discretion to deal with the Women of that Country whose passion of love is sometimes so violent that they observe no bounds that the Sultaness was indeed the most rational she had known amongst them and had the most wit yet tender and passionate as the rest That she and he would be immutably ruined if the Bassa who had no small experience in Amours should once have the least suspicion of the Intrigue That there was not in the Kingdom a man more tender of his honour than he and that all the kindness he had for him would not save him from his indignation if he once came to know he had seen his Wife As much taken as our young Roman was with the pleasant beginnings of his Amours and for all his rejoycings at those evident kindnesses he had received from the greatest Beauty under Heaven yet he could not forbear reflecting on Laura's good counsels but went musing along the Seraglio what course he should take what means he should use against so dangerous a Passion which would certainly bring him to ruin and confusion When the Bassa going to one of his Mistresses met him by the way and seeing him pass by without so much as saluting him he presently fell a laughing and taking him by the arm Now said he I see that you are in love The Count being confounded at his surprizing him in that case made excuses for his fault The Bassa made answer that if he desir'd to be pardon'd he must freely confess the truth and acknowledge himself extreamly disordered at the Merits and Beauty of Laura More Sir said the Count with a very deep sigh than you can possibly express or imagine But it being late and the Bassa not willing to stay he deferred the more particular inquiry to another opportunity and dismiss'd him to his Lodging This was a great happiness and no less pleasure to the young Lover who was not then in condition to give the Bassa an account of his Amours Part of that night he pass'd walking in his Chamber as if he had intended to come to a Resolution before he went to bed It was not the fear of death or misfortune that troubled him but the horrour of ingratitude and having received so much kindness from the Bassa thought it inexcusable in him to have any unjust designs on his Wife But then says he should I not be the most ungrateful of men should I slight the affection of so charming a Person to whom if I consider her Obligations according to their value I owe more than to the Bassa And is it not possible for me to see and to love her within bounds so as to be blameless on the one side and the other No no if there be ingratitude in that I cannot help it there is nothing in the World can excuse me to the Sultaness and love ought to make my excuse with the Bassa This was the last Combate between gratitude and love in the heart of the Count the last carried the day and going to bed thereupon he rested very well The Bassa who was extreamly desirous to see him so deeply in love that he should not be able to deny it was the first that spoke to him to return again that day to the Sultaness Lodgings he gave him the Key of the Seraglio and laughing told him he need not make such haste to come back if he found as much pleasure as he wisht him there but that he must have a care he did not engross all the love to himself but he should give Laura some part unless he were minded to languish as he had done a long time to no purpose The amorous Italian went straight to the Seraglio and Laura who waited for him told him at his arrival he might pass to the same Chamber he had been in and that she would give her Lady notice of his coming but she not having the patience of waiting so long was got already into the Alcove The Count having an extream curiosity and longing for a sight of that place thought it convenient for the purpose to make use of that time when he believed the Sultaness was absent and coming up to the Ballistre gently took up the Curtain But how was he surprized to see on the sudden that charming Person in a posture the most capable of any to make one in love I shall not trouble you with a description of the Alcove which being a Room of State for the Wife of so puissant a Lord you may easily believe was very noble and rich It was raised a foot higher than the Chamber the approach to it being by a space cover'd with a fair Turky Carpet checkquer'd with little squares of Damask wrought with Gold The Sultaness lay on a Bed of Damask of like work and having design'd to shew her self that day to the Count she had not forgot to put her self in an equipage and posture capable to charm him at first sight she had turned her face towards the Ballister leaning her head carelestly on her left arm which you might clearly see in her great Tiffany sleeve after the Turkish mode Her black hair was partly pleated with great ropes of Pearl parting down on her Breast and part on her shoulders and set off the clearness of her delicate Complexion vying with the Snow in whiteness to so much advantage that it wrought wonderful effects in the beholder She had about her body a small Gold Bodice only her bosom being half open and the rest cover'd with a piece of fine Tiffany like an Amazons Scarf all was visible from her Neck to her Breast and so admirable to behold that it had been impossible for an eye having seen it as the Count did to escape being enamour'd of it she had on her head plumes of several colours and in the midst of them a crescent of Silver Her Coat was of a light Stuff Imbroydered with Gold after the fashion of the Country with Diamond Buckles to tuck it up at the knee her Leg was half naked and the rest covered with Buskins all laid over with Diamonds and Pearls in a word she was all so Rich so Gallant so full of Charms that the poor Count was utterly undone at the sight His joy and astonishment were visible to her in that confusion of action and words in which he was so miserably plung'd that he knew not what was become of himself nor what he would say to her But falling into an Extasie and wholly swallowed up with admiration his Eyes and his Sighs were Orators for him The fair Sultaness as soon as she saw him would with a Handkerchief she had in her hand have covered her face and hid from him part of the confusion she was in But the happy Lover recovering courage by degrees passing his arm betwixt the Ballistres hindered her from it Once you might have had reason Madam said he to have kept from my sight those treasures of love as knowing full well that
Count made a pause expecting her answer but not receiving a word from her he proceeded telling her I thought we had not been so debarred the pleasures of an Assignation but we might have enjoy'd that of discourse but for ought I perceive you mean to follow the fashion of Turky since 't is a favour in this Country for a Woman to shew her self or speak to a Man you will deprive me of the one and the other But while we are together I pray let us live after the mode of our Country which is far better than the Turkish To do otherwise with me were altogether too rigorous and more I believe than you have promised the Sultaness or she expects at your hands Away I beseech you said he taking her by the Barnus with this ufeless Hood and do me the favour to tell me some News of the Sultaness or if you please of the Adventures brought you hither which from the day I first had the honour to see you I have had an extream longing to ask you This you will not deny me if you think I may be any way useful to you as I doubt not but I may being your Country-man and so well esteemed by the Bassa as to be able to do you some Service All this Discourse so obliging for Laura she heard without replying a word or quitting her Barnus as he had desired The Count seeing this pressed her no further but with more serious air said if you desire Madam to pass the Evening in this manner it will be very unfortunate for me but I must comply And removing a few paces from her he went and sat him down in a corner of the Bower where he continued a while without speaking a word The fair Lady fetched a sigh as if she had been displeased at his quitting her The Count laying hold on that occasion to be even with her took his turn of tormenting in not answering her sighs At last she came to him took him by the Arm and embraced him with many grimaces as if she would have turned all into ridicule The Count fell a laughing and said Madam I beseech you be satisfied with the Sacrifice I make to Love without trying my patience any further let us if you please have a little conversation but answer me when I speak for I do not love talking to my self But all would not do she laughed under her Hood and took pleasure in vexing him The Count at last growing impatient This is too much Madam said he and since you will needs laugh I 'le shew you a trick shall make you speak in spight of your Heart having said so he took her in his Arms and not being able to take off her Hood he used some Familiarities with her would have forced speech from a Maid of Laura's Discretion and Modesty But the Lady was still silent and so little concerned that she scarce made any resistance At which the Count was extreamly surpriz'd and after all the esteem he had for Laura apprehended there might be a design in the business and that he was abused Then it was he did all in his power to get sight of her through a little glimmering of light that came into the Bower Did the Sultaness know said he the liberty you allow me she would give you no thanks for your silence or your being shie of affording me a sight of you which it seems you do to give me occasion to attempt greater matters and deny me small favours to grant me the principal The fair Lady not able to defend her self longer quitted her Barnus and having escap'd out of his hands Ah little Traytor said she is this the Fidelity you have promised me Oh Heavens Madam said he is it you It was the Sultaness her self had taken Laura's place and you may imagine what a pleasant surprize this was to the Count who could not on the sudden otherwise express it than by his exclamations and running after her who fled not too fast he overtook her at the Door of the Bower and embracing her most tenderly My dear Sultaness said he the second time is it you Yes answered she suffering her self to be gently brought back into the Bower it is I who repent me already of what I have done for you who did not deserve it Did you think me so simple to expose into the hands of another that which I hold most dear in the World Do not I see how ill it is trusting of you Your Constancy was very tottering it was at least half overcome And had Laura the counterfeit Laura answered your offers where would you have been Never was Man more confounded than the Count at all these Reproaches He made a free Confession but excused himself by her carriage towards him alledging it impossible for any Man to have withstood the attaques she had made At last he carried the Cause all was accommodated an Agreement made and Love signed the Articles To come in search of a Gallant as the Sultaness had done into a Garden where she knew her Husband was present was an Adventure somewhat bold And doubtless there are many Women who will condemn her conduct as imprudent but of those who are in Love there are few who being in her place would not take the same course The Bassa though accompanied with a very Beautiful Person past away time somewhat worse than the Count Chabania his Mistress had besides Beauty an excellent Wit and a very taking carriage which made her pass for the most charming Person in the Seraglio The Bassa had formerly been deeply in Love with her but Love for convenience is not very durable Her Patron was not in an humour to Entertain her that Evening and had not brought her with him into the Garden but to serve for a pretence to colour other designs she apprehended as much as soon as she knew that Laura was in the Garden which the Bassa unluckily told her thinking he might satisfie her in that point by letting her know that Laura was deeply in Love with Alexander in whose company she was But Chabania was so far from believing it that she presently fancied Alexander to be no other than the Bassa's Confident in the affair and that he had not brought Laura into the Garden but for his Master she had been formerly jealous of him even to distraction and I know not how it came to pass the Bassa was so overseen as not to have made choice of some other of his Women who might have been more for his turn on this occasion She was at her wits end for the small countenance he gave her all the while he was with her she had scarcely fewer words from him and saw clearly his thoughts were wholly of Laura This was vexation enough for a Woman in Love who knows her self handsom and is high spirited withal But that which put her into absolute despair was that the Bassa not able to obtain any truce from
not very well The Bassa gave her his hand and would have led her into a private Chamber Laura perceiving it and that he was in good earnest Prayed him to let her go that her Lady was not well and he knew well enough she could not endure her being a moment out of her sight I I replied the Bassa the Sultaness is sick and cannot be a moment without you but 't is because 't is I desire to pass that moment with you had it been Alexander you could have staid a little longer The Bassa said this with so pleasant a tone she could not forbear laughing You know Sir replied she 't is another case when you are with the Sultaness Besides Sir added she smiling one would venture a little for a Sweet-heart Well well said he pressing her to go along with him 't is Love hath brought me hither I Sir answer'd she striving to get away from him and 't is Love obliges me to avoid the occasion of being found alone in your company for though I know you a most accomplished Person you will allow me to tell you you have not too much respect for our Sex and 't is very hard trusting you witness your assaults last night in the Garden the Bassa made her a thousand Oaths he would keep within the bounds of that respect and discretion she might expect from the severest vertue and protested he desired only one quarter of an hours discourse Laura who knew the violence and obstinacy of his humour when denyed any thing he held reasonable to be granted him disposed her self to entertain him that quarter of an hour He reproached her a thousand times for her hardness and cruelty against him and gave her withall the kindest words and the most tender and passionate expressions imaginable Laura to defend her self pleaded her Honour her Religion and her Duty to the Sultaness her Mistress three things she would not betray for the World Had you but a little Love for me said the Bassa with a sigh you would not find so many reasons for defence I have my Religion as you have yours and the Precepts of it perhaps as severe as yours but Love is stronger than all the Precepts the Laws the Religions of the World and those who serve him worship no other God As for the Sultaness how are you concerned that is my business not yours and it shall be your fault if ever she know it But what do you tell me of Honour Surely 't is more for your Honour to love a Man as I am than to love such a one as Alexander You mistake your self Sir answered Laura if you think that in the visits he hath made me there hath any thing pass'd contrary to my duty 'T is not with those of our Nation as with the People of this Country We may be together and no body by yet my Honour secure I swear to you Sir Alexander never received that favour from me which I could not afford the Person for whom I am the least concerned in the World The Bassa interrupted her what not in the Garden Neither in the Garden nor any where else replyed she had he ever any other advantage than a sight of me which with us is accounted for nothing Can you make me believe answered the Bassa what you say Laura told him there was nothing more true and he might rest assured of it But Sir said she for your better satisfaction bring him no more hither and you shall see whether I make my complaint for it 'T were pitty replyed the Bassa to destroy so fair a friendship and I do protest to you that were it in my power I would give you no trouble but I am not so much Master of my self to gain this point on my heart to be unconcerned in your Love But since you love Alexander with so much indifference that you can so easily resolve not to see him more I have no cause to afflict my self but rather to hope you may one day love me perhaps as much as you do him After these words the Bassa retired with a heart a little better at ease than when he came in but as deeply in Love as before He gave not an intire and firm credit to what Laura had told him of her indifference and small concernment for Alexander but did believe her passion for the Christian not so great as he had imagined or that their Love had been cooled by some quarrel for he had observed on the one side and the other more indifference than is usually consistent with that passion But then reflecting suddenly on himself may not this be said he resuming his jealousie and diffidence an effect of their policy may they not be agreed to deceive me and being already sufficiently assured of one anothers affections may they not pretend they have no Love for one another that they may Love one another with greater security No no adds he this cannot be there is no hiding of Love it will appear if not smothered to death She love not Alexander at all or loves him but indifferently thus he the more easily perswaded himself to be so in that he did most passionately desire it might be so and thence-forward his passion increased so fast it became greater than ever Hope being a passion that more than any other foments that of Love easily promises it self happy events and flatters it self with expectation of good fortune and success Laura gave the Sultaness an accompt of all the pleasant discourse and the Sultaness could have wished Laura had not been altogether so severe to the Bassa but a little more kind and complaisant without which she thought they could not see Alexander so often as she desired Laura on the contrary told her that to have been complaisant would have spoyl'd all for that the Bassa would then have entertained some hopes of favour from her and so become more amorous than before and consequently more jealous of his supposed Rival than ever What shall I do then said the poor Sultaness who can do nothing but fear and cannot expect any thing but crosses and misfortunes Laura told her things were not in so desperate a condition that she need trouble her self for it for the Bassa had promised to send Alexander on the morrow and that they would consider with him how to order their business The Count did not know that the Bassa had been with the Sultaness but having not heard from him that day he went on the morrow to wait on him at his rising He found him abed so dejected and melancholy that he might by his countenance easily discover the heaviness of his heart Yet he received him with that air of kindness and friendship might well assure the Count he was not displeased with him The Bassa was silent a while and then looking on the Count with an air of friendship and confidence Alexander said he I am the most unfortunate of men especially in Love Laura added
get satisfaction for so cruel an outrage Women and Eunuchs were sent from the Dey to the Bassa's Seraglio on purpose to know the truth and particulars of this Affair who made their report that the Sultaness was not there that no body knew what was become of her and that you only were able to give us any news of her A Messenger was presently dispatched to Gouletta to enquire at the Castle if there were not a Woman in the Christian Vessel that sail'd away this Morning the answer he gave was that the Vessel was sail'd away without being search'd and that the Bassa had sent order to that purpose by the Captain of his Guards who accompanied the Christian aboard the Ship These Circumstances so clear and apparent did but too much confirm what Chabania had said Hereupon divers Councils were held and the Assembly consisting of Persons ill-affected to the Bassa or at least too Zealous for the Dey the Result was that Revenge should be taken I cannot conceive how it was possible the Bassa had no news what past the report having been presently noised over the Town It was designed he should be surprized at Bardou where it was believed he would have lain this Night But News being brought that he was on his way hither the Dey's Aga had Order if deny'd entrance to set upon the Palace and seize his Person living or dead And I at the same time was to go to the Seraglio and to carry you away They miss'd of him and it was well for you he escaped for had he been taken both he and you had been by this time dead But having so luckily made his escape and being Master of the Militia and Moors of the Kingdom he may become formidable to the Dey and be in a capacity to deliver you from danger The unfortunate Laura too much acquainted with the unkindness of her Stars did nothing but sigh and groan at the apprehensions of the new storms that threatned her She knew better than any the little reason they had to charge the Bassa with the flight of the Sultaness and being of Opinion that by justifying the Bassa her cause would appear better before the Dey she told this Turk that her Patron was not perhaps so guilty as they thought I know not continued she what is become of the Sultaness since she left the Seraglio this Morning but the confidence you have exprest in me in the freedom of your speech to me and your generous carriage obliging me not to be so reserv'd to you as I would to another and seeing the extremity matters are reduced to I must acquaint you that if the Bassa sent away the Sultaness with the Christian as is reported she was very willing to go And because it is probable you will hardly believe me without telling you more I shall be forced to relate part of a story which may serve at least to excuse if not justifie the Bassa You know Sir said she that the Sultaness loved Alexander and that she loved him entirely the occasion was this The Bassa whom every one knows to have had a mighty affection for that Christian had a longing desire whether for Divertisement or to fasten him more closely to his Person to see him Love with some Lady and was of Opinion I might be fit for the purpose if he could but contrive how to bring us together But because I stirred not out of the Seraglio and that it would have been a very scandalous thing to see a Christian enter a Palace where none of your Religion but Eunuchs have access he put the stranger into the habit of an Eunuch and having prevailed with me to accept of a Visit from him brought him to me one Evening The Sultaness already full of good thoughts for the Christian whom the Bassa had a thousand times spoke to her of was extreamly glad to hear of the design to bring him to her very Apartment and with very great earnestness prayed me if possible to procure her the pleasure of seeing him This proved no hard task for me to perform The Bassa who seldom came to visit the Sultaness sending him almost every day disguised like an Eunuch into the Seraglio so that I had no more to do but provide for the Secrecy of the interview between my Mistress and Alexander They had a sight of each other and if Alexander was so handsom as to please the Sultaness you may imagine that so Beautiful a Lady could not displease him Their Love increased day by day to that height that they saw one another very often The Bassa seeing his Christian in Love and thinking me the object of it took singular pleasure in it The Bassa had formerly had some kindness for me which cool'd by my resistance but having one day for Divertisement caused Alexander to give him an account of the progress of his Amour the fire of his Love so long raked up and smothered kindled afresh into a flame and gathering from the success of Alexander's Address that I was not insensible as I pretended to him he renewed his Courtship intermingled now and then with Reproaches for the little esteem I had for him in preferring the affection of a Slave before his I fore-saw the danger but was unwilling to make him sensible of his mistake to save the two Lovers from the inconveniences which would certainly attend the discovery And making my self a Sacrifice to the pleasure of the Sultaness I let him believe I was not insensible of the Merit of Alexander The affair thus managed there followed many pleasant Adventures and Intrigues which for fear of troubing you too much at present I shall defer the relation of it to a better Opportunity The mean time the Bassa extreamly pressed me and reproached me daily for slighting his Passion and at the same time favouring a Christian far less worthy of my affection He left no stone unturned to compass his Amorous designs insomuch as at last he found the means to have a private and dumb interview in the dark with his Wife whom he mistook for me and did her all the violence imaginable to be revenged of the insensibility I had for him Having satisfied himself he parted with her without knowing her blessing himself for the good Fortune of having obtained that which he might have commanded every day But grieved at last for the outrage he thought he had done me and not knowing how to excuse himself to a Mistress extreamly offended he judg'd no better amends could be made for his fault than setting at Liberty two Lovers whose Passion he had so unjustly injured after having been not only the promoter but first Author of their Love He sent me the News of his Resolution by a Billet he writ to me wherein he pleaded in excuse the great Passion he had for me that to expiate his fault he would deprive himself for ever of the sight of me and send me back with my Love to my
instantly in my Ears that there was a necessity of making you both a Sacrifice to her Repose and that till then she could not expect any Pleasure in her Life She told me I must help her to effect the design or expect to be the first that should feel the weight of her wrath I endeavoured the best I could to reduce her to Reason but for some time she would not hear any At last her ill humour desired only the satisfaction of your being put out of your Lodging and was content to find out several pretences to perswade your Father to put you into a Nunnery or at least out of his House Notwithstanding all the Arts of her Complaisance and Cunning she found it no easie matter to bring this about but for the quiet of the House it was necessary to please her and place you under Pension in a Nunnery Shortly after whether it were that you had discovered the business or that she fear'd you had done so or rather that she was willing to be rid of me by this Stratagem she came one Night to my Chamber while your Father was asleep and with a fright in her looks told me I was undone that my Master knew all and that I had no more but that Night for to save my self Whereupon she gave me Money and seeing me resolved to be gone bid me her last farewel I kept as you remember the Keys of the House and so got easily out I had for a Disguise taken a black Suit of your Fathers and as soon as it was day and the Port open I hired a Felucca which carried me to Legorne where I lay private three days staying for a Vessel of the Great Dukes which was to carry a Present to Mahomet Bassa my Ancient Friend who made use of his Interest with the Dey to restore me my Estate which since I was a Slave had been Confiscated upon a belief I was dead But having fail'd of his desire he procured me in recompence the Secretaries place which is no great matter here This Madam is the account of my Life since I left Italy You may oblige me in acquainting me with yours which I could not come to the knowledge of having never heard since from Genoa That which remains to be told you says Elinor whom we will yet call Laura is a story full of troubles and misfortunes the more difficult for me to relate that a Person of Quality cannot but be ashamed of them But I will be free with you Having spent two Years in the Covent I was placed in my Father moved with many tears took me home where for the time I stayed there I was under continual Persecution from my Mother-in-Law who having got the Ascendent over the good Man made him believe what she pleased She had new designs in her Head which you may believe was the cause of the fear she put you in for my Father never had the least knowledge of your familiarity and was much troubled at your running away declaring he had lost in you the best Servant he had He had designed to have set you at Liberty which was the reason he sent not after you as he might have done I was by this time become somewhat clear sighted and what I knew of my Mother-in-Law made me suspect every thing she did I watched her narrowly and in few days discovered a new Gallant You may believe that after the mischiefs she had done me I fail'd not to do her all the ill Offices in my power it is the nature of our Sex never to Pardon But besides the pleasure of Revenge I was engaged in Honour against her This raised a War between us more violent than ever and my Father had trouble enough to content us both At first she thought her self hard enough for me having once already turn'd me out of the House and afterwards sent you packing and putting on a bold face fear'd nothing as knowing I would not accuse her of any thing but her impudence could bring her off my Evidence being gone But when she perceived by my obstructing her new practices rallying her on all occasions and other cutting effects of my resentment that I understood her Secrets she spared nothing that Rage and Fury could suggest to her against me At last she fell heavy upon me with my Father and having not prevailed with him to return me into the Monastery forced him to turn me again out of his House and place me with his Relations where I passed six Months with one and six Months with another to the great displeasure of the Family Till at last a Grandee of Spain an old Friend of my Fathers having been created Viceroy of Naples and passing by Genoa to go and take Possession of his Government my Father intreated him to take me along with him which he readily did The Viceroy and his Lady received and entertained me not only as the Daughter of their intimate Friend but as their own and honoured me with such expressions of Civility and Bounty that I thought my self too happy in being of their Train And the truth is I was not deceived these beginnings of kindness growing every day to greater perfection especially on the part of the Viceroy's Lady who appeared not able to live a moment without me She had been a great Beauty and was not then unhandsome though not very young She kept nothing from me but imparted to me her most private thoughts and made me the Confident of her dearest affections This lasted as long as I was disinteress'd but there is no trusting one another of our Sex especially in matters of Love I was reputed not unhandsom and having a full Purse at command I lived at that Court with Splendor enough It was presently known I was not the most inconsiderable of Genoa and this advantage set off with a little Beauty raised so great a number of Pretenders to me that I could not pass a day without treats and addresses of Love The Court of Naples hath always pass'd for the most Gallant of Italy by reason of the multitude of Persons of Quality in the Kingdom but was never so pleasant as then I was so young that I knew not what Love was and was not concerned to make haste to learn it but made the Cares and Sighs of those in Love my sport and divertisement But Love will in time be revenged and make sport of us that made sport of him I had not yet seen the man who had the secret to affect my heart no not one who could please though that Court had of all sorts and some very handsome The Son of the Viceroy being a young Lord very well accomplished and not a little concerned for me did but give me trouble But as I hinted before I pay'd dear for that indifference and those slights I gloried so much in Five or six months after our arrival at Naples there appeared at Court a young Gentleman whom Love
him free entrance where he pleased and the Viceroy having no small esteem for the Marquess was not only glad to see him at Court but ingaged him by his Civilities to come to him oftner I shall forbear mentioning what the Lady contributed on her part but you may believe it very probable that having the kindness she had for him she omitted nothing in her power to further these Visits At first he was altogether for me at least in appearance for several days he wanted nothing of diligence or complaisance to please me Whereever I went he still waited upon me approved all that I said and took my part on all occasions In a word he practised all that may be done for gaining a-Mistress and was presently looked upon in Court as a new Servant of mine Many of my Friends congratulated my Conquest and I could not but laugh at them Not but that I believed it being easily perswaded to credit what I so much desired but that I was afraid to believe it so soon and was unwilling it should be known to avoid the shame that might attend a mistake He had not as then spoke to me of Love and the least I could do was to expect he should declare himself A Lover of so much Wit as the Marquess could not fail of finding an occasion But I know not whether fortune befriended him so ill as not to afford him one However 't is certain he never took any to discover his Passion by Speech All that I knew of it was from his looks and his sighs which perhaps my kindness interpreted too favourably Men being now accustomed to a general Gallantry that in shew and appearance both their words and their actions speak altogether of Love These promising blossoms of an apparent affection were all blasted on the sudden I was surpriz'd at it to astonishment to see him so far advanced to make so sudden a stop at a time I least expected it and prepared my self to give occasion to discover his affection which I fear'd his respect for me or his fear to displease me had hindered from doing I could not imagine the cause of so sudden a change for three whole days he absented from the Court and when he appeared there he looked like a man so cold so altered as if he durst not cast an eye upon me whereas before he was jovial and complaisant and his eye never off me you cannot easily imagine how terribly this vext me I was upon the point of asking him the reason and had certainly done it but that I was over-rul'd by a little haughtiness and pride which making me look on his inconstant proceeding as an effect of manifest Treachery inspired me with scorn and aversion against him which however I smarted for in the end for two whole days I did nothing but weep and complain of Love and my own wickedness The Viceroy's Lady observing me sad and dejected though I did all in my power to hide part of my trouble asked me what I did ail which probably she knew but too well but was willing to have the pleasure of hearing what I would say I who till then had not the least reason to distrust her made no scruple of telling her in plain terms the cause of my grief and told her she had more than any contributed thereto This made her blush and comprehending on the sudden what I meant but thinking without doubt I had discovered her secret But I fell unhappily to explaining my self and seriously confess'd to her that what she had said to me of the Marquess Hippolito had produced in me some disposition of kindness for him which cost me then very dear having been very confident she would not have deceived me but that the Marquess had now deceived us both I must confess says the Traytress I was willing to conceal from you the inconstancy and change of a foolish young flash and did design not to speak to you any more of him not thinking you could be much concerned for him after what I had heard you say of him But since you are aware of his inconstancy and so much concern'd at it I must tell you that to my grief as much as yours I have discovered he is otherwise engaged She perceived me blush extreamly at that word and in truth I was so disordered within it was impossible to hide my despair Otherwise engaged Madam said I sighing Yes answered she to a new Mistress very lately Judge you continued she what I said to him on that occasion and whether he did deserve to be reproached having exprest so much passion for you that I thought it impossible a man could have been more deeply in Love Oh Heavens cry'd she how deceitful are men now adays He excused himself by the Friendship he hath for my Son that to be his Rival were to betray him and that the confidence he had in him in acquainting him at his arrival with his affection for you obliged him to make a Sacrifice of his heart to serve my Sons interest Sorry excuses I confess says she but how can we help it 'T is a mercy however he knows not the favourable inclination you have for him for which he is unhappily beholding to me as the cause of your kindness He should never have known these worthy inclinations reply'd I I never discovered them to any but your self Madam for whom I had no reserve and I hope you have not told him Think not says she I could so far forget my self though I were not so much your Friend as you know I am I know very well with what caution to manage their concerns who repose a confidence in me Then I asked her trembling whether she knew the fair Lady had robbed us of him That says she I cannot learn of him but I will endeavour to discover it by my Son who without question knows who she is leave that to me and I will bring you news of her as soon as I can discover her Thus did my Rival triumph and laugh at me I must confess I was a very Fool in that I had not then more wit than to trust any Woman but it was the confidence I had in her that blinded me Yet when I call to mind a thousand things then spoken and done I cannot but wonder I who had seen so much of the world could not make discovery of the treachery they acted against me I did nothing but torment my self night and day and avoided all occasions of being with the Marquess for fear my weakness should to my disgrace prevail over my resolutions I saw him entertain himself commonly with the Viceroys Lady and asking her one day what it was they discoursed of and whether she had discovered the secret I was so desirous to know she answered me no but that I should not trouble my self for the Marquess would come to me again and that she studied how to bring it about I was vext at this and told
whither are you come in search of an unfortunate wretch which hath already given you so much trouble and too great cause of complaint It is easie answers the Bassa to pardon those we love But is it possible you are here and that the Sultaness is gone away in your stead tell me was it she that betray'd you or was it Alexander I know not what to think of it but when I consider his proceedings in this last adventure I cannot suspect him treacherous For 't was not his fault I discovered not the Sultaness it was I hindred him to take off her Barnus that I might see her However if she loved you I am sufficiently Reveng'd of you for you have lost more than I and if he was false to you you may comfort your self with the assurance of the affection of a Person not so unworthy of your favour as he was These last words put Laura to the blush but making no answer to them As for me Sir said she I neither lost a Lover in him nor have cause to charge him with falshood but must lay on my ill Fortune all the blame of my being left behind him You surprize me much replies the Bassa and make me conclude you an excellent Dissembler or my self the most abused Man in the World Call to mind Sir says Laura what I told you so often that my affection for Alexander was very indifferent and to be taken off when I pleased The Ladies of your Country differ very much from those of Christendom in their course of Love yours are very susceptible easily take impression and are equally unconstant Ours are more shie of engaging in Love but when engaged their love is more lasting You believed me a Turk and several times did me Honours due only to the Sultaness whom you often mistook for me The Sultaness replies the Bassa much surpriz'd at the News The very same Sir says Laura for 't is now time to disabuse you and since I may justly glory to have made of my Passion for Alexander a Sacrifice to her Love I may now be allowed to declare it when she is out of all danger of inconvenience by my owning it The Sultaness Sir continued she more affected than I with the good qualities of that Christian looked upon him as worthy of her Love But permit me to say you may thank your self for it who first sought out the means to gain the Honour of finding a Gallant for your Lady You may believe replies the Bassa I design'd no such matter yet I pardon it in a Woman I had no kindness for But the falseness of the Christian was unpardonably base who besides the regard he should have had for the daily favours I did him ought to have observed at least the Laws of Hospitality The Sultaness Sir said Laura had a Beauty of power to corrupt the most upright of Men and had she been anothers Wife I durst not have undertaken for your integrity in the case I had a desire to see the Christian you brought him into the Seraglio she had a sight of him He was handsom she loved him and told him so what could he do The Bassa could not forbear laughing at her relating the story And 't is all the concern the Turks express for the falseness of their Wives especially those they have no love for having Seraglio's well stor'd and the priviledge to change Wives at pleasure The Bassa very patiently took the loss of his Sultaness and told Laura it must be her fault if he should not be now more happy than ever The subtile Slave very sensible how useful he might be to her in the present conjuncture thought it unseasonable to give him a repulse but resolv'd to manage to advantage so good an overture she told him only that was not a time to make Love You see Sir continues she I am here in a Prison I know not how to get out of But I know how to do it replies the Bassa haughtily and if within three days you be not at Liberty I 'le fill the Streets of this Town with the Bodies of the Inhabitants Ah Sir answers Laura that were the way not to save me but to hasten my Death And it beeing known I am the cause of this Disorder you may easily guess what Mercy I shall find If you have Sir any value for my Life since it may be saved without shedding Blood and that matters are now in a way of accomodation let me intreat you not to think of those horrible extremities Believe me says the Bassa 't is their design to amuse me till the Troops they expect from Tripoly be arriv'd but I shall take Order for that and if you will prevent inconveniences that may happen you must resolve to get out hence this Evening and go along with me Get out hence Sir replies Laura and how shall it be done out of a Castle where I am under Guard and have so many Gates to pass You see says the Bassa spight of all those Guards and those Gates I have entred and resolve to get out again and may not you so too But Sir says Laura consider I am a Woman and however disguised may be easily discovered by my gate or my stature and the least obstacle we meet with will put me into such a fright will infallibly ruin both you and me Assen fortified her Reasons with his and absolutely condemned the Enterprize proposed as exposing the Bassa and her to apparent danger of inevitable ruin You shall see Sir adds he by the difficulty you and I shall find to get out the trouble we should have to get a Woman along with us I am of Opinion with the rest of your Friends 't is best to come to an accommodation The Troops from Tripoly will be long a coming and if you keep the Town streightly block'd up a few days longer you will oblige the People to Petition the Dey to make Peace which we of your Party will not fail to help forward And the Dey being of a timerous irresolute temper will be glad of the pretence to come to an Agreement The Bassa though more inclin'd to violent than moderate actions yielded this time to the perswasion of two Persons who were the dearest to him of any and whose interest he knew it was not give him any Counsel to his disadvantage He told them he would stay a Week longer but if in that time neither the Threats nor Intercession of his Friends should prevail he would make use of some Stratagem to reduce the Town and if that failed he would employ all his Force to bring the Dey to Reason Assen was easily induced to assent to all this knowing the Town was ill provided of Corn and that the Inhabitants began already to be streightned and murmured at the exigences they were reduc'd to and not without cause although it was given out these murmurs were raised by those of the Bassa's Party in favour of his designs
sufficiently perceived no Enemy of Laura's had my former acquaintance with you been too small to give me hopes you would not cross the design we have in hand yet Sir what I have but now seen and heard were enough to perswade me you will be so far from obstructing it that I assure my self we shall have your assistance to compass it By my request to you yesterday you know my endeavours for the Liberty of this Slave those proved ineffectual but I have thought of other means which if you please we will execute this evening You know well enough the Bassa is passionately in love with her if we give him time to see her once more it will not be in our power to get her out of his hands If a War be resolved on it will be equally difficult to save her And who knows but she may be put to death here the People being already extreamly incensed against her as the cause of all this disorder and upon the noise of a War they will be too apt to make her a Sacrifice Let us be wise in time all things are in readiness and if you will make use of them presently I do warrant the success The Aga looked upon him as a man newly out of a Trance and oppress'd with grief Let us do Dear Assen says he whatever you think fit for in the condition that I am in I am not capable to give you any reasonable Counsel but will do all you shall desire of me and imploy my whole power in the Castle to favour your design and help this Lady out of danger Ingrateful man answers Laura do you speak of helping me out of danger you who are the cause of all my misfortunes Go wretch go I 'le never be so much obliged to you but chuse rather to dye here in Prison than not to have still just cause to reproach you This is not time Madam says Assen whose conceptions were too gross to apprehend the delicacy of her Sentiments to refuse any help especially the Aga's who being Captain of the Guard can give order for opening us the Gates when we please without stop or examination What confidence can we repose answers she in the most perfidious of men No no Assen were it possible for him to be more honest on this occasion than he was faithful in his love I will rather dye than make use of his assistance after the double Treason he committed against me The very thought of it adds she with tears is more cruel than Death 'T is true Madam says Beyran with the most moving action imaginable I have deserved death yet peradventure I am not so guilty as you think me Don Alphonso and Clarice who betrayed us both have expiated their Crimes with their Death and if mine must be punished with equal rigor my life is at your dispose You see me in a Country Madam whither nothing but despair on the news of your death occasioned my coming for after diligent search of the way you had taken having been told you were embarqued for Barcellona I took the same road and arrived at that City where soon after it was reported the Vessel you embarqued in was cast away and not one Person saved Never was grief equal to mine every one pittied me nor had I escaped death but that Heaven moved at my tears reserved me the happiness of seeing you again to justifie my self before you and not dye in your ill opinion the thing next the loss of you I was most of all troubled for The life I have since led hath been full of afflictions sufficient to expiate any Crime if not committed against you Laura took pleasure to hear him and heartily wished to find it true He was not so much to blame as she believed But the evidence was so apparent against him that the very thought of what she had seen made her more angry than ever so that she commanded him out of her sight bid him quit the Town and never see her more Poor Beyran being still on his knees endeavoured with the kindest and most tender expressions imaginable to pacifie her Assen who by this time was sufficiently assured he was the Marquiss Hippolito under the name of Beyran moved with his tears took his part against Laura whom he thought not inflexible and intreated her to have some regard to the penitence of so tender a Lover ready to deliver her out of all her troubles and free her from Slavery which he had occasioned but perhaps without any fault of his and so against his will But Laura more angry than before at least in appearance answered she valued not her Slavery but would choose rather to return to the Bassa than go away with a man she hated worse than Death This troubled Assen but he could not despair to see the fair Lady yield at last to the pains and tears of a Lover though she appear'd unwilling to be overcome by the perswasions of a Friend For anger in a Ladies heart Is but short liv'd though it may be smart Against their Crimes who have the Art To please For these No sooner at the Bar appear Kneel sigh look sad and drop a tear But they with ease A pardon for the offence obtain And are admitted into Grace again While the fair Judge whose angry brow Lowr'd and look'd terrible but now To the poor Lover there below Finding her tender heart relent Begins her Anger to repent Thinks her self Criminal that she So rigorous to him could be Owns her Severity a fault And that she may it expiate Submits his Prisoner to remain Bound in her own affections Chain Laura's heart was of this temper she thought her self concerned in honour not to yield too soon Assen did her no small pleasure in taking the part of Marquess Hippolito whom we will yet call Beyran And she was very willing Assen should have the honour of obtaining from her a pardon for the ungrateful Beyran if he could plead any thing to justifie himself or extenuate the Treason he was guilty of but that would have ushered in a Discourse too long for the present conjuncture and Assen told the Aga if he had a mind to execute the design he had told him of he must be at the Cape of Carthage before day for there the Brigandine waited their coming Beyran answered it was impossible to get that night out of the Castle the Dey having not above two hours since had news from the Spies he maintained about the Bassa that the night before the Bassa entred the Town whereupon the Dey gave strict order no Person should go out or in but by day Laura and Assen were surprized at the news and perceived the Bassa had been in danger Beyran seeing Laura a little mollified was extreamly desirous to improve so happy a beginning by a suitable progress to an intire pacification But though she saw him much troubled and very penitent she gave him not the comfort of a kind
Eleaner since I loved her She was in a loose dress but handsom and rich beyond expression I had not seen the like at Court and knew not what to think the Richness of the furniture as well as her dress declaring her to be a Lady of no ordinary quality but I was very much perplext to guess who she was I made up to her and spoke and the amorous impatience I had to know her not permitting the use of much Ceremony towards the Lady that stayed for me I put my knee to the Ground and laying Hold on one of her fair hands which she allowed me to kiss It was but reason Madam said I I should have languished all this day as I have done who could not expect this happiness without being put to the pain at least of longing for it I looked for an answer in hopes to know the voice but she said not a word I intreated her to ease me of the pain she might believe I was in and that if she resolved not to be seen she would however vouchsafe to speak to me that where I was directed to bring a heart of love I hoped to see a Lady that had Beauty and Wit that as yet she had only moved my curiosity but if she meant to reach my heart I must see her As I spoke thus I perceived her laugh which gave me the boldness to lift up her hood She put back my hand but so weakly I thought it would not displease her to press a little further there were but we two in the Room her Confident having doubtless received Orders to withdraw and I was ready to put her to the squeek when at last she threw off her hood But how was I surpriz'd to see 't was the Vice-Queen Well Sir says she blushing will you be content with your good fortune And will it not be presumption in me to fancy my self capable to make you forget all other Beauties I answered her more like a Gallant then a Lover she was satisfi'd however and without ingaging further in the relation of a discourse of which you may guess the consequence I will tell you only that having spent two or three hours in her company I return'd to my lodging the way I came and she to the Pallace I saw her on the morrow and our Correspondence held for some time but cur'd not my passion Her Son with whom I had particular as well as general reasons to maintain a fair Correspondence exprest more friendship for me then I could have wisht he was not content to make me the Confident of his affection but imploy'd me to speak for him to the fair Eleanor expecting more benefit from the Intercession of such a Friend than any addresses of his own I did and you have doubtless heard from her she let me understand I should speed better in speaking for my self then for him 't was then I thought my self the most unfortunate of men for believing so easily what the Vice-Queen had said to me whose conduct convinc'd me sufficiently how far she concern'd her self in my business I design'd that moment to abandon her favour and give my self up intirely to my first passion but to prevent the trouble I might expect from the Vice-Queen if she knew it I thought fit to dissemble a little and disingage my self by degrees without declaring on the sudden for Eleanor I observed the best I could the measures I had taken but 't is a difficult matter to conceal a passion from a jealous and a witty Woman The Vice-Queen perceived my relapse before I made Eleanor acquainted with it she punished my Apostacy with a thousand reproaches which were seconded with tears and I the better to manage her pretended a firm Re-ingagement to her But what will not a slighted Lady do or what more dangerous than a jealous Woman I was thenceforward more curious of seeing and speaking with the beautiful Eleanor and avoided the occasions of being found in her company which the Vice-Queen was by but all to no purpose the Vice-Queen knew all and so well discern'd what was true from what was feigned that she guessed exactly right of the privatest of my thoughts One day as I walked with her in the Garden she told me we had both lost time to no purpose I in forcing my self against my Inclination to pretend continuance of affection for her and she in endeavouring to make me love though against my will That she saw well enough what I now did was but the effect of my civility to a Lady of her quality who had exprest kindness for me But 't was time to put an end to our pain and to satisfie me she intended it She assured me she would no longer oppose my Inclination and that I would believe it upon the Confession she made me that I might expect from Eleanor not only a kind reception but something of love yet I put no great confidence in all these good words as coming from a party too lyable to suspition But when by an Excess of goodness she added that to convince me she was more my Friend then I could Imagine she would contribute more then any other to my satisfaction and procure a Letter from the Vice-Roy to Eleanor's Father to perswade him to consent I should have his Daughter I was so transported with joy I could not forbear making her very large acknowledgements She told me I should see by the answer to that Letter what good Service she had done me She did as she promised and after the Letter she procured from the Vice-Roy I doubted not of being compleatly happy in few days The news was confirmed by the beautiful Eleanor and I had the pleasure to see her glad of it as I was nothing troubled me then but the slow pace of time The Vice-Roy had sent an express to Genes but the Courier was scarce got a Horseback but I wish'd him return'd every moment seemed a year by my longing and impatience the only pleasure I had was the time I was in Eleanor's company who assur'd on her part of the success of the Vice-Roy's Recommendation who had great Interest with her Father and sensible of the pain I was in to have the matter confirmed had not the power to deny my passion the favour of a visit which I begged I might make her having ingaged my self to her with all the promises and oaths to be expected on such an occasion from a Lover belov'd The assignation was made and her Chamber agreed for the place of Rendezvous Pardon me my dear Assen for fetching a sigh at the remembance of that day which should have been a time of love and of joy but was the most dismal and unfortunate of my life Night was come and when I thought my self just ready to be possess'd of so great a happiness Clarice who waited on Eleanor in her Chamber and was her intimate Confident brought me a Billet I will shew you having by good
time gave order the dead Souldier should not be buried till the Evening He recommended to Assen the care of his Affairs with his Mistress gave him Clarices Letter to produce in justification of him and after a great deal of Civility and Kindness on both sides they parted to meet again at Dinner at Assen's for fear their long Conferences in the Castle might occasion suspicion in the Garrison being extreamly jealous and mistrustful Laura who had scarce rested all night for Dreams which troubled her was very joyful to see Assen come so early to divert her from the thoughts of them Well dear Assen says she shall we be once eased of our Chains and must we carry this Traytor along with us Traytor Madam answers Assen he is the most honest and most passionate of Lovers Ah! says she I foresaw he would corrupt even your fidelity I know too well the power he hath to gain affection and had reason enough to distrust him Be not so hasty Madam replies the Turk to condemn a man unheard Why what says she can he offer against what I have seen Did not I find him with the Vice-Queen Was it not he that help'd the Traytor Alphonso to abuse me No Madam I assure you answers Assen be pleased to let me tell you what you know well enough that he loved you too well to be capable of an action of that kind and to clear all your doubts adds he shewing her Clarices Letter Know you that Character Well said she somewhat surpriz'd 't is my Chamber-maids Read it replies Assen and you shall see who was guilty of the Treason Laura read it and had scarce done when relenting at the Injury done Hippolito or troubled for the Treachery of a Maid she had so much confided on O God of Vengeance cry'd she with tears wilt thou leave unpunished a Wretch so treacherous and one who hath been the cause of so many disasters No sure says Assen for she is already dead if not as her Treason deserved yet for grief of having committed it With that he related to her what she knew not of the Story of the Marquess and found it not difficult business to appease the great wrath she had express'd against him to procure him her general pardon and obtain her consent for his going along with them Assen like a dexterous Confident said not a word of what concerned the Vice-Queen and Laura who had no desire to be any more angry with her dear Servant was not very curious to question him on that point she was content to believe him innocent of one side and to be furnished with a pretence not to hate him so hard a matter is it to use ill those we love how criminal soever Assen then told her of the resolution taken by the Aga and him to have her carried out in a Chair and found her disposed to do what-ever they should think fit but with condition there should be no more danger for them than for her Assen undertook it and told her she had no more to do but make ready against the first Watch whilst the Aga and he took Orders for other things Assen went home where Beyran-Aga came shortly after and gave him an account of all he had done Assen laboured with much diligence and dexterity to see the Brigandine well stored with Necessaries you may believe Beyran failed not as busie as he was to desire an account of what most concerned him the state of his Affair with his Mistress His dear Confident acquainted him with what success he had discharged the Commission he gave him which Beyran was so glad of as it was not in his power to express his Acknowledgment All was ready and Assen had given out the necessary Orders as well for the Brigandine as for Horses and Men. The Aga and he went together to the Castle where the Aga made him a Present of all the Jewels he had received at several times from the Dey and entreated him to accept them not as a satisfaction but a pledge of the assurance he had given him to be ever his Friend and serve him on all occasions Assen who endeavoured but in vain to refuse his liberality would not accept of it but on condition the Aga would make use on all occasions of what he had bestowed as still his own and believe Assen sensible he had not sufficiently obliged him to merit so rich a Present They went from the Castle to make their Court to the Dey and the hour being come Assen first changed Laura's Guards relieving them by three of his Servants whom he was to take with him that none might be left behind to discover the Design or the Road they should take The Aga quickly followed him longing to see Laura he fell down at her feet in such a Transport of Joy and Love it moved her to that tenderness she could not forbear embracing him As she raised him from the Ground they were falling into amorous Discourse but Assen told them it was not a time to discourse but to put their Design in execution unless they had a mind to see it miscarry and that when they should be once out of danger they should have leisure enough to say what they pleased Laura and Beyran who desired nothing more than to see themselves at liberty were easily persuaded to follow his Advice And the Chair being brought by the Aga's Order who had hidden the Corps they wrapt up Laura in a clean Sheet and without saying a word of the Bier put her in it and caused it to be carried out of her Chamber where having according to the custom of the Place thrown a Carpet over her one of Assen's men took the Lanthorn and the other two carried the Bier Beyran leading the Van and Assen bringing up the Rear A Corps is a sacred thing among the Turks nor would any of the Guard have thought of searching the Bier though neither Beyran nor Assen had been with it They went to the Church-yard where having taken Laura out of her Grave they marched towards the Carthage-gate which the Aga commanded to be opened that they might take Horse which attended them hard by Laura and the Aga whom we will hereafter call by their names could not yet take any pleasure to see themselves out of the Castle and City for fear of ill Accidents but long'd to see themselves at Sea however they were glad they got happily so far in hopes Fortune would in favour of Love improve that lucky beginning to a suitable end But this small Lightning of Joy quickly vanished being dash'd out by the cruelty of their Fate for being arriv'd where they expected to take Horse they found by Assen's Servants the Bassa's Sophies had taken them away In what perplexity then was this unfortunate Company they were five or six Leagues distant from the Cape of Carthage where the Brigandine was they had no time to lose and knew not what to resolve on when
all that Countrey could afford for the Pleasures of Life and could not imagine the cause of the grief but fancied at last that to compleat his Divertisements Alexander might want the conversation of a Woman The Bassa being a Person much given to Gallantry was the more easily inclined to believe he had found the true cause of his Melancholy And looked upon it as no incurable Disease but presently resolved to find out a Remedy by furnishing him with a Mistress which was a high strain of complaisance in a Person of his Character but there were no limits to the Love he had for his Alexander The Law of Mahomet is very severe in this Point against Persons of another Religion though very indulgent to those of his own Those who fall into the hands of the Turks and will make love to their Women are under the necessity of changing their Religion or Burning these Extremities are hard yet of the many Christians reduced to those straits I know not one who hath thought Martyrdom so charming as not to prefer Circumcision before Burning the Bassa though no zealous observer of the Law was willing however to avoid the Scandal that might follow if the Intrigue were discovered and therefore design'd to marry him to a Christian There was with the Sultaness his Wife an Italian Slave a young Maid of good quality lovely and witty it was not long since the Bassa had been in love with her but without any success whether it proceeded from the respect she bore to the Sultaness her Mistress who loved her intirely or from scruple of Conscience in point of Religion with which she excused her self certain it is his addresses were vain and after three Months eager persuit of his design being not accustom'd to so much resistance he quitted her and cast his eyes on other less difficult conquests he hoped that one Christian with another might have better success and that Alexander being very lovely and young needed only to shew himself for gaining the love of a Maid of his Country professing the same Religion with him he endeavour'd to dispose her for the purpose by raising in her an esteem for the Gallant he provided her he had often spoken of him in the Chamber of the Sultaness where Laura the Slave we are discoursing of did constantly attend And having formed the design he seldom entertained them with any thing else but Alexander did this or Alexander said that of which he gave them so pleasant Descriptions that he could not fail of making some impressions of love for him in a Woman though never so little susceptible The Count knew nothing of all these good Offices the Bassa smiling sometimes at his sadness would tell him he should shortly see him in a different humor One having disposed all things on Laura 's side who had told him she would not be displeas'd to see this Christian he took him into the Garden of the Seraglio to walk and after a turn or two asked him if he had ever been in love The question did very much surprize him apprehending that being among a People naturally suspicious the Bassa might perhaps have had some Jealousie of him though he could not imagine the cause But to disabuse him he held it necessary to affect great indifference in the business of Women and the truth is to that day he had not been in love And though it were ill courtship to the Bassa who was an admirer of Women to tell him he had never been in Love yet he chose rather to commit a solaecism in courtship than to give him the least cause of suspition The Bassa advised him to have a care of himself lest Love should one day be revenged of him and told him he despaired not of seeing him a Lover in Barbary You are said he handsom and witty and there are here as in Europe dangerous Ladies who perhaps may have designs on your liberty and you are not yet got out of Tunis This Discourse unexpected and spoken with such an Air so troubled the Count he knew not what answer to make The Bassa much pleased at the disorder he had put him to What said he doth Love appear so terrible to you that you dare not encounter it can a Man of your bravery be afraid of a Passion Recollect your self and think it not so dreadful here as in Italy you arm your Cupid with weapons of War we dress ours with Flowers nothing is less cruel than Love among the Turks our Women are kind and good natured and never are the cause of any mans death by coyness and disdain the sole difficulty is in getting a sight of them gain but that point and nothing can be more easie than the rest your Ladies are scrupulous and shy of shewing favour to their Lovers and ours make a conscience of seeing their Languish it is not so odious to be fond and coming with you as 't is to be cruel and insensible here We follow in the first place the Law of nature preferring it to Mahomets as being Men before we are Mussulmans We hold our selves obliged to pay kind regard and affectionate tenderness to Female Beauty and expect from it a return of complacency And those who approve not these Maxims we esteem unworthy to taste the pleasures of Love I know that in Europe you use this Passion an extraordinary way making that Martyrdom which should be a delight but I would fain know what the design of that Woman can be who sees a man every day on his knees at her feet sighing for that which she also desires and it may be more passionately Why then must he be tormented Why so many sighs why so many tears expected from him when the passion of both Sexes is equal if that of the Female may not pass for the greater The Count having in this time recollected himself answered I believe Sir that in Love as in other matters every one may have his particular fancy and different Maxims for conduct but if I who was never in Love may be allow'd to deliver my opinion of it I conceive that Men born under a Law are insensibly disposed to bear it with ease And I dare confidently affirm there is more sweetness and charming delight in the torments we endure in our way of Loving than in those easie pleasures that cost you nothing think not Sir those torments so cruel as our Lovers represent them they aggravate them only to affect their Mistresses the more and to make them more sensible It would certainly surprize you to hear them cry Increase O love Increase so sweet a pain their sufferings are pleasures The Bassa was so charmed with hearing him speak that he would not interrupt him so that he proceeded What satisfaction can you find in a Love that is fulsom and dull without any pique to make it poynant and season it for relish What divertisement to be expected from an innocent Cupid a Child without wit without
in my judgment no man that sees her but must be in Love with her These Marriages of Policy and State-interest to which the Daughters of great ones are subject to be Sacrificed seldom prove Happy The Bassa Espoused Alhie and perhaps loved her a Week but after that returned to his former Engagements and for ordinary beauties quitted the greatest of the Kingdom 'T is true it often happens thus in this Country where Men abhor loving by Duty and Obligation and commonly love Mistresses better than Wives but this Lady in my Opinion ought to have been excepted as wanting nothing requisite to satisfie the Passion of any reasonable Man but she is as unfortunate as others The Bassa though otherwise a Person of much Gallantry visits her scarce once in a Month yet he pays her all the Respect in the World and she hath no cause of complaint but of his Love but take love from Marriage what signifies the rest What a trouble it is to a Young Lady who knows her own merit to see her self slighted in that whereof she is most sensible A Lady who would think her self happy in being belov'd and thinks she deserves it you must be a Woman before you can comprehend the rigor of this usage and the greatness of her misfortune But to come to what concerns you the Sultaness hath ever had a great inclination for Christians and the greatest pleasure she takes is in stories she makes me tell of my Country which surprize her so especially when I speak of the freedom Men have there with Women that she hath a thousand times wished her Fortune had been as mine and that she had fallen into the hands of a Christian who would have carried her into that Country 'T is certain a Woman had better be a Slave with us than free among the Turks where their Life is nothing but a perpetual Slavery The Adventures of Love and Gallantry have pleased her so well in the relation that she longs for a sight of one of those I called Persons of Quality and Merit who were so Gallant and Handsom as I represented You were no sooner arrived but she came with great joy to tell me the Bassa had newly bought a Christian of whom they spoke Wonders I fell a laughing and ask'd if it were not such a one she had often wish'd for her Slave She blushed and turning about with a sigh answered who knows what may happen and whether Fortune hath not designed him for me She made me her Bedfellow that Night to entertain her on that subject On the morrow the Bassa having confirmed the Reports of you and commended your Person she and I for several days had no discourse but of you The kindness she hath for me makes me somewhat familiar with her nor do we very strictly observe here our distance towards great ones this made me sometimes take the Liberty to quarrel with her for the longing she exprest for a Man she had not seen I confess said she this were falling in Love a little too soon if we managed our Love as the Christians do theirs But the Bassa having made such a description of this Man there is not a Woman in the Kingdom who would not have had a greater Passion for him than I have exprest And you may believe he would not have spoken so much in his praise before the meanest of his Empresses but though he slight me so that he cares not what I think my affections are free You would esteem your self happy Madam said I to have such a Christian in Love with you More happy reply'd she than you can imagine And I will assure you I could willingly change the state I am in for the condition of a private Christian Lady What good does it me to abound thus with Riches to receive so much Honour to be the Daughter of a King and the Wife of a Bassa if I cannot be content nor do as I would nor love where love is due In a word if I am nothing less than I am taken to be but a Slave more unhappy than those under Chains Poor Laura said she embracing me tenderly how I pity thee who hast tasted the Pleasures and Liberty of thy Country and hast unhappily fallen into their hands who use so unworthily all sorts of Women With such discourses as these did we entertain our selves ever since they spoke of you at Tunis The Bassa came oftner to visit the Sultaness though we knew not the reason and almost every day brought us the News of you And as he loves you entirely took pleasure in relating every thing you did Perhaps had he known the favourable inclinations the Sultaness had for you he had been more sparing in his expressions of you for I cannot believe he designed to prejudice himself in speaking obligingly of you But it was an oversight and most unpardonable in him who so well knew the temper of Women of this Country Judge you whether so good a report from so good a hand could want its effect The Sultaness was affected with them so much to the purpose that what at first was a bare inclination grew up by degrees to a settled Passion Her humour was suddenly chang'd from Merry and Jocund into Sadness and Melancholy and I who alone knew her Distemper could not but pity her sighs and complaints and was extreamly afraid she might fall into a Disease which they call Fantasie and is a kind of Melancholy that proves Mortal to many Men and Women of this Country I did my endeavour to cure her of this Passion by representing to her all the obstacles in her way to the happiness she desired But my Remedies came too late I did but trouble her to no purpose having said to her self all that I could possibly say to divert her from the affection she had taken So that despairing of Remedy on that side I apply'd my thoughts another way and flattered her hopes of bringing that to pass which I could not discover the least possibility to effect But to prevent the growth and increase of her Distemper it was necessary to deceive her by flatteries and hopes At last I know not how it fell out that the Bassa having spoken of you to me two days ago as he frequently does when he finds me alone I told him I should be very glad to see you if it might be done without noise and soandal I was extreamly astonish'd how easily he promised it And you may believe I had not waited here for you but that I very well knew him a Man of his word The Count having hearken'd to all this discourse with marvellous attention and thanked Laura for all her good Offices and answer'd all her obliging expressions in behalf of the Sultaness discovered to her the Bassa 's design and the reason of his being brought thither Laura was ravished to hear his discourse and though she foresaw her concern in the Affair was like to be small yet she
was pleas'd with the News she received being willing to sacrifice all Interests of her own to the satisfaction of her Lady But Sir to tell you all said she to the Count having paid my thanks to the Bassa for the favour I was in hopes of from him I went presently to bring the News to the Sultaness who could not sufficiently embrace me being so extreamly transported that nothing in the World could have made her more joyful she hath scarcely been able to sleep ever since she and I have laid a hundred designs and framed to our selves a thousand devices how she may have a sight of you but if the Bassa will not permit you to come alone hither I do not see how it may be effected the Sultaness in the mean time will be ravished with joy that I have seen you and that you know some part of her mind The happy Roman being charmed at the kindness a Lady of that beauty and quality had for him was very urgent with Laura to oblige him on this occasion and press'd her to say to the Sultaness from him all that a heart extreamly sensible of the favour she did him was capable to express That he would have esteem'd himself the happiest of men had it been in his power to have merited this honor and that it should be the business of his life to deserve it by his actions Sir reply'd Laura all she desires of you is that you will so manage the Liberty the Bassa doth afford you that she may once have a sight of you I find my self engaged to it by so many reasons said the Count that you may be assured I will not forget any thing that may gain this honour I must intreat you to assure the Sultaness accordingly and that I have at least as much passion as she He had no sooner said this but the Bassa came to them which made them change their discourse and the Bassa having condescended to make himself one of the company and very pleasantly rallied then said he perceived by their countenances they were obliged to him for the acquaintance he had procured between them and that they were very well pleased one with the other the Count and Laura having returned the complement the Bassa took his leave and he and the Count went out of the Seraglio The Bassa had observed such joy in Alexander's countenance when he was with Laura it made him believe he was very well pleased with the visit he had given her But he had the curiosity to ask him how he liked her and whether she appeared so beautiful as he had represented her the Count answered it was certainly impossible to see a Lady more handsom or more witty and that he was charmed at her Beauty and Conversation The Bassa who desired nothing more than to see him in Love was extreamly glad at the confession he made and told him it should be his fault if he saw her not again and if he desired he might do it on the morrow that he would give him a Key to enter the Seraglio and that he might go alone lest if he brought him in the Sultaness might be jealous it being not his custom to visit her so often the Count failed not to acquaint him how highly that favour would oblige him so that the Bassa bid him go to bed and take his rest and told him he should see Laura on the morrow about the time he had seen her that day Never was a night so restless to any man as this to the Count her inclination like that he had to marriage with the principal and most beautiful Lady of the Kingdom was a thing so rare and so tempting for a Man of his temper what Laura had said of those obliging thoughts that charming Person had for him did so ravish him with pleasure that in the depth of misfortune he could not imagine any man more fortunate than himself But when he considered that she was the Wife of the Bassa a Person to whom he was so strictly obliged he was troubled extreamly and sigh'd for sorrow these second thoughts prevailing at that time over the other he highly reproached himself for entertaining a thought of so base an ingratitude But it is a ticklish business to repent of a thing that extreamly delights us and men seldom charge themselves home for a fault so pleasing and lovely as the pleasure of being beloved those reproaches of the Count against himself were not altogether the most violent that might be and sometimes he would be angry with himself for making so much ado At last being assaulted by turns on the one side by Reason on the other by Passion by the Glory of that and the tenderness of this he got up in the Morning without having been able to take any other resolution than to yield himself up to be guided by his Destiny to be governed by Fate and be meerly passive in the management of the business that is to say to love in this particular like a Turk and to see the Sultaness if it were so predestinated but to do nothing in order to it though he had promised Laura to contribute on his part all that lay in his power and had told the Bassa he should be extreamly glad to go again to the Seraglio His resolution sometimes was very tottering and weak and to speak truth 't is almost vain to take one against love he wisht a thousand times that day that his Fate to whose conduct he had given himself up would incline to bring him to the Sultaness He waited the hour with a great deal of impatience however he would fain have perswaded himself to the contrary but a young heart cannot be insensible being so apt to take fire that it scarce requires any help to inflame it As soon as the Bassa saw the Count in the Evening he shew'd him smiling the Key of the Seraglio and he received it with the greatest joy in the World But I give it said the Bassa on condition that you make me your Confident And I think I have done enough to engage you to do me that pleasure The hour was come for his going to the Sultaness and the Count having put on his Eunuchs Habit his Patron every day more obliging than other would needs bear him company as far as the Seraglio Laura having notice of his coming had waited for him above an hour at the Gate and no sooner saw him arrived but ravished with joy she gave him her hand and told him You are either the most dextrous or else the most fortunate Person in the World you bring about things so difficult and in so short a time that all things seem to joyn in your favour I am obliged for it to my fortune answered the Count for as for Addresses I had no occasion to use any but if you would make me believe my self as happy as you say help me to a sight of the Sultaness Laura told him
he should presently hear of her and brought him into a Chamber where her Lady was used to receive visits It was her custom to seat her self in a kind of Alcove the passage to which was through her Chamber made up with great Ballistres guilt and covered with a Curtain of very thin Silk through which she could see those whom she honoured only with a sight of her which is a piece of State used in that Country Laura told the Count that the Sultaness would see him from behind that Curtain And shall not I then said he have the honour to see her I know not said Laura but 't is a favour so great that 't is never granted but when they are willing to grant all that may be expected Ah Madam said the Count I beseech you to desire that favour for me tell her it will be of small consequence to give a stranger a sight of her and that I shall die with grief if she deny me that honour Laura promised him all the assistance in her power and leaving him for a moment went to advertise the Sultaness who questionless longed for news of the arrival of her dearly beloved Christian In the mean time the Count considered the Riches and Ornaments of the Chamber being the most magnificent of the Apartment it was set out with four Christal Glasses which had a pleasant effect on the Gold and the Jewels which glitter'd all about Scarce had the Sultaness seen Laura but she knew by her countenance the happy news she brought and without allowing her time to say any thing she past to the Alcove from whence she design'd to take a view of the Christian before he should know that she was there But she made too great a noise at her entrance and the Cavalier let her know he had perceiv'd her by saluting her as he did after the Turkish mode Laura arrived the same time from the other side and going to the Ballistre went to whisper the Sultaness who was not able sufficiently to express the pleasure she took in seeing this Christian and the Charms that appear'd in his Person As for him he was strangely perplext at a visit of this nature where he could neither see nor speak to the Party he visited He went he came he turn'd about as desired and at the end of the Shew went silently to the Ballistre and addressing himself to the Sultaness having seen a shadow of her through the Curtain he told her a thousand pretty Stories a thousand Gallantries to oblige her to afford him a view for she understood Italian and spoke it pretty well having learnt it of Laura She was very well pleas'd to hear the Count speak and heartily laught at it but answered not a word nor had the Curtain drawn The Count was impatient and accounting every moment lost he spent in that manner seem'd to fret and be angry and in a frank and free way told her he should die of the Phantasie as the People of that Country if she denied him this favour and that at last he would with his own hand draw that troublesom Curtain and he had certainly done it if Laura who fear'd the Sultaness might take it ill had not hindred him But Laura was mistaken and her Lady gave her not thanks for her pains 'T is a Maxim among the Women of that Country not to sin of themselves against the Rules of their duty but press them a little and offer them the least violence they will presently yield without any resistance their excuse is that nature is weak that men know it well enough and are very much to blame to press them so home that if there be harm done it must be laid to their score who cause them to do it and not to them who are ignorant of it and innocent in the business Laura not well verst in the use of this Maxim committed a fault when she thought she had been discharging her duty The amorous Sultaness would have been ravish'd with joy to have been seen by the Christian and the officious Slave spoil'd all by a piece of useless discretion But her Lady was willing to receive the miscarriage and satisfie in some measure the extream desire her dear Christian had to see her she gave him leave to ask what he pleased to make him amends for the rigour of the custom of that Country which made it undecent for her Sex to shew themselves to any but their Husband The Count presently desired she would at least do him the honour of shewing him one of her fair hands The Sultaness no sooner heard him but lifting up the Curtain a little she gave him her hand over the Ballistre The young Count was so charmed with this favour that transported with joy he laid his knee to the ground and kissed her hand with such passion that the Sultaness equally transported wrung his hand pressing it so hard to let him know she approved of what he did She was not over careful to keep her self unseen and having put forth her arm she could not choose but sometimes appear to him in part by one chance or other to which perhaps she contributed a little Her Gallant could have wish'd he had had a full sight of her but thinking he had enough for the first time he would not adventure to desire any more The pleasure the Sultaness took in the sight of him was so great and so charming that she could have willingly past that night with him But knowing that many eyes were upon her and that she lived where men are extreamly given to jealousie and especially of their Wives she had apprehensions of being Lampoon'd in her own Apartment for staying so long in the Alcove at a time so unseasonable for receiving a visit And Laura had told her 't was time to withdraw But how cruel a thing 't is to be forced to part from that which we love it cannot be done without pain and regret Still she found some little pretence or other to stay him a little longer at last she pretented him with a Gold Chain beset with Jewels and told him obligingly it was not fit a Slave like him should wear any other The happy Count better satisfy'd with this Chain than if she had given him the Crown of Tunis answered her Gallantry and the favour she did him with the most passionate and the most grateful expressions imaginable And seeing the necessity of parting he took his leave of the Sultaness and withdrew with Laura who accompanied him to the Gate of the Apartment Presents among the Turks are the first Evidences of affections and often pass for declarations of love Laura who knew it well enough made the Count sensible before parting what that meant which he had received from the Sultaness and that he was not to doubt having heard and seen so much of her but she passionately lov'd him Yet he was to take heed and believe he had need of abundance of
wish she could have written to him but there are few trusty Messengers to be found in those places where there is cause to distrust every one you converse with and every Eye that sees you is a spy on your actions at least if not gained by Money or Kindness wherein after all possible care you may be deceived as she was in this trouble Laura received a Note from the Count brought her by an Eunuch and carried it forthwith to shew it the Sultaness being in these words Madam the Bassa every day more obliging than other is pleased to grant me the honour of walking with you this Evening in the Garden of the Seraglio I know not whether you can dispense with your self till then Let us take the hour you think most proper He will be there with one of his Mistresses Send me word if you please if I may expect this favour from you The Bassa would never have thought of this walk but out of the extream desire he had to know certainly how Laura and Alexander stood affected one to the other and that he might inform himself of what they should discourse The Garden was a place very fit for his design especially by Night where he could hear without being seen He had made the proposal to the Count in confidence he would receive it with a great deal of joy which in appearance he did but without hope of any great satisfaction from the Adventure it being scarce probable the Sultaness would permit Laura to come But that which really troubled him was the opinion he had the Bassa was certainly jealous of his Wife since he gave him so clear proof of his unwillingness that he should see Laura at her Lodgings any more The Question then was how to write to the Slave to dispose her for the walk But the Count having written the Billet the Bassa sent it by an Eunuch and stay'd for the Answer The Sultaness read the Billet and was of opinion with her Gallant that it was for Love of her the Bassa was unwilling he should come any more to see Laura in her Apartment It was long ere they came to a resolution in the point whether Laura should agree to the assignation Laura very wisely thought it better not to go but the Sultaness wholly led by her Passion and too deeply in Love to act any thing with reason that concerned her affection notwithstanding any thing Laura could say made her write him this Answer It were to act the part of a very ill Person to be all alone in the Garden while others are diverting themselves there I consent for pity to come and bear you company but on condition that you will be wise and that we be at some distance from the Bassa because I would not be known by her that he brings with him If you can promise me these two things I am for you after the fourth Prayer when the Sultaness is a Bed Adieu This Answer was beyond the expectation of the Count who rejoyced extreamly at the pleasure he promised himself with the Slave from the discourse of the Sultaness while they should continue in the Garden Night being come and the fourth Prayer over the Bassa told him he might go and bring Laura to the Garden while he went for one of his Mistresses who was lodged on the other side It is the custom of the Grandees of that Country among a multitude of Women they have in their Seraglio when they have not a particular inclination for any one to take this to day and another to morrow and having lost the tast of Love to search for Pleasure in change and variety It may be easily imagined that Alexander received this Commission with a great deal of joy and was in no small haste to go to the Sultanesses Lodgings She who was charmed at the sight of him could not express her joy without a thousand transports of Love and the most tender caresses a most passionate Lady could possibly make her dearest Lover Alexander did his part to admiration not only returning transport for transport and caress for caress but excelling his pattern Love working in him or he in the Sultaness such things as gave her very great satisfaction It may be admired peradventure that two Persons so little acquainted should in so few days become so very good Friends But we must know Love in these hot Countries makes far quicker progress than in the cold where the Winds and the Snow and the Rain spoil his Wings and hinder his flight Whereas on the contrary the Sun is there almost still at the height and Love being a tender Infant and going always naked thrives there the better where he finds Hearts very well disposed and ready to take fire The Count who could not stay long there was willing to bestow the small time he had to spend with the Sultaness in gentle reproaches for her permitting Laura to come and walk with him You have said he a very good opinion of my Affection Madam or else you love me with a great deal of indifference that this does not in the least trouble you at all The Sultaness answered she relied not so much on his Fidelity as on Laura's Discretion whom she knew too well to think she would betray her Look you to your self as for her I place a confidence in her and if you do your Duty I am perswaded she will not be wanting in hers Having thus spoken she would not detain him longer for fear of the Bassa but retired to the Chamber The happy Lover very well pleas'd with the lucky moment he had past with the Sultaness asked Laura if she were ready She made him answer he should not stay for her longer than while she fetched her Barnus which is a kind of Hood that covers them from Head to Foot The Count seeing her return mufled up in that Garment went his way before according to their custom there and she followed He said not a word to her while they were in the Seraglio for fear of being over-heard and discovered but being arrived in the Garden where they had liberty enough Who will believe Madam said he but we made an Amorous assignation being come to a place of Rendezvouz so fit for the purpose And the Bassa will not fail to think us the happiest Lovers in the World Laura made him no answer but kept on her way till they came to the Bower that was assigned them at a convenient distance from the Bassa's as Laura had desired The Count gave her his hand and knowing very well every turn in those Walks which he visited almost every day he made her sit on a seat of green Turf made for the purpose Then said he this Madam is to try a mans Fidelity with a Witness to expose him to pass part of the Night in such a place as this with a Lady so beautiful as you Surely the Sultaness will hence-forward rest assured of my Passion The
he might perhaps never have such another all this I say made such a Party that the most beautiful and most charming Lady in the World could not have hindred many excellent persons from quitting hers to take it But true Love which values nothing above its own satisfaction slights a liberty to be bought with too many tears yet in this conjuncture it was almost impossible for Alexander to refuse this cruel liberty being all he could in appearance desire and bestowed on him by the Bassa with a Mistress with whom he believed him passionately in love What reason could he find to refuse such a Present which had cost the Bassa so dear and ought to be the most acceptable to him He despaired to find any and saw clearly there was a necessity of parting unless Love favourable to Lovers in extremity would come to his aid and make the Bassa alter his resolution as they commonly do who take any against Love never did Slave pay more Vows to be delivered from his Chain than he did for the continuance of his Captivity choosing rather to be a Slave the rest of his Life than to be for ever removed to such a distance from that which he loved a thousand times more than his Liberty The Bassa having passed some hours after in his Bed to muse upon the resolution he had taken which he adhered to though it made his heart ake called for his Aga and gave him orders for the departure of the two Christians causing store of Provisions and very rich Presents to be carried on board the Vessel this done he sent his chief Eunuch to the Sultaness his Wife to intreat her to give Laura her Liberty whom he was minded to send home to her Country together with Alexander for reasons of importance to her as of necessity for him and for the ease and repose of one and the other Having given these orders and the same time sent the Letter he had written to Laura he took Horse for Bardou one of his Houses of Pleasure a mile from the Town and staid there till midnight having all that time walked alone in the Gardens to wean himself from the sight and company of Alexander and the pleasure he took in Laura's discourse That night the Bassa could not sleep and in the Morning his Aga being come to bring him an answer from the Sultaness as to his request for giving Laura her Liberty he went presently to carry it to Alexander whom he found in appearance ready to be gone but in truth never less disposed but hoping every moment some change of resolution in the Bassa Ah Alexander said he we must part but I know not how we shall for the Sultaness who loves Laura with the same affection I do you notwithstanding my representing to her how much she was concerned in interest to have us part and to desire it as much as I cannot resolve upon it but hath sent me word this Morning she will sooner loose her Life than her Laura You must go see Laura and tell her 't will be her fault if she be not free and go along with you for as for me what I have promised I will perform In the mean time I will give order that the Vessel be staid longer that it may not sail without you Sir answered Alexander there are frequent opportunities of Transportation and when you have given some longer time to satisfie the Sultaness and dispose her to grant Laura this favour our obligation then will not be less for our Liberty you are now pleased to grant us Alexander replied the Bassa resolutions like that I have now taken in your favour go so much against the grain of a heart affected as mine that delays may be dangerous and time may make them faulter make use of the good motions reason and equity have inspired into me I do not tell you my thoughts are unalterable The spite I have against my heart for its weakness the outrage I did Laura yesterday my shame to appear before her after it and the small hopes I have of gaining her Love are the true causes of your good fortune All this is yet fresh in my mind stay not till time deface these impressions there being nothing men are apt so soon to forget as the injuries they had done to others As they were discoursing together a huge Moor who served as Purveyor for the Count and brought him every Morning his Provision from the Seraglio came on the sudden into the Chamber with a great Basket on his head not thinking without doubt of the Bassa's being there The Moor started at the sight of him would have gone back but the Bassa with his hand made signs for him to stay he obeyed and laid the Basket on the ground which appeared very heavy and so he withdrew the Bassa of pure curiosity to see what they had sent Alexander to eat bid a Moor who waited in the Room take up the Basket lid which he did and found the Provision to be a Woman very pleasantly tucked up and mufled in her Barnus that she might not be known But being in the Habit of a Christian which the Bassa and Alexander had formerly seen Laura in they made no doubt but it was she The Bassa at first was very much surprized but then fell a laughing and said to the Count the Invention is rare and that she had far more wit than the Women of that Country but this is a product of Love the Father of Inventions However 't is certain nothing could have been done more proper for our design But shall not we see said he all your Provision Madam you are here between the two best Friends you have in the World and you have no reason to be shy of shewing your self having said this he drew near to the Lady and would have taken her by the arm to help her to rise but she refused and thrust him back I see Madam said he you have not yet granted me the pardon I begged of you I confess the offence was too great to be so quickly forgiven but you are taking your leave and it is not fit we should part without being friends for it would be a perpetual grief to me to see you leave this Country with hatred in your heart Deny not this favour added he reaching forth his hand to a man reduced to despair for having offended you and punishing himself so severely for the fault that there is no need of this extream curelty from you But all he spoke was in vain for she hid her self more closely and fortify'd her self in the Basket to prevent being seen The Bassa was unwilling to press her any further but addressing himself to Alexander told him it was his part to make peace and to prevail with Laura to let him see her once more being the last time The Count took it ill that she made so shy of shewing her self to a Person to whom she was too much obliged
to deny him his request in such a conjuncture what cause soever she might have had of quarrel against him Besides he was particularly concerned to press her to shew her self for the last refuge he had was his hope that the Bassa's cenderness for her would perhaps at the moment of parting take fire afresh and make him change his resolution with these thoughts he went to her and gave her all the reasons he could invent to be reconciled to the Bassa and let him see her a moment but all to no purpose He had not one word of answer which angered him so that having taken her twice or thrice by the arm to make her rise he was just going to force up her Barnus and threatned to do it but the Bassa would not suffer it bidding him force her no further that she had cause enough to complain without doing her new violence for love of him But says he let us make use of the time and since she is brought hither to our hands and you have no more to do but embark let us finish what we have begun and perform what we have undertaken there never can be a fairer opportunity and I cannot think that Laura will be sorry to leave such a Country as this or part with us to go along with you The Sultaness in all probability is yet asleep let us not stay till she awake We must presently carry Laura as she is in the Basket into the Ship you shall bear her company and as soon as you arrive you shall hoise sail and away as for me I will pass the rest of the day at Bardou and give out such orders as may be necessary that in case the Sultaness miss Laura and find she is escaped you may not be staid Having said this he sent a Moor to the Port with order to have a Shallop in readiness to carry Laura and Alexander aboard the Christian Vessel riding at Gouletta This done he sent for the Captain of his Guards and bid him accompany the Count and commend the care of that Basket to the Moors who were to carry it along Having given these orders he had no more to do but bid his dear Alexander adieu and having embraced him with tears in his eyes he bore him company to the Shallop and from thence went to Bardou with a heart full of grief The poor Count was more to be pittied He was not much concerned to express how sorry he was to part with the Bassa but as for the Sultaness whom he could have wished to have seen once more at least his trouble to leave her was so great that he felt not the grief he should have shewed when he bid the Bassa adieu who had so highly obliged him When he saw he must part and no hopes of seeing her his heart was so full he could not speak a word the tears ran down his cheeks which much moved the good Bassa who thought they were shed for him and was not displeased to see himself outdone by a Man who was not ungrateful and cordially loved him At last he saw him embarked and bid him the last adieu The afflicted Count was so oppress'd with grief that from the Haven to Gouletta having given his heart a little more liberty than he durst have done in presence of the Bassa he let fall such lamentable expressions looking towards the Town that the Captain of the Guard and the rest that accompanied him were extreamly astonished and moved to compassion By good luck they understood not Italian but his gestures his tears his looks and the colour of his countenance expressed an unparallel'd trouble and affliction He no sooner got aboard the Ship but he threw himself on a Bed and was so much beside himself that he did not as much as think of his Basket but the Captain of the Guard had eased him of that care and caused it to be carried into his Cabbin after which he took leave of him and having commanded the Captain of the Vessel to hoise up his Sails he went into the Shallop and returned to Tunis then was it that Alexander finding himself alone in his Cabbin abandoned himself to the torment of his grief Ah Fate said he unjust Fate what have I done that you use me so cruelly that you force me away from a Person without whom I cannot live Ah my Sultaness dear Sultaness must I leave you must I absent my self from you for ever For ever said he again rising up Ah Heavens let me rather be set ashore I shall find pretence enough with the Bassa let me rather trust Love than Fortune she hath betray'd me Whatever happen I must die and I had rather die at her feet whom I love than at this cruel distance Having said this he went to see if they were still at Anchor but found they were already a great way from Land and sailing with a favourable wind had almost lost sight of Gouletta What despair was he in Ah my heart said he there is no remedy now I must perish Dear Sultaness added he taking his Sword in his hand see whether I am guilty of this absence and receive the Sacrifice I make you of my Life with that he drew his Sword and was going to thrust himself through when on a sudden the Person in the Basket who had thus far hearkened to all he had said threw her self upon him to prevent further mischief Let me alone to finish a Life which cannot but be unhappy at this distance from all that I love Ah dear Alexander answered the Lady embracing him with all tenderness her joy not permitting her to say any more The Count finding immediately notwithstanding the trouble and transport he was in some difference between this voice and Laura's looked behind him on the Lady who held him in her arms But what an astonishment what a charming surprize was it for a heart like his and in the condition he was in to see that it was the Sultaness her self THE HAPPY SLAVE The Second Part. OH Heavens Is it you Madam cry'd the Fortunate Lover Is it you says he again overwhelmed with a full Tide of Joy flowing so fast it had almost made him speechless may I believe that I see you the moment I thought I had utterly lost you Oh happiness unparallel'd and beyond expectation But Madam direct me I beseech you where to pay my Devotion am I obliged to Love or to Fortune Your thanks are due dear Alexander said the Sultaness for the Design to Love and to Fortune for the Success The Happy Lover extreamly amazed at so surprizing an Adventure found in himself so sudden an alteration from the depth of Grief to the height of Joy that to enjoy more fully the present pleasure of so blessed a change he thought his moments too precious to be employ'd in satisfying the curiosity of knowing by what means he was so unexpectedly arrived at so compleat a Felicity The Vessel under sail with a
her I did not desire it that she might do her pleasure but that I desired to be unconcerned And the truth is the pains I endured would I believe by degrees have made me insensible and cured me at last But on a day the Viceroy treated us in the Garden I quitted the Company and walking aside to muse in a dark and solitary place I met with the Marquess I thought it an effect of the Ladies care and that she had made use of this occasion to reconcile us I know not whether he took the haughtiness and seriousness of the Looks I entertain'd him with for an ill Omen or not but sure I am he trembled as he approached me and with a very settled tone told me it was very strange to see a person of my Humour finding out so solitary a Walk there being so much good company in the Garden it had been said he excusable in any other as an effect of some amorous thoughts but for you Madam for me replied I interrupting him and who hath told you but I may have been led hither by Love Ah Madam answered he we know you too well to entertain any such suspicion and I am sure if you can love any thing it must be only your self 'T is well replied I if it be true as you say that I love nothing at all but as for what you reproach me with 't is reported you are not altogether indifferent there is some ground for the report Madam indifference being a Quality I never stood much upon especially towards you of all the people in the World What not towards me replied I when you knew me insensible 'T is true Madam answered he I was told so but submitted however to the destiny of those many unfortunate Lovers you have made such in this Court. In matter of affection said I we are not to be led by example some have more merit or at least better Fortune than others we are sensible towards some when we are not so towards others One person shall please without knowing wherefore amongst an infinite of others who shall not have that advantage though equally handsom In a word every one hath his lucky moment you may believe I could not have said all this without blushing The Marquess having heard me with such attention as clearly discovered him surpriz'd at my discourse was just going to answer me when the Viceroys Lady who would never with her good will have us both out of her sight unhappily interrupted us and surprizing us on the sudden said I dare lay a good wager you were speaking of Love 't is true answered I smiling we were discoursing of a very pleasant question occasioned by being reproached by the Marquess for my insensibility He hath reason Madam replied the Lady to prevent an answer from the Marquess he who is so deeply in Love may justly reproach you if you know it not I can assure you of it and will in time tell you more I thought said I we had not been so great strangers but I might have known it from himself without being obliged to another for the News and if we two were alone I know how I would quarrel with him for it All this was spoken with an air of raillery which wrought very effectually on the inclinations of the Marquess which the Lady discoursed of I applied to my self imagining what she spoke of it was done for my honour and to engage me to an obliging answer which I gave She presently fell into other discourse and led us insensibly towards the company On the morrow the Marquess having mused all night on what I had said found me alone looking out at a window of the Palace and falling insensibly on the discourse of the day before asked me though I had no inclination to love whether I would be displeased at one who loved me with the greatest passion in the World I answered there were but few I would allow that liberty to and that in the whole Kingdom I knew but one I could permit to use that priviledge I believe he could not but understand I meant him and my looks did but too much confirm him in the opinion he though he observ'd it but would not take notice of it I know Madam says he it is extreamly imprudent to propose a person of a meaner rank than yours or one of small merit or not Master of Qualities worthy your esteem but the person I speak of is beyond all exception Finding him take a course so contrary to what I expected I had not patience to permit him to make an end having ground enough to believe it was not for himself he made this Declaration and interrupting him briskly A Lover said I blushing with anger and shame perhaps would not displease provided he were like the Marquess Hippolito any other may come too late I had scarce spoken these words but I repented me of them and unwilling to hear any more in the confusion the torrent of my Passion had put me in I withdrew Oh Heavens cry'd he running after to stay me How unfortunate am I Unfortunate said I turning toward him Is the esteem I have for you a means to make you unfortunate Yes Madam replied he with a sigh that precious and charming esteem I was made believe could never be gain'd which I would have purchased with all I have dear in the World He stopped there Well said I what of that esteem Ah Madam answered he they have made me renounce it I had no sooner heard these words but I went on my way having given him some looks full of indignation but seeing him follow me and not able for very grief to speak to him I made signs to him with my hand that he should come no further It is beyond imagination what a desperate condition I was in that night Rage shame spite fury repentance in a word all the Vexations of a Lover mock'd betrayed assaulted me by turns I fell so sick that for many days I kept my Bed however I resolved to speak to him once more to know who had caused him to renounce my esteem as he had told me I presently fancied it was Don Alphonso but was very desirous to learn how the matter had been managed and expected every day to see him with his Friend or with the Viceroys Lady and that I should find an opportunity to speak to him of it In the mean time he came not to my Chamber though all the Court did me that honour for the short time I continued indisposed this surprized me extreamly and hearing one day he was in my Anti-chamber I sent Clarice my Servant to desire him to come and see me having something to say to him He would have come instantly as the Maid brought me word but the Viceroys Lady with whom he was discoursing stay'd him at which I was not a little astonished but much more when soon after I saw him come in in the company of that Lady
anger What have you done Sir said I you have utterly ruined me Go and see me no more but at seasonable hours and when every body might see me after which though I was very well pleased with his company I pray'd him to withdraw to prevent further occasion of Discourse I am sensible dear Assen I spend too much time in relating particulars so inconsiderable and abuse your Patience in entertaining you with such trifles But this having been the best of my time in that Court and best part of my story you will excuse the difficulty I find in my self to come to the relation of Accidents so shameful for me that the memory of them is more terrible than Death Assen having answered that all she had said was very material and that he thought himself equally concerned in the smallest Circumstances of her Life as well as the greatest she proceeded in this manner The Vice-Roy's Lady having fallen out with me and finding reason enough of difference with the Marquess who in spight of her visited me often you may believe she past her time very melancholy and sad The first time the Marquess came to see me I insisted that if he designed to please me he should begin to do it by telling me in particular all the kindness and caresses past between the Vice-Roy's Lady and him But he intreated me with so much Ingenuity not to make use of the power I had over him to oblige him to a thing so mean that his Discretion prevailed over my Curiosity and made me esteem him the better for it however he let me know 't was of her he spoke in the Billet as I had easily guess'd The disconsolate Lady who could not but be concern'd for us was willing to seek Peace and having found a fair pretence for it sent me word by one of her Women that I might do her a pleasure if I would give her a Visit which I fail'd not to do She received me chearfully and with smiles in her Countenance being an Excellent Mistress of the Art of Dissembling after some Civilities shewed me she brought me to the Closet where beginning her discourse with a very great sigh Well my dear Elenor said she are you still angry with me I am heartily sorry Madam said I that you gave me cause who never deserved it Come let us agree said she to say nothing of what is past and give me leave to let you see I am your Friend It is that I desired Madam reply'd I and the Honour I have always had for you must needs make you believe your Friendship very precious and dear to me 'T is enough said she come tell me presently if there were a proposal of Marriage between the Marquess and you do you love him so well as not to refuse him Such a Proposal from her appears very suspicious and seeing me laugh as one who would not be caught in that Trap I do not speak to you now continued she as a Rival as you have believed me to be and as perhaps added she smiling I have formerly been but as your true and sincere Friend I tell you that if you desire to Marry the Marquess it shall be your fault if it be not done with that she shewed me a Letter from the Vice-Roy to my Father written to that purpose at the request of the Marquess and said your Father hath so much respect for my Husband that there is no doubt but it will take effect the Marquess having desired my leave to speak of it to the Vice-Roy and finding by the Character of the Letter they endeavoured in good earnest to unite me to a Man who was furnish'd with all I could wish as well for a settlement as to please my Affection I was ravished with Joy but let it appear as little as I could mistrusting my Fortune especially being in the hands of a Person who would dearly repent it before it could be effected I thanked her with the most acknowledging and affectionate expressions I could invent and there passed so many Caresses on the one side and on the other that you would have thought we had never been so great Friends before At my return I found the Marquess in my Chamber where he waited to bring me this pleasing News with a Countenance full of Joy and that the Vice-Roy had given him free liberty to visit me I told him I had heard all this from a Person he could not easily guess and in truth it was hardly credible it should be the Vice-Roy's Lady I told him it was she and related all our Discourse The Liberty granted the Marquess to visit me when he pleased having heightned the affection we had one for another degenerated by degrees into a kind and tender familiarity He took a little more upon him than had been allowed him and more indeed than I ought to have permitted him But 't is hard for one in Love so deeply as I was to be proof against the Amorous assaults of a Man she expects to be her Husband on the Morrow At first I made resistance enough and would not so much as give him my hand to kiss but Love blinds so that he doth insensibly lead us away and accustom us to things we never durst think of After the first blush the rest follows of course We expected with equal impatience my Fathers answer We were already mutually engaged so that if his answer should not have proved favourable we were resolved to compleat our happiness Such engagements given to save a Maids Honour are but snares Love lays for her Virtue The Marquess as all true Lovers being impatiently earnest for the possession of my Person as well as Affection whereof he was assured and fearing cross Accidents that might hinder our Bliss let me know amongst some little favours I allowed him to take that he was very desirous to obtain of my gift what I had forbid him to hope without my Fathers consent and that if I loved him I would make it appear in obliging him in that particular I made as if I did not understand him but by degrees he spoke so intelligibly that I was under the necessity of being very angry with him or of defending my self with Arguments Finding it impossible to be angry with a Man I loved I fell to Disputing but he was too hard for me And certainly in matters of Love a Maid that comes to reasoning is in danger of being lost However our combat lasted long enough to make me fancy I had satisfied my humour but at last I must yield I thought there needed not so much caution with a person who had given the Viceroy his word that he would marry me and assured me as I believed by a thousand Oaths that he would make me his Wife He was to come to me in my Chamber at night an hour after all should be in bed and because my Chamber was near that of the Viceroys Ladies where I had liberty of entrance
The Bassa shifting his Discourse from the general affairs to his private concerns desired Laura to give him a particular account of Alexander's Amour with the Sultaness which Laura related in the most civil expressions she could not forgetting the Adventure in the Chamber of Repose where the Bassa had mistaken his Lady for her the Bassa could hardly believe this and was more vext at it than all the rest of the story Then she told him the design the Sultaness and she had to go both aboard and why the Sultaness had put her self into the Basket without acquainting Alexander with her intentions I do verily believe it said the Bassa for I was in the Chamber when the Basket was brought in and feign'd it was you and was unwilling Alexander should do you the least violence I gave Order my self to have it carried aboard and together with Alexander went along with it to the Port. Assen and Laura could not forbear laughing The Bassa told them he was as ready to laugh at it as they but that Laura made one of the party and had a hand in putting the trick on him For as for his Wife the hatred he bore her Father and the small kindness he had for her were sufficient assurances he was not sorry to be rid of her But he expected satisfaction from Laura for the ill Offices she had done him none being more guilty than she of the Treason of the Sultaness Raillery made up the rest of the Discourse and the Night being far gone Assen not affected as the Bassa with the Charms of Laura told him it was time to withdraw The Bassa intreated him to stay a little longer and said while Night lasted he thought there was no danger and that he had not taken so much pains to enjoy that lovely Girl only for a moment At last Laura acquainted him with the fear she was in having been so long together which heightned the danger giving the Guards cause to suspect so long an interview and to stop his passage if he staid much longer The Bassa to satisfie her retired making new protestations of a Passionate Lover who would rather perish a thousand times than not see her delivered from the hands of her Enemies by an Honourable Peace or a bloody War A new invention must be thought of for the getting out of the Castle where the Examination was as strict almost at going out as at entrance Assen led the Bassa back again to the Magazin and having daubed his Face sufficiently with Meal laid a parcel of empty Sacks on his shoulders without any disturbance past all the Guards with him as a Servant of Assen's It was not yet day and the Bassa thought it fit to make use of his time to return before Morning to the Camp where he thought his presence very necessary Assen bore him company to the Walls of the Town and having help'd him over took his leave Laura longed extreamly to hear what was become of him and could not rest till she saw Assen Cheer you Madam said he as he entred her Chamber The Bassa is out of danger and all will be well Alas dear Assen answers she peradventure things may go well but not for me You will be certainly set at Liberty replies Assen and in very few days Yes says Laura I shall be set at Liberty from the Dey to be made Prisoner to the Bassa whose Passion will render my Imprisonment a thousand times more unfortunate than my present restraint Heard you not what he said And what will become of me when in his power Ah Assen adds she with Tears in her Eyes I did but too clearly fore-see the misfortunes that did threaten me unless Heaven divert them A Maid of my Quality had better die a Prisoner than buy her Liberty at that rate Assen sighing for pity answered he had already thought of all she said and that it was not without cause he so much opposed the Bassa's designs of taking her away that Night That he could have found means enough for it had he thought it for her advantage But that he resolved to represent to her first how much harder it would be for her to get out of the Bassa's hands than the Dey's And that he was very glad she had first spoken of it that he would keep his word with her to do her all the Service he could to help her back into her Countrey that he was very sensible it was as much as his Fortune was worth and perhaps his Life both which he must hazard in the case but that he never scrupled to expose the one or the other but was ready to sacrifice both for the interest of a Family he was more indebted to and that he was very willing to return among the Christians whose Religion and Customs he loved far better than those of his Countrey This ushered in a long Discourse of the Business in hand the Conclusion was that Assen should use the interest of his Friends with the Dey to perswade him to set Laura at liberty and send her back into her Country to prevent the Confusion to be feared if he should be obliged to restore her to the Bassa and see her supply his Daughter St. Room That if this would not take he should try the utmost extremities to endeavour the getting her on board a Brigandine of his which should be made ready to carry her away with the first Opportunity Poor Laura deeply sensible of the Obligation she had to so honest a Man told him more than once he might assure himself she would not be ungrateful for so considerable Services and that he should never fail of a Friend while she lived but might command any thing in the power of her Family Assen who needed no promises to perswade him in this particular took his leave and went to spend the rest of the Night in thinking of the business for which his inclination and gratitude were motives sufficiently powerful to engage his utmost endeavours He slept not a wink but as soon as it was day he went to visit those he thought to make use of to speak to the Dey Of these Beyran-Aga the Dey's Favourite was one in whom he placed most confidence as most favouring the Christians and his particular Friend He found him ready to serve him but at the same time he desired the favour of seeing the Slave Assen fearing the effects of her Beauty on a young man as the Aga might obstruct the design was so far from expressing a willingness to comply with him that he strained his invention to find the most specious pretences to divert him Beyran took it for a denyal of his Request and was somewhat displeased He thought Assen was in Love with her and told him only he would do him all the Service in his power to persuade the Dey to give the fair Slave her Liberty But the truth is he endeavoured it but coldly so that neither the Dey believed a time
expression or look but against her inclination forced her self to appear harsh and act the cruel against him Assen who thought one night at least necessary to be afforded Laura to dispose her self for an intire Reconciliation and that being upon the point of executing so hazardous a design care should be had to take their measures aright asked the Aga whether he thought it not fit to retire lest being seen to come from Laura so late he might give cause of suspition The Aga answered he need fear nothing the Dey having given him full power to stay as long as he pleased But Laura who had more reason to be of Assen's than of the Aga's opinion who was wholly led by his passion spoke to him though somewhat against her will to withdraw The Aga ready to obey this order begged the favour of her to give him hopes at least she would pardon him if he made it appear he was altogether innocent as to the matter of Alphonso and that her hatred of him should be at an end She made him no answer but her eyes betrayed her heart and spoke clearer in his favour than her voice could have done Beyran kissed one of her hands which she could not refuse him and left her full of that evenings adventures which found her entertainment The rest of that night not knowing what to think of Beyran's fortune whom she believed turned Turk for despair at the thought of this the tears trickled down her Cheeks and she perceived that if what he told her was true of her having been betrayed by her Maid and that he had not any hand in Alphonso's base action as in truth it was scarce credible he had she would love him more than ever and pardon his being found with the Vice-Queen though this was a tender point and not to be remembred without a volley of sighs Assen found the Aga's news true and not able to get out of the Castle went with him to his apartment where the pretended Renegado caused a Bed to be provided him but they spent the whole night in discourse Assen you may believe had an itching curiosity to hear the story of Marquess Hippolito having heard Laura's Assen as soon as they were private fell into that discourse The Aga who knew how much he wanted Assen's help to plead for him to Laura was ready to pleasure him with the relation and having understood Laura had told him part of what concern'd her he was willing to acquaint him with what came not to her knowledge and began thus When I arrived at Naples I found there the Vice-Roys Son whom I was acquainted with in my younger days and renew'd our friendship establish'd rather in the conformity of our age than of our Inclinations he brought me to Court and esteemed it necessary a new-comer should be a little instructed in the passages there he took the pains to tell me all the principal Intrigues and Affairs of Love and made me the Confident of his Passion for the fair Eleanor expecting from the fair friendship between us I would when acquainted with her do him the best service in my power I had a sight of her and by the first effects of that view could easily foresee there was no continuing Alphonso 's Friend without becoming his Rival I was troubled at it and reproached my self for my unfaithfulness but what signified that when there was love in the case There was no resisting Eleanors charms and I had instantly taken the resolution to love her had not the Vice-Queen used all possible arts to divert me she express'd no small complaisance for me which I attributed to the friendship between her Son and me But having found me one day in deep meditation she asked me whether I would freely acknowledge the cause of my melancholy if she could guess what it was and might serve me in the business I assur'd her I would she adds I was under the Fate of many other unfortunate Lovers who could not see Eleanor without being affected with the excellency of her Beauty I was strangely surpriz'd to find a passion scarce entertained in my Soul already known to the Vice-Queen and could not imagine how she came by the discovery of a secret I had resolved to keep close as long as possibly I could it was not in my power to deny it the trouble in my face and change of my colour having given her sufficient evidence how truly she had guessed I told her I found my self too weak to resist the Charms of that beautiful Maid and was sorry only Don Alphonso her Son and my Friend was concern'd she answered that a passion we cannot master was not to be complain'd of nor blam'd and that her Son could not be so unreasonable as not to pardon my falling into a distemper himself had been afflicted with But she believed I should prove as unfortunate as her Son but to keep her word with me she would let me see my concerns were more dear to her than the Interest of her Son but I must not blame her if her endeavours should prove ineffectual which she had too much cause to expect from the strange and unparallel'd insensibility of that fair Maid that she would speak for me that very day and see what hopes of a favourable reception and whether she defi'd Love out of a general aversion for Mankind or a particular disgust against some of that Sex The same time she assigned me Ten a Clock at night to meet her in the great Walk in the Garden to receive an account of her Negotiation I was there to wait for her and she kept her Assignation I saw her come with one of her Maids who was her Confident and having given her my hand to lead her into a Bower I went in with her trembling for fear of having ill News which I presently apprehended from her Countenance Poor Marquess says she you have no better fortune than others this Girls heart is proof to all Essays and did you but know that ill-favoured description and scurvy character she gave of you you would soon judge it to no purpose to apply your self to her but I would have you believe I say not this to discourage you but should be sorry to see a young Gentleman as you have qualities worthy the esteem of a fair Lady should imploy them where there is not any hopes to prevail I had certainly suspected this extraordinary condescension and goodness of the Vice-Queen had not what she said been agreeable to the report of the whole Court that the fair Eleanor was the most insensible person in the World I knew well enough 't was not any concern she had for the passion of her Son made her speak as she did she loved him very little and the complaisance she had express'd for me secured me on that side I might have been so sagacious and quick-sighted as to see she spoke for her self and advised me to quit the thoughts of Eleanor
fortune kept it safe to this minute With that he took out a little Purse from his pocket and out of the Purse the Billet which he read to Assen in these words I am heartily sorry my dear Hippolito I must fail my assignation But an unhappy accident I must not now tell you of will for a few days retard our happiness you may believe me as sensible of it as you are but love me as you have done Love will furnish us with opportunity enough Adieu I had never received a Letter from Eleanor nor knew her Character so that it was easie for Clarice to make me believe that Billet came from her I asked her what her Mistress ail'd Nothing says she laughing but that she is not very well this evening I fancied I understood her meaning and examin'd her no further but withdrew sufficiently displeased with my ill fortune that night when a Page of the Vice-Queens met me coming down stairs and told me his Lady desired to speak with me In the humour I was in I could have wish'd a Dispensation from waiting upon her but not knowing what excuse to make being so near her and fearing she might have something to tell me from Eleanor being the common subject of her discourse with me I followed the Page into her Chamber where I found her expecting my coming she was at her Toilet and the Vice-Roy being out of Town as soon as she saw me she reproached me for deserting her so she could of late scarce see me in the croud that if I would not out of Gallantry I should at least out of civility have afforded her my company when destitute of other I was not disposed for giving her so pleasing an answer as I would have done another time however I said not any thing to disoblige her I was melancholy and vext but so deeply in love I had a stock of kindness and complaisance which abundantly furnished me with pleasing expressions which the Vice-Queen did not disapprove of I had not seen her in a better humour and falling into discourse she kept me with her a great part of that night but she thought me out of humour and quarrelled with me upon 't I excused my self as having sat up all the night before at play Hereupon she invited me to lye on her Bed I was priviledg'd to be familiar and without further intreaty made use of my liberty for the truth is I was almost dead for want of sleep within less than two hours I was awak'd on the sudden by the light of a Flam-boy held before my eyes and the first object I saw was Eleanor with a Ponyard in her hand to take away my life had not Don Alphonso laid hold on her arm and prevented the stroke Judge you what amazement I was in I might with some reason have suspected all this a Dream But my Rival having seized the Ponyard to execute what he had hindered Eleanor to do had she not done me in her turn the like Service I thought it high time to take care of my life and running to my Arms put my self in a posture of defence The Vice-Queen half dead with the fright came running to part us but was like to have been kill'd by her Son who seemed as eager to dispatch her as me I happily saved her two or three times and at last standing before her the fury Don Alphonso was in made him run on my Weapon and kill himself rather than be killed by me I saw him fall which troubled me extreamly foreseeing the dreadful Consequence of such a misfortune I turn'd towards the unhappy Mother to ask her what she would do and found her swoun away and lying without motion I was so much afflicted with the spectacle I wish'd my self dead at last necessity pressing me to withdraw I entred Eleanor's Chamber to see her once more and dye at her feet if she desired my life to expiate my fault but I found her not and so left the Pallace without any obstacle My design was to pass into Sicily and being in search of a Felucca to embark in found Clarice almost drown'd in tears at the Port. I knew her and asked whither she went and what she would have Ah Sir said she I have been looking for my Mistress who the Mariners tell me is embarqued not a quarter of an hour since for Barcellona I was strangely surprized at the news and without further deliberation took the first Felucca I met and Clarice being very willing to go with me in search of her Mistress or rather to get away from a Court where she had reason to fear the severest extremities after the disorder lately happen'd wherein she knew her self concern'd I put her aboard and had the weather so favourable we hoped to reach Barcellona before Eleanor could be there I took care to inquire the Name of the Felucca she was embarqued in and the Masters I was till then so distracted and oppress'd with grief and despair it was not in my power to make any resolution on all these misfortunes but being got to Sea I recollected my self and considered all those disasters but the more I thought on them the more was I perplex'd about them I could not imagine by what accident Don Alphonso and Eleanor should be altogether to surprize me in the Vice-Queens Chamber unless we had been betray'd or Don Alphonso more in favour with Eleanor than I believed and if that were so why should my Rival prevent my death as he did and why did she take her turn too to save my life from Alphonso unless both were ambitious of the hour to have killed me However I must confess I deserv'd death and wish I had received it at Eleanor's hand I should not then have had the displeasure of imbrewing my hands in the Blood of a Person who had all the reason in the World to be reveng'd of me Clarice was very ill in the Felucca of the fright she had taken or else Sea-sick I had not seen her all the time of the disaster at Naples I told her part of the story and found it so much afflicted her especially when I acquainted her with the death of Alphonso she grew worse and worse I asked her several questions which she answered with a great deal of trouble pretending Ignorance but in such a manner as gave me cause enough to suspect the contrary and believe she was more concerned in this business than I was aware of I was unwilling to press her in the condition she was in to reveal the secret though I was curious of a discovery but hoped to make it when she should be a little better We arriv'd at Barcellona but no news of the Bark Eleanor went aboard of I resolved to have patience a while as well as the Merchants who had effects in it of great value But how careful soever I was of Clarice she grew worse than at Sea and all the Physicians could do for her
on the sudden they heard the noise of Horses making towards them Assen hid Eleanor and Hippolito under an old Wall and advanced with some of his people towards the Horse-men They marched apace and quickly asked who is there Assen told them who he was and by good fortune found it was Romadan the Master of the Gallies coming from Port-farm with a Guard He told him the Bassa's Sophies had taken from his people some Horses he had in readiness to go for Cape-Carthage to see a Brigandine he was sending out to Sea Romadan who knew the respect the Bassa had for Assen was angry for what was done by the Sophies and to remedy the inconvenience told Assen he might take his choice of what Horses he pleased out of his Troop and not trouble himself for his own they should be sent him where he pleased to order Assen glad of the opportunity accepted his offer and Romadan taking him aside told him The Bassa had a design to come again to him and by any means to get Laura out of the Castle and that he would do well in his return from Cape-Carthage to take the Camp in his way and endeavour to divert the Bassa from so dangerous an Enterprize Assen having promised it dis-engaged himself from Romadan as soon as he could but Romadan would oblige him at parting with two of his Horse-men to accompany him and serve him from the Parties that were abroad and might set upon him unknown This put Assen into a little perplexity but he would not refuse the kindness for fear of giving cause of suspition And having taken his leave he advanced towards his company and acquainted the two Lovers in few words what fortune he had met with All mounted and Eleanor in Boys Cloaths pass'd for a young Slave of Assen's the night helping to cover the disguise they made all the haste possible Hippolito being still at Eleanor's elbow the Master of the Gallies Horse-men led the Van to answer those they met and Assen as Commander in chief sometimes on one side sometimes on the other without affecting much to be near Hippolito or Eleanor by the help of the Horse-men they had free passage and were several times saved from being taken and carried before the Bassa At last being come to the Brigandine they delivered the Horses to be restor'd to the owners and having rewarded them well for their pains Assen sent them back with this Letter to the Bassa Sir Be not displeased with me for endeavouring the liberty of a Maid to whose Family I owe mine you have often heard me speak of my obligations to my Patron when I lived among the Christians I have met with an occasion to satisfie them in the Person of his Daughter being that same Laura the Dey kept Prisoner Wonder not my gratitude hath prevailed with me to expose my life for those who saved mine The Dey perhaps may have as much reason as you to excuse me but in actions that honour and reason inspire I fear no reproach Laura was the cause of the difference betwixt you the Peace will be easier made now she is gone Thus doing my duty I procure the good of my Country which every honest man wishes and will certainly thank me for Adieu live content and prosper in your designs and be so just as not to condemn Assen They instantly hoised sail and the Weather being favourable they doubled the Cape pass'd Port-Farine and were got a great way to Sea before the Horse-men could have come to the Bassa whom we will leave foaming with rage and fury against Assen and return to the happy company now beginning to take pleasure in seeing themselves out of danger at least from Land for as to the Sea while you are on it there is no security against it Hippolito sat sighing by his beautiful Eleanor and she feasted her self with the sweetness of liberty to enjoy in safety the conversation of a Lover she had given over for lost Assen was busie giving orders in the Brigandine but being becalmed on the sudden and no way to be made but by rowing he sate by them to congratulate their happiness 'T is true says Eleanor I should esteem my self the most fortunate person on Earth if after what you have assur'd me of the Marquess you could ease me of the scruples the Turks habit he wears raises within me Was it possible adds she blushing you should change your Religion 'T is the very thing I longed to know of him Madam and how he came to Barbary for he hath not yet told me No Madam answers Hippolito I am still a Christian and had I been threatned with Death or with Torments I should not have changed my Religion but 't is true I have been long thought a Turk Assen who could not conceive how it could be so in a Country like his where in matters of Religion there are Formalities not to be counterfeited pray'd him to declare what course he had taken and how it was possible for him to escape Circumcision being the first of the Ceremonies used in that case Hippolito to satisfie him knowing he should at the same time do Eleanor a pleasure went on with his story I told you formerly of the resolution I took of searching every Creek of the Mediterranean for the Vessel this Lady embarqued in I did so for seven or eight months in a little Frigat with six pieces of Ordinance wherein I was at last taken by a Vessel of Tripoly of no less than thirty Guns after six hours Fight and the loss of almost all our men I was carried to Tripoly where they presented me to the Bassa who upon the good report they gave of my behaviour in the Fight used me very civilly and having in few days express'd no small affection for me wished I would turn Turk and sent me for the purpose to a famous Cady to be instructed in their Faith this Mahometan Doctor was a very honest man and witty he was the Son of a Renegado and had less Faith than his Father in what he taught others he spoke very freely to me and I opened my self to him and pray'd him to make the Bassa believe I was turn'd Turk he did so the Bassa believed it on his word and express'd for me more kindness than ever but he had a Nephew who was jealous of it and often quarrelled with me on that score which might afterwards have produced further inconvenience The Bassa who had a tender love for this Nephew foresaw what might follow and resolved to part us for some time till this Nephew were cured of his jealous and tempestuous humour he sent me with great Presents to the Dey of Tunis his intimate Friend recommending me very earnestly and affectionately to him The Dey within a week after my arrival made me his Aga You know Assen what a sad life I led but who would have thought says he addressing himself to Eleanor I was so near what I
his jealousie having spent some time in her company without any caress or giving her the least evidence of kindness though she had more than once given him occasion to shew it told her he had a longing desire to go hearken and know how the Christians in the Bower entertained one another she made him no answer but letting him go she the next minute after went another way towards the same Bower to observe the Bassa and see what he did there The Nights in that Country are very clear especially in Summer the Bassa notwithstanding all the caution he had used to post himself securely near Alexander's quarter under the favour of the Hedges that covered his approach was perceived by the counterfeit Laura in the Bower She had discovered him by his shadow and having made her lover aware of it he presently went out and ran to meet the Bassa to intreat him not to come any further but permit him to enjoy that moment of pleasure he had been pleased to procure him The Sultaness not knowing what wind had brought the Bassa to that side of the Garden and fearing he would come into the Bower would not be perswaded by any thing that Alexander could say to her to stay after him in the Bower but went presently out to hide herself in some corner of the Garden where she thought she might be in better security The mean time the jealous Bassa confounded at the discovery and having lost the opportunity of executing the design he had so unfortunately laid suffered himself to be prevail'd upon by the intreaties of his Rival and returned towards his Bower as Alexander to his where being arrived he was sufficiently amaz'd at missing the Sultaness but thought she had fled away for fear which troubled him extreamly but just as he was leaving the Bower to go in search of her he saw in the furthest and most retired part of it something that seem'd to have the shape of a Woman then going up thither and finding he had not been mistaken he fancied it only to be a trick of the Sultaness this pleased him extreamly and passionately imbracing her Madam said he are not you very waggish you would fain have made me run all about the Garden in search of you She answered not a word but getting out of his arms she went away briskly and withdrew into another corner of the Bower the Count was surprized at this manner of proceeding being not so gentle as he expected from the Sultaness who loved him so tenderly but to undeceive himself as soon as he could and to find out the cause of so sudden a change he went up to her the second time and taking her by the hand What may be the reason Madam said he that you run away and hide your self from me there is no fear of the Bassa he is withdrawn to his quarter and hath promised not to give us any further disturbance But all this could not make her answer a word so that not knowing what to think of this rigour he kneeled on the ground where she was sitting on a seat of green Turf and kissing her hand prayed her for loves sake to tell him the reason why she seemed angry with him he courted and imbraced her with great passion and tenderness and she as patiently took it but at last perceiving her laugh a laughter very different from that of the Sultaness he examined her more nearly and knew by the difference of her shape and her Cloaths that he was mistaken It was inconceivable what a trouble this put him in He thought himself arrived in Fairy-land to see the strangest sights in the World That Laura had been changed into the Sultaness was not so surprizing as pleasant but that the Sultaness should be turned into another Woman and perhaps a Mistress of the Bassa's this was the thing he could not comprehend that which troubled him most and extreamly disquieted him was the pain he was in for not knowing what was become of the Sultaness and the fear he had the Bassa might have met her in the Garden and known her this moved him again to go out in search of her but Chabania for it was she he had mistaken for the Sultaness held him fast by the sleeve and staid him telling him in the Moors Language it was not fit for him to quit in that manner a Lady for whom he had already express'd some affection The Count understood not her language prayed her to let him go for fear the Bassa should come and be offended at his being with her But all to no purpose she no more understood his Italian than he her Moresque and was so far from letting him go that she would have made him sit by her that she might revenge her self on the Bassa for the slight he had put upon her During this little contest which could not but be somewhat extraordinary between two Persons who understood not one another the Sultaness comes in quite out of breath and throws her self half dead into the arms of Alexander who happened to be in a place ready to receive her What frightful fancies had he then in his head He presently imagined they were utterly undone and that she had been discovered But the Bassa arriving presently after set him right again in saying you run away Madam speaking to the counterfeit Laura from a Person who wishes you no ill nor intends you any then turning towards Alexander he was about to excuse himself to him for breaking his word but seeing Chabania stand by him he suddenly altered both his mind and his Language asking her in Moresque what she was come thither for She answered him aloud and gave him a thousand reproaches for his unworthiness and weakness in quitting her to follow a Slave that run away from him This was a very rare Scene and the Dialogue not a little pleasing to the Sultaness but she had not long to laugh at it for Chabania being vext to the heart for the slight the Bassa had put upon her and for what he had said to her before her pretended rival flew like a Fury upon the Sultaness with that promptitude and swiftness that neither the Bassa nor Alexander who would have staid her were able to save the counterfeit Laura from being somewhat ill handled The Count was touched to the quick at this outrage and no consideration of life or of duty could have prevented him from having satisfaction had not his fear of losing the Sultaness prevailed more upon him than his resentment The Bassa was as angry as he and taking the enraged Chabania by the hand he drew her somewhat rudely out of the Bower and led her away The Count was no sooner alone with the Sultaness but embracing her tenderly Madam said he with a passionate tone what dangers have you gone through for love of me what a cruel assault have you but now endured The Sultaness did nothing but laugh at the last adventure she