Distemper without fear of being infected with it how happy are you but how unfortunate is Selimana You are the Object of the Sultan 's most tender Affection answered Arianissa and that is the only thing that may well satisfie you in this Everlasting Retirement What can you desire more Madam since you are the Soveraign Mistress of him who can dispose of all Tho' Ambition is well pleased with that advantage continued Selimana sighing a Soul as nice as mine cannot be contented and if you had ever been in Love you would quickly apprehend my meaning Alas Madam I have had so many Misfortunes in my Life that I willingly renounce to that Experiment reply'd Arianissa with a Charming Sweetness well interrupted Selimana since you do not know the cause of my suffering at least do not condemn it A power which I cannot resist forces me to utter this Secret without blushing I love I love Arianissa the Prince Scanderberg and his Victory over the Tartar is not the only one he has got to day he has seem'd to my Eyes as Lovely as he was formidable to his Enemy and that short space of time has assured to him the possession of my heart for ever I cannot relate to you Selimana's Kindness without blushing But you must be acquainted with it that you may the better understand how amazed the young Sultan and I were I was loved without knowing by whom and such a man as I might have been well pleased with the Idea of this Adventure but besides that Selimana seem'd too passionate to deserve my Heart she was a Sacred Object for me being the beloved Sultaness of Amurat I was more taken with Arianissa's Modesty and tho' I did not wish her so passionate as the other I could have desired she had not been insensible Some noise made them retire the Prince drew nearer me when he heard them no longer and clasping his Arm about my Neck whatever good Opinion you entertain of your self said he did you think Scanderberg that Mars and Love should intend to bestow their Favours upon you at the same time My Lord reply'd I smiling if we had more Freedom at Adrianople I would tell you that this adventure is but a sham You see added Mahomet that there is nothing but what is Natural in it the hour the place and the person who spoke in a word all things witness your good Fortune and you have nothing to do but to rejoice Alas My Lord said I though my Heart was susceptible enough to fall so easily in Love I should never forget what I owe to the Sultan Selimana may be a charming Person what she said may flatter me but Amurat is Emperor and worthy of my Loyalty You think reply'd Mahomet that a great Zeal for his Passion will make me betray yours No My Lord interrupted I something hastily I know you are generous and discreet and I speak what I think We went then into the Seraglio and we parted at the same time I did never go to Bed without seeing Aradin that day pleased with the Honours I had received he did not fail to be in my Chamber as because I had no acquaintance in the Seraglio of the Women and all things were changed there since my Infancy I asked him several questions which surprised him I inquired of him concerning Selimana he answered me that she was always the dearest Object of Amurat's Love who had preferred her to all things and he drew her Picture with great carefulness After that I asked him about Arianissa and my Curiosity about a Slave who probably was unknown to me seem'd the more surprising to him I don't know Scanderberg said he to me what is your Design but I can assure you that among all the Women in the World I think there is none more Lovely than Arianissa with a perfect Beauty she possesses a wonderful Wit and Virtue and I cannot but wonder that the Emperour has not yet cast his Eyes upon her I hearken'd to Aradin with a trouble which I had never felt before what ever he said about Arianissa were â—â— many pleasant wounds to my heart and I may say I was in Love before I had seen whom I loved after a long Conversation I thought I could not hide it from Aradin he was afflicted at it and knowing how dear Selimana was to the Sultan and his jealous and violent Temper he used his utmost care to make me understand how dangerous to me such a concurrence would prove I assured him I had no disposition to love Selimana however I discovered not my thoughts concerning Arianissa but passed the whole night in fancying her to my self as lovely as the Eunuch had described her I found not my self the following day as I had been hitherto is it possible that Arianissa should be prepossessed with some tender Inclination said I sighing and can my Heart which she takes from me hope any comfort from her I had no sooner uttered those words but I found them unworthy of a man whose only Ambition was to be great I knew that violent Passions were look'd upon as a weakness and my Love for an unknown Object seem'd to me strange and worthy nevertheless it was formidable and I could not conquer it as I had done the Tartar I was forced to open my Heart to Aradin who condemned me to think never upon her since I could not hope to have any Conversation with her There happen'd then an extraordinary thing at Adrianople and which is seldome seen among the Turks The Sultan of Egypt had sent a magnificent Embassie and some rich Presents to Amurat who to shew his Grandure to Strangers in the seat of his Empire gave them a publick Audience that day the Women went from their Seraglio to that of the Sultan's adorned with the most precious things the East could afford Selimana the beloved as I told you before appeared shining with her Natural Beauty and abundance of Ornaments She was follow'd by a hundred in the same Splendour and by an infinite number of young Slaves dressed with less Art but certainly worthy of another Condition To make this Spectacle seem the greater they wore golden Chains and they had been loaded with Essences and Baskets full of Flowers which they spread in a great Hall at whose end the Sultanesses sat upon rich Cushions these Slaves stood round about them and the Emperour sate upon a Splendid Throne whose steps were occupy'd by his chiefest Officers After this manner Thopia we saw the Secret Court of Amurat when the Turks and Egyptians had a free access to the Hall Selimana sate in a higher place than the others and her Beauty as well as her Rank distinguish'd her from the rest But among the Slaves who were round about her the young Arianissa neglected and blushing for appearing before so many witnesses in a condition so unworthy of her was remarkable in spight of her self for her Charms I could not know her as being Arianissa but my
Scanderberg he loves you and you cannot but with a Cruelty blame-worthy deny him the favour to read what he writes to you Arianissa after a long resistance took at last the Paper and kept her eyes fix'd upon it a considerable while so that likely she read it more than once Aradin observed her and told me afterwards that he had perceiv'd in her looks a trouble which favoured me that she had sighed and seem'd to feel some tender motions in her heart and considering her and my own condition she had said alas Aradin what can the Prince Scanderberg expect from me who can dispose of nothing and find my self bound in that unfortunate place where my ill Fortune detains me All his desire replyed Aradin is you would permit him to love you and that your kindness might be concerned in all his misfortunes Suppose I should do what he desires added Arianissa would his condition be the happier Bid him sooner forget me and if he finds in me any thing that deserves his affection let him consider that all sorts of Conversation is forbidden us let him take care not to attempt any hazardous enterprize that may either undo him or endanger my self let him be careful chiefly of his own life Arianissa interrupted Aradin is your heart so much concerned for his life as to desire its preservation Ask me no such questions replyed the fair Slave blushing and do only what I bid you Arianissa said the officious Aradin one word from your hand would do more with him than any thing I can tell him You ask for too much replyed Arianissa and you know your self I ought not to do what you desire that all things are dangerous here and that very often the most secret Actions become publick I tremble even now for reason of this conversation be gone Aradin and leave me to my dreadful sorrow I leave you to the Sultan's love replyed Aradin Cruel misfortune of my Life and cause of all my Miseries cryed Arianissa how dearly have I paid for that love which I abhor and what sorrows I am like to suffer upon its account Some body coming obliged them to part Arianissa kept my Letter and Aradin came to me to acquaint me with what had pass'd The Emperour's love was too violent not to be followed by an extraordinary jealousie his suspicious increased excessively and considering Arianissa's coldness he thought that either her heart was not free when she came to the Seraglio or that since she had fallen in love His meeting me in the Gardens my good fortune upon the Sea-shoar and my deep melancholy which I was no more able to hide rais'd great suspicions in his mind And though my condition was but little different from Musselman's or the Prince's yet I seem'd to him more formidable than they by reason of my good Fortune He observ'd carefully all my steps took notice of my Eyes which were always turned towards the Seraglio explained to himself the meaning of my troubles and of my Sighs and in a word did not question but I was in love You may easily conjecture whether it was an easie matter for me to attempt any thing being watch'd by such an Argus Aradin who perceived his jealousie was continually advising me how I ought to steer my Conduct and in this uneasie condition I spent many sad and useless days But Thopia I was not the only Man who was troubled Musulman loved exceedingly Arianissa The same Passion wholly possess'd Mahomet and Selimana being forsaken by the Emperor began to be sensible of the injury done her Beauty and thought the only way to be revenged was to get a new Lover There is always a prodigious number of Eunuchs in the Seraglio whose duty is to observe the Sultanesses and to serve them and those are pickt out from among the ugliest Selimana's favour had gained her the zeal of the most considerable of them Amaldan had always stuck to her interest and since Amurat's new Passion gave her time to mind her own she manag'd so well the Eunuch's Zeal that he was willing to do her any Service Amaldan was about forty years old he was black and ugly but witty and bold and in a word a fit Confident to serve Selimana It had look'd a little odd if he had acquainted me without any more ado with Selimana's tender affection She knew not what the Prince and I had heard and therefore she could make no use of that Adventure had she directly written to me it was likely my Heart had not been pleasd with that freedom she therefore wholly relyed upon Amaldan's wit Having been bred up a Schollar he understood Greek perfectly well and was well nough acquainted with the niceties of Poetry he thought therefore his best way at first was to shew me some witty Verses and having made some fit for his purpose he accosted me upon a Terrass in the great Seraglio's Gardens where in a melancholly Humour I was looking upon the Stream that water'd the foot of the Walls Who could believe my Lord said he to me that a Prince of your Age and Parts would seek solitary places without being in love Was your Heart free you would not shun with so much care other Men's Conversation I beg your pardon my Lord for my boldness but your natural bounty will excuse this freedom which is not ordinarily used towards Persons of your rank but in whatever condition you are either free or not those that honour you as much as I do ought to do always their endeavours to divert you I blushed hearing Amaldan speak thus fearing lest he should suspect something My Lord said he then one does not blush except he hath some reason for it and this commotion proceeds likely from your Heart But without piercing too far into a Secret which I ought to reverence give me leave to consult you upon a nice point And then he offered me some Verses which I could not deny to read and which I remember yet they were those Love like a dangerous Tyrant still appears His fancy'd Laws sound harsh to tender Ears Women if fair we must avoid they say Like fatal Rocks at Sea which oft destroy Such feign'd Advice puts out the glowing Fire And turns the edge of ev'ry brisk Desire The Fears of Shipwraek thro' the fancy rove And fright the Youth from off the Seas of Love But when he sees the way before him 's clear When he is chose and loved what needs he fear If he would then enjoy a happy State He must give up his yielding Heart to Fate When he is Conqueror own'd then Arms are vain To use the Conquest is the sweetest gain The greater then his Zeal does prove The more 's the glory of his Love I lik'd them well enough and I read them more than once but I never suspected the meaning of them Amaldan was glad I was pleased with them and thought it was now time for him to trust me with his Secret Is it not
old I was made a Sangiac by Amurat that is to say a Leader and I was trusted by him with the Command of five thousand Horses a little while after I was nominated a Bassa which was a Dignity that made the Sangiacs inferiour to me I confess my Advancement was very sudden but the Sultan who foresaw I should prove useful to him had no regard to my Youth In this pass I acquired more Glory in Natoly I was feared by the Enemies loved by the Turks and esteemed by the Emperour and I can hardly remember without Blushing that after some important Victories where certainly Amurat had had a great share he would call me his Right Arm his Heart his Eye and the Defender of his Estates I enjoy'd all the sweet Pleasures of Liberty because I was look'd upon as a Turk My Brothers Slavery would sometimes vex me but seeing that they did not suffer much by it and being besides resolved to make my self famous for the future that was not able to put a stop to my Ambition Heaven punished me for this hardness of Heart and permitted that the Cares of Love should have their share in my Heart as well as those of War Nay should wholly possess it I had not gone for a long while near the Seraglio of the Women and my Age did deprive me of those Caresses I was wont to receive from the Loveliest Sultanesses I felt in my heart neither Aversion nor love for their Acquaintance And in this quiet State of indifference I spent in some Exercises very pleasant to the Emperour that leasure we injoy'd at Adrianople Those that were then most in favour with him were Musselman Bostangi Bassi or great Gardener Mustapha Bassa of the Sea and Orcan the now Grand Visier They possess'd infinite Riches and stately Palaces and their Families lived in great Splendour Musselman prevailed over the others because in all times and in all places he had a free access to the Sultan his Closet his Counsel and his Gardens were equally opened to him Proud of these advantages he entertain'd other Courtiers so coldly that he seem'd to despise them but because I was loved by Amurat and he desired to keep in his Favour I did not find the same reception as the rest I had a Natural aversion against him but I had learnt Dissimulation in a Court where that Art was so necessary About this time there came to Adrianople a Tartar Prince whom Curiosity had brought thither the like man had never been seen before he was of a prodigious height being a foot taller than any of the rest of the Turks Tho' he was Proud and Rude yet he was received like a Prince by Amurat it was reported he was famous over all Tartary for his Exploits and he had never fought without Victory proud of his own Reputation he little regarded others civility unfortunately for him he contradicted me in any thing that I said we were used to talk about Warlike Matters and one day he was so presumptuous as to tell me that the Victory over twenty such Men as me would be no difficult attempt for him being impatient I defied him to fight me in a Duel in the Emperour's sight The Tartar was amazed at my boldness and accepted of the Challenge Amurat who feared the loss of my Life opposed it But I craved his leave so instantly that at last he consented to it The seeming unequality between my Adversary and me affrighted all those who loved me and I was likely the only man who was not alarmed The Field for the Fight was appointed in a spacious piece of ground which lay over against the Seraglio The Emperour gave leave to the Sultanesses and Slaves to get upon the Towers to see this Spectacle and other Women whose Houses look'd upon that place had the same License At last the hour appointed for the Fight came and we appeared before a numberless multitude of Spectators The Tartar began to jeer me bitterly for my Age and Weakness but it was not long before I punished him for it and my blows were so fortunate that after an hours Resistance he expired in the sight of all the Assembly There were never heard so many Acclamations of joy among the Turks as after my Victory they esteem'd it a prodigy and I was lookt upon with great Respect I carry'd the Giant 's Sword to the Emperour's Feet who imbraced me and tho' some Persons envy'd me for the Honour of that day those that were the Wisest followed easily Amurat's Example The Tartars took away their Master's Corps of which they disposed as they pleased and for my part I followed the Sultan to the Seraglio the Prince Mahomet his eldest Son had received from Heaven some eminent Parts which had been cultivated to a great advantage we lived very freely between us and tho' one could not see that store of sincere Friendship which tyes closely two hearts together yet we were not indifferent one to another he praised my Action and civily congratulated me for it That same night to avoid the Crowd of which I was already weary we went together at the Moon-Shine upon the Sea Shore just behind the Seraglio of the Women after we had walk'd a long while in a very pleasant place incompassed one way by the River and towards the Seraglio with a Hedge so thick that it rendred the Gardens more inaccessible than any strong wall We were ready to retire when a Charming Voice Sung distinctly these words in the Greek Tongue Since here a Captive void of all relief I bend beneath the weight of deadly Grief Why cruel Love do'st thou increase my pains And add new Slavery to my former Chains The sound of this Voice pass'd through my Ears to my very Heart I had never felt before any tender motions and my free and indifferent Soul was capable of any impression That Song was repeated many times Mahomet hearkned to it with as much attention as my self we knew well there were in the Seraglio many Fair Sultanesses and Lovely Slaves whom Europe and Asia had offered but they were altogether unknown to us One hath never the more Priviledge in the Seraglio for being either the Sultan's Son or his Favourite for their jealousie is so careful in hiding what they design for their Pleasures that unless kind Fortune favours a man he can never come to know it The Prince and I having heard this Charming Voice we knew the person who had sung it was not alone because another began to speak in Greek but with a Barbarous pronunciation Does that Song concern you said she to another and have you lost your Heart in this place where we see but unpleasant Objects Suppose what you said was true answered another it would be a hard matter for my Heart to explain its thoughts in a Song you have desired me to Sing and I have done it How happy are you Arianissa to keep your Heart so free and represent anothers
full of sorrow and indignation what hath my Father done against thee Is this the use thou oughtest to make of what Power the chance of War hath given thee over him Alass he is falln into this danger only to deliver me Endeavour then on your side his Deliverance reply'd Amurat since I am resolv'd to be cruel except you favour me either you must love or see Aranit dye Is this thy way of gaining love reply'd the fair Arianissa is Cruelty such a pleasing Charm and must we offend the Person by whom we desire to be loved Give some occasion to my Heart to be grateful boast sooner of thy Services than thy Rage to the end thou may'st upbraid me with some reason You have taken so little notice of my Sufferings reply'd the Sultan that I intend to follow no more that course If you are still the same I will not warrant you of my Fury but if you change you may expect any thing from me and dispose at your pleasure of my Soul and Empire Well answered Arianissa let me see my Father Tho' I ought to refuse this Favour to a person who never granted me any yet interrupted Amurat I give you leave to see him but do not forget when you embrace him that his Life depends upon this interview Take together such Resolutions as may be agreeable with my Designs The Sultan went away without speaking any more and ordered Arianissa should be brought to Aranit's Tent not far from her's Four Years absence had made but an advantagious alteration in the Princess And Aranit who knew well her Suffering wondred to find her so fair Presently she embraced her Fathers Knees and weeped there abundantly He embraced her a thousand times and took her up very lovingly After he had satisfied the first motions of Nature I see you again at last said he dear Arianissa after I have so long bewailed your loss and lived in a sorrow proportioned to the cause thereof If I have taken any care of my days it was only to the end they might be serviceable to you I have seen the Emperour of the Turks I have heard but I find not my self dispos'd to do what he desir'd Forgive me my Lord if I interrupt you to praise your Constancy it is worthy of your self but shall I see you dye rather than give my self to Amurat And ought I not to sacrifice the Peace of my Life to the safety of yours What Arianissa reply'd Aranit could you resolve your self to be the Mistress of a Turkish Prince How sorrowful would this sign of your love prove to me and by preserving my life how intollerable would you render it I can lose it a thousand ways without glory and you ought not to preserve it by so base means since should I consent to it I cannot but lose my good Fame amongst all honest Men. In a word Arianissa forsake sooner both my Life and yours if there is any need I tremble giving you this advice but I should blush should I do otherwise Remember what you owe to the King of Albania to that Prince who before he knew you had served you with so much respect Alass My Lord I have forgotten neither his Valour nor his Services Consider to what dreadful pass I am brought Shall my love upbraid for ever my severe Vertue by reason I have not saved your life when I could do it And if I grant Amurat's desire will not the whole World look upon me as upon a Princess perfidious both to Heaven and Scanderberg Alass my Lord what shall I do That which I have advised to answered the constant Aranit But then I shall see you dye said the Princess no matter for that reply'd Aranit I shall dye without shame Then both began to weep in a sad manner The Eunuch's Witnesses of this sorrowful Conversation put an end to it and Arianissa was like to dye taking her last leave from her Father Did I see you only my Lord to bid you an eternal farewell cry'd the desolate Princess Cruel Amurat let me dye with Aranit Moderate your Grief reply'd the Prince softly We are not so far from Scanderberg you know what his Valour can do go away my dear Arianissa and never despair as long as he lives 'T is impossible to express Amurat's Rage when he heard in what manner the Father and Daughter had spoke one to another Am I Soveraign only said he to be hector'd by my Enemies And shall I always see my Power insulted over Let them dye sooner and tho' I cannot quench a Flame which I abhor let my Reason at least condemn to an everlasting Grief the person that causes it let the World see what Revenge I will take of a Captive who does but increase Arianissa's hatred against me Let him dye I don't question but Scanderberg whom my Arms shall punish as a Fugitive Rebel will resent this loss Let Arianissa have a just reason to complain of me heretofore she had only been the witness of my weakness but now she shall see me spill her own Blood As soon as he had resolved this he thought upon the means of bringing it to execution He chose his Camp to be the Stage where that Tragedy was to be acted The most usual kind of Death among the Turks is Strangling but such Executions are frequently very private That would not serve the Sultan's turn who intended to shew publickly his Cruelty that Arianissa might be the witness thereof The next day all things were prepared for Aranit's death a Scaffold was erected in the middle of the Camp which was encompassed by the Janissary's and other Souldiers of the Guard Amurat took a convenient place to see his Orders executed and the desolate Arianissa was brought near him The Sultan kept always his dreadful looks upon her but she turned hers towards Heaven to implore its Assistance A strange Spectacle was offer'd to their sight Aranit appeared in such a miserable condition that it could not but shake his Daughter's Constancy He was loaded with huge Chains had his hands tyed and his head uncovered but he seemed neither cast down nor affrighted at this barbarous usage He walk't with a sedate countenance as despising his Enemies but when he saw Arianissa so frighted almost drowned in her Tears and almost dead for Grief he grew pale and pityed the deplorable condition of that lovely Princess who had always been the dearest Object of his Hopes and Love he wept but his great courage could not allow of such Tears and presently he wiped them off He was no more discountenanced then than if he had been at the head of his Army and recovering his former Tranquillity he lifted up his Voice that he might be heard by the Sultan the Princess and the rest of the Assistance Arianissa said he to her do not think this seems either cruel or shameful to me I find therein both glory and pleasure since you see there an Example of which you can make
some use Hide those Tears from me which argue your weakness You are my Daughter but remember also that you are a Princess that rank where Heaven has set you requires both constancy and a great resolution you will see me no more 't is true but let this consideration comfort you That no base Action will blemish the Glory of my Life come to your self dear Arianissa live for Scanderberg's sake nay dye for him if there is need as I am confident he would do for you As for the Emperour of the Turks said he turning himself towards Amurat a Prince born from so many Heroe's from whom thou degenerates so much and whose Cruelty thou only imitatest learn from my Death to despise Life Yesterday I was with the valiant Scanderberg whose very presence dissipates Fear and Terrour and behold now I am submitted to a Tyrant who trembles at the least thing Let him dye and perish cry'd out the Emperour and let him be punished for his pride Then the Executioners went about to obey his Orders and the fair Arianissa falling into a Swound was carryed to the Tent where she had always been But whilst they were preparing to execute Aranit many repeated out-cry's of the farthest Sentinels signify'd Scanderberg's coming who had enjoyed no rest since Aranit's Captivity His Forces brought again to fight did march with a warlike Constancy which struck terror into the first that saw them Amurat's Camp was soon in a great fright he was resolved to hasten Aranit's Execution but Orcan who could prevail the best upon his mind got it to be suspended judging it would be convenient to keep him alive He was therefore brought back again and Amurat put on his Arms having still considerable Forces left which were soon in a posture of Defence Scanderberg broke like Thunder through whole Squadrons Amurat was mightily afraid of his rencounter and therefore went another way leaving Orcan to deal with Scanderberg The valiant Thopia attacked the Sultan and let him know the King of Albania was well seconded The Turks turned back every where confusion and horrour had seized them Amurat seeing there was no hope of the Victory left him ran to Arianissa's Tent with a barbarous intent but could not find her there and was strangely amazed when he heard that Musselman whom he took to be far from thence had stoln her away Besides this Grif he was put to a shameful flight Scanderberg remained the only Master of the Field and Bagage he saw Aranit but could not find Arianissa Who can express his Sorrow when he saw all his Attempts fruitless and so much Blood spilt to no purpose and when he heard in whose hands she had faln He took this at first for a trick of the Sultan who being defeated hided Arianissa's condition Considering this he was resolved to root out his Souldiers before they had time to breath but some Turkish Prisoners told him for certain that Musselman had gotten her away Scanderberg could not but think that Musselman had no design to bring her into Amurat's Territories or tarry in Albania he feared all things and the knowledge he had of Musselman's temper did but increase his dreadful trouble To comfort himself he embraced Aranit who acquainted him with his past Dangers After he had settled his Camp and left the distribution of the Pillage to the greedy Souldiers every one endeavoured to divert his Sorrow Thopia was more busie in it than any You were never acquainted with Love said the Prince of Albania to Thopia and therefore you cannot imagine my Sorrow Thopia blushed at this reproach which he was so far from deserving since no heart was more addicted to that Passion than his I am more acquainted with Love than you think my Lord reply'd he and because I know its effects I pity you more than any My Lord reply'd Vranus whose only desire was to divert the King from those sad thoughts to convince the King of the truth of what you say pray let him hear your love Adventures I shall hear them said the King to Thopia with pleasure and attention howsoever prepossessed I may be and if you are not a fortunate Lover my own Experience will teach me to commiserate you My Lord answered Thopia both my Love and Fortune wholly depend upon your pleasure and the account which I am to give you by your Command will make you more sensible of that Truth The History of THOPIA WAS Love a voluntary Passion my Lord and could we rule the motions of our Hearts according to the advices of Reason we should never pich upon any choice without first consulting her First of all I must needs tell you my Lord that I love the Princess Asa and that all my respect could never stop my passion I beg humbly your Pardon I do forgive you with all my heart reply'd the King and I cannot but admire my Sister's Happiness to possess such a Noble Heart Thopia then fell upon his Knees but being taken up by Scanderberg he went on after this manner I hell'd a considerable rank in King Castriot's Court upon my Fathers account and after you had been sent to Amurat I was look't upon as the chiefest of the Princes of Albania I was surnamed Carlomus which signifies in the Sclavonian Tongue happy either because I was very aimable in mine Infancy or because I was sprung from the Noble Blood of Charlemayne The King who could see you no more never look't upon me without sighing and without complaining of that cruel Law which deprived him of your presence The Princesses Angelina Zella and Vlacia your Sisters comforted the Queen Vorsana being already come to years of reason since they were soon after marry'd to three illustrious Husbands But the young Amissa was still in her first Infancy so fair and charming that one could not look upon her without loving and admiring her I fell in love with her as soon as I was sensible of any Reason and our free Conversation did but increase my Passion The Prince Musachius my Father who had had me in his old Age when he had no hopes of any Son was so overioyed with the advantage of having a â—â—on that all the care he took was aâ—â—â—t mine Education All Amissa's Actions seemed charming to me and I wisht mine had not displeas'd her I was a long while before I could acquaint her with my Passion and whatsoever my complaisance towards her might be she was to young to guess the meaning of it As for me a little more Age and Experience had taught me to distinguish Love from Friendship and Time acquainted the Princess that one doe's not sigh without Love In my younger Age I had shewn but a quiet joy at her sight but as soon as I came to my sixteenth year she observed I was melancholly and perplexed She was used to go very often with her Governants to divert her self a fishing in the great Pond which was in the middle of the Palace
to live with this Monster How blame-worthy is your faint-heartedness Must my own example encourage you If you do not come to me I will go meet either Death or you then she attempted to get loose out of Musselman's hands but her strength was not sufficient Musselman foresaw then his certain ruine Love said he without any more ado guide mine Arm Then he lifted it up to stab Aranissa in the breast and he had certainly done it if the affectionate Thopia whose mind was more sedate than Scanderberg's foreseeing the effects of Musselman's rage had not taken secretly a by way and got in that critical minute so near him that he struck him and sent both his Arm and Dagger to Arianissa's Feet another blow divided Musselman's Face in two so that he gave up his unclean Soul with his cruel Blood Those that were there present were so amazed at this wonderful Action that they took Thopia for a Man sent down from Heaven But Scanderberg whose terrour was converted into a sudden joy ran to embrace Arianissa's Deliverer before he went to her self 'T is impossible for us to relate all the obliging things they told one another Scanderberg to shew his great passion prostrated himself at Arianissa's Feet and uttered the most passionate expressions that his heart could invent She embraced him obligingly at which favour Mahomet was sorely vexed Thopia received from Arianissa such Praises and Elogiums as his Action well deserved and Scanderberg shewed him all the imaginable demonstrations of joy and friendship The Turks who had follow'd Musselman fled away but they were not pursued Mahomet did sigh having no hope left him and seeing there was now no likelihood to paâ—â— Arianissa from Scanderberg Cruâ—â— Fortune cryed he why must I be the witness of their Felicity Must I forsake for ever a Beauty whom I have so long ador'd Having made this sorrowful reflection he came near Scanderberg with as much freedom as he might have done at Andrianople Tho' we are both Enemies and Rivals said he to him I fear nothing from thee which might be unworthy of a Prince whom all the World admires and without any base submission I must tell thee I esteem thee tho' without love Compare my condition to think own and grant that I am an unfortunate Man since neither in my Father's Dominions nor in this place I have any hopes left me Could a reasonably expect to fight for her with success and gain her favour the Ottoman Blood which runs in my veine should never be allarmed at thy valour I see you must remain Conquerour and since thou hast triumphed over Amurat you can never be vanquished and I cannot but be unfortunate for ever These words which could not proceed but from a noble heart made a deep impression upon Scanderberg he had always been sensible of Mahomet's excellent Virtues which answered well his Illustrious Birth and seeing that he could not in reason upbraid him of his Pride My Lord said he to him I shall never hate you tho' you can never love me and I would willingly part with any thing besides Arianissa for your satisfaction Time interrupted Mahomet will without doubt afford us some occasions to see one another again In the mean time enjoy your Arianissa whom I cannot take away from you Having spoke these words away he rode and was soon out of sight with his Men. Scanderberg resolved to tarry no longer in a place where Arianissa had been so sadly allarmed and which was like to have proved fatal to her They told one another a thousand obliging things and they chose the fairest Horse for the beautiful Princess who rode towards Croya with her illustrious Lover leaving Musselman's Corps to be devoured by wild Beasts wherewith those Desarts were full Tho' Arianissa was not used to any hard exercise yet she rode a long way within a short time and she couâ—â— hardly be perswaded to take any 〈◊〉 at night the strong desire she 〈◊〉 to see Aranit Amissa and her other dear Relations made her long to arrive at Croya During that Journey which lasted two days and a night Scanderberg had now the opportunity â—â— knowing his own good fortune and Arianissa's tender love Thopia was as well pleased as he and never did â—â— greater tranquillity succeed trouble which were thought endless In fine Scanderberg brought into Croya without meeting with any opposition his fair Princess All the People of the City went in great crowds to see her and to congratulate him upon his return Aranit then the most fortunate of Fathers told Scanderberg That since he had deserved so well his Daughter she belonged by right to him Amissa and Arianissa kissed and embraced one another for a long while and Thopia who had been so glorious an Instrument in procuring Scanderberg's Happiness receiv'd from Amissa such protestations of Love as he deserved Croya where Sorrow had reigned during the War and Scanderberg's Grief then quite alter'd Pleasures and Sports had now their time and all possible endeavours were made to divert Arianissa who had led before such a sorrowful life Among all these pleasing Diversions Scanderberg neglected nothing concerning his important Affairs and whilst Amurat was hearing what had pass'd and was taking new resolutions both against the Life and Fortune of the King of Albania this Prince who now enjoy'd his dear Arianissa kept his Army in a capacity of resisting all the Ottoman Forces He knew not what had pass'd at Andrinople since his departure thence Arianissa who had seen Acomat and bewailed the Death of the Loyal Aradin was willing to satisfy Scanderberg's Curiosity one Evening being with Amissa and Thopia who had heard her former Adventures she thus related the last to the King of Albania The History of ARIANISSA AS I had passionately wished for your departure from Andrinople so was I overjoy'd at the News of it since you ought not to expect there any favour and tho' I could not absolutely flatter my self with the Idea of a future Liberty yet I had some glimmering hope still left me Aradin and I congratulated one another upon this occasion but the fearful Sultan fell into an exceeding Rage when he heard you had been proclaimed King by the Albanians As his wrath increased so did his troublesome and imperious Sollicitations He did not question but I had some secret Intelligence with you and he suspected Aradin of having favour'd our Designs he threatned him with Death and me with the utmost Severity and so cast me often into dreadful Fears Selimana seeing she had lost you for ever endeavoured to regain the Sultan's Love I did what I could to facilitate that Conquest unto her yet she hated me as a dangerous Rival who deprived her of the Sultan's Affection and who likely had hindred you from loving her She conjectured from the words which you heard me sing and which truly proceeded from my heart that since the day you fought the Tartar I had not look't
upon you with indifference Prince Mahomet who was no longer observed by you and who feared only his Father's Jealousie resolved to venture any thing to see me and the cunning Musselman got also into the Seraglio after the way I shall relate to you Amurat thought that having no hope left of your return I should never be able to resist him but seeing all his moderation was to no purpose after he had sighed he began to threaten and shew'd me all that cruel Pride natural to the Ottoman Blood You try my patience too far cruel and ungrateful Arianissa said he one day to me and you do not regard at all my kindness for you Do you think I spare you by reason of my own weakness No sure but my Heart protects you against my Reason you ought therefore to own your self obliged to me otherwise I swear by all the Powers above that I shall make use of all mine Authority if your unkindness forces me to it This Discourse had been proceeded by so many of the like nature that I did not look upon it as a new thing but Amurat's countenance was quite changed Thou knowest well that I never abused thy Highness reply'd I and that I never promised thee any thing I am sensible both of thy Power and Dignity But my Lord thou oughtest to know That thou canst not require from me but the respect due to thy Rank I am no person of a mean Birth and the Chains I am loaded with cannot depress my Courage those Countries which are subject to thy Power afford thee Beauty's enough whose only desire is to please thee thy Religion allows them that liberty and their Inclinations are agreeable with the condition as for me Fortune only had made me thy Slave I am not thy Subject if thou art just and there are Laws above thine which forbid me to favour a Mahometan If Scanderberg did sit upon the Ottoman Throne reply'd the angry Sultan you would not be likely so nice and all your Reasons about Independance and Constancy would not prove so strong as you pretend them Well Arianissa said he proudly persist in your resolution but expect no longer from me any moderation since I will have no more regard to your Sex your Religion or your Birth Being in such a humour he left me Selimana exasperated him by her Reproaches and both the Seraglio's were witnesses of his violent Rage Since the Conversation I had had with the Sultaness in the Garden and which you heard Our Friendship had not been great because Amurat's love changed soon after and for reason of the new rank which he forced me to take she judged by what had happen'd in the Garden where she had desir'd me to walk with her when the Emperour met us that you were no indifferent Person to me she had look'd upon the Sultaness love as upon a thing which authorized in some manner her freedom with me and her in constancy But when she knew that you lov'd me and that I had some gratitude for you she fell in a Rage against me and call'd me perfidious and treacherous because she had trusted me with the Secret of her own Heart Jealousie had soon inspir'd her with an immortal hatred against me and I was like to feel its cruel Effects You have deprived me of all my comfort dangerous Arianissa said she one day to me and you have rewarded the sincere confidence of my Heart with Perfidiousness but believe what I say this place in spires no moderation and whatever kindness I am forced to shew you may be soon changed into hatred Fear mine since you have so basely served me I am so far from deserving these Reproaches reply'd I with a sedate mind that I feel neither remorses of Conscience nor terrour at the hearing of them My Behaviour had been always innocent I never endeavoured to please the Sultan and as for your confidence Heaven knows whether I have abused it But you loved Scanderberg reply'd she and when I acquainted you with my passion you hid your Sentiments from me with a criminal Dissimulation Suppose what you say was true answer'd I you have yet no reason to accuse me did not your Jealousie blind you Was I obliged to open my heart to you by reason of your confidence which I so little desired And instead of complaining of me ought you not to commend my prudence for not declaring my self your Rival But Selimana let us not trouble our selves any longer about what is past or what is to come Let us consider that Scanderberg is like to be King of Albania that we are Slaves and that I would willingly give most of my Blood to regain you the Sultan's love if you are acquainted with my endeavour you may know how I deal with him Alas reply'd she your only desire is to see Scanderberg again and that Crown you talk of renders him more lovely to your Eyes But tho' Fortune confines me here you are also like to share the same Fate The Emperour who went by interrupted us he was that day in a rage that cannot be expressed having heard of the new progress of your Valour he upbraided me for it without considering the pleasure he gave me by telling me of these News But my Lord 't is time to acquaint you with a more remarkable passage I was one night upon a little Terrass which rendred mine Apartment very pleasant the Emperour kept his Bed by reason of a violent Feaver which proceeded from his Anger I was thinking upon your Advantages and I had spent part of the night in that pleasing Occupation had I not been interrupted I heard at the foot of the Terrass a Voice which I knew presently to be Amaldan's because there was none sweeter than his in the Seraglio and by reason we had sung often together to divert Selimana he sung but these four Verses likely of his own making Awake prepare for gentle Love's Alarm No prying Argus now can do you harm And whilst all things are here by sleep possest May you in sweet Delights of Love be blest I hearkned to Amaldan thinking he had no design but turning my head at a little noise I saw a Slave whom I took to be one of those Women that waited upon me but it proved the bold Musselman in that Disguise I cannot express my amazement and my wrath this way going to break out against the Bostangi Bachi when another Woman as I thought drew near me as rash as the first and in the same Disguise this was Prince Mahomet Had I followed my first passion I had ruined them both and drawn likely upon my self the suspition of favouring one or the other they were as much amazed as I at the Conformity of their Adventures After I had look'd upon them a long while to be the better assured that I was not mistaken at last I told them that they hazarded more than I and that their Enterprizes which rendred them so guilty
THE GREAT SCANDERBERG A NOVEL Done out of French LONDON Printed for R. Bentley at the Post-House in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden 1690. To the Honoured Madam JEPHSON COuld the exactness of this Performance but equal the greatness of my Subject or that Goodness that put me upon it I should then have done that out of Choice which I do now out of Obedience Nothing less than your Commands could have ingag'd me in the Attempt and nothing less than your Character could have protected me in it Indeed my Hero is all Glory and Triumph but yet he assures me this is his highest and that he is more warmly affected with the Dedication than with the Success of his Adventures But Madam what e're his Satisfactions may be mine must be allow'd to exceed them on whom you have lain so many Obligations that I must own them greater than all things but the Generosity that conferr'd them or the Humility that receiv'd them and which to acknowledge shall be as much the endeavours as 't is now the desires of MADAM Your most Oblig'd most humble and most devoted Servant N. V. TO THE READER IF Love is a Weakness one must confess there is none that ought sooner to be excused or that is Authorised by so many Examples It would be a hard matter to find a Man of any Note who has never been in Love The greatest Heroes could not defend themselves against its Power and they valued their Crowns of Myrtle no less than those of Laurel the Pleasures which arose to their Ambitious Minds from their many Exploits and Illustrious Conquests did not seem to them so sweet as those of Love Alexander and Cesar who had under their Command almost half the World thought it Glorious for themselves to obey that Sex which has always been the fairest part of it Hercules himself that Prodigy of Strength and Valour preferred the Fetters of a Woman to the Honour of upholding Heaven and the Gods themselves One of Omphala's threatning looks could make this invincible Hero tremble his Armour was no Proof against her Charms her Distaff easily took place of his Club and his Lyons Skin surrender'd to a Woman's Attire Mars himself the God of War could not resist the Charms of the Goddess of Love and he never thought himself so happy as when he shar'd with Vulcan the Favours of Venus Since then the greatest Heroes and the Gods themselves have been thus enamour'd how can any wonder that the Victorious Scanderberg should yield to the Charms of Arianissa This formidable Captain who never fought without Victory killed near two thousand Turks with his own hand without receiving the least wound but Love did what all his Enemies could not do and wounded the Heart of this Invulnerable Conquerour Arianissa tho' but a Slave loaded with Chains that Vanquisher of the most powerful Emperour in the World But how passionate soever this King of Albania was Love could never draw one word from him or compel him to an Action unworthy of himself The person who inspires him with these Discourses and these Designs is used to make Heroes both Speak and Act. And I am confident that the Amours of Scanderberg will be as pleasant to the Ladies as the great Transactions of his Life have seem'd wonderful to those who have read them in his History The Great Scanderberg A NOVEL VAlour and Virtue appeared never with more Splendour than in the Person of the Invincible Scanderberg This Prince was Bred up in the Seraglio of the Cruel Amurat preserv'd there his Manners uncorrupt and his Vertue may be proposed for an Example to all the Monarchs in the World After he had freed himself from a shameful Slavery recovered his Father's Dominions struck Terrour by his Immortal Actions into the heart of him who had Captivated his Youth he saw all his Lands Invaded by the Forces of the Ottoman Empire which the angry Sultan led in Person to the sight of the Walls of Croya a Famous City and the ordinary abode of the Kings of Albania Scanderberg since his return had led there a Life which might have been called happy if Love had not mixed its sad Displeasures with the advantage of reigning over the hearts of all his Subjects he had bore the dreadfullest brunts of War with unimaginable constancy he had won Battels conquered Provinces vanquished every where and given Matter enough to Posterity for celebrating his Praises there were still remaining some formidable Enemies powerful by their number and dreadful for their fury whose only intent was to oppress him but the fear of their Arms was not the thing that disturbed his rest Some more tender concerns cast him into a sorrowful Condition and if care of his Subjects by whom he was extreamly beloved had not kept him at Croya he had gone himself to the Camp of the Enemy to seek out the absent and unfortunate Arianissa all the moments which he gave to other Affairs seem'd to him as so many Crimes against his Love and Croya which he could not leave with Honour was a sorrowful abode for him by reason of Arianissa's Absence Notwithstanding the care of those that feared for his Liberty he did seek sometimes Solitary Places to sigh there with more Freedom and would go a considerable way from Croya One Morning going out with Vranus only he steer'd his course towards a Vally that seem'd more agreeable with his Melancholy The Turks had made already many Incursions and gain'd some small Advantages which the Sorrow of Scanderberg seem'd to neglect Vranus being solicitous for his Master's danger who was come so near his powerful Enemy and having given him a considerable while to think by himself stopt him at last and shewing him Amurat's Tents spake thus to him Do you intend My Lord to go to the Sultan's Camp and do you seriously reflect upon that numerous Army which bears such an ill will to your Person That Life for which thou art so solicitous answer'd the King of Albania is not dear enough to me to take any care of it and my Eyes deprived of the sight of Arianissa long to be deprived of that of the day What will you My Lord reply'd Vranus expose to a dreadful Fate a thing which is so dear to Arianissa I know what your Valour can do but in our present Condition In our present Condition said Scanderberg do you think that the Army of Amurat can make me tremble Was I but certain of seeing Arianissa again I would venture to fight it my self alone yes sure added he with one of those threatning looks which had been often the Presages of his Victories I would endeavour it As he was going on some groaning that he heard from behind the Trees interrupted him The Prince was Naturally bountiful and thinking that might be some oppressed Person who wanted help he run thither with haste and found a Man wallowing in his Blood this Man was a Turk but Scanderberg whom no prejudice could hinder
from being kind drew nearer him and knew presently tho' in the Pangs of Death Aradin the first of the Eunuchs of Amurat who had taken care of him in his Infancy and by whom he was tenderly beloved the unfortunate Aradin tho' dying knew also the Features of the King of Albania and fetching a deep sigh he said Oh Scanderberg Amurat Arianissa Knave and perfidious Musselman I dye And really he did so This strange event was but a new increase of Grief for Scanderberg The Nanies which Aradin had pronounced pass'd to his very heart he perceived the Eunuch had not spoke but after he had known him and that he was nearly concerned in all those things which Death had forced him to suppress Just Heavens cry'd he what News do you intend to tell me Is Arianissa Alive or Dead Alās Uranus my dear Uranus what perplexity do I find my self now in What can I do What can I think My Lord reply'd Vranus if I may conjecture any thing Arianissa is not far from hence Then she is in Amurat 's Camp reply'd the Amorous Prince of Albania where she suffers the troublesome Solicitations of a Barbarous Emperour or those of the unworthy Mussulman Suppose it was so am I the happier for it Yes certainly added he for I would go and take her away from the Ottomans Whilst Scanderberg was speaking Vranus went to look whether Aradin did breathe still he found him cold and without motion but turning him he perceived a Paper like a Letter just over his Heart and delivering it to his Master My Lord said he this Note will tell you may be a part of that which the sudden Death of Aradin hinder'd him from uttering the Prince opened the Letter and saw there a Sentence more cruel than if it had been against his own Life To the Great Visier Orcan MY Love hath been prevailed upon at last by my Wrath Such a Man as I ought not to hearken to pity go then Orcan and Sacrifice the ungrateful Arianissa to the Shame of having made me sigh to no purpose her Blood will quench the rest of my Flame Fear some opposition from Musselman and whilst I shall vanquish the Rebellious Scanderberg begin my Revenge that way which will prove so sorrowful to him This is the Absolute Command of Amurat. No Man could express the sad effects the Reading of this Letter produced in the Soul of Scanderberg In the first fit of his Rage he was ready to run towards the Ottoman Army but Vranus after a long but fruitless opposition laying aside his wonted respect told him at last Do you seek an Inglorious Death My Lord and will not this Triumph of the Turks blot out all the Splendour of your past Life Having lost Arianissa reply'd the Prince I am resolv'd to dye in her Revenge His Despair had likely prevailed over Vranus's Zeal if Thopia a young Prince and much addicted to Scanderberg who was looking for him because he knew he was gone out of Croya without his Train had not come in the same place Thopia said the King of Albania to him None is more worthy your pity than I You My Lord answered Thopia amazed you the Love the Terrour and the Admiration of the whole World in your first Youth what Mischiefs can cross so great Advantages I perceive reply'd Scanderberg you judge of the Felicity of my Life by those Actions which have made a great noise in the World but do not decide it upon meer appearances My Lord added Thopia the Turks may surprize your Valour in this place Let us go to Croya where your Presence is wished for And so jointly with Vranus they obliged the Prince to go towards the City but first they took care of the Corps of Aradin some Albanian Troopers who were riding about the City to observe the Motion of the Turks carry'd it away by the King's Command Thopia knew very well that Scanderberg was in Love but he was not acquainted with the Particulars of his Life and shew'd a great Desire to know them Scanderberg condescended easily to call again to mind his most sorrowful Ideas that he might satisfie Thopia whom his Friendship distinguisht from all the other Princes of his Court. Thopia said he when they were come to the Palace of Croya you will help me to bewail Arianissa 's Fate when you shall hear me and you will confess that if Fortune hath bestowed some Favours upon me they have been Poysoned by many bitter displeasures Scanderberg gave Order none should interrupt them and began his Discourse after this Manner The History of Scanderberg YOU know my Mother was Daughter to the Prince of the Triballians and that John Castriot my Father did Reign in Epirus and Albania he was envy'd for his Valour by Amurat who rendered himself Formidable in Greece after he had been the Terror in Asia Castriot forced to yield to the swiftness of his prosperous Fortune made Peace with him and sent my three Brothers and me for Hostages to Adrianople Vorsana my Mother keeping still by her self four Daughters to wipe off her Tears She expected much from my Birth by reason of a Dream which she had when she was Big of me She Dreamed she was Delivered of a Serpent so great that he covered all Epirus his head did reach to Turkey which he swallow'd up and he did dip his Tail in the Sea towards Venice Castriot having heard the Relation of this Dream from Vorsona assured her she should bring forth a Man fatal to the Turks and useful to Christendom Nevertheless I was delivered into the hands of the first Nothing but the regard of the safety of his Dominions could ever have brought him to this Resolution I being but eight years old all my Brothers were Elder than I this Age exposed me to the Ceremonies of the Turks wherein they changed my Name that was George into that of Scanderberg which is as much in the Turkish Tongue as Alexander Lord concerning my Brothers their Riper Age free'd them from this Violence The Sultan who had a good Opinion of my youth took all the imaginable care to make me an Honest Gentleman The unfortunate Aradin was made my Governour and never man performed his Duty with more Zeal and Diligence But tho' his kind usage made me forget that I was beholding for it to a Slave yet my Condition and the first Impressions of Religion which I had received could never be blotted out of my Memory I shall not relate to you what I did from eight years to sixteen I learn'd all Exercises necessary both for the Body and the Mind and Aradin did all his Endeavours to inspire me with the love of Glory and Vertue The Emperour who took some delight in my Sight and Conversation seem'd always pleased with me I had the advantage of Signalizing my self in his presence in the first War wherein I was allowed to fight and kind Fortune waiting every where upon me being yet but nineteen years
true my Lord that Love is commonly drawn after a strange manner and that if we will hearken to the Wits it is a dreadful Monster which ought carefully to be avoided I confess it appears unpleasant to those that have nothing that renders them worthy to be beloved but I imagine thousands of Charms in the sincere and tender love of two Hearts I must confess said I to Amaldan that your Verses and your Opinion seem to me to be in the right but I am so little versed in Love Matters that I am no competent Judge of its Effects My Lord reply'd the Eunuch when you please you may be a great proficient therein and I know a certain way for that purpose I cannot dissemble with a Prince as discreet as you are I 'll tell you therefore you are loved by Selimana Amurat's beloved Sultaness she acquaints you what way it is best for you to follow by her order I speak to you and you ought not to be discouraged at the Seraglio's Maximes since I can overcome the greatest Difficulties I did not expect such a Complement from Amaldan which did not answer my Inclinations and I was a little while without answering him You bring your self into no danger by your freedom said I at last to him I take it for a token of your Esteem and Friendship nor am I willing to make an ill use of it Selimana may be fair and kind but Amurat is a formidable Prince and my Loyalty obliges me to all sorts of respects You don't speak reply'd the Eunuch smiling like a young Prince favour'd by Love but like a fearful Politician or a morose Philosopher This modesty which ought to be praised in a Dervise seems to me in you the strangest things in the world what can all Amurat's power do since your beloved Scanderberg's Pleasures easily obtained lose much of their sweetness Besides was I not certain to serve you I am not so much out of love with my own life as to expose my self to an unavoidable Death Let me then be your Guide and trust me with the carrying on of your Intregue All Amaldan's fair words could not persuade me to it I was not willing to expose my self to so many Dangers for Selimana's sake and I alledged still in my Defence Custom and my Loyalty to the Emperor Amaldan did not acquaint the Sultaness with the unhappy issue of his first Negotiation lest he should drive her into Despair her hatred against Amurat increased as his love for Arianissa she was capable of any violent Action had not Amaldan allay'd her Rage Prince Mahomet who seem'd to act nothing and Musulman whose proceedings were very secret had nevertheless some private Intelligences and gain'd some Friends in the Seraglio Covetousness is so natural to the Turks that Interest often makes void the severity of their Laws Bostangi Bassi being a rich Man gained by his liberality almost all the Eunuchs and except Aradin whose Honesty was proof against all temptation the rest yielded easily to his Gold having a free occasion in the Gardens he could freely Converse with them he intrusted the cunning Amaldan with his Passion for Arianissa Another had been started at this Proposition But Amaldan harken'd to it without the least Commotion and his exaggerating to the grand Gardner the difficulties they should meet with was only to set an higher value upon his Services You may judge Thopia thereby how Pernicious is idleness had the Eunuchs a different Employment from that of observing the Women in the Seraglio they should never apply themselves to barter their Favours Amaldan who knew Arianissa well enough to perceive her good Nature feared not in the least to be punished by her for his boldness He did Musulman's Errant as Aradin had done mine and represented the Bostangi Bassi's Passion to her as the only way to free her from her slavery she did not entertain him as she had done Aradin but with a Noble Pride she let him understand that it was in vain for the grand Gardner to hope any thing from her The covetous Amaldan was little troubled at this and was not such a Fool as to discourage any body as long as he could obtain his Ends. He resolved in spight of my self to bring me one Night into Selimana's company and little solicitous of her Honour or Fortune so he might satisfie himself He trusted Musulman with this Secret He told him that if he could bring me into the private Gardens for himself he would get Selimana and Arianissa to take a walk which might be favourable to us making the grand Gardner believe that I was in love with the Sultaness and that fear only hindred me from courting her Musulman who had suspected I loved Arianissa was glad to understand this Mistery and promised to do whatever Amaldan desired The grand Gardner was well enough acquainted with the Maxims of the Country the effects of which he ought to fear but his Love prevailed over his Reason He found me out as he had promised to Amaldan and asked me whether I was willing to walk I could not guess his intentions and tho' I looked upon him as my Rival yet at last I followed him We took many turns in the Seraglio's Garden and the Bostangi Bassi who was well acquainted with all the by-ways brought me into that of the Women through a door which we found open'd I was not sensible at first of my wandring but coming near a labyrinth which I had not seen since my Infancy I was surprised to see my self in that place You are mistaken or you have a mind to ruine me said I to Musulman and these places are not free for such persons as we Do you think I am capable of betraying you Answered Musulman and do you believe I shall not share here the same Fortune with you Your presence is desired by Selimana and her kindness will protect you As I was going to answer displeased with his proceedings we saw Prince Mahomet coming who had no more priviledge than we and who was not there without some Design He was as much surprised as we We could not think but we were guilty all three yet prudence would have us hide our Resentments and had we had a mind to fall out we had been hindered by Abaci the Eunuch who had introduced the young Sultan and who knew nothing of our being there My Lord said he to him loud enough to be heard by us Arianissa is coming make use of suâ—â— a favourable moment Abaci went hiâ— way and Arianissa who had parteâ— from Selimana came Tho' Night deprived us of the sight of her Charms yet by reason of its favourable silence we could the better hear her sight Musulman curbed by Mahomet's presence did not enjoy the happiness he hoped for And the Prince in a maze by reason of Abaci's discourse tarried in the same place For my part I was also put to a stand Arianissa sat her self down upon the grass and
look upon him as my Rival yet I had no love for him he had may be no greater share in the Victories we got than I and the others that served but he was rewarded a great deal better Arriving to Croya I found the Princess Amissa afflicted for Arianissa's loss whom a Caravanne of Turks had stoln away in a Voyage which her Father had imposed upon her without any necessity About that time My Lord the whole world spake of you with admiration and your Conquests both in Asia and Africa amazed the most experienced Souldiers Castriot had then good reason to sigh seeing that what Services you did for an Infidel might have proved so useful for Christendom The Princess wished your return and when I would commend you in her presence Pity that Illustrious Brother would she say that his valour should be engaged to serve a man of a barbarous extraction and who knows little what belongs to gratitude and friendship Pity me at the same time for loving him as much as I do and for having no hopes to see him again But My Lord 't is time to relate to you my Sorrows the King your Father who thought he was mightily beholding to Balsé prepared to do any thing for him This formidable Rival for reason of Castriot's protection began to court the Princess in such a manner that I was deprived of the liberty I had before As soon as I saw he had declared himself I was sensible of my misfortune and tho' he was a King's Favourite yet I defired my Father to do something for my love He loved me too tenderly to deny me any thing I asked and without objecting to me all that I ought to fear he did partly what I desired I went to expect with the Princess the event of my Father's design I sound her sorrowful and melancholy You are afflicted Madam said I to her and that trouble which appears in your eyes signifies as much Yes Prince replyed she with a sad Countenance I am cruelly perplexed Can I without offending you ask you the Cause thereof replyed I You will know it too soon and if you are a little concerned for me what will you say when you hear I am near to marry Balsé This discourse like a thunder struck me almost dead and I was so little prepared for it that this surprise stopt my blood and one could see upon my Face the signs of a real despair The Princess was moved at it Alas Thopia said she looking sadly upon me how dear am I like to pay for my Obedience to my Fathers Commands Madam said I are you then resolved to marry Balsé and by a Scruple of Virtue will you sooner renounce your own happiness than resist Castriot's will Would you have me replyed she incur his indignation by a rebellious resistance Tho' you might love me the better for it yet I am sure you would esteem me the less and you know your self well enough that a Daughter of my rank cannot dispose of her own Fate I know I adore you Madam said I and I shall dye for grief if Balsé injoy a Fortune he has never deserved What great advantages above me can that Fortunate Rival boast of I am certain I give him none interrupted Amissa and were you only to strive with my inclination you would soon be a Conqueror But Thopia you know Castriot is my Father and what power he has over me What shall I do replyed I if you marry Balsé you shall see me no more or at most You shall see me only in publick places replyed the Princess And if I live I shall live the most unfortunate person in the World Can you Madam give your self to him replyed I somewhat angry Yes without doubt interrupted Amissa and I see nothing can dispense me from that Duty if Castriot requires it of me Cruel Princess said I you know well enough I cannot live after that must I also adore your Fortunate Husband as I do every thing that belongs to you Did you know my hearts Condition replyed she you would not be so passionate and you would sooner endeavour to comfort it My trouble does not proceed from any affectation However you are more fortunate then I since you are not forced to give your self to one you hate and since you may sigh without crime In my present confusion I know not said I what to say nor what to think All things seem guilty to me and I cannot but accuse my self believing heaven would never punish me undeservedly After that I asked the Princess how she came to know Balsé's good Fortune And she told me that after he had often spoke to her about his love but in vain the King at last had declared himself for him notwithstanding the Queen's aversion to it and that he had commanded the Princess to look upon Balsé as upon a Prince whom he designed for her future Husband I perceived then that all my Father's endeavours would prove fruitless and I was grievously afflicted at this Amissa seemed also very sensible of my sorrow and her kindness did but give me a greater sense of my loss Against my custom I was glad to leave her intending to go to the Queen who had always been kind to me to implore her assistance I was told she was in the Gardens therefore going that way I met my Father whose melancholy Countenance did but increase my trouble He confirm'd unto me the King's resolution in Balse's behalf and exhorted me to take patiently a misfortune which could not be helpt In the same minute I saw my Rival appear follow'd by many Courtiers drawn there by his fair hopes my colour chang'd and my Father sensible of my violent commotion forbad me to enter into any conversation with Balsé what could I have promised him since I was mastered by a Passion I could no longer bridle It was well I did not attack my Rival in his presence but as soon as he disappear'd I abandoned my self to Wrath and Jealousie I found Balsé in the Garden where I was looking for the Queen Could I speak one word with you said I Yes replyed he without any apparent amazement I know said I that you are design'd to possess the only thing that may render you the most glorious Man in the World But you don't know it may be that I sigh for the Princess Amissa these many years ago and that you must deprive me of my life sooner than obtain her I did not think replyed Balsé in a scornful manner which vexed me to the very heart that the designs of a great King were to be cross'd thus For my part I who know how I am to obey ought to take the greatest care to perform my duty Do not conclude from hence that I don't care to fight with you you shall have that satisfaction But Thopia you will not take it ill if I defer it till Marriage hath given me a full possession of Amissa Having thus spoke
to me he left me scornfully and I was so much cast down at those words that I could not attack him at present The Place was a Sacred Place and I was fain to curb my Passions As they were acting within me with the greatest violence the Queen came and I went to her in a trouble which she easily took notice of That generous Princess cast a sad look upon me and leaving her Gentleman-Usher to give me her hand she did not ask the reason of my sorrow which she easily guessed but let me know how afflicted she was at the King's prepossession in Balsé's behalf assuring me that if she had had the disposal of my good Fortune she had not deferred it a moment I wish said she I could procure your satisfaction with the loss of my own Blood but we have a Master obstinate in his resolutions and who will be obeyed I have strove against them as much as I could but all to no purpose and I cannot but condole with you The paleness and the despair that appeared upon my face at the hearing of these words cast the Queen into a great fright Madam said I to her my misfortunes are so great that 't is like they will also prove fatal to Balsé and all the respect I owe to the King's order can never prevent my resentment Castriot came afterwards follow'd by the Princess and I retir'd in that sad condition Amissa who saw me retire easily perceiv'd my trouble since I seemed to shun her presence I spent that night in the greatest trouble imaginable I had a thousand several Projects in my Head at last I resolved to render Amissa's possession impossible for Balsé I had seen him in several occasions but I never had the least fear his arms should triumph over me as his favour did In fine I rose up at the break of day and went to tarry for him near the Palace where he was used to go every Morning Balsé said I as soon as I saw him we must fight for Amissa and you will never be happy before you have killed me Then I drew my Sword my Rival was forced to do the same and we fought with equal courage and advantage we wounded one another in several places and tho' they endeavour'd to part us yet our fight lasted so long that it exhausted the greatest part of our strength Balsé at last fell at my feet and tho' I stood up still yet I was in a sad condition a crowd of people coming then carried us both away The King shewed such a great resentment to my Father who endeavour'd to justifie me that his great grief cast him into a Fever which brought him to the Grave I durst not appear and this increas'd my despair The Queen and Princess sent me word how much concerned they were for me But nothing could satisfie Castriot but my death should Balsé live no longer his wounds were more considerable than mine I was curld in a short time notwithstanding my grief but all the care they took of him could not prevent his death Then my Lord I could no longer tarry in Croya or in any other place of Albania Castriot had no regard for my Love nor Services nor Birth and granting some tears to Balsé's death he fully resolved my own The Princess whom he suspected to favour me felt his severity even the Queen her self underwent his reproaches I thought it very hard to hide my self for a glorious action and I had fallen into a despair if the Princess who could obtain any thing from me and who knew well I was not out of Croya where I was carefully sought after and who feared Castriot's resentment had not prescrib'd a Law which I could not resist I receiv'd her orders in a Letter written with her own hand which was delivered to me with a great deal of circumspection The Princess Amissa to Thopia AS one cannot reasonably expect any rest from violent actions so we might have been happier had you not been so passionate If I have any power over you and if you put any trust in me avoid for a while the King's displeasure The Queen wishes it and I beg it of you Absent your self Thopia I fear the loss of your life this Lesson proceeds from my heart Remember our former conversations and believe for your own comfort that now it is you may be as good a Scholar as yours Tho' absence seemed to me a more cruel pain than any that Castriot's wrath could prepare yet I resolved to obey the Princess and to acquaint her with it I sent her this answer Thopia to the Princess Amissa THe greatest demonstration both of Love and Respect that I can give you is to go out of Croya and Albania where I leave you likely for ever I do not repine at my sufferings since your pleasure will have it so I shall depart Madam but let me beg that protection from your heart without which I I should never be able to endure the pains of absence Adieu I may dye without seeing you but never without adoring your charms I wished I could have taken my leave of Amissa but the then present Juncture of Affairs would not allow of a private interview I parted from Croya with a sound body but a heart full of grief I took with me some of my faithful Servants abandoning whatever my Father had left me There was then no War in any place of Europe and having no certain Design I was led at last by my profound Melancholy into a part of Greece as I was thinking upon a larger Journey I heard of Castriot's death How unjust soever he had been against me I was afflicted at the News I had returned to Croya if Amurat's Tyranny who had possess'd himself of all Albania had not put an invincible stop to my Designs The Queen and Amissa were made Captives and having no Forces to defend I went every where to make some interest for them and made at last that Party which I brought to you after the Queen's Death which oppressed me almost with grief entirely honouring her and knowing how sensible Amissa would be of this Misfortune In fine my Lord I was Witness of your immortal Actions I saw Amissa again whom I found the same and who told me that my happiness wholly depended upon your pleasure This is that History my Lord you desired to know you are both my King and Master but besides you are the Sovereign Umpire of my Felicity Scanderberg embraced Thopia as soon as he had made an end of his Relation and assured him that he might possess Amissa when he pleased and that nothing would be so acceptable to him as his Union But tho' Scanderberg's violent passion had been diverted for a while by Thopia's Relation yet it soon recovered its former strength the sorrowful Aranit was much concerned and they were but little pleased at the gain of the Battel since their hopes were furstrated Acomat wondred
that Musselman who had so many reasons to fear the Sultan's wrath should be so rash as to enter his Camp and carry away Arianissa being not acquainted with all the particulars of his Life he could give no comfort to the King of Albania In the mean time this Prince could see the Turks had departed that his Army was not much weakned and that Croyae had nothing to fear being thus free to act as he pleased he could not resolve himself to tarry till he had heard some News concerning Arianissa and resolved to venture any thing to find her out My Lord says he to Aranit our common interest requires mine absence as things stand now there is no danger Amurat should attempt any thing but we ought to fear all things from the treacherous Musselman We must deliver Arianissa from his Tyranny and I am weary of my life when I think she is in his power Aranit was far from opposing this resolution and Scanderberg prepared himself to depart with the fortunate Thopia who would never forsake him Vranus followed them also and Acomat who could not with Honour follow his Master's Enemies tarried with Aranit as a Prisoner of War The King of Alhania would not take many Souldiers along with him for fear of being known his Equipage was not very great but he found himself in an exceeding trouble concerning the way he ought to take he was sensible that Musselman had fled from Amurat and that it was to no purpose to seek him among the defeated Army it was not likely neither that this Ravisher should retire into the Emperour's Territories or tarry in Albania In this uncertainty he wholly trusted himself to Chance not certain of the success of his Enterprize and going he knew not where he found in several places many Companies of the Turks scattered and returning to Amurat. He was three days without taking any rest and all his inquiries being to no purpose he began to despair But he was not the only man that sought Arianissa Prince Mahomet seeing her out of his Father's hands desired to get her for himself and look'd upon Musselman as upon a light obstacle could he but meet with him Amurat tho' sorely afflicted at his losses sent several Parties after him but the young Sultan led by his own heart's interest took that licence followed only by twenty men At first he was not more fortunate than Scanderberg and travelled over a spacious Country to no purpose at last being arrived in a savage place which properly may be called a Wilderness he heard some noise over his head and saw Musselman retrenched in a steep Rock hurrying Arianissa with violence and striving to get her notwithstanding all her resistance into a Den where the Sun had never shone Mahomet had an Ottoman Soul that is haughty and cruel as the rest of his Life witnessed The injury done to a fair Princess whom he loved dearly inspired him with the utmost Fury and crying very loud he would fain have gone to Musselman but he saw every where inaccessible Precipices Arianissa and Musselman hearing that noise look'd upon him The Princess hated all the Turks but she had a lesser aversion against Mahomet than against the Bostangi-Bachi the Prince who saw her desolate and oppressed with grief made many attempts which did not affright Musselman but Heaven who had designed that day for the punishment of the greatest Rogue in the World brought Scanderberg and his Men in the place where the Prince Mahomet was it vexed them to see one another there but the King of Albania soon perceived Arianissa Who could express his commotion at this sight or Musselman's rage The Precipices that were round him seem'd to secure his Cruelty but such as they were he did not think they were inaccessible for the passionate Scanderberg Just Heavens cry'd he favour my Passion and since you grant me to see Arianissa grant me also that I may deliver her from that cruel Tyrant Then he cast his eyes all round about and seeing a by-way difficult but less dangerous than the rest followed it hastily Thopia Vranus and the rest followed his steps and Mahomet who would not be an useless Spectator went after them tho it was a long circuit and tho' Musselman affrighted threatned to carry away Arianissa the couragious Princess hindered his design Scanderberg saw many of his Men fall and bruise themselves upon the Rocks but this did not abate his Courage and at last he found a way easier and broader which led him to Arianissa But alas those were not all the obstacles he was to met with and Musselman's Fury was more to be feared than those Precipices he had overcome already That barbarous man tho' he had a far greater number of men than those that had followed the two Princes yet could not trust on his own strength a hellish rage possess'd his Soul and seeing he was undone he resolved to undo all With this resolution he seized Arianissa's arm and drawing a Cymeter Scanderberg said he to her with his scared looks shall never see thee alive or enjoy those favours thou designest for him Thou cannot affright me in threatning me with death replied Arianissa with a serene countenance but tremble for thine own I look upon it as certain replied the Turk but Scanderberg's hand shall never sacrifice me The King of Albania was still drawing nearer and could already hear them Musselman perceiving him bad him stop if he desired Arianissa's life The Prince who saw his Cymeter and who was well enough acquainted with the Turks temper to expect all sorts of cruelties from them was strangely surprised and durst go no farther Arianissa seeing him stop and fearing lest too much love should make him easily leave her exhorted him to advance Come my Lord cryed she to him Musselman is too faint hearted to attempt any thing upon my life but suppose he was not I would sooner die than submit to him Mahomet who had also drawn near and who was not so much concerned for the loss of her life tho' he was mightily in love would have advanced farther but Scanderberg bad him imperiously not to advance rashly lest he should consider him as Arianissa's Murderer The Prince advanced no more and Musselman seeing the well grounded fear of his Rivals grew the more insolent King of Albania said he if thou lovest Arianissa's life thou must allow me to retire freely with her since I swear to thee by all that may render an Oath inviolable that I shall not spare her if thou goest a step farther O barbarous cry'd the Prince is this your way of loving and deserving her How cunningly thou knowest how to make use of my Love and thy Cowardise Depart Monster go far from hence since Arianissa's safety requires it but at least respect her Virtue and Rank Can you forsake me so cryed out Aranit's fair Daughter and do you think Scanderberg that I am so much in love with my life as to chuse
towards the Emperour could not prove pernicious to me There is no need said I I should instruct you about the Laws which you know well enough and which you cannot violate without Crime or Danger But my Lord said I turning my self towards Mahomet I must needs tell you that tho' my civility may hide your Actions from the Sultan yet you ought to make a good use of it And as for thee O Musselman the perfidious Subject of an Emperour who had honoured thee with the first Diguities of his House if thou escapest free thank my Indulgence and Mahomet The Bostangi Bachi felt a secret Rage at these words he believed that your absence had changed mine Inclinations and that I was in love with the young Sultan I have interrupted your Designs reply'd he with a boldness like himself You wish Mahomet should come again but I am not so little concerned in Amurat's Interest as to hide from him what has pass'd You Rogue interrupted the Prince do not offend Arianissa and acknowledge your fault as I do mine Since our passionate Love hath brought us hither against all common prudence let us confess our selves guilty Tho' you ought to question me about what I do yet tho' I am your Prince I 'll give you what satisfaction you can desire from me Come therefore to another place These words did but confirm him in the Opinion he had that I loved Mahomet they were both forced to retire and after I had seen them go out I went into my Chamber resolved to tarry there for fear of the like Surprisal seeing that all the Eunuchs in the Seraglio were debauched in their Duty Amaldan who design'd nothing else by favouring the Bostangi Bachi than to make use of his Liberality cared little whether he was pleased or no those that served Mahomet were not more zealous for him Some of my waiting Women had their Share in this Intreague but for fear of communicating these things to those that were innocent I thought it fitter to be silent I got all the Passges to my Appartment closely shut up Aradin did asswage my displeasure by telling me he had received News from you and that nothing being able to resist you you would soon be Master of Croya Your happiness made me look less melancholly than I was used to be Amurat who was sick but a little while soon perceived it and upbraided me for my sedate mind as if it had been a great Crime In fine My Lord we heard at Adrianople your arrival to Croya and I cannot express to you what was Amurat's rage when he heard of the defeat of his Basha's he resolved to go in person to fight you But he was not willing to leave me behind him I was not afflicted at this news reckoning it a happiness to come near the place where you and my Father were Selimana mad at this Resolution designed to have killed me and to make her self certain that way that I should never belong to you or to the Sultan I have told you already that we had no great correspondance She knew what preparations were made for my departure and seeing she had quite lost the Emperours love she resolved to punish me for it by her liberality she endeavoured to induce some Eunuchs to poison me some were persidious enough to attempt against my Life but all to no purpose tho' I used but a little circumspection These slow enterprises did not agree with the violence of her hatred therefore one night being mad at Amurat's Scorn she entered into my Chamber with a dagger in her hand which she had used without any mercy had not my good Fate brought there Aradin who full of Zeal and Terror threw himself upon her and hindred her design The proud Sultaness turned her head and perceived her own weakness she told us all that a violent hatred can inspire She cursed the Emperour reviled me basely protested against me named you many times and at last stabbing her self with two strokes she fell dead at my feet I ran away at this cruel sight The Emperour coming in was little concerned for her Death tho' he had loved her passionately because he could no longer abide her apbraiding humour At last my Lord we departed from the Seraglio at Andrinople I was put in a covered Cart with two old Women it was imposible for any man to see me and no body was ever observed with greater care notwithstanding all this the rash Musselman endeavoured to steal me away he was discovered the first time and forced to fly from the presence of the angry Sultan who was resolved to have punished him he suspected Mahomet also and that poor Prince was like to undergo the Fate which hath ruined so many of his Predecessors We arrived in sight of Croya with the Ottoman Army I felt some tender motions when I saw these Towers and Amurat redoubled then his Efforts to soften my heart but never found me Kinder than I had been at Andrinople Vexed at this he would always threaten me with your or Arianit's death I was often alarmed at his But the trust I had in the Valour of you both dissipated my Terrors and kept up my Courage One day after he had extraordinarily tormented me he resolved to sacrifice me to that rage my unkindness had caused in him he thought he should forget me when he should see me no more and being loath to use any other Executioner than his loyal Orcan a favourite worthy such a Master he wrote the Note to him which you found upon Aradin and trusted it to an Eunuch Aradin who knew the exceeding and violent wrath of Sultan observed all his Actions and meeting the Eunuch who carried his orders to Orcan he likely brought him out of the Camp and fought him having no other way to get his Note of him I do not question but he went towards Croya to acquaint you with my miserable condition but he was assassinated in the way by Musselman who had never loved him according to what he told me after he had stolen me away that he had already sacrificed that passion to himself I expected nothing good from Amurat's Anger and seeing Aradin no longer I thought he had been arrested by his Orders as being too much affected for your Service and mine As Passions are not always equally violent he had no sooner ordered my death but he thought with himself how cruel this was like to prove to him he sent for the Eunuch but he was no longer to be found Amurat at last saw Orcan who had not received his orders and who had never approved it Considering what advantage it would be to them to keep me alive in a Country where the chance of War might not favour them always Amurat who had harkened to his own reasons more than to those of Orcan gave me leave to live but swore he should have no longer any respect for me You know my Lord all the rest that had past my Father's captivity your own Victories and Musselman's stealing me away he broke open the Tent where I was carefully kept killed many men and carryed me away without any resistance assuring me that to make amends for what he had done his only desire was to deliver me into your hands I could not trust him but that discourse flattered my hopes that Traytor brought me away with all the immaginable swiftness whilst all the Camp was full of confusion and I lost soon after the sight of the Walls of Croya and that of Amurat's Tents You may judge my Lord of my grief to fall from Amurat's hands into that Traytor 's whom no consideration had been able to divert from such a dangerous attempt I weeped but all to no purpose my Prayers were but in vain he made me wander a long while without letting me enjoy any rest and hurried me in that place whether Heaven moved by my tears brought you in such a Critical Minute The Princess made an end of her Discourse Scanderberg shew'd how much moved he was at her several sufferings in the mean time Aranit came to acquaint the King that the Turks fortify'd themselves and did intend to attack them within few days but Scanderberg was no less formidable in his joy than in his sorrow and was not much frighted at Amurat's designs All the moments he spent with the Charming Arianissa were attended with happiness and joy Thopia also who feared no longer any Rival nor the King's opposition against his Love enjoy'd a perfect Tranquility which Amissa's Protestations assured him of Amurat grievously vexed to know his Enemy's perfect happiness offered him the Battle again and made a new attempt to oppress him Arianissa who was well acquainted with Fortune's inconstancy was afflicted at it but the invincible Scanderberg assuring her so confidently of the Victory render'd her less concerned at his departure And really he triumphed again but after such a glorious and advantagious a manner that the Sultan being vanquish'd and weakned dyed some days after for shame and dispair after his last defeat Mahomet who was not then in a capacity to make War any longer seeing the Ottoman Army exhausted left Arianissa and Albania in the Victorious Scanderberg's hands and went to Andrinople to be proclaim'd Emperor there Acomat being at liberty to do what he pleased followed him and parted from Scanderberg after he had promised him an everlasting Friendship which he religiously observed being neuter in all the Wars between Mahomet and the King of Albania Scanderberg at the highest degree of his glory feared by his Enemies adored by all his Subjects and dearly beloved by the fairest Princess in the World married her publickly in Croya with all possible demonstrations of joy the same day was chosen for Thopia's marriage with Amissa Aranit full of Satisfaction and Glory took upon himself the management of State Affairs to give more time to Scanderberg to enjoy Loves delights All those that had been Loyal to Castriot's Family were fully rewarded chiefly Vranus Never a King lived with more content or performed such famous Exploits as Scanderberg did But 't is enough for us to have tyed him here for ever with his Charming Arianissa The great Atchievements of his Reign are so commonly known that it would be to no purpose to relate them here FINIS