Sultaness that is there It was not long ere they arrived at the Palace The Bassa who took all that the General had said to be fabulous and vain would not so much as have sent to the Seraglio to know how things stood thinking it foolery to doubt of the Sultaness being there However in complaisance and by way of raillery he ordered Aly to wait on the Sultaness and to Complement her for him upon the displeasure she took for the departure of Laura The Captain of the Guard not fancying his Master ignorant of what was past took his Order for a meer matter of Address and a colour only to hide the truth of what he would have conceal'd and approve himself able to manage the intrigue as one who could penetrate into the desires of the Person who employ'd him he went to the Seraglio where he presently learnt what he formerly knew that 't was Laura was there and returning to the Bassa made him a civil answer as from the Sultaness This put the General into very great disorder and gave the Bassa new occasion to laugh telling him he did not understand the design of the Dey in raising those Reports to procure him the ill will of his Friends and hatred of People and renew their former broyls with greater violence than ever but that he should find the means to bring him to Reason and that in the first place he would expose the Sultaness to view of all the People and then send her home to the Dey to let him see how unwilling he was to have any Alliance with a man who made it his business to find occasions to ruin him As they were Discoursing they heard a great noise on the sudden in the Palace followed by Vollies of Musquet-shot and People crying to Arms to Arms. The Bassa went presently out of his Chamber to see what the matter was and met Aly coming to tell him that the Palace was invested on all sides and that an attempt had been made to enter it by force but that he had beat them back with ten or twelve Souldiers of the Guard who by good Fortune hapned to be with him The Bassa of all men the least subject to fear and of a ready Wit and admirable Judgment in the most surprizing occasions knowing himself destitute then of Forces to make any resistance and hearing them threaten to set fire on the Palace if the Gate were not opened order'd they should cry out at the Windows that the Gate should be open'd that those who had begirt the Palace round and were for the most part drawn thither with hopes of Plunder might run all to the Gate and give him opportunity to make his escape another way This Stratagem took according to his desire and he made his escape by a private way form his Enemies who had shewed him no Mercy had he fallen into their hands But he with the General of the Gallies and Captain of the Guard got safe to the Mountains Inhabited by the Moors who had great love for him He no sooner gave them notice of the need he had of their help but they came to him that Night so that by break of day he found himself at the Head of 8000 Men Armed some with Musquets some with Pikes both equally useful to them Poor Laura was alone abandoned to the Mercy of this Popular Torrent who having pillaged in a moment that Rich and Sumptuous Palace without respect to the place or the Sex entred the Seraglio by Order from the Dey and took out thence the unfortunate Slave leaving the rest exposed to the will of the Rabble It was Laura's good Fortune that he who had the Commission to take her was a Person of great honesty and worth a private Friend of the Bassa and one who express'd as much respect for her as she could wish in such a Conjuncture She was carried to the Castle where she was committed to the same Officers Custody being a Secretary and generally esteemed by all the Divan And being the only Person could speak to her without danger of being heard he confidently told her the first time he saw her that the Bassa whose Conduct till then appeared admirable had committed a fact no less difficult to be repaired than generally condemn'd by the best of his Friends but that he feared the greatest smart would be hers The poor Slave sufficiently Alarm'd by seeing her self forced out of the Bassa's Seraglio and made the Dey's Prisoner was frightned much more by the Discourse of this Turk who appeared to her a very credible Person she prayed him for Heavens sake to tell her what the matter was what fault the Bassa had committed and how she was concern'd in it that she must be thus handled If you are ignorant of the passages this day answered the Secretary I will let you know them I believe continues he that you know Chabania or at least have heard talk of her all the World is convinced of the Malignity of her Nature and illness of Disposition But to the business in hand that which she affirms is grounded on Proofs so pregnant and Reasons so clear that her Malice hath compassed the effect she desired Whether she was jealous of you or in disgust with the Bassa I know not but she is the cause of the disorder you have seen which if not remedied may prove the ruin of the Kingdom The Dey was at Chess when word was brought him that a Lady from the Bassa's Seraglio desired to speak with him on business of great importance Instantly he quitted his Game and retiring into a Chamber to give the Woman Audience he sees Chabania enter attended with her Eunuchs who Usher'd her who falling before him on her knees spake to this purpose Sir I bring you News which doubtless will trouble you But if I deserve Death for not being able to endure an injury done to your Royal Blood and the whole Nation without giving you Advertisement I am content to suffer for it having the satisfaction to see you Revenge the wrong has been done you which is that your Daughter is gone that she is delivered over into the hands of that Christian who sailed away this Morning and that a pitiful Slave is to succeed in her place to the infinite dishonour of your Highness and the Nation Take your Revenge of the Author of this disorder and execute that Justice which you ought against so cruel an attempt acted to the dishonour of God the injury of your Blood and dishonour of your Country Scarce had she made an end but the Dey inflamed with Anger and extreamly enraged called in those who had waited in the Anti-chamber and scarce able to speak for the Passion he was in made Chabania repeat before them all that she had said to him It unhappily fell out that all who were there were Enemies to the Bassa and instead of appeasing the Dey took the present occasion to animate and encourage him to
utmost in her power to resist him and knew though a little too late that she was abused and that this Man had neither the shape nor the stature nor face of her Alexander and that it must be the Bassa which some marks she knew about him soon put out of question she changed her method and stood upon her guard The resistance she made after the kindness she exprest at the first was observed by the Gallant and made him perceive that the cheat was discovered and no hopes of hiding himself So that without further dallying he made his last efforts and rendred those of the Sultaness so useless that he obtained his design This transported Lover was happy at least in conceit which sufficiently proves the power of imagination and that our greatest pleasures proceed from it I am sure there is no unfortunate Lover but may envy his mistake and that chance could not put a greater obligation on any Man than this on the Bassa His passion thus satisfied he withdrew without saying a word and the Lady made all the haste she could to her Chamber for fear the passionate Bassa should renew the assault Laura who had been much troubled at missing of her was no less amazed to see her come in the condition she was in which made her throw her self on the Bed where half weeping half laughing she told her the story of the adventure At which Laura did nothing but laugh expecting very pleasant conclusions from so comical beginnings The Count had been at the Bassa's in the Evening and not finding him within came on the Morrow to acquaint him with the resolution he had taken on the proposal As he entred the apartment he was told that the Bassa had been ill that night and had not slept at all and that he had forbidden any entrance into his Chamber but the Count having more priviledg than others they let him pass and he found him abed and writing with so sad a meen and so dejected a countenance that the Count presently concluded he had had a very ill night seeing Alexander on the sudden he coloured a little but the Count laying one knee to the ground I come Sir said he to beg one favour more of you You are the principal Author of all the Love I am engaged in it is my misfortune that you feel the same passion Accept I beseech you the sacrifice I make you Sir I will never love and if you will have it so I will never see Laura more Bless me cryed the Bassa what Lovers are these is it possible that two persons who began to love one another with so tender affection can part with such ease and that I who am not beloved cannot bring my self to this speak Alexander and tell me whether it proceeds from any distast you have taken or that you do it for my sake No Sir answered the Count Laura is this day as amiable in my eyes as the first day I saw her but rather than see you in the condition I find you in I will not spare the doing my self any violence I am capable of and for your quiet and my own I heartily wish I never had seen her This example is so rare replyed the Bassa that nothing less than the esteem I have for you can make it credible In the mean time this Billet will let you see that I have not staid for you to set me a President but that I know in my turn how to give Presidents for others to imitate but not to out-do It is written to Laura read it And there it will appear to you that if I have done you wrong I know how to punish my self for it I should be heartily sorry so virtuous and excellent a person as you should part from us with an ill opinion of me The Count extreamly surprized at this discourse not comprehending the reason of it after an answer full of respect and acknowledgment to his dear Patron took the Billet and there read these words If all the passion Man can have for a Woman is not capable to justifie the crime I committed against you you ought to pardon me at least having suffered in one night all the torments and afflictions of a cruel repentance which yet fills my soul with grief and confusion And if by giving you and your Lover your Liberty I may in some measure make amends for my faults you may make you ready for your voyage for to morrow morning you shall go both together Farewel and think of the violence I did my self in forcing from my bosom two persons whom of all I ever saw I loved most entirely and then you will find me not altogether unworthy of pardon The Count was so confounded at reading the Billet as never was Man and had much ado to hide the disorder it put him in he kneeled the second time as it were to give the Bassa thanks for this last favour which before his engagement in Love with the Sultaness had been the greatest he could have done him but now after his passion it was certainly the greatest misfortune could befal him He was willing by this action to hide from the Bassa the trouble he was in But the Bassa took him up and told him he could not see him in that posture for a business where he had more cause to complain of him than to thank him that he should know at leisure the whole matter from Laura and that in the mean time he had nothing to do but prepare for his voyage that he had given order to stay a Christian Vessel which should have gone off that very day for Italy and should land them at Legorn that the weather was fair and that without fail he should embark with Laura on the morrow for all which he gave him his word The Count having taken leave of the Bassa went out of the Chamber with a heart so full of trouble and affliction for the News he had received that he wanted a more proper place to comfort himself and to vent his thoughts of the resolution the Bassa had taken to give him his Liberty and to send Laura with him He knew not what might have obliged him to a resolution of this nature though upon reading the Billet he did imagine the Bassa had committed some outrage on Laura but this was not the thing troubled him it was the Sultaness from whom he must part and must bid her adieu for ever to part with a Woman one loved so tenderly to part with her for ever and to part with her in the height of his passion sounds very harsh and where is the Lover could take such a resolution for any reason what-ever Yet Liberty which to a Man who knows what 't is to be a Slave to a Man of Alexander's quality is a thing so attractive to return to his Countrey after eight or nine months absence the pleasure of Rome and the consideration that if he lost this opportunity
had been in and told him she took more pleasure to see Chabania's despair for whom she had ever a natural aversion than she had suffered of harm by her outrage and violence But she confessed the same time that she was in extream perplexity when she met the Bassa ranging over the Garden in search of that Woman and that it was the highest piece of good fortune imaginable that she had her Barnus with her to hide her self in She added that her dear Husband had said to her a thousand gallant things and had done also some things a little extraordinary but that it was her good fortune to be not far from the Bower and to make her escape she told him further that there remained no more doubt of the Bassa's being newly fallen in love with Laura and that she was very well assured of it by the kindness of his expressions and the transports she observed him in at this rencounter that this was the true cause of all their alarms and the reason why he brought him not into the Seraglio as formerly The Count was of the same judgment and both held it necessary to make good use of the occasion and that Laura who was to act the principal part should imploy her best address and complaisance in their favour The Bassa taking small pleasure in the Garden after the unhappy success of his amorous designs having done his endeavour to pacifie Chabania would bring her back to her Lodgings and pass'd by Alexander's Bower to let him understand it was time to with draw The Count followed him immediately being extreamly joyful to have come off so happily from a walk that had prov'd so full of adventures He bore his dear Sultaness company into her Apartment where he staid not long for fear of the Bassa but withdrew to his lodging He past the rest of the night very pleasantly though he slept not at all and the truth is he had reason enough to be well pleased though his Patron had not who was more labouring under mortal afflictions Laura whom he now was more deeply in Love with than ever put him in despair by her Rigours and Cruelties if no more pity from her then no more pleasure to be expected in his life His great affection for Alexander could not keep him from being his rival and wishing to share with him in the favours she did him His passion was arrived at a point which is the highest of sufferings that of not being loved and when he thought of the opportunity he had let slip the night before when he had Laura in his power he was so cruelly vext he could have found in his heart to be revenged of himself yet he had no great cause to blame his discretion for he had done enough and unless he would have driven his Gallantry to the last push of all he could not have done more He was not willing to declare himself to Alexander nor acquaint him with the thoughts he had newly entertained as well to prevent the displeasure he believed it would give him as for that he conceived the Count might be of use to him in the design and that the discovery might be to his prejudice In the Morning as soon as he was up he went as he sometimes was used to the Count's Chamber without any attendant and found him in Bed A Man said he must be as happy as Alexander in his Love before he can sleep as quietly as he If there be any answered the Count hath cause to commend his good fortune on that account it must without doubt be a Person of your comliness and Gallantry who to gain love need no more than say you are in love Yes replied the Bassa with a smile except it be to Laura who hath made me very sensible that I can sigh to no purpose and that the master of her person may not be the master of her heart It was necessary that Alexander should come from Europe to Africk to make that Conquest This Sir replyed the Count may be an instance of the Vagaries and Extravagancies of Love who often knows not where to fix but follows the effects of destiny or the Stars which are predominant over the affections And I believe Sir added he smiling as for the Love of Laura you are already very well satisfied and so little concerned where she bestows it that you never designed to make me in Love with her that you might be my Rival However said he observing the Bassa sigh I assure you should it so happen you cannot do me a greater favour than in letting me know it And you shall find that all the passion I can have for her shall not hinder any performance of the duty I owe you I will quit all my pretentions as I know you have the least design upon her that I may prevent all dispute with a Person to whom I am so deeply oblig'd that there can be nothing so dear to me but I will part with it for your sake Believe it Alexander answered the Bassa it is not so easie a matter to be disingaged from a passion like yours you may as well perswade me you cannot be in Love I am certainly in Love replied the Count and it may be as deeply as possible but having so many favours daily heaped on me from you there is nothing in the World I shall Love more than your repose and satisfaction And Sir if Laura appear now as amiable as formerly to you I must tell you again I love her no longer so easie a matter was it for the subtile Italian to be generous in parting with that in which he was so little concerned The Bassa asked him if he would say as much before Laura He answered he believed him too just and too gallant to desire him to make a declaration of that nature before one who had been his Mistress At last the Bassa proposed another walk in the Garden that very day and at the same time prayed him to write about it to Laura which the Count having not been able to avoid received this answer The burnt child dreads the fire we do not commonly expose our selves twice to the same danger The Bassa's usage of me last night gives me small encouragement to trust him the second time And you are an eye-witness how ill I was handled by her he had with him Let it satisfie you that if you come hither I will have the honour to see you But no more walking The Bassa much troubled at so unexpected an answer went out of the Counts Chamber without saying a word and pass'd in solitude the rest of the day But in the Evening he went to the Sultaness where he presently met Laura who inquiring of Alexander and why he had not brought him with him would it displease you said the Bassa if I supplied his place this Evening that were too great an honour for me replied Laura smiling but the Sultaness expects you and is
not very well The Bassa gave her his hand and would have led her into a private Chamber Laura perceiving it and that he was in good earnest Prayed him to let her go that her Lady was not well and he knew well enough she could not endure her being a moment out of her sight I I replied the Bassa the Sultaness is sick and cannot be a moment without you but 't is because 't is I desire to pass that moment with you had it been Alexander you could have staid a little longer The Bassa said this with so pleasant a tone she could not forbear laughing You know Sir replied she 't is another case when you are with the Sultaness Besides Sir added she smiling one would venture a little for a Sweet-heart Well well said he pressing her to go along with him 't is Love hath brought me hither I Sir answer'd she striving to get away from him and 't is Love obliges me to avoid the occasion of being found alone in your company for though I know you a most accomplished Person you will allow me to tell you you have not too much respect for our Sex and 't is very hard trusting you witness your assaults last night in the Garden the Bassa made her a thousand Oaths he would keep within the bounds of that respect and discretion she might expect from the severest vertue and protested he desired only one quarter of an hours discourse Laura who knew the violence and obstinacy of his humour when denyed any thing he held reasonable to be granted him disposed her self to entertain him that quarter of an hour He reproached her a thousand times for her hardness and cruelty against him and gave her withall the kindest words and the most tender and passionate expressions imaginable Laura to defend her self pleaded her Honour her Religion and her Duty to the Sultaness her Mistress three things she would not betray for the World Had you but a little Love for me said the Bassa with a sigh you would not find so many reasons for defence I have my Religion as you have yours and the Precepts of it perhaps as severe as yours but Love is stronger than all the Precepts the Laws the Religions of the World and those who serve him worship no other God As for the Sultaness how are you concerned that is my business not yours and it shall be your fault if ever she know it But what do you tell me of Honour Surely 't is more for your Honour to love a Man as I am than to love such a one as Alexander You mistake your self Sir answered Laura if you think that in the visits he hath made me there hath any thing pass'd contrary to my duty 'T is not with those of our Nation as with the People of this Country We may be together and no body by yet my Honour secure I swear to you Sir Alexander never received that favour from me which I could not afford the Person for whom I am the least concerned in the World The Bassa interrupted her what not in the Garden Neither in the Garden nor any where else replyed she had he ever any other advantage than a sight of me which with us is accounted for nothing Can you make me believe answered the Bassa what you say Laura told him there was nothing more true and he might rest assured of it But Sir said she for your better satisfaction bring him no more hither and you shall see whether I make my complaint for it 'T were pitty replyed the Bassa to destroy so fair a friendship and I do protest to you that were it in my power I would give you no trouble but I am not so much Master of my self to gain this point on my heart to be unconcerned in your Love But since you love Alexander with so much indifference that you can so easily resolve not to see him more I have no cause to afflict my self but rather to hope you may one day love me perhaps as much as you do him After these words the Bassa retired with a heart a little better at ease than when he came in but as deeply in Love as before He gave not an intire and firm credit to what Laura had told him of her indifference and small concernment for Alexander but did believe her passion for the Christian not so great as he had imagined or that their Love had been cooled by some quarrel for he had observed on the one side and the other more indifference than is usually consistent with that passion But then reflecting suddenly on himself may not this be said he resuming his jealousie and diffidence an effect of their policy may they not be agreed to deceive me and being already sufficiently assured of one anothers affections may they not pretend they have no Love for one another that they may Love one another with greater security No no adds he this cannot be there is no hiding of Love it will appear if not smothered to death She love not Alexander at all or loves him but indifferently thus he the more easily perswaded himself to be so in that he did most passionately desire it might be so and thence-forward his passion increased so fast it became greater than ever Hope being a passion that more than any other foments that of Love easily promises it self happy events and flatters it self with expectation of good fortune and success Laura gave the Sultaness an accompt of all the pleasant discourse and the Sultaness could have wished Laura had not been altogether so severe to the Bassa but a little more kind and complaisant without which she thought they could not see Alexander so often as she desired Laura on the contrary told her that to have been complaisant would have spoyl'd all for that the Bassa would then have entertained some hopes of favour from her and so become more amorous than before and consequently more jealous of his supposed Rival than ever What shall I do then said the poor Sultaness who can do nothing but fear and cannot expect any thing but crosses and misfortunes Laura told her things were not in so desperate a condition that she need trouble her self for it for the Bassa had promised to send Alexander on the morrow and that they would consider with him how to order their business The Count did not know that the Bassa had been with the Sultaness but having not heard from him that day he went on the morrow to wait on him at his rising He found him abed so dejected and melancholy that he might by his countenance easily discover the heaviness of his heart Yet he received him with that air of kindness and friendship might well assure the Count he was not displeased with him The Bassa was silent a while and then looking on the Count with an air of friendship and confidence Alexander said he I am the most unfortunate of men especially in Love Laura added
favourable gale rendred them as secure as Mortals can be on an Element where the Winds are in a manner Master of our Lives as well as Resolutions The Happy Lovers lost not the advantage of the Season to enjoy one another with as much pleasure and satisfaction as prosperous Love is capable of The Captain of the Bassa's Guards being arrived at Tunis took Horse and soon got to Bardou where he found his Master walking alone in the Garden and gave him an account of the departure of Alexander The Bassa like a man dejected and disconsolate having lift up his Eyes and Hands to Heaven without saying a word withdrew into a Marble Bower in the midst of the Garden where he continued all that day having given his Guards express Orders not to permit any Person whatever to come near him hoping thus to free himself from the importunity he fear'd from the Sultaness on Laura's account His Servants and Guards were much surprized at these Orders not knowing what might be the cause of his displeasure unless it were that Alexander was gone In the Evening arrived at Bardou a Spahie who brought him a Letter and was followed by another and he by a third who all came to speak with him on business of extream haste and importance but being acquainted with the Orders he had given they durst pass no further but resolved to wait his coming out of the Bower The Turks observe exactly the Orders of their Masters but Aly the Captain of the Guard gathering from the number of Couriers the importance of their business thought it his Duty to step to the Town being but three Miles distant to learn what the matter was and getting presently on Horse-back went directly to the General of the Gallies being one of them who had dispatched the Spahies The General sent him instantly back with strict Order to speak with the Bassa and tell him that to oppose the designs his Enemies had against his Life his presence was absolutely necessary at Tunis Aly who apprehended the consequence of the affair made no scruple when returned to Bardou to present himself before his Master who extreamly enraged to see his Orders broke first by him would neither hear him nor receive the Letter he would have delivered him from the General of the Gallies But locking himself up past his time till the fourth Prayer when he took Horse to return to the Town By the way he received Letters from several but thinking they came from the Sultaness or some of her party he opened not one of them The General of the Gallies astonish'd not to see him come after News sent him what was Plotting against him resolved to go in Person to see what stay'd him at Bardou and by the way met him The Bassa seeing him come with a very large Train asked him smiling if he thought he had been Besieged that he came to meet him with so numerous a Party You are pleasant Sir answered the General but I wish we stand not in need of far greater Forces before we come to Tunis The Bassa observing him to speak in good earnest fixt his Eye upon him a while without speaking a word then askt him what need there could be of the Forces he mentioned and with Indignation what says he will they Assault me for love of the Sultaness Do not you think Sir replyed the General there is reason enough for 't Can you believe that a Prince like the Dey your Mortal Enemy but from the Teeth outwards can brook the injury you have done him who loves the Sultaness his Daughter better than his Life What injury said the Bassa What injury reply'd the General An injury than which in my Opinion a greater could not have been offered What answers the Bassa interrupting him will they dispute my Power to set two of my Slaves at liberty at my pleasure No Sir said the General no question is made of your Right or Power in the particular you mention but the Sultaness was not your Slave and unless you design'd to engage in a new Civil War not only the Rules of Honour Justice and Religion but the Maxims of good Polity should have prevail'd with you not to deliver her into the hands of a Christian than which a greater misfortune cannot befall a Woman of our Religion The Bassa thought this Discourse so extravagant that he burst out a laughing and gave him no other answer but that he had taken the Alarm too soon The General being moved reply'd with some heat you know me too well to think me concern'd at that you reproach me with but when you come to Tunis you shall judge if I had not cause to take the Alarm If the Dey answer'd the Bassa design a breach with me he will find a better pretence than you speak of True it is I have sent away Laura with Alexander the Christian without the consent of the Sultaness but there were reasons for it and such as the Sultaness of all Persons living had most cause to approve The General of the Gallies did verily believe the Bassa was seriously bent upon raillery and willing to keep that as a secret which all the World knew which he took in ill part and had not spoke a word more on that subject had not the Bassa continued the Discourse But Sir said the General interrupting him what pleasure can you take in endeavouring to conceal from me one of your best Servants and Friends a business so notorious to all Every body knows Laura is in your Seraglio and that the Sultaness is embarqued with Alexander Not to mince the matter I must tell you the general voice is that for Love of this Slave you have rid your hands of the Sultaness and Alexander and that you design to Marry Laura though a Christian But give me leave to tell you that besides the novelty of the thing the like having never happened in this Kingdom not only the Dey and Divan will oppose it but your Friends will to their power obstruct it and prevent it if they can and I dare undertake you will scarce find a Person of your side The Bassa hearing him speak in this manner thought him distracted and would have used him accordingly but restrained by the Friendship he had for him Laura says he whom I saw carried in a Basket whom I accompanied to the Port where they put her aboard a Shallop whom the Captain of my Guard conducted to the Vessel in which she was Embarked and he saw under sail this Laura is in my Seraglio and I am to Marry her Sir answered the General did I not know you very well and were fully perswaded of the good esteem you are pleased to Honour me withall I should not know what to think of your Discourse for it cannot be but you know the whole Affair better than any Man But to end the Dispute let us go to your Palace where you shall see whether it be Laura or the
He looked very pale and his countenance much altered which contributed not a little to allay my bitterness against him though I had small reason to think my self concerned in honour of that change that appeared in his looks You see Madam said I to the Lady at their entrance this Gentleman must be sent for if we desire the pleasure of his Company These are favours continued I not usual with me and such as I would not by any means have done him while it was in my power to have any esteem for him But since he hath told me they have made him renounce my esteem you may believe Madam I am not much disposed to have any esteem for him and that what I now do proceeds not from any such cause 'T is true answered the Lady he does not deserve your esteem but you must pardon his Youth I will pardon him replyed I on condition he will tell me who had the power over his Heart or Wit to make slight of an esteem not altogether unworthy a Gentleman of his Quality and 't is for that purpose I have sent for him hither He stood mute so that turning my Head towards the Lady to ask her the reason of his silence I was again surpriz'd to find the Lady in greater disorder than he I was just speaking to him again when I saw him rise to tell me with trouble in his face I will satisfie you Madam in that particular but intreat you let me take a fitter time A fitter time said I and why not now Is it my Lady that hinders you You know I conceal nothing from her Ah if it be I said the Lady I will withdraw to leave you at liberty and with that she retired towards a Window in far greater disorder than if she had been angry This made me more curious than ever to hear what the Marquess would say to me Yet he declared himself no further but reaching forth his hand towards me he shewed me a Billet which I would not have received on any other occasion but in this Conjuncture I made no scruple of it believing I should find in it the Secret I longed for Hereupon he withdrew without saying a word And the Lady returning towards me Well Madam said she how comes it he is gone without naming to you the Person you have so much cause to hate I must tell you 't is I and that will surprize you It really did so the word she had spoken having astonish'd me I could scarce make her an answer You must know then continued she that having told me he had been obliged on the account of my Son to change his thoughts of you and engage himself to another Beauty I pressed him for your sake to tell me who it was and after a long refusal he had the insolence to tell me 't was I. You may imagine how I used him on such an occasion However I was of Opinion that a little more than ordinary complaisance I had express'd for him had given him that Confidence But finding him sensible of his error I was a little better pacified and let him see he was mistaken on all hands That he should not have quitted the design of serving you being unquestionably the best deserving in this Court of Passion and esteem of a Person of his Quality and that he was very ill advised to make addresses to me who was neither for Gallant nor Gallantry I was no stranger to the Character of this Lady and knew very well what she said was quite contrary to the inclinations of her temper And having had leisure while she spoke to recover my self from the astonishment she had cast me in at the beginning of this Discourse and to observe the alteration of her Countenance I made no doubt of her perfidiousness This Madam said I very seriously was to engage further in my concerns than I deserved and in truth than I desired You had formerly told me this young Gentleman would have pleased you had you been as I and since he preferred you before me it was too much for you to part with him for my sake I did says she but what I ought both for you and my self This Madam replyed I is a piece of more than ordinary Friendship and I question very much whether among the best Friends of our Sex the pleasure of being beloved by a Person whom all the Ladies of the Court own to be the handsomest and best accomplish'd in Naples would not prevail over their Friendship and make it appear that one Woman seldom scruples to be treacherous to another in cases of this Nature But Madam methinks what you now say is somewhat contrary to what you formerly told me of the Passion of the Marquess then wholly for me I thought so then I confess said she but I was mistaken And is it not possible you should be now also mistaken answered I for I have some reason to doubt it You do but deceive your self replyed she Well Madam said I with some heat let us try which of us is deceived peradventure it will appear in this Billet I received from him Whereupon I fell to the opening of it The Lady much surpriz'd asked me if it came from the Marquess I told her it did and that nothing but the curiosity I had to clear this Affair could have prevail'd with me to take it from him Alas says she what assurance can that give you of the inclinations of a man who changes them every moment and will it may be tell you the same he hath told me already I was in such haste to open the Letter that I made her no answer but fell to reading it being to this purpose How great an unhappyness is it Madam in matter of Affection and great trouble of Heart to follow other Counsels than those of our Passion Never was Person so deeply in Love as I was with you from the day I first had the happiness to see you And I may very well affirm I continue so still notwithstanding the many Oaths I have been forced to the contrary But some Persons whom I had not the least cause to suspect of design having taken the pains to represent your humour so haughty and insensible that I almost despair of gaining your esteem I was obliged to address my self to some more indulgent Beauty not out of inconstancy but to cure my self of a Passion the consequence whereof I extreamly apprehend Those who advised me to it were so kind as to condescend to serve me in it And the truth is their Complyance was such being Persons of Quality that had not I desired their Assistance I could not have refused it But Madam there are some evils for which there is no Remedy That which your Eyes have done me is of this nature If I have committed a fault in entertaining thoughts of breaking my Chains I smart for it more cruelly than you can desire I know not to what extremity my grief
anger What have you done Sir said I you have utterly ruined me Go and see me no more but at seasonable hours and when every body might see me after which though I was very well pleased with his company I pray'd him to withdraw to prevent further occasion of Discourse I am sensible dear Assen I spend too much time in relating particulars so inconsiderable and abuse your Patience in entertaining you with such trifles But this having been the best of my time in that Court and best part of my story you will excuse the difficulty I find in my self to come to the relation of Accidents so shameful for me that the memory of them is more terrible than Death Assen having answered that all she had said was very material and that he thought himself equally concerned in the smallest Circumstances of her Life as well as the greatest she proceeded in this manner The Vice-Roy's Lady having fallen out with me and finding reason enough of difference with the Marquess who in spight of her visited me often you may believe she past her time very melancholy and sad The first time the Marquess came to see me I insisted that if he designed to please me he should begin to do it by telling me in particular all the kindness and caresses past between the Vice-Roy's Lady and him But he intreated me with so much Ingenuity not to make use of the power I had over him to oblige him to a thing so mean that his Discretion prevailed over my Curiosity and made me esteem him the better for it however he let me know 't was of her he spoke in the Billet as I had easily guess'd The disconsolate Lady who could not but be concern'd for us was willing to seek Peace and having found a fair pretence for it sent me word by one of her Women that I might do her a pleasure if I would give her a Visit which I fail'd not to do She received me chearfully and with smiles in her Countenance being an Excellent Mistress of the Art of Dissembling after some Civilities shewed me she brought me to the Closet where beginning her discourse with a very great sigh Well my dear Elenor said she are you still angry with me I am heartily sorry Madam said I that you gave me cause who never deserved it Come let us agree said she to say nothing of what is past and give me leave to let you see I am your Friend It is that I desired Madam reply'd I and the Honour I have always had for you must needs make you believe your Friendship very precious and dear to me 'T is enough said she come tell me presently if there were a proposal of Marriage between the Marquess and you do you love him so well as not to refuse him Such a Proposal from her appears very suspicious and seeing me laugh as one who would not be caught in that Trap I do not speak to you now continued she as a Rival as you have believed me to be and as perhaps added she smiling I have formerly been but as your true and sincere Friend I tell you that if you desire to Marry the Marquess it shall be your fault if it be not done with that she shewed me a Letter from the Vice-Roy to my Father written to that purpose at the request of the Marquess and said your Father hath so much respect for my Husband that there is no doubt but it will take effect the Marquess having desired my leave to speak of it to the Vice-Roy and finding by the Character of the Letter they endeavoured in good earnest to unite me to a Man who was furnish'd with all I could wish as well for a settlement as to please my Affection I was ravished with Joy but let it appear as little as I could mistrusting my Fortune especially being in the hands of a Person who would dearly repent it before it could be effected I thanked her with the most acknowledging and affectionate expressions I could invent and there passed so many Caresses on the one side and on the other that you would have thought we had never been so great Friends before At my return I found the Marquess in my Chamber where he waited to bring me this pleasing News with a Countenance full of Joy and that the Vice-Roy had given him free liberty to visit me I told him I had heard all this from a Person he could not easily guess and in truth it was hardly credible it should be the Vice-Roy's Lady I told him it was she and related all our Discourse The Liberty granted the Marquess to visit me when he pleased having heightned the affection we had one for another degenerated by degrees into a kind and tender familiarity He took a little more upon him than had been allowed him and more indeed than I ought to have permitted him But 't is hard for one in Love so deeply as I was to be proof against the Amorous assaults of a Man she expects to be her Husband on the Morrow At first I made resistance enough and would not so much as give him my hand to kiss but Love blinds so that he doth insensibly lead us away and accustom us to things we never durst think of After the first blush the rest follows of course We expected with equal impatience my Fathers answer We were already mutually engaged so that if his answer should not have proved favourable we were resolved to compleat our happiness Such engagements given to save a Maids Honour are but snares Love lays for her Virtue The Marquess as all true Lovers being impatiently earnest for the possession of my Person as well as Affection whereof he was assured and fearing cross Accidents that might hinder our Bliss let me know amongst some little favours I allowed him to take that he was very desirous to obtain of my gift what I had forbid him to hope without my Fathers consent and that if I loved him I would make it appear in obliging him in that particular I made as if I did not understand him but by degrees he spoke so intelligibly that I was under the necessity of being very angry with him or of defending my self with Arguments Finding it impossible to be angry with a Man I loved I fell to Disputing but he was too hard for me And certainly in matters of Love a Maid that comes to reasoning is in danger of being lost However our combat lasted long enough to make me fancy I had satisfied my humour but at last I must yield I thought there needed not so much caution with a person who had given the Viceroy his word that he would marry me and assured me as I believed by a thousand Oaths that he would make me his Wife He was to come to me in my Chamber at night an hour after all should be in bed and because my Chamber was near that of the Viceroys Ladies where I had liberty of entrance
whither are you come in search of an unfortunate wretch which hath already given you so much trouble and too great cause of complaint It is easie answers the Bassa to pardon those we love But is it possible you are here and that the Sultaness is gone away in your stead tell me was it she that betray'd you or was it Alexander I know not what to think of it but when I consider his proceedings in this last adventure I cannot suspect him treacherous For 't was not his fault I discovered not the Sultaness it was I hindred him to take off her Barnus that I might see her However if she loved you I am sufficiently Reveng'd of you for you have lost more than I and if he was false to you you may comfort your self with the assurance of the affection of a Person not so unworthy of your favour as he was These last words put Laura to the blush but making no answer to them As for me Sir said she I neither lost a Lover in him nor have cause to charge him with falshood but must lay on my ill Fortune all the blame of my being left behind him You surprize me much replies the Bassa and make me conclude you an excellent Dissembler or my self the most abused Man in the World Call to mind Sir says Laura what I told you so often that my affection for Alexander was very indifferent and to be taken off when I pleased The Ladies of your Country differ very much from those of Christendom in their course of Love yours are very susceptible easily take impression and are equally unconstant Ours are more shie of engaging in Love but when engaged their love is more lasting You believed me a Turk and several times did me Honours due only to the Sultaness whom you often mistook for me The Sultaness replies the Bassa much surpriz'd at the News The very same Sir says Laura for 't is now time to disabuse you and since I may justly glory to have made of my Passion for Alexander a Sacrifice to her Love I may now be allowed to declare it when she is out of all danger of inconvenience by my owning it The Sultaness Sir continued she more affected than I with the good qualities of that Christian looked upon him as worthy of her Love But permit me to say you may thank your self for it who first sought out the means to gain the Honour of finding a Gallant for your Lady You may believe replies the Bassa I design'd no such matter yet I pardon it in a Woman I had no kindness for But the falseness of the Christian was unpardonably base who besides the regard he should have had for the daily favours I did him ought to have observed at least the Laws of Hospitality The Sultaness Sir said Laura had a Beauty of power to corrupt the most upright of Men and had she been anothers Wife I durst not have undertaken for your integrity in the case I had a desire to see the Christian you brought him into the Seraglio she had a sight of him He was handsom she loved him and told him so what could he do The Bassa could not forbear laughing at her relating the story And 't is all the concern the Turks express for the falseness of their Wives especially those they have no love for having Seraglio's well stor'd and the priviledge to change Wives at pleasure The Bassa very patiently took the loss of his Sultaness and told Laura it must be her fault if he should not be now more happy than ever The subtile Slave very sensible how useful he might be to her in the present conjuncture thought it unseasonable to give him a repulse but resolv'd to manage to advantage so good an overture she told him only that was not a time to make Love You see Sir continues she I am here in a Prison I know not how to get out of But I know how to do it replies the Bassa haughtily and if within three days you be not at Liberty I 'le fill the Streets of this Town with the Bodies of the Inhabitants Ah Sir answers Laura that were the way not to save me but to hasten my Death And it beeing known I am the cause of this Disorder you may easily guess what Mercy I shall find If you have Sir any value for my Life since it may be saved without shedding Blood and that matters are now in a way of accomodation let me intreat you not to think of those horrible extremities Believe me says the Bassa 't is their design to amuse me till the Troops they expect from Tripoly be arriv'd but I shall take Order for that and if you will prevent inconveniences that may happen you must resolve to get out hence this Evening and go along with me Get out hence Sir replies Laura and how shall it be done out of a Castle where I am under Guard and have so many Gates to pass You see says the Bassa spight of all those Guards and those Gates I have entred and resolve to get out again and may not you so too But Sir says Laura consider I am a Woman and however disguised may be easily discovered by my gate or my stature and the least obstacle we meet with will put me into such a fright will infallibly ruin both you and me Assen fortified her Reasons with his and absolutely condemned the Enterprize proposed as exposing the Bassa and her to apparent danger of inevitable ruin You shall see Sir adds he by the difficulty you and I shall find to get out the trouble we should have to get a Woman along with us I am of Opinion with the rest of your Friends 't is best to come to an accommodation The Troops from Tripoly will be long a coming and if you keep the Town streightly block'd up a few days longer you will oblige the People to Petition the Dey to make Peace which we of your Party will not fail to help forward And the Dey being of a timerous irresolute temper will be glad of the pretence to come to an Agreement The Bassa though more inclin'd to violent than moderate actions yielded this time to the perswasion of two Persons who were the dearest to him of any and whose interest he knew it was not give him any Counsel to his disadvantage He told them he would stay a Week longer but if in that time neither the Threats nor Intercession of his Friends should prevail he would make use of some Stratagem to reduce the Town and if that failed he would employ all his Force to bring the Dey to Reason Assen was easily induced to assent to all this knowing the Town was ill provided of Corn and that the Inhabitants began already to be streightned and murmured at the exigences they were reduc'd to and not without cause although it was given out these murmurs were raised by those of the Bassa's Party in favour of his designs
fortune kept it safe to this minute With that he took out a little Purse from his pocket and out of the Purse the Billet which he read to Assen in these words I am heartily sorry my dear Hippolito I must fail my assignation But an unhappy accident I must not now tell you of will for a few days retard our happiness you may believe me as sensible of it as you are but love me as you have done Love will furnish us with opportunity enough Adieu I had never received a Letter from Eleanor nor knew her Character so that it was easie for Clarice to make me believe that Billet came from her I asked her what her Mistress ail'd Nothing says she laughing but that she is not very well this evening I fancied I understood her meaning and examin'd her no further but withdrew sufficiently displeased with my ill fortune that night when a Page of the Vice-Queens met me coming down stairs and told me his Lady desired to speak with me In the humour I was in I could have wish'd a Dispensation from waiting upon her but not knowing what excuse to make being so near her and fearing she might have something to tell me from Eleanor being the common subject of her discourse with me I followed the Page into her Chamber where I found her expecting my coming she was at her Toilet and the Vice-Roy being out of Town as soon as she saw me she reproached me for deserting her so she could of late scarce see me in the croud that if I would not out of Gallantry I should at least out of civility have afforded her my company when destitute of other I was not disposed for giving her so pleasing an answer as I would have done another time however I said not any thing to disoblige her I was melancholy and vext but so deeply in love I had a stock of kindness and complaisance which abundantly furnished me with pleasing expressions which the Vice-Queen did not disapprove of I had not seen her in a better humour and falling into discourse she kept me with her a great part of that night but she thought me out of humour and quarrelled with me upon 't I excused my self as having sat up all the night before at play Hereupon she invited me to lye on her Bed I was priviledg'd to be familiar and without further intreaty made use of my liberty for the truth is I was almost dead for want of sleep within less than two hours I was awak'd on the sudden by the light of a Flam-boy held before my eyes and the first object I saw was Eleanor with a Ponyard in her hand to take away my life had not Don Alphonso laid hold on her arm and prevented the stroke Judge you what amazement I was in I might with some reason have suspected all this a Dream But my Rival having seized the Ponyard to execute what he had hindered Eleanor to do had she not done me in her turn the like Service I thought it high time to take care of my life and running to my Arms put my self in a posture of defence The Vice-Queen half dead with the fright came running to part us but was like to have been kill'd by her Son who seemed as eager to dispatch her as me I happily saved her two or three times and at last standing before her the fury Don Alphonso was in made him run on my Weapon and kill himself rather than be killed by me I saw him fall which troubled me extreamly foreseeing the dreadful Consequence of such a misfortune I turn'd towards the unhappy Mother to ask her what she would do and found her swoun away and lying without motion I was so much afflicted with the spectacle I wish'd my self dead at last necessity pressing me to withdraw I entred Eleanor's Chamber to see her once more and dye at her feet if she desired my life to expiate my fault but I found her not and so left the Pallace without any obstacle My design was to pass into Sicily and being in search of a Felucca to embark in found Clarice almost drown'd in tears at the Port. I knew her and asked whither she went and what she would have Ah Sir said she I have been looking for my Mistress who the Mariners tell me is embarqued not a quarter of an hour since for Barcellona I was strangely surprized at the news and without further deliberation took the first Felucca I met and Clarice being very willing to go with me in search of her Mistress or rather to get away from a Court where she had reason to fear the severest extremities after the disorder lately happen'd wherein she knew her self concern'd I put her aboard and had the weather so favourable we hoped to reach Barcellona before Eleanor could be there I took care to inquire the Name of the Felucca she was embarqued in and the Masters I was till then so distracted and oppress'd with grief and despair it was not in my power to make any resolution on all these misfortunes but being got to Sea I recollected my self and considered all those disasters but the more I thought on them the more was I perplex'd about them I could not imagine by what accident Don Alphonso and Eleanor should be altogether to surprize me in the Vice-Queens Chamber unless we had been betray'd or Don Alphonso more in favour with Eleanor than I believed and if that were so why should my Rival prevent my death as he did and why did she take her turn too to save my life from Alphonso unless both were ambitious of the hour to have killed me However I must confess I deserv'd death and wish I had received it at Eleanor's hand I should not then have had the displeasure of imbrewing my hands in the Blood of a Person who had all the reason in the World to be reveng'd of me Clarice was very ill in the Felucca of the fright she had taken or else Sea-sick I had not seen her all the time of the disaster at Naples I told her part of the story and found it so much afflicted her especially when I acquainted her with the death of Alphonso she grew worse and worse I asked her several questions which she answered with a great deal of trouble pretending Ignorance but in such a manner as gave me cause enough to suspect the contrary and believe she was more concerned in this business than I was aware of I was unwilling to press her in the condition she was in to reveal the secret though I was curious of a discovery but hoped to make it when she should be a little better We arriv'd at Barcellona but no news of the Bark Eleanor went aboard of I resolved to have patience a while as well as the Merchants who had effects in it of great value But how careful soever I was of Clarice she grew worse than at Sea and all the Physicians could do for her
on the sudden they heard the noise of Horses making towards them Assen hid Eleanor and Hippolito under an old Wall and advanced with some of his people towards the Horse-men They marched apace and quickly asked who is there Assen told them who he was and by good fortune found it was Romadan the Master of the Gallies coming from Port-farm with a Guard He told him the Bassa's Sophies had taken from his people some Horses he had in readiness to go for Cape-Carthage to see a Brigandine he was sending out to Sea Romadan who knew the respect the Bassa had for Assen was angry for what was done by the Sophies and to remedy the inconvenience told Assen he might take his choice of what Horses he pleased out of his Troop and not trouble himself for his own they should be sent him where he pleased to order Assen glad of the opportunity accepted his offer and Romadan taking him aside told him The Bassa had a design to come again to him and by any means to get Laura out of the Castle and that he would do well in his return from Cape-Carthage to take the Camp in his way and endeavour to divert the Bassa from so dangerous an Enterprize Assen having promised it dis-engaged himself from Romadan as soon as he could but Romadan would oblige him at parting with two of his Horse-men to accompany him and serve him from the Parties that were abroad and might set upon him unknown This put Assen into a little perplexity but he would not refuse the kindness for fear of giving cause of suspition And having taken his leave he advanced towards his company and acquainted the two Lovers in few words what fortune he had met with All mounted and Eleanor in Boys Cloaths pass'd for a young Slave of Assen's the night helping to cover the disguise they made all the haste possible Hippolito being still at Eleanor's elbow the Master of the Gallies Horse-men led the Van to answer those they met and Assen as Commander in chief sometimes on one side sometimes on the other without affecting much to be near Hippolito or Eleanor by the help of the Horse-men they had free passage and were several times saved from being taken and carried before the Bassa At last being come to the Brigandine they delivered the Horses to be restor'd to the owners and having rewarded them well for their pains Assen sent them back with this Letter to the Bassa Sir Be not displeased with me for endeavouring the liberty of a Maid to whose Family I owe mine you have often heard me speak of my obligations to my Patron when I lived among the Christians I have met with an occasion to satisfie them in the Person of his Daughter being that same Laura the Dey kept Prisoner Wonder not my gratitude hath prevailed with me to expose my life for those who saved mine The Dey perhaps may have as much reason as you to excuse me but in actions that honour and reason inspire I fear no reproach Laura was the cause of the difference betwixt you the Peace will be easier made now she is gone Thus doing my duty I procure the good of my Country which every honest man wishes and will certainly thank me for Adieu live content and prosper in your designs and be so just as not to condemn Assen They instantly hoised sail and the Weather being favourable they doubled the Cape pass'd Port-Farine and were got a great way to Sea before the Horse-men could have come to the Bassa whom we will leave foaming with rage and fury against Assen and return to the happy company now beginning to take pleasure in seeing themselves out of danger at least from Land for as to the Sea while you are on it there is no security against it Hippolito sat sighing by his beautiful Eleanor and she feasted her self with the sweetness of liberty to enjoy in safety the conversation of a Lover she had given over for lost Assen was busie giving orders in the Brigandine but being becalmed on the sudden and no way to be made but by rowing he sate by them to congratulate their happiness 'T is true says Eleanor I should esteem my self the most fortunate person on Earth if after what you have assur'd me of the Marquess you could ease me of the scruples the Turks habit he wears raises within me Was it possible adds she blushing you should change your Religion 'T is the very thing I longed to know of him Madam and how he came to Barbary for he hath not yet told me No Madam answers Hippolito I am still a Christian and had I been threatned with Death or with Torments I should not have changed my Religion but 't is true I have been long thought a Turk Assen who could not conceive how it could be so in a Country like his where in matters of Religion there are Formalities not to be counterfeited pray'd him to declare what course he had taken and how it was possible for him to escape Circumcision being the first of the Ceremonies used in that case Hippolito to satisfie him knowing he should at the same time do Eleanor a pleasure went on with his story I told you formerly of the resolution I took of searching every Creek of the Mediterranean for the Vessel this Lady embarqued in I did so for seven or eight months in a little Frigat with six pieces of Ordinance wherein I was at last taken by a Vessel of Tripoly of no less than thirty Guns after six hours Fight and the loss of almost all our men I was carried to Tripoly where they presented me to the Bassa who upon the good report they gave of my behaviour in the Fight used me very civilly and having in few days express'd no small affection for me wished I would turn Turk and sent me for the purpose to a famous Cady to be instructed in their Faith this Mahometan Doctor was a very honest man and witty he was the Son of a Renegado and had less Faith than his Father in what he taught others he spoke very freely to me and I opened my self to him and pray'd him to make the Bassa believe I was turn'd Turk he did so the Bassa believed it on his word and express'd for me more kindness than ever but he had a Nephew who was jealous of it and often quarrelled with me on that score which might afterwards have produced further inconvenience The Bassa who had a tender love for this Nephew foresaw what might follow and resolved to part us for some time till this Nephew were cured of his jealous and tempestuous humour he sent me with great Presents to the Dey of Tunis his intimate Friend recommending me very earnestly and affectionately to him The Dey within a week after my arrival made me his Aga You know Assen what a sad life I led but who would have thought says he addressing himself to Eleanor I was so near what I
searched for and loved above all the World yet knew nothing of it and that my Fate should make me so happy when I was just upon losing you The Marquess and Eleanor entred into further discourse of their adventures and the Masters of the Vessel coming to consult Assen he left them together to go on with their stories The wind chopped about and threatned a Storm the Vessel being small they thought it inconvenient to venture further to Sea They tack'd about making towards Biserti intending to sail near the Coast of Barbary till they should come over against Sardinia that they might cross over as soon as the weather served into the Isles of St. Peter where they hoped to anchor This was their resolution and 't was well for them they followed it for the Storm was so great they were forced to lye at Anchor three or four days among the Rocks on the Coast of Barbary They were so far from Tunis they had no cause to fear pursuit being at Anchor in a place where a thousand Vessels might have pass'd by without discovering them in the storm The storm at length was pretty well over and the Brigandine pursu'd her Voyage along the Coast of Barbary meeting by the way several Creeks floating Hogsheads and Planks and other pieces of broken Ships which they doubted not were cast away in the last storm For two days they cruised along that Sea they were frequently entertained with those lamentable spectacles and at last heard the voice of a Man which they fancied must have come from a Rock at least three miles distant from Land they presently concluded it was one escaped out of the late Shipwracks Eleanor was moved to pity at the cry and Assen at her request turn'd the prow of his Brigandine towards the Rock The Sea was then calm and when they got within some paces of the Rock they saw a man almost naked without Hat without Stockins without Shoes so maimed and disfigured they knew not whether they should more fear him or pity him Assen having ordered the Sea-men to cease rowing asked him in Moresque how he came upon that Rock and what he would have I am an unfortunate Christian answers he in Italian and not unknown to you and if you will take the pains to get foot on land here you will find what perhaps you are in search of but you must lose no time otherwise your help may come too late Assen amazed to hear him speak so observed something in his Countenance made him think he had seen him elsewhere Eleanor was particularly astonished at his voice and fancied she knew it but the man was so disfigured she could not possibly call to mind who he was Assen asked him his name and where he had seen him to know him I tell you answers the man I have here what you perhaps go in search of much further the man you see is Alexander the Bassa's Slave and if he has sent thee for his Wife thou may'st find her on this Rock half dead with her Sufferings these two days we have been here he had scarce done speaking but Eleanor invaded at once with joy and grief cry'd out which made the man turn his face and she knew him to be Alexander Ha Sir says she is it possible it should be you and not know Laura As she spoke thus Assen having commanded the Oars to turn the prow to land ordered a Plank from the Vessel to the Rock and pass'd over it first Hippolito following with Eleanor by the hand and all to embrace poor Alexander who was so transported with joy he could not say a word he pray'd Assen to get him something from aboard to comfort his dear Sultaness who had not eat any thing for three days past They gave order accordingly and instantly ran towards the place where the Sultaness lay under a Bush where they found her half dead a sad sight for Laura yet mixt with joy to see her but what an astonishing surprize was this to the Sultaness who could scarce open her eyes and knew not whether she were awake or in a Dream and whether what appeared to her were Persons or Spirits You may imagine the haste Eleanor made to help her being readily seconded with Hippolito's assistance What are you here Laura says the Sultaness with a feeble and languishing tone and am I not mistaken what good Angel hath sent thee to rescue me from the Jaws of Death Heavens my dear Sultaness answers Laura not able to forbear crying Heavens which hath had pity on us and delivered me also out of the hands of the Bassa The Sultaness began to recover but had not strength to speak long Assen told Alexander she would be better aboard than at land the Sea being still The Count who had not yet had leisure to discourse them asked where they were bound for and having understood they sail'd for Italy he could not sufficiently bless Heaven for so happy an accident The Sultaness was carried aboard and the weather being fair they resolved to put out to Sea and divert their course for Sardinia Laura was so careful of the Sultaness that she began to gather strength Assen and Hippolito did their part with the Count who had no less need of nourishment and rest This took up one day on the morrow the weather continuing fair and the Sultaness finding her self in a condition to discourse they related to her what pass'd at Tunis since her departure and desired Count Alexander to inform them how they came to be wrack'd and by what Fortune they got upon the Rock he answered to this purpose You have heard without doubt how the Sultaness was carried aboard by the Bassa's order who thought as well as I it was Laura You may imagine my surprize great and my joy inexpressible At our putting to Sea we had a good wind but scarce past the Cape of Carthage but we saw the Heavens cloudy on the sudden and had the wind in our Teeth and so strong a Gale that our Vessel being small and the storm increasing we were driven on this Coast and cast Anchor presently a violent and most terrible Hurricane broke our Cables set us a-drift and cast us upon the Rocks I leave it to you to guess what an extremity this was for a Lover having her he loved above the World ready to be lost before his face which heightned to the utmost the terrours of danger and death I stood by the Sultaness who with grief and fear was already half dead and reaching out her hand Dear Alexander says she since the hour is come we must dye let us dye together These words so resolute and kind pierced my very heart and turned me into a Statue leaving me without sense or motion All I could do was embracing my dear Sultaness for a final Adieu when the Vessel giving a great crack made me turn my eyes towards the Window of my Cabin where I saw a Rock almost touching the Poop this surprized me not a little and taking a suden resolution I placed the Sultaness on my back got upon the Deck and in spite of the Sea-men who would have diverted me I leaped on the Rock without doing my self or the Sultaness harm A moment after the Sea which cast the Vessel on the Rock carried it off again leaving me and the Sultaness there helpless of help unless our Sea-men would pity us but they could not master the winds and the night was far gone so that no good was to be expected from them till the morrow if the storm would over A sad night it was the poor Sultaness endeavoured to comfort me with hopes the Mariners would not forsake us but what a lamentable spectacle had I at break of day to see some Leagues distance half a Ship a float which by the number of People I saw returning from one end to another to get nearer land was sunk by the greatness of the waves and all the men drown'd What afflicted me most was the sight of the Sultaness though she by I know not what presage would not despair of good Fortune but would tell me still Heaven had not saved us from the Sea to let us perish on that Rock but would send to our aid one of the many Vessels that pass'd by that way It was a piece of good Fortune I did not expect yet I looked constantly about to discover some sail when at last having almost lost hope having for two days seen nothing on the Sea I ken'd on the sudden something floating on the water but being at distance and discovering no sail I knew not whether to think it a Wrack or some small Vessel with Oars yet seeing you draw towards the Coast and the nearness of the objects magnifying them every moment I knew it to be a Brigandine that brought the Sultaness the News who was not much pleased with it fearing the Vessel came from Tunis and being more willing to dye on the Rock than return thither I hollowed and cry'd and had the good luck to be heard by you and if I did not presently express that joy which might have been expected upon knowing you you will pardon it as an effect of the miserable condition I was reduced to and will easily believe it could not but be great Count Alexander having ended his discourse every one spoke his thoughts of all these adventures mingling sighs with their joy which increased at the news of one of Assen's Servants that he discerned land and that it could be no other but Sardinia He was in the right but they could not anchor till the morrow and the weather continuing good within eight days they arrived at Genes to the infinite satisfaction of this happy company and all Eleanor's Friends Her Father was dead and those who were intrusted with the tuition and disposal of her if heard of were easily induced to consent she should be married to Marquess Hippolito who found means to make his Peace with the Vice-Roy of Naples The Sultaness turn'd Christian and Count Alexander married her Assen followed the example of the Sultaness and Count Alexander as well as Marquess Hippolito served him with their Credit and Estates to make his Fortune and live happily the rest of his days
held his peace in expectation of Romadan's answer who having for some time fixt his eyes on the ground lift them up on the sudden saying God preserve you Sir from the mischief you run into but if it be so ordained you cannot avoid your destiny Then he shewed him the many obstacles and dangers he should meet with before he could get to Assen How impossible it was to effect some of the things he desired that he could not enter the Castle without being discovered and that for a sight of a Christian Girl his Slave he hazarded the ruin of himself his friend and his party that a little patience would make him master of his designs without pains or danger The Bassa instead of being perswaded by Romadan's reasons express'd by his countenance a visible impatience to hear a discourse so unnecessary and useless after the resolution he had taken His passion tempted him to try his fortune and deprived him of patience as incompatible with love The night being pretty well advanced he disguised himself the best he could and having given Romadan such orders as were necessary that his absence might not be perceived he went away with the Moor who led him a way he came the night before they entred the Town without meeting any but being heard by Assen's House they fell among a company of People belonging to the Divan the Bassa's sworn Enemies But by good fortune he pass'd undiscovered for which he was obliged to the Moor who being a witty fellow told those who would have staid them that he was one sick of the Plague whom he had in charge to carry to the Pest-house This made them stand at a distance and give them free passage though that disease be not so dreadful there as in other places being very common and ordinary in those parts The Bassa was glad of so easie an escape and when he got to Assen's he rewarded the Moor according to the merit of so considerable a service Assen was abroad at the Bassa 's arrival but was extreamly surprized at his return to see the Bassa there Ah! Sir said he embracing him is it possible you would hazard your self thus it might have been excusable in a hare-brain'd young fellow who had nothing to lose but his life but for a man of your prudence and conduct being the second Person of the Kingdom to come without design perhaps at least without necessity to throw your self into your Enemies hands and expose your life to a thousand dangers This Sir how ill soever you take it is a thing I can never pardon you For Sir adds he what could have oblig'd you to hazard your self thus The Bassa fell a laughing and taking all in good part that was spoken by Assen whose kindness he was assured of asked him if he had ever been in love and whether he knew not that love had made the greatest of men guilty of faults and that those faults had always their pardon But Sir said Assen what have you to do with love is it not Laura you are in love with and is not she in the Castle Yes replies the Bassa but being in your custody it cannot be impossible to have a sight of her Assen would have dissuaded him from the design as the most extravagant and rash he had ever enterprized but prevailed no more than the master of the Gallies Strength of reason and fear of dangers are obstacles too weak to stop the progress of a passionate Lover Love feeds upon hope and death is not half so formidable as the happiness of seeing a Mistress is charming and pleasant The Bassa resolved whatever befell him to go into the Castle But it was impossible to do it by Night the Gates being then open only for Assen and others the Dey's principal Officers So that it must of necessity be between Nine in the Morning and Six at Night and the strict Examination they used in that time would have cool'd any Man but the Bassa from proceeding in so desperate a design But those Southern Lovers are too hot to be cold by Obstructions that appears invincible to others Assen told him he had no better way than to put him into one of the Meal-sacks he had order to send into the Castle on the morrow in a Cart. The Bassa was content and thought it an excellent invention and that there could be no danger in it at all Having resolved on this they past part of the Night in Discourse of the present posture of Affairs what past at the Divan what designs the Dey had what Forces were raised and such other particulars as were necessary for the Bassa to know After this they went to Bed where Assen took his rest but as for Mahomet he had no mind to sleep he dreamt waking of the happiness of seeing the fair Laura on the morrow At length the day appear'd and the Cart was loaded with Meal-sacks for the Castle and among them the Bag with the Bassa in 't was so plac'd that he lay pretty conveniently The Moor led the Horses and Assen walked at some distance before the Castle-gate was opened and no search made in the Cart the Dey's Secretary was Personally Convoy to They past freely to the Magazin of Victuals where several Moors instantly attended to unload but Assen very dextrously got rid of them sending them away on several Errands This was well for the Bassa who having been almost stifled in the Bag had untyed it to take a little breath and had certainly been discovered had those Moors staid in the Magazin Assen left him there all that day not thinking it fit to bring him to Laura till Night so that he locked him up there took the Key in his Pocket and went to the Dey's Palace to learn what News Poor Laura being all day alone thought it very long and with great impatience wish'd for the Night that she might have a sight of her dear Friend Assen At length the hour came he usually visited her but no news of Assen which troubled her extreamly At last she heard the Door open and rising to meet him Did you but know Assen says she the Sufferings I lye under in the condition I am in having no Friend but you you would not have made me pine so long for a sight of you for in good truth I am half dead with staying for you Assen fell a laughing and turning about to the Bassa who followed him here is one says he knows how to bring you to Life again and I doubt not but for his sake you will pardon my long stay Assen had not told the Bassa of the Ancient intimate Acquaintance he had with Laura this made him interrupt her so quickly to make her take notice of him But he was so white all over with lying in the Meal-sack that she took him for one of Assen's Men but seeing him laugh she viewed him more narrowly and knew him Oh Heavens is it you Sir says she Oh!