her and one of the three having known her said to the others Courage my friends I have found what I searched for then taking the horse upon the which the head of the Troope was come they set Laure upon him tied her and made her ride before them Thus they abandoned the two prisoners to the mercy of their fortune without taking either Armes or Horses to let them know that they who had ravished Laure from them were persons that scorned so poore a booty It would be more presumption then eloquence to goe about to describe the feelings of Fenise and Laure seeing themselves so cruelly separated the one from the other A spirit weaker then that of Fenise would have beene dejected with so sensible displeasures seeing him selfe tyed and deprived of all meanes to recover his deere Laure who was carryed away like a prisoner She on the other side fell into teares and sighes which were able to have given apprehensions of pitty to any thing which is not entirely deprived thereof she imployed all her force to unty her selfe to the end to be revenged upon her selfe so far had despaire transported her The silence and imagination of the reader must supply the defaults of the discourse for the pen cannot lively enough represent an adventure so deplorable Don Louis almost forgot his proper displeasures to take part of the griefes of Fenise yet without comforting of him for as much as consolation cannot be admitted in violent afflictions and it is a great secret to let passe the first violences These Cavaliers had suffered this misery almost halfe an houre when Don Louis by violent moving and tormenting him selfe had slackned his cords and not long after found meanes to lose himselfe Fenise used the like diligence but he could not arrive to his end so soone as Don Louis who was strong and who knew how to adde industry to force having set himselfe at liberty he also delivered Fenise they mounted upon their horses ride after the ravishers of Laure resolved to dye or to overcome and to take from them this glorious conquest But they had not ridden far when they were met by two horsemen who they did believe fled or pursued after some that fied from them they were confirmed in this opinion hearing one of them hastily utter these words see the traytors kill them kill them Marcell since we have reason of our side it is requisit that their blood repaire their treachery Don Louis and Fenise were much astonished at this language and for to warrant themselves from inconvenience they lighted and put themselves in a posture of defence The others seeing them thus resolved imagined them to be those they looked for then being carryed away with the excesse of their passion and more blinded with choller then the darknes of the night begun to set upon them with a great deale of rashnesse in regard they were advantagiously armed And in effect if heaven the protector of innocents had not had care of Fenise and Louis they would have beene in danger to have beene sacrificed to the anger of these unknowne It happened that there was a little rundle betwitxt them which stayed the course of Marcell and as he came to passe it he fell into a puddle from whence he was long before he could retire himselfe His companion called Leonard found a happier passage but which had like to have beene that of his death for he found himselfe betwixt two enemies and without the good armes wherewith he was covered he had presently seene his rashnesse payd with his blood in the interim Marcell got out of the bog and came to his defence Don Louis seeing him come left Fenise before Leonard and went before him crying hither hither inconsiderate to me to me heaven will serve it selfe with my arme to chastise thy insolence at the sound of these words Marcell knew that his companion and himselfe were deceived and that they fought not against those they sought for he retired himselfe and cryed to Leonard who was fighting with Fenise that he should make truce advertising him of the fault which his inconsideration had made him commit in falling upon men they had nothing to demand of At the instant Leonard ceased to presse his adversary who was already very weary and hurt and lighting left his armes went to succour him the hurt of Fenise was upon his right side but it was given him in gliding which was the cause that it entred not much into his body and in a place which was not mortall They demanded pardon one of an other and those who did before endeavour to take away one anothers lives used then all diligence to conserve them For this effect they tooke the way to Valence the habitation of the one and the infortunate end of the others journey Leonard extreamely afflicted with the hurt of Fenise did not cease to make him complements and excuses and to testifie to him the extreame sorrow which he had for what was happened he conjured Fenise to take his lodging to the end he might endeavour by the services which he hoped to render him during the time of his indisposition to merit the honour of his affection Fenise used the same courtesie of his side told him that he esteemed his blood well imployed since that it had got him the acquaintance of so generous a Cavalier to whose valour he had designe to have recourse upon all occasions that should present themselves they thus entertained themselves by the way when Don Louis said to Leonard and Marcell that if they were willing to give them more certaine proofes of their freedome they would not reject the prayer which they made to them to recite the cause of the great precipitation wherewith they set upon them without knowing to whom they addressed themselves because Fenise would take delight in this recitall if it be true that there is consolation in the company of those that are touched with the same afflictions that we are Leonard then spake as being the most qualified I would freely tell you answered he the cause of the too blamable rashnes which I have committed if this relation might not be received as a testimony of the honour which I beare you hoping that greater occasions shall be presented wherein I may manifest it but the feare I have to trouble this hurt Cavalier doth oblige me to excuse my selfe from satisfying your curiositie Then Fenise added his prayers to those of Lovis and at the same instant Leonard made them this discourse LEONARDS HISTORY OF EUFEMIE TEODORE THe towne of Valence whither we are going is the place of my birth and ancient dwelling of my Ancestours If I be not of the greatest families at the least I am of the most noble with the successions which my father and mother left me leaving this world to goe to a better life they charged me with the care and guard of two Sisters who had the reputation to bee of the
upon the face of the Earth when venerable Frederick rendred himself in the gallery and saw immediatly the window open and Erimene appear holding a bow and arrow which she shot against a wall a little further off then the place where he was making a signe to him that he should take it up Erimene having seen him doe what she desired departed and shut the window Frederick perceived that this arrow had a little paper rouled about the end thereof instead of a pile and industriously accommodated he judged that there was some mystery hidden he untied it and saw that it was a letter directed to him he presently went to finde Fenise to let him read the same with him not being willing to have a secret which he should not have full knowledg of They opened it and saw that it was the Castalian tongue containing this discourse THE LETTER OF MAGDELENE TO FREDERICK HER FATHER Sir THe signes and gestures which you have lately made to me letting me understand that the Gentleman which accompanied you is my Brother which was lost from his birth hath left my spirit in a Labyrinth so confused that it is impossible to get out thereof without a more clear and ample explication I cannot comprehend how he should be come into this barbarous Country with the habits he weareth and be in liberty without having renounced Christianity which I cannot believe he hath done for being issued from your bloud he could not have committed so cowardly a perfidiousnesse and so infamous an impiety and although my just curiosity might merit some satisfaction yet I do not hope that you can content it I am now held so short that it is scarcely permitted me to leave the presence of Selin his passion and jealousie is so violent that he yet doubteth if I be where he findeth me this is it that hath hindred me so long time from seeing you and will yet deprive me of that contentment But I have found an invention whereby we may entertain one another by writing and letters during the silence and obscurity of the night The King hath certain birds of the bigness of Black-birds which sleep all the day I know not whether it be by custome which is given them or their proper nature but it seems that Heaven hath so ordained it for our consolation particular In the night they fly and feed by candle-light whither hunger makes them go as they see it He hath given me one of them which shall be our faithfull messenger if you please this is the industry we will use The night being come you shall be in your Gallery with a candle in a cleare lanthorne and when I shall see that light I will put out mine in my chamber and let go the bird he shall have a letter delicately fastned under one of his wings he will fly strait to you and pearch near your candle you will easily take him for he is very tame then you may untie his letter and having seen it if you please answer it you may fasten it in the same manner you shall see then take away your candle and I will light mine and come to the window and presently the bird will return to me To proceed therein more securely and avoid danger which may incurre if our art should be discovered let us make proof therof with a little piece of white paper in stead of a letter Make your self ready the night after this and be in the Gallery about twelve a clock God prosper happily the invention to his honour and glory Frederick and Fenise embraced one another seeing so cleare an appearance of a power to communicate and resolve together some great enterprise for their common liberty Magdelene being couragious and Erimene very ingenious It was she that had written this Letter for although the other knew the Castalian language having learned it of Erimene she was not so expert as to write in that stile they praised and admired this favourable invention as in truth they had cause it being extream rare secret and subtill but there is nothing that a woman will not finde out to surmount the obstacles vvhich oppose her contentment In vain doe fathers and husbands shut their doors and wall up their windows and guard their walls to avoid scandall and to take from their Daughters and Wives the intelligence they might have with their Lovers the more they are shut up the more leisure is given them to exercise their wits and to invent means to overcome what hinders them there is no Tower high enough nor locks nor doors nor walls strong enough to conserve their honours if they doe not guard them themselves Fenise glad to see so fair a way laid open to his hopes prepared an answer to this sweet letter that the messenger might not stay that came to fetch it The time assigned to Frederick being come he rendred himself at the place assigned with a candle in a lanthorn for feare the wind of the birds wings should put it out or that she might offend her self and without attending long he heard a signe given at the window of the Tower and at the same instant the angelicall bird came and pearched upon his arm which he presented to her for that effect near the candle Fenise and he took her safely findding the white paper and untying it put their answer in the place thereof then hiding their light according to the instructions received they saw that of the the towre to appeare and let goe this faithfull and able confident in the twinkling of an eye she rendered her selfe betwixt the hands of her mistresse who gave her the most sweete and amiable nourishment of her face accompanyed with a thousand amorous kisses payd her the portage of the letter she brought The hand wherein it was written was knowne by Erimene confirming her in the opinion she had that this Caviler which Frederick would have passe for the brother of Magdelene was a gentleman of Toledo to whome she had often times spoken and seene verses of his writing yet she did not declare her thought to Magdelene who impatient to know what this letter contayned prayed Erimene to reade it FREDERICKS ANSWER TO HIS DAVGHTER MY daughter it must be some Angelicall spirit that hath given you this invention it is so excellent that I cannot enough praise it I scarcely complaine any longer my disaster having this admirable maner of comforting my selfe with you but we must goe discreetely to worke to prevaile in our deliverance from the tyranny wherein we are I hope it by the aide of God and the courage of your brother who taketh great care for our comune contentment A strange adventure hath brought him hither to take parte of our miseries or to deliver us from them his liberty is conserved by the meanes of a powerful friend he hath in this towne let this suffice you for the present If we can but conserue this communication by the intermission of this
presently to cause me to be succoured having knowne me he had his heart seized with extreame sorrow seeing that this misfortune came by raeson of the good office I had rendred him He made me incontinently be carried to my lodging accompanying me protesting to revenge me rigorously if he could discover the infamous culpable finding himselfe extreamely interessed in the offence As soon as they begun to look to my wounds Lucian arrived faining to be extreamely afflicted for my misfortune he informed himselfe of whom I had received this injury promising to imploy his life to be revenged of them There were so skilfull operators about this cure that in a few dayes I was perfectly healed for the blow did not offend any inward part nor entred much within the body the servant which had given me the first notice of the pernitious projects of Lucian seeing me ready to to go abroade came to me into my chamber telling me that she had a new secret to communicate to me and after she was assured that no body could heare her she held me this discourse speaking softly Sir said she I should esteeme my selfe confederate with with your enemies if after having discovered a conspiration they have made against you I should not advertise you thereof herein you shall know how much I esteeme the conservation of your person as you have already made proofe of the respect I beare to your honour in what I have heretofore told you You must know then that the night after you were hurt about twelve a clock I heard a talking in in the chamber of Lucian by reason of some indisposition I had which would not suffer me to sleeep I arose and put my head to my window which you know looketh into the court over against that of Lucian which hath the same view but a little lower then mine I could easily see thorough the glasse what they did there because there was a light I saw there was ashes upon the table and that with the end of a flat stick he made cleane his sword full of certaine rusty spotsâ— and in doing thereof I heard him hold this discourse to Fabrice the man that serveth him and whom he trusteth with his incestuous designes since that which we did the last night there are two things which trouble my spirit The first that mine arme had no more force nor addresse but to leave in doubt the life of Don Jame that was the name I bore when I was happier then I now am Scarcely was this name spoken when faire Leenor which heard it and who being at the dore of the chamber of the poope had also heard the begining of this recitall came with her armes open cast them about the neck of Don Jame ah my deere husband said she in crying out it is possible that thou art this day so neere me he knowing the voice and countenance of her that spoke Ah God! is it you my deare Leonor saying so he imbraced her reciprocally and they remained fastened together without being able to speake any more They were so ravished with joy that they wanted not much of giving up their soules in this transport After a good space of time they opened their armes and beheld one another with teares in their eyes Don Jame to dissemble his indeavoured to reprove those of Leonor telling her that those that weepe for joy ought to have no teares for their troubles All those that saw these amorous actions marvelled at this prodigious encounter which gave Fenise the more curiositie to know the end of the history begun the which Don Jame having reunited his spirits moved with the suddain apparition of this Angell continued thus The second discontent which troubleth me said Lucian is that thou couldest not steale away Leonor the Neece of Don Ignigo whom I thought to have kept in some secret place as a stranger and a very fair Maide I thought to have come to the end of my design in despite of her and her resistance See Sir what insolent words If we should have stolne her away answered Fabrice I believe that you would not have received thereby much pleasure for I do not know how one can finde it where there is no correspondence in desires nor that one can exercise such rigour upon a beauty who is seen with tears in her eyes to lament the losse of her honour Pitty then answered Lucian hath hindered thee from satisfying my will Fabrice made excuses which Lucian received for that time yet propounding to himselfe to search occasion to accomplish his rash designe as far as to take the boldnesse to entreat an unseasonable houre into the house where Leonor should be although he should be forced to scale the window of her chamber or force the door Fabrice answered him nothing it may be not approving what his Maister said as being too rash and dangerous to execute From whence it happened that two daies after this unfortunate confident was found dead with three stabs of a ponyard in the breast which I presume was given him by the hand of Lucian through rage and revenge as well for the cowardlinesse wherewith he accused him as seeing him not disposed to assist him in the last proposition which he had made Since your growing well I have observed his disquietnesse as being troubled therewith and lately knowing that you begun to rise and walk in your chamber he stamped upon the ground and lifted his eyes to Heaven as if he had made some secreet threats But yesterday he came to me and made me this discourse Glicere sayd he thou art not ignorant of the damage I received in the recovery of Don Iame since that the effect of my desires is thereby stayed and extreamly delayed his presence hinders me from satisfying the passion I have for Olinde in enjoying her beauty I doe not say her love though I have alwaies perceived that she hath loved me as a brother but at the present I am as odious to her as an enemy which maketh me at this time to be pricked on as much with vengeance as love and that I seek to content my desires to satisfie the one and the other passion For this cause I have recourse to thee having already communicated unto thee my secrets that thou mayst serve me in a new project which I have made wherein I have need of a most particular confident which I desire thou should est be assuring thee that thy recompence shall exceed much what thou shalt'st think to have merited See here a certain powder said he in drawing a paper out of his pocket which you must make Don Iame to swallow amongst his meat or in some broath the which wil cause a marvellous effect He will fall into a languishing and fall away from day to day so that in a moneth I shal be rid of him Doe not fear that any one shall be troubled therefore the cause of his death will be attributed to his
for some Jew Moore or Turke it is then from the vertue of this divine name that J hold my life liberty and the glory to see againe before mine eyes that deare Leonor alwaies loving and to whom before you Gentlemen J renew the vowes of my service promising her to accomplish when she pleaseth the faith of marriage which J have given her At this last word these contented lovers begun againe to continue their imbracements and talke together of their adventures to the great contentment of the rest of the company but the pleasures of the one and of the others lasted not long They perceived afar off a vessell to come towards them in so great hast that although they did all their endeavours to avoid it it was impossible for them so that it behoved them to quit the instruments of flight and betake themselves to those of defence Mahomet upon the instant made all the Turkes put off their habits and put them upon those which were habited like slaves to the end that if the vessell was commanded by some pyrate who was ignorant of their flight he might let them passe without setting upon them seeing them all in fashion of Turkes and conducted by him who might make himselfe knowne They gave armes to them who had none that they might not be surprised in case that they must fight as amongst others to Don Iame and the slave of Mahomet which he had brought along with him in whom he much confided who who was named Charles a man of an advantagious proportion and who seemed to be couragious Being then prepared the best they could to sustaine the shock this vessell which they feared approched them they presently knew that it was the Pirate Nazouf which came to fall upon them He had order from Selin to imploy all possible industry for to bring them back alive to Algier as well for to chastise them the more cruelly with long torments as also to warrant Magdelene from the hurt that might otherwise arive her which was the cause why Nazouf used all his endeavours to board them without using fire but he found more resistance then he imagined Mahomet Fenise Don Iame and Charles did marvels they foure alone defended a long time the entrance of their vessell Frederick and the other captives which were in the vessell of Nazouf when Fenise made himselfe master thereof testifyed also much courage The vessels were fastened together the heat of the combat made the combatants of the one and the other vessell passe it without thinking thereof so that they were together pel mell when they perceived another ship who seeing them together came so near them that all of them easily knew it This was the ship of Roustan which we have heretofore told you departed from Algier when Fenise took that Nazouf and arrested him prisoner Roustan was therein in person who being known by both parties was at the same time called by Mahomet and by Nazouf to help them being well assured that the party which he tooke would carry the victory Nazouf cryed out to him on onâ— side that they had betrayed the King and that they were fugitives that Selin his Lord had chosen him to follow after them being much interessed in his own particular honour and goods that he might use more care diligence to take them Mahomet and Fenise cryed out to him on the other side that Nazouf had deceived the King and that they were sent to take him again he having violated his prison and saved himselfe for fear of the punishment which he deserved that he was a deceiver and used this artifice to oblige him to assist him and that he had best take heed of lending his hand to him if he would not be declared a criminall to his Majesty These last words had so much power over Roustan that having considered the authority of those who spoke them to whose offices belonged this action which they did he regarded no more the reasons of Nazouf on the contrary he boarded his vessell and cryed to him that he should render himself as the rest also did which accompanyed him so that these confused voices amazed and troubled so much the spirit of poore Nazouf that without any further resistance he was constrained to yeeld and give up his arms Thereupon Mahomet and Fenise leaped into his vessell saying that hee must passe into theirs that they might be the better assured of his person Nazouf would not seeming to be halfe mad at the foule play which was played him not being able to defend himselfe therefrom 〈◊〉 nor so much as to make it known Roustan seeing these violent contestations saw that he was obliged to tell them that he would put him into his which was instantly executed contrary to the will of Fenise who neverthelesse durst not contradict â—t for fear of giving some shadow to Roustan Our Cavalier would willingly have had Nazouf under his hands to have diminished the forces of his adversaries but it was necessary for him to dissemble his discontent Part of those who accompanied Fenise were very glad of the happy successe of the stratagem the rest were in care how to finde means to separate themselves from Roustan which pressed them all to return to Algier Nazouf consented willingly to the effects of this proposition but Mahomet which feared the execution thereof found an invention to tell him that hee must before visit a little Isle where the Pirate Nazouf had hidden the booty which he would deceive the King of Thereupon Charles his slave came to him praying him to joyn his ship to that of Roustans that hee might leape nimbly thereinto and ponyard him This resolution did not seeme impertinent to Mahomet judging that if Charles could bring it about they might easily render themselves Masters of the vessell forasmuch as there was no other conductor But as they were about to execute this conspiration they discovered a Galley of Malta as soon as the Crosse was perceived by these Barbarians a cold fear glided into their veines which made them tremble for forasmuch as they are slaves to the devill they tremble at the sight of the Crosse Fenise and Don Iame faigned to be moved therewith and to be in fear of meeting them but in their soules they were ravished with joy seeing that this was the happy sign of their good fortune Mahomet made a shew of fighting with this Galley reanimating the courage of Roustan who considering the great booty they might make being three vessels against one took againe his spirits which were strayed with the apprehension he had and disposed himself to attach this Galley Who would not be astonished to see the force of covetousnesse upon the soules of these Barbarian Pirates where the love of riches hath greater power than the feare of losing their lives Behold them then ready to goe against this Galley but with designes much different They put before them the Ship wherein Nazouf was come and the
his way his wife would come help him and make him to be carried away and looked unto Fernand not finding him made no great diligence to search him hee imagined that he was not so hurt as he had believed and that he was gone to tell his disaster to his companions to oblige them to revenge him in this imagination he made hast from thence and tooke Charitie with him hee set her upon her mule and mounted upon his horse and tooke the way by which he was come returning towards Madrid because the nearest place of retreate was that way otherwise they would have been benighted 〈◊〉 the wood and it may be in danger to finde â—â—e companions of Leon it was a great distance betwixt this place and the towne where Fernand thought to lodge to passe the night in securitie which gave him leasure discreetly to informe himselfe who she was and of the voyage she made and who had engaged her into this danger Charitie to testifie how much she esteemed her self bounden to his generositie recited nakedly unto him all that shee knew of her self as well her name and condition as the accident which was arrived me in her lodgings moderating in the end the shame of her fault with the promises of marriage which I had so solemnly made her Fernand hearkened to all this discourse with astonishment and admiration seeing himselfe to be one of the principall personages in this tragicall History He remembered himselfe that the next day I was to marry Cleonte the Gentlewoman whereof I told you and who was to be esteemed for having amongst other good qualities neare twenty thousand pounds for her portion besides the hope of inheriting yet as much more from her father Confidering then that it was in his power to repaire the honour of this faire Gentlewoman and to bring againe consolation and joy to her mother he found himselfe engaged in conscience and generositie not to neglect it being arrived at their Inne and having taken a little repast he would let her see how usefull his meeting with her might be to her yet without declaring what he knew of my project to marry Cleonte for feare of surcharging her with new afflictâ—â—â— Madam said he I thanke my good fortune that she hath this day given me occasion to serve you in such manner as none but a brother could doe He did not think to have made so just a comparison for this time I will breake my voyage to Seville whither I was going as well as you when I met you and for your sake I will againe take the way to Madrid hoping there to procure you that contentment which you desire from Don Antonio It is a Cavalier whom I know and whom I hold so religious that if hee hath sworne to marry you as I believe he hath since you say so he will never violate his faith and it may bee hee would already have done it if he had known where to have found you it is therefore I would counsell you to return with me to Madrid At these words Fernand saw that Charitie lifting her eyes up to heaven made an action which testified that shee had some repugnance to the effect of this proposition being ashamed to goe alone with a man and not daring to speak her feeling she covered with the pretext of fear to be known No no Mistresse said he fear nothing confide in me if your quality and beauty would not oblige me to respect that which I beare to Antonio whose wife I believe you will be would make me use you with all sort of reverence I will lodge you in a place where no body shall know you in the interim I will see this Cavalier and I assure my self that you vvill have cause to praise his loyaltie and my diligence Charitie was altogether charmed with these spatious consolations she passed the rest of the night in some repose of spirit thanking God every moment for having assisted her with so magnanimous a courage and disposing her selfe to be conducted by the prudence of this brave Cavalier At breake of day he went to knock at the door of her chamber and told her that it was time to depart and that they must hast to Madrid if shee would see a good successe of her affaires she was presently ready and they went gladly together They arrived that day at dinner time in an Inne where they found the Commissary deputed by the President of Castille to apprehend the theeves which upon these waies robbed all the passengers who had already taken and hanged up the companions of Leon. Don Baptiste father of Cleonte having appointed and chosen the day of our marriage had invited all his friends for that time amongst the which Don Ariel the Uncle of Charitie was the most considerable after his kindred this Uncle that lived at Seville and to whom she went to sue to his good nature to receive her to him being the onely possessour of the estate of her house setled upon the eldest as I have already told you He left Seville to come to Madrid and take part of the contentment of his friends The next day after the adventure encountered by Don Fernand hee passed that way near unto which Leon had drawn and hidden himselfe This miserable wretch having been so long time abandoned from succour and almost lost all his blood and mortally hurt decayed by little and little seeing that Fregonde did not come and that he heard passengers goe that way he begunne to make pittifull cries at the instant that Don Ariell passed by the place where he was Then this charitable and courteous Cavalier made his traine to stay and alighting the first went where hee heard this lamentable voice he saw upon the ground a strong man enclining to gray of about fifty years of age of a sterne visage full of scarres and soiled with blood as all the rest of his body was who made him this broken discourse being oppressed with paine and weaknesse Sir said hee through Christian charitie have pittie of a miserable sinner to whom just heaven this day maketh its vengeance felt I have a recitall to make you whereby I shall discharge my conscience it God assist mee with life and breath to doe it and give ease to a great family which I have put in extreame griefe a long while agone saying so a great weaknesse stayed his speech Don Ariell curious to know what this hurt man would say sent for water to a little rivelet that ranne thereby they cast it into his face and he opened his eyes then setting him up handsomely against a tree two men of Don Ariels holding him up he begun again his discourse Which way doe you go Sir sayd he I go to Madrid answered Ariel Alasse Sir replyed the hurt man you may well oblige then persons of condition that are of that towne and in so doing render my soul lesse criminall Speak my friend sayd Ariel take courage I will do it
nor hearing his reasons or giving place to his excuses put irons upon bis hands like a murderer and carried him to the prison of the Village which joyned to the house of Poleron leaving him there as to the Inquisition untill he might accuse himselfe of the crime whereof they presumed him â—uilty The wounded Cavalier felt not so great paine 〈◊〉 his body as inquietude in his mind seeing himâ—â—lfe without all meanes to satisfie two violent â—â—ssions Love and Revenge there came from the â—ext Village a Chirurgion who had much tongue â—ut little experience neverthelesse this cure was â—â—â—ppy rather by the good fortune of the wounded â—â—en by the science of the chirurgion since that â—ithin few dayes he recovered him his health the â—hich he had never done before to any man Poleron â—â—patient to know who was his guest after having â—â—ene him carefully looked unto desired him to disâ—over himselfe unto him to the end he might search â—ccasion to serve him the Cavalier knowing him â—â—lfe obliged by so many courtesies shewed him â—ade no great difficultie to reveale unto him his â—â—eatest secrets in making him this discourse Although I am not ignorant that he is reputed most ingratefull that acquits himselfe hastily of â—â—t which he oweth for as much as it seemes he is â—â—lling to pay to be no longer a debtor and that â—â—ere is nothing dearer then that which cost many â—ayers so it is deere Poleron for to please you and so having knowne your spirit capable of confiâ—â—nce I will tell you the history of my misforâ—â—â—es to move you to pitty and also to invite you 〈◊〉 assist me and if one may describe many misforâ—â—nes in a little room I will endeavour to make â—â—u a succinct narration thereof THE HISTORIE OF FENISE THe heavens were pleased to give me birth iâ— Madrid the Court and ordinary abodâ— of thâ— Kings of Spaine meanely favoured with the good of Fortune but amply with those of nature whiâ—â— consists as you know in noble blood valour frâ—â—nes of the minde my young years were imployed 〈◊〉 studying humane learning where I found the vanity of those sweete deceipts wherewith the world flattereth us and destroys us disposing the pastimes of infancy to serve to the vices of youth but because thosâ— disabuses proceeded from the experience of others they converted themselves into proper abuses for seeing that those inconveniences which I reâ—â— in histories and examples did not happen to me 〈◊〉 did repute them fabulous My father whose ageâ—â— ought to have served him as the looking glasse oâ— humane miseries to amend his humane disorderâ—â—â— affections and to prepare himselfe for his approaching death lived with as little apprehension oâ— the time to come as if every day had beene the 〈◊〉 of his life and that he should never arrive at thâ— last For certaine reasons he quitted the Court and went with all his family to dwell in the Citie of Tâ—ledo where lay the greatest part of his estate My mother was glad of this change hoping that my father would change his customes but it self ouâ— quite contrary to what she expected since that during the truce which he had made with the violence of his nature he quarelled against one of the â—â—eatest families of that citie Be not astonished deare Poleron if I speake this of 〈◊〉 that gave me life for I am to be pardoned a â—â—her that bringeth up his children as an enemy â—â—â—uld doe doth not merit that they should hide 〈◊〉 evill carriges In a word I fashioned my selfe â—â—â—er his negligent example I suffered my selfe to be â—â—ryed away with the vanitie of young men and â—â—esumption of those that are rich The Cavalier enemy to my father had two sonnes â—â—mine age and a daughter somewhat younger they â—re the honour and beauty of the citie but the â—â—â—ghter particularly a subject where one might â—â—ually admire wit beauty lively courtesie and â—â—destie joyned with vertue and she was also â—â—â—h these qualities a prodigious oftentation of 〈◊〉 will and powre of Nature I saw her one day goâ—â— to the place where duty of religion obliged her 〈◊〉 since that houre I doe not know if I shall name â—â—happy I have beene so great an admirer of her â—â—â—ty that I have not knowne how to conduct my 〈◊〉 in the way of my god fortune By this affection â—â—stifie my satisfaction seeing that it was as imposâ—â—â—â—e as they say to know Laure without loving her 〈◊〉 seemes difficult to bee beloved of her This â—â—e name of the faire that causeth my paine I â—â—â—t and came by the street wherein she lived as it â—â—â—e fashion of lovers to doe and principally in our â—â—â—on In â—ine I found occasion to appeare unto 〈◊〉 and to let her know my passion I flattered her â—â—â—it with letters in prose and verse money that â—â—â—h no value but that which is given it by them â—â—o receive it By liberalitie or rather by prodigalitie I gained the women that served her weake Guardians of the honour of a maide but the more I searched to approach her the further off I found my self her resistance increased in such manner that I forced my selfe to overcome it But my love came to such a point of obstinacy that it seemed that I had rather designe to surmount her rigours then obtaine the enjoying of her beauty My ordinary walkes about her house served for discours to the neighbours and suspition to her bretheren The eldest called Don Oliban having certaine knowledge of my passion made from thence the foundation of a treason altogether unworthy of a noble courage or an indifferent wit Excited either by the love of his honour or the inveterate hatred that was betwixt our fathers he sought by my death to put an end to their enmitie and to give a beginning to my misfortunes one night being gone to the gate of his lodging with intention to speake to one of the servants of Laure my confidents Oliban urged by a furious motion of choller would take away my life and for to render his enterprise lesse doubtfull he shot me into the body with a pistoll and cast me upon the threshold of the dore many people came running at this noise Oliban fled and they carryed me to my lodging where I was carefully looked unto and with hopes to bee cured because the wound was not deepe the violence of the shott being broken by a strong Buffe-coate that I then wore Wee had at our house a Barbarian slave a man of valour and good breeding he hath served my father in perilous occasions where he hath often prooved his courage and fidelitie he did particularly affect me and taught me his language esteeming in that he gave me all he was able telling me that if it was not profitable unto me at least it would doe me no hurt In effect it seemed to mee that no body ought to neglect the understanding of any thing though it seeme but of small consideration for
and another of his friends disguised and put themselves in ambush in the way and with more treason and industry than valour had surprised these Lovers and stolne away the Lady whom hee keeps at this houre in his house In fine by force of flatteries services and by diverting her by all the recreations he could devise he had not onely made her forget her lispleasures but had rendered her sensible of his passion After this discourse I remained in the condition of a jealous person who hath found the cause of his disease protesting to search all meanes to revenge my selfe It is long since I have been troubled for this purpose for although this passion be violent amongst women and in me more than any other yet I would not make my infirmity publiquely knowne I desire to redresse it And communicating my feelings yesterday to Madam Celie mine aliant if amitie contracts aliance she told me of the merits of your person and amongst others your courage and discretion so that considering all these circumstances and also that you are a stranger in this towne and of the countrey of Don Jovan I determined with the counsel of Celie to to discover to you the evill which persecutes me to trust to you with my secrets and to demand your assistance to put my spirit to repose I doe not hope it from any merit of mine own but from your proper valour which will not suffer you to refuse a curtesie to a Lady which never will be ingratefull It was not necessary to give so many markes to Fenise to let him know that the authour of this affront had been before trusted with the secreets of his Loves But in dissembling his anger and jealousie he busied himselfe in thinking what art hee should use to revenge himselfe of this perfidious being thereunto engaged more by his proper feelings than by the interests or prayers of Rufine Madam answered he you have shewne so much wit and judgement in the discourse you have now told me that in trusting me with your secrets you have ravished from me my liberty I can no longer dispose of my will I am ready to obey all you please to command assuring you that I will be the instrument of your vengeance and the executer of your desires I finde so much cowardlinesse and infamy in the soul of Don Iovan that although he bee of noble extraction I esteeme him no more than an infamous person It is not the same thing to be born noble and to be so for there are many that are noble without being borne so and also many that degenerate from their noblenesse by the unworthy actions which they commit Sir replyed Rufine I esteeme my selfe no longer unhappy since that Heaven hath now given me so generous a defendor as you are But to beginne our enterprise t desire that you should this night know the house and person I have already made one of my Cosens become acquainted with Laure she shall anone goe to visit her and you with her if you please disguised and in the quality of her servant to waite upon her The evill that I desire to doe to this ingrate by your meanes is no other then what he hath already done to the Cavalier from whom he hath ravished Laure his honour and joy all together Fenise was then in humour to undertake any thing nothing seemed difficult unto him And remembering himselfe of the recitall which Rufine had made him he judged that he was one of the three with his face covered that had left him for dead in the mountaines of Toledo as we have told you in the beginning of this booke He was confirmed in this opinion by that which Laure had told him he had done the night he had slain Felix which was to goe to her chamber under pretext to warrant her from the danger of Justice and all this was but adding oyle to the fire of his choler In fine the time that Rufine and he desired with impatience arrived Narcisse which was her Cosen came at the houre she was sent for and going out with Fenise came incontinently to the house of Don Iovan Fenise let Narcisse goe in and attended at the doore disguised with a false beard faigning to bee servant to this Gentlewoman who was courteously received by Laure and welcomed by Don Iovan if not as the cosen of Rufine at the least in the quality of the intimate friend of Laure. Fenise was not so farre from the roome where they conversed but that he heard all that they did and sayd in walking for the doore was open He knew his perfidious friend and ingratefull Lover whose repose of spirit he admired whilst his suffered so great inquietudes He represented to himselfe a thousand things whose conclusions were alwaies augmentations to his displeasures Many times he was upon the very point to execute his vengeance so farre did his anger transport him then he deferred it expecting a better occasion He forgot himselfe to remarke their disbourses familiaritie and love he almost lost his wits in considering the strange change of Laure. At every moment he saw gestures or heard such discourses as made him die with despite and yet he beheld and hearkened carefully So the greatest evill of jealous persons and what hinders them from finding remedie is to desire things which kill them Every minute seemed to him an age but as ages have their beginnings they have their ends Narcisse at the end of a little time took leave went out of the room Laure went out with her to accompany her where Fenise had accasion to consider her as well with extreame sorrow to see her so ingratefull as to see her so dishonesty abandoned to the possession of another he could not speake and had it not beene for feare of giving advantage to his enemies he had at that time committed some excesse Don Jouan would waite upon Narcisse to her house although she prayed him not to take that paines she having a man with her for that purpose but the courtesie of the Cavalier prevailed with her When Fenise saw so neer to him the author of his troubles he had attempted upon his life had it not beene for the respect he bore to Narcisse But Don Jouan having left her at one of her friends houses where she fained to have businesse Fenise followed him and not far from thence overtooke him with his false beard which disguised his voice as well as his face for he held it in his teeth by a little stringe of wyer Sir said he faining not to know him is it not you who is called Don Jouan yes answered the traytor what would you have with me there is answered Fenise a Lady without the gate of the towne in a Coach who desires to communicate to you a secret of importance if you will see her Who is she said Don Jouan I dare not tell you her name answered Fenise not being assured that you will take the
paines to goe to her but you need feare nothing you shall speake to her alone I wil goe upon your word replyed Don Iouan though it may be another would make difficultie thereof saying thus he lead him to a place a little distant from the towne when Don Jouan looking on all sides him and seeing no body whether he knew Fenise or no he asked him where the Lady was you shall see her presently answered Fenise Then Don Iouan drawing his sword and retiring three paces told him that before he passed further he would know who he was I am content said generously our inraged lover casting away his false beard looke upon me I am Fenise and know that I have but thus long retarded to make thee feele the chastisement of thy treason to bring thee into a place where there may be no witnesses of the vengeance I am going to take of thy treachery for I hope that heaven the revenger of wrongs will assist me in this action in saying so he threw away the scabbard of his sword and poinyard and put himselfe into the posture of an active and valiant man Don Jouan knowing who he had before him full of confusion or shame made him no satisfaction but on the contrary told him that he had long desired this meeting and that he was glad to see him in this estate for to take his life from him generously and by his death to enjoy more freely the contentment which he possessed He could say no more because Fenise pressed him so quickly or rather so mortally that it behooved him to moove all his members in stead of his tongue to defend himselfe from the furious thrusts which he gave him being newly angred with the insolent words of his enemy But what violence or addresse he could use in this action he presently felt the just punishment of his treachery Fenise gave him three wounds by the which his soule found her desired issue out of his traiterous body His conquerour seeing him dead was sorry for him for so deplorable a death as that was would touch the heart of any generous man But advising himselfe that he ought more to the satisfaction of the offence then to pitty he determined to doe as much to Laure to the end to chastise her inconstancy exterminate her beauty and to give a new example to ingratefulls to this end he threw away his hat and cloake into a pit and tooke those of his enemy which was of a higher colour and being so covered he went to the doore of the house of the dead man where Laure was he knocked one of the servants looked out of a Balconia and beleeving that it was Don Jouan her master descended presently to open him the doore but not finding the key in the locke she went up againe to looke it Whilst Fenise stayed at the doore consulting what he should say and doe to his ungratefull and perfidious Laure when he heard a great brute of armes at the end of the streete which made him feare to be interrupted in his designe if they came not presently to open him the doore because these people being moved advanced towards him it happened as he apprehended the quarrellers killed one of the troope who crying for confession made all the rest fly Yet Fenise had not stirred from the doore alwaies hoping to enter but either by the servants too great hast to seek the key or rather by the good fortune of Laure she could not finde it The clamours of this dying man neere the place where Fenise was brought thither incontinently the justice which obliged him to abandon his place for although he was innocent of this murder he feared to be knowne the homicide of Don Jouan whereof he bore witnesses with him which were his hat and cloake He was so slow in retiring himselfe that the justice perceived him when he begun to dislodge and seeing no suspicious pers on â—eere the dead man but him one of the archers the most disposed begun to run after him Fenise perceiving himselfe to be pursued employed all his force to save himselfe from the clawes of this Arther but he being more agile then our cavalier obâ—â—iged him to stay after a long course so that Fenise â—eeing the wilfullnesse of this man returned with his sword in his hand to cut his hamstringes to hinder his course which this companion seeing and wisely judging that a single man ought not to presse another that was armed but to save himselfe returned almost as fast as he came At this instant Fenise found himselfe neere a gate of the towne which was yet open because it was not ten a clocke Then he resolved for many reasons to quitte Valence by the favour of the night but as he begun to execute this determination he heard that they begun to ring the bell designed to advertise the officers of Justice of the company that there was a malefactor escaped which was the custome of the country To avoid being taken he crossed the country it may be because he did not know the waies and went about two leagues so tired that he was forced to yield to his wearinesse and repose himselfe in expecting the day He sat downe at the roote of a tree his body being wearyed with travell and his spirit perplexed with a thousand troublesome thoughts But he had scarcely begun to take breath when in the midest of the silence of the night he heard the echoes of the barking of dogs whose voices beat against a Rock whereby he knew that these dogges were a good way from him which made him judg that there was some house where he might retire himselfe He quitted his tree went whither the barking of the dogges guided him and arrived at the foot of a hill upon the side whereof he saw a poore shepheards cabbin covered with bowes he entred into it and found no body there but onely sheep skinâ— which served for a bed to the inhabitants The extreame wearinesse and sleepinesse which he had obliged him to search some place to repose in and not finding any more commodious then those skins he lay downe upon them The shepheards hosts of this cabbin advertised by the barking of their dogges that there was some wolfe about their flocks were gone out for to chase him and by reason of their great hast had forgotten to cover their fire so that presently after Fenise was a sleepe he was awakened by the sharpe stinke of a thicke smoake which begun to choake him the fire having taken hold of leavy fagotts He sought an issue to get out of this danger and saw himselfe beseiged on one side with flames and on the other barricadoed with great pieces of wood then he made reflection upon the estate he was in and judged that this was to punish the offences he had committed and as he made this pious meditation and assayed to make his way over these pieces of wood the shepheards arrived at their little
cast it at my feet upon the pavement And as I begun to cry out full of horrour and amazement seeing the action of this Fury she took the other child and served it as she had done the first saying that she would not keep the images of a faithlesse and ungratefull person Alas the cruell Tygresse had inticed them to her house by subtilty for this tragick end I was at the charge to have them brought up in another place I ran into the chamber again with my sword in my hand but I found that she had shut the door I set upon it to break it and thereupon appeared an unknown man in armes which she had hidden for to murder me but at the noise we made my friends came running in with a torch and he seeing them approach leapt out of a Balconia into the street for to save himself my friends went down to follow him and at the instant this imaged woman all bloudy holding her ponyard in her hand who thinking that I was taken by her catch-pole came to serve him as Second and plunge her dagger in my heart if she had been able but my fury prevented her rage and caused me to give her two great blowes with my sword wherewith I cast her to the ground where she immediately died This being done I went after my friends and found that they had catched and mortally wounded their man who demanded for confession In approaching to them I saw him fall to the ground and at the same time we perceived another who knocked at a door which obliged us to a sudden retreat and the next day to leave the Towne At these words Fenise made reflection and acknowledged that there are few murderers which are presently discovered for he remembred himself that these were they that had fled for killing the man that fell dead before the door of Laure when he knocked for to enter there the night that he had revenged himself of his treacherous friends Don Jouan These follies were the cause that I left my Country continued Marcell I took the way to Barcelone where I stayed six moneths from thence I came into this Realm of Naples in a vessell full of men belonging to the Vice-Roy Two daies after my imbarkment I perceived a woman in this company faire in perfection I informed my self who she was and I was told that one of the principall Gentlemen of the Vice-Roy conducted her which obliged me to retaine my selfe and hindred me from suing to her for she begun to move my desires We arrived happily at Naples where this Gentleman hired a house and then I begun to court her During this time she sent one night to seeke me and told me that I could hope nothing from her if I did not carry her out of Naples that she would chuse no place but that I should carry her whither I would This proportion joyned to some other markes made me judge that she was of a changeable humour but forasmuch as my love regarded nothing but to be satisfied I disposed my selfe to obey her in what she would wish I stole her from Naples the same night that she had spoken to me thereof and in all the Towns we passed I found none so fair as she I hired a house and furnished it with all things necessary for a Family but whatsoever familiarity I had with her I could not possibly obtain the last satisfaction of my desires she put me off from day to day and when I thought I was arrived at the term she found inventions to prolong it anew yet without making my passion exceed the limits of respect It happened at that time that the Vice-Roy gave you the charge of Governour of this Town which you execute so worthily to his honour and your own glory and the generall satisfaction of all the people and Laure having known your arrivall and seen your person so this charming beauty is called she told me that if I would do her a signall service and oblige her to accord to me the accomplishment of my desires I must take away your life telling me that she mortally hated you because you had slain one of her Brothers and that she should never be at rest untill she was revenged of you this was without doubt the cause that moved her to leave Naples having known that you was there But I who have alwaies had a certaine inclination to honour you both seeing on one side that she would not consent to my wishes if I did not execute what she had ordained me and also on the other side that I could not enterprise nor commit so extreame a cowardise against your person which I perfectly esteem and affect we thus made our complot That I should use all possible diligence to accomplish her revenge untill I could discharge a pistoll upon you and although you should not dye thereby she should accord unto me what I demanded since that I had done my duty to execute her will She accepted this bargain upon condition that she might see the pistoll discharged which was easie for her to doe since that you passed very often by her street and windowes our treaty being thus concluded I disguised my selfe in a womans garment and she saw me in her presence charge my pistoll with two good bullets but in expecting you I drew out the two bullets to the end that if it had taken fire you might have received no dammage those that took up the pistoll can verifie what I say Seeing you enter into the street I gave a certaine signe to give her advice thereof at the instant I heard her open her window to see this tragick action which she hoped for and wherein she was deceived since that it passed as you know If this stratagem merit punishment having been invented to enjoy a beauty passionately beloved I deserve to be chastised with such punishment as you shall please to ordain and therefore dispose of me as you please Since Fenise had heard the name of Laure his Spirit was in perpetuall perplexity knowing the extream wickednesse of this woman whom he had dearly loved and resolving to revenge himself of her to the purpose he praised the invention wherewith Marcel had abused her to save his life He imbraced him and thanked him for the affection he had testified to him and which he had rendred him in an occasion so dangerous and in the same time he commanded that his irons should be taken away saying that since there was none offended but himselfe he would pardon himselfe withall his heart In the interim Laure who saw her selfe falne into Fenise his hands would have enterprised a thousand times to have destroyed her selfe by poyson steele or cord if the old woman that was with her had not hindred her telling her that she should net despaire and that the evill could not be so great as she could not remedy Fenise on the other side beat his braines how to invent how he
might revenge himselfe of this cruell without noyse Hee would not see her in her prison for feare the violence of his anger should cause him to commit some publique excesse a thing extreame ill in a governour and magistrate but he resolved to convey her into some place where without witnesses he might examine her make her give account of her life The better to accomplish his design he delivered the old woman that accompanied her who seeing her selfe at liberty gave new hopes to Laure to solicite and and obtaine her deliverance at what price so ever it should be After having tryed all meanes possible and seeing she advanced nothing she addressed her selfe to a Magician from whom she got a writing and a ring which she brought her assuring her that if she tooke it from her finger when shee found her selfe in any danger in speaking words contayned in that paper which she gave her she should surmount it That she should not at all be afraid of what should be presented before her that she should be assisted with succours more then humane which should overcome the force of her adversary Fenise impatient to execute his revengfull project made ingeniously to be reported amongst those that knew of the imprisonment of Laure that having found her innocent by the depositions of the delivered prisoner and Alcinoe her companion he would also oblige her with the same favour For this effect he sent for her one night by a man he confided in who told her that he had charge from the governour to conduct her to a towne four leagues from Tarente where he was to leave her She trusting in the charms which Alcinoe had given her presently resolved to goe with this man He set her upon his horse behinde him and by night carryed her to a Rendez-vouse where Fenise was to meete him as he did being there he commanded the conductor of Laure to leave him and to returne to Tarente Laure seeing her selfe thus abused and abandoned to the mercy of Fenise whom the passion of vengeance furiously inflamed began to take off her inchanted ring and speake the words which were given her Vpon the instant before that Fenise could speake any word he saw himselfe invironed with a whirlewinde and dust so thick that he could see nothing about him presently he imagined that there was some magique in this accident he armed himselfe with the signe of a christian and incontinent this obscuritie was changed into lightnesse which neverthelesse frighted him more then the darkenesse for he saw himselfe invironed with fire whose flames seemed to mount unto the clouds and although he was in so terrible a danger he did not forbeare to looke about where Laure was but the he saw her no more not knowing whether the flames had devoured her or some divell had carryed her away in the whirlewinde and dust In fine having stayed some time to consider this prodigious vision from whence he knew not how to escape he he heard a fearefull thunder in the ayre and at the same instant the fire went out and he found himselfe all alone without having suffered any hurt but that of feare heaven grew cleare and the moone very bright which gave him meanes to finde his horse he came on he got on horse backe and returned to Tarente his minde filled with a thousand confusions as well with what he had seene as the doubt he was in that the divells had carryed away Laure to chastise her themselves or if they were so much her friends that they had ravished her to defend her from the effects of his vengeance Being arrived at his house he sent for Marcel and told him all that had passed whereupon they discoursed together some time without being able to judge any thing certainely At that time Marcel tooke leave of Fenise with a thousand faire complements and as many protestations of amitie made of one side and of the other He returned to Naples and Fenise stayed yet a yeare in his government Then he received a letter from the Vice-Roy which obliged him to goe presently to him and at his arrivall he gave him a pacquet which he had received from Don Ambrosio his father who finding himselfe old and feeble desired to see him yet once before he left this world The Vice-Roy approving this paternall feeling and seeing the good nature of Fenise who was very willing to obey his father permitted him to goe for Spaine upon condition he would returne as soon as he could possible promising also of his part to render him at his returne more signall testimonies of the esteem he made of his merit With this civill leave Fenise left Naples and went towards Rome the town he desired to see before he returned into his country judging that he might be accused of little curiositie to have left Italy without seeing so marvailous a Citie From thence he went to Florence and continuing his voyage he arrived at the foot of the Alpes where night tooke him farre from the place where he hoped to have lodged And whether it was hee knew not the way or that Fortune would yet play with him he lost himselfe if one may call that a losse which caused him to obtaine the greatest treasure his spirit could have knowledge of Besides the coming on of the night he was accompanyed with a violent tempest of thunder and lightning which made him remember that wherein he was when he had designe to be revenged of Laure. After which heaven poured downe such torrents of raine which gliding downe the Mountaines threatened our adventerour to force him into the precipices In the end after having suffered much paine and apprehension he saw himselfe by the light of a flash of lightning neare the mouth of a deep caverne he approached it yet fearing by saving himselfe from one danger to cast himselfe into a greater imagining that this place under ground was the retreate of some Beares or Lyons he had no intention to enter therein but onely so farre as to guard himselfe from the raine that fell from the clouds but he had scarcely begunne to stay and take breath when he perceived a light within the cave Divers thoughts came into his minde believing that he was falne into the hands of some Brigands and after having consulted a little what hee ought to doe he resolved to try his fortune in this occasion he called two or three times but there was nothing but the eccho of his voice which answered him Then animating his resolution he tied his horse to a bush and approaching to the light he saw extended upon the ground a humane person having a face yellow leane and wasted in briefe so hideous that she seemed to be death it selfe Her body was covered with a coat of haire-cloth rude and pricking her haire was yellow and so long that it was able to cover her whole body her hands dry and without flesh being crossed upon her breast embracing a Crosse
Magdelene or the Christian slave which served her should come to the window But because she had there presented her selfe three or four times without seeing Frederick because of the accident that was happened she made no more account to appear there judging that there was some great impediment happened to their felicity This opinion was the cause that Frederick passed a whole week in measuring the length of this Gallery and counting the minutes of every day In the end as he was deploring his misery being out of all hope of ever seeing againe his dear daughter for the last time he cast his eyes upon the window and saw Magdelene and her slave who looked upon him contesting together whether it was he or no for the unknown house and gallery where he was put them in this doubt Then Frederick lifting up his eyes to heaven in action of thankfulnesse and extending his armes towards her leaning over the parapet made himself known and put them out of doubt He let them understand as well as he could by his actions why he could come no more to the foot of the Tower and that from thenceforwards he might see her from the place where he was because he dwelt there and was no longer slave then after a little time Magdalene made to him the signe of farewell untill the next day and shut her window for fear of abusing the favours of fortune or that Selin should perceive them Fenise at that time stirred not from Mahomet courting and entertaining his affections and when the night obliged him to retreat Frederick made him the recitall of what he had seen and that he hoped to have the same contentment the next day That he thought it would not be amiss to make Magdalen believe that he was her Brother of whom he had many times spoken to her to the end she might present her self more freely Our Cavalier found this no ill invention because it suted to his desires he told him he should absolutely dispose of his person and life But dear Frederick said he when a man enterpriseth an affaire difficult dangerous and serious he ought to foresee all the inconveniences imaginable which may hinder his design for to attempt to surmount them and come to a happy successe We must then goe here with great warinesse and take exact heed to our selves in the beginning for feare of failing in the end You said as I remember that Magdalene is so recluse and retired that no one seeth her but the King and from thence I fear that she will not shew her self seeing me with you imagining that I am some Turk but to warrant us from this danger I think it fit to change my habits I have found an invention to get the box brought hither which we buried at the entry of the forrest where I found you after my shipwrack I will take an habit that is therein and then when Magdalen shall see me clothed after the Spanish fashion you may the better perswade her that I am her Brother Frederick approved of his opinion and Fenise shewed him a suit made for the Country of gray cloth covered with plate lace of gold and silver and compleat with all other furniture The day being come so impatiently expected by these two friends Frederick set himself upon the watch in the Gallery and not long after saw the window open and Magdalen and her slave appear He made her a sign to stay and went to fetch Fenise to let him see his daughter he came he saw and was overcome the imagination which he had formed to himself of the beauties of Magdalen was very imperfect in comparison of the originall which he admired During his ravishment Magdalen carefully considered him astonished with this new fashion of habit and with the grace and good countenance which he had yet without knowing who he was Her spirit was much troubled to explicate this Aenigma but in the end her father forced her by imbracements and other signes to comprehend that it was her Brother She understood it and then her admiration was converted into confusion endeavouring to divine by what meanes he was come into that place for she had learned of her Father the History of his birth and losse Fenise made all the gesture of respect and love he could devise to testifie to her that he was not only her Brother but her slave and defendor she rendred him those reverences and salutations which courtesie obliged her to testifying with her armes that she imbraced him with her heart Whilst Magdelen and Fenise entertained themselvs with these mute complements Erimene attentively considered our Cavalier this was the name that this Christian slave had taken to disguise her own by much regarding him she thought she knew him and well remembring her self she remembred his name and the place where she had seen him She judged that since they endeavoured to give an impression to her Mistresse that this was her Brother it was not necessary to declare to her what she knew for fear of breaking some favourable project to the contentment of her Father she resolved to keep silence and see to what end would come all these confusions In the interim it was not permitted them to stay any longer in the presence one of another Erimene carefull to manage occasion made signe to Frederick and Fenise to retire yet advising the old man to be at the same place two hours after and when the Sun was neer setting Magdelen made them the sign of adieu and shut her window leaving our Cavalier more captive then all the slaves in Barbary having sacrificed to her at the very instant of his first regard his liberty heart and life resolved to hazard all to deliver her from the subjection wherein she was He returned to change his habits and take those of a Turk to go visit Mahomet He was very carefull to conserve his good will and observe him in every thing that he might make use of his credit if there should be occasion thereof although he had declared nothing to him of his design nor of the intelligence he had with Frederick for fear his zeale to serve the King might surmount the amitie which he bore him He knew so well how to make use of the favours of this Moor that he made him believe he took no care to return into his Country and that after so many misfortunes received there he would renounce it and was determined to stay there with him as long as he should please Mahomet finding himself obliged to his affection would testifie the esteem that he made thereof by installing him in the charge of Subbacha an office of justice as one may say Corrector or Judge of politick Government which Fenise willingly accepted seeing it was an excellent meanes to bring about his design seeing that this charge made him be feared of the people esteemed by the Nobles and generally beloved and respected of all The night begun to extend it self
with joy and admiration figuring to her self that although it tended towards the center of the earth yet it was the way to Paradise and a favourable issue to escape out of the hands of these Infidels and come again into the exercise of the soveraign and only Religion She was a little troubled that Leonor had enjoyed alone the presence of her Father and Lover reproaching her for not calling her but Leonor satisfied her letting her understand as it was true that they did but only enter into the chamber and vvent out again for the day approached vvhich vvould not suffer them to stay longer there and that she should see them vvith more conveniency the night follovving This hope contented and disquieted her at the same time for vvhen one approacheth the possession of a benefit they desire it vvith more violence forasmuch as they better knovv the value thereof and also presume that there is no more trouble to attain it This night so impatiently expected being come in the greatest silence therof Frederick and Fenise entred into their Cave with a staff they knocked softly under the table that covered the mouth of the Mine to let them know that they were there and to know if they might enter at the same instant they saw appear Magdelene and Leonor with a light who stretched out their arms to them crying for joy and pittying the pains that this Father and Lover had taken for their sakes necessity which is the mother of invention taught Femose to knock nails into the planks they had brought to serve for a ladder to mount to the center of his affections he made Fredrick passe the first he climbing to assist him because his age took away his agility It is impossible to expresse here the joy of these four persons and particularly of Magdelene and Fenise she did not know whom she should imbrace first her Father or her over bloud counselled her to go to the one and love to the other but after having suffered this little combate in spirit as most wife and discreet she cast her self upon her knees before her Father and held his knees imbraced long time and in the interim courteously cast her eyes upon glorious Fenise who commended the action of his mistresse as testifying an acknowledgment of the obligations she had to this venerable old man who had suffered himselfe to be a slave so many yeares for the love of her Frederick had enjoyed longer time the ravishing imbracements of his daughter if Fenise had not beene present but desiring he should partake of his contentment he made Magdelene rise and presented her to our Cavalier He wanted not much at that time of prostrating himselfe upon the earth to adore her for she was so shining with attractions of beauty and joy which is the most excellent paint and which had given her complexion so lively a luster that he believed he saw a goddesse before him She came towards him with a grave modestie and Fenise saluted her withal the respect reverence she merited having rendered her this homage he ran to imbrace Leonor to whom Frederick had made his complement they held no superfluous discourse for feare of losing time which was so deere to them Fenise would willingly have exaggerated his passion and testified his Eloquence in this action but it behoved him to leave amorous devises and to discourse upon the meanes to finish that which they had so happily begun their resolution was to dispose their flight for the third night after and that Magdelene and Leonor should disguise themselves in Turkish habits which Fenise should bring them who charged himselfe with that diligence and all others that should be necessary for the stealing of them away Vpon this determination they begun their embracements and teares and tooke leave one of another to dispose of themselves to finish the work they had so well begun whosoever had diligently held the countenances of Magdelene Leonor might well have observed the secret joy of their hearts The King seeing the time approach that he had given Magdelene to resolve to consent to his will visited her more often then ordinary thinking to learne by her carriage her determination He came the next day after this deere meeting into her chamber to see her new lodging and seeing him arrive she met him with such cherefullnesse that the King was astonished at this pleasant change for he never saw her before but with teares in her eyes and sighes in her mouth He knew not to what to attribute these gracious actions whether to the feare she had to see her father suffer as he had threatened or her sensiblenesse of the honour he intended to doe her in taking her for his wife But without examining more curiously the originall of this alteration he was infinitly satisfied as well with her good reception as charming entertainement for there is no creature in the world so proper to make a deception as a woman The King being retired believing that he had won her heart and affections and that she was disposed to accomplish his desires would testifie unto her the good and profit she should in time receive from his liberalitie He sent her a box of gold inamelled wherein there was two bracelets and a garâ—and of Diamonds of very great value She received them with all her heart in making a thousand humble complements saying this magnificence was prodigious seeing that a Lord and master made presents to his slave Leonor felt also the good humour of the King she had for her part a chaine of pearle which was not of much lesse value then the gift he had made to Magdelene All things hapened as happily as they could wish for Fortune who had bin so contrary to them and who had proved their courages upon a thousand occasions then treated them most couteously and shewed her selfe favourable upon all occasions At that time she conducted to the port of Algier two vessells of Pirats who used no other exercise but rob upon the sea all the vessells they could render themselves masters of sharing their booty with the King Selin The one of these pirats was called Roustan and the other Nazouf Fenise being informed of their arrivall made a designe to serve himselfe of the ship of Nazouf to steale away the captives for this purpose he suborned with silver two Moores which came with this Pirate and made them declare upon oath that Nazouf defrauded daily the King of the tribute which was due to him concealing and hiding the better halfe of the booty which he made at sea without giving him partas he was bound Upon this deposition they seized upon the Pirate and made him prisoner and thereby his voyage was stayed Roustan which was the head of the other ship departed immediately to exercise his ordinary trade Fenise visited the ship of Nazouf informed himselfe what armes was therein of the men that kept it and of all other things that he judged
confusions one while forming a designe to declare unto her the acquisition which she had made of my liberty and another while imagining that this conquest was no great glory to her my humility rendered me fearefull In these irresolutions I could not hinder my selfe from making rounds and walkes about her house endeavouring to see her sometimes at the windowes this issued very happily yet after having passed much time therein almost a whole moneth was employed before I could enjoy a little light of this star In the end not for to trouble you with the recitall of the paines I tooke to get acquainted with her I will tell you that I persevered so constantly in this passion and rendered her such certaine testimonies thereof that after having seene my flames painted by my writing she had pitty thereof or to say better she felt the heat thereof There are not many women how cruell so ever they be that having hearkened to the plaints of a lover doe not compassionate his griefe and assay to give him ease A love which drawes nourishment from two breasts of an infant presently becometh a giant At the end of two yeares ours arrived at so so perfect a grandure and Charitie knew me so loyall that she promised me the last favour upon my word I ingaged to her my faith in calling to witnesse the celestiall powers to marry her when she pleased and with this assurance she consented to accomplishment of my desires the night following moments seemed ages in expecting the houre she had given me the day seemed to be eternall or that a new Joshua had stayed the Sun but in the end light gave place to darkenesse and then as a generous courage called to fight endeavouâ—s to be the first at the place appointed so I being called to this amorous duell desiring to testifie my valour I came before the houre given and rendred my selfe in a certaine place under the windowes of Charitie as she had appointed me She who kept Seminell seeing me come so soone called me softly and prayed me to retire untill her mother was in bed for feare that in expecting too long time I might be perceived by some curious person who might trouble our designe I found her counsell very judicious and executed it upon the instant exercising the vertue of patience without any merit Fernand had beene in Flanders with mine uncle eight yeares and some monthes where he had in the hazards of warre rendred a thousand good testimonies of his birth and valour to the great advantage of this Monarchie when mine uncle his master of the camp sent him to Madrid with many letterâ— addressed to his friends and great persons of the court in commendation of the merits of Fernand who besides these favourable letters brought scars upon his body which served for faithfull attestations of his generositie he arrived that very night and went to lodg with some young gentlemen who were come from Flanders a little before him and who were at the court pretending as he himselfe did recompences of their services they received him very courteously and feasted him but after supper which was thus very late it was impossible for him to goe to bed without seeing me Desiring then to satisfie this impatient desire he quitted his company to come seeke me for besides his particular affection that solicited him thereunto he had letters for me from mine uncle The assignation which I had made with Charitie was the cause that he found me not at home which obliged him to returne to his lodging which to doe he must necessarily passe before Charities house as he did and just at the favourable moment I was expected and that all the domestiques were asleepe The proportion of Fernand the obscurity of the night the motion of the lover the apprehension of shame the feare of scandall accompanied with strong imaginations which represent oftentimes to our intellects the objects we desire troubled so much poore Charitie that seeing Don Fernand approach she believed it was I and then without other ceremony or longer attending she threw him downe a key wrapt in her handkercheif and bade him open the dore and enter presently Don Fernand was so surprised that he knew not whether it was a dream or an illusion but having taken up the handkercheif and found the key to open the dore as he was bidden he knew that it was a reality and â—udged that he was taken for another He stayed a little consulting with himselfe if he should provâ— this adventure to enter into this unknown house or to keepe on his way but thinking it cowardlynesse to doubt if he should enter he resolved to adhere to the summons and hazard the successe thereof He approached and opened the dore then put iâ— too simply without locking of it that he might goâ— out againe the more easily if there was occasion he crossed a great court and entered into a hall which Charite had opened to let me come up to her chamber which was the first story high finding himselfe there in the darke and meeting no body he knew not what to doe or say if he went on he knew not whither he went and if he should speake he feared to be heard in briefe he was in so great confusion that he knew not what to doe immediately after these irresolutions had ceazed upon his spirit I whom love called to the recompence of of my paines came to the street doore I thrust it softly and seeing that it yeelded to me and opened so easily I believed that it was the providence of Charitie which had left it open to the end that I might enter without noyse Antonio broke off this discourse at this place because they arrived at their lodging for that night referring the rest untill the next morning that this history might serve them for divertisement against the tediousnesse of the way these three friends arrived that night in the towne of Mourcia where 〈◊〉 â—â—ey were scarcely entered into their chamâ—â—â— when they heard a rumour in the court of the Inne which their window regarded Fenise looked to see what it was and saw three men with their swords in their hands who had invironed another who defended himselfe generously Fenise tooke his sword and ran incontinently to assist him or to take up the quarrell but at soone as the others saw their adversary assisted they retired themselves seeming to be contented to proceede no further Our Cavalier having disingaged this stranger from the danger he was in carryed him into his chamber where Antonio was where he was knowne for his â—osen and Fenise his friend this was the Cavalier of Valence called Marcel of whom we have heretofore spoken in the first and second bookes They were all extreamely glad to meete so happily and that they went all the same way for Marcel went also to Toledo They asked him from whence proceeded this quarrell and who were these three men he answered that they were Merchants
and that he was angred with an uncivil word that they had spoken to him in alighting and that he would have his horse put in the stable in the placâ— where one of theirs stood saying so the three Merchants came to demand his pardon for their insolence excusing themselves in not knowing his qualitie and so the peace was made and every one passed the night in repose the next day they continued their voyage Being out of the towne Fenise prayed Marcell to tell him for what cause he went to Toledoâ— who desiring to satifie his curiosity said thus Your absence is the cause that you are ignorant that I am married in that towne to a cosen of Seigâ—eâ—◠〈◊〉 Antonios This alliance was treated of betwixt 〈◊〉 kindred and mine at my returne from Italy whither I went incontinently after you and I tooke leave one of the other I esteeme my selfe so happy in this condition that one may say that God had reserved us to unite us together our affections and wills are so conformable It may be you desire to know wherfore I have made this voyage to Cartagene from whence I come as well as you the subject thereof is prodigious I will tell it you by the way and assure my selfe that you heard the like never spoken of for it is rare We will put you in minde of it said Charles when my brother hath finished the history which he hath begun then Antonio seeing that they all concurred in the same desire begun againe his discourse in this manner Since that Seigneur Marcel hath so often heard it recounted it is not necessary to say againe what I have already told you I will begin againe onely where I left As I entered then into this hall Don Fernand heard me better than he saw me he retired aside for feare of being met and put himself in a corner near the door of the stairs which went to the chamber of Charitie I who thought to goe in security and who knew well the lodging went right to the staires Fernand who perceived me to approach drew a Ponyard which he wore at his girdle thinking I was some of the houshold servants or some neighbour that had seen him enter who counterfeiting the ignorant would surprise him and chastise him for his rashnesse so that as I came to passe by him he fell upon me and gave me two stabs with the poyniard the one upon the other which if I had not had on a Buffe-coat which hindered the iron from entring farre had killed me upon the instant I fell neverthelesse at his feet all bloudy and in a swound and at the same instant he got the doore and fled In the interim Charitie attended and seeing so much delay she believed that I could not finde the staires of her chamber In this opinion she took a little Wax candle and came down softly where I was at the first she saw me along upon the ground but not knowing what this should signifie she came nearer and found the dear object of her passions almost in the like condition as heretofore Venus her lover hurt by a wild Boare I cannot represent unto you what griefe surprised at that time poor Charitie it is easier for you to imagine it than me to expresse it She presently judged that her mother having discovered our secreet intelligences had begunne her vengeance upon me which she would finish upon her This false opinion made so strong an impression upon her spirits and feare possessed her so powerfully that she thought she saw nothing about her but the images of death In fine she suffered her selfe to be so extreamly troubled with these panique feares that it was impossible for her to take any good resolution Without regarding her condition without respect of her honour or consideration of the danger whereunto she exposed her selfe she at that instant left the house accompanied onely with misfortunes and adorned with the jewels which she ordinarily wore which were a cross of Diamonds which she wore upon her breast two Pearles like Peares which hung in her eares and a Garland of gold Emerauds and Rubies which she had about her haire Thus desolate she crossed the whole Town of Madrid and went to the last houses which are towards the Meadowes of St. Ieronime where the walkes and projects of Lovers and Courtezans are made Having put up her stones into her pocket she entered without choice or consideration into the house of a poor woman not being able to go further because the day which begun to break might have discovered her All this while I remained in the estate and place where Charitie had found me untill the rising of a servant who coming to make clean the hall as she did every day perceived at the entry thereof a body which she believed to be dead affrighted with this spectacle she went to the chamber of her Mistresse the mother of Charitie telling her more with astonishment then words what she had seen This Lady allarmed with this accident rose and made all her servants to be called who ranne all to me at the same time they tooke me from the ground and layed me upon a bed and in the doubt wherein they were whether I was dead or alive sent presently for a Chirurgeon in expecting him none of them knowing what to doe to me they heated linnen cloathes towarme me and cast water in my face to waken my spirits if I were swounded in fine amongst all these accurable diligences they were put out of the paine wherein they were seeing me make a great sigh which testified unto them that I was yet living Thereupon the Chirurgeon arrived he looked upon my wounds and putting the first plaister thereupon stayed the little blood that refted in my veines When my strength was a little come unto me I prayed Eugenie that I might be carryed into my lodging conjuring her not to afflict her selfe nor to be troubled for my disgrace for although I was ignorant of whom I had received it I did not forbeare to assure her that all her domestiques were innocent She enquired of me how this misfortune had arrived me in her house but not knowing what to answer her I faigned that my paine hindered me from speaking as in truth it was very sensible the Chirurgeon accomodated himselfe to my necessity told her that I ought not to speak by this means I avoyded my troublesome examination and was carryed home This good Lady extreamly troubled with this scandall went up to Charities chamber doubting that she knew something of this misfortune but the first displeasure was followed with an affliction much more cruell she saw the doore open and the chamber voyd of that she thought to finde therein They called Charitie they sought her thorough all the house but they knew not what was become of her and when they had told Eugenie that those who went to fetch the Chirurgeon had found the street door open this poor Lady fell
of the rape of Charitie for she believed that she was stolne away She went to the President and soveraigne magistrate of Castile let him heare her plaints and recitall of her disaster producing this letter which might give some light in these confusions There was a Commissary presently deputed to goe search the places about this tavern and to seise upon the host but although this ordinance was promptly made it could not be so diligently executed but two or three daies after the messenger arrived at the place where he had designe to reveale his secret to the Justice but as he thought to have done it he found not his letter which might render testimony of his declaration then judging that he should not be believed alone he went on In following his way he was taken by the same theeves amongst whom was the husband of Fregonde seeing himselfe thus in danger to lose his life and money he remembred himselfe of the name of the person to whom the letter was directed He demanded if Leon was not in their company and they told him that he was their chiefe at the instant he tooke him aside and told him in this torment of feare all that was contayned in the letter the apprehension of death wherein he was made him tell all Leon cunningly informed himselfe of all the circumstances that seemed important whereby he knew the riches of the proposed theft and the terrour which oppressed this unhappy man He gave him his liberty for his advise obliging him by oathe to discover nothing of what he had told him to any one See this unhappy messenger escaped from the hands of these thieves whilest on the other side Leon disbanded himselfe upon the instant and went all alone to attend the prey which he hoped for Whilest this was done Charitie was upon her way mounted upon a Mule and followed by her treacherous companion on foote going little journeyes and advancing towards the rendez-vous of these unhappy people where she was to lose in a moment all the gratifications which fortune had given her in many yeares her perfidious guide measured so well I would say so maliciously her time that she arrived towards night at Sierca Morena poore Charitie travelled in feare the heart the faithfull nuntio of good or evill advertised her of the danger she was going to fall into the effect thereof was not much delayed in passing by a close way Leon came out of a certaine place full of bushes and thornes and as a ravenous wolfe surpriseth an innocent sheepe this Lion ceazed with his clawes upon fearefull Charitie who fell in a swound for feare upon the instant the perfidious Fregonde begun to cry out and faining to run away she drew aside into the bushes and then this barbarian insensible of the griefe of this young gentlewoman without respect of her beauty searched her all over but he had scarcely begun this insolent action when he heard a horseman to approach him who being in this suspicious place favourable to theeves gallopped with his pistoll in his hand and the cock up this theefe could not so soon retire himselfe out of the way but this Cavalier was with him they were both of them in distrust the one believing they came to take him and the other that they would rob him because that Leon was equipaged in such manner that he might be well taken fora thiefe He seeing the posture of the Cavalier presented him with the mouth of his carabin which which he wore in a belt but by good fortune it tooke not fire the Cavalier lost no time but discharged his pistoll against his body charged with two bullets before he could draw his sword as he was going to doe Leon fell to the ground not dead but dangerously wounded Don Fernand lighted this was the revenger of the crimes of this theefe and ceazed upon his armes to serve himselfe therewith in case of neede He seeing himselfe so happily dispatched by the assistance of my credit went towards Seville as well for the desire he had to see so faire a towne as to make a young gentleman which dwelt there it being the place of his birth the first captaine of his little regiment being acquainted with him in Flanders to make him participate of his good fortune Just heaven which maketh us sometime to feele its rigours to give us afterwards abundance of favours permitted that Charitie came from her mortall trance wherein she was falne In opening her eyes she saw the trayteresse Fregonde with a visage of a fury of hell groaping yet in her breast where she had put her jewells and then with feeble voice What Fregonde said she are these the effects of a person who hath sworne to me an amitie inviolable ah cruell is it possible that thou art confederate with the theeves which have robbed me Don Fernand who seemed to be destinated for the protection of Charitie hearing this plantive voice ran presently to the place where she was he saw this maide along upon the ground and this cursed woman stripping her of her jewells and clothes Fergonde had heard the pistoll discharged but she thought it had beene her husband that had shot for some designe for she had not seene the Cavalier so that when he came neere her she believed that it was Leon who returned so much she was troubled and attentive to her wicked action The cavalier seeing this young beauty thus rudely treated moved with compassion and blinded with choler or it may be put forwards by heaven which serveth it selfe very often of one man to punish another gave her three blowes with his sword which made three issues for her soule to goe the sooner out of her treacherous body Charitie who saw this action imagined that she had done Fregonde wrong to suspecther of infidelitie and believed that this Cavalier was the same theefe that had stayed them so that she â—xpected the same misfortune that had befalne her companion but as death flyeth ordinarily from those that expect it it happened so to her Finish bloodsucker said she to Fernand finish to glut thy cruelty and take from me this languishing life He knowing that she tooke him for the theefe answered her Madame you see the defendor of your person and life and a gentleman that will expose his for your service if you please Charitie hearing these words found her selfe more confounded then before she knew not what to thinke thereof but considering that so courteous words could not proceede out of the mouth of a thiefe she called againe her spirits and stretched out her armes to the Cavalier who raised her from the earth He conjured her to assure her self upon his person and to believe that she was in the hands of a man of honour where there should be rendered her no displeasure Saying so he approached with her to the place where he had left Leon but he had drawne himselfe into the bushes hoping that the Cavalier being gone on