might might come he might give Laura in exchange for his Daughter or that the Bassa loving her as he did in case of necessity to make Peace with him would for her sake grant him better Conditions he was not of Opinion with Assen's Friends who advised him to be rid of her Assen much troubled his project had failed resolved to put himself into a condition of stealing her away helping to effect it as a thing depending intirely on himself Beyran whose desires to see Laura increased by the difficulty he found of obtaining it from Assen would not ask it of him the second time but went straight to the Dey to beg leave to see her under pretence of learning from her the truth of what was reported concerning the Sultaness and the Christian who was fled The Dey too well assured of the amour betwixt them by the evidence of the Moor who carried the Basket and of several Women of the Seraglio and other Circumstances little needed further Information But Beyran being his Favourite and thinking his request proceeded meerly from curiosity of seeing the fair Slave he granted it and gave order to Laura's Guards to let him see her This Favourite had heard the Slave was very handsom but could not learn how long she had been at Tunis nor how taken fortune having so ordered it that he addressed his inquiry to Persons that could give him no certain account Assen had been busie that day arming his Brigandine under pretence of sending her a cruising and commanded his People being almost all Christian Slaves to be ready at the Cape of Carthage to sail with the first Orders Laura was dispos'd the night before to venture passing the Sea in that little Vessel The weather was fair the Season pleasant and they hoped if the wind served to reach the Isle of St. Peter in two days Assen goes to visit her and finds her trembling for fear Madam says he this is not a time to tremble but to arm your self with Resolution and Courage I am a Woman Assen answers she and one unhappy enough to have cause to fear the worst both for you and my self Assen endeavoured to hearten her saying she should be set at liberty on the morrow and that he would take her out of the Castle without difficulty or danger Laura was in fear still and so much disordered she knew not where to begin to provide for her escape when on the sudden she heard her Chamber door open and turning about saw a man enter which frightned her so apprehending a discovery that she fell in a Swoon with these words in her mouth Ah! Lord we are undone Assen extreamly surprized at the accident and the Moor foreseeing the Aga knew not what to think might occasion his company thither believing it could not be but in behalf of the Dey Both Beyran and he were busie about Laura holding her up but of the two Beyran seemed most concern'd He viewed and reviewed her Countenance her stature her hair her hands with a diligence and trouble too extraordinary not to surprize Assen to whom he had not yet said a word But all on the sudden giving free passage to a thousand sighs his surprize had stopt or suspended Oh Heavens Cries he as a man transported 't is she 't is she my Dear Eleanor And at the same time falling down at her knees embraced them with that tenderness and height of affection you would have thought he would have died there for joy These words and transports and hearing him call her Eleanor surprized Assen he knew not whether it was the Aga he saw there or some other that had borrowed his shape Laura the mean while was pretty well come to her self and angry at seeing at her feet a man she knew on no other account but that the sight of him had almost cost her life struggled the best she could to get from him But the Aga with eyes full of tears and not able to say a word held her so much the faster Laura extreamly astonish'd Sir says she if this be an effect of pity you have for the fortune of an unfortunate Slave I have done ill to be so much alarm'd at the sight of you But I thought you came on a design contrary to my wishes You little know Madam says the Aga with a languishing tone the Person prostrate before you Laura feigning she knew the voice fixt her eyes on him to take a better view Heavens cries she what do I see is it possible it should be he With that she falls into a second Swoun into the arms of Assen who much troubled at it intreated the Aga to withdraw a little fearing the sight of him might be the death of the poor Maid not knowing who he was What say you says the Aga Alas she knows me too well being the sole cause of all her misfortunes Assen I know you be honest and my very good Friend and therefore I apprehend no danger in telling you she is a Person whose Merits as well as Birth make her worthy your Care and one for whom I would lose a thousand Lives to save her from harm Assen hearing this fell from one astonishment to another and would have fain cleared the Mystery of the Adventure but was so busied with endeavouring to fetch Laura again that he thought it convenient to respite the Discourse to a fitter Opportunity The Aga extreamly concerned assisted him with extraordinary diligence and Laura beginning to take breath Assen asked her if she desired that Turk should quit the Room and told her he was the Aga the Dey's Favourite he had told her of She making no answer turned her dying Eyes towards the Aga and with a languishing voice Ah cruel said she What Fate brought thee hither to persecute me to Death Beyran could not hear that Language without falling the second time at her feet and washing them with a torrent of tears without speaking a word Leave me Traytor says she leave me that I may dye in quiet rather than be deluded again with thy tears which deceitfully as they are have but too strong an effect on my feeble heart Assen the spectator of so tender a Scene having fresh in memory the story of Laura with Marquess Hippolito and Don Alphonso knew not what to think of it The Aga was a Renegado arrived at Tunis a year before and Assen fancied he might be one of those Lovers and rather the Marquess Hippolito than Don Alphonso Laura in the height of her anger having express'd a tenderness for him which she could not have retained but for one she had loved He had a desire to know the bottom of the business but thought it unseasonable to interrupt them and was in hopes this Scene would end in a discovery of the Mystery Yet being himself straightned in time and that they were fallen into a deep silence using only expressions of mutual sighs He thought fit to say to the Aga whom he
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
and being active and ingenious quickly took order to have all things in readiness that were necessary for their purpose The Spring was come and the Weather seasonable for Travel when on a fair day the Young Gentleman and his Servant privately left Rome and Imbarqued at Civita Vecchia in a Felucca hired for the purpose His design was to visit the best Courts of Europe beginning with that of Spain But there are Persons over whom Fortune is so rigorously imperious that she seems jealous of any thing they undertake without consulting her first 'T was she who provided Count Alexander a Voyage into Africk when he had designed to confine his Travels to Europe Of the Towns he was to see Tunis was marked out by Fortune for one and though much out of his Road yet where Fortune intermeddles there always happens something extraordinary her excesses and Extravagancies being that which chiefly makes us take notice of her The fourth day after he had left Civita Vecchia this Young Lord began to perceive that though all the Elements are terrible at Sea yet Men who are Enemies are more terrible than the Elements Till then the Weather had been fair to extremity not a puff of contrary Wind He proceeded in his Voyage with what speed he could wish and blessed himself at the happiness of the Weather The Coast of Italy is dangerous especially in Summer being then subject to In-roads by People of the South whose livelihood is Robbery and when the Weather is fair their Trade is so great that whosoever is not upon his Guard is happy if he escape them I mean the Corsairs of Barbary Count Alexander who never thought he had left Rome to be led in Triumph to Tunis saw himself at break of day saluted by a Brigandine of that Nation The poor Seamen presently took Alarm the sight of one Turban was sufficient to affright them And the Turks had scarce discharged three or four Musquets at the Christians but they leapt into the Sea to save themseves by swimming the Italian Count and his Servant staid in the Vessel not in hopes of being able to defend themselves against that number of Enemies which the strength of Rollando and the Inchanted Armour of Amadis could scarcely have done whereas now a Man is but a Man and among other Secrets that of Inchanting Arms is lost But having no skill in swimming he could not expect to esape as the Mariners Yet he was not so out of love with his Life but that he held it better to be a Slave than be drowned But that those Barbarous Corsairs might see what a Person they dealt with and that he might sell his Liberty as dear as possible having commanded his Servant to throw his Baggage over-board he gave him order what further to do I will omit the Description of the Action though reputed the most glorious ever done on the Mediterranean being a Combate of Two against Thirty whereof they laid six dead on the Deck and many more wounded 'T was an Engagement of a Herd of Wolves against Two young Lions who defended themselves with unparallel'd Valour and Courage 'T is true the Turks not to lose the Money they did expect from their Ransom spared them at first using Cudgels only against them but at length the Blood and Death of their Comrades and the shame and disdain they had of so long and obstinate defence made by two rash Christians against them being so many having filled them with rage they had recourse to their Symitars And with so much advantage that having killed the Valet the Young Count after several Wounds received his strength not his Courage having failed him in so tedious a Fight was forced to yield being no longer able to lift up his Arm to make use of his Sword The Cowardly Villains had scarce the Courage to board him and durst not approach him till they saw him fallen flat on his back They took him and carried him on board their Brigandine where they gave him all the help in their power for saving his Life having no other mark of their Victory but the taking one Valiant Person who had cost them too dear to be proud of their Prize They beheld him with Admiration and could not comprehend how an Age so tender could be capable of so much Courage and that in a Body appearing so delicate there was strength enough lodged to perform the actions they had seen And being Naturally Superstitious they did really believe there was something supernatural in the Young Mans Person or at least that he was the Flower of Christendom this conceit helped them to bear with more patience the shame of their Victory And finding their Men thin and having taken before some considerable Prizes they resolved to return directly for Tunis The Weather was favourable and in few days sail they arrived at Gouletta where going ashore they put the poor Count on Horse-back bound and pinion'd like a Robber and brought him to the Town some of these Barbarians having got the start of the rest spread such a Report of his Valour and Courage that they drew together not the ordinary People only who are curious of small matters but the Principal Persons of Tunis and the Bassa himself who accompanyed with many of his Friends came walking towards the Ruines of Carthage to see the arrival of this Famous Christian whom they imagined a Man that carried Terror in his looks But how were they surpriz'd to see a Youth pale and disfigured yet keeping with his good mien the marks of Grandeur in his Countenance He was pityed by all and the Bassa being a gallant and generous Person was presently seized with such indignation against the Villains who used in that manner one so little deserving it that he commanded them forthwith on pain of his displeasure to unbind him upon the place which they instantly did not daring to disobey him who next the Dey was of greatest Authority and Power in the Kingdom He asked them the price of their Slave and having commanded him to be conducted to his Palace paid the Corsairs five hundred Patacoons being the Money they demanded Count Alexander having happily fallen into the hands of so good and generous a Patron began to recover He was Lodged in a handsom Apartment where the Bassa's Chyrurgions searched his Wounds And being more carefully lookt to than on board the Brigandine he soon found himself better though weak and sore bruised by what he had suffer'd at Sea from the hands of those Barbarians who having no pity for any had not been too careful of him yet there was no danger of his Life the Fever he had was not great and they had hopes to see him well in few days The Bassa visited him Morning and Evening and by degrees his care and kindness grew to that height that he came more frequently to see him and not only took more particular notice of him but increased daily the esteem and friendship
discretion to deal with the Women of that Country whose passion of love is sometimes so violent that they observe no bounds that the Sultaness was indeed the most rational she had known amongst them and had the most wit yet tender and passionate as the rest That she and he would be immutably ruined if the Bassa who had no small experience in Amours should once have the least suspicion of the Intrigue That there was not in the Kingdom a man more tender of his honour than he and that all the kindness he had for him would not save him from his indignation if he once came to know he had seen his Wife As much taken as our young Roman was with the pleasant beginnings of his Amours and for all his rejoycings at those evident kindnesses he had received from the greatest Beauty under Heaven yet he could not forbear reflecting on Laura's good counsels but went musing along the Seraglio what course he should take what means he should use against so dangerous a Passion which would certainly bring him to ruin and confusion When the Bassa going to one of his Mistresses met him by the way and seeing him pass by without so much as saluting him he presently fell a laughing and taking him by the arm Now said he I see that you are in love The Count being confounded at his surprizing him in that case made excuses for his fault The Bassa made answer that if he desir'd to be pardon'd he must freely confess the truth and acknowledge himself extreamly disordered at the Merits and Beauty of Laura More Sir said the Count with a very deep sigh than you can possibly express or imagine But it being late and the Bassa not willing to stay he deferred the more particular inquiry to another opportunity and dismiss'd him to his Lodging This was a great happiness and no less pleasure to the young Lover who was not then in condition to give the Bassa an account of his Amours Part of that night he pass'd walking in his Chamber as if he had intended to come to a Resolution before he went to bed It was not the fear of death or misfortune that troubled him but the horrour of ingratitude and having received so much kindness from the Bassa thought it inexcusable in him to have any unjust designs on his Wife But then says he should I not be the most ungrateful of men should I slight the affection of so charming a Person to whom if I consider her Obligations according to their value I owe more than to the Bassa And is it not possible for me to see and to love her within bounds so as to be blameless on the one side and the other No no if there be ingratitude in that I cannot help it there is nothing in the World can excuse me to the Sultaness and love ought to make my excuse with the Bassa This was the last Combate between gratitude and love in the heart of the Count the last carried the day and going to bed thereupon he rested very well The Bassa who was extreamly desirous to see him so deeply in love that he should not be able to deny it was the first that spoke to him to return again that day to the Sultaness Lodgings he gave him the Key of the Seraglio and laughing told him he need not make such haste to come back if he found as much pleasure as he wisht him there but that he must have a care he did not engross all the love to himself but he should give Laura some part unless he were minded to languish as he had done a long time to no purpose The amorous Italian went straight to the Seraglio and Laura who waited for him told him at his arrival he might pass to the same Chamber he had been in and that she would give her Lady notice of his coming but she not having the patience of waiting so long was got already into the Alcove The Count having an extream curiosity and longing for a sight of that place thought it convenient for the purpose to make use of that time when he believed the Sultaness was absent and coming up to the Ballistre gently took up the Curtain But how was he surprized to see on the sudden that charming Person in a posture the most capable of any to make one in love I shall not trouble you with a description of the Alcove which being a Room of State for the Wife of so puissant a Lord you may easily believe was very noble and rich It was raised a foot higher than the Chamber the approach to it being by a space cover'd with a fair Turky Carpet checkquer'd with little squares of Damask wrought with Gold The Sultaness lay on a Bed of Damask of like work and having design'd to shew her self that day to the Count she had not forgot to put her self in an equipage and posture capable to charm him at first sight she had turned her face towards the Ballister leaning her head carelestly on her left arm which you might clearly see in her great Tiffany sleeve after the Turkish mode Her black hair was partly pleated with great ropes of Pearl parting down on her Breast and part on her shoulders and set off the clearness of her delicate Complexion vying with the Snow in whiteness to so much advantage that it wrought wonderful effects in the beholder She had about her body a small Gold Bodice only her bosom being half open and the rest cover'd with a piece of fine Tiffany like an Amazons Scarf all was visible from her Neck to her Breast and so admirable to behold that it had been impossible for an eye having seen it as the Count did to escape being enamour'd of it she had on her head plumes of several colours and in the midst of them a crescent of Silver Her Coat was of a light Stuff Imbroydered with Gold after the fashion of the Country with Diamond Buckles to tuck it up at the knee her Leg was half naked and the rest covered with Buskins all laid over with Diamonds and Pearls in a word she was all so Rich so Gallant so full of Charms that the poor Count was utterly undone at the sight His joy and astonishment were visible to her in that confusion of action and words in which he was so miserably plung'd that he knew not what was become of himself nor what he would say to her But falling into an Extasie and wholly swallowed up with admiration his Eyes and his Sighs were Orators for him The fair Sultaness as soon as she saw him would with a Handkerchief she had in her hand have covered her face and hid from him part of the confusion she was in But the happy Lover recovering courage by degrees passing his arm betwixt the Ballistres hindered her from it Once you might have had reason Madam said he to have kept from my sight those treasures of love as knowing full well that
unfortunate of Men not only for that he had quitted the pursuit but had contributed so much to see her in the Arms of another Hereupon jealousie presently possest him attended with a train of spite rage and peevishness to torment him What great shame thought he could ever happen to a Man as he was who never found resistance from a Woman than to have been slighted by a Slave who was his dependent and had yielded to another Slave as soon as she had seen him For after the passionate relation Alexander had made the Bassa made no doubt but all was concluded he had fancies of this kind that troubled him extreamly and if he did not then hate the Count 't is certain he retained not for him that kindness he had formerly exprest towards him And as for Laura though he was then more in Love with her than ever he had a pique against her and could not forbear reproaching her all Night for her want of discretion in making greater account of a mans kindness that could do her no Service than of his by whom she might have made her Fortune These thoughts were followed by others concerning his Person He accused himself of baseness and weakness of Heart to trouble himself with the thoughts of a Creature that so little deserved his esteem or to intend to hinder the satisfaction of two Lovers whose Love he himself had caused and promoted All this notwithstanding he went on the morrow with the Count to the Seraglio but for no other end but to observe the countenance of Laura who surprized to see him come This is extraordinary Sir said she laughing twice in one week What will People say of it As for you said the Bassa you will say no ill of it I come in so good Company and should others believe as formerly that I come for love of you you know t is not for my self and therefore you are the more obliged to me Laura very civilly thanked him for his goodness They fell then all three into a little discourse of Gallantry wherein the Bassa spoke so many kind things to Laura that she might understand part of that Amorous trouble he was in if she had mistrusted it but he delivered himself with such an air that his Complements and kind Expressions were taken for meer effects of his good humour But the Bassa's coming thither being under pretence of seeing the Sultaness he could not dispence without giving her a Visit but he was not long with her being not able to rest till he return'd to the two Lovers which he did with all the speed in his power He told Laura a thousand things more obliging than formerly and having highly caressed her gave her at parting such a look that if she had made the least reflection upon it she might have easily perceived the kindness he had formerly for her took fire afresh with more vehemence than ever but she could not suspect in the least he would trouble her any more after the kindness he had exprest for his Alexander and having been the instrument of the pretended Passion between her and the Count. She took all for Gallantry and made it the subject of raillery with the Sultaness to whom she gave an account of all that had past with the Bassa and with Alexander The fair Turk went that Evening to bed ill satisfied with her fate having been disappointed of an Entertainment she had expected as pleasant as that she had received the day before from her dear Christian she could not sufficiently lament the unluckiness of the Visit given her by a man who Courted other Women and seemed to have been born to incommode and give trouble only to her Laura answered in raillery She had little reason to complain of it to her to whose complaisance she was beholding for a sight of her Lover Ah Laura said the Sultaness who knows for what reason he hath been so complaisant You may very well believe it was not to oblige me I believe so Madam replyed Laura but you are obliged to him however and ought to thank him for me After this little raillery they fell to discourse what could have brought the Bassa thither that evening and could not imagine but it was in Complement to the Count. The Bassa by this time was fallen into a deep Melancholy seldom appearing but when he walked in the Garden sometimes alone and sometimes with Alexander and then not a word of Laura nor any discourse of going again to the Apartment of the Sultaness This troubled our Lover who besides his affliction for being deprived of the sight of a Person he loved better than his Life and ceasing to see her must cease also to live had a thousand tormenting surmises and troublesome fancies upon the Bassa's change of humour which he could not attribute to any thing but his having taken some umbrage and jealousie of him on the account of the Sultaness The Sultaness and her Confident were no less tormented on the other hand they had seen a first a second a third and a fourth long day pass without a sight of their Alexander Lovers are very exact Accomptants and keep reckoning of the very moments but account nothing more tedious than a day of absence What should be the meaning of all this said they one to the other having a thousand fears upon them though they knew not of what 't is a difficult matter to keep any thing secret in places of that nature Yet they could not imagine they had given any occasion of discourse or that any Person in the Apartment had made the least discovery of their Intrigue At last on the fifth day after abundance of Affliction the Bassa came to see them but the mischief of it was that he came alone Besides he appeared so dull so musing and so much out of humour they made no more doubt but he had smelt out the Intelligence they held with the Count. But that which gave them the killing blow and raised their fears to the height was that Laura having according to her custom waited the Bassa out of the Chamber and asked him what he had done with her dear Eunuch I am jealous of him said the Bassa making no stay I need tell you no more Laura made hast to give her Mistress the Alarm and told her there was no more doubt to be made but jealousie was the cause of the Bassa's not bringing Alexander with him the Bassa himself having told her so that instant those who are guilty are easily frightned and fear hath this property that it so confounds the imagination that the lightest suspicions are taken for clear and unquestionable truths With what sighs what tears did the poor Sultaness afflict her self yet not so much for the ill consequences she might apprehend from the jealousie of the Bassa as for the fear she had that if he were really jealous of the Christian she should never have a sight of him more She did heartily
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
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!
expression or look but against her inclination forced her self to appear harsh and act the cruel against him Assen who thought one night at least necessary to be afforded Laura to dispose her self for an intire Reconciliation and that being upon the point of executing so hazardous a design care should be had to take their measures aright asked the Aga whether he thought it not fit to retire lest being seen to come from Laura so late he might give cause of suspition The Aga answered he need fear nothing the Dey having given him full power to stay as long as he pleased But Laura who had more reason to be of Assen's than of the Aga's opinion who was wholly led by his passion spoke to him though somewhat against her will to withdraw The Aga ready to obey this order begged the favour of her to give him hopes at least she would pardon him if he made it appear he was altogether innocent as to the matter of Alphonso and that her hatred of him should be at an end She made him no answer but her eyes betrayed her heart and spoke clearer in his favour than her voice could have done Beyran kissed one of her hands which she could not refuse him and left her full of that evenings adventures which found her entertainment The rest of that night not knowing what to think of Beyran's fortune whom she believed turned Turk for despair at the thought of this the tears trickled down her Cheeks and she perceived that if what he told her was true of her having been betrayed by her Maid and that he had not any hand in Alphonso's base action as in truth it was scarce credible he had she would love him more than ever and pardon his being found with the Vice-Queen though this was a tender point and not to be remembred without a volley of sighs Assen found the Aga's news true and not able to get out of the Castle went with him to his apartment where the pretended Renegado caused a Bed to be provided him but they spent the whole night in discourse Assen you may believe had an itching curiosity to hear the story of Marquess Hippolito having heard Laura's Assen as soon as they were private fell into that discourse The Aga who knew how much he wanted Assen's help to plead for him to Laura was ready to pleasure him with the relation and having understood Laura had told him part of what concern'd her he was willing to acquaint him with what came not to her knowledge and began thus When I arrived at Naples I found there the Vice-Roys Son whom I was acquainted with in my younger days and renew'd our friendship establish'd rather in the conformity of our age than of our Inclinations he brought me to Court and esteemed it necessary a new-comer should be a little instructed in the passages there he took the pains to tell me all the principal Intrigues and Affairs of Love and made me the Confident of his Passion for the fair Eleanor expecting from the fair friendship between us I would when acquainted with her do him the best service in my power I had a sight of her and by the first effects of that view could easily foresee there was no continuing Alphonso 's Friend without becoming his Rival I was troubled at it and reproached my self for my unfaithfulness but what signified that when there was love in the case There was no resisting Eleanors charms and I had instantly taken the resolution to love her had not the Vice-Queen used all possible arts to divert me she express'd no small complaisance for me which I attributed to the friendship between her Son and me But having found me one day in deep meditation she asked me whether I would freely acknowledge the cause of my melancholy if she could guess what it was and might serve me in the business I assur'd her I would she adds I was under the Fate of many other unfortunate Lovers who could not see Eleanor without being affected with the excellency of her Beauty I was strangely surpriz'd to find a passion scarce entertained in my Soul already known to the Vice-Queen and could not imagine how she came by the discovery of a secret I had resolved to keep close as long as possibly I could it was not in my power to deny it the trouble in my face and change of my colour having given her sufficient evidence how truly she had guessed I told her I found my self too weak to resist the Charms of that beautiful Maid and was sorry only Don Alphonso her Son and my Friend was concern'd she answered that a passion we cannot master was not to be complain'd of nor blam'd and that her Son could not be so unreasonable as not to pardon my falling into a distemper himself had been afflicted with But she believed I should prove as unfortunate as her Son but to keep her word with me she would let me see my concerns were more dear to her than the Interest of her Son but I must not blame her if her endeavours should prove ineffectual which she had too much cause to expect from the strange and unparallel'd insensibility of that fair Maid that she would speak for me that very day and see what hopes of a favourable reception and whether she defi'd Love out of a general aversion for Mankind or a particular disgust against some of that Sex The same time she assigned me Ten a Clock at night to meet her in the great Walk in the Garden to receive an account of her Negotiation I was there to wait for her and she kept her Assignation I saw her come with one of her Maids who was her Confident and having given her my hand to lead her into a Bower I went in with her trembling for fear of having ill News which I presently apprehended from her Countenance Poor Marquess says she you have no better fortune than others this Girls heart is proof to all Essays and did you but know that ill-favoured description and scurvy character she gave of you you would soon judge it to no purpose to apply your self to her but I would have you believe I say not this to discourage you but should be sorry to see a young Gentleman as you have qualities worthy the esteem of a fair Lady should imploy them where there is not any hopes to prevail I had certainly suspected this extraordinary condescension and goodness of the Vice-Queen had not what she said been agreeable to the report of the whole Court that the fair Eleanor was the most insensible person in the World I knew well enough 't was not any concern she had for the passion of her Son made her speak as she did she loved him very little and the complaisance she had express'd for me secured me on that side I might have been so sagacious and quick-sighted as to see she spoke for her self and advised me to quit the thoughts of Eleanor
Eleaner since I loved her She was in a loose dress but handsom and rich beyond expression I had not seen the like at Court and knew not what to think the Richness of the furniture as well as her dress declaring her to be a Lady of no ordinary quality but I was very much perplext to guess who she was I made up to her and spoke and the amorous impatience I had to know her not permitting the use of much Ceremony towards the Lady that stayed for me I put my knee to the Ground and laying Hold on one of her fair hands which she allowed me to kiss It was but reason Madam said I I should have languished all this day as I have done who could not expect this happiness without being put to the pain at least of longing for it I looked for an answer in hopes to know the voice but she said not a word I intreated her to ease me of the pain she might believe I was in and that if she resolved not to be seen she would however vouchsafe to speak to me that where I was directed to bring a heart of love I hoped to see a Lady that had Beauty and Wit that as yet she had only moved my curiosity but if she meant to reach my heart I must see her As I spoke thus I perceived her laugh which gave me the boldness to lift up her hood She put back my hand but so weakly I thought it would not displease her to press a little further there were but we two in the Room her Confident having doubtless received Orders to withdraw and I was ready to put her to the squeek when at last she threw off her hood But how was I surpriz'd to see 't was the Vice-Queen Well Sir says she blushing will you be content with your good fortune And will it not be presumption in me to fancy my self capable to make you forget all other Beauties I answered her more like a Gallant then a Lover she was satisfi'd however and without ingaging further in the relation of a discourse of which you may guess the consequence I will tell you only that having spent two or three hours in her company I return'd to my lodging the way I came and she to the Pallace I saw her on the morrow and our Correspondence held for some time but cur'd not my passion Her Son with whom I had particular as well as general reasons to maintain a fair Correspondence exprest more friendship for me then I could have wisht he was not content to make me the Confident of his affection but imploy'd me to speak for him to the fair Eleanor expecting more benefit from the Intercession of such a Friend than any addresses of his own I did and you have doubtless heard from her she let me understand I should speed better in speaking for my self then for him 't was then I thought my self the most unfortunate of men for believing so easily what the Vice-Queen had said to me whose conduct convinc'd me sufficiently how far she concern'd her self in my business I design'd that moment to abandon her favour and give my self up intirely to my first passion but to prevent the trouble I might expect from the Vice-Queen if she knew it I thought fit to dissemble a little and disingage my self by degrees without declaring on the sudden for Eleanor I observed the best I could the measures I had taken but 't is a difficult matter to conceal a passion from a jealous and a witty Woman The Vice-Queen perceived my relapse before I made Eleanor acquainted with it she punished my Apostacy with a thousand reproaches which were seconded with tears and I the better to manage her pretended a firm Re-ingagement to her But what will not a slighted Lady do or what more dangerous than a jealous Woman I was thenceforward more curious of seeing and speaking with the beautiful Eleanor and avoided the occasions of being found in her company which the Vice-Queen was by but all to no purpose the Vice-Queen knew all and so well discern'd what was true from what was feigned that she guessed exactly right of the privatest of my thoughts One day as I walked with her in the Garden she told me we had both lost time to no purpose I in forcing my self against my Inclination to pretend continuance of affection for her and she in endeavouring to make me love though against my will That she saw well enough what I now did was but the effect of my civility to a Lady of her quality who had exprest kindness for me But 't was time to put an end to our pain and to satisfie me she intended it She assured me she would no longer oppose my Inclination and that I would believe it upon the Confession she made me that I might expect from Eleanor not only a kind reception but something of love yet I put no great confidence in all these good words as coming from a party too lyable to suspition But when by an Excess of goodness she added that to convince me she was more my Friend then I could Imagine she would contribute more then any other to my satisfaction and procure a Letter from the Vice-Roy to Eleanor's Father to perswade him to consent I should have his Daughter I was so transported with joy I could not forbear making her very large acknowledgements She told me I should see by the answer to that Letter what good Service she had done me She did as she promised and after the Letter she procured from the Vice-Roy I doubted not of being compleatly happy in few days The news was confirmed by the beautiful Eleanor and I had the pleasure to see her glad of it as I was nothing troubled me then but the slow pace of time The Vice-Roy had sent an express to Genes but the Courier was scarce got a Horseback but I wish'd him return'd every moment seemed a year by my longing and impatience the only pleasure I had was the time I was in Eleanor's company who assur'd on her part of the success of the Vice-Roy's Recommendation who had great Interest with her Father and sensible of the pain I was in to have the matter confirmed had not the power to deny my passion the favour of a visit which I begged I might make her having ingaged my self to her with all the promises and oaths to be expected on such an occasion from a Lover belov'd The assignation was made and her Chamber agreed for the place of Rendezvous Pardon me my dear Assen for fetching a sigh at the remembance of that day which should have been a time of love and of joy but was the most dismal and unfortunate of my life Night was come and when I thought my self just ready to be possess'd of so great a happiness Clarice who waited on Eleanor in her Chamber and was her intimate Confident brought me a Billet I will shew you having by good