to live with this Monster How blame-worthy is your faint-heartedness Must my own example encourage you If you do not come to me I will go meet either Death or you then she attempted to get loose out of Musselman's hands but her strength was not sufficient Musselman foresaw then his certain ruine Love said he without any more ado guide mine Arm Then he lifted it up to stab Aranissa in the breast and he had certainly done it if the affectionate Thopia whose mind was more sedate than Scanderberg's foreseeing the effects of Musselman's rage had not taken secretly a by way and got in that critical minute so near him that he struck him and sent both his Arm and Dagger to Arianissa's Feet another blow divided Musselman's Face in two so that he gave up his unclean Soul with his cruel Blood Those that were there present were so amazed at this wonderful Action that they took Thopia for a Man sent down from Heaven But Scanderberg whose terrour was converted into a sudden joy ran to embrace Arianissa's Deliverer before he went to her self 'T is impossible for us to relate all the obliging things they told one another Scanderberg to shew his great passion prostrated himself at Arianissa's Feet and uttered the most passionate expressions that his heart could invent She embraced him obligingly at which favour Mahomet was sorely vexed Thopia received from Arianissa such Praises and Elogiums as his Action well deserved and Scanderberg shewed him all the imaginable demonstrations of joy and friendship The Turks who had follow'd Musselman fled away but they were not pursued Mahomet did sigh having no hope left him and seeing there was now no likelihood to paâ—â— Arianissa from Scanderberg Cruâ—â— Fortune cryed he why must I be the witness of their Felicity Must I forsake for ever a Beauty whom I have so long ador'd Having made this sorrowful reflection he came near Scanderberg with as much freedom as he might have done at Andrianople Tho' we are both Enemies and Rivals said he to him I fear nothing from thee which might be unworthy of a Prince whom all the World admires and without any base submission I must tell thee I esteem thee tho' without love Compare my condition to think own and grant that I am an unfortunate Man since neither in my Father's Dominions nor in this place I have any hopes left me Could a reasonably expect to fight for her with success and gain her favour the Ottoman Blood which runs in my veine should never be allarmed at thy valour I see you must remain Conquerour and since thou hast triumphed over Amurat you can never be vanquished and I cannot but be unfortunate for ever These words which could not proceed but from a noble heart made a deep impression upon Scanderberg he had always been sensible of Mahomet's excellent Virtues which answered well his Illustrious Birth and seeing that he could not in reason upbraid him of his Pride My Lord said he to him I shall never hate you tho' you can never love me and I would willingly part with any thing besides Arianissa for your satisfaction Time interrupted Mahomet will without doubt afford us some occasions to see one another again In the mean time enjoy your Arianissa whom I cannot take away from you Having spoke these words away he rode and was soon out of sight with his Men. Scanderberg resolved to tarry no longer in a place where Arianissa had been so sadly allarmed and which was like to have proved fatal to her They told one another a thousand obliging things and they chose the fairest Horse for the beautiful Princess who rode towards Croya with her illustrious Lover leaving Musselman's Corps to be devoured by wild Beasts wherewith those Desarts were full Tho' Arianissa was not used to any hard exercise yet she rode a long way within a short time and she couâ—â— hardly be perswaded to take any 〈◊〉 at night the strong desire she 〈◊〉 to see Aranit Amissa and her other dear Relations made her long to arrive at Croya During that Journey which lasted two days and a night Scanderberg had now the opportunity â—â— knowing his own good fortune and Arianissa's tender love Thopia was as well pleased as he and never did â—â— greater tranquillity succeed trouble which were thought endless In fine Scanderberg brought into Croya without meeting with any opposition his fair Princess All the People of the City went in great crowds to see her and to congratulate him upon his return Aranit then the most fortunate of Fathers told Scanderberg That since he had deserved so well his Daughter she belonged by right to him Amissa and Arianissa kissed and embraced one another for a long while and Thopia who had been so glorious an Instrument in procuring Scanderberg's Happiness receiv'd from Amissa such protestations of Love as he deserved Croya where Sorrow had reigned during the War and Scanderberg's Grief then quite alter'd Pleasures and Sports had now their time and all possible endeavours were made to divert Arianissa who had led before such a sorrowful life Among all these pleasing Diversions Scanderberg neglected nothing concerning his important Affairs and whilst Amurat was hearing what had pass'd and was taking new resolutions both against the Life and Fortune of the King of Albania this Prince who now enjoy'd his dear Arianissa kept his Army in a capacity of resisting all the Ottoman Forces He knew not what had pass'd at Andrinople since his departure thence Arianissa who had seen Acomat and bewailed the Death of the Loyal Aradin was willing to satisfy Scanderberg's Curiosity one Evening being with Amissa and Thopia who had heard her former Adventures she thus related the last to the King of Albania The History of ARIANISSA AS I had passionately wished for your departure from Andrinople so was I overjoy'd at the News of it since you ought not to expect there any favour and tho' I could not absolutely flatter my self with the Idea of a future Liberty yet I had some glimmering hope still left me Aradin and I congratulated one another upon this occasion but the fearful Sultan fell into an exceeding Rage when he heard you had been proclaimed King by the Albanians As his wrath increased so did his troublesome and imperious Sollicitations He did not question but I had some secret Intelligence with you and he suspected Aradin of having favour'd our Designs he threatned him with Death and me with the utmost Severity and so cast me often into dreadful Fears Selimana seeing she had lost you for ever endeavoured to regain the Sultan's Love I did what I could to facilitate that Conquest unto her yet she hated me as a dangerous Rival who deprived her of the Sultan's Affection and who likely had hindred you from loving her She conjectured from the words which you heard me sing and which truly proceeded from my heart that since the day you fought the Tartar I had not look't
thinking she was heard by no body she let go these sad Complaints Unfortunate Arianissa said she Princess expos'd to ever lasting Sufferings what canst thou expect from Amurat What canst thou do for Scanderberg Did Cruel Fate take thee from Albania to offer him here too Charming for thy Rest Castriot why don't you ask all the Princes of the World some Succour to deliver such an Illustrious Son from those Hands who likely for a Reward of his Glorious Exploits will one day sacrifice him These Arianissa's words made a deep impression upon both our Hearts But Thopia those two Rivals were not the only I ought to fear a third more formidable heard them Amurat acquainted by some Traytor that Soliman and Arianissa were in the Garden was surprised at it because they were not used to go there running therefore with all possible haste he heard what I have already told you Perfidious Arianissa cryed he in a jealous rage thou tellest every moment I see thee and tho' thou hast my most tender Affections yet wishest thou my Ruine Thy imprudent Heart hath condemned Scanderberg to dye and I will punish him for having pleased thee as I ought to do I am not afraid of thy Anger replyed the courageous Arianissa and I am so far from pacifying it that I confirm to thee what thou hast already heard by chance A Power above thine will defend that Prince thou intendest to Oppress and for my part I shall be pleased better with Death than with thy Love About that time Thopia did the Emperor perceive us I cannot express his Rage to you His Son and Musulmon suffered but little by it It fell heavy only upon me Take away that Slave said he to a great many Eunuchs and be responsible of the least of her Actions and for thee said he turning towards me Knave and persidious Scanderberg unworthy Object of Amurat's Favours and the fatal cause of all his present grief go and expect such a death as thou deservest If thine Injuries proceeds from thy jealousie answered I I forgive them upon that account because that Passion is used to blind our Reason Think of my moderation what thou pleaset but know that had any other Man spoke to me after this manner besides thee he should not escape unpunished The proud Emperor harkned no longer to me He commanded I should be shut up in the dreadfullest Prison thinking by what he had heard I entertain'd some secret Correspondence with Arianissa As for Mahomet and Musulman he shew'd them only an angry Countenance without Arresting them Selimana ran away hearing this noise and Amaldan was not such a Fool as to come and shew his Face As soon as we were out of the Gardens Amurat threatned the Eunuchs and struck Terror every where He sent the ugliest of his Seraglio to observe the Women and such a vast number of them was placed in Arianissa's Appartment that all admission there became impossible I was shut up in a Dungeon without seeing Aradin whom my misfortune was like to cast into a despair He understood the Adventure I have related to you by Amaldan's means whose imprudence and disloyalty he much blamed Aradin did not question the heaviness of my grief in such a sorrowful place where I had so many reasons of being afflicted Amurat upbraided him with my pretended treachery and accused him to have bred me up in those ill dispositions being well acquainted with hiss Temper he yielded to the first transports of his rage pretended to condemn me and by these means prevented his own disgrace Having still his wonted freedom he made use of it he saw Arianissa in spight of all her Observers comforted her and obliged her to write to me acquainting her with my deplorable condition She did not question in the least but I had heard her in the Garden and therefore was the easier resolved to it Aradin sent me this Note by one of my Guardians Arianissa to the Prince Scanderberg I Am fain to let you know I pity your misfortune and no consideration can diswade me from it those Powers that Tyrannize over you do not spare me But my Lord I protest your Pains are my greatest Evils if this assurance may comfort you you may intirely enjoy the pleasure of it I am concerned for your Rest I am grieved and even weep for your misfortunes Tho' I dare not tell you any thing as concerning my heart you may nevertheless think thereupon what you suppose will the best satisfie you This favour Arianissa begs from you Arianissa Daughter to Aranit Conino a Prince beloved by the King your Father Having read this Letter I was no longer sensible of the heaviness of my Chains I enjoyed my hearts desire I was beloved of Arianissa born of one of the most Illustrious Families in Albania I knew Aranit's name and tho' I had but a feeble Idea of my Father's Court yet I could remember him It was quite impossible for me to answer Ariantssa's Note And all that I could do was to read it over a thousand times a day But Thopia Fortune which intended to cross me afflicted me still with new msifortunes I learnt from that man whom Aradin had disposed to favour me that my Father was dead that Amurat was incensed against me and to possess himself of Castriot's Dominions had poisoned my three Brothers designing me for another Sacrifice but altho' he was violent to excess he durst not destroy me in the Presence of the Turkish Souldiers by whom I was loved and who began to grumble at my Captivity Amurat's Cruelty produced in my heart that effect which could be reasonably expected yet I must tell you to justifie my resentments that I never projected any Design against him unworthy of a Man of Courage all that I desired was to see my self free and to declare an open War against the proud Sultan who regarded so little the Blood I had lost in his Service Whilst I was thus griev'd and perplexed both by Nature and Love the Turks who had seen me venture my life for their Emperour's Glory pityed my Fate and demanded my Liberty Amurat desired my death but feared the consequences thereof and therefore was obliged by reason of the Grumbling of the Nation to put an end to my Captivity Going out of Prison I retired to Acomat a young Bassa and the only Man amongst the Turks upon whose Friendship I did most rely I met there with a generous reception he approved my Resentment and advised me to go my self and upbraid the Sultan for his ungratefulness But I could not abide his sight I could not think without horror on my Brothers death My Mother 's sad condition and the miserable Life the young Princesses my Sisters lead in some retired place of Albania I heard before it was long the violent proceedings of the Emperor's Tyranny I had a true Relation thereof from Aradin whom I saw by Acomat's means he assured me also of Arianissa's kindness towards me
from being kind drew nearer him and knew presently tho' in the Pangs of Death Aradin the first of the Eunuchs of Amurat who had taken care of him in his Infancy and by whom he was tenderly beloved the unfortunate Aradin tho' dying knew also the Features of the King of Albania and fetching a deep sigh he said Oh Scanderberg Amurat Arianissa Knave and perfidious Musselman I dye And really he did so This strange event was but a new increase of Grief for Scanderberg The Nanies which Aradin had pronounced pass'd to his very heart he perceived the Eunuch had not spoke but after he had known him and that he was nearly concerned in all those things which Death had forced him to suppress Just Heavens cry'd he what News do you intend to tell me Is Arianissa Alive or Dead Alās Uranus my dear Uranus what perplexity do I find my self now in What can I do What can I think My Lord reply'd Vranus if I may conjecture any thing Arianissa is not far from hence Then she is in Amurat 's Camp reply'd the Amorous Prince of Albania where she suffers the troublesome Solicitations of a Barbarous Emperour or those of the unworthy Mussulman Suppose it was so am I the happier for it Yes certainly added he for I would go and take her away from the Ottomans Whilst Scanderberg was speaking Vranus went to look whether Aradin did breathe still he found him cold and without motion but turning him he perceived a Paper like a Letter just over his Heart and delivering it to his Master My Lord said he this Note will tell you may be a part of that which the sudden Death of Aradin hinder'd him from uttering the Prince opened the Letter and saw there a Sentence more cruel than if it had been against his own Life To the Great Visier Orcan MY Love hath been prevailed upon at last by my Wrath Such a Man as I ought not to hearken to pity go then Orcan and Sacrifice the ungrateful Arianissa to the Shame of having made me sigh to no purpose her Blood will quench the rest of my Flame Fear some opposition from Musselman and whilst I shall vanquish the Rebellious Scanderberg begin my Revenge that way which will prove so sorrowful to him This is the Absolute Command of Amurat. No Man could express the sad effects the Reading of this Letter produced in the Soul of Scanderberg In the first fit of his Rage he was ready to run towards the Ottoman Army but Vranus after a long but fruitless opposition laying aside his wonted respect told him at last Do you seek an Inglorious Death My Lord and will not this Triumph of the Turks blot out all the Splendour of your past Life Having lost Arianissa reply'd the Prince I am resolv'd to dye in her Revenge His Despair had likely prevailed over Vranus's Zeal if Thopia a young Prince and much addicted to Scanderberg who was looking for him because he knew he was gone out of Croya without his Train had not come in the same place Thopia said the King of Albania to him None is more worthy your pity than I You My Lord answered Thopia amazed you the Love the Terrour and the Admiration of the whole World in your first Youth what Mischiefs can cross so great Advantages I perceive reply'd Scanderberg you judge of the Felicity of my Life by those Actions which have made a great noise in the World but do not decide it upon meer appearances My Lord added Thopia the Turks may surprize your Valour in this place Let us go to Croya where your Presence is wished for And so jointly with Vranus they obliged the Prince to go towards the City but first they took care of the Corps of Aradin some Albanian Troopers who were riding about the City to observe the Motion of the Turks carry'd it away by the King's Command Thopia knew very well that Scanderberg was in Love but he was not acquainted with the Particulars of his Life and shew'd a great Desire to know them Scanderberg condescended easily to call again to mind his most sorrowful Ideas that he might satisfie Thopia whom his Friendship distinguisht from all the other Princes of his Court. Thopia said he when they were come to the Palace of Croya you will help me to bewail Arianissa 's Fate when you shall hear me and you will confess that if Fortune hath bestowed some Favours upon me they have been Poysoned by many bitter displeasures Scanderberg gave Order none should interrupt them and began his Discourse after this Manner The History of Scanderberg YOU know my Mother was Daughter to the Prince of the Triballians and that John Castriot my Father did Reign in Epirus and Albania he was envy'd for his Valour by Amurat who rendered himself Formidable in Greece after he had been the Terror in Asia Castriot forced to yield to the swiftness of his prosperous Fortune made Peace with him and sent my three Brothers and me for Hostages to Adrianople Vorsana my Mother keeping still by her self four Daughters to wipe off her Tears She expected much from my Birth by reason of a Dream which she had when she was Big of me She Dreamed she was Delivered of a Serpent so great that he covered all Epirus his head did reach to Turkey which he swallow'd up and he did dip his Tail in the Sea towards Venice Castriot having heard the Relation of this Dream from Vorsona assured her she should bring forth a Man fatal to the Turks and useful to Christendom Nevertheless I was delivered into the hands of the first Nothing but the regard of the safety of his Dominions could ever have brought him to this Resolution I being but eight years old all my Brothers were Elder than I this Age exposed me to the Ceremonies of the Turks wherein they changed my Name that was George into that of Scanderberg which is as much in the Turkish Tongue as Alexander Lord concerning my Brothers their Riper Age free'd them from this Violence The Sultan who had a good Opinion of my youth took all the imaginable care to make me an Honest Gentleman The unfortunate Aradin was made my Governour and never man performed his Duty with more Zeal and Diligence But tho' his kind usage made me forget that I was beholding for it to a Slave yet my Condition and the first Impressions of Religion which I had received could never be blotted out of my Memory I shall not relate to you what I did from eight years to sixteen I learn'd all Exercises necessary both for the Body and the Mind and Aradin did all his Endeavours to inspire me with the love of Glory and Vertue The Emperour who took some delight in my Sight and Conversation seem'd always pleased with me I had the advantage of Signalizing my self in his presence in the first War wherein I was allowed to fight and kind Fortune waiting every where upon me being yet but nineteen years
heart took notice of her as of an Object which it was resolved to adore And according to what I had conceived of her upon Aradin's Relation I wished Aranissa and that Slave might be the same upon that account I abandoned my self to the Passion that possesses me and which will never end I shall not relate to you what was done there having taken no notice of the Ceremony Arianissa only had all my looks and my attention neither did I mind whether Selimana cast her eyes upon me as caring little for her Favour I ran to Aradin as soon as the Sultanesses and the Slaves were retired Love which first had engaged me by the adventure I had had with Mahomet made me feel now all its power The Eunuch was amazed at the violence of my Passion and was almost angry My dear Scanderberg said he to me you know me well enough not to question the sincerity of my advices what can you hope from an affection whose consequences must needs be unfortunate Fortune condemns Arianissa to be a Slave for ever will you confine the Glory of your life in an hopeless Love And don't you deserve to be blamed for the unreasonableness of the design I confess Arianissa is a Charming Person and according to all probability her Birth is not mean But what can you hope from her as long as she is in the Seraglio where all things breathe only for Amurat 's Pleasure Can you fetch out Arianissa in spight of so many Persons who watch always to satisfie the Emperour's jealousie And will you not deserve his hatred for breaking these Laws the least violation of which deserves Death reflect upon your self Scanderberg forget Arianissa who can ruine you Consider you are a Prince designed for extraordinary things and covered already with a Glory which you ought to preserve This Discourse of Aradin which his affection created confounded my reason but did not perswade my heart My Love for Arianissa was too strong and it could not be prevailed on by his Advices no more than by my own Reflections he perceived well my sad Condition but seeing it was impossible to alter my mind he exhorted me not to rule my Conduct according to my blind Passion but to have a special regard to Amurat's Severity and to take my measures accordingly I felt all the griefs of Love as soon as I knew Arianissa the impossibility of seeing her was to me a most cruel pain despair often makes us slight those things we desire to obtain but the difficulties I met with here did but inflame me the more As if the Obstacles before mentioned bad not been enough there arose against me three formidable Rivals The Emperour who had never before look'd upon Arianissa found her so Beautiful the day of the Publick Audience of the Egyptians that Selimana seemed to him less Charming Prince Mahomet who had not till then entertain'd any other thought but the fear of the common Fate of the Princes of his Blood and who had carried himself so well towards the Sultan as not to give him any just cause of Anger or Jealousie paid to Arianissa's Beauty what was due to her from all tender Hearts And Musselman who ought to have rested satisfy'd with the amorous intrigues which either his Inclination or good Fortune had procured him look'd upon her with the same eyes as we did I knew not for a long while their thoughts and I was very careful to hide mine Mahomet became melancholy and for my part I loved Solitude so much that I could scarce cast my eyes upon those things which formerly had so much pleased me we neglected our Warlike Exercises we minded no more those Pleasures which we had been so desirous of before and Solitude was the only thing we sought after All admission in the Seraglio of the Women being forbidden to us we were continually in the passages to it where ever my Love guided me I did meet there Mahomet Musselman was happier than we his Employ whose Authority is almost unlimited did give him access where we could not go and we may think he made use of his advantages As I was used to spend most part of the day and night about those places which hide Arianissa from my sight I did sometimes forget my self there One night I tarried so long in the Emperour's Garden which was next to that of the Women that the Gates were shut up All the Bostangi's had retired no body was up any longer in the Seraglio no light appeared there and I was fain to stay there till day after I had endeavoured to no purpose to get out towards the Sea As I was withdrawing in a retired place to spend there the rest of the night I saw a man crossing the great Flower Garden and marching towards me with all possible haste By avoiding him I had confest my self guilty therefore going towards him I perceived it was the Emperour What do you do here Scanderberg said he to me with a severe Countenance being bred up in Our Palaces and well instructed with our Customs ought you to shew this Example of boldness to so many Persons who can make an ill use of it and have you some secret design against my Rest my Life or my Authority I have nothing to say to thy Highness for my Justification answered I and I appear guilty enough to deserve thy indignation but I must say this that a melancholy humour is the cause of the fault for which thou blamest me and I swear I have tarryed here minding not the place where I was You are so dear to me reply'd the Emperour that I am concern'd with all your sorrows and if you have any reason for any not only I forgive you this fault but shall do my endeavours to satisfie you Thine Highness said I is too kind and ought not to trouble it self about so small trifles the want of Employment is the cause of my sorrow and thy Highness leaving nothing to do for us makes my young Courage grumble at its being idle You have done enough to desire Peace and enjoy some Rest reply'd the Sultan but if your Valour wants exercise I promise you some Go home quietly and expect from me such Employments as are worthy of a Hero who intends to surpass all the Ottomans I made a very humble bow to the Emperour glad I had pacify'd him and went away as he directed me but that Night was to bring forth other adventures Prince Mahomet brought there by the same motives as I had been also shut in and we saw him coming towards us thinking we were some Bostangi's or Eunuchs Is this a fit time for you to be here said the angry Emperour to him and are you my Son only to shew your self unworthy of being so The young Prince was struck with these words he saw me and thought concerning me the same thing I did concerning him I have sinned against my own will My Lord answered he to the
true my Lord that Love is commonly drawn after a strange manner and that if we will hearken to the Wits it is a dreadful Monster which ought carefully to be avoided I confess it appears unpleasant to those that have nothing that renders them worthy to be beloved but I imagine thousands of Charms in the sincere and tender love of two Hearts I must confess said I to Amaldan that your Verses and your Opinion seem to me to be in the right but I am so little versed in Love Matters that I am no competent Judge of its Effects My Lord reply'd the Eunuch when you please you may be a great proficient therein and I know a certain way for that purpose I cannot dissemble with a Prince as discreet as you are I 'll tell you therefore you are loved by Selimana Amurat's beloved Sultaness she acquaints you what way it is best for you to follow by her order I speak to you and you ought not to be discouraged at the Seraglio's Maximes since I can overcome the greatest Difficulties I did not expect such a Complement from Amaldan which did not answer my Inclinations and I was a little while without answering him You bring your self into no danger by your freedom said I at last to him I take it for a token of your Esteem and Friendship nor am I willing to make an ill use of it Selimana may be fair and kind but Amurat is a formidable Prince and my Loyalty obliges me to all sorts of respects You don't speak reply'd the Eunuch smiling like a young Prince favour'd by Love but like a fearful Politician or a morose Philosopher This modesty which ought to be praised in a Dervise seems to me in you the strangest things in the world what can all Amurat's power do since your beloved Scanderberg's Pleasures easily obtained lose much of their sweetness Besides was I not certain to serve you I am not so much out of love with my own life as to expose my self to an unavoidable Death Let me then be your Guide and trust me with the carrying on of your Intregue All Amaldan's fair words could not persuade me to it I was not willing to expose my self to so many Dangers for Selimana's sake and I alledged still in my Defence Custom and my Loyalty to the Emperor Amaldan did not acquaint the Sultaness with the unhappy issue of his first Negotiation lest he should drive her into Despair her hatred against Amurat increased as his love for Arianissa she was capable of any violent Action had not Amaldan allay'd her Rage Prince Mahomet who seem'd to act nothing and Musulman whose proceedings were very secret had nevertheless some private Intelligences and gain'd some Friends in the Seraglio Covetousness is so natural to the Turks that Interest often makes void the severity of their Laws Bostangi Bassi being a rich Man gained by his liberality almost all the Eunuchs and except Aradin whose Honesty was proof against all temptation the rest yielded easily to his Gold having a free occasion in the Gardens he could freely Converse with them he intrusted the cunning Amaldan with his Passion for Arianissa Another had been started at this Proposition But Amaldan harken'd to it without the least Commotion and his exaggerating to the grand Gardner the difficulties they should meet with was only to set an higher value upon his Services You may judge Thopia thereby how Pernicious is idleness had the Eunuchs a different Employment from that of observing the Women in the Seraglio they should never apply themselves to barter their Favours Amaldan who knew Arianissa well enough to perceive her good Nature feared not in the least to be punished by her for his boldness He did Musulman's Errant as Aradin had done mine and represented the Bostangi Bassi's Passion to her as the only way to free her from her slavery she did not entertain him as she had done Aradin but with a Noble Pride she let him understand that it was in vain for the grand Gardner to hope any thing from her The covetous Amaldan was little troubled at this and was not such a Fool as to discourage any body as long as he could obtain his Ends. He resolved in spight of my self to bring me one Night into Selimana's company and little solicitous of her Honour or Fortune so he might satisfie himself He trusted Musulman with this Secret He told him that if he could bring me into the private Gardens for himself he would get Selimana and Arianissa to take a walk which might be favourable to us making the grand Gardner believe that I was in love with the Sultaness and that fear only hindred me from courting her Musulman who had suspected I loved Arianissa was glad to understand this Mistery and promised to do whatever Amaldan desired The grand Gardner was well enough acquainted with the Maxims of the Country the effects of which he ought to fear but his Love prevailed over his Reason He found me out as he had promised to Amaldan and asked me whether I was willing to walk I could not guess his intentions and tho' I looked upon him as my Rival yet at last I followed him We took many turns in the Seraglio's Garden and the Bostangi Bassi who was well acquainted with all the by-ways brought me into that of the Women through a door which we found open'd I was not sensible at first of my wandring but coming near a labyrinth which I had not seen since my Infancy I was surprised to see my self in that place You are mistaken or you have a mind to ruine me said I to Musulman and these places are not free for such persons as we Do you think I am capable of betraying you Answered Musulman and do you believe I shall not share here the same Fortune with you Your presence is desired by Selimana and her kindness will protect you As I was going to answer displeased with his proceedings we saw Prince Mahomet coming who had no more priviledge than we and who was not there without some Design He was as much surprised as we We could not think but we were guilty all three yet prudence would have us hide our Resentments and had we had a mind to fall out we had been hindered by Abaci the Eunuch who had introduced the young Sultan and who knew nothing of our being there My Lord said he to him loud enough to be heard by us Arianissa is coming make use of suâ—â— a favourable moment Abaci went hiâ— way and Arianissa who had parteâ— from Selimana came Tho' Night deprived us of the sight of her Charms yet by reason of its favourable silence we could the better hear her sight Musulman curbed by Mahomet's presence did not enjoy the happiness he hoped for And the Prince in a maze by reason of Abaci's discourse tarried in the same place For my part I was also put to a stand Arianissa sat her self down upon the grass and
and added that tho' the Sultan's Rage had not fall'n so heavy upon Mahomet or Musulman as upon me yet they had smarted for his Jealousie Tho' I was fully at liberty I did not know what to resolve Amurat had possess'd himself of all my Dominions and the only thing I could own was my Sword after a long Consultation with Acomat and Aradin at last I intended to depart tho' I felt a great reluctancy in leaving Arianissa Tho' I had conceived a mortal hatred against Amurat yet I resolved to speak to him I met him one day as he was going out of the Divan He had been vexed at some important deliberation there and displeased with Arianissa's continual rigour so that one could easily read his Rage in his Eyes I thought said he you should make a better use of the Liberty I granted you at Adrianople than to offer your self to my presence and that your remorse should free me from the sight of such an odious Object This Discourse like the Ottoman Pride was too outragious to me to be born patiently If thine ungrateful Eyes had never seen me answered I it is likely you had paid dear enough for it You are no longer an Hostage interrupted the unjust Amurat but a Captive of whom the Janissaries are to be responsible If thou hadst considered Hostages as sacred replyed I thou hadst never poison'd my Brothers and nothing can hide the Horror of this Barbarous action from Posterity I pity thy young age replyed the Sultan with a scornful smile and the trouble thou takest of describing my Actions deserves a fit Reward get far from me and Arianissa and repent of having offended me I swear to thee by our most Holy Laws I shall never call thee back again So he left me spightfully I saw presently that it was now time for me to depart and to perform for my own Family and that of Arianissa what Honour required from me it was impossible for me to see that Charming Beauty whom I recommended a thousand times to the care of the Affectionate Aradin Amurat to cloak his injustice and not to disoblige the Janissaries who had declared themselves my Protectors offered me by Orcan his Favourite and already Grand Visier in the room of the deceased Hersecoli the Command of some Forces which he kept in the entrance of Asia and sent me word to tarry there for his Orders thinking I should never attempt any thing against him since all the Garrisons in Epirus and Albania were filled up with Turks Aradin did not question but Amurat's design was to shut me up in some remote Fortress Croya it self seemed well affected for him notwithstanding all the Efforts of the Princes Loyal to our Interest But Thopia as I was ready to depart seeming to accept of Amurat's proffer Fortune procured me the happiness of seeing Arianissa once more There happenned one night a fire in the Seraglio Musulman was suspected to be the Author of it It increased so much that it cast all Adrianople into a great Consternation The Appartment of the Women began to burn and the like Confusion was never seen they laboured but in vain to put it out in the Emperor's presence who encouraged those that laboured all the Water of the Sea Channels and Rivers had never been able to save Arianissa had I not shewed my self more eager and more Couragious than the rest You may judge how much I was affrighted at this Accident and with what haste I ran to assist her All the Janissaries Spahis and other Souldiers and all the Officers of the Seraglio were busied in quenching the Flame but durst not venture any farther to save the Women threatned with a cruel Death Amurat's fair Promises were in vain fear rendred them all deaf to his words and I was the only Man whom Love emboldened I ran upon high Piles of burning Cinders to the Gallery where the Women with the Eunuchs expected their last hour And most part of them did cry after a strange rate for fear of Death Selimana her self looked very pale and fearful But Arianissa preserved still her magestick and serene Countenance and look'd upon death without the least Commotion As soon as Selimana perceived me she came to trust her self into my arms but she found them not opened Aradin said I to the Eunuch who had followed me save the beloved Sultaness whilst I shall endeavour to do the same to some more exposed Person he took her away and I ran to Arianissa who had observed my behaviour and I carried her away easily reproaching the Eunuchs with their weakness and exhorting them to do the same to the rest Mahomet and Musulman who had seen me going into the Seraglio were ashamed to stay idle and not follow my Example but I was more diligent than they and brought Arianissa into a safe place I pass'd slily towards the Gardens to converse with her in Secret whil'st the faithful Aradin carried Solimana into another place Arianissa was almost choaked with the smoak and tho' she had the advantage of a purer Air yet she could not suddenly recover her lost Speech I had also suffered much by it and all my Cloths were spoiled but the pleasure of being with Arianissa did not permit me to reflect on such an inconsiderable loss I think my Lord said she to me when she was a little recovered that Heaven had design'd you for the preservation of my Life for as often as it is threatned with a danger you hazard your own to secure it How fortunate should I esteem my self Scanderberg if I could acquit my self of those great Obligations Tho' you prolong but an unfortunate Life yet that do's not lessen the dangers to which you expose your self Madam interrupted I had I done a thousand times more you should not be beholding in the least to me your dangers are mine own and acting for your Security I promote my own rest Alas Arianissa let not your kindness busie it self in taking notice of such small Services but consider rather how grievous your absence will prove to me you know Amurat's barbarous proceedings towards our Family my Mother stript of all her Estate and Dignity leads an uncomfortable life in some corner of Albania with her Daughters and the illustrious Aranit that Prince your worthy Progenitor is forced to submit to a Foreign Power Arianissa was sensibly moved at my Discourse and her Tears testified it Go my Lord into Albania answered she sadly to me revenge your Royal Blood deliver those great Princesses whose only comfort you are possess your self of Castriot's Throne protect Aranit and never forget Arianissa If you were willing Madam replied I I should not fly alone Alas my Lord answered she I could follow you without repugnancy was it possible for you to take me from hence but such an attempt can never succeed well here at Andrinople To prevent those Griefs and Alarms which absence might produce in you I pass my word to you I shall
to me he left me scornfully and I was so much cast down at those words that I could not attack him at present The Place was a Sacred Place and I was fain to curb my Passions As they were acting within me with the greatest violence the Queen came and I went to her in a trouble which she easily took notice of That generous Princess cast a sad look upon me and leaving her Gentleman-Usher to give me her hand she did not ask the reason of my sorrow which she easily guessed but let me know how afflicted she was at the King's prepossession in Balsé's behalf assuring me that if she had had the disposal of my good Fortune she had not deferred it a moment I wish said she I could procure your satisfaction with the loss of my own Blood but we have a Master obstinate in his resolutions and who will be obeyed I have strove against them as much as I could but all to no purpose and I cannot but condole with you The paleness and the despair that appeared upon my face at the hearing of these words cast the Queen into a great fright Madam said I to her my misfortunes are so great that 't is like they will also prove fatal to Balsé and all the respect I owe to the King's order can never prevent my resentment Castriot came afterwards follow'd by the Princess and I retir'd in that sad condition Amissa who saw me retire easily perceiv'd my trouble since I seemed to shun her presence I spent that night in the greatest trouble imaginable I had a thousand several Projects in my Head at last I resolved to render Amissa's possession impossible for Balsé I had seen him in several occasions but I never had the least fear his arms should triumph over me as his favour did In fine I rose up at the break of day and went to tarry for him near the Palace where he was used to go every Morning Balsé said I as soon as I saw him we must fight for Amissa and you will never be happy before you have killed me Then I drew my Sword my Rival was forced to do the same and we fought with equal courage and advantage we wounded one another in several places and tho' they endeavour'd to part us yet our fight lasted so long that it exhausted the greatest part of our strength Balsé at last fell at my feet and tho' I stood up still yet I was in a sad condition a crowd of people coming then carried us both away The King shewed such a great resentment to my Father who endeavour'd to justifie me that his great grief cast him into a Fever which brought him to the Grave I durst not appear and this increas'd my despair The Queen and Princess sent me word how much concerned they were for me But nothing could satisfie Castriot but my death should Balsé live no longer his wounds were more considerable than mine I was curld in a short time notwithstanding my grief but all the care they took of him could not prevent his death Then my Lord I could no longer tarry in Croya or in any other place of Albania Castriot had no regard for my Love nor Services nor Birth and granting some tears to Balsé's death he fully resolved my own The Princess whom he suspected to favour me felt his severity even the Queen her self underwent his reproaches I thought it very hard to hide my self for a glorious action and I had fallen into a despair if the Princess who could obtain any thing from me and who knew well I was not out of Croya where I was carefully sought after and who feared Castriot's resentment had not prescrib'd a Law which I could not resist I receiv'd her orders in a Letter written with her own hand which was delivered to me with a great deal of circumspection The Princess Amissa to Thopia AS one cannot reasonably expect any rest from violent actions so we might have been happier had you not been so passionate If I have any power over you and if you put any trust in me avoid for a while the King's displeasure The Queen wishes it and I beg it of you Absent your self Thopia I fear the loss of your life this Lesson proceeds from my heart Remember our former conversations and believe for your own comfort that now it is you may be as good a Scholar as yours Tho' absence seemed to me a more cruel pain than any that Castriot's wrath could prepare yet I resolved to obey the Princess and to acquaint her with it I sent her this answer Thopia to the Princess Amissa THe greatest demonstration both of Love and Respect that I can give you is to go out of Croya and Albania where I leave you likely for ever I do not repine at my sufferings since your pleasure will have it so I shall depart Madam but let me beg that protection from your heart without which I I should never be able to endure the pains of absence Adieu I may dye without seeing you but never without adoring your charms I wished I could have taken my leave of Amissa but the then present Juncture of Affairs would not allow of a private interview I parted from Croya with a sound body but a heart full of grief I took with me some of my faithful Servants abandoning whatever my Father had left me There was then no War in any place of Europe and having no certain Design I was led at last by my profound Melancholy into a part of Greece as I was thinking upon a larger Journey I heard of Castriot's death How unjust soever he had been against me I was afflicted at the News I had returned to Croya if Amurat's Tyranny who had possess'd himself of all Albania had not put an invincible stop to my Designs The Queen and Amissa were made Captives and having no Forces to defend I went every where to make some interest for them and made at last that Party which I brought to you after the Queen's Death which oppressed me almost with grief entirely honouring her and knowing how sensible Amissa would be of this Misfortune In fine my Lord I was Witness of your immortal Actions I saw Amissa again whom I found the same and who told me that my happiness wholly depended upon your pleasure This is that History my Lord you desired to know you are both my King and Master but besides you are the Sovereign Umpire of my Felicity Scanderberg embraced Thopia as soon as he had made an end of his Relation and assured him that he might possess Amissa when he pleased and that nothing would be so acceptable to him as his Union But tho' Scanderberg's violent passion had been diverted for a while by Thopia's Relation yet it soon recovered its former strength the sorrowful Aranit was much concerned and they were but little pleased at the gain of the Battel since their hopes were furstrated Acomat wondred
that Musselman who had so many reasons to fear the Sultan's wrath should be so rash as to enter his Camp and carry away Arianissa being not acquainted with all the particulars of his Life he could give no comfort to the King of Albania In the mean time this Prince could see the Turks had departed that his Army was not much weakned and that Croyae had nothing to fear being thus free to act as he pleased he could not resolve himself to tarry till he had heard some News concerning Arianissa and resolved to venture any thing to find her out My Lord says he to Aranit our common interest requires mine absence as things stand now there is no danger Amurat should attempt any thing but we ought to fear all things from the treacherous Musselman We must deliver Arianissa from his Tyranny and I am weary of my life when I think she is in his power Aranit was far from opposing this resolution and Scanderberg prepared himself to depart with the fortunate Thopia who would never forsake him Vranus followed them also and Acomat who could not with Honour follow his Master's Enemies tarried with Aranit as a Prisoner of War The King of Alhania would not take many Souldiers along with him for fear of being known his Equipage was not very great but he found himself in an exceeding trouble concerning the way he ought to take he was sensible that Musselman had fled from Amurat and that it was to no purpose to seek him among the defeated Army it was not likely neither that this Ravisher should retire into the Emperour's Territories or tarry in Albania In this uncertainty he wholly trusted himself to Chance not certain of the success of his Enterprize and going he knew not where he found in several places many Companies of the Turks scattered and returning to Amurat. He was three days without taking any rest and all his inquiries being to no purpose he began to despair But he was not the only man that sought Arianissa Prince Mahomet seeing her out of his Father's hands desired to get her for himself and look'd upon Musselman as upon a light obstacle could he but meet with him Amurat tho' sorely afflicted at his losses sent several Parties after him but the young Sultan led by his own heart's interest took that licence followed only by twenty men At first he was not more fortunate than Scanderberg and travelled over a spacious Country to no purpose at last being arrived in a savage place which properly may be called a Wilderness he heard some noise over his head and saw Musselman retrenched in a steep Rock hurrying Arianissa with violence and striving to get her notwithstanding all her resistance into a Den where the Sun had never shone Mahomet had an Ottoman Soul that is haughty and cruel as the rest of his Life witnessed The injury done to a fair Princess whom he loved dearly inspired him with the utmost Fury and crying very loud he would fain have gone to Musselman but he saw every where inaccessible Precipices Arianissa and Musselman hearing that noise look'd upon him The Princess hated all the Turks but she had a lesser aversion against Mahomet than against the Bostangi-Bachi the Prince who saw her desolate and oppressed with grief made many attempts which did not affright Musselman but Heaven who had designed that day for the punishment of the greatest Rogue in the World brought Scanderberg and his Men in the place where the Prince Mahomet was it vexed them to see one another there but the King of Albania soon perceived Arianissa Who could express his commotion at this sight or Musselman's rage The Precipices that were round him seem'd to secure his Cruelty but such as they were he did not think they were inaccessible for the passionate Scanderberg Just Heavens cry'd he favour my Passion and since you grant me to see Arianissa grant me also that I may deliver her from that cruel Tyrant Then he cast his eyes all round about and seeing a by-way difficult but less dangerous than the rest followed it hastily Thopia Vranus and the rest followed his steps and Mahomet who would not be an useless Spectator went after them tho it was a long circuit and tho' Musselman affrighted threatned to carry away Arianissa the couragious Princess hindered his design Scanderberg saw many of his Men fall and bruise themselves upon the Rocks but this did not abate his Courage and at last he found a way easier and broader which led him to Arianissa But alas those were not all the obstacles he was to met with and Musselman's Fury was more to be feared than those Precipices he had overcome already That barbarous man tho' he had a far greater number of men than those that had followed the two Princes yet could not trust on his own strength a hellish rage possess'd his Soul and seeing he was undone he resolved to undo all With this resolution he seized Arianissa's arm and drawing a Cymeter Scanderberg said he to her with his scared looks shall never see thee alive or enjoy those favours thou designest for him Thou cannot affright me in threatning me with death replied Arianissa with a serene countenance but tremble for thine own I look upon it as certain replied the Turk but Scanderberg's hand shall never sacrifice me The King of Albania was still drawing nearer and could already hear them Musselman perceiving him bad him stop if he desired Arianissa's life The Prince who saw his Cymeter and who was well enough acquainted with the Turks temper to expect all sorts of cruelties from them was strangely surprised and durst go no farther Arianissa seeing him stop and fearing lest too much love should make him easily leave her exhorted him to advance Come my Lord cryed she to him Musselman is too faint hearted to attempt any thing upon my life but suppose he was not I would sooner die than submit to him Mahomet who had also drawn near and who was not so much concerned for the loss of her life tho' he was mightily in love would have advanced farther but Scanderberg bad him imperiously not to advance rashly lest he should consider him as Arianissa's Murderer The Prince advanced no more and Musselman seeing the well grounded fear of his Rivals grew the more insolent King of Albania said he if thou lovest Arianissa's life thou must allow me to retire freely with her since I swear to thee by all that may render an Oath inviolable that I shall not spare her if thou goest a step farther O barbarous cry'd the Prince is this your way of loving and deserving her How cunningly thou knowest how to make use of my Love and thy Cowardise Depart Monster go far from hence since Arianissa's safety requires it but at least respect her Virtue and Rank Can you forsake me so cryed out Aranit's fair Daughter and do you think Scanderberg that I am so much in love with my life as to chuse