stuck stedfast unto Amurat's Interest the Persians declaring That they could not joyn in Council with any but the Halists This was follow'd presently with turning out of their Governments and Places of Trust all the Albanians and Leridonians of what perswasion soever and to fill up their places with such Persian Officers as Cha-abas had sent over to that purpose and tho' Amurat did intercede in the behalf of some who had rendred signal â—pieces of Service as their Fathers had done before both to his Father Brother and to Himself all was over-rul'd by Cha-abas absolute Command and the necessity of Affairs requiring it to be so All this one would have thought had been sufficient to have open'd Amurat's Eyes but he suffer'd befides all that a world of indignities and was so infatuated with the Persians flattering Tongues that he was not backward as he had Orders to do to represent on all occasions in publick the great Love and Care that Cha-abas had for him and what he had done and what he would daily do to restore him to his Throne and to establish the Halist's Religion throughout all his Dominions at which while the Persians laught in theiâ— sleeves Amurat's poor dejected Subjects could not but wonder and with their sighs tears and groans pity their Emperour's blindness and bemoan their own miserable and desperate condition I mean amongst them that had not hearts or opportunities to take up Arms in their own defence against so visible an Usurpation of the Persian Prince who was bringing them into the same slavery as his own Subjects were But others that had Courage enough to expect a good success from their Arms and the Justice of their Cause being clearly convinc'd that the War they were going to make through their opposition of the Persians was directly against the designs of Cha-abas in which their late Emperour had no Concern at all They took up Arms gather'd together made themselves Masters of some strong Holds which they fortified got in Provisions against a Siege and declar'd one and all that they would stand by one another to the last drop of their blood The little or no resistance which Amurat had found at his Landing and some time after did so raise the Hearts of all the Halists in all his Dominions that the Fortress of Blunid in the Kingdom of Clonstade whose Governour had required time to deliver it up did utterly refuse to perform his promise on the contrary being in hopes of some Relief he fortify'd himself in it and bid defiance unto the Senate of that Kingdom declaring That he would never part with it but to Amurat who had plac'd him in there and for whom he would preserve it to the last extremity and divers Halists did arm themselves secretly and did associate together in small Troops in hopes of being reinforc'd by Amurat from Leridan so soon as he should have reduc'd that Kingdom which they expected he would do in a very short time News were also sent over into Albania that Amurat with some of his Friends Halist and a numerous Army of Persians was landed in Leridan had subdued his Enemies recover'd that Kingdom banish'd from thence all Mahometans and was going with all expedition to do the like in the Kingdom of Clonstad from whence he would march to them with a Triumphant Army and restore all his Friends the Halists to their Estates and Employs destroy wholly the Mahometan Religion banish all its Abettors and establish there the Religion of Hali they went so far as to prefix a time for Amurat's Return and in all their Discourses their Actions and in their very Looks they express'd as much confidence and assurance as could be imagin'd that all this would infallibly come to pass Mean time the Grand Senate of the Empire was continually in Consultation how to secure the Mahometan Religion the Laws of the Land the Liberty of the Subject and the whole Empire from the Persians Usurpation and all the Conspiracies of the Halists they order'd amongst other things that all Halists should depart at ten miles distance from the Metropolis of the Empire but they were so puff'd up with the expectations of their sudden deliverance that they minded it not and but very few and them of the most timid amongst them did observe those Orders On the other hand the Confederate Princes against Cha-abas unsufferable Pride and Ambition did daily gain Victories against his Forces who were forc'd to retreat and abandon all that they had taken against their former Treaties and Engagements but it was not without using all the Violences and Cruelties imaginable there was nothing to be seen but Fires Ruines Desolations Rapes Thefts and Murders in all places that they quitted not so much as sparing of Mosquees nor the Palaces of Princes and other publick Buildings which amongst all Nations were ever preserv'd between the most implacable and inveterate Enemies Moreover Cha-abas call'd the Heathens to come and make diversions with their Arms in the Territories of the Confederate Princes assuring them that they might do what they pleas'd against them whilst he would buy off their other Enemies and with his whole Power keep them in play towards his Frontiers Thus did that great Pretender of the Extirpation of Heresies and of the setting up of Hali's Religion cause the sworn Enemies of the true Mahometan Religion to destroy with Fire and Sword those who profest his own Religion which plainly shew'd that Religion was only a Pretence he made use of to usurp the Rights of others and to render himself absolute Monarch over all that part of the World a thing which he had long since design'd and divers times attempted and for which now all those Confederate Princes of his own Religion and others of the Mahometan Religion had unanimously agreed to call him to an account not doubting but that the Great Ala who knew all his Treacheries and perfidious Dealings and Usurpations would bless their Arms and Undertakings in so just a Cause against that common Enemy Things were in this posture when that Cha-abas having permitted Love for a time to triumph over his insatiated Ambition was laying close Siege unto the Sultana's Chastity He dress'd himself with all the advantages that he could possible to please her Eye he fram'd the most pathetick Speeches that he could invent to charm her Ears he made her the richest Presents that he could possible do to please her Pridè and Ambition and he express'd as great Passions and transports of Love to gain some returns of the same Nature from her He sent one of those Mercuries which I have mention'd to know of the Sultana when he should have the Honour to wait on her and receive her Commands and at the same time privately to convey into Clorineta's Hands a little Note in which he express'd the continuation or rather increase of his Passion and put her in mind of the Assignation which she had promis'd to make him This Messenger
was receiv'd by the Sultana with that courteous and affable disposition with which she charm'd all Persons that approach'd her Presence and bid him tell the Emperour that no Laws were to be prescrib'd him in his own Empire where it was but too much honour for every one to obey especially by a poor dejected Princess who had refug'd her self under the Wings of his generous Protection but that she should be better disposed and more fitted to receive so great an honour with that respect which she ought to shew to so great and glorious a Monarch about the Evening if he pleased to do her so great an honour and so dismiss'd the Messenger with Civility who having finish'd his business in publick with the Sultana made a Complement to Clorineta who had been present at the delivery of his Message to the Sultana and who had remain'd behind when the Sultana had retired to know whether Cha-abas had retain'd any thoughts of her The Mercury soon found an opportunity of secretly conveying the amorous Note into Clorineta's hand who greedily receiving it told him that she would take the first opportunity that she could possible to read privately the Contents and that according as it required she would send an Answer by an express Messenger With that the Messenger went his ways as having finished the business he was came about and returned to give Cha-abas an account of his Embassy Monitenna with a Rival's look than whose Eyes none are more piercing had observ'd the delivery of the Note the earnestness with which Clorineta had seis'd it and the care with which she had conveyed it into her Bosom all this increas'd her rage and whetted her revenge she did not abandon her Rival one moment all that Day endear'd her self as much as she could possible to her and seeing her in a pensive humour ask'd her what she ailed and whether she could assist her in any thing and do her service Yes answer'd Clorineta and my dear Monitenna you may save my Life or let me loose it I am in such a condition that I want the assistance of such a friend as you are to help me out of it by your good Counsels and Directions Let us get in some private place my Dear added she while the Sultana is retir'd according to her daily custom obout this time and there I 'll lay open my Heart to thee in hopes that thou wilt be my faithful Friend and Counsellor with that taking Monitenna by the hand she led her into her own Appartment When they were got privately together here said Clorineta giving the Note to Monitenna read what the Emperor has writ to me with that Monitenna opening the Paper read in it as follows I Hope that envious Demon of my happiness which guided the Sultana to disturb our Assignation will not be so malicious as to give us new cause of Complaint I shall pay the Sultana a visit this Evening if you can prefix a time for that happy moment and convey to me your designs in Writing I shall be as obedient und diligent in the performance of your Commands as I am impatient of all delays defer no longer giving me some new Assurances of your condescention unto the most passionate desires of him who dies for love of you What do you think of this said Clorineta so soon as Monitenna had made an end of reading I think Madam that there are no Instructions to be given you upon this he has spoken so plain 'T is true reply'd Clorineta but yet there is something that infinitely disturbs my mind What can disturb the mind of a Person who sees her self belov'd passionately belov'd by the greatest Monarch in the World reply'd Monitena those who he abandons who he Sacrifices to you may have cause to complain but for you upon whom his love flows beyond bounds or measures Then Clorineta interrupted her saying From thence flows my misery also for on the one hand I must wrong the best Princess in the World to whom he also makes his Court at the same time if I keep the knowledge of it from her and if I let her know it I shall incurr her hatred and his displeasure in betraying him to her But besides all this I must confess to you that I have gone so far in a commerce of Gallantry with the Mufti Repset that knowing how apthe is to be transported with Passion should he come to the knowledge of my entertaining of any new love though that of a Prince he would be apt to break forth into some extravagancy or other though he should involve himself in my ruine This is my case dear Monitenna continued she and you see how much I stand in need of your Advice in such an intricate business I am not capable of giving you Counsel in this I can assure reply'd Monitenna and where I in your case my self I should stand as much in need of Advice as you do at present which if I could not get I would then follow my own Inclinations and obey my own desires The love of an Emperor is a great inducement to what I say You speak very true reply'd Clorineta and I do verily believe that should I discover Cha-abas's love to the Sultana she would not be so much concern'd at it considering how little she regards his to her self farther than allowing him that respect due to Crownned Heads Well my Will is good I could venture on in giving the Emperour an Assignation if I could tell where conveniently and that I could conceal it from the Mufti 's knowledge Where do you think would be the most convenient place continu'd she None like one of the Pavillions in the Garden answer'd Monitenna after every body is retir'd there you may have all the freedom imaginable of entertaining one another You say right reply'd Clarineta but should Repset at that time come to my Chamber all hours being alike to him and he not find me there nor at the Sultana 's what noise and disturbance would he not make in his Jealousie I know not answer'd Monitenna except you should pretend you were gone ill to Bed and had given out that you would not be disturbed by any Person whatsoever I believe that might do reply'd Clorineta if you would be so kind as to give him his Answer I should do a great deal more for you reply'd Monitenna than that comes to Then will I go write the Assignation for this Night said Clorineta and give it to Cha-abas when he comes by and by to visit the Sultana and then I will dispose my self to go meet him at the place and time appointed which I believe will be most proper betwixt eleven and twelve for the Sultana retires not till eleven besides the Mufti seldome comes to me after eleven I shall rely upon you continu'd she to manage the Mufti in case he should drop in at such an unseasonable time Fear me not reply'd Monitenna as to my part with the Mufti
the Veil of Religion that though he did not absolutely yield to his Reasons yet he had nothing to say for himself but that he would consider of it and give Cha-abas an Answer in a day or two Cha-abas finding that Amurat began to shake in the handle thought of making use of that other means which had succeeded so well before which was in putting the Sultana on following close by Night those Lessons which he and the Mufties of his Party did continually buz in Amurat's Ears all the Day long which made Amurat to believe himself in a worse condition than ever and of truth meerly to rid himself of that continual trouble that he saw himself exposed unto by those perpetual Tongue-Batteries discharg'd against his Constancy and Resolutions he yielded to their Efforts and began to capitulate with Cha-abas about the Business Cha-abas told him that he had no other end in it than the re-establishing of him on his Throne again and all under one to extirpate Heresie But that because Amurat had been so unsuccessful in his former Designs for want of good Counsellors and Officers to perform and execute those Resolutions that the Councils had taken he did think it not only convenient but very necessary to give him such a Counsellor as they might both trust in for Fidelity and Conduct that to avoid all occasion of Murmurs amongst his Subjects who would all expect Relief from the Monies which he should transport with him there should go along with him a Persian Treasurer that should have the whole and sole disposal of his Treasure and that neither of his Subjects either Halists or Mahometans that were Officers should envy one another for those last were to be a little while longer consider'd he would send also some Persian Officers to be put in all strong places to command the Army and to govern the Military Affairs as occasions should serve So that Amurat should have nothing to do but to countenance the whole proceeding as being made in his Name and on his Account till the Business was ended and that then he should take upon him again the whole management of Affairs and Rule as Emperour there and recover through Cha-abas continued assistance the rest of his lost Empire All these sugar'd Bates did Amurat swallow down with the greatest security that could be not so much as once doubting in the least but that all that Cha-abas said was real and sincere He therefore resolv'd once again to launch himself into the World and through Cha-abas kind assistance go and recover his lost Empire Amurat having taken this Resolution and having past his Word to Cha-abas of being wholly and absolutely govern'd by him to see whether that would alter the ill success which he had had hitherto in all his Undertakings There was publick Rejoycings at it Amurat had Liberty to breathe again and was no longer tormented with the continual Alarms which he receiv'd Day and Night from those whom Cha-abas had appointed to torment him But there happen'd another Obstacle which was to be remov'd as a great Impediment to Cha-abas other Designs So far he had consulted but his own Pride and Ambition but Love claim'd a share in his Bosome also and the Sultana's Charms had already made so deep an impression in his heart that it was impossible for him to yield to those earnest Intreaties and Prayers which she made that she might attend on Amurat in that Expedition He represented to her the Season of the Year the Inconstancy of the Elements that she would expose her self to the Uncertainty of the Success the Inconveniencies of lying long at Sea of Landing amongst Enemies of going from a pure to an unwholesome corrupt Air where diseased men might make it still more dangerous In fine he himself and those whom he set on the Sultana to disswade her from going acted so well their Parts that not only the Sultana but Amurat himself who had already given his Consent for the Sultana to accompany him did resolve that she should rest behind at least till it were convenient for her to come over Mean time all Dispatches were made for the sudden putting in execution what had been design'd and agreed on betwixt the Two Emperours insomuch that in a short time Amurat was told that the Fleet and all the things necessary for his Expedition were in a readiness and ready to set Sail only they wanted his Person without which nothing could be done Thus was Amurat sent away from his Sultana to countenance Cha-abas Designs on Leridan and to give more Liberty to his amorous Intrigues For no sooner was Amurat gone but that Cha-abas laid close Siege unto the Sultana's Vertues and follow'd it so close that he prevented the Design which she had taken and which doubtless she had executed of confining her self into some Society of Religious Women during Amurat's Absence had not Cha-abas Love been very diligent in breaking her measures He had not yet made any Declaration of Love to her and all those Services and Demonstrations of Respect which he shew'd her pass'd but for the effects of his Courtesie and Civility to a Princess in affliction He had had some thoughts of declaring his Passion but he thought it was not to be done in a mean and ordinary method but in such a manner as should correspond with his Glory the Greatness of the Sultana and the Excess of his Passion He daily did afford her new Divertisements and finding that there still reign'd over the Sultana's Brow a certain melancholick Air which though it added no small Lustre unto the Sultana's Majestick Gravity yet did not so well answer his amorous Designs towards her he resolv'd upon communicating of his Designs unto Clorineta Wife to Clorinet who had accompanied the Sultana from Turky into Persia and all along been Privy to all the Sultana's Contrivances Plots and Intrigues and in whom the Sultana put all her Confidence and Trust We have had no occasion in the First Part of the Court Secret to mention this Person but having divers opportunities to bring her upon the Stage in this Second Part it is fitting that I should give you a short Description of her She was very handsome yet though some few years had of late left some Traces behind them which spoke the Relicks of a very exquisite Beauty and her gay Humour free Air and Natural Amorous Disposition did still perswade her and not without Cause that she had Beauty enough left to captivate the Heart even of the proudest Monarch of the World and she had divers times tacitely within her self wish'd that those Addresses at large which Cha-abas had made to the Sultana had been design'd to her who had certainly given them more favourable Receptions and Returns than he might ever expect from the more vertuously strait-laced Sultana not without hopes that she might thereby gratifie those Two Passions of Love and Gain which had still so great an Ascendant over her and
I can never do too much for you wherefore I have transmitted the Person himself here he was in his sleep when I did it but I suppose by this awakned or will soon awaken at your coming Moretto being now come to the steps that went to the Summer-House door Ascend Madam continued he and then admire what I have done for you With that he led her up and put her into the house then took the Maid who follow'd her Mistress and put her in also and bid them go forward to the Table As re-assur'd as Roxana was she durst not contradict her Guide which gave him time to shut the door upon them and to retire Roxana was wondering at the great and clear light which so many Lamps as were placed there did give when that Ibrahim as if newly awakned being set off with the most advantageous Dress that he could possible put on and adorn'd with a world of Jewels did raise himself from a Day-Bed on which he was lying and as if amaz'd startling and staring Is it a Dream or do I wake said he then looking about him Where am I continu'd he Then looking on Roxana Ha! What do I see the very Darling of my Soul my Heart's Delight and all that I most desired What good Angel has been so kind as to continue and conclude my Dream with such a blessed Vision Roxana Divine Roxana here and I stand still and not cast at her feet a Heart that is so wholly hers Pardon sweet Angel the Errour that the great surprisal I am in at so fair a Vision has caus'd me to commit and deign to accept the offers of an Heart whose greatest Glory is to be your Slave With that he was going to throw himself at Roxana's feet when she moving her Body that way But hold said he again to himself let not my excess of Joy render me too rash and lose the Blessing I enjoy in this bright Apparition by drawing too near with my Terrestrial Body then falling back again while he was speaking this thus he continu'd If you are not but condens'd Air or some Etherial Spirit who to mock my Passion for a time has assum'd this glorious shape to render me afterwards the most miserable wretch living when you again dissolve into soft Air. Speak give me some signs of Life a Voice coming from so admirable a Shape cannot but be all Harmony to my Heart At this Roxana bowing forward was going to speak when he again interrupted her thus By Heavens it moves but one word and I am blessed for ever Then did Roxana say Whoe're you are that thus exercise your Wit and Fancy upon a Person who knows her self much inferiour to what the extasy you seem to be in leads you to speak know that I am the real Roxana Mistress of this place If all I hear and see is not Inchantments which I am apt to believe is when I consider that Shape which is before me and those Expressions which whether true or feigned real or delusive please my Ears and Heart and if you are as real Substance as I find my self to be I may now say I have seen the reality of those things which I before did only frame in my imagination and since I find that all which that Great man has told me proves true even beyond my expectation I am apt to believe that all the rest he has told me will be of the same stamp If he has said Madam reply'd Ibrahim that you should see a Person in whose single heart there was more Love contain'd for you than in all the World besides though all were too little yet If that he told you that it was impossible for that person to live a day longer after seeing you without the hopes that you would accept of an Heart which is wholly yours If he has assur'd you that from the first moment that person beheld you he vow'd to live eternally yours I am the person In confirmation of which I here lay my life and all I can call mine at your feet protesting by our great Prophet that I will never rise again from this place till you are pleas'd to accept and receive this free though unworthy Gift I make you of my self Saying this he slung himself at Roxana's feet she extended her hand to raise him but he taking hold of it and pressing it hard with his lips No Madam continu'd he never must I rise from this place till you have spoke my happiness To which thus Roxana answer'd That I may the sooner relieve you from this unbeseeming and uneasie posture and to follow what the Heavens have decreed in which peradventure concurs something of my own inclination for I cannot but think when I reflect on all that has been acted this night that it is the will of Heaven Here is my Hand that I receive those offers you have made me of your Heart in exchange of which I give you another that was never any others but mine and now yours And I Madam reply'd Ibrahim do take the boldness to seal this Contract on this white Author of my Happiness with my Lips. With this she took him up then said to him looking on her Maid Here is one shall be a secret Witness of our secret Love till we find means to get our Friends consents mean time you know my Father's severity towards me by which you may guess that if he had been now at Constantinople I should not have had this opportunity which I know not when we shall have again because he is expected here again to morrow After this they fell to particular discourses about the means they should use to see one another and they agreed that Moretto for having been so instrumental to their mutual happiness in bringing them to the knowledge of the Caldean should be admitted into the Confidence not doubting but that betwixt him and her Maid they should have such frequent news of one another that they should not be long before they met again upon which and divers other discourses of that nature day beginning to break forth they thought fit to separate which after a thousand repeated assurances of constancy on both sides they did he leading first Roxana to the Gate of her Garden then he getting over the Wall by his Rope-ladder The brightest â—ay is frequently follow'd with a â—â—ormy Night and the fairest Night succeeded by a Cloudy Day Our Lovers Joys like all vehement Motions were too great to last long and though the Cause of it was not in themselves but from abroad yet so suddain so great and so passionate a Love as was between them rendred them not long happy as you shall hear from what follows Ibrahim was a Person that in all respects was very desirable no wonder then if that Roxana was so impatient to see again a Person so like that which she had fram'd in her imagination that could only please her She had employ'd her Maid and the Maid
some measure proportionable to the Crime for which they are inflicted and can there be a greater than to wilfully and meerly to gratifie some few shallow scruples be the immediate cause of the destruction of so great a work so happily begun and so prosperously gon on You have no more therefore to do but to countenance the business to shape you a great belly which you must increase as the time of your reckoning will require to which purpose you must confide in three or four women which you shall think fit to intrust with so great a secret which may assist you all the time of your feigned Breeding and at the time of your delivery also I find so much difficulty in all this reply'd the Sultana that I know not what to say nor what to do I would do much to avoid those horrid threatnings which are preparing to be put in execution against me but on the other hand how is it possible that I should in the first place deceive the Emperor who being made jealous of some trick acted against his will will be the more curious in the detection of it and if he should at any time desire for his satisfaction to feel the stirring of the Child in my body How shall I prevent him from taking that liberty of satisfying himself Besides grant this was feasable How is it possible to delude so many great Persons highly interessed in this great business who by the Law of the Empire are to be present that are of Mahomet 's Religion and who have at present so much fears upon them and so much cause to suspect foul play that they will be more diligent than usually in respect to the business To this we answer Madam in the first place that the very solemnity of the Pilgrimage will be of great moment next that as to the Emperor we foreseeing such a thing have provided against that inconveniency by letting him know as we have done already that we have reciv'd an Holy Ointment with which your Belly being once rubb'd to prevent miscarriage no prophane hands must for ever after offer to touch it till after delivery and to that purpose Madam when you have once given out to the Emperor that you are with Child by him you must keep your self so close lapped up that he may not by any surprisal when you are asleep attempt the Tryal He is so exact an observer of all things which the Church imposes upon him that after you have once assured him of the thing he will be one of the first that will rejoice at your pregnancy and that will spread it abroad And as to the other doubt you have rais'd Madam in the first place long before hand we shall get several Women that reckon about the time we have prefixt that amongst them we may have a Male-Child to substitute for yours and as to the ways of conveyance of it into the Bed to you there are a hundred ways besides warm Clothes warming-pans trapp-doors back-doors and private windows at the Bedshead to bring a Child in pish those things are practis'd every day especially amongst us of the Clergy who are not permitted to marry but because the grand Mufti knows that we and he himself are made of the same Flesh and Blood as other men we are permitted the use of Women in private and without giving Scandal by which conversation it frequently happens that we are put to such and the like Shifts then let us alone for ordering things so as that none but those of our Sect shall be present at the time of your pretended delivery some shall be sent one way others dispers'd in other places so that all will have the wished for success that we all desire and pray for The Sultana having attentively hearkned to what had been said and being beforehand terrified with those horrid threatnings which they had denounc'd considering within her self that all the evil that was in it they took upon themselves and that she had no further end in it but the good advancement of her Religion she consented though yet not without some kind of Reluctancy and told them that since they assured her that they would take upon themselves all the evil that she might fancy to be in the Action and that they would stand by her always encounter and oppose all the Jealousies which the Emperor might have on this Affair she yielded to their desires and said she would immediately go to the Emperor and fix-on a certain day to set forth All things being thus agreed upon they left the Sultana to perform her part and every one of them went about to act theirs in order of bringing about this grand work Here we shall leave once more the Court to give a visit to poor Roxana who through the great care of those that were about her had perfectly recovered her Senses but was so melanchollick and so dejected that she avoided all Society having no delight but to walk in her Garden and to visit the Summerhouse in which she had first seen her beloved Ibrahim though not without great disturbances and some time when it came into her mind looking on the place where she last saw him what a dismal sight it was to her to see him weltering in his own Blood. Mufti Repset had continually from time to time given her Visits and such of his Counsels and Advises as he thought fit and finding her to be perfectly recovered of her alienation of mind and fancying her more beautiful than ever in that negligent dress she now did wear especially after the loss of all his Amorous hopes towards the Sultana he resolved to change his Note and under pretence of diverting her from her deep Melancholy to entertain a commerce of Love and gallantry with her This was easie for him to do for what with the Liberty usually allowed to Persons of his Profession the small care or rather little Love which her Father had for Roxana after this miscarriage and that part which Zora acted who was the Mufti 's Sister as I have told you already in her Brother's interest the Mufti had opportunity enough to declare his mind to Roxana with all the Liberty and privacy imaginable He made as much use of it as he possibly could unto which his Sister Zora who had been with Roxana ever since her distraction did not a little contribute She was a Lady of the Town one that lov'd much more to sing a Lampoon than to turn over her Beads she was for all Commerse all Ages Complexions Humours Conditions so they but brought Grits to the Mill were welcome But above all she had a particular inclination for a brisk young man of good Parentage good Meen Education and Inclinations but of little or no Fortune whose name was Cara and who had as little hopes of getting any at Court for being no Halist and having but a small stock of ready Cash wherewith to push on his Fortune Zora
Innocence from the aspersion of Disobedience and Rebellion with which they were charg'd they were all sent Prisoners to the Tower of the Dardanelles As this Confinement of the Mufties did highly rejoice the Halists which did all conclude from thence a sudden fall of the Mahometan Religion to the Elevation of theirs so it did raise such fears and apprehensions in the true Mahometists that they began to provide with more vigour than ever though underhand against the Fatal stroke which was ready to fall upon their Religion Rights and Lives They sent Messengers to Prince Solyman to intreat him to be in a readiness to defend his own Right and the Laws of the Empire He hearken'd to their advices and made Preparations underhand to assist those of his own Religion and to free them from Persian slavery Thus were all Parties busie in supporting and promoting their own interest by all means imaginable The one pufft up with great hopes and the other as much abased with fears and apprehensions Roxana was not without a very great increase of trouble on her part notwithstanding the general rejoicing of all those of her own Sect. She had felt some motions in her Belly which she was not accustom'd to feel which with some sick fits that had lately come upon her had made her to give her Mother an account of the whole her Mother did presently Judge by what her Daughter had told her and by some other Circumstances and Signs that Roxana had not only been ravish'd but that she had been got with Child also She confirm'd her Daughter in those Suspicions that she had of it and the knowledge of that further mischief did wholly cast down Roxana so that from that time she confin'd her self entirely to her Chamber and would not admit but one from amongst all her Servants in which she most confided to approach near her or to see her Our Mufti was not satisfied with applauding himself with his late invention wherewith he had entrapp'd his great Enemies the Mufties of the true Mahometan Religion as he deem'd them but he would be prais'd for it likewise by all his Party not sparing Amurat and the Sultana from acknowledging his Subtilty in the managing of that branch of the great work To this purpose he went to pay his devoirs to the Sultana who he had not seen since that great Exploit She fail'd not to magnifie his ingenuity and to praise his indefatigable Industry in the propagation of the Faith after which falling on particular discourses the Sultana ask'd him what was become of Roxana and her Mother saying that she had not seen them nor heard of them since her return and that she had expected a congratulatory visit from them for her great belly The Mufti glad that the Sultana had fallen on that Theam of her self made answer that he had heard by accident that they were still both in Town but that his multiplicity of business had hindred him from making any further enquiry about them The Sultana said that she had a desire to see the Beauteous and Ingenious Roxana again and with that order'd that a Messenger should be immediately sent from her to the Mother and Daughter to command them to wait on her that very day The Messenger deliver'd the Message to Roxana's Mother but did not come to the speech of her and all that her Mother could say or do after the Messenger was gone to whom she had said they both would obey the Sultana's obliging Commands she could not prevail with her to keep her Company What will the Sultana think said the Mother What shall I say What excuse shall I make All that Roxana said was what you please use your own discretion and act according to your own fancy The Mother was forc'd to go to the Seraglio without Roxana very much dissatisfied and very full of thoughts what she should tell the Sultana and whether she had best to discover to her what misfortunes had hapned to Roxana or not She left all to the conduct of Fortune and resolv'd to discover or keep secret according as the Sultana would give her occasion to act She was kindly receiv'd by the Sultana who presently ask'd after Roxana Is she sick said the Sultana Yes Madam reply'd the Mother she is not well nor very sick neither What Riddle is this reply'd the Sultana Pray unfold it At this the Mother who had much to do to retain her Tears and in whose Face the Sultana had observ'd great marks of Sorrow could no longer contain her self She gave her Eyes liberty to dischage themselves upon her Cheeks which so sensibly mov'd the Sultana that she once again bid her to let her know what was the cause of so great a Sorrow as she express'd assuring her that nothing should be wanting to give her comfort My Griefs are of that nature Madam reply'd the Mother that they will not admit of any Redress I must rest satisfy'd in letting you know them without any hopes of Comfort neither from you nor any body else in the World continu'd she But Madam since it is your pleasure to hear my sorowful Story be pleas'd at least to afford me your Pity With that she told the Sultana all that had happen'd to Roxana since the Court's removal and return This is very ill for poor Roxana said the Sultana the rather because that there is no means left to know her Ravisher who though I do not believe to be designedly so yet deserv'd some punishment for using so ill the opportunity which he had of serving poor Roxana in a nobler way at least if he were a person sutable to her rank he should be compell'd to marry her or I should lose my Interest with Amurat. But though I cannot redress your Griefs according to my own desires in some measure I will alleviate them and render them somewhat more easie for you both to bear Does any body know of Roxana 's misfortune added the Sultana No Madam not any one I can assure you for she has not seen the Face of any person since nor could I so much as prevail with her to wait upon you Madam I cannot deny but that Zora Mufti Repset 's Sister may suspect something of the business as having had a hand in it on the Mufti 's account so far as his design went. That 's nothing reply'd the Sultana They are both of the Cabal in which I now will joyn you and Roxana as being persons that may be of great use to me in carrying on the great design But you must be all secret not a whisper or a betraying look or all is lost Madam you may command our Lives reply'd the Mother we should go to our deaths without murmuring if it were to serve you I believe you and thank you reply'd the Sultana Know now that for the good of our Cause and the Glory of the Sect of our great Prophet Haly it has been thought fit by our Privy Council
juncture was the advice which her Mother had sent her in Writing concerning the Letter which had been delivered with her into the Captain's hand in which was written the Sentence of her Death but no Advice or Counsel had been added to her Mother's Care how she should avoid or get off that danger Cara's Love would not let him rest he took all occasions and made use of all the opportunities that offered themselves to shew a more than usual Zeal and Diligence to serve her personally thereby both to get another fair sight of her and to ingratiate himself into her good opinion of truth he was so diligent in serving her beyond that morose way which most of those who use the Seas are inclin'd to that Roxana could not but observe it and those assiduous Services being seconded with divers Presents of Refreshments and offers of further Services Roxana had no longer any place to doubt but that all was the Effects of her unfortunate beauty as she us'd to stile it Upon this Opinion she began to build some hopes to attain to the knowledge of the Particulars contained in the fatal Letter whereby she hop'd that she might find out some means to prevent that mischief which she was going to To this purpose she thought that her Beauty though so much alter'd of late might much contribute especially towards a person who she perceiv'd did endeavour by all means imaginable to see her face wholly unvail'd she therefore was not long without giving him an opportunity of so doing but so as if it were by meer accident She pretended that the want of a free Air in the Cabin did make her sick and therefore desired Cara that he would give his Prisoner leave as she term'd her self to take a little Air upon the Deck That was a Request so suitable to Cara's desires that he made her this answer My Prisoner Madam said you I know of no such thing and if you were so really you have those Charms about you that will set you free whenever you desire them to act be assur'd Madam continued he that I am so far from thinking you a Prisoner much less of using you like one that I here offer you all my Services in any thing that may tend to your satisfaction and content with that he took her by the hand and led her upon the most convenient place on the Deck Where she sate un … a large Umbrello incompassed round with her own Slaves and Servants The Wind blowing a little fresh her Vail was disordered by it she took that opportunity of shewing her self in pulling it quite off as she was about setting of it in order again as if by accident which causing her to blush she said to Cara who stood as if struck with Thunder at the admiration of so much beauty The very Elements are set against me they would not else have discovered to you Sir that which may hereafter slacken your Civilities towards a Person that now you will have no longer any Opinion that she deserves them Cara stood still mute gazing upon Roxana though vail'd again without the power to stir or speak one word Roxana taking that for a good sign took the liberty to proceed thus Cast your Eyes upon some other Object which may blot out of your imagination those Lines which my deficiency may have traced there that you may be no longer troubled at your so free offers of Services to a person so little deserving them I 'll release you of them Sir. Madam replyed Cara who was a little come to himself again I am so strangely surprised at what chance joined to my good Fortune has shewn me that I know 〈◊〉 whether I had better wish my self turn'd all into Eyes to gaze on that Treasure of Beauty I have seen or into one whole heart to offer at your Feet as a Sacrifice though most unworthy to so much perâ—â—ction Roxana finding the Air too cool arose to retire Cara accompanying her to her Cabbin She said I take Sir what you are pleas'd to say to me as words of course which your mouth uses to utter while your heart may have no share at all in them If ever I was guilty of any such thing Madam answered Cara be assur'd that now what I say is the pure and sincere Dictates of an heart that would be too happy to expire in your Service and that my mouth has no further to do with it than in obedience to my Heart's commands Take heed Sir that you say replyed Roxana you know not to whom you make those fair offers and what great inducements I may have to take you at your word You may wonder and not without cause at my forwardness in the acceptance of your Services continued she but know Sir that those circumstances that I at present lye under may be of such a nature as may plead my excuse for a way of proceeding so contrary to the Rules that the most prudent and modest of our Sex do observe In a word Sir I find that I have not too much time left me to imploy after some means to preserve my life Once more Sir I tell you that I am your Prisoner and that you have orders to lead me and to deliver me up to my Executioners Who I Madam replyed Cara strangely surpris'd when did I receive such Orders and from whom From Mufti Repset replyed Roxana It is he who has pronounc'd my Sentence and that has trusted you with the care of seeing it executed Riddles all Riddles to me Madam I can assure you answered Cara I have no further orders than to receive you and your Servants with your Goods on board my Vessel to convey you all to Persia there to deliver you into the hands of certain Religious Persons which for their austerity of Lives and discipline of Religion are the most unfit Persons that could ever be pitch'd upon to perform so horrible an Act as your bare mentioning of makes my very heart to tremble within me Well Sir replyed Roxana to convince you that I know more of the reach of your Commission than you know your self give me leave to tell you that you have in your power my Life and Death Yes Sir I know that you have a Letter in which is contain'd the Decree of my Death and that in the delivery or retention of that Letter consists either my happiness or misery I must confess Madam that I have a Letter answer'd Cara which I have order to deliver with you into such persons hands as I have mentioned but what the Contents are I am wholly ignorant of only this intimation I have had from the Mufti you mention'd that it contain'd the Emperor's particular orders and that therefore I should be very observant in the delivery of it Well Sir replyed Roxana obey the Order and deliver me up a Victim to the Mufti 's revenge though you incur the Emperor's displeasure Who I am certain knows nothing
though he is so great a Preselyte to the Religion of Haly of which most of those Confederate Princes against Cha-abas are Professors Thus have the Mahometists under pretence of Friendship to Persia work'd those Ends and brought about those purposes for the advantage of Pesina which they could not compass by open force and put the Pesinians by their entring into the Confederacy in a Capacity of not only recovering suddenly all that Cha-abas has at several times basely stol'n from them but in sharing also in that spoil which is intended of the whole Persian Empire I hope the Reader will pardon this Digression on condition that I will not trouble him with any more And now I return to my Subject again Cha-abas having gone so far in his Design against the Ottoman Empire as to cause Amurat to desert it though his Designs were first quite different from what had happen'd he design'd farther to make use of Amurat's Desertion of his Empire to his particular advantage which could not be done without causing Amurat to change the Resolution which his good Nature had promp'd him to of retiring from the World into some Religious Place there to end his days in Devotions To this purpose Cha-abas gave Orders That all persons from the highest to the lowest in his Dominions should give the same respect to Amurat and to his Sultana as they us'd to shew to himself He caus'd them to be bravely and magnificently entertain'd in all places they pass'd through made his own Guards to attend them and sent his own Chariots to bring them to a magnificent Palace which he had caus'd to be richly furnish'd and adorn'd with all necessary things for their Reception and went some part of the way himself to receive them with all the Demonstrations of Sorrow imaginable and all the Assurances of Friendship Aid and Assistance that could be expected protesting That notwithstanding all those formidable enemies which he had at that time on his hands he would re-seat Amurat on his Throne and that he would beg for Peace on his bare Knees of his enemies rather than not pursue the destruction of the Mahometan Religion which he was resolv'd to accomplish happen what would and to make Amurat a more glorious and absolute Prince in the Ottoman Empire than ever any of his Predecessors had been Thus did that Vain Man that Monster of Pride Cruelty and Ambition domineer and huff when he knew not which way to turn himself before the Confederate Princes who were all resolv'd to pull down his Pride and to take from him at once all those places and whole Provinces which by fraud and deceit he had at divers times encroached and stoln from them He had first tried all means imaginable and had apply'd himself to the Grand Mufti and to the Emperour of Myrgena with promises to restore all that he had gained from them but they told him that they knew him too well to trust any longer to his Word which he had never kept So that finding that that would not do he had propos'd to beg those Princes Pardon which he had offended and to make full restitution of all that he had possest himself of theirs with an assurance that he would submit to all that they should please to impose upon him provided they would but withdraw their Forces from falling upon him till he had accomplish'd that great Design he had so well begun of totally rooting out the true Mahometan Religion But those Confederate Princes knowing that all that he said was but to divert them from taking revenge of all his perfidious dealings against them and that at the very time that he so earnestly begg'd for a Peace he was animating and fomenting the Heathens to continuing a War against the Mahometists they therefore gave no ear to any thing he said but went on still with their preparations of War against him with all the vigour imaginable This made Cha-abas to look out for a place of Retreat in time in case he should be driven out of his own Empire but he did it with that same Pride and Ostentation which usually accompanies all his Actions He cast his eye on the Island Leridan pertaining to Amurat and which still held out for him all the Natives of that Kingdom being Halists and govern'd by Clorinet who was a great Halist also and who had been plac'd in that station by Amurat After then that he had brought Amurat and his Sultana to that Palace which he had appointed for them and settled an Allowance for their Maintenance suitable to their Greatness he began to consider which way to begin and in what proper Terms to propose to Amurat so that he might not find out his drift the reâ—â—ction of Clonstad and of Albiona to him but Amurat was not long without giving him himself a fair opportunity of declaring his Mind for he being still dejected and unconsolable for the loss of the Love of his Subjects without which he had no prospect of ever recovering his Right again did still pursue the Design which he had taken of leaving the World and of retiring into some Religious House where to end his days in peace and quietness and mention'd his Design to Cha-abas There needed no more to set the Persian Emperour on this was matter sufficient for him to work upon He represented to Amurat that that would tarnish the Glory of all his former Actions it would give occasion to the World to censure him and to future Ages to entertain aâ— very ill Opinion of him He added That he himself was so highly concern'd in the whole Business that it would greatly tarnish that Glory which the Justice of his Cause and the good success of his Arms had acquired him if he did not re-establish Amurat on his Throne and totally root out of all his Dominions the Mahometan Religion as he had already done out of his own Empire and would do out of the whole World before he would be quiet That a War which was founded on Religion and the extirpation of Heresies as his was was not to be left undone being of quite another Nature than those Wars which are made on the account of securing ones Right enlarging of ones Dominions increasing of ones Glory and the like That whosoever once set his his Hand to that Plough wherein Religion was concern'd was not to look back but to go forwards over all the Hazards and Difficulties imaginable being confident that the more perillous the more glorious the Achievement of the thing would be that he was ready to assist him with Men Arms Ammunition and Money with Vessels to transport them over into Leridan where he thought it the most convenient to begin by the total suppression of all his Mahometan Subjects through the aid and assistance of those Forces which were all Halists under the Conduct of his Lieutenant Clorinet In fine he said so much to Amurat and did so subtly disguise his Designs to him under
of his Actions and heard some of his Words I was just repeating some words out of a Tragedy which affects me much said he Well what News continu'd he from beyond Sea I have nothing new reply'd Repset that is pleasing the Sultana I believe has none neither to her mind she looks so sowre and melancholick I believe that a Nunnery would be the best place for her to retire in with her sad and melancholick thoughts with which she disobliges all the World but you But me reply'd Chilase I had 't is true a glimpse of some hopes by an Assignation but what did it come to and what hopes have I had since who have not heard one word more from her since that time Those great Persons will take their own time reply'd Repset and please their own humours what you have not had yet no doubt you may expect in short next time her inclinations move her you shall hear from her Not if she has occasion of sorrow reply'd Chilase That ebbs and flows as Women please answer'd Repset after they have given a moments space to those troublesom thoughts they soon banish them from their Hearts they empty themselves of all that can but in the least check their Desires and are all Love and Pleasure within with whatsoever formality and sowreness they disguise themselves without Wait with patience and be happy in your great Enterprise while I must rest contented with my meaner Fortune Your Fortune reply'd Chilase is certain and you certainly happy in the possession while I live only upon hopes and desires The two Mufties were enter'd into those serious Reflexions far from either of their thoughts and designs when that Word was brought in that a Person of Quality was come who demanded to speak with Mufti Chilase which made the Mufti Repset to retire Monitenna had engag'd in this her Design against the Mufties a Person who was highly oblig'd to her for having obtain'd for him a Favour from the Emperour he was to bring along with him a Friend or two more to assist him she had inform'd them in every Circumstance she had engag'd the two Mufties by the two Notes which she had sent not doubting but that Repset's Jealousie would oblige him to watch Monitenna or his Envy and Malice towards Chilase mixt with Love towards the Sultana would make him endeavour to prevent his Rival's Happiness in interposing between either of which would serve her turn though she wish'd he might take the last Course In fine she had fitted all things to her purpose and all this with the Sultana's approbation and to Clorineta's knowledge so far only as it concern'd Chilase but not a word of Repset had she mention'd she had posted her Friends in a little Room next to that in which she design'd to bring the two Mufties as in the Sultana's Chamber all was to be transacted in the dark as if by the Sultana's Orders she had advertis'd Cha-abas of the time that he should appear and what he should say and she her self was to be their Conductor she had no more to do but to wait the hour which was near at hand To give a better Colour to the business and take off all Suspicion on the Muftie's sides the Sultana had quitted her own Chamber to Monitenna's disposal for that night and was retired to her Closet with Clorinetta to pass the time at Cards till the Sport was ready and Cha-abas had been dispos'd of in the nearest Pavillion in the Garden to the Sultana's Chamber The hour being come News were brought to Monitenna that the Mufti Repset did appear There was no body stirring in the whole Apartment and an obscurity reign'd all over it but in such places as Monitenna had thought fit to enlighten with some small Candles with the help of one of them which stood at a low Window was the Mufti discern'd Monitenna who was in a Dress which did sufficiently disguise her for a Woman belonging to the Sultana came and taking him by the Hand I see you are punctual said she and rather a little before your time Follow me continu'd she and I 'le lead you where you may be undressing your self while I go to the Sultana to learn when I shall bring you to her With that she led him into a little Room where there was a Light in which she lock'd him up and went to be ready to receive the other Mufti whose Love would not let him stay one moment beyond his time she accosted him with Words much of the same Nature and led him into another convenient Room where she bid him undress himself and prepare for to go along with her to the Sultana so soon as she should receive the Orders from her so to do about which she was now going she shut him in also and went to call that Woman who had informed her of the Mufti 's coming she bid her to follow her and to take that Person by the Hand which she would give her in the dark and to lead him very slowly into the Sultana's Chamber and to her Bed-side where she should leave him and retire locking the door after her and that when she was come to the Bed-side she should pull the Curtain a little open Having thus plac'd that Woman she went into the Chamber where she put out the Candle telling the Mufti there would be no occasion for one and taking him by the Hand she led him in his Morning-Gown to the passage where the Woman was in the dark and put him into her Hand so run before through the Sultana's Chamber took the other Mufti by the Hand and led him hastily to the other side of the Sultana's Bed where having heard the sign of the Curtain being drawn she left him With what eagerness did those two Mufties pull off their Gowns to step into the Embraces of a languishing Sultana How were their Souls agitated with the very thoughts of the Enjoyments they were going to surfeit with How many different violent Passions did at once seize on their Spirits Love Fear Respect and Ambition were all struggling at once which should have the Mastery over their Spirit and the Contention was so equally great that it was the Cause neither of those Passions had the power to quite exasperate their Spirits and transport them beyond their natural bounds They stept into the Bed at the same time with all the gentleness and reservedness imaginable and with trembling Hands and aking Hearts stretcht forth their Arms to feel out for the prey they met one anothers Hand and at the very first touch pull'd them back as if each had met with a Viper not without a strange surprisal and both lay quiet a while after which endeavouring to inform themselves better with their Legs they approach'd them towards the middle of the Bed with as little satisfaction as they had receiv'd from their Hands but with much more apprehensions At last the boldest of the two had so much Courage