeavours could not keep me from ruin. To go forward was dangerous; but to return backward did shew more perilous.

Such Madam, was my desperate condition: my sweetest hopes began to leave me, horror, despair began to possess, and fear razed out the expectation of a more happy change. This confirmed me in the ominous presage that did befal me in my return homeward from my dearest Desdemona.

After I had well weighed and considered all the difficulties on either side that might befal me. I resolved at last that my love should reign supreme, and remain entire to fair Des­demona; but yet withal, that I would shew a yielding consent to my father's will in my marriage with Artimesia; and like a warter­man, that rows one way, and looks another, yet brings the boat to the desired place: so I endeavoured by this policy, seeming to accord with my father's desires, when my inclinations roved a contrary course; and whilst openly I did comply with him, inwardly I might pro­cure my own content; flattering myself, that as fortune had made so sudden a change in my [Page 46] happiness, in some small time she might beget as great an alteration in my misfortunes, and at last bring me to the period of my desires: of which, though I had small cause to hope, yet I did not wholly despair.

I did further resolve not to acquaint Desde­mona with my father's resolution, lest it might beget her discontent. I began to repent of re­vealing to my father what I should have kept secret, and resolved to conceal my passion for the future, since I had only given manifesta­tion of love, and not of the person beloved, which I did expound as one happy presage of my fortunate proceeding. This way I had fixed on, since I had no other wherein I might walk with more security. Nor did my hopes altogether fail me; for by my crasty wiles, the next time I accosted my father, I had set on so strange a face on my former pro­ceedings, shewing myself so dutiful and pliant to all his intents and purposes, as begat won­der in him when he did behold it. He ques­tioned of me who this object might be, to whom I did shew so great, and seemed to have so firm an affection not long since, which now I did seem to slight.

I understood very well the subtleness and craft he used, and how like myself his actions were working one way, and his desires another, but both agreed to intrap me in my dearest se­cret. [Page 47] But Old birds are not caught with chaff; for he could not closely work his mine to de­ceive me, but I as privately made my counter­mine to blow up, which I performed in this manner.

"Sir, replied I, you were too passionate in you last discourse, and what I proposed only to try your inclinations, how you would have allowed of a change, if I could have admitted of an alteration; this you took to be a verity, and too severely rebuked me for what was on­ly a fiction; and allowing me only one moment of time, wherein I might disable you in your error, and ask your pardon for my over confi­dent presumption, in raising so great a tempest from so small a cause, and that I have not, nor never will, fix my affections without your ap­probation.

This compliance to his will, so contrary to his expectations, began to work wonders in his mind, when my artifice had persuaded him that all my former discourses and protestations were mere deceit; so that instead of continu­ing so fierce in his proceedings he became more mild, his choler abated, he left accusing me, and began to excuse himself. I soon laid hold of this opportunity, aggravating his mistake, yet by always wherein any likelihood did ap­pear exempting myself from blame. And so far did I insinuate myself into his soul, of my [Page 48] innocence in the cause that he suspected me, that my deceit became approved verities, and what I could relate in my defence received as undoubted truths: so that I think he never parted from me with a greater show of love and satisfaction than at this time.

Whether this occasioned my father's enqui­ry to cease I cannot tell, but I well know I de­ceived him in his own craft, and over-wrought him in his own device. Neither did I in words alone confirm him in his belief, but manifested the same in my carriage and actions; so that a week or ten days passed away in this manner before I did offer in the least to absent myself from my father's house. After which time I did secretly and privately many times visit and converse with my Desdemona, but I made my visits much shorter, which was soon perceived and taken notice of by Desdemona, who urged a consummation of our marriage; fearing as indeed afterwards it happened, that some unhappy obstruction might defer it. I comforted her amidst these fears with my promise of loyalty, and with my best endeav­ours to gain my father's consent; which if I should fail of, I firmly engaged to perform all the rights of marriage at the end of one month from thence next ensuing. We agreed, lest my often resort should beget jealousies of that, which as yet her parents had no mistrust, [Page 49] that by a secret way into the garden I should have access at certain times, when I might se­cretly enter; which to perform we appointed a time at our parting, or else by a certain to­ken of a handkerchief that gave me assurance that I might securely pass.

By such secret and unmistrusted paths, I of­ten times visited my dearest lady, who received me with as kind endearments; where I often­times enjoyed, without controul, the happy felicity and fruition of her love.

In these bitter sweets, and stolen pleasures, some three months had passed since I first saw Desdemona, and almost one since I had made her the last promise of wedlock. Now the time began to draw near to confirm by mar­riage, what I had already performed by con­tract with Artimesia. And now alas! my dearest Desdemona found herself conceived and quick with child. In neglecting the first I was sure to procure my father's displeasure; but in the latter, before God and man, I could not quit myself of the grievous ingratitude.— In the first my ignorance might excuse me; but to the latter I could plead no excuse, since my vows to Desdemona proceeded from my very soul, and no doubt had reached the gates of heaven; when my contract with Artimesia proceeded only of course, and in satisfaction of my father's humor, and not for any inclination [Page 50] to love on my own part. So I resolved to con­tinue firm and constant to Desdemona, and procure my own content, in hazarding my fa­ther's displeasure rather than to satisfy his am­bition with my own torment.

The time approached in sight wherein I must be married to Artimesia, but not the least re­membrance was given me by my father for a preparation; so that I began to bury the tho't of it in forgetfulness; thinking some difference had lately happened between my father and Artimesia's parents; so that I began to account myself secure as to that.

But a change of fortune soon put me out of that mind; for one morning, when I did lit­tle suspect such deceit, my father desired me to array myself in my best attire, and wait on him to the great temple of the city. This I performed with great willingless, not mistrust­ing that any deceit or treachery had lain hid in his request; and before I could find the plot, I found myself ship-wrecked on a rock. I was no sooner ready but I attended him to church, only accompanied with my mother, who was of his confederacy. We soon arriv­ed at the temple, yet with more haste then good speed: for I was no sooner entered, but to my amazement I saw the earl of Palermo, with his daughter Artimesia, with all his and my father's friends attending him, richly attired, [Page 51] and the priest standing ready to join our hands. They all came to receive and welcome me with much respect; but my amazement would not let me receive their kind endearments with a behaviour as I ought to have done; for it was such a strange, disagreeable and unac­ceptable sight, that I could not suddenly recov­er from my astonishment; rather thinking it to be a dream or a fiction, than any thing else. My father came and roused me from this trance; "Son, said he, wonder not at what you see, but recollect yourself, and embrace your fortune. Surprizes in love make the en­joyment of greater value. And this business was managed by me, that a blessing that falls on you unexpected, might be by you more prized and esteemed. Cease your marvel then and accost those friends with respect that are ready to receive you."

His discourse being ended, and the compa­ny expecting an answer I replied, I must con­fess Artimesia is a fortune above my hopes or deserts; yet such a one as I cannot with safety possess, lest by enjoying such a happiness, I should enforce heaven to make her wretched and miserable for my sake. For to put you out of doubt, know I am betrothed already to one that is as virtuous as fair; with whom I have tied such an inviolable knot, that it is past the art of man to unloose it without provoking [Page 52] the gods to revenge: there is no promise but I have made it, no protestation but I have per­formed it, no ceremony but I have signed it, nor is there any obligation or vow but I have sealed it. Heaven hath joined our hearts, this can only join our hands. In this, reason will tell you I have shewn no disobedience; since, as I lately told you, heaven gave me a soul, and it is only that I have disposed of with its con­sent; my body is yet free which you gave me: but it may as well survive without a soul as re­voke the vows I have lately made. My af­fection is so entire, that if all things admit of charge, it cannot be subject to alteration. And should death itself approach I should continue firm in the grave.

I had continued my discourse, but my fath­er hastily interrupting me, drew his sword, and presenting it to my breast, Die thou rebellious villain, said he, and enjoy the fruits of thy la­bor in the dust. This action was no sooner taken notice of by Artimesia, but she freed herself from her father; and casting herself be­fore my father's weapon, hold, said she, barba­rous and unnatural man, and pierce this breast, it will shew less horrid and inhuman. This unexpected action, with his friends persuasions and intreaties, made him sheath his sword, whilst a salamander did seem to live in his eyes, which shot forth fire like a murthering cannon that it [Page 53] lightens ere it smokes. Wicked wretch, said he, I disown thee from this hour from being my son, and revoke all ties and privileges that love or nature hath given thee; and do not dare from this minute to assume the confi­dence to appear in my presence, as thou tend­erest thy life and safety. Having said this, he left me in a rage.

My father was no sooner departed, but poor Artimesia received a check from her parents for her too much diligence and care in preserv­ing me, who did slight and neglect her; and that it rather pertained to my friends to have interceeded, and diverted the blow, than her­self.

My mother, with my relations, came and importuned me not to continue so obstinate, with many intreaties and persuasions, urged the danger I cast myself into, by bringing on my head my father's displeasure.

I was hitherto miserable, but I was more wretched in being beloved by Artimesia. If her love and affection had not been so great, there might have been hopes that my coldness might have begot an aversion in her towards me. But like a merchant o'er charged with debt, when he begins to fail, all things agree to ruin him; so that he only knows then to be wretched, and they from whom he hopes any relief, most times conspire, and agree to his [Page 54] ruin. And as the Persians adore the rising sun, and curse it again ere the day be half spent, so fortune seems to court the man who flourisheth in prosperity and scornfully neglects him when he falls into adversity.

This was the last blow, and I utterly undone. For upon notice of my consent, my father re­turned with Artimesia, and the earl of Palermo her father, where, in the midst of a great throng of people, which this disturbance had brought together, the priest joined our hands; the us­ual ceremonies were performed with great state, which being once ended, I was attended by my father's friends, and a very great company of citizens to my father's house, where, with, music, dancing and feasting, they passed away the residue of the day; and the night approach­ed, when my father, with the earl of Paler­mo, conducted us to our lodging, where they left us, as they imagined, to make a new ban­quet of pleasures. But they were no sooner departed out of the chamber, taking her by the hand, "Madam, said I, this body you have so virtuously preserved, is but a poor recom­pence in consideration of the danger you un­derwent for my sake, and I fear you will soon grow weary of what so lately you had an esteem for, since I am become a burthen and torment to myself, and by consequence in the use may prove so to you. O Artimesia! thou enjoyest [Page 55] this wretched and miserable part of me, the body, when my soul is bestowed elsewhere: thou hast only the shadow of what I am, when another enjoys the substance. How, for your sake only, could I wish love were no mathe­matic point, but would admit of diversion, that in some sort I might quit the obligation that I owe you! O cruel parents! you are too kind to procure my discontent, and give me no me­dicine to dissipate it.

Poor Artimesia, stood dissolved in tears at my discourse; and, although I could not love, yet I could not continue insensible of her mis­eries, nor refrain participating in griefs which had their original from me.

Oh! how I was wrecked by my conscience that ensuing night, which presented my in­gratitude in lively colours! the day approach­ed, but to no other end but to renew my mise­ries, and make my perfidiousness seem the greater. Artimesia, with her kind and sweet speeches, and lovely behaviour, did endeavour to divert the melancholy discontents; and this seemed another dagger to pierce my breast, since I could make no return for such a mine of love.

Two days had passed away since my mar­riage with Artimesia, and the third approach­ed, wherein I had given my faith to marry Desdemona. The remembrance wrought so [Page 56] strong on my affections, that I intended to write and excuse myself, lest she might think, by my neglect, I performed that willingly, that I was enforced to do by necessity; so that taking pen, I wrote and sent her the letter by one that did attend me, of whom I had often made trial of his fidelity; to whom I revealed all the particulars which happened to Desde­mona and myself, and of the continuance of our loves. It is some comfort in our miseries when we have a partner in our sorrows; one that will participate in our griefs, and to whom with confidence we may reveal our closest se­crets. Such an one was this man, whose name ought not to be concealed in this story; Fide­lio was his name, and it well suited his na­ture. I gave him directions to the garden gate, with charge to remain there till he saw Des­demona enter. Away he went to execute what I commanded him, whilst I with an earnest expectation waited an answer. Fidelio, long expected at last returned. I no sooner saw him, but I endeavoured to read my destiny in his looks; but I beheld there a sad omen to attend me. Yet with an earnest desire, accompanied with timerous apprehensions, I thus bespoke him. Fidelio, dost thou intend to make me linger away in expectation, and silence with that which being revealed, will kill as soon as know? What is Desdemona's sentence; be [Page 57] it happiness or misery, joy or sorrow, life or death, nothing can be bitter or harsh that she commands; but I shall be all obedience. I am loth to suspect where I love, yet it is not without pain I expect your answer, I am earn­est you should reveal what perhaps I would not know; yet I would fain know the worst, that I might be freed from the fear of worse to come.

He returned me no answer; but drawing a letter from his bosom, Sir, said he, here is that will give a better account of your fortune than myself; peruse it; after which I will give you a relation of the particulars that happened in this small time of absence.

I had no leisure for a reply; but taking her letter, hastily opened it, and read lines, which, while I live, I shall retain and keep in my me­mory.

Her words, like a dart, wounded my very soul. Her innocent sweetness made my infi­delity appear more notorious. Fidelio, to per­fect the grievousness of my own crimes, at my request related these few particulars.

Sir, said he, according to your order and di­rections, I staid at the garden gate some time: but it was not long before I saw Desdemona en­ter, and with her presence, like another sun, did dazzle the eyes of the beholders. Her attire was negligent and careless; her countenance [Page 58] seemed to be clouded with sweet melancholy sadness, fitly suited to her thoughts; and tho' all were shadowed and overcast with a veil of grief, yet she seemed charming, since it did on­ly serve that we might behold her perfections at a nearer distance, and her virtues more ap­parent and plain; so we may face the sun when he is clouded, which in a clear day we dare not approach with our eyes. Such was her grief, it would make one in love with sadness; and such her gesture, it would make one wel­come sorrow.

Ravished with this apparition, I knocked at the gate; which I had scarce done, but like a goddess she appeared, and fixed her eyes upon my face, perhaps presaging me to be some harbinger of ill news; quickly recollecting her­self, "Sir, said she, are you not mistaken, have you any business with any person here? this is no common way, and it gives me some cause of wonder how you came here."

I answered, "Madam, it was not a mistake that bro't me hither, nor by chance that I ap­pear before you, but expresly and on purpose. I was sent to you by Almerin, the governor's son of Syracuse, with a letter, with a charge to deliver it into your hands." With these words I delivered her your letter; which I had no sooner done, but I perceived she was possessed with an usual agitation and emotion of spirit; [Page 59] sometimes the roses of her cheeks were overcast with a lovely red, and suddenly they vanished and gave way to the lillies to possess their pla­ces. She kissed the letter, earnestly enquired of your health, to which, when I had given her an answer, she entreated me to walk into the garden; and so shutting the door, she re­tired herself into a private arbour, where open­ing the letter, she began to read, whilst I seat­ed myself to behold her.

When on a sudden all former signs of joy vanished; her visage was overcast with a fatal disturbance; her breast began to pant, and a shower of tears began to fall from her fair eyes, which hung on her cheeks like pearly dew on a sweet smelling rose; such were her actions, that they would have induced the wild satyrs and fierce beasts to pity. She shewed nothing of rashness in her carriage; but reserving her complaints mildly, till her spirits being over­charged with sorrow, forsook her, so that letting your letter fall, she fell into a deadly trance, without any motion, or hopes of life remain­ing. I ran hastily to catch her before she fell, but came too late; so that falling, she seated herself on a bed of violets, which seemed to close and hang down their heads at this fatal misfortune.

Then it was I curst you for your perfidious­ness to so sweet a creature. Heaven only knows [Page 60] the extremes of grief I then endured. I could not go out of the garden and leave her in that forlorn condition, yet to stay was perilous to my life; but my pity overcame my fear, so that running to a fountain in the garden, and tak­ing cold water in my hand, I sprinkled it on her face; and taking her lovely body in my arms, I softly began to blow her; so that o­pening her fair eyes, and sending two or three heart-breaking sighs, as a token of her soul's return to her body, which was loath, as it seem­ed, to leave so fair a habitation.

When her senses began to execute their pro­per function and duty, casting her eyes on me, taking notice I had her in my arms, Sir, said she, I perceive I have been a trouble to you, for which I beg your pardon, and intreat you to assist me to yonder house (shewing me a place situate in the midst of the garden) so that rais­ing her up, I supported her by the arm; first taking up your letter, I conducted her to the house, where she wrote the letter I now deliv­ered you, and sealing it, gave it me in these words, Tell him I wish him happiness and feli­city; for myself, tell him I shall hardly find a­ny but in the grave. So descending the stairs, I attended her to the gate; and taking my leave, I left her, bewailing your ingrati­tude.

Thus Fidelio ended his discourse, and con­firmed [Page 61] what he had said to be nothing but ver­ity. I could not refrain from participating with him, and hate myself, since she continued still to love me; for all my perjury and infi­delity, betraying and abusing so much inno­cence, Desdemona sends me word she loves me still, and shall do so in death; she forgives me too, more than I can forgive myself; yet this was the same Desdemona whose goodness and kindness I so much abused, her harmless innocence began to set a higher price on her virtues in my soul than formerly I had for her beauties. I began to know the worth of the treasure I had forgone, and found the value to surmount all esteem.

Now all my thoughts and desires became wholly engaged to tender an ample satisfaction, in recompence of the injuries I had occasioned her, but I found my desires were all fruitless, and that my best performance would be of no value, while Artimesia remained as an obsta­cle to obstruct my intentions. It was here the agents of hell solicited and assisted me in this tragical design, so that her death was conclud­ed in a moment; nothing remained but the means how to effect it.

As formerly I was black with perjury, now I began to plot how to be red with murder, in taking away the innocent and guiltless life of one that not five days before had preserved [Page 62] mine; but reason and consideration were ban­ished; no thoughts remained but how to ac­complish what I had so barbarously begun. I had thought of many ways how to bring it a­bout, but poison at last I resolved on. I was loth to trust any one with a secret of so great a consequence, whereon my life depended; so that I went myself to an apothecary in the city, of whom for a few crowns I purchased the fa­tal potion, and went to perform my fatal res­olution.

Being come to my father's, I found poor Ar­timesia indisposed in her bed; and going to visit her in her chamber, I set down by her, where casting her arms about my neck, and bestowing many a sweet kiss on me, with en­dearments so obliging, that if hell had not con­spired her ruin, sure it would have turned the current of my barbarous design. Much dis­course passed till she desired to take a little rest, so kissing her, I left her to her repose; but taking notice of a posset that was preparing on the fire, the maid being busy about her mis­tress; like a fiend of hell, I hastily and un­seen emptied the poison in it, and so departed away undescried. About half an hour after, this envenom'd drink was administered unto her, which spreading itself by degrees into all parts of her vital spirits, which, with its force, soon made a separation betwixt the soul and [Page 63] the body and left her a breathless corpse. The rumour of her sudden death begat an admira­tion to whom it was related. Accompanied with father and mother, I went to see her life­less trunk, not without tears in my eyes; but I cannot safely say whether it was in deceit, the better to cover my villainy, or the woful object presented to my eyes; but for one, or either, or both together, many sighs of sorrow I made. Mean while messages were sent to my father-in-law, the earl of Palermo, with the heavy tidings of his daughter's untimely death. They arrived at the house about the evening; but the lamentations and moans they made o­ver the untimely hearse of their dear child were numberless. They were not without doubts and mistrusts about the sudden occasion of her death; but having no light whereon they might build or ground a suspicion, it vanished as soon as it received birth. After nature had paid her tribute in paternal tears, her body was carefully coffined up, and in two days, the same company that attended me in my bride nuptials in state and triumph, this day accom­panied the corpse of poor Artimesia to the tem­ple, where the body was committed to the earth, after the usual ceremonies of the dead were celebrated.

Four days had passed since the burial of Artimesia, and two since the departure of her [Page 64] parents when, to pass away the summer's even­ing, and to refresh my drooping spirits with the sweet air and pleasant shades. I retired myself, only accompanied with Fidelio, into the same garden wherein I was first surprized with my fair Desdemona.

Phoebus now hastened to bathe his sweltry steeds in the foaming ocean, and his sister Luna began to appear so to expel the usurping shades of night, when being comforted by the refreshing sweetness of her cold influences, so that the pleasures I then enjoyed, accom­panied with the thoughts of enjoying Desde­mona, made the time seem short, so that the unexpected hour of ten arrived. Fidelio's intreaties, with the lateness of the evening, could not persuade my return, my mind be­ing employed on thoughts more agreeable. Af­ter the clock had struck eleven I intended to leave the garden, but first resolving to visit the happy place where I rescued my dear Des­demona, it was almost on the stroke of twelve ere I arrived there: the night continued fair and clear, and this was the most private retir­ing of any in the garden: where I was no sooner arrived, but, to my amazement, be­hold! by the glimmering light of the moon, I saw a beautiful woman: her countenance was pale and wan, dropping pearly tears from her fair eyes, which she wiped off with a handker­chief. [Page 65] She sat on the ground, leaning her head on her fair hand. She seemed wholly a map of sorrow, and gave demonstrations by her actions that her gesture could not express the torment of her mind. I had no sooner approached near enough to have spoken to her, but as one surprised, she hastily takes away her hand, that supported her head; which she had no sooner done, behold from her breast issued a crimson gore. My amazement was great, when in her face I beheld the features of Desdemona. Her countenance seemed to contend with grief and pity, rather than with wrath and anger.

Frighted with the horror of this sight, I stood like an image of stone, not able to go forward, or retire back; when this woful ob­ject came nearer unto me fixing her eyes stead­fastly on my face; after a while raising her right hand, laid it on her wound, which seem­ed to run in purple flood down her breast, sprinkling the grass with scarlet dye. My amazement was augmented, when unfixing her eyes from my face, she lifted them towards Heaven with so pale and mournful a posture as would have produced pity in the most senseless breast. This sudden surprisal, did cowardice all my spirits, so that I had not the confidence nor courage to speak to this pitiful apparition, which once more lifting up her hands to her [Page 66] wounds, giving me a grievous parting look, suddenly vanished out my sight. I was amaz­ed after its departure, and jealous whether I should believe my eyes or no; or whether this was a real apparition, or a fiction brought forth by fancy, that had figured such dismal ideas in my mind. But the succeeding incidents soon confirmed the effects to be no illusions; for before I could recollect and rally together my frighted spirits, behold from the thicket hard by me issued dismal screeches horrible and fear­ful moans, accompanied with uncommon and confused voices: the heavens on a sudden cov­ered themselves with a sable cover, and the moon hid her face under an eclipse. The noise became yet more loud and terrible, and the resounding echo of the horrid clamour drew nearer and nearer, and so became more fearful and dreadful. The horizon was cloath­ed with thick dark clouds; from whence pro­ceeded a stormy shower of hail and rain, the wind grew tempestuous and boisterous, fear­ful slashes of lightning proceeded: after which followed loud and fearful claps of thunder. The storm increased, and became more horri­ble, when from the neighbouring thicket rush­ed out a woman, who approached me, and whom I soon knew to be the dead Artimesia. I would have fled from her sight, but could not fly my destiny: when coming yet nearer [Page 67] unto me, with a weak and feeble voice she ut­tered these words.

"Wretched man, now the reward of thy wickedness draws near, and thy punishment is at hand. Heaven is ready to leave thee, and the earth is prepared to swollow thee; sen­tence is pronounced against thee, and a mes­senger prepared to execute. My innocent death will not go unrevenged, nor your per­jury unpunished. Go, miserable and wretch­ed! despair: think of nothing but horrors, shrieks, pains, and torments; let content and felicity henceforth become strangers to thee, and let thy misfortunes become even worse and worse: let thy sleep be short, and disturbed with fearful visions. The remainder of your life shall be a living death: you shall seek for death, but you shall not find it. This is the commission I had to unfold to thee from the higher powers, which having revealed, I leave thee to thy fate."

This said, she vanished from my sight, but not my thoughts; for the remembrance was so fixed in my soul, that I think the feigned fantasm would hardly yield precedency to the real. My eyes were, yet firmly bent towards that part of the thicket I saw Artimesia take▪ And Fidelio, who the time of this tempest had concealed and sheltered himself in a thicket near at hand, after his desires and intreaties [Page 68] became fruitless, in requiring me to retire with him, when he came unto me, he found me not removed from the same place where he left me. Wondering at this change, he took me by the arm; Sir, said he, what occa­sions these ghastly looks, and timerous appre­hensions? You seem as if you had met your sins, or been accosted with your grandfather's ghost. What causes thus to bend your eyes on vacancy, and fix your thoughts on shad­ows? Where do you let your fancy run at random? Sir, consider where you are, and what time of night it is and let us repair from this fatal place, that has brought you this distur­bance.

His earnest importunities brought me to myself: and seeing him expect a reply, Yes, Fidelio, said I, my sins have met me in full bloom▪ and ghosts more fearful than my grand­father. By heaven! Fidelio, shadows haunt me. Saw you not my dearest Desdemona here, and the deceased Artimesia, who just now pronounced the sentence of horror and damnation against me?

"Sir, replied he, these chimeras be nothing but the delusions of a disturbed brain, which forms to itself wonders, which the spectators cannot behold: such no doubt was yours; for I protest and vow to you I heard no voice, nor did I apprehend any such similitudes: Arti­mesia [Page 69] lies quiet in her grave, and I doubt not but Desdemona is asleep in her bed; rest will soon cure this disquiet: come, Sir, let us walk home, the night grows aged, the late storm is past, both call on us to depart, lest we should be prevented by a second disaster.

His entreaties, made me accord to leave the garden, and without returning an answer, I straitway accompanied him. We soon came to my father's, where they all sat up expecting my return; but they no sooner beheld me in that condition and ghastly distemper, but they stood like people with amaze. I was led to my chamber by Fidelio, where I betook myself to bed; but oh! the horrors that accompa­nied me the latter part of the night! If asleep, Desdemona presented herself to my imagina­tion; yet suddenly starting from the trance, methought I saw that object really which fan­cy formed in my dreams; so that fearfully call­ing to Fidelio, who attended me, Oh! Fidel­io, dost thou not see my dearest Desdemona; the blood streaming from her fair breast, now standing by my bed side? behold she is going away out of the door. Oh stay abused inno­cence! and tell me the reason thou dost visit me in that dismal posture.

Here Fidelio, to divert these thoughts▪ made me this discourse, Desdemona remains entirely yours, and you may bind her so by [Page 70] tying that inviolable knot of matrimony, which you have already fastened by so many vows: since Artimesia is dead, there is no obstruction can hinder you from giving her satisfaction, and yourself content.

Here Fidelio ended when I embraced him saying, O my friend! I am willing to believe whatever thou hast related unto me, could it contain less of truth. I should wish no great­er happiness were Desdemona still among the living; I would cease to expect and aspire to any greater hope, if I could once embrace her in my arms, and repose this weary head in her bosom. To-morrow, my Fidelio, I will put thee to the trouble once more to deliver a letter to Desdemona; in the mean time we will endeavour to take a little rest.

Night had no sooner fled, but I left my bed, and taking pen, I wrote to this effect.

I had no sooner ended my letter, but I can­not tell what horrid fate prompted me to the contrary, to go myself in person, alledging that my presence would procure more in Des­demona's breast, than my letter could. I went accompanied with Fidelio, towards her fath­er's house; but we had no sooner, lessened the distance, but behold I saw a coffin covered with black, adorned with a garland of flowers; the hearse was supported and carried by four young men and six beautiful maidens accompa­nied them, each holding a part of the hearse­cloth, wherein they did intimate and silently speak their willingness to do something oblig­ing, it being the last service they could per­form to the body of this poor departed virgin. The company were all covered with a fable black, their pace silent and slow, bent towards the [Page 72] great temple of the city. This sight began to chill my blood: and that which gave suspi­cion to my fears was, because I saw, them come out of Philaster's house; to confirm me that I was not in an error, I saw the corpse followed by the old knight and his lady; their countenance and actions declared them to be in the bitterness of sorrow, and plunged in the depth of woe.

I had accompanied them to the temple, had not the earnest desire I had to be resolved of the worst prompted me to the contrary, and persuaded me to go to the house to be truly satisfied of my fears. We soon came to the door, and having knocked were met by a ser­vant of the house, who did know me since I used to frequent the house; and being acquain­ted with the respect his lord and lady paid me when they requested me to come in. I asked for the knight and his lady, not taking notice that I had seen them; also for Desde­mona; to which he gave me a pitious look, letting drop from his eyes many tears. "Sir," said he, "you come in a time to see us buried in woe, and to behold us overcharged with sorrow; for about four days ago, after my mistress Desdemona had pined with grief and given to sorrow the full reins and possession in her breast, when her spirits being overcome with grief, and her senses overcharged with [Page 73] melancholy, she sell into despair, and walking out as if she would recreate herself in the gar­den, she retired into a house of pleasure there privately situated, where with a fatal dagger she wounds herself to the heart, and this day, ac­companied with her friends, in a solemn man­ner they perform her obsequies, and convey her body to the temple.

Here he ended—while my apparition came bleeding fresh in my mind;—my crimes presented themselves in their own colours; and my conscience bid me expect nothing but the fulfilling of murdered Artimesia's sen­tence.

I took my farewell, but not without shed­ding tears for the loss of one whom I so dear­ly loved.—In this distress of mind, I returned home; and about the hour of ten, at night, while reposing on my bed, suddenly and un­expected, our house was surrounded with armed men, my chamber doors broke open, my body seized on, and taken prisoner; being thus surprized, I demanded the cause, and by what authority they did it? To which one returned me this sharp answer, their authority they had from the king, which I must obey, and the occasion, the death of your late mar­ried wife Artimesia, supposed to be poisoned by you; with a suspicion which is conceived of you, that you are the author and cause of [Page 74] the death of Desdemona, daughter and only child of an aged knight of this city, called Philaster; these are the crimes to which you must answer; in the mean time you must yield obedience to our power, and immediate­ly go along with us. This said they laid hands on me, and speedily hurried me out of my chamber, to convey me to prison; but we had not shortened half the way between my fath­er's house and the city goal, but by the shine of the moon, we might discern a troop of horse, and perceive a small company of foot, which in a void place of the city began to com­pass us about, which my guard no sooner des­cried, but they cried out a rescue, a rescue: but their voices were soon stopped by the horse-men which overran them, and the foot­men that bravely assaulted them: so that in a moment I saw myself free, and bravely mount­ed on a fresh horse. Whilst I was wondering at the strangeness of this rescue, I saw one make toward me, which I presently knew to be Fidelio. Sir, said he to me, cease your amazement, and follow this guard with speed; for every moment you stay here will be dan­gerous, and they will safely convoy you to the water-side, where a vessel attends you, provid­ed by your father, from whom, by my timely notice came also this guard; for he now re­pents him of his obstinacy which occasioned [Page 75] these evils for which you were accused fearing you are too much guilty to stand in justifica­tion of yourself and your crimes too notorious to abide a trial; and therefore being unwilling to leave you to the mercies and severities of the law, that himself first brought into danger, waits for you at the water-side, with some oth­er company.

Being conducted to the vessel, and the wind blowing fair, so that we left Syracuse far a­stern, and a few hours after wholly lost the sight of the island of Sicilia; the gale continuing still fair, we gained a ken of the isle of Malta, where we did not land, but continuing our course almost three days gained a view of the main continent of Africa; and about the eve­ning of the third day, we anchored before the mighty city of Carthaga.

Here we landed and provided ourselves with all necessaries, as well offensive as defensive, and all other things needful, which our so hasty parting from Syracuse would not permit us to furnish. We lay there one day, and then weighed anchor, and put to sea, where our intentions were to cruize about, in expecta­tions to meet with some vessels that came lately from Syracuse, of whom we might en­quire tidings of what we all did so passionately desire to know.

It was now seven days since we parted Sicil­ia, [Page 76] and two since we left the coast of Africa, about the time of the day when the sun begins to decline towards the west, when a boy stood centinel on the top mast head suddenly cried out a sail, a sail; being demanded from whence she steered her course? he returned answer from Sicilia. This began to augment the de­sire I had to have news from Syracuse; so that I gave commands to the pilot to steer his course to her, which he had no sooner performed, but the boy called out again, saying, prepare for your defence, for this vessel bears to us with all speed for an assault. He had scarce ended these words but our eyes did give us proof the were fit for a present fight.

This sight caused them to forget the con­cernment of others, and to think on nothing so much as to provide for their own safety; yet they agreed with one accord chearfully to make good their defence, and manfully to guard themselves, and me from being captured. We had hardly made our preparations for a resist­ance, but we saw this vessel with great dexter­ity preparing to board us on the weather side: their javelins in a moment were ready to grapple with our vessel, in the perform­ance of which we received a brave assault, and they as gallant repulse. Our archers scarce spent an arrow in vain; neither did their's slack their duty. The fight continued [Page 77] sharp while we lay off the one from the other, but I heard him that seemed to be the captain of the vessel say these words to his soldiers, "Arm yourselves with courage, noble hearts, and let the king of Sicilia know you are val­ient. We are not mistaken; see fortune hath presented the murderous villain an object to your eyes, and brought him a sacrifice to our just resentments. Now let the innocent death of Artimesia and Desdemona sharpen your swords for a just revenge, and let their sorrowful parents see your fidelity, and the in­terest you take in their wrongs, when you present them with the head of their mortal en­emy.

This speech left us no longer in doubt of their business; and although I esteemed my life scarce worth preserving, yet the great pro­mise this fellow made of my head made me re­solve not to part with it friendly to my enemies at such a time when I was in good capacity to defend it. This raised my anger to make a stout resistance; and his oration caused his soldiers to assail us with double courage.

Now the fight began to be at the highest, and a great number of men were slain on both sides. This battle was fought till the sun be­gan to bid good night to our horizon, yet for­tune had left it doubtful to which side she should incline: when we were pressed by our [Page 78] enemies, with so much vigour, that my men were forced to retire, whilst they furiously mounted our vessel. Here I exposed myself to certain dangers, very willing to part with life, so I could have lost it nobly in resisting my enemies; but death flies them that seek him, and intrudes on such as desire his absence. As I was desperately braving the utmost danger, I met and engaged with their commander, so greedily we combated one with another, and with so much desire endeavoured the ruin of each other, that it was no wonder fortune made haste to determine the end; many cruel blows we exchanged, till at last I pushed my enemy so closely, and redoubled my blows with so much violence, that directing a blow which fell on his head with my greatest force, it part­ed in two, and he fell lifeless on the deck.— Thus he who so confidently disposed of my head, could not secure his own from my sword.

This sight began to abate the courage of our enemies, and to revive the spirits of my almost vanquished men; for returning with a greater force than at first, they made a mighty slaughter; and having dispatched all those in their own vessel, with great speed we boarded our enemies, so that the offensive were now be­come defensive, and performed their part so ill in maintaining it that we soon became conquerors [Page 79] of the other ship, committing all the souls to the place appointed for their deserts, where the spirits of all men are rewarded ac­cording to their merits. The dead bodies of our men, and also of our enemies, we cast overboard into the sea.

The night became extreme dark, not one star appeared in the firmament, as if they had disdained to behold so bloody a tragedy: so that we were forced to strike up lights, the bet­ter to see to clear the vessel of the dead carcas­es. Myself, with a torch in my hand, went to behold the slain in the enemy's vessel, where the soldiers, the tempest of their revenge being not yet stilled, without pity cast as well the wounded as dead out of the vessel; when their wounds, miseries, intreaties, prayers, or dismal moans, could not persuade them to mercy.

Among many that were thus used, one of them, whom my men had taken up in their arms ready to cast him away into the ocean, cried out, "O Sirs! spare me but one mo­ment, and bring me to your commander, to whom I shall relate such secrets as he is yet ig­norant of." This had not preserved his life, if I had not given a speedy command to the soldiers to hold their hand; and although dis­figured with wounds, by his voice I quickly discovered him to be the servant of Philas­ter, [Page 80] the same who related to me the death of Desdemona. And from him I learned that the letter I wrote to Desdemona, and which I unfortunately dropped near her father's house, had been found, and delivered to the earl of Palermo; who thereby discovered me to be the murderer of his daughter, and who with a design to revenge her death, had caused me to be arrested; but finding I had been resqued by my father, applied to the King, who imme­diately armed and sent vessels in pursuit of me; and that the earl's servants, and the servants of Philaster, had voluntarily gone on board, determined to secure the author of the calam­ities that had befallen their masters. He pro­ceeded no farther, and perceiving him to grow faint by the loss of blood, I ordered the sur­geons to administer the best relief; but in vain, for he soon expired.

Day soon advanced, and the enemies vessel appearing the strongest, and best to sail, we re­moved our stores, sunk our own vessel, and set sail for the city of Algiers, knowing of no o­ther port that would give us protection, and that only upon condition of our turning pirates.

It would be too tedious, madam, to relate the many adventures thro' which I have since passed; and the many human sacrifices I have made to acquire wealth, and to obtain the fa­vor of the Dey. But here let me put an end [Page 81] to my dismal story. I have given you, mad­am, a true relation, nor have I interwoven the least falsehood, with a view to draw a veil over my crimes. But when you remember that my first sins proceeded, not from inclination, but from my adverse fate, and that having once entered the gulph of wickedness, there was no possibility of going back, you will ra­ther pity than condemn me. Was I uncon­stant to, and did I practise Artimesia's death— Oh! remember my constancy and love to Desdemona; I am incapable of going farther in my own justification. My crimes are a continual torment; but the rehersal of them affords me some satisfaction when it is done by your command.