I can never do too much for you wherefore I have transmitted the Person himself here he was in his sleep when I did it but I suppose by this awakned or will soon awaken at your coming Moretto being now come to the steps that went to the Summer-House door Ascend Madam continued he and then admire what I have done for you With that he led her up and put her into the house then took the Maid who follow'd her Mistress and put her in also and bid them go forward to the Table As re-assur'd as Roxana was she durst not contradict her Guide which gave him time to shut the door upon them and to retire Roxana was wondering at the great and clear light which so many Lamps as were placed there did give when that Ibrahim as if newly awakned being set off with the most advantageous Dress that he could possible put on and adorn'd with a world of Jewels did raise himself from a Day-Bed on which he was lying and as if amaz'd startling and staring Is it a Dream or do I wake said he then looking about him Where am I continu'd he Then looking on Roxana Ha! What do I see the very Darling of my Soul my Heart's Delight and all that I most desired What good Angel has been so kind as to continue and conclude my Dream with such a blessed Vision Roxana Divine Roxana here and I stand still and not cast at her feet a Heart that is so wholly hers Pardon sweet Angel the Errour that the great surprisal I am in at so fair a Vision has caus'd me to commit and deign to accept the offers of an Heart whose greatest Glory is to be your Slave With that he was going to throw himself at Roxana's feet when she moving her Body that way But hold said he again to himself let not my excess of Joy render me too rash and lose the Blessing I enjoy in this bright Apparition by drawing too near with my Terrestrial Body then falling back again while he was speaking this thus he continu'd If you are not but condens'd Air or some Etherial Spirit who to mock my Passion for a time has assum'd this glorious shape to render me afterwards the most miserable wretch living when you again dissolve into soft Air. Speak give me some signs of Life a Voice coming from so admirable a Shape cannot but be all Harmony to my Heart At this Roxana bowing forward was going to speak when he again interrupted her thus By Heavens it moves but one word and I am blessed for ever Then did Roxana say Whoe're you are that thus exercise your Wit and Fancy upon a Person who knows her self much inferiour to what the extasy you seem to be in leads you to speak know that I am the real Roxana Mistress of this place If all I hear and see is not Inchantments which I am apt to believe is when I consider that Shape which is before me and those Expressions which whether true or feigned real or delusive please my Ears and Heart and if you are as real Substance as I find my self to be I may now say I have seen the reality of those things which I before did only frame in my imagination and since I find that all which that Great man has told me proves true even beyond my expectation I am apt to believe that all the rest he has told me will be of the same stamp If he has said Madam reply'd Ibrahim that you should see a Person in whose single heart there was more Love contain'd for you than in all the World besides though all were too little yet If that he told you that it was impossible for that person to live a day longer after seeing you without the hopes that you would accept of an Heart which is wholly yours If he has assur'd you that from the first moment that person beheld you he vow'd to live eternally yours I am the person In confirmation of which I here lay my life and all I can call mine at your feet protesting by our great Prophet that I will never rise again from this place till you are pleas'd to accept and receive this free though unworthy Gift I make you of my self Saying this he slung himself at Roxana's feet she extended her hand to raise him but he taking hold of it and pressing it hard with his lips No Madam continu'd he never must I rise from this place till you have spoke my happiness To which thus Roxana answer'd That I may the sooner relieve you from this unbeseeming and uneasie posture and to follow what the Heavens have decreed in which peradventure concurs something of my own inclination for I cannot but think when I reflect on all that has been acted this night that it is the will of Heaven Here is my Hand that I receive those offers you have made me of your Heart in exchange of which I give you another that was never any others but mine and now yours And I Madam reply'd Ibrahim do take the boldness to seal this Contract on this white Author of my Happiness with my Lips. With this she took him up then said to him looking on her Maid Here is one shall be a secret Witness of our secret Love till we find means to get our Friends consents mean time you know my Father's severity towards me by which you may guess that if he had been now at Constantinople I should not have had this opportunity which I know not when we shall have again because he is expected here again to morrow After this they fell to particular discourses about the means they should use to see one another and they agreed that Moretto for having been so instrumental to their mutual happiness in bringing them to the knowledge of the Caldean should be admitted into the Confidence not doubting but that betwixt him and her Maid they should have such frequent news of one another that they should not be long before they met again upon which and divers other discourses of that nature day beginning to break forth they thought fit to separate which after a thousand repeated assurances of constancy on both sides they did he leading first Roxana to the Gate of her Garden then he getting over the Wall by his Rope-ladder The brightest â—ay is frequently follow'd with a â—â—ormy Night and the fairest Night succeeded by a Cloudy Day Our Lovers Joys like all vehement Motions were too great to last long and though the Cause of it was not in themselves but from abroad yet so suddain so great and so passionate a Love as was between them rendred them not long happy as you shall hear from what follows Ibrahim was a Person that in all respects was very desirable no wonder then if that Roxana was so impatient to see again a Person so like that which she had fram'd in her imagination that could only please her She had employ'd her Maid and the Maid
draw the door after him when he had done in the Garden You may imagine in what rapture Ibrahim was at all he had seen and heard he resolved to make good use of it and to that purpose he did cast a little Stone over towards the place where Moretto was at work who did guess at the meaning of it and having seen whether the Coast was clear he drew near to the peep-hole where Ibrahim told him all that had passed after which it was agreed that Moretto should ask leave to go to a Caldean which he had heard of who us'd to inform him as to Gardening to know of him when the Stars and the Moon were in the best disposition for to transplant those Flowers which Roxana had commanded him to remove that that should be an introduction by which through his Wit and good Management he should insinuate to the Maid that she could not employ a more Learned Man than that Caldean if she should give him the least hint of any desire she had that way and if so that then he himself would in a disguise pass for the Caldean and by that means work his own ends to his full content This being agreed upon Moretto return'd to finish his work and then he return'd into the House while his Master retired to rest and to expect his answer Moretto whose Wit answered the great inclination which he had to serve his Master fail'd not of addressing himself to Roxana's Maid to obtain leave of going out as he had projected and he told her so many wonderful things of this Caldean that the Maid grew impatient of speaking with him her self with a design that if he did not answer exactly the expectation which Moretto had stir'd up in her by his recital she would pass him by and go to her old acquaintance and no sooner was Moretto gone but that she acquainted Roxana with the wonders which Moretto had told her of his Caldean this set her as much a-gog as her Maid of hearing what he could say but for fear any body should have the least suspition of it she ordered her Maid to entertain him from a low Window and that she would be concealed in some convenient place of the room where she might hear all Mean time away gets Moretto in the dusk of the evening to his Master with such accoutrements as were proper for to make an absolate Caldean of him he fitted them upon him gave him his Cue and when it was dark they both got out at the Stable door and away they trudg'd towards Aladin's House which though near required many steps to get the right way unto it being got thither our new Caldean stood at a little distance from the House while Moretto went into give the Maid notice who being upon the watch bid him stay a little for an answer and went towards her Ladies Appartment This gave Moretto some thoughts that her Lady was to be made acquainted with it in which he was presently confirmed for after the Maid had told him at what Window he should bring the Caldean he going out turn'd back suddenly to ask her if he should remain with the Caldean or come in again he had a glimps of Roxana who was getting into that low Room he was bid to come in again and leave the Caldean to discourse with her privately Moretto presently inform'd Ibrahim of his new discovery after which he brought him to the appointed Window where he left him and so went into the house leaving his Master to manage those two Females The Maid ask'd him whether he was the Caldean of whom their Gardner had given so great a Character he answer'd that he was the person in a low voice she bid him speak louder without fear because there being No body else that could hear no said he then I find you have a mind to play upon me and seeing that you will not deal with me as I design'd to deal with you both added he I 'll retire immediately and Roxana shall not have the satisfaction which she expected from me At the word Roxana both the Mistress and the Maid started and perceiving that he was going to be as good as his word by moving from the Window Hold said the Maid by Roxana's Command and since nothing is hid from your great Knowledge speak boldly to us both Do said Roxana and if thou goest on as thou hast begun I will highly gratifie thee Then say not one word more reply'd Ibrahim for it were needless I know your Thonghts and as dark as it is can read them on your foreheads as easily as the Verses in your Pocket Ask me no more questions I say continu'd he no more than I ask you but hear with attention all that I know of your Thoughts your Wishes and Desires 'T was by my great Art my Infallible Art that the Flowers in your Garden were Transplanted I caused those Verses to be Wrote which you found in the Summer-House after you had given your Maid an account of the qualifications that man should have that you could Love. I infus'd into such a Person the desire to see you to like you and to give you that short declaration of Love in Verse Ask me not why I did this for you I see your longing desire to do it not one word I read also that you would be glad to see that so accomplish'd a Person and foresee that you will love him and that your hearts will agree I know that your Servant would have addressed her self to another of my Profession but he had not given you all this satisfaction I know your Parents will thwart his Love to you and that it is not to be slackned by their greatest severity and that you will nay that you must for the Heavens have Decreed it I say you must repay his Love with yours mutually enterchange your hearts and by firm Promise make you both one Person 'till time and Friends work your Parents to give their consent I know lastly that you would be glad to see the Person 's Idea or Form which you shall do hear it speak Court you as if it were he himself if you dare with only this your Maid go to the Summer-House this night at Twelve where I engage nothing shall appear or be heard to affright you And now I have done when you would hear more send for me here again or I 'll come of my self when I think you may want me remember this night at Twelve on which depends much of your future happiness He was Retiring when Roxana holding a Purse in her hand cry'd hold take this At which turning his head I despise your gilded dross said he and move by Nobler Motives So he retir'd It is scarce to be imagin'd in what surprizal and confusion of thoughts our Caldean left his Mistress and her Maid by his pretended miraculous Skill they took him for no less than a great Prophet but the only scruple which was
left in Roxana's thoughts was why he had by his own Confession so much concern'd himself in the interest of a Person so absolute a stranger to him as she was to which the Maid made answer That though he was not pleas'd to discover his reasons for it she might conclude that if she knew not him it was probable that he not only knew her but had also some great Reasons that led him to act as he did and pray Madam give me further leave added she to tell you that I look not upon this Person as one of those ordinary men which we employ to tell us our Fortunes Nor I neither reply'd Roxana I rather take him to be some Great Master in the Mathematicks who by his great Reading and profound Learning joyned to some conversation with Christians who it is said are incomparable in those fore-telling Arts has attained to this wonderful heighth of Knowledge as to read our very thoughts And in that opinion I have a great desire this night to try this prodigious experiment which he has said he would shew me There Madam I leave you said the Maid and must acknowledge my weakness my fears and apprehensions of I know not what danger prevail too much upon me to venture so far Thy panick fears reply'd Roxana I have as much to hazard as you and yet my desires are so great to see the shape of the Person he mention'd that I will venture on the thing Madam I confess that as you are of a greater Rank you have more to lose than I but then give me leave to tell you that you have also more to gain for if I mistake not pardon my boldness Madam there is another Motive than bare curiosity that leads you on while I have neither interest nor curiosity enough to venture You cannot think it should be Love should push me on reply'd Roxana with a Person that I never yet did see But Madam there may be Inclinations and Desires to see an Object so conformable to ones wishes as our great Man has promis'd to shew you said the Maid I must confess reply'd Roxana that nothing could please me more than to see such a Person as I have represented to my self divers times and which I have never seen Doubtless Madam said the Maid and it would not be very difficult for you to love such a Person too Thou com'st near to the point reply'd Roxana well to encourage thee to attend me with thy endeavours I will confess to thee that I have had some inclination towards that Person who writ the Verses which I found in the Summer-house ever since I first read them and that then and divers times since I have wish'd that that Person were qualify'd according to my desire Be sure to keep my Secret now that I have made thee my Confident This is to engage you further added she giving her the â—â—rse which our Magician had refus'd take it as an assurance of my further Favours which I will always measure by those Services that you will render me There needed no more to engage her Maid wholly to her devotion she protested that she would go through Fire and Water and pass over the greatest difficulties imaginable that she was not only ready to attend her that night but also to lay down her life at any time for her Service Thus they having spun the time away till the hour of Ten. Roxana laid her self in a Day-Bed which was in an open Room joyning the Gardens more to rave on the Adventure she was going about than to sleep while she left her Maid watching with strict charge to call upon her at the appointed Hour she having such an ascendant over her Mother and now that Aladin was still absent as he had been for two days before she dispâ—s'd of her self and Servants as she pleas'd which was the reason that she had pretended that to enjoy the cool Air which came from the Garden into that Room she had chosen to lye there that night If Roxana busied her thoughts one way Ibrahim was not more quiet in another He hugg'd himself a thousand times for carrying on his Design so well and without the least suspicion he thank'd his propitious Stars as oft and wish'd that he might but converse for some few moments with his Moretto to take further measures to finish the so well begun Work He was weighing every particular circumstance his Fears and Hopes were ebbing and flowing according as his thoughts did suggest him when Moretto who through his hole in the Quickset had got into the Garden so soon as he had seen the Coast clear did cast some Stones over into his Master's Garden to give him notice of his being at the hole Ibrahim whose solicitous thoughts did not hinder him from being attentive that way presently repair'd to the place where hearing that it was Moretto he cast the Rope-ladder over the Wall and bid him come over to him There he told him what he had done and in what an amazement he had left both Mistress and Maid what he had promis'd them to perform that night at Twelve and what he design'd further to act But my dear Moretto continu'd he dost thou think that Roxana will have so much Curiosity and Courage as to adventure her self at the Place Sir reply'd Moretto if the Character you have given her of your own Person has touch'd her Heart you may be sure that she will pass over all dangers to see so charming an Object and that she had some propensity that way is clear by her desire to be present at the Caldean's Discourse However reply'd Ibrahim I will prepare my self for that purpose in which I must have thy assistance to carry all off without the least suspicion Then he told him how he had laid the Plot what part he was to act and that he would perform the rest he bid him put on that Caldean Habit which he had worn to disguise himself that he should hide himself behind the Bushes which surrounded the Summer-House so that he might see when they were got into the House that then he should pull the door close by a String ty'd to the Lock and keep it shut on the out-side till he should hear him to dismiss them and then he should let loose the door slip off the string and get as fast as he could into the out-houses where he usually lay Ibrahim having made an end of informing Moretto how he should act he gave him some Lamps to set up in divers places of the Summer-house with order to watch their coming and to fling a Stone for Signal of their approach after which Moretto got over the Wall in his Caldean Habit dispos'd of the Lamps fastn'd the String to the Lock of the Door and went to watch their coming Roxana in the mean time being too full of imaginations to get a moments sleep began to talk to her Maid which was over-heard by Moretto as he was
hand open'd and read it but how vexed was she when she read from whom it came that she had not immediately sent it back again without so much as looking upon it but now it was too late and since she had begun to read she had as good go on to see the rest of it as not she then read as follows I should think you to be the most insensible Person in all the World Madam should you not vent your Passion against me with all the rage and fury imaginable and nothing more could perswade me that all you had done to save your Honour were but feign'd did you not think me the very worst of all men Yes Madam you ought to resent in the highest nature what I have attempted against you and I am bound in conscience to give you that good and wholsome Advice But after all Madam when you have given all that is due to your just resentments and your revenge let me advise and intreat you to allow justice its due also and after you have treated me like a Criminal so long as you had no other reason but to believe me so you ought to receive again some good impressions of me in your heart and mind when you are well inform'd of my Innocence and of the Violence that I was forced to use upon my self before I could submit to become the Instrument by which you have receiv'd so much trouble For who durst persist long in the refusal of the express orders of the Emperor especially after I had so highly incens'd him at my refusal to obey him in a thing of such a nature which I knew would so highly offend you Yes Madam Amurat being overcome with your Beauty had a desire to know whether you had not been defiled by Ibrahim so as to have been rendered unworthy of the Honour of his Embraces he chose that way of Tryal and he forc'd me to go about it I have not yet given him an account of what I have done and I wait to learn from you what I shall answer according to the Inclination you may have of becoming his Mistress or not For my part I know how to think of you and how to value so chast and so virtuous a Woman and if I durst give Counsel against my Prince I know what I would advise you to do But Madam your own Chast thoughts are sufficient to inspire you with such an Answer as is fitting and suitable to so much goodness as you are Mistress of Leave me not long without an answer that I may frame accordingly my report to the Emperor I doubt not but after this Information of the reasons of my rash proceedings against you you will take care to clear me from being censur'd by that Person that insolently took the rest of the work out of my hands just when I was going to desist from any further prosecution of that in which you had so intirely satisfi'd me that you might have seen that my Commission ending there I had no more to do than beg your pardon for what I had done so much against my own inclinations and that profound respect which I have for so Charming a person These Reasons how plausible they might appear to the Mufti and Zora did so ill consist with the method he had taken the Violence he had us'd the passion or rather rage that he had exprest during the attempt and his former lustful sollicitations besides those passionate Expressions in the Letter that Roxana did but admire at his Impudence that employed Amurat's Name and Commands to justifie his Beastliness upon that she tore the Letter in a thousand pieces and confirm'd her self in the Resolution of never more giving him the least opportunity imaginable of speaking to her and presently taking Pen Ink and Paper she writ to Aladin to most humbly and earnestly intreat him to come and deliver her from that Misery she liv'd in through the wicked Mufti 's means and immediately dispatch'd a Messenger with the Letter to her Father Having thus settled her mind again she call'd for some of her Attendants to put her in Bed. Zora thought that a fit time to appear in before Roxana because that she thought she would not take notice of any thing before her other Servants and that so soon as she were in Bed she would retire to her Chamber so that she might see and guess by her looks at the agitation of her Heart and so proceed as she should find occasion The Servants being come Zora appear'd also with the Vest and Vail which had been found in the dark Corner Look you Madam said she what has been found in the dark Passage Can you tell who laid them there replyed Roxana If you could do that you would pleasure me for I am sure that I am infinitely oblig'd to that Person who ever he be that took the pains to carry them so far and I wish he had them for his pains They are worth acceptance I assure you Madam said Zora If you think so replyed Roxana do so much for me as to make a strict enquiry all about the House to find out the Person and if you can discover him present them from me to him but if you cannot learn who it is pray accept of them your self Rexana spoke this with something of Chearfulness which made Zora to believe that Roxana had accepted of the Mufti 's Reasons as sufficient That made her venture to ask her whether she design'd an answer to the Letter she had lately receiv'd for which there was a Servant waited below No replyed Roxana I leave it to the Persons own discretion that writ it who is too well supply'd with that to want my advice and not to act in it for the better as he shall think fit Saying this she went in Bed and ordered that the Curtains should be close shut and no noise made because she would go sleep which oblig'd all the Servants to retire and Zora with them All that Zora could do to satisfie her own Curiosity and to serve her Brother in the discovery of Roxana's Deliverer was to no effect No body in all the House could give her an account of him only a slave told her that about such a time he had seen a Man go out of the House hastily whom he knew not She fancied it might be Cara who after his usual manner coming to give her a Visit and not finding her was gone back again to his Lodgings To be certain of this she presently dispatch'd a Servant to him to let him know that she would speak with him and in case he was not at home to leave word that he should come to her so soon as he was come in or very early the next morning Roxana's dubious answer did work very much in Zora's mind and she thought that it would do so in her Brother 's also wherefore she sent word of it in writing to the Mufti and inform'd him besides of all
strength of Arms. After the Mother had a little recollected her self she caus'd some body to go call Zora to her the Messengers were knocking at the door till they were weary without any answer which made them look through the Key-hole and by an imperfect dim light it being yet early having perceiv'd her fallen on the ground and a great deal of Blood about her they hastily run back to the Mother and told her that Zora lay murthered on the Floor in her own Chamber and that the Door being look'd within side there was no coming at her The Mother did presently give order that the Door should be broke open that to that purpose some men servants should be call'd up as also to be sent for some Physitians in all haste all was done accordingly and Zora was found coming to her self again for the loss of Blood which had caus'd her fainting in which she had fallâ—n on the Floor being thereby stopt for the present she had come to life again those that were about her stopp'd the blood and bound up the Wound as well as they could till further help came She was asked who had done her the mischief and the question being made by those that were inferior to her she thought not fit to give them any account of it but wav'd the Discourse Roxana in the mean time having amongst the rest of her extravagant talk mention'd the Mufti 's Name two or three times The Mother having given strict Charge she should be held in her Bed did go to Zora's Chamber to see her and to ask her some questions She asked of her in the first place who had so wounded her to which Zora made answer that having heard a great noise in the Womens apartment she had stepped out of her Chamber to see what was the matter and that as she was returning she had met with Roxana who calling her Robber and Thief had given her that blow with a Scimiter that she had in her hand at which she had run away and locked her self in her Chamber for fear she should follow after her to give her more The Mother asked her whether the Mufti her Brother had been there that day to which Zora made answer No. Are you very sure of that said the Mother Yes Madam answered Zora and I am certain that no body in all the House can say he has been seen by them this day He may have been here and you not know it reply'd the Mother No Madam answered Zora I can and will give you ample proof of what I say And pray Madam continued she because my Wound will not permit me to write call but for some body that can and I will send the Mufti word that he should give us an exact account of the places and Company he has been with all the Day and all the night A person being brought Zora bid him only write justifie your self and give good proofs where you have been of late This was presently sent by Zora's special order to her Brother who was found in his Bed. By this time the Surgeons being come they took Zora in hand and dressed her Wound No sooner did the Mufti read that note but he presently got up though it was so early and he began his Certificate which was that having been at the Council till past twelve of the Clock he had from thence gone home from whence he had not since stirr'd out This was sign'd by all his Servants Of truth there was but one who knew of his going out who was his Consident the others believing really that he had not been out that night So soon as it was convenient for him to stir forth he went to divers of the Counsellors and obtain'd from them their hands to certifie that he had been with them in the Council Chamber till after twelve telling them to satisfie their Curiosity that a wager depended upon it after that he went to all the other places where he had been all that day and obtain'd from those Persons in whose Company he had been to sign to his Certificate which he sent back to Zora He thought this a very necessary thing for him to do out of hand because the Court was moving that day towards the Holy Waters that he might be so far justified to the World that he should not in his absence be accused of a deed which he verily believ'd was done but knew not by whom and had no hand in it with hopes that at his return he might renew his Friendship with Roxana who still stuck at his heart though he believ'd her ravish'd Thus he fitted himself for the Journey and went with the Court. The Physitians having administer'd things to Roxana in order to compose her Spirits and to cause her to rest The Scimiter was examin'd and no body could imagine how Roxana came by it nor any body remember that they had seen such a one in the House But when Zora had view'd it a little more nearly she fancy'd that Cara did wear just such a one which confirm'd her in the suspicion she had before that Cara had come and taking one Râ—om for another had met with Roxana while she her self had been disappointed The Mother not knowing what to think of all this nor what to make of it began to wish her self in the Country with her Husband or he with her at Constantinople to dive a little deeper than she could in all these Mysteries and to unravel the Riddles Cara for his part having got by his change was well satisfied fancying that it was with Roxana that he had met in the dark in lieu of Zora of which he hoped to be one day fully satisfyed by the Ring which he had taken from off her Finger nothing did trouble him in all this business but the loss of his Scimiter which he knew not whether he had dropt by the way or left behind him through his extreme haste to get away unseen which he had almost despair'd to do by the great noise which Roxana began to make By this time of the day the Emperour and the Sultana were ready to go their Journey accompanied with the principal Officers of the Court not forgetting our Mufti amongst the rest Not but that he would fain have lingred behind for some few days to have learn'd of certain who had been his Substitute of which he had but a bare distrust and to have had some account of Roxana's condition But the Emperour calling particularly for him he was forc'd to go and leave all to Zora's care which was to send him word how things were but he resolv'd to take Cara along with him to prevent him from any further progress in his good fortune with Roxana under the pretence of having then more opportunity to present him to Amuâ—at and to get him some employ Roxana who was all this while in her Mother's bed had at last fallen asleep and by the assistance of those Remedies
charg'd those who were appointed to guard her and convey her to the Galley that should transport her with Letters which contain'd that that Person should be receiv'd meaning Roxana into the Order to which she was directed and that after she had been brought by hardship to a severe penance she should be sent into another World by the means of some gentle Poison And that the Mufti should not be wanting in the least in his revenge he directed her to be privately convey'd into that Galley which was commanded by Cara that he whom he believ'd to be Roxana's innocent Ravisher should have a hand in her death Thus Roxana was sent away incognito to her own ruine under the pretence of change of Air for her health sake All this while Aladin had been kept in ignorance of all that had pass'd at his House in Constantinople and as oft as he had sent for leave of the Emperour to come up to Constantinople he still had been deny'd by our Mufti 's contrivances but so soon as Roxana was sent away he had liberty sent him to come to Constantinople The Sultana having accidentally had some intelligence of our Mufti 's cruelty against poor Roxana to whom she had promis'd her protection gave private notice to Roxana's Mother that there was a Letter sent with her which was to be deliver'd to the Captain of the Galley which he was not to open but to deliver it as it was to those persons to whom he was to deliver Roxana which Letter contain'd orders for Roxana's death And she advis'd the Mother to send immediately an express after Roxana to give her private notice thereof in writing The Mother lost no time and the Messenger came just as Roxana was getting into the Galley Cara having receiv'd his order and by the retinue believing his Charge to be some person of quality who desir'd to remain conceal'd he shew'd her to the best Cabbin without any further inquiry who this person should be and of truth there was no body there that could inform him for at Roxana's departure from Constantinople all her own Servants had been discharg'd and new ones which she had never seen before were appointed to wait on her that Journey Thus was poor unfortunate Roxana doom'd to death and sent to it by him who had been the chief cause of her greatest sorrow But the Heavens who permit sometimes Wickedness to triumph over Innocence and Virtue for a while will not rest till they have brought the Wicked to Punishment not permitting Goodness to be always oppress'd as we shall see in the continuation of Roxana's Story The great rejoycing which the Halists made for their young Heir to the Empire did but the more incense those of the true Mahometan Religion who were highly disturb'd already at the imprisoning of their Mufties and they murmur'd openly at it which caus'd that the Halists who had now no further occasion for their Confinement at least for the present did release them after a kind of Examination which was more for Form than any thing that could with Justice be alledg'd against them But more Severity than ever was us'd against all true Mahometists and the Halists were so full of the designs which they had of suddenly destroying them that they could not forbear their open threatnings Of truth it was discover'd that there was an agreement made betwixt Amurat's Council and Cha-Abas to destroy all such as would not become Halists and to that purpose Cha-Abas was to send a Persian Army into the Ottoman Empire which was to assist the Halists in their wicked designs to totally root out the True Ancient Mahometan Religion to destroy all the maintainers thereof with Fire and Sword and to clear the whole Empire of that Religion The Blow was ready to be given when that all the Nobility of the Ancient and True Religion of Mahomet made an association amongst themselves to stand and fall one by another for the maintenance of their Religion and the preservation of the fundamental Laws of the Empire This they signed and sent over to Prince Soliman by a particular Messenger with Letters to humbly intreat him to defer no longer his coming to redeem them from Slavery and Idolatry that now the Persian Sword was ready to fall upon their Heads and that if he stay'd any longer from giving them assistance that in their ruine he would meet with an end to all his just pretensions to the Succession of the Empire Soliman who had had sure intelligences from all hands of Cha-Abas designs that knew that he would no sooner have done with the Ottoman Empire but that he would be for divesting of him also of his Dominions did presently march at the head of a great Army into the Ottoman Territories where being come and not finding the Bassa's to joyn with him as they had assur'd him they would do he was thinking of retiring again knowing well that how great soever his Army was it was very insufficient to oppose Amurat's Forces so long as they remain'd united but he was not long in that suspense for so soon as the Nobles had conveniences they all came over with their men to him who being so strongly reinforc'd and Amurat's Army so weaken'd or rather entirely ruined he march'd streight-way towards Constantinople without the least considerable resistance all places yielding to him as he march'd This sudden and unexpected Change in the Halists Affairs did so surprise them that every one of them began to shift for themselves amongst which the Priests of every order of Hali's Sect were not the last Amurat himself seeing what a prodigious Change had happen'd in all his Dominions thought it necessary to send secretly away the Sultana with the Child into Cha-Abas's Dominions and he himself did not long after follow them resolv'd to deprive himself of the Empire for the good of his Subjects seeing that the constitution of the Government did not sute with his Religion It is now time we should return to poor unfortunate Roxana At her reception into the Galley through her disorder in getting in her Vail had fallen so much aside as to give Cara a sufficient view to let him know what a Beautiful Person he was intrusted withal But Roxana was so alter'd from her former condition by her incessant grief that persons who had more and frequenter opportunities of seeing her than Cara would not have known her again besides he was far from immagining that she who had liv'd all along so retiredly should be for going into Persia He had then as much sight of her as was sufficient to set his heart all on fire and to create in him an extraordinary desire of seeing more openly that Beauty and of inquiring who she was Roxana's thoughts were taken up another way she sitting alone in her Cabin had time to run over all her Misfortunes and to descant upon every particular Circumstance of them But that which troubled her most in that
much as making any severe Reflexions or bearing malice against any Person even my profest Enemies much less against such as are absolute Strangers to me A Key to both Parts of the Court Secret. Selim the First King Charles I. Selim the Second King Charles II. Amurat The Duke of York Osmond The Duke of Glocester Soliman The Prince of Orange The Sultana Queen Mary Zelinda The Princess of Orange Cha-abas The French King. Clorinet Tyrconnel Chilase The French King's Confessor Repset Peters the Jesuit Zora His Sister Clorineta The Lady Tyrconnel Monitenna Madam of Maintenon Emperor of Migrena Emp. of Germany Grand Visir Rinola D. of Loraine The Bassas of Swibrunckia D. of Brunswick Abrania Bavaria Brugulnea Lunenburg Xonisea Saxony Grubdenbran Brandenburg Sehes Hesse Stenrum Munster The Saraguere Kelwad Waldeck The Ottoman Empire Great Britain The Persian Empire France Albiona England Myrgena Germany Pesina Spain Haldon Holland Clonstad Scotland Leridan Ireland Constantinople London Ispahan Paris Risauta Austria Blunid Dublin Lynderodon Londonderry Mahometans Protestants Mahometists Jesuits Halists Papists Grand Mufti The Pope Mufti Bishops or Priests Heathens Turks The Grand Council of the Divan or of the Empire The Parliament As for Aladin Roxana Cara and Moretto the Reader may apply them as he thinks fit The Court Secret A NOVEL PART II. AMbition is a Passion so absolute and imperious that when a Mind is once possess'd with it there is rarely any admittance for any other at the same time It seizes the whole Man and Love it self that masters the Masters of the World can scarce get entrance in an heart prepossess'd with that Tyrant that is continually fed with those Court-Flatteries wherewith Princes are usually entertain'd Yet there is no Rule so general that will not admit of some Exception and in the Person of Cha-abas the now Emperor of Persia may be seen that that unsufferable Ambition which caus'd him to aim at an Universal Monarchy and that has arm'd all the World against him threatning no less than the utter Subversion of his Empire has at the same time receiv'd also into his Bosom that little Deity who blinds all those Victims which he designs for Sacrifices insomuch that the Vulgar who seldom dive into the Secrets of Princes have attributed wholly to his boundless Ambition that in which Love had as great a share if not the advantage I shall leave it to the Reader 's Judgment in the reading of this Second Part of the Court Secret in which that Emperour 's Private Amours are set forth according to the Memories fallen into my hands When the Persian Emperour had been advis'd by his Politick Council to make choice of a Wife for Amurat that might espouse the Persian Interest be capable of governing him when he should come to the Government which right or wrong was to happen according to the measures which they had taken in the prospect they had that Amurat was a great Proselyte to that Sect. This present Sultana was pitch'd upon as the most proper and fit person that could be had for that purpose She was therefore chosen from a great number that aspired at that honour to become in success of time the chiefest Instrument by which all the Halists should work their Designs in that Empire Of truth her Wit Address Presence of Mind Courage Boldness and exquisite Beauty which gave lustre to all her other excellencies did highly contribute in rendring her Mistress of Amurat's Affections and fitted her above all other persons in the World to carry on so great a Design The Sultana had formerly liv'd in the Persian Court where Cha-abas had had the opportunity of admiring her Charms and doubtless he had been so absolutely master'd by them as never to have been brought to resign such a Treasure of Beauties to another when he had it at his disposal had he not been diverted from it by the choicest Beauties of his Empire which were daily offer'd to him and the Shame which was continually set before his eyes of losing so fair an opportunity of rendring himself Master of the Ottoman Empire so much coveted and aimed at by his Predecessors the Glory of the Performance being by his Fortunate Stars reserv'd for his invincible Arms which would illustrate all his Conquests establish for ever the Religion of Haly throughout the Ottoman Empire and Crown him with eternal Glory and Renown Those and such like Arguments for that time caus'd his Ambition to triumph over his Love he yielded to their Advices and permitted himself to be led by Interest to the prejudice of Love who enraged at the Assront devested Cha-abas Heart from its Natural Severity and infus'd it into the Sultana's Bosome rendring it thereby so obdurate to all his Intercessions that all his Repentance and Submission should not be of force to make in it the least impression The violent Counsels of the Mufty Repset and other Halists having been the occasion of that prodigious and wonderful change in the Ottoman Empire which had caus'd Amurat and the Sultana to retire into Persia from the Fury of an enraged Multitude against whose Torrent no Bank of Religion Allegiance or Loyalty can hold and that nothing but its own impetuousness can allay They were oblig'd to run the same Fortune also the Mufti like the rest of his Order not much troubling his Head at the wonderful Alterations which he with the assistance of others of his Fraternity had wrought in Turky Of truth it may be said of that Society that they were ever true to that design they first took in hand to stick to the Interest of the House of Risauta That made them when they found notwithstanding all their efforts that the Persian Emperour still grew more and more formidable to the great prejudice of the Pesinians they on the sudden feign'd themselves weary of protecting the Pesinians made Overtures to wholly relinquish their Interest and to come over to that of Persia which was greedily embrac'd by its Emperour who not distrusting them did wholly relie on their Counsels they in the mean time by that means and Stratagem designing the total Ruine of the Persian Empire and the raising of the House of Risauta above whatever it had yet been This made them to put Cha-abas upon glutting his Ambition by all base and violent Usurpations Breaches of Treaties Treacheries upon the Territories of those Neighbouring Princes that were at Peace with him which made the Grand Mufti himself to be affronted by him by which doings he has now drawn upon him the hatred of all Princes who have all joyn'd against him that will not hear of any Terms of Accommodation who have oblig'd the Grand Mufti not to protect him but to abandon him to the just Revenge of all those Princes whom he has so highly offended and that even will not assist Amurat in the least in the recovery of his lost Empire because it has happen'd through his following the evil Counsels of the Persian Emperour
which made her design within her self to make a Prize of Cha-abas in which she was already confident she should not be oppos'd by the Sultana who as she found her inclin'd especially at that time would rather encourage and assist her in her Design than thwart it in hopes that it would in part divert those Addresses which Cha-abas might disturb her quiet with and which she could not tell how handsomly to avoid considering the Obligations which both she and Amurat seem to have unto him Cha-abas then watching for an opportunity of entertaining Clorineta on that Subject did one day find her all alone walking in a private cover'd Walk in the Garden where she had given an assignation unto the Mufti Repset who was one of her Favourites Cha-abas came up to her and saluting her Madam said he I may thank my good Fortune for giving me this fair opportunity of declaring to you something of nearest concern to me and on which depends my Happiness or Misery This Onset did so tickle Clorineta's Heart expecting nothing less than a declaration of Love from that Emperour after so fair a beginning that she could not forbear assuring him that whatever he should say unto her would be so great an Honour as she would lose a Thousand Lives to merit it and that it would be all her study how she should answer so great a Monarch's Desires wih all the Humility and Respect imaginable and at the same time she wish'd with all her Heart within her self that her Mufti should forget the Assignation or mistake the Time or Place that his coming might not interrupt Cha-abas Discourses nor create in him the least Jealousie and Suspicion Cha-abas on his part desiring not to be interrupted neither and for fear of being seen by the Sultana who us'd to walk sometimes there said Madam if you will honour me so far as to accompany me to yâ—nder Pavillion where I may more freely and more at leisure disburthen my Mind into your Bosome you will infinitely oblige me Any thing Sir reply'd Clorineta that you shall please to command me I shall take as a great honour to perform With that Cha-abas taking of her by the Hand lead her towards the Pavillion which was at the end of the Walk making Signs to those that had follow'd him into the Garden and that in respect had stopp'd at some distance from Clorineta that he wanted not their Company After Cha-abas had seated Clorineta and himself fetching a great Sigh from the bottom of his Heart he thus began This forerunner of my Discourse Madam does but too much inform you of the Nature of it without any further clearing of the business and letting of you know that it is Love that All-powerful Deity who makes me sigh in his Chains Yet Madam it were in vain for me to deny or go about to conceal a Passiâ—n which how close soever I should resolve to carry it would in despight of all my Circumspections manifest it self I love Madam and There Cha-abas making a pause as if he was afraid to discover any more of his Passion it gave opportunity to Clorineta to say You can command Sir as well as love and doubtless that your Power is as absolute in that as it is in all other things that depend on your Will and Pleasure What is there in your Court in your whole Empire over which you have not that Power and Authority to command And who would not think themselves the most happiest persons in obeying especially in things of this Nature You say right Madam reply'd Cha-abas I can command in my Dominions my own Subjects but besides that Love must always be free and without force Peradventure that the Person who makes me sigh is not my Subject but one that I must serve with the greatest Submission and Respect that I can possibly pay to her Greatness and Illustrious Person Notwithstanding that these Two last Words had been sufficient to have enlightned a less discerning person than was Clorineta yet she was so puff'd up with her good Fortune and so prepossess'd with the Opinion that all that Cha-abas said was meant to her that she went confidently on taking all to her self and framing Answers suitable to her imagination which she return'd to Cha-abas with such amorous Glances such pathetick Expressions and such passionate Zeal that Cha-abas could not but take notice of it and believing it to be as it was and finding her worthy some consideration he let her remain in her mistake and resolv'd to take hold of an opportunity which offer'd it self so fairly therefore he thus continued Yes Madam You have so many Charms and they so powerful that should you be my Subject they were capable of rendring me your Slave Clorineta was going to answer when that she perceiv'd her Mufti coming with a round pace towards the Pavillion The very thoughts of his approach and discovering any Intrigue betwixt them did so confound her that she knew not what to say and to avoid all Suspicions she remov'd her Seat something more behind the Door to conceal her self from Repset's View pretending that the Air did blow something too cold upon her and she put the Door a little closer than it was before But that did but serve to discover the more visibly the set Assignation which had been betwixt them for Repset who had had an Eye of her at a distance which caus'd him to redouble his pace made a stop at the foot of some steps that led up to the Pavillion saying aloud I have seen you Madam and notwithstanding the Design you had to put the Dye upon me Love who would not let so great a Votary as I am to him lose such an Assignation lent me his Eyes to see you at that distance and his Wings to fly to your Saying this as he was getting up pushing the Door wide open and perceiving Cha-abas he made a full stop both to his Words and Motion It were hard to declare which of these Three Lovers was the most surpriz'd The Mufti retiring begging pardon for his Mistake and bold Intrusion went down Stairs again as fast as he had got up and sneaking through little by-Allies he retir'd to his Lodgings with all the haste and confusion imaginable This made Clorineta to pluck up her Spirits and tell Cha abas That the Mâ—fti meeting of Two Persons there which he little expected had certainly strangely confounded him and that doubtless it would make him lose the Assignation which he had mention'd of all which he had so well inform'd them except the Name of the Person Cha-abas all the while look'd earnestly on Clorineta as desirous to have been further inform'd by her Looks or Gestures which she perceiving for fear of saying or doing any thing that should betray her to her new Lover she did rise making some offer to go out saying that peradventure they might have another view of the Mufti which would inform them further Cha-abas who
Dress the Sultana was to be as also of the first Dress which Clorineta had pitch'd upon had no more to do but to fit her self with all the means imaginable to do all the Mischief she could possible and to create a Confusion amongst these Lovers At last the Day came in whose following Night the Ball was to begin There never was a more splendid appearance There was nothing to be seen but Tissu's Cloaths of Gold and Silver Embroideries with Pearls and precious Stones and whole Rocks of Diamonds which with the light of a Thousand White Wax Tapers plac'd in Silver and Chrystal Candlesticks and Sconces did produce a light more piercing than that of the Sun in its full Meridian contracted within the limits of a most spacious Hall. The Maskers being all enter'd and after some Dances having taken their Seats at the upper end of the Hall there were heard in the Air most admirable Consorts of Musick of Voices of Flutes and of other Instruments answering one another and sometimes all together singing all in the praise of Love. During these Harmonies which charm'd not less the Ears than the Maskers did the Eyes There appear'd towards the middle of the Hall like a Flock of flying Hearts of all sorts and Sizes fluttering in the Air to which presently came flying a little Cupid with his Bow and Arrows shooting at the whole Flock still as he flew with little Silver Shafts At last he shot the biggest of all the Hearts that were in the whole Flock which tumbling down on the Floor transpierced with the Shaft and bleeding the little Cupid made after it with all the Wing he had and lighting on the Ground seiz'd on the Heart with which he began to play Childish Tricks At last he looks round on all the Ladies as if designing to bestow it on one of them He walks round and not knowing to whom to deliver it he falls a crying lays himself down by the Heart pushes it from him kicks it still lying and plays a Thousand little Apish Tricks with it pouting and seeming very sullen As he was toying thus comes as from out of the Hangings which represented whole Figures to the Life a Venus and the Three Graces They come up to Cupid who perceiving them takes the Heart and huggs it in his Arms as afraid they should take it from him Venus begs it of him he kicks at her she offers to take it he defends it the Graces assist Venus in the getting of it from him he scrambles with them kicks one pinches another scratches a Third spits at the Fourth and finding that they were too many for him he on the sudden having secur'd the Heart betwixt his Thighs catches up his Bow and pulls out an Arrow to shoot at which they all run away and left him he laught at them laid himself down again and began to fool as before presently after comes out as from another part of the Hanging Old Time with his Wings and his Scythe leading in one Hand Fortune with a Vail over her Eyes a Sail in her Hand a Wheel on her Head and in the Name of it a Golden Ball and in the other Hand Fame with her Two Trumpets her Gown all over bestrew'd with Ears and Eyes They come up to Cupid he seems pleas'd with them but still secures the Heart He plays with the Feathers of Times Wings gives Fortune a blow then hides himself behind Time and Fame while she gropes after him he gets one of Fame's Trumpets and blows in it They let him play so with them till he gets into a good Humour which Time perceiving he leads him by the Hand towards the Ladies Cupid seems bashful at first at last takes a round and after divers offers to several Ladies he lays it in the Sultana's lap and presently flies away Time Fortune and Fame being gone before This Heart was no sooner laid in the Sultana's lap but that she was surpriz'd to see it open fall in pieces and discover it self to be within side a whole Cluster of Diamonds and Pearls in the midst of which was a Paper neatly folded which she had a great mind to open and to see what it contain'd but she was unwilling to gratifie her Desires at that time because that all the rest of the Maskers had their Eyes fixed upon her However her Curiosity was so great that she could not forbear turning up one Corner of it in which having read the Word Love she secretly convey'd it into her Pocket together with the Heart and took no further notice By this time a large Table fill'd with all manner of Delicacies sprung up as out of the Floor with Seats round it and out of the Hangings round came out divers Servants with Bottles of all sorts of Liquors and Glasses which were supply'd by others which appear'd but half in and half out of the said Hangings still shifting of Glasses after they had once been us'd The Maskers did all rise went and seated themselves round the Table and took of what they lik'd best with which some stor'd their Pockets others their Handkerchiefs which they carried after on the Stools on which they were seated before after which the Table and Chairs disappeared again The Consorts ceas'd and the Four and Twenty Violins struck up some Tunes to invite the Maskers to dance after they had danced so long as it was thought convenient there appear'd other Maskers no body knowing how they came in who danc'd divers Sarabrands and other Antick Dances very pleasant and diverting Which ended and the Dancers retired then did all the Maskers promiscuously mix together and every one apply'd himself as his Fancy led him It was then that Cha-abas took the opportunity of addressing himself to the Sultana and under his Disguises did take a greater liberty than he durst have done at another time of mentioning his Love to her each moment seeming very tedious unto Chilase who was watching at a distance for the time that Cha-abas would give the Sultana some respite that he might tell her what he had to say Clorineta was not less impatient on the other hand and thought it long before the Sultana dismiss'd the Emperour as she had promised her to do that she might have the opportunity of entertaining him in her turn Mean time Repset was plying his time tooth and nail in his Courtship to Clorineta's Woman thinking her to be the Mistress with no other Design than to hinder a Commerce betwixt Cha-abas and Clorineta While all the Maskers were thus busie in entertaining one another and sometimes shifting from one another either for the sake of meer change or to meet with some particular Person that they had a mind to entertain to find out some other that answer'd more home to their Propositions or to take breath when they had spoken all they had to say The jealous Monitenna was observing all the passages betwixt those Persons with which she was concern'd she saw how
Mistress at the Rendezvous Clorineta presently slipp'd out of the way for fear the Sultana should take her home with her and so disappoint the Emperour the earnest haste which Clorineta made and the apprehensions which she discover'd at her going off for fear the Sultana should see her gave farther suspicions to Monitenna that it was an Assignation betwixt the Emperour and Clorineta She therefore follow'd her close and bid one of those Persons which she had employ'd before about the Mufties to dodge that Person and to bring her word in the Sultana's Coach where she was gone she presently return'd to the Sultana who knew her that ask'd her what was become of Cloreneta she told her that she knew not 'T is no matter now I have you to keep me company home reply'd the Sultana it may be she will be at home before us How shall we get home unknown I wish we had a Hackney Coach continu'd the Sultana Your own will do as well Madam reply'd Monitenna for no body will imagine that you would make use of it your self With the like Discourses they got to the Sultana's Coach which they caus'd to drive a little out of the Crowd by this time the Person that Monitenna had sent was return'd who having told her that Clorineta was in such a certain place walking all alone the Sultana propos'd going there to take her up wondring what she should do in such a retired place by her self They had much to do to disingage themselves from the confusion and concourse of people they were so long about it that when they were come to the place of Clorineta's Rendez-vous with Cha-abas they found them both together This was according to Monitenna's Heart's desire She made no question but that that Object would create strange Jealousies in the Sultana's Mind if she had but one grain of Love and of truth she could not forbear giving some touches of her resentments both to Cha-abas and to Clorineta She told him that he had not deceiv'd her in her expectations That she had set no greater value on his Protestations than she now did see them to amount unto and that she look'd on all that he had said as Words spoken in the Air. She spoke to Cha-abas all the while as if they knew not one another and serv'd Clorineta in the same manner But after all she left Cha-abas and Clorineta together and retir'd with Monitenna to her Coach which was in the Street not permitting either of them to stir one step after her which was no small Affliction to Monitenna who by that saw her self frustrate of the Design which she had of disappointing them They staid not long after They reflected a little on the Discovery and how they had been surpriz'd They fram'd some specious pretences as that it was to desire Clorineta to solicite the Sultana in Cha-abas behalf and to inform him how his Declaration of Love had been receiv'd and resented all which he had not had time to do by reason of the sudden breaking up of the Ball. Of truth it had lasted longer but that the Company perceiving the Emperour who was very well known to go out so hastily they thought that it was in order to retire which gave the occasion of breaking up some time sooner than otherwise might have been expected After this they parted that by Clorineta's sudden return home after the Sultana it might take off all occasion of suspicion and Cha-abas retir'd to give a full swing unto his Amorous Thoughts Monitenna was very well pleas'd at Clorineta's coming Home so soon after them and gather'd from it that no Action had past between the Emperour and her Rival and when that Clorineta assur'd the Sultana whom she rallied on the Assignation that there was no other Design in it but for Chaâ—abas to gain her to be his Solicitor in his Amours towards the Sultana and to be inform'd by her how his Declaration of Love had been receiv'd by her she found her self quite at ease on that side The Sultana said to Clorineta That she had perceiv'd a Paper which was conceal'd in that Heart which had been given her by the little Cupid but that she had not had the Curiosity yet to see what it contain'd with that taking out of her Pocket both the Heart and the folded Paper after they had admired the Richness and neat Contrivance of the Heart the Sultana gave the Paper to Clorineta to read That Freeness did abundantly speak the great Considence which the Sultana repos'd in Clorineta and in Monitenna also for in such Cases but few Women will admit of Communication but such was the Sultana's Love to Clorineta and indifferency for all men but Amurat that she set no Value upon any thing else This is what was writ in that Paper IF my Abilities did answer but in some measure the Ambition of my Will and Desires Divine Princess I should e're now have laid the whole World at your Feet Not that I could be so vain as to imagine it worth your consideration for many Worlds would not suffice to make a Present proportionable to your Grandeur but as that which could approach next to my Heart the nearest to your Merits though still at a vast distance Yet divers Worlds are wrapt up in the aspiring Desires of that Heart which I humbly present you with all that it has already perform'd and what it shall be capable of atchieving hereafter to render it most charming Princess the more acceptable Let this Emblem of it represent its firmness and constancy in the Resolution of being eternally yours as well as its Riches and Purity in Love. Yes Madam it is so full of that Divine Flame which your charms have kindled that being not of so yielding a Nature as to melt it has burst in sunder permit that Balm which perpetually flows from your lips to prevent the same effect in the Original and give leave to that breath with which you perfume the Arabian Spices and give Life to all things to refresh its Ardors yield a favourable Reception adorable Sultana to an Heart replenish'd with the most passionate Desires imaginable of serving you and entertain as yours that which is all Love for you and that can never find rest nor satisfaction till it has even out-run your very desires in its performance which no Mortal can do with such a zealous Love as your Slave Cha-abas So soon as Clorineta had read this the Sultana said This is so like the Humour of him that writ it that any person might easily have guess'd at the Author tho his Name had not been to it and really all that he has said to me was very much of the same Nature How he has had information to find me out from amongst so great a crowd I know not tho I would gladly be satisfied in it It was ill done and so much against my intentions that I am troubled for having confided in persons that have betray'd
me Monitenna made great protestations of her Innocency and Clorineta made answer Who should betray you but your self Madam Who I betray my self reply'd the Sultana after I had taken such cautions measures after I had had other Apparels made in private that very Day when you your self knew nothing of my Designs but some few hours before You are making out what I was saying Madam That nothing but your self could discover you to the Emperor For how is it possible to conceal that Greatness that Majestick Air and that agreeableness with which you adorn all your Actions and attract the Eyes as well as the Hearts of all companies It can no more be hid than the Sun's Beams in its full lustre You need to have been seen but once to be known again and distinguish'd from all the rest of the World Madam tho you had shrowded you self under all the Disguises that Art could produce Away with those gross Flatteries answer'd the Sultana you know I hate them Monitenna I dare say is not of your Opinion and does rather believe that some of my Servants or some of the Dressers has been won by Gold to betray me Madam reply'd Monitenna tho' I cannot deny but that which Clorineta has said is true to which I could add a great deal more and sufficient to have made a Discovery of your Person against your Will and Intentions yet I verily believe that you have been betray'd and that I could detect the Person through which the Discovery has been made Pray oblige me so much reply'd the Sultana that I may punish them accordingly for I will never endure such near my Person To take all suspicions from off my self Madam I am the more earnest to tell you that Yesterday Morning I perceiv'd one of those Gentlemen which Cha-abas uses to employ in secret Messages and Intrigues very earnest in Discourse with one of the Tailor 's Servants in the passage that leads to the place appointed for their Workroom where I did see him give the Fellow Money for something which he had convey'd into his hand The Gentleman had certainly known me but that the Passage being something dark and I turning my Face towards the Wall as I pass'd by I took from him the opportunity of so doing If this be examined into Madam continued she you will find that or something worse at the bottom for those Persons are never employ'd by Cha-abas but on some Amorous Intrigue and every day in change of Habits I am satisfy'd reply'd the Sultana and believe it to be so and since it is none of my own Servants that has been prevail'd with I 'le trouble my self no further about it all my Care shall be wholly to avoid all opportunities of giving Cha-abas any conveniency of disturbing the quiet of my Mind either in his own Person or by the Mediation of any of his Mercuries For the I cannot be so rude as not to receive with a great deal of Respect his Addresses yet I shall not afford them such Returns as he may expect for besides that I never had any inclinations towards the carrying on of Amorous Intrigues the present condition of our Affairs will not permit me to yield all the complaisance that I might otherwise have afforded in meer Diversion and since I find that Cha-abas looks two ways at once and that at the same time he makes his Addresses to you Clorineta I assure you that you shall find me the most obliging Rival that ever was and that I will forward your good Fortune as much as I can possible only I will take the opportunity of his Addreâ—â—◠〈◊〉 both to make some Diveâ—◠〈◊〉 and to create some little Mirth â—â—ongst our selves By this time the Sultana being quite undress'd she went to her Bed and presently after Clorineta and Monitenna did the like Clorineta was no sooner retir'd but that she gave a full Scope to all her Thoughts She reflected on all that Cha-abas had told her on the Assignation he had given her and on that which he had made her promise to give him all which clearly shew'd that he perfectly knew her and on that great Condescention which the Sultana had promis'd to her Amours from all which she promis'd to her self a World of Satisfaction and Content which made her wish a Thousand times that she had not been enter'd so far into a Commerce of Gallantry with the Mufti Repset as there was already bout it and to sift the business to the bottom and find out the Mystery through Clorineta's Maids assistance As for his clearing himself towards his Companion Chilase having found him as deep in as he was himself he troubled not much himself about that and he did rather tend to disclose his Amours and Intrigues to Chilase than to make a Secret of them if he found him in a Communicative humour Chilase was much more concern'd his thoughts were at once agitated with divers things amongst which Cha-abas knowledge of his having been at the Masking did not the least trouble him especially if he had also been inform'd of his Addresses to the Sultana he wish'd a thousand times he had but some knowledge of the Person that had discover'd him that he might take his measures accordingly as to the rest he was so pleas'd with the courteous Answers which he had receiv'd from the Sultana to all his Courtship that he was impatient to proceed and to give her that further account of his Person which he had promis'd her to do according to her own desires As to Repset's knowledge of his having been at the Mask he was much of the same opinion with his Fellow Mufti with a resolution of informing himself better the next day and of clearing all doubts and suspicions he endeavour'd to sleep but his Fancy was too much elevated with the thoughts of his success in his Addresses to the Sultana to let him take any rest While we leave all our Lovers contriving which way is best to bring about their Designs and of compassing of their ends it will not be amiss to give the Reader a further account of the proceedings of Affairs in the Ottoman Empire Amurat had had the good Fortune to miss the Ottoman Fleet which lay wait for him and to land that Ammunition and Men he had both of Persians and Ottomans which had gone into Persia and offer'd their Service to him amongst which but very few or none at all of the Mahometan Religion Amurat found soon after his Landing that he was no longer Emperour over Leridan for presently the Persian Council began to give him Directions in whatsoever he was to do insomuch that he found he had not so much Power left him as the meanest Officer in the Army tho' nothing was yet acted but under his Name and by his supposed Orders The first thing was to turn out of the Council all those of the Mahometan Religion which had till then sat in that Council and had
to your recovery to which purpose I will retire for some time in the next room to give you the liberty of going to your Bed where Madam I will come and read by you to divert you as I use to do For you must know that one of the pretences for the Mufti 's coming at any hour into Clorineta's Chamber which pass'd currant with all her Servants but one particular Favourite who was privy to their amorous Intrigue was his pretending to bring her the News and Intelligences from Leridan where her Husband was Bassa to read them to her and to consult with her about those concerns and sometimes also to read new Pieces that were curious and witty Clorineta hearing his Design was almost distracted at his resolution and said That truly her head did so ake that reading would but the more discompose her and that she desired nothing but silence and darkness How Madam does your head ake so violently then there is more danger than I apprehended Pray Madam let me feel your Pulse you know that I have some skill in Physick and continu'd he holding of her Arm I find indeed so great a disturbance and such an agitation of Spirits that my care of your Welfare will not permit me to go from you till you have had some two or three hours sleep after which I shall be able to judge whether Nature will be so kind as to overcome the distemper without the assistance of cooling Julips or Bleeding or whether we must flie to Remedies for aid Go Madam continu'd he hasten to your rest I find you want it much and I will not detain you any longer from it Clorineta believing that he was now going his way was overjoy'd within her self at the good success of her feigned illness when her flash of Joy was immediately extinct by the addition which the Mufti made of his going into the next room where he would wait till she was in Bed would once again feel her Pulse after that he would stay in the next room for her awaking that he might not disturb her with any noise and then he would see what alteration her repose had made in her and whether for better or for worse With that he retired without speaking a word more nor hearing her and sat himself down in the Antichamber He was no sooner gone out of one door but that she caus'd it to be made fast within side and she sent to desire Monitenna to come to her by another door unto whom she told all her Grievances and ask'd her what she should do I know not now reply'd Monitenna but you should have given order sooner of having no body admitted to you and you should have kept your self lock'd up in your own Chamber and he would have stay'd reply'd Clorineta and waited all night as you see he will now before he had retired without seeing me Then there should he have waited said Monitenna while you might have convey'd your self to the Rendezvous another way But what is to be done now reply'd Clorineta I am ruin'd undone for ever I am the miserablest Wretch in Nature I will dress my self and be gone and leave him waiting where he is till he is weary Consider Madam the inconveniencies that will attend that you know his hasty Temper that he will see you in Bed and then wait till you have slept his impatience will never let him rest an hour without coming to see whether you repose and feel your Pulse of he is denied entrance that will but raise his Jealousie which will make him ten thousand times more restless and uneasie and what he may not do when his passions are up you may imagine Heavens what shall I do then reply'd Clorineta I shall die I shall perish I shall not live till morning assist me with your counsel or I shall run distracted All that I can tell you said Monitenna is that you must rest satisfied What and leave the Emperour waiting in vain reply'd Clorineta in a passion that must not be I had rather hazard all and endure all that the Mufti 's rage can suggest him to do than fail of meeting Cha-abas at the time and hour You do not consider reply'd Monitenna that there wants not above half an hour and that it is impossible you should be dress'd by that time and get thither by the Mufti 's amusing you so long I 'le run stark naked rather than fail him reply'd passionately Clorineta Do what you please said Monitenna but but what good now reply'd hastily Clorineta I say that if I was in your case reply'd Monitenna I would resolve to send some person to him with some great excuse which should express the sorrow that you are in for the disappointment Well I think I must do so and if you would take that trouble upon you for I have no body else that I durst confide in you will infinitely oblige me he will not know you in the dark tell him that tell him what you please your mind being less troubled than mine is at present you may better frame an excuse than I can my self Pray lose no time remember the Nature of the Business and act accordingly in it I will go to Bed which in the perplexity and disturbance of mind I am in is the fittest place for me since I cannot go where I would you may safely say it was a sudden Fit of Sickness surpriz'd me and I believe that it will be so in earnest by morning I will not detain you any longer I will retire With that she prepar'd her self for Bed. Monitenna was ravish'd to see her Plots succeed so well she knowing before hand to what she should bring that business had dress'd her self to all the advantage she could possible and wanted but some little addition to her Head to fit her to personate Clorineta with the Emperour as she had projected to do She made all the haste imaginable to fit her self to the purpose she was going about and set forth for the Adventure She came into the Garden by the help of the Sultana's Key which Clorineta had secur'd before hand for her purpose and address'd her steps to the Pavillion where she was not long before Cha-abas came He presently run to her and flung himself about her Neck with the greatest transport imaginable And is Fortune so kind at last said he as to bring me into the Arms of that Person that I so much prize above the World Monitenna who all this while had not had time to speak reply'd You mistake the Person Sir I believe and forget who you were to meet Not in the least dear Madam reply'd Cha-abas I know that the Sultana is at this time retir'd to divert her self with her sullen Humour and that I have now the happiness to possess that towards which my Heart has the greatest tendency there being more of Gallantry and Respect in its application to the Sultana than Love which I bring intirely to the
you reply'd Monitenna that within the space of two days I will give you full satisfaction as to your Revenge That 's all I desire at present reply'd he I am pretty well weaned of those desires which I had towards the Lady Clorinetta and the lowness of her mind in her thoughts towards a Mufti when she was courted by an Emperour has made me to turn all that good Will and Esteem which I had for her into a perfect Love to thee of which I shall daily make you sensible As to the Sultana I must confess that she has stirr'd up in my Heart a very great esteem for her but if thou shewest me that she prefers so mean a Person to me I shall no longer have any other regard for her than what I owe and ought to pay to a Sultana under my Protectiou Divers other Discourses pass'd betwixt Cha-abas and Monitenna which were mixed with amorous Expressions after which Monitenna retired leaving the Emperour in a much more quiet temper of Mind than she had found him Chilase by this time had wip'd off all sorrow he had gone so far in the Discovery of the late night Adventures as to learn that the Gardener had his Daughter stoln from him that night that though he had receiv'd his share of the refreshment which the Water-works had afforded he believ'd that it was not intended for him by reason that he was but just step'd into the Grotto and that he had seen and heard some Persons run out of it and pass by him He did not know but that the Sultana might be going towards that place and prevented by the noise of the Waters and of those Persons that run away and so have retired to her Apartment again a sign of it was that when he thought that he had met with the Sultana he had led her out of the Garden by her own door which was found open however he had lost the way afterwards in which he was the more confirm'd by meeting with the Lady Clorineta at that time which he believ'd the Sultana might take along with her so far as into the Garden where peradventure she was to have stay'd till her return thus did he run on in construing all the accidents to his own advantage and according as his Heart desired they should be As for Repset he was left in the dark still still tormented betwixt Jealousie and Envy in which he did all he could to clear and inform himself further to which purpose he daily visited Chilase who had as far as he knew himself told him what had happened that Night at which Repset would admire but own nothing of that part which he had in it Chilase was so prepossest and so positive that the Sultana had been in the Garden that Repset's Envy was the more kindled at it which made him take the resolution to have a finger in the Pye though it were by surprise One day as he was going into Chilase's Lodgings which were on the other side of the Garden opposite to the Sultana's Apartment which made the way a great Compass about a Person came to him and ask'd him if he was the Mufti Chilase What would you have with him reply'd Repset only deliver this Note Sir said he giving him the Note and my business is at an end So the Person presently return'd the same way that he came Repset took the Note observ'd the privacy with which the Messenger had deliver'd it and upon this fancied that it was some secret business which giving him the Curiosity to pry into it he return'd back to his own Lodgings without seeing Chilase where having shut himself in he open'd the Paper and found in it these Lines You are in the right to believe that a mark of your being something more than you seem to be may be gather'd from the boldness of your Attempt which has highly confirm'd me in the good Opinion I had already entertain'd of you and in which you had succeeded had not those accidents which happened that Night made me retire when I had already gone some steps in the Garden in order to meet you It is not the first time that an Heart worthy a Princess's Esteem has been found to reside in a meaner Breast than that which should of Right contain it You cannot give me a greater confirmation of the good thoughts I entertain in your behalf and of the greatness of your Love than in rendring your self at my Apartment this night about twelve where you shall be receiv'd by a Person that shall conduct you to me Your Person is perfectly known to me by what means I shall inform you my self Let it suffice you that I intend this Honour to Chilase though not in my own hand In what a Surprise was Repset at what he had seen What shall I do in this case said he to himself this I find was intended by the Sultana unto Chilase however Fortune has been so kind as to let it fall into my hands and with Justice too I have deserv'd more from that unkind Sultana than ever he could have rendred her more and greater Services than ever he is like to do and my Love and Courage is as great as his Seeing then that it has once pleas'd Fortune to be favourable to me I will not disoblige her in refusing her Kindness I will personate that happy Mufti and push on my Fortune as far as it will go in this Intrigue and what know I but that it may guide me into the Sultana 's Arms. Oh that I were there continu'd he with a deep sigh well I will instantly to Chilase and feel his Pulse but not a word will I tell of the Assignation Thus he set forward again towards Chilase's Lodgings No sooner had R pset gone towards his Lodgings with the Note but that the same Person who had given it him and who had watch'd his going run presently to Chilase's Lodgings again enquired after him and gave him another Note and presently went his way Chilase retired read in it the same words which were in the other which Repset had been invited to intercept only with this addition at the bottom If you let the Mufti Repset know or give him the least occasion imaginable of suspecting any Commerce between us particularly this nights Assignation you are lost for ever in my thoughts Chilase had much to do to keep himself within his own bounds at the reading of this Note he read it over and over and kiss'd it as often Go said he yes through all the dangers that all Mankind and all the Devils in Hell could lay in my way I would step over them thus and thus most charming Princess to come to your Summons Thus was he expressing his Courage and his Love when Repset came into his Chamber without knocking which had almost surpris'd Chilase past reprieve So soon as he saw Repset he slided the Note into his Pocket and perceiving that he had seen some