The Noble Slaves

Containing, The Noble Slaves; or, The Lives and Adventures of two
Lords and two Ladies. The Life and amorous Adventures of Lucinda, an
English Lady. The strange Adventures of the Count de Vinevil, and
his Family.

PREFACE.

We present the Publick with a Collection of Novels, written by the late ingenious Mrs. PENELOPE AUBIN, and published by her, at different times, singly, and with no small Success.

Amusements of this Kind have always been highly approved of in the most polite Nations, both of Europe and Asia: For such is the Nature of the human Mind, that it cannot be satisfied without Variety; and religious Subjects themselves, though the noblest Entertainments of all others, will sometimes lose their Force and Efficacy, even on serious Minds, when too strictly imposed or pursued, and if nothing be admitted to diversify and amuse. Much more may Subjects of Diversion be needful to regale the gay and sprightly Fancies of the Youth of both Sexes, the Vivacity of whose Tempers, so natural to their Time of Life, require somewhat to allure, to amuse, and to entertain; and who cannot be long kept to any one Subject, though ever so noble or important in itself.

As these Kinds of Writings, then, are principally of Use to divert and entertain the Minds of young Persons, the following Rules ought to be inviolably observed in them. First, A Purity of Style and Manners, that nothing may be contained in them that has the least Tendency to pollute or corrupt the unexperienced Minds, for whose Diversion they are intended. Secondly, That the Subjects should be such as naturally recommend all the Duties of social Life, and inforce an universal Benevolence to Mankind. Thirdly, That when a guilty Character is introduced, it should in the Conclusion appear to be signally punished or distressed, that others may be deterred from the Pursuits of those Follies, or Mistakes, which have been the Occasion of its Misfortunes. Fourthly, That Virtue or Innocence, on the contrary, be not finally permitted to suffer; but that a Prospect at least should be opened, either here or hereafter, for its Reward, in order to encourage every one who reads it to Imitation. And, lastly, that the whole have, at least, an Air of Probability, that the Example may have the greater Force upon the Minds it is intended to inform.

If these, among others that might be enumerated, may be said to be the indispensible Requisites of a good Novel, we must confess, with Concern, that they have been too seldom observed by those who have undertaken this Species of Writing, insomuch that it has brought a Disreputation on the very Name. And we are still more sorry to have Reason to say, That those of the Sex, who have generally wrote on these Subjects, have been far from preserving that Purity of Style and Manners, which is the greatest Glory of a fine Writer on any Subject; but, like the fallen Angels, having lost their own Innocence, seem, as one would think by their Writings, to make it their Study to corrupt the Minds of others, and render them as depraved, as miserable, and as lost as themselves.

Our Design is not to attempt to establish this Collection at the Expence of others, or, indeed, on any other Footing, than that of its own Merit: We will not therefore point out the particular Pieces of others, which we think dangerous to be perused by unguarded Youth, and, of Consequence, unfit to be recommended by such as would instil into their Minds the Principles of Virtue and Honour, and that at a Time when they are most susceptible of such Impressions as may be attended with either happy or pernicious Effects on their future Lives and Morals.

We shall only therefore observe, that Mrs. AUBIN had a far happier Manner of Thinking and Acting. She disdained to paint the guilty Scenes of Folly and Vanity in such Colours as might conceal their natural Deformity, and make the most unlovely and pernicious Vices amiable. She had no contemptible Share of Learning, surpassing what is usual in her Sex: She had excellent natural Talents, which were improved by Reading and Observation, as well as by Conversation with Persons as much distinguished by their Rank as for their good Understanding. She was Mistress of a polite and unaffected Style, and aimed not at the unnatural Flights, and hyperbolical Flourishes, that catch the weaker and more glittering Fancies of some of her Sex, and give their Performances too romantick an Air for Probability; and yet, at the same Time, it is lifted up above that tiresome and heavy Kind of narrative Prolixity, which affords no Entertainment to a brilliant Imagination. In short, she has the Felicity to hit and preserve that happy Medium between both Extremes, in this Particular, in which so few of her Sex, or our own, have succeeded; and which, at the same Time that it gives an Air of Probability to her Stories, equally delights and informs the youthful Mind. Her Relations are interspersed with a very entertaining Variety of Incidents, which flow naturally from her Subjects, and keep the Mind attentive and delighted; so that the longest of them cannot tire: And she mingles every where, as Occasions offer, very instructive Observations and Reflections, all tending to that one uniform End which was the principal Scope of her Writings; the mending of the Hearts of her Readers; the Encouragement of Religion and Virtue; and the discountenancing of Impiety and Vice. And so well has she observed the Rules above set down for constituting a good Novel, that her Heroes and Heroines are generally made successful or unsuccessful, happy or unhappy, according to their Merit: Or, if an innocent Person suffers, it is but for a Time, and then she draws from their Afflictions such Arguments as become a good Christian and wise Moralist. And, on the contrary, as she generally inflicts an exemplary Punishment on the premeditatedly guilty; so she raises from it such a Doctrine as may caution others to avoid the Crimes and Mistakes which have subjected them to the Calamities under which they labour.

And here it may not be amiss to transcribe a few Lines from different Places of these Volumes, in Confirmation of the Justice we do our Author, and which will best shew the End she constantly had in View in all her Writings; and how safely they may be recommended to the Perusal of Youth, without the least Apprehension of inculcating upon their Minds, those impure and polluted Images which too generally abound in Pieces of this Nature.

To instance then a few Things, in the Preface to her Novel called The Noble Slaves, she tells us, That her only Aim is to encourage Virtue, to expose Vice, imprint noble Principles in the ductile Souls of our Youth, and by setting great Examples before their Eyes, excite them to Imitation. That her only Desire is to please the Good and Virtuous, and is particularly studious of promoting the Instruction and Delight of her own Sex. She censures freely the Infidels of the Times; recommends Trust in God, as the best Security in all Dangers. And concludes that Piece with this Observation, Since Religion is no Jest, Death and a future State certain; let us strive to improve the noble Sentiments such Histories as these will inspire in us; avoid the loose Writings which debauch the Mind: And since our Heroes and Heroines have done nothing here but what is possible, let us resolve to act like them, make Virtue the Rule of all our Actions, and eternal Happiness our only Aim.

In the entertaining History of the Count de Vinevil, she professes to try to allure young Minds to Virtue, by Methods where Delight and Instruction may go together, in an Age where more grave Pieces are too generally dispised or neglected. She tells us, That it is a Story in which Divine Providence is shewn to manifest itself in every Transaction; where Virtue is tried with Misfortunes, and rewarded with Blessings; where Men behave like Christians, and Women are really virtuous and imitable. Would Men, she says, trust in Providence, and act according to Reason and common Justice, they need not to fear any Thing; but whilst they defy God, and wrong others, they must be Cowards and Self-destroyers, and their Ends infamous. She heartily wishes Prosperity to her Country; and that our Nobility would distinguish themselves by the same shining Qualities which gave Being to their Distinction.

The Story of the Lady Lucy she thus prefaces, with Regard to a vicious Character in one of her own Sex, and which is well worthy the Consideration of every Lady. —Let me, says she, give this Word of Advice to the vicious Woman: Let her Station be ever so great and high in the World; nay, let her Crimes be ever so well concealed from human Eyes; yet, like Henrietta, she will be unfortunate in the End, and her Death, like hers, will be accompanied with Terrors, and a bitter Repentance shall attend her to the Grave: While the Virtuous shall look Dangers in the Face unmoved, and putting their whole Trust in the Divine Providence, shall be delivered, even by miraculous Means; or, dying with Comfort, be freed from the Miseries of this Life, and go to taste eternal Repose.

The Life of Charlotta du Pont she dedicates to the celebrated Mrs. Rowe, with whom she had an Intimacy, as we there see, and may farther reasonably infer from the Tenor of both their Writings, for the Promotion of the Cause of Religion and Virtue, and from that Affinity and Kindred of Souls, which will always make the Worthy find out one another, and create stronger Ties of Union and Friendship than those of Blood.

In the same exemplary Manner does she end that beautiful Story, as also every other contained in these Volumes; besides interspersing occasionally, as we have hinted, such Reflections, in the Progress of the Relations, as are worthy of the Design she had principally in View: And therefore, we hope we may safely conclude with recommending this Collection to the Perusal of all such as desire to be agreeably entertained, and instructed at the same Time.

TO THE Right Honourable THE Lady COLERAIN.

Madam,
The Friendship my Lord and you have been pleased to honour my Husband withal lays me under an Obligation of making some Returns, and must create in me a particular Veneration for You both. But there are many other Reasons why I should make choice of you, Madam, to beg your Protection for these Noble Slaves and my self, to skreen us from the ill-natured Crowd of Criticks, who condemn without Judgment; and Atheists, who deride God's Providence, which this History was chiefly designed to vindicate, and to excite Men to put their Trust in, at this time when they scarce know how to trust one another.

You, Madam, have Beauty to charm them all into Silence; a Look, a Smile will disarm their Malice, and a Frown awe the whole Sex. What Man dares condemn what so fair a Lady approves? And though our own Sex generally look with Envy on such Excellencies as you are Mistress of; yet the good Nature and Sweetness of your Disposition disarms their Spleen, and they must love, as well as admire you; and consequently favour every Thing that you honour with your Esteem, or approve.

For these Reasons, Madam, I presume to dedicate this Book to you; and relying on your Goodness, hope you will pardon my Presumption when I tell you, that I do it with the ambitious Desire of being admitted into the Number of those who have the Happiness to call themselves your Friends; of which none has a more profound Respect for my Lord and you, than

Your Ladyship's
most sincere Friend
and devoted Servant,

Penelope Aubin.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

In our Nation, where the Subjects are born free, where Liberty and Property is so preserved to us by Laws, that no Prince can enslave us, the Notion of Slavery is a perfect Stranger. We cannot think without Horror of the Miseries that attend those, who, in Countries where the Monarchs are absolute, and standing Armies awe the People, are made Slaves to others. The Turks and Moors have been ever famous for these Cruelties; and therefore when we Christians fall into the Hands of Infidels, or Mahometans, we must expect to be treated as those heroick Persons, who are the Subject of the Book I here present to you. There the Monarch gives a loose to his Passions, and thinks it no Crime to keep as many Women for his Use, as his lustful Appetite excites him to like; and his Favourites, Ministers of State, and Governors, who always follow their Master's Example, imitate his way of living. This caused our beautiful Heroines to suffer such Trials: The Grand Seignior knowing that Money is able to procure all earthly Things, uses his Grandees like the Cat's Paw, to beggar his People, and then sacrifices them to appease the Populace's Fury, and fills his own Coffers with their Wealth. This is Turkish Policy, which makes the Prince great, and the People wretched, a Condition we are secured from ever falling into; our excellent Constitution will always keep us rich and free, and it must be our own Faults if we are enslaved, or impoverished.

But to leave this unpleasant Subject, let us proceed to reflect on the great Deliverances of these noble Slaves: You will find that Chains could not hold them; Want, Sickness, Grief, nor the merciless Seas destroy them; because they trusted in God, and swerved not from their Duty.

Methinks now I see the Atheist grin, the modish Wit laugh out, and the old Letcher and the young Debauchee sneer, and throw by the Book; and all join to decry it: It is all a Fiction, a Cant they cry; Virtue's a Bugbear, Religion's a Cheat, though at the same time they are jealous of their Wives, Mistresses, and Daughters, and ready to fight about Principles and Opinions.

Their Censures I despise, as much as I abhor their Crimes; the Good and Virtuous I desire to please. My only Aim is to encourage Virtue, and expose Vice, imprint noble Principles in the ductile Souls of our Youth, and setting great Examples before their Eyes, excite them to imitate them. If I succeed in this, I have all I wish.

The charming Masquerades being at an end, our Ears almost tired with Italian Harmony, and our Pockets emptied of Money, which must prevent extravagant Gaming, unless our private Credit outlives the Publick; it is possible that we may be glad of new Books to amuse us, and pass away that time that must hang heavy on our Hands: And Books of Devotion being tedious, and out of Fashion, Novels and Stories will be welcome. Amongst these, I hope, this will be read, and gain a Place in your Esteem, especially with my own Sex, whose Favour I shall always be proud of: Nor have they a truer Friend, than their humble Servant

Penelope Aubin.

CHAP. I.

A French West-India Captain just returned from the Coast of Barbary, having brought thence some Ladies and Gentlemen, who had been Captives in those Parts, the History of whose Adventures there are most surprizing, I thought it well worth presenting to the Publick. It contains such variety of Accidents and strange Deliverances, that I am positive it cannot fail to divert the most splenetick Reader, silence the Profane, and delight the Ingenious; and must be welcome at a time when we have so much occasion for something new, to make us forget our own Misfortunes. The Providence of God, which Men so seldom confide in, is in this History highly vindicated; his Power manifests itself in every Passage: and if we are not bettered by the Examples of the virtuous Teresa and the brave Don Lopez, it is our own faults.

These Persons, who are the principal Subject of this Narrative, were both Natives of Spain; the Lady Teresa's Father was Don Sancho de Avilla, a Gentleman of Castile; who being a Widower took this young Lady, his only Child, then but Ten Years of Age, and went for Mexico, where he resolved to reside the Remainder of his Days; having received some disgust at his Master the King of Spain, who had refused him the Government of a Place in Castile, which he had asked for.

He left Spain in the Year 1708, and arrived safe at Mexico with all his Effects and Family. There he soon increased his Fortune greatly, and the fair Teresa improved in Stature and Beauty, so that in two Years time she was admired by all the Men, and envied by all the Women. She was moderately fair, but her Eyes were black and shining, and inspired Love with every Glance. Her Mouth and Features were so sweet, so charming, that her Smiles still healed the Wounds her Eyes did give. Her Shape, her Air, her Voice, were all divine. Her Soul was noble, full of solid Sense and Honour. She was affable, pious, witty, chaste, and free from Pride. Her Father was so fond of her, he thought his Happiness consisted wholly in her Life and Welfare; prized her above his Wealth, and resolved to sacrifice all he had got, rather than not place her nobly in the World.

But alas! Heaven smiles at our Designs, and soon convinced him he could live without her. One Evening the fair Teresa being at a Country House of her Father's, at Segura, going to take the Air in a Pleasure-Boat, with her Servants, a strong Wind rose, and blew them out to Sea: Three Days and Nights they remained tossed to and fro, in the extremest Danger and Despair. At last the Boat over-set, and the merciless Waves swallowed that, and all her Attendants, except a Blackamore Slave, who leaping into the Sea, cried, My dear Lady, throw your self upon me, and I will bear you up till I die. It was dusk, and no Land appeared: But as she held him round the Neck, he (swimming) cried, Land, Land; hold fast, I tread on Land. Then getting nearer to the Shore, he found his Hopes answered; for they were cast on a desolate Island, where no Signs of any Inhabitants appeared. Here the half dead Teresa fainted, and the poor Black laying her upon the Grass, sat down weeping by her, having nothing to give her, to comfort her or himself. She at length recovered, and with that weak Voice she had left, returned God Thanks for her Safety.

At break of Day they saw an old Indian Man come down towards them drest in Beasts Skins, a Hat of Canes, and Sandals of Wood upon his Feet: He went to a Tree, dragged a Canoe of a strange Fashion, that stood against it, down to the Sea, and was entring into it when he perceived Teresa and the Moor: He presently made up to them, and by strange Gestures expressed his Surprize, seeming to admire her Habit and Beauty; the Black who was skilled in them, by Signs informed him of their Distress. The Indian who proved a Japanese, cast on Shore there, with his Wife and three Children, in the Chinese Language invited them to his Home: The Moor understood him, and informing his Lady, they went with him. They found his Wife and Children in a poor Cottage, or Hut; she was dressed in Beasts Skins, and the Children were naked: The Hut was built of Boughs of Trees, and Hurdles made with Canes to fill the Spaces; the Roof was thatched with Plashes and Leaves, yet so that the Rains could not enter: The Indians were humane, and treated her the best they were able, bringing out dried Fish, and Eggs, which the Woman roasted in the Embers of a Fire they had made to warm them. There was only one Room where they must all eat and lie; Rushes and dried Leaves, with no Coverlid but Beasts Skins, were their Beds; Indian Corn, dried in the Sun, their Bread; Water their Drink. This was a hard Trial for so young a Creature as the fair Teresa, who had been bred with such Delicacy and Indulgence: But her Virtues exceeded her Years and Strength; she eat thankfully what was set before her, was wholly resigned to the Will of Heaven, and murmured not at Providence. Here she and the Moor continued eight Days. The poor Indian who was a Christian, converted with his Family by the Missionaries in Japan, and shipwrecked here as he was going with Goods for the Merchants to China, with a small Bark which he was then Owner of; he and the Moor went daily out to fish, hoping to get sight of some Ship, or Bark, that would carry them to Japan, or Mexico. Mean time the Lady not being able to converse with the poor Indian Woman, whose Language she was a Stranger to, walked out as far as her weak Legs would carry her, to view the Island, which seemed of no small Extent: Here she found Fruits of divers Kinds, pleasant and good, especially Grapes, which, though wild, were of excellent Taste; these she eat and brought Home; where pressing out the Juice, she mixt it with Water, making a pleasant Drink of it. This raised a Curiosity in the Black to range about the Island, hoping to discover something worth his Labour. He found Nests of young Birds, and Rice, Olives, Honey in the hollow Trees; and every Day brought Home something acceptable, and of great Use in their melancholy Condition. But Providence was determined to deprive Teresa of this Comfort also; for one Morning she walked out with Domingo (for so was her faithful Slave called) to divert her self with the Sight of some pleasant Walks he had discovered in a woody Place about two Miles from the House; which being arrived at, they ventured into the thickest part of it: There Domingo espied a Tree with Fruit he had never seen before, not unlike an European Pear; he boldly ventured to gather, and taste it, though Teresa warned him to forbear tasting it till they had shewn it to the Indian: He eat two of them, putting more in his Pocket; and in few Minutes after found himself sick, and began to vomit. They hastened to return Home; but before they could reach half way, he fell down, and embracing his Lady's Knees, cried, 'Farewel my dear Mistress; may God, to the Knowledge of whom your dear Father brought me, keep you, and deliver you hence; comfort you when I am gone, and have Mercy upon the Soul of your poor Slave. Remember me, charming Teresa; my Soul adored you, but Christianity restrained me from asking what my amorous Soul languished to possess. I brought you to the Wood with Thoughts my Soul now sinks at. I was born free as you, and thought I might with Honour ask your Love, since Heaven had singled me out to save your Life, and live your only Companion and Defender; but God has thought fit to disappoint me. May no other rob you of that Treasure which I no longer can protect. Angels guard you. Give me one Kiss, and send my Soul to rest.' Here he grasped her Hand, and strove to rise, but fell back and expired. The fair Teresa remained so afflicted and surprized, that she was not able to stand; her tender Soul was so shocked, she was even ready to follow him; the Generosity and Love he had shewn, the desolate Condition she was left in, distracted her: yet she could not but applaud the Goodness of God, who had so wonderfully prevented her Ruin; for though he had a Soul fair as his Face was black, yet Domingo, her Father's Slave, was not fit to enter her Bed.

She was now left alone, no human Creature left that could understand her Language; very small Hopes of ever being delivered from this dismal Place, the poor Indians having lived here five Years already.

These sad Thoughts overwhelmed her for some time; one while she turned her Eyes to the insensible Domingo, then to the distant Sea, and Mexico: At length she cast them up to Heaven, and cried, 'My God, pity my Youth and Innocence; Death would be now a Favour to me. What shall I do in this sad Place! How spend those wretched Hours thou hast allotted me to live! Who shall close my Eyes, or lay me decently in my Grave? But why do I reflect on that? Who shall improve by any good that I can do, whilst living, or teach me to sustain the Miseries of Life as I ought? Oh! thou who madest and canst not hate me, increase my Faith and Patience; or free my Soul from this Extremity of Grief by Death. But alas! do I instruct my God? Do I point out to him the way to help me? Am I fit to die, and not resigned to him? Forgive me, gracious Heaven: I rest satisfied: This lonely Place shall henceforth be my Patmos: Here free from Temptatious that delude Mankind I will live; the Woods shall be my Oratory: I will only eat to live, count Things the most distasteful, wholesom and good, and live to die.' Here she attempted to rise, but was not able. She remained here some Hours. At last, the poor Indian Woman came to seek her, and after having expressed in her Language much Concern for Domingo, led her Home.

She continued thus ten Days, beginning to understand something of their Language: The Indian buried Domingo, and Teresa grew very sick, yet refrained not to walk daily to the Wood where she offered up her Prayers to God.

One Morning as she was at her Devotion, she was interrupted by the Voice of a Woman, who was making sad Lamentation in the French Tongue, for the Death of some Person. Teresa rose from off her Knees, and following the Sound of the Voice, came to the farther side of the Wood, where she perceived a dark Valley betwixt two small Hills, which were so covered with Trees as rendred the Valley very obscure; here sat a Woman with her Hair dishevelled, her Habit rich, but altogether negligent, upon the Ground: upon a Scarlet Cloak lay a Man, whose Habit spoke him no common Person, a Death-like Paleness reigned in his Face, and he appeared as one just Dead. The Woman wrung her Hands, tore her Hair, and shewed all the Symptoms of a Person in Despair. Teresa, who spoke French, after some time addressed her self to her in this manner: 'Madam, behold here a Person, who is, perhaps, wretched as your self, yet not quite unable to help you; tell me your Grief, and if I cannot repair your Loss I may yet comfort you.' The Woman looking up, discovered the most lovely Face imaginable. 'Speak not, said she, to me of Comfort; since the too charming Hautville is no more, I am inconsolable. See here a Man, who has left his Country, Fortune, and Friends to follow me; and being cast on this cursed Shore by an unskilful Pilot, has perished at my Feet for want of Food. We have been five sad Days in this inhospitable Place, where the Bruises he had received against the cruel Sands upon his Breast, bringing me upon his Back to Shore, made him unable to go farther. I gathered Fruit and Honey; but alas! he wanted other Food, refused to eat enough to support Life, and is now departed, leaving me the most unhappy Wretch on Earth.' Here she renewed her Transport of Sorrow, kissed his pale Lips, and beat her Breast against the Ground; which Teresa, who wanted Strength to hold her, beheld with utmost Compassion. At last the Gentleman fetched a deep Sigh, and opened his Eyes. 'Fond Woman, said Teresa, sit not thus to weep, but rise and follow me; the God which Grief makes you forget, sends you Help by me: Make haste, I will give you Food and Wine, which, though but poor, will sustain Life.' At these Words Teresa ran back to the Hut as fast as her Weakness would permit, and made the Indian Woman follow her with Food to the Wood, where they found the Lady and Gentleman, both almost senseless; but pouring some of the Grape Juice down their Throats, which was strong, though not purified like Wine, they revived, and having got a little Food into their Stomachs, made shift to rise, and walk a little Way, but could not reach the Hut till Evening. Teresa staid by them all the Day, overjoyed that she had Company; and after having eat and drank a second Time, the Gentleman repaid her Courtesy with this handsome Acknowledgment. 'Blest Angel, for such you have been to me, and my dear Emilia, how came you here? Such Beauty and such Youth, and Innocence, as appears in your Face, might surely have secured you from the Miseries of Life. What cruel Accident brought you to this desert Isle?' Here Teresa recounted her Misfortunes, and in return, desired to know theirs, if his Strength would permit. The Count de Hautville readily consented to gratify her, and began the fair Emilia's and his own History, in this Manner.

CHAP. II.

'Madam, we are Natives of France, born both in one Province, Poictou is our Country; I was the Son of the Marquis de Ventadore, a Man whose Fortune and Quality rendered him vain, and me unhappy. This Lady was the Daughter of a Gentleman, who, though not equal to my Father in Fortune, was as nobly descended. He was the younger Son of a General, and related to the Duke de Vendome. Emilia was his only Child, whose Beauty and Virtues made her worthy a Prince's Bed. I saw, and loved her from her Infancy; our Affection was increased by Years, and grew up with us. When I was fourteen, my Father carried me to Paris, shewed me the Court, and all the celebrated Beauties that shine there, where Art is used to improve each Charm, and Jewels and Habit join with Nature to subdue the Heart; but Emilia was possessed of mine before. I viewed them all unmoved, was impatient to return to Poictou; and then my Father first began to mistrust my being pre-engaged to some Person there. He carried me back with him, and set a Watch upon my Actions. Soon after my return Home Emilia's Father died, and she was taken by an old Aunt to be educated. The Fortune left Emilia was about two thousand Pounds, the Estate was entailed, and could not descend to a Daughter, so a Kinsman enjoys it. This Lady was a sordid, malicious old Maid, who pretended to Devotion and Sanctity, but was really a vile Hypocrite: She used her with great Severity, and gave my Father Intelligence of my frequent Visits and Presents to Emilia, hoping to gain his Favour and a Reward, which she did not fail of. He urged me often to address my self to one Lady or other, and finding me firm to my first Choice, resolved to rid her out of my way: In order to which, he sends for a Captain who was going to the French Canada for to trade, and offers him three hundred Crowns to carry her away with him. The Villain accepts the Offer, visits the Aunt, acquaints himself with Emilia, at last invites them to Rochel, where his Ship lay, to a Treat on board: She takes my Father's Coach, which she pretended to borrow, and with the innocent Emilia goes to the cursed Entertainment, where they gave her Wine with an Infusion of Opium, which soon bereft her of all Sense; then the hellish Fiend left her on Board, and set out for Paris, where soon after my Father went. There they contrived a Story together to blind the World, pretending Emilia was retired into a Monastery near Paris ; which when I heard, who was sufficiently alarmed before with her Absence, I posted to Paris, searched every Place to find her, and quickly learned the fatal Truth: And now, having vented my Passion, I consulted my Reason, and resolved to sooth my Father into giving me some Fortune, and then to follow her. Providence, who never fails to punish such enormous Crimes, in a short Time gave me the Means of executing this Design. An Uncle of my deceased Mother died, and left me a handsome Estate, being a Bachelor, and my Godfather; I immediately sold it, secretly put the Money into the India Company's Hands, taking Bills; and one Morning left a Letter for my Father on my Table, and attended with one Servant only went Post for Rochel, where a Ship lay ready to sail with me to Canada, the Company having had an Account of the other Ship's safe Arrival at Quebeck. The Letter contained Words much to this Purpose.'

My Honoured Lord and Father,

That you may not condemn me unjustly, or be surprized at my leaving you and my Country so suddenly and secretly, I leave this to inform you, that I am gone in search of Emilia, whom I have promised to make my Wife, to repair the inhuman Injury you have done that charming Maid. If I never return, it is the Will of Heaven. Whether ever I am blest with your Favour, and a Sight of you again, or not, I shall never cease to honour, respect, and love you as a Father, and to be your

Most obedient Son and humble Servant,
Francis Edward, Count de Hautville.

'I left France before those my Father sent after me could overtake me, and in six Weeks arrived at Quebeck, where I soon learned where the Villain Captain lodged, who had robbed me of Emilia . I addressed my self to the Governor, and Merchants on whom my Bills were drawn, who all promised to assist me. I obtained an Order from the Governor to secure him, and search his Lodgings; but could hear nothing of her. He denied the Fact, pleaded Ignorance, so I was forced to let him go, and use my Sword to do my self Justice. I got what Money I could of the Merchants, discounting the Bills, secured a Ship to carry me off, and then one Evening dogged him out of the Town with my Servant. So soon as he was at the Fields, I came up to him; and demanded Satisfaction. We drew, fought, and it was my fortune to wound, and disarm him; he begged his Life, and confessed that he had left Emilia at Panama, designing so soon as he had dispatched his Affairs at Quebeck, to return thither and make her his Mistress, which he had in vain attempted when he had her at Sea; she having threatned him with Death if he offered to force her: But now being left in a Widow Woman's Care, where he had placed her, destitute of Money and Friends, he doubted not of her complying with his Desires at his return to her, since she could not subsist in a strange Country without him. I was so provoked at this, that I could scarce refrain killing him in the Place; however, I governed my self, my Servant and I led him to Town, and put him into a Surgeon's Hands: Then I went directly to the Governor's, and acquainted him with what had past, desiring he would go and hear the Villain confess the Truth himself. He went with me, and now all the Place rung of him, so that had he lived he must never have returned to Quebeck again: But in few Days after I left it, he died of his Wounds; of which a Merchant sent me Word to Panama, to which Place I went with Horses which I hired, and there found the Widow's House, but not Emilia. The Woman informed me that some Days after the Captain left her, she heard of a French Captain's Arrival, who was come to trade, and bound to New Mexico, and with him she was departed thence. I presently embarked in a small Vessel I hired, and went thither, and found her on Board the honest Gentleman's Ship, who had treated her with extraordinary Civility, and designed to carry her Home to France with him. What Joy and Transport we both felt at this Meeting, you may imagine. I there married my charming Emilia, and resolved to return with her Home. The Captain was not long before he had dispatched his Affairs here, and then set sail for Japan, where he was obliged to deliver Goods; but we had not long passed the Straights of California, before a Hurricane rose, and our Pilot being unskilful, we ran foul of one of those Islands that lie near Cape Orientes ; there our Vessel struck, and split to Pieces, every one shifted for their selves, my dear Emilia was my only Care. I threw my Cloak into the Boat, threw her and my self into it, and fortunately got clear of the Ship before she split, taking only the Captain with us, whom I called to me. We had but eight Hands aboard of Sailors, and they doubtless all perished in the Sea. The poor Captain, Monsieur de Bonfoy, holding the Rudder to steer the Boat, was by a Wave washed overboard and drowned. We were left to the Mercy of the Winds and Seas, but by Providence preserved; for the Boat oversetting, I took Emilia on my Back, and seeing my self near this Island, made towards it: But my Strength was not sufficient, had not God caused the Waves to cast me on this Shore. We were both so spent we lay almost senseless for some time: At last we made shift to creep to the Wood, being wet, cold, faint, and hungry; I being bruised, and my Limbs nummed with lying on the Ground, could not rise, or walk farther; so my dear Emilia strove to supply my Wants and her own, and finding my Cloak on the Sands, brought and dried it, in which we wrapped our selves, and found much Comfort: But when God sent you to our Relief, Nature was no longer able to support us, and we were near dying for want of Food.'

Teresa embraced Emilia, saying, 'Now I repent not my own Misfortunes in being cast on this Place, since it has preserved you both from perishing; we will chearfully support the Inconveniencies of it, till Heaven sends some Vessel to deliver us: Come let us try to reach the homely Cottage that must shroud us from the cold Air, and revive you with Food and Firing.' They got to it, and found the poor Indian and his Wife ready to receive them: They made a Fire, boiled them Eggs and Fish, gave them boiled Rice; and though they could not converse with, or understand their Language, expressed much Compassion for them. Here they lay this Night much comforted, and Teresa much overjoyed that she had such Companions to converse with; conceiving strong Hopes of God's delivering her thence, who had so wonderfully provided Comforts for her in that dismal Place.

CHAP. III.

The next Morning the poor Indian went a Fishing; the Number of his Guests being now increased, it was necessary to use more Diligence than usual to get Food for them. The Indian Woman prepared all at Home, whilst her Guests walked out in search of Fruits and Roots, of which they failed not to bring back some, especially Grapes, which were of great Use to them. Thus they continued to live, though very poorly, for some Days.

One Night the Wind blew hard, and it thundered as if Nature had fallen into Convulsions, and the World was unjointed. Towards Morning it cleared up, and Teresa, Emilia, and the Count, walked out to view the Shore, desirous to see what Havock that dreadful Night had made: They found on the Shore several Coffers, Boxes, Pieces of Timber, &c. which shewed some Vessel had been shipwrecked there. By this time the Indians came to them, and the Count helped them to bring up some of the Chests and Vessels, which they could reach, to Shore.

Mean time the Ladies walked on farther, and at some distance Teresa perceived a Man floating upon a Chest, which the Waves at length threw on the Shore: His Habit was Spanish, very rich; his Shape incomparable; his Hands were clinched on the Chest, and when she took hold on him, she thought him dead. Emilia and Teresa pitying him, strove to lift him up: But how great was Teresa's Surprize, when discovering his Face, she knew him to be the brave Don Lopez! a young Gentleman, only Son to the Governor of Mexico ; a Youth of great Hopes, Quality, and Fortune; who had adored her from the Moment he first saw her, and one who had made an Impression in her Heart, which she had carefully concealed, but could not efface. My God, she passionately cried, can I see him perish thus without Regret? Must Don Lopez charm the undone Teresa no more, nor my Ears hear that pleasing Voice? Help me, Emilia, to save, if possible, the Man I esteem above the World.

By this time the Water pouring out of his Mouth, his Spirits recovered, and with a deep Groan he gave Signs of Life. Teresa calling for help, the Count and Indians came up; they took the Stranger up, and carried him to the Hut; there they warmed, chafed, and brought him to himself, some Quarts of Water having first been vomited up. And now the Indian having discovered that a Vessel of Rack was amongst the Things they had saved of the Wreck, ran and fetched a Cup made of a Calabash full of it; which holding above two Quarts, served to revive them all, and mixed with Grape Juice and Water, made excellent Drink for that Day.

And now Don Lopez lifting up his Eyes, saw the lovely Teresa, who was behind him, supporting his Head with a Concern that had made her forget the Discovery she made of her tender Affection for him to the Standers by. Blest God! he cried, do I again see Teresa? Is Life restored with such a Blessing? Here he fainted, at which she was so much surprized, that she turned pale and swooned.

They were in some time both recovered; then he clasped her in his Arms, saying, 'Charming Maid, I have sought you every where, resolving to find you, or die in the Attempt. I no sooner heard of your Disaster, but I procured a Ship, have visited all the Coast of Peru and Canada. Missing you there, I determined to go to Japan, it being the nearest Coast to which you could be drove. I feared, indeed, that the cruel Waves had swallowed you; but not being able to live at Mexico without you, I rather chose to range the World, and court Death amongst Pagans and Mahometans. I designed to visit the Holy Land, and retire to some Desert, and to spend my Days in Fasting, Prayers and Contemplation: But indulgent Heaven kindly drove me here, and would not let me perish. Now I am happier than Eastern Kings. This Place is as Paradise, where Teresa's Presence makes all Things lovely. Say, my good Angel, did you wish me living when you thought me dead? Am I welcome?' Teresa much confused, conscious of the Discovery she had made of her Passion for him, answered, 'Don Lopez, I have shewn too much Concern for you, not to explain the Sentiments I have for you: My Thoughts of you are too well discovered by my Actions.' Here he bowed, saying, 'I thank thee, gracious Heaven, my Vows are heard: If I return in Safety with her to my Home, I will build a Church, and consecrate it to the Honour of our God.' The Count and Emilia joined in congratulating these transported Lovers; and now store of Salt Meat, Bisket, Brandy, Wine, and Sugar, which was cast on Shore, being secured, they prepared such a Dinner, as the poor Indians had not tasted of some Years.

Don Lopez remembered to ask what was become of the Coffer he was brought to Shore upon, which was not once thought of before, saying, It had much Treasure in it. 'When I found (said he) how great the Storm was, I caused it to be brought up upon Deck. The Ship, though small, being not loaded, and a good Sailer, held out a long time: At last the Lightning fired the Shrouds: We got the Boat out strait, and had but just time to throw that Chest and our selves into it, before the Ship was all on fire. We saw this Island, and made for it; but the Waves rose so high, the Boat overset near the Shore: We leaped into the Sea, and I threw my self across the Chest, the Wind driving to the Island. At last losing my Breath, I fainted, so the Water entered my Mouth, and God's Providence brought me ashore.' They went forthwith, and found the Chest where they left it; but the Tide flowing, had they staid much longer they had lost a great Treasure, for Don Lopez had put into it much Gold, Plate, Jewels, and Clothes, designing to return no more Home.

And now nothing was wanting to make this Company happy, but a Ship to carry them and the poor Indians to Mexico; for they were resolved to take them and their Children with them, in Gratitude for the Assistance they had given them. Mean time, to pass away the tedious Hours, they walked daily out, and found beyond the Wood a ruinous Pagan Temple, in which were several strange Images, the chief of which represented a Man whose Head was adorned with the Rays of the Sun: It was rudely cut in black Marble, but the Rays were gilded finely. They concluded it to be the Work of some Chinese or Persians, who had inhabited that Place in antient times. It was a curious Building, and seemed to be founded upon Vaults. Near this Place were several Pits and Altars where Sacrifices had been killed and offered. Beyond this Place was a high Hill over which the Ladies did not dare to venture; several times they returned to this Temple, and still found something more of Antiquity to admire in it. One Morning the Count de Hautville and Don Lopez walked out very early to this Place, resolving to go over the Hill; and entering the ruined Temple, to rest before they pursued their walk, they considered it more attentively than ever; and Don Lopez observed a Door that went down behind the Altar on which the Image of the Sun was placed: He boldly pulled it open, saying, In the Name of God let us enter, and see what this Place contains. They descended by some Stairs, and entered a large Room, where a Lamp was burning before a hideous Image, whose Face was bigger than a Buphalo; his Eyes were two Lights like Torches; his Mouth stood open; his Limbs were proportionably large, made of burnished Brass; on his Breast was a Lion's Head; his Feet were like a Camel's: He had a Bow and Arrow in his Hands, a Mantle of curious Feathers hung over his right Shoulder: He stood upon a Crocodile of Stone, whose Jaws seemed open to devour all that entered: Skulls and Jawbones, with Locks of clotted Hair, hung up against the Walls of this dreadful Vault, and Skeletons of Cats, Wolves, and Screech-owls: Several Grave-stones were in the Floor. As they entered the Bones began to rattle, the Image shook, the Crocodile's Teeth gnashed, and distant Thunder seemed to roar. The Christian Heroes, tho' surprized, went not back, but falling on their Knees, besought God to assist and keep them. As they prayed the Lightning flashed from the Image, the Graves opened, and Voices were heard in the Chinese Language, which they understood not. At last the Lion's Mouth opened in the Image's Breast, and a Voice pronounced these Words in French: 'Christians, you have conquered: Adored by Pagan Indians, long I have been worshipped here, and human Sacrifices offered to this hideous Idol, by which I was honoured. But now my Power is taken from me; the God you serve has silenced me. Depart, through this Room you will find a Way leads under the great Hill, by antient Persians made. There are Christians will assist you to depart from this sad Place and Isle. Avoid the Indian Shore, and Men. It will be long e'er you will see your native Country, and Friends again. My fatal Hour is come, and I am henceforth dumb.' Here the Image fell in pieces, the Graves shut, the Lamps in its Eyes went out; and by the Light of the Lamp before it they departed, full of Wonder, and past through another Door which led to a long Passage, at the end of which they found themselves on the other side the Hill, in an open Country; there they saw the open Sea, and on the Coast a small Stone Building, which coming nearer to, they found to be a House. At the Door of it stood a venerable Man in a Persian Dress: He observed them as one amazed; when they came near, he came to meet them, and speaking Spanish, asked whence they came, and who they were: Don Lopez informed him. He embraced him, saying, Welcome Christians, in God's Name; enter, and refresh your selves. They came in and found a House neat, and well furnished, with Carpets, Porcelane, Quilts, Painting, Screens, and such Furniture as the Persians of Distinction use; with three well dressed Slaves, who brought Wine, Sherbet, and Fowl, and boiled Rice. Being seated with much Ceremony, the Persian staid not to be intreated, but said, Eat, Gentlemen, and I will tell you how I came to this Place, and why I dwell here. They bowed, and respectfully kept silence, much desiring to know who he was, which he thus informed them of.

CHAP. IV.

'I was born in Persia, my Father was a General in the Emperor's Service. I was made a Captain of his Guard at 20 Years of Age, much esteemed by him, and in great Favour, and knew no greater Happiness than to be Great, or Religion but Mahometism: I had a noble House and a Seraglio, where five Women of great Beauty served my Pleasures, and sweetened all those Hours that I dedicated to my Diversions. It happened that a Turkish Captain brought some Slaves to sell at Ispahan; amongst which was a Spanish Girl, a Virgin of but thirteen Years of Age, fair as Nature ever made: Her Complexion exceeded Art, her Eyes were dark blue, her Hair light brown, her Features soft and charming; she had an Air so innocent, so modest, so engaging, that she attracted the Eyes of all that past along: It was my Fortune to be going to the Palace that way: I saw her, and stopping to admire her Beauty, I presently asked the Price of that sweet Girl; the Captain asked me a hundred Crowns: I paid him down the Money, and sent one of my Slaves home with her. It is impossible to describe to you how uneasy I was to go Home; my Impatience was so great, that I thought each Hour a Year whilst the Emperor detained me. He was going to ride in the Almaidan, which would have obliged me to stay with him all Day; I therefore feigned a sudden Indisposition, and begged leave to retire; he consented, and I flew to my charming Slave: The Eunuch that kept my Women had placed her in a Chamber to wait my Commands. I hastily asked for her; they told me Dinner waited: But I neglected eating, and entring the Chamber, found the charming Maria, for that was her Name, seated upon a Couch, pale as Death, her Head gently reclining on her lovely Hand, her Face all bathed in Tears. She rose at my coming up to her; I took her in my Arms with a Transport I had never known before, and bid the Eunuch bring in Wine and Meat, and I would eat here. He withdrew: I kissed, embraced, and shewed her all the most tender Marks of Esteem: she trembled, wept, looked down, and sighed as if her Heart would break. Dinner brought in I courted her to eat and drink, but she refused. Unable to delay my Bliss, I took her by the Hand, led her into the Bed Chamber; but then she fell upon her Knees, still silent, not answering one Word, and shewed such Fear and Grief, that I was shocked; my Blood cooled, and I resolved to court her to my Arms, and stay till she would make me happy. I took her up, wiped away her Tears, and asked her in Spanish, why she treated me so cruelly? having asked what Nation she was of, when I bought her. "You are, said she, an odious Mahometan, and I a Christian: I am your Slave, by Heaven's Permission; but my Soul is free, and cannot consent to such a hateful Deed. Leave me or kill me; for I prefer Death to a disgraceful Life. Force me, and I will hate you, loath you, ruin your Joys, and fly you with Scorn and Coldness: but spare my Virtue. Oh! spare my Shame, and I will adore you, do any thing that you command." 'In short she melted my Soul; I treated her as if I had been her Slave, and used her so, that she promised if I would turn Christian, she would yield to be my Wife. In few Days the Emperor was informed what a beautiful Virgin I had purchased: He asked me gently,' "Tanganor, may I not see the fair Spanish Girl you have at Home? Pray bring her to me this Day: I have heard much of her." 'I remained silent, as one Thunder-struck for some time; at last recovering, "My mighty Lord, said I, she is not what Fame reports, but I will fetch her to you." 'I departed from Court that Moment so distracted, I knew not what Course to take; I acquainted Maria with what happened, who appeared as disordered as I: I resolved not to part with her, yet dared not keep her: The Emperor was not to be trifled withal: If he were disobliged, Death and Ruin must follow. Whilst we were debating, my Eunuch entered the Room trembling; "My Lord, said he, the Emperor has sent Bendarius his chief Eunuch with a Guard to demand the fair Slave." 'E'er he had finished the Eunuch entered, and taking her by the Hand, who was all in Tears, "Weep not, fair Virgin, said he, for such I hope you are; an Emperor's Bed courts your Acceptance; you are too fair for any Subject to possess." He gave her no time to reply, but took her away in a Sedan, leaving me in the utmost Distraction and Despair.

'I knew my Ruin was decreed, and was too well satisfied of Maria's Virtue, to believe that she would yield to the Emperor, without such Reluctance as would inform him she loved me; and then my Death was certain: I therefore resolved to convey into some secret Place what Money, Jewels, and Plate I could; and disguising my self, retire to some Place, where I might lye concealed. Achmet, my Eunuch, generously offered to attend, and conduct me to his Mother's House, which was far from Ispahan, near Mount Taurus. I accepted willingly his Offer, and loading two Horses with what was most valuable, departed that Night, and travelling all Night and the next Day, got clear of all pursuit.

'So soon as I was arrived at Mount Taurus, I blacked my Face and Hands, and changed my Dress for that of a Slave; buried my Treasure, and resolved to continue here till Achmet returned to Ispahan, and learned what Maria's Fate was; charging him to procure a Sight of her, if possible, and to return and tell me; resolving if she had yielded, and was content, to cross the Mountain, and retire to the Deserts, and there spend my Days.

'Achmet departed, and it was many Days before he returned; during which you may imagine the anxious Thoughts that possessed my Soul; but just God, how great was my Surprize when I saw him enter the House with Maria in his Hand! She had a Vail on, which I throwing up to salute her, saw that she was blind. "My Lord, said she, start not at the Sight, my Eyes are sacrificed to Virtue, with the Loss of them I have procured your Happiness; I would have done more, had Christianity permitted, and would have died, but I have cheaply bought my Repose with the Loss of one Sense. Thou glorious Woman, said I, clasping her in my Arms, what Words can express my Wonder, and Affection? Thy Virtues shine more than their lovely Eyes did, and shall procure thee an immortal Name." 'I led her into my homely Chamber, refreshed her with Wine, and Food, and there she told me what had befallen her.' "I was, said she, brought to a noble Apartment, which you, no doubt, have seen in the Palace: There the Eunuch brought two Female Slaves to me, with a Habit suiting a Queen, and departed. The Maids dressed me, whilst my Soul was tortured with a thousand Apprehensions. I fancied my self preparing to be sacrificed, and almost wished I had not been a Christian. When they had decked me as they pleased, they withdrew; and soon after the Emperor came in, a Man whose Person and Mien was noble and agreeable. He gazed upon me some time, then took a Ring of great Price from his Finger, put it upon mine, and said in Spanish, Fair Maria, you are worthy a Monarch's Bed: Fame has done you wrong, and Tanganor was a Villain to his Prince and you. I'll make you Mistress of Queens, and shew you what a Persian Monarch can bestow on her he loves. Come to my Arms, and let your Soul welcome mine." 'Here he embraced, and almost stifled me with Kisses; I gently strove to loose my self, and, falling down at his Feet with Tears, begged to be heard:' 'My mighty Lord, said I, look not upon me with Desire, I am unworthy you, I am a wretched Maid, torn from my Friends and Country, by a Villain, a Robber, and by his Means now made a Slave; but I am a Christian, and a Virgin, and e're I will yield to your Desires I will die. Tanganor is by promise my Husband, he has vowed to be a Christian, and to marry me; Oh! let your Bounty give me back and make me happy, or resolve to see me die here at your Feet: I will be only his, and never yield to gratify another." "Fond Maid, said he, I have heard too much, all that my Slaves possess is mine, and you are, and shall be so; your Virtue charms me more than your Eyes. Now I am resolved never to part with you: Force must I find procure me now what your Consent shall afterwards secure me of." 'Here he took me in his Arms, and carried me to a rich Bed, on which he threw me. My Soul was shocked at this, and so surprized, I soon resolved what to do;' "My Eyes shall never see my Shame, said I, nor more inflame Mankind: These I offer up to Virtue, and they shall weep no more in ought but Blood." 'At these Words I tore my Eyeballs out, and threw them at him.' "I saw no more, but heard him say, Ah cruel Maid, what have you done? Tanganor, you are happy: Had I been so fortunate to be beloved like you, I had been more than mortal. Maria, I would give all Persia to restore your Sight: By Mahomet you are more than Woman, and I will never presume to sue again for what you must deny. Tell me what I shall do to expiate my Crime." "Restore me to my Lord, I beg only that Grace, said I, and I will pray for you with my last Breath." He answered, "I will resign you to my Rival; but it is hard. Blind as you are, you charm me, and to keep my Word I must not view your Face again; go, and take care I never see you, nor Tanganor more, lest I forget my Promise, and relapse." 'Here he called Bendarius, kissed my Hands, on which I felt his falling Tears, and left me. I was carried strait back to your House, where Achmet found me sick of a Fever, which recovering I came with him; and now am happy, if you keep your Faith with me. Thus Maria finished her sad Story; and after this I need not tell you I adored her, and there sought, and found a Christian Monk who first baptized me, and then married us. I then considered what Course it was best for us to steer; and resolved to retire with her into this Island on this Side where the Japanese Vessels often call for fresh Water. I carried her through the great Mogul's Dominions down to Goa, and there we took Ship for this Island, where my Slaves which I brought with me repaired and fitted up this House. Here I have now lived fifteen Years, and have three Children by my dear Maria, who keeps much in her Chamber, because of her being blind. Once a Year we receive Letters from my Friends, and Returns from my Estate of Fruits, Spices, Clothes, and what is wanting. The Emperor never enquired more after me, nor molested my House or Friends; my Brother manages, and lives upon my Estate. And thus, Gentlemen, I have related to you my unfortunate Life; and if I can assist you, command me. The Ship we expect soon, it shall carry you where you please.' They returned him many Thanks, and he desired them to bring the Ladies. 'I have, said he, a Priest, my Chaplain in the House, whom I brought from Goa with me, he shall supply your spiritual Wants, and my dear Maria shall with Joy entertain the Ladies. My House is large enough to receive you all, and it will be a great Happiness for us to be all together. I have often wondered there were no Inhabitants to be seen when I have walked over the Hill, but never thought it worth while to search farther.' Don Lopez and the Count de Hautville took leave, being impatient to inform Teresa and Emilia of the strange Discoveries they had made, and promised to return to the noble Tanganor's the next Morning.

CHAP. V.

It was Noon before Don Lopez and the Count reached the Cottage, where they found the Ladies, to whom they related all the surprizing Adventures they had met with. 'And now, my charming Teresa, (said Don Lopez) we may quit this dismal Place; Providence has directed us to a better, where we shall have Company and Entertainment suiting our Desires and Wants. And you, (said he to the poor Indians) our generous Hosts, shall be received, and if you like of it, entertained at ease, or return to your own Country in that Ship that will, I hope, carry you to Japan, and us to Mexico .' An universal Joy now spread itself through this little Family; Dinner was got ready, and nothing spared of what Provisions they had got. The poor Indian got out his Canoe in the Evening, to put aboard it what Wine, Brandy, and Salt Meat they had left. They lay down at Night to sleep, but Don Lopez slept not at all; his Soul was transported, having nothing in view but the Possession of his dear Teresa: He knew a Christian Priest was at Tanganor's, and resolved to press her to make him happy. At break of Day they all rose, and set out for Tanganor's; the poor Indian and her Children followed, loaden with the mean Furniture their Cottage afforded; which they could not consent to leave behind them. Don Lopez and the Count emptied the rich Chest that belonged to Don Lopez, and fearing to venture it in the Canoe, carried all the Plate, Money, and Clothes that were in it, with them, the Ladies assisting. In some Hours, resting often in the way, they arrived at Tanganor's, who received them courteously, with Father Augustine, his Chaplain, a Man whose humble Appearance, and affable Behaviour spoke his Virtues; he embraced, and welcomed them with great Tenderness, and taking the Ladies by the Hand, said, 'Come, my Children, I will lead you to a Lady, who though blind, shall welcome you; and one whose Virtues you may be proud to imitate.' Tanganor conducting the Gentlemen, they all went to his Lady's Apartment, whom they found sitting in a Chair with her three Children seated on little Stools by her: Her Son who was then about eight Years old, was reading a holy Meditation for the Morning; whilst the two little Girls, Maria and Leonora, were at work. Tanganor informed her of the Ladies being there, whose Story he had told her the Night before. She rose to salute them, saying, 'Ladies, excuse me, if I pay Respect to the Younger first, since I cannot see you. My Soul rejoices at the arrival of such Company; though I cannot see the Light, yet I can relish the Charms of Conversation.' Here Teresa and Emilia embraced her, admiring her Beauty, which could not be altogether eclipsed by the black Ribbon that covered her Eyelids; her Shape, her Features and Complexion were incomparable. 'Madam, said Teresa, I wonder not that an Eastern Monarch adored you; you are still so lovely, that your Lord may justly account himself supremely happy in the Possession of such a Wife. The want of Sight adds to your Charms, and causes us to love and admire you, even before we converse with you.' Emilia joined in her Praises; and, in fine, the Lady put an end to the Discourse, by begging them to accept of a Breakfast with her, which was brought in. They passed the Day with much Pleasure: In the Evening, Don Lopez, who had privately acquainted Father Augustine with his Design, taking Teresa by the Hand, led her aside into a Room, where he thus addressed himself to her: 'Charming Teresa, God has been pleased to preserve and bring us together, in a wonderful manner; I know that you are not insensible or ignorant of my Passion for you, nay, I even hope that you love me; do not longer, charming Maid, defer to make me happy. Here is a Priest to join us; give to my Arms and Care, that Person that my Soul adores and loves above all earthly Things. It is I must guard and carry you to Mexico again. Though you are very young, yet you are of Years to marry. Fate has decreed you mine, keep me no longer languishing; but crown my Hopes, and yield to Heaven's Will, who brought me safely to you.' Here he embraced her tenderly; she blushed and answered, 'Don Lopez, you shall be happy. 'Though with much Confusion I consent to make you Master of Teresa's Heart and Hand, do as you please: If we must perish on the Sea, or wander in strange Lands, it is better we should be married, and my Honour so secured, than to be still but Friends. I own your Merit, and confess I love you.' He clasped her in his Arms transported, led her to the Priest, who that joyful Night performed the Ceremony, making Don Lopez blessed as Man could be. And now for some Days they past the time in Pleasure; Tanganor diverted them with Hunting, Fishing, and shewed them many curious Caves, and Pagan Oratories which yet remained on the Island. At last the Ship arrived from Japan, bringing much Goods, as rich Persia Silks, Cotton, Linen, Spices, Fruit, Sugar, Tea, Chocolate, Liquors, live Fowls of several kinds for breed, tame Beasts, and all things wanting. Tanganor with these treated and made Presents to his Guests of what they wanted: And the Ship being to return to Japan, he proposed to them what to do. They resolved to go for Mexico with the Ship, which being now unloaded, might easily go thither before it returned to Japan; so taking their Leaves, the Count and Don Lopez, with their Wives, departed, leaving the poor Indians, who chose to live with Tanganor. The Wind sitting fair they soon arrived at Mexico, where they found the Governor, Don Lopez's Father, gone for Spain, being recalled, and Don Sancho de Avilla, Teresa's Father, they found very sick; her Loss having thrown him into a deep Melancholy, and lingring Fever, of which he never perfectly recovered, but in less than a Year's time died, leaving a vast Estate to his Daughter Teresa. In short time after, the Governor being gone, his Son Don Lopez resolved to go Home to Spain, in order to which he sold off all his Effects, and Lands, taking Bills on Merchants at Barcelona; and with Teresa, the Count de Hautville, and Emilia who desired to accompany him, designing to go to France from Spain, went on board a Spanish Ship with much Riches, and set sail for Spain. They had good Weather and a prosperous Voyage many Days, but when they came near the Entrance of the Straights of Gibraltar, the Wind began to blow hard, and drove them on the Coast of Barbary. Here two Pirates of Algiers came up with them, and soon gave them to understand who they were, by firing at them, and summoning them to surrender; they made all the Defence they were able, but, alas! the Ship was heavy laden, their Hands and Guns few: howsoever, the Captain was very brave, and Don Lopez and the Count de Hautville assisting, they resisted the Turks, till such time as the grapling Irons having hold of the Vessel the cruel Infidels boarded it, and entered in such Numbers as obliged the poor Christians to retire into the great Cabin, which the Turks broke into Sword in Hand. The Captain was killed before upon the Deck, both the young Lords wounded, the Seamen mostly dead, or dying, so that none were left but the two helpless Ladies, and their wounded Husbands, whom they held bleeding in their Arms, and a poor Boy who stood weeping by. The poor affrighted Ladies fell on their Knees, imploring the Infidels pity: Their Beauty pleaded more than all they could say in their favour. The Turkish Captains raised them from the Ground, gazing on their charming Faces; and having given Orders to their Men to plunder the Ship of what was most valuable, and bring her into Algiers, they ordered them and their Husbands to be brought on board one of their Ships, where Achmet Barbarosa who commanded the biggest received them, ordering the Lords Wounds to be dressed by his Surgeon; and entertained the Ladies with much Civility, and seeming Compassion. Teresa was big with Child, and so disordered with the Fright, that Don Lopez was in the utmost Concern for her.

In few Hours they landed at Algiers, and were conducted to Barbarosa's House together, and lodged in an Apartment, where he left them to go to the Governor of Algiers, to acquaint him with the rich Prize he had taken, and to offer him what Share he pleased of the Slaves and Plunder. Our unfortunate Travellers thus left alone, Don Lopez was the first who broke the melancholy Silence, that till then reigned amongst them. 'Charming Teresa, said he, my Joy, my Love, my All, soon shall we be parted; all my Hopes of Happiness are ended; your Youth and Beauty now will cost my Life and your Repose; you will be ravished from me by some powerful Infidel, who will adore your Charms, and force you to his cursed Embraces.' Teresa, drowned in Tears, fell on his Neck, and could not speak. Then the Count, whom loss of Blood had rendered faint, and scarce able to speak, looked on Emilia; 'My Dear, said he, do you hear this unmoved, what may your wretched Husband hope? Can you consent, and live another's? No, my dear Lord, said she, you know me better; my Soul is prepared for all Events, and I will die rather than live a Vassal to a vile Mahometan's unlawful Lust.' 'And so will I, answered the reviving Teresa. Fear nothing, brave Emilia, we will go together, trusting in that God who is able to preserve our Souls and Bodies. Slaves we are doubtless doomed to be, but our Minds cannot be confined; our Lives we must not end with our own Hands, but may resist all sinful Acts till Life and Sense be lost.'

At these Words a Servant entered the Room, a Renegado Spaniard, wicked as Hell, and one who renouncing Christianity, had endeared himself to the Governor of Algiers, and was by him made rich, and used by him for his beastly Pleasure; he told the Ladies in Spanish, they must go with him to the Governor; and you, Gentlemen, said he, must prepare to go in a Litter that will presently be here, to carry you to his Country Seat, where you may recover your Health, and write to your Friends to send what Ransom shall be required for you. At these Words, the brave Don Lopez rose, and clasping Teresa in his Arms, replied, 'Vile Slave, depart before these Hands stop your damned Voice, and rend you in pieces: I will die, apostate Villain, before I will part with her; my Arms shall grasp her even in Death, and bless the Hand that kills us together.' The Count de Hautville stood before Emilia; they had no Swords or Arms of any kind to defend themselves. The Slave, as if amazed, departed the Room, shutting the Door fast after him, but soon returned with a Band of Soldiers, who rushing in, seized the Ladies and Lords, giving them no time to speak to one another. They led, or rather dragged, Teresa and Emilia through the Streets to the Governor's Palace, and there secured them; their Arms pinioned, they tied them to two Pillars in the Hall, and so retired to the Gate. Mean time the Lords were bound hand and foot, thrown into a Cart, and drove to a Country House of the Governor's, forty Miles from the City; there they were carried into a spacious Room, and chained to the Floor by the Leg; a Mattress and Quilts lay there upon the Boards, on which they might lye down. Here they had Food and Wine brought them, for the Turks guessed by the vast Treasure they found in the Ship, and their Habit, that they were Persons of Quality, and therefore feared to lose their Ransoms if they killed or starved them. They refused to eat two Days, but the third, Hunger compelled them to it. Thus they remained some Days, in the most disconsolate Condition that ever Men were in; where we must leave them to enquire what became of Teresa and Emilia.

The Renegado Roderigo giving an account to the Governor of what was past, and of the Ladies Arrival, he soon entered the Hall with Capt. Barbarosa, to whom he had promised to give her he least liked; but he beheld them with Admiration, seemed divided in himself, not knowing which to choose. He was a Man of an excellent Shape and Stature, his Mien great and majestick, his Vest and Tunick were made of Cloth of Gold, his Turbant glittered with Jewels, Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds, which seemed to emulate each other; in fine, he was not much above thirty, and was one of the most beautiful and accomplished Men of his Nation, which I mention out of respect to those unfortunate Ladies, whose Virtues are to be the more admired in resisting the passionate Solicitations of such a Man. Teresa's Youth, and the charming Innocence that blooms in Virgins Faces at fourteen, which she had not lost by being a Wife wonderfully struck him; Grief added to her Charms, her downcast Eyes received new Fires when lifted up. He gazed upon her with such Transport, that had not the Captain who was inflamed with her Beauty reminded him of Emilia, he had fixed on Teresa; but turning to the other, he was doubly wounded: Her riper Charms, with the heroick Soul that sparkled in her Eyes, a second Time inflamed his Soul, and he could part with neither. 'Barbarosa, said he, I must have both these lovely Women, name the Price, and make some other Choice, these must be mine.' The Captain murmured, but seeing he was obstinate, he dared not tempt his Fate, but told him they were at his Service. The Governor pleased, strait ordered him two hundred Pieces of Gold; so he departed horribly vexed, and meditating Revenge. Then the Governor ordered the Ladies to be unbound, and placed in two different Chambers, with Slaves to watch and attend them. Here the Trunks of rich Habits they had brought from Mexico, were, to their great Surprize, brought and presented to them; nothing being taken from them by the Governor's Order.

Nothing was more dreadful to these Ladies than this Separation; they both refused to eat or drink, and by Night were so faint, that they were scarce able to stand. About ten o'Clock in the Evening a Supper was brought into Teresa's Chamber; and soon after the Governor entered, the Renegado waiting on him, retired to the Door, which he shut, and stood without: The Governor seeing her look pale as Death, sitting unmoved, approached her with much Tenderness, fearing she had taken some fatal Resolution to destroy her self: He kissed her Hands, kneeled at her Feet, and intreated her to rise and eat. He courted her with all the Eloquence Love can inspire, to which she gave no Answer but Sighs and Tears; at last she looked upon him earnestly: 'Governor, said she, you plead in vain; I am deaf to all Intreaties, and can never yield to gratify you. I am married, and with Child by a noble Husband, whom I am bound to love, and for whom I will preserve my Person, nor will I ever consent to your Desires; nor will I ever eat again, till you have freed me from this Place: Resolve therefore to see me die, or generously set me at Liberty. Do not attempt to force me, lest I do some dreadful Deed, and fill your Soul with endless Remorse.' Here she fell at his Feet, and let fall a Shower of Tears, then fainted. This touched his Soul, and made him relent; though a Mahometan, he was generous, and compassionate. He took her in his Arms, poured Wine into her Mouth, and with much difficulty brought her to Life again. Then she renewed her Complaints; to which he replied, 'Charming, matchless Woman, where Virtue, Beauty, Wit, and every Grace conspires to captivate my Soul! too happy he who calls you his. Fly not from me to Death; but give me leave to wait upon, and merit your Esteem, by all a Lover can perform. I will never use base Force, but Prayers and Sighs shall thaw your Breast, and Selim will be your eternal Slave. To prove I am so, this Night I will leave you to repose, and not presume to urge you farther.' He kissed her Hand, and, opening a Door, withdrew into another Room. Then a Blackamore Maid entered, and folding down the Bed, made Signs to her to undress; which she fearing to do, though in great want of Sleep, refused, and only lay down upon it. The Maid left a Candle burning, and withdrew, shutting the Door after her. Soon after Teresa heard Emilia's Voice in the next Room, with Selim; and hearkening, heard him say, 'Are you then cruel like Teresa? You are more experienced and more ripe for Joy: Come, come, trifle not with me; I am resolved to possess you, and will not be denied.' She heard a Noise, and then Emilia said, 'Villain, I fear you not, I will sacrifice you to preserve my Virtue; die Infidel, and tell your blasphemous Prophet, when you come to Hell, a Christian spilt your Blood.' Then she heard a dismal Groan, and soon after Emilia entered the Chamber, with a Look that spoke the Terrors of her Mind, and the strange Deed her Hands had done. She had Selim's Habit on, and in her Hand a Woman Slave's. 'Disguise your self in this, said she, my dear Teresa, and follow me, with this I will free us both or die.' Here she drew forth a bloody Dagger Selim wore. Teresa trembling put the Habit on, and followed her: They passed through the Chamber Emilia came out of, for Teresa's Chamber Door was locked, and there she saw Selim lying on the Bed, weltering in his Blood. They found another Door; opening which, they descended a pair of Back Stairs, and entered a Garden, in which the Renegado Roderigo was diverting himself with one of his Master's fair Slaves: He started, and came boldly up to them, doubtless suspecting something; but Emilia stabbing him, prevented any Noise; the Woman he was sporting with, having retired the Moment they appeared. They forced open the Garden Gate, and not knowing where to go, hasted out of the Town, nor stopped till they had reached the Fields. Here they wandered, ready to die for want of Food and Rest. At last unable to go farther, they sat down under a Tree in a Wood, and consulted what to do; they supposed they should be pursued, and if taken, surely put to Death. Teresa, whose Courage was not equal to Emilia's, was almost ready to despair; and she seemed so dispirited, that Emilia used all her Eloquence to comfort her. 'My dear Friend, said she, look up to Heaven that never fails to succour the distressed: The God that this Day strengthned my feeble Arm to deliver us, will, I doubt not, send us Help. Death is the worst that can befall us, and that is only what we are born to suffer, and what no human Power can shield us from; nay, what we ought to meet with Joy, since we have an eternal State in view, that shall compensate for all the Miseries we suffer here. Since no Guilt does wound our Consciences, we need not fear to die, or dread all our inhuman Enemies can inflict upon us. Come chear up, and strive to go yet farther from that hateful City, which we are fled from; perhaps some hospitable Cottage may receive and shelter us.' At these Words Teresa cast a dying look upon her. 'Alas, said she, my Dear, my Faith is stronger than my Body, tho' not so great as yours; I cannot rise, my trembling Limbs are now unable to bear my Weight; and if no help be sent us soon, then I must lay down the tedious Burden of Life in this sad Place, and leave you.' Here she fainted. At this Instant Emilia heard a rustling among the Trees, and looking behind her, saw a young Man of about twenty Years of Age, whose handsome Face and Shape surprized her; he had on the Habit of a Slave; he came down from the Tree they were sitting under; he approached her with much Respect, and in French, which he had heard them converse in. He was by Birth a Venetian, as the Sequel of this History will inform us, and addressed himself to her in this manner: 'Madam, be not surprized that I have overheard you: I am joyful to tell you, it is in my power to serve you. I am Servant to a Widow Woman who lives not far from this Place, to whose Husband it was my good Fortune to be sold; she by my means has embraced the Christian Faith, tho' we keep it a Secret: She gets her living, and mine, by making Turbants and Embroidery, which I carry home to our Customers, and the Shops. We live very comfortably, and I am certain if you will give me leave to conduct you to her, she will receive you kindly, for she is a Person of great Goodness.' Emilia gladly accepted his Offer, and they lifting up Teresa, who was scarce alive, led her along to the Widow's House, which was just behind the Wood. The Slave, whose Name was Antonio, gave his Mistress a brief Account of their Condition: She embraced and welcomed them, bringing out Meat and Drink; with which being much refreshed, they related to her the Cause and Manner of their Escape from the City; upon which she advised them to change their Clothes, since they would surely discover them: But when Emilia came to pull off her Turbant and Vest, she was amazed to see the rich Jewels it was adorned with: In the Pocket of the Vest she found 100 Sultanas of Gold, the Buttons were Diamonds. They blessed God for this Treasure, which would enable them to live here, and procure them means to escape hence together. They immediately cut the Clothes in pieces, which served to make the Caps of the Turbants; and the Jewels they ripped off, and hid in a Box in the Ground, resolving Antonio should dispose of a few of them at a time, as they had occasion, to the Jews, many of whom the Widow Woman worked for in Embroidery, particularly in rich Belts which they traded with to Spain and other parts of Europe. The good Widow, whose Name was Saraja, brought them mean Turkish Habits, such as she wore, saying, 'Ladies, you must now conceal your Quality and Beauty with this homely dressing, and pass for young Maids whom I have bought to assist me in my work.' Teresa, who was much joyed at this unexpected good fortune, replied, embracing her, 'I will assist you, said she, in working with all my Heart; we both know how to use our Needles.' A Bed was laid for them in Saraja's Chamber after the Turkish manner, that is, a Carpet was spread upon the Floor, on which were laid a Quilt, Blankets, Sheets, and Coverlids: And now had they known what was become of their Lords, they had been tolerably easy. Antonio set out for the City the next Morning, to learn what News he could, and returned at Night with this Account: 'I am, said he, acquainted with a Christian Boy, who is Slave to the Governor: I walked two or three times before the House to watch his coming out; at last I saw him come sweating up the Street with a Surgeon; I winked upon him as he passed by, he returned the Sign and entered: I waited not long, before he came out again, Lorenzo, said I, cannot we drink a Dish of Coffee together this Morning? I am obliged to wait for some Money, one of my Mistress's Customers owes her, and therefore have an Hour to spare; which if you can, we will pass together. Lord, said he, our House is all in Confusion; my Master bought two Christian Women Yesterday, one of whom has this Night wounded him cruelly, and left him weltering in his Blood upon the Bed; our Renegado Roderigo they have likewise killed, as we suppose, for we found him dead in the Garden, and they are escaped. Hearing some dismal Groans in the Night, I entered the Room, and found my Master in this Condition; so I raised my Fellow Servants, and we have brought him to Life, and the Surgeon has some hopes of his Recovery. We informed him the Women were fled, but he commanded us to make no search after them. He praised their Virtue, and seemed to pity them, saying, he wished their Happiness, and commended their Courage. I asked Lorenzo whom these Women belonged to? He said, he did not know. So I suppose none but Roderigo knew any thing of your Lords.' Thus ended Antonio.

Here the Ladies remained undisturbed seven Months, never stirring Abroad but in the Dusk of the Evenings, when they walked only into the Wood. Mean time Antonio often enquired of Lorenzo for News, but heard none. Several Ships failed for Europe in this time; but the Ladies resolved not to leave Barbary till they heard of their Husbands. We shall therefore leave them at the Widow's, and proceed to give an Account of what befel the unfortunate Don Lopez. and the Count de Hautville.

CHAP. VI.

The two Lords being chained, as has been before recited, had no Hopes of getting their Liberty: They had writ, the one to France, the other to Spain, to their Friends, of whom they knew not who might be living: but alas! the Sum demanded was very great; and the time they must wait, before it was possible for them to receive any answer from either of those Places, so long, that there were little hopes of their living to receive it. But these Considerations were nothing grievous to them, in respect of those relating to Emilia and Teresa; their Ignorance of their Condition, and distracting Apprehensions of their Ruin, almost overcame their Reason and Christianity: They were both sick with Grief, and incapable of comforting one another. But Providence, that saw their Wrongs, at length provided a way for their Deliverance: A fair Virgin, who was a Slave to the Governor, waited on a Mistress of his, whom he having enjoyed slighted, and had sent to this his Country House, where she had now been two years. This Girl, who was then but twelve Years old, often came into the Chamber where these poor Gentlemen were confined, to bring them Tea and Coffee from her Lady; who, having had a Sight of them, admired Don Lopez, and therefore ventured to do something to oblige him. This pretty Girl they asked some Questions of; as what Country she was of, what Religion. She told them, she was a Venetian, that her Mistress was the same; that they both were brought there by Misfortunes but seemed shy of saying more. One Evening she entered the Room, followed by a Lady, in a Turkish Dress exceeding rich; she was about five and twenty, her Shape and Mein was enchanting; her Face so lovely, that it would have charmed the most insensible: A Cloud of Blushes overspread her Face, and her Disorder was such for some Minutes, that she could not speak. The Count and Don Lopez, whose Weakness and Chains hindered them from rising, to pay her the Civilities due to her Sex, bowed their Heads and kept Silence also, expecting her to tell the Business that brought her there. At last she spoke to them thus in French: 'Is it possible, that the cruel Governor can be so void of Humanity to treat you thus barbarously? Can he see such noble Persons as you appear to be, perish in Chains, and not relent? Though I risque my Life to do it, charming Strangers, I will free you. But, continued she, addressing her self to Don Lopez, may I hope to find you grateful? Will you give her a Place in your Heart, who gives you Life and Liberty? Will you preserve her Life, who is determined to save yours? With you I am resolved to live or die. Speak then, for time is precious, and deserve my Love, or Hate.' Don Lopez was too well skilled in the fair Sex, not to perfectly understand this Lady's meaning; and since no other Means but this was left to free them, wisely concealed his being pre-engaged. Nay, doubtless he was not altogether insensible of Eleonora's Charms, for so was the Lady named; he was a Man, and though he was intirely devoted to Teresa, yet as Man he could oblige a hundred more: Life is sweet, and I hope my Reader will not condemn him for what his own Sex must applaud in justification of themselves: For what brave, handsome young Gentleman would refuse a beautiful Lady, who loved him, a Favour? He bowed with a Look full of Love and Gratitude, saying, Liberty, which in itself is the greatest blessing Man can possess, joined with so great a Good as your Favour, who would refuse? Your Charms would even render Confinement supportable; a Dungeon with such a Companion would be pleasant: Shew me the way to Freedom, and it shall be the Study of my Life to make you happy: I will defend you to the last Drop of my Blood.' At these Words he grasped her Knees and sighed. Poor Eleonora suffered her self to be deceived, and thought of nothing but being happy with the Man she loved. The Count de Hautville was amazed at Don Lopez's Proceedings; his Soul was constant and noble, and would have refused a Life offered on so hard Terms as the Breach of his Faith to his lovely Emilia. But his Years were more than his Friend's, and his Temper more sedate. The sweet Girl Anna fetched Wine and Sweet-Meats to them. Eleonora sat down by them, eat, and suffered Don Lopez to kiss her Hands, and say a hundred tender things to her. They appointed Midnight for their Escape, when she promised to bring them Files to take off their Fetters, and Disguises to put on to prevent all Discovery. She had provided a Place for them to retire to also, near the Seaside: She had by this Means, when she was first a darling Mistress to the Governor, prevailed with him to free a Slave whom she fancied; it was a young Black whom her Father had purchased when a Child, of a Captain, and given her, and being taken with her in the Ship she was taken in, by an Algerine Pirate, lived some time with her at the Governor's, his Name was Attabala. The Governor at her Request gave him a little House and Garden, which he used in the Summer to repair to for his Pleasure, to fish on the Sea Coast, and take the Evening Air on the Water with his Pleasure Boat. This Place he gave to Attabala to live in, and take care of, and it being now Winter, there was no fear of his going thither. In this Slave she could confide; to him she had declared her Design the Day before, when he came, as he often did, to see his dear Mistress, bringing her little Presents of Fish and Fruits, as grateful Acknowledgments of the Favour she had done him. From this Place it would be no difficult matter for them to escape to some Christian Ship or Port. Having staid with them two Hours, she retired; and then the Count entered into Talk with Don Lopez in this manner: 'My dear Friend, Heaven seems now to smile upon us, a gleam of Hope appears to comfort us; but, tell me, was it well done to dissemble? Are you changed? Is your Wife forgot? And the sacred matrimonial Vows no longer valued? Excuse me if I blame you; let nothing make you buy our Liberty by a Crime; it is better to die here, than live with Heaven's Displeasure.' Don Lopez blushing replied, 'Forgive my Weakness; I do not mean to proceed farther than an innocent Deceit, Teresa is always present with me: But had I refused this Lady's Offer rudely, we had, perhaps, been here detained and murdered; and then Teresa and Emilia never can be rescued from the Villain that robbed us of them. Be satisfied therefore, that I have acted prudently, and not designed amiss.' The Count was then contented, and now the joyful Hour approached when Darkness and Sleep had lulled the busy World to rest; Eleonora came with Anna loaden with Jewels, Gold, and Clothes; they quickly filed their Fetters off, and found the faithful Attabala at some Distance from the House, with three Horses, swift Barbaries, that run fleet as the Wind; on two of these the Lords mounted, Don Lopez taking the Lady, and the Count the Girl behind him; the Black riding the other Horse led the way, with which he was perfectly acquainted: In few Hours just at Day-break they reached the House, and being safely lodged, began to taste the Pleasures of Liberty. Next Day the Governor, who was recovered, was informed by the Servants, that remained in the Country House, of the Lords flight: But he had that Night received an Order from the Emperor to repair to Fez, to take a Command in the Army, to which he was determined to send him. This took up all his Thoughts, so that he took little Notice of their Escape; and, as they afterwards learned, he never returned to Algiers, but died in the Army of a Fever. And now Don Lopez had an Opportunity to enquire who Eleonora was, and the fatal Accident that brought her to this Place. He treated her with such Respect and Affection, that he could ask nothing of her, but what she was ready to grant. One Morning as the Count and Anna, whom Eleonora now treated as her Friend, letting her lye with her, as became a Person who was indeed her Equal, were conversing together, Don Lopez intreated her to relate the Adventures of her Life. 'Yes, my Lord, said she, I will, provided Anna, and you Gentlemen, will do the same; for she would never let me know who she is, though a Venetian as well as I. Anna replied, Madam, whilst I was a Slave I was not willing to be known: Now I shall take Pleasure to entertain you with a Story full of strange Adventures.' Then Eleonora began in this manner.

CHAP. VII.

'I was born at Friuli, a Place situate on the Adriatick Sea, in the Venetian Dominions; my Father was a wealthy Merchant, in the City of Aquilegia; he had no Child but me by my Mother, who was his second Wife, and the Daughter of a noble Venetian . He had two Sons by a former Wife, who loved me not, because my Father seemed to prefer me in his Affection before them; all his Ambition was to see me well disposed of during his Life. I was also very apprehensive that my Brothers, if he died before I was married, would clap me up in a Convent, to get my Fortune, and be revenged upon me. The great Portion he offered with me, with that tolerable Person the World thought me, procured me many Admirers, as soon, or indeed before I was of an Age to marry. Amongst these, there was a Kinsman of my Mother, the eldest Son of a Venetian Senator, whom the Custom and Laws of that State will not permit to marry out of a noble Family, became much enamoured with me: His Name Seignior Andrea Zantonia . He secretly courted me, my Mother and Father giving Encouragement; my Heart soon yielded, and I gave him the Preference above all others. I was now almost fourteen, and it was resolved that we should be privately married at a Country Seat of my Father's. These Proceedings could not be kept so secret, but that the Servants were some of them privy to them. Amongst my Lovers, there was a rich Captain of a Ship, who had cast his Eyes upon me in my Infancy, and was one of the first that entertained me with Discourses of Love; he was in Years, and I treated him with Ill nature, and indeed could not indure him: Yet he persisted, till at length I used him so ill, that he concluded I had made choice of another, and made it his business to find out who was the fortunate Man: In order to which, he gained my Maid, who waited upon me, by Bribes to discover all to him. She informed him from time to time of Seignior Andrea Zantonio's courting me, and all that passed. His Business obliged him to be often absent on Voyages to Spain, and elsewhere; and he arrived but the Day before my intended Wedding, of which being informed, he resolved to prevent it if possible. He therefore went to Seignior Andrea's Father, and acquainted him with the ill News, promising if he would assist him, he would prevent it; which he soon agreed to do, being much enraged at his Son. The Captain desired three or four Men to aid him, which he immediately procured him, sending four Ruffians disguised along with him; with these he lay in Ambuscade, in the way which we were to pass to my Father's Country House, where Seignior Andrea was to come to us the next Morning, not thinking it proper to go with us. There were none in the Coach but my Father, Mother, and me; two Men Servants rid before the Coach, and my poor Black was behind it: As we past by a Wood, the Captain and his Crew bolted out upon us, with Vizards upon their Faces, and Pistols in their Hands; they stopped the Coach, and tore me out of it, whilst my Mother shrieked, my Father stormed, and one of the Servants going to lay hold of me, was shot dead. They fled with me into the thickest Part of the Wood, where they bound and gagged me. The poor Black Attabala, who has now helped to deliver you, being very nimble of foot, pursued me, and running after them, came up crying just as they were binding my Hands. They seized and bound him also; then they placed us before two of them on Horseback, and made for the Sea side; where being soon arrived, we found a Boat ready, into which one of them entered; we were next lifted in by the Seamen that rowed it, and then the four Villains that assisted in taking us, cried, Farewel, and rode off. The Captain taking off his Vizard so soon as we were put from the Shore, discovered to me the Author of my Misfortune.' "Madam, said he, I have you see done a bold Deed to manifest my Love, and secure you to my self; fear nothing more, you are now in the Hands of a Man that adores you, and it is your own fault if you are not happy." 'I could not answer, being gagged; but the Disorder of my Mind cannot be expressed. I saw my self in the Hands of a Man whom I hated, and no way left to escape. I was ten times more sensible of the Loss of him I loved, than I could have before imagined. My Soul shivered at the Thoughts of what was to follow. I could no more hope to see my Country and Friends, for thither it was not to be supposed this Villain would ever venture to bring me again, at least not in some Years. I was tortured with a thousand such dismal Apprehensions, when I saw the Ship which laid by to receive us. He took me up in his loathed Arms, and with the Seamen's Assistance, though I struggled, put me on board. Attabala and I were presently unbound, and now I began to expostulate with Alphonso, for that was the Captain's Name. "What do you propose, said I, in taking me thus by force against my Inclination? Do you vainly imagine to be happy with me, whilst I hate and detest you, and view you as the only Cause of my being wretched? Never will I pardon or love you, unless you carry me back to my Father's. I will make you as miserable as my self, and never suffer you to rest whilst I am with you. I always disliked you, but now my Aversion is confirmed, and I would prefer the most vile Wretch on Earth before you." "Rage on, said he, fond Girl; whilst I possess you, you shall be mine, and only Death can free you from me." 'Here he suddenly kissed and embraced me. "You shall, said he, this Night marry me, that I may have a lawful Title to you, and you have nothing to reproach me. I will not be a Ravisher, but having secured your Person, and your Honour, take what will be then my Due." "No, Villain, I replied, my Tongue shall never call you Husband; I would sooner suffer hot Pincers to rend it from the Root than speak those Words, or answer to such a Question." "Silence, said he, does give Consent, and I shall not want Witnesses to prove our Marriage." 'Here he went out of the Cabin, and left me in the extremest Grief and Despair. Poor Attabala comforted me the best he could, offering to risque his Life to kill him; but I regarded nothing he said to me.

'It was now Night, and very dark; I heard the Winds blow, and a mighty Disorder and Noise upon the Deck, the Captain stormed and called loudly to the Seamen in Terms I did not understand; he came twice down into the Cabin, kissed me, and said, "Madam, it is a rough Night, but fear nothing:" 'Yet I read a Concern in his Face that spoke our Danger. I cannot say that I was much terrified with the Thoughts of Death, because at that Instant I was apprehensive of something worse. I recommended my self to God, and calmly expected the Event of his good Pleasure. Before Day the Ship had lost her Masts, and most part of her Rigging; she was so shattered that nothing but getting to some Shore, or meeting with some Ship, could save us. We were now drove in sight of Barbary, when a Ship coming up our Ship's Crew hailed her. She soon came near, and lay by, hoisting French Colours. The Captain sent his Boat aboard, but to their Surprize they were all clapped under Hatchets, it proving a Pirate Ship of Algiers. The Captain wondered the Boat staid, but at last seeing the Ship bear up to us, he suspected the Truth. He would have made some Defence, but the Ship was disabled; so he hastily catched up his Sword, and mounting the Deck was there met by a crowd of the Pirates, who had boarded the Ship: He was soon dispatched, and his Men all killed, or taken. I remained with poor Attabala in the Cabin all this while, and was so lost in thought, I was scarce apprehensive of my Danger: When the Algerine Captain entered the Cabin with his Men, they took me, and conveyed me into the Pirate Ship, rifled ours, and then set her adrift. They put me into the great Cabin with Attabala, and in few Hours we came to Barbary, landed at Algiers, and the next Morning Ibrahim the Captain presented me to the Governor. What my Thoughts were, and how I expressed my Sorrows under all these Misfortunes, would be too tedious to tell you: In fine, the Governor treated me kindly, pretended to love me passionately, and forced me to his Bed; after which he denied me nothing, purchased and freed Attabala at my Request; and for eight Years, though he had many other new Mistresses, gave me the Preference, and loved me with the same Ardour as at first. He reproached me often that I brought him no Child, which Providence no doubt did not think fit to give us: At last a French Lady, of incomparable Beauty, was presented him, and she brought him a Son the first Year of their Acquaintance. This caused him to grow cold to me, which I resenting, we quarrelled; so he sent me away to the Place you found me in. There I mourned my Misfortunes with a Christian Sorrow, and never thought to see the World again. Here I and my dear Anna came together; she was purchased by him a Month before I left him, and I begged her of him to keep me Company. Thus have I given you a true Narrative of my Misfortunes; and now Don Lopez, if we reach a Christian Shore again, and you prove grateful, I may yet live to be happy.' 'Madam, said he, it shall be my study to make you so.' 'Fair Anna, said the Count, we will refer your Story to the Afternoon, it being now Dinner time; and I doubt not but we shall hear something as extraordinary as what Madam Eleonora has related to us.' They rose, and Don Lopez led Eleonora to the Table; they dined, and then returned to her Chamber, which was a pleasant Room, having the Prospect of the Sea. Here they sat down, whilst Attabala made their Coffee, and then they importuned Anna to keep her Word; which she with a Sigh consented to do, saying, 'My Story is little worth hearing, and were it not to oblige Eleonora, I would beg to be excused.'

CHAP. VIII.

'I am the Daughter of an unfortunate Prince, who was once a Lieutenant General in the Venetian Army. My Mother was a Lady of great Birth; but the Family being ruined, had no Fortune; my Grandfather, being one of those who headed the Hugonot Party against his Sovereign Lewis XIV. lost both his Life and Estate. My Mother, then an Infant, was bred up by an Hugonot Sister of my Grandfather, who spared no Cost upon her Education, but could give her no Fortune proportionable to her Quality. She had Beauty, Wit, and was certainly a very charming Person. My Father, who was the eldest Son of one of the noblest Families in France, saw and loved her; he visited her in secret, often made her large Presents; and knowing his Father and Family would never consent to his marrying her, he resolved if possible to debauch her; but her Virtue made her resist him, though she loved him: So that he was forced to have Recourse to Stratagems to accomplish his Desires. He used to walk with her often in her Aunt's Garden alone, she thinking her self secure from all Attempts there. He had procured a Key to the Garden-gate, pretending it was more convenient for him to come in that way, because it was most private; and therefore her Aunt gave him one she had used to carry in her Pocket, to let her Niece and her in when they thought fit. He sent three of his Servants in the Night, who going in, hid themselves in this Garden. His Page, who conducted them where he ordered, brought back the Key to him. In the Morning the Prince comes himself in a travelling Coach to the Garden-gate; there alighting, he enters the House, calls for my Mother, and pretends he was going in haste on a Journey on some extraordinary Business for the King. After some Talk with Madam her Aunt, he takes her into the Garden, to say some little tender Things to her alone, as she supposed. As they were walking in a close Walk, his Servants disguised started out upon her, and stopping her Mouth, bore her to the Coach, into which he entered, drawing up the Canvasses; and the Coach driving swiftly, he carried her thirty Miles off to a remote old Castle which belonged to his Father, but had not been inhabited by any thing but Servants a long time. When he entered, the Gardiner and his Wife, who had lived there to look after the Furniture and Gardens many Years, made haste to open the Rooms, and asked no Questions. Here he accomplished his ungenerous Design, and here he kept my disconsolate Mother some Years: Her Aunt concealed her Loss, and, as she thought, her own Dishonour, as much as was possible, concluding she was gone with him by her own Consent; she therefore pretended she was retired farther into the Country to some Relations: Yet it reached the Ear of my Grandfather, who only laughed at it, calling it a Piece of Gallantry in his Son to receive a Lady who fled to his Arms. He often pressed my Father to marry, but his Affection to my Mother, and Conscience, which now began to awaken him, made him always decline it. The Lady her Aunt loved her so tenderly, that she soon after the Loss of her, fell sick with Grief, and died. And now the War being broke out between the Turks and Venetians, my Father resolving to marry my Mother, who was young with Child, and with her charming affable Behaviour and Tears, had entirely gained his Heart, he proposed to the Duke his Father to go to Venice a Volunteer, with an Equipage suiting his Quality, to make a Campain or two. To which his Father readily agreed: All things were got ready, and my Mother, concealed in Men's Clothes, went with him. So soon as they arrived at Venice, the Doge presented him with the Command of a Regiment of Horse. Here he acquainted a Bishop with the Engagements that were betwixt my Mother and him, together with the Reasons why it must be a Secret: The good Bishop married them, and placed my Mother with a Widow Lady of great Quality and Worth, who was his own Relation. Here my Mother was brought to Bed of me, and unfortunately died in Child-bed; so that my Father returning from the Army at the End of the Campain, found my Mother just dead, and me at Nurse. His Grief was very great, and his Fondness of me so extreme, he begged the Bishop and Lady to take all the Care imaginable of me. The next Campain he was made a Lieutenant General, and was killed, dying in the Bed of Honour, leaving me a helpless Orphan, whose greatest Happiness at that time was, that I was too young to be sensible of my Loss. My Father had deposited into the Lady's Hands a great Sum of Money, as a Provision for me in case of his Death. The generous Angelina, for that was her Name, bred me up with as much Care and Tenderness as if I had been her own Child. She had a lovely Youth, her only Son, who was seven Years older than me; for him she declared she designed me, provided we loved one another: His Name was Carolus Antonio Barbarini: We lived together, and his Name was one of the first things she taught my Infant Tongue to pronounce. At seven Years of Age I found how dear he was to me, and he being fourteen, began to feel the glowing Passion he had for me warm his Breast. I was caressed and loved by all his Family, and had a Prospect of being one of the happiest Women in the World. The Turks gaining many unfortunate Victories over the Venetians, I was not thought safe at Home, but sent with some young Ladies of Angelina's Family to a Monastery. There, with a World of others, I was taken Captive by the cruel Infidels, and carried to Constantinople, where my tender Years preserved my Virtue. A Sea Captain bought me, and carrying me to Algiers, made a Present of me to the Governor, whom he used to supply with Mistresses, for which he was doubtless well rewarded. This is my unhappy Story. I suppose the Governor reserved me for his Use, when I was older; but God has been pleased to deliver me out of his Hands, for which I bless his Name, and I hope to see Venice once again with his Assistance.' Here she finished, and Eleonora rising up, embraced her, shedding some Tears. 'Are you then, says she, the charming Girl the Noble Angelina bred up? Fair Anna, forgive my Ignorance that made me treat you as a Servant: My Mother was Angelina's Sister; you are dear to me by the Ties of Blood, and far my Better in your noble Father. May Providence restore you to my Kinsman, and bring us safe to Venice again.' Here the two Lords related part of their Adventures; Don Lopez concealing that part only that related to Teresa, whom he mentioned as his Sister: They related the manner of their being cast on the dismal Island, their Escape thence, and unfortunate meeting with the Algerine Pirate, with the Ladies being ravished from them for the Governor. At last they declared they would not leave Barbary till they were found and rescued. Attabala undertook to go to the Governor's, and learn what was become of them, which he faithfully performed in few Days after. He went to enquire after his Master's Health as usual, found none but Servants, who informed him of the Ladies Escape thence, and how the Governor had been wounded by one of them, and that Roderigo was likewise killed; in fine, of all they knew, but where the Ladies were retired to, that they could not tell. So Attabala returned with this Account; upon which the Lords resolved to disguise themselves, and go together in search of them in all the Villages near the City, to one of which they supposed they must have fled for Shelter. They dressed themselves in the Habit of Grecian Merchants, which Habits Attabala bought for them at the City, and both speaking Greek, they doubted not to pass for such if questioned. Thus metamorphosed they went daily out, and ventured to enquire if any Ladies in European Dresses were arrived in that Town or Village which they passed through. Thus they did in every Place they could think of; but finding all their Search in vain, they began to imagine they were hid in some Wood or Cave, and therefore concluded to visit all lonely Woods and Places least frequented: This they did for several Days also, but without Success. One Evening as they were returning Home, they passed by a small Wood, into which it was difficult to find an Entrance: They stopped, and having viewed it well, they perceived some Footsteps and beaten Ways over the Grass. They entered into the thickest part of it by this Path, and there found a dismal Sort of Hut made only with Boughs of Trees, and a Piece of Sail-Cloth; under which, upon some Straw, lay a Woman, whose Face, though very beautiful, expressed the greatest Want and Misery. She had a Canvas Waistcoat and Petticoat on, was barefoot, had a silk Handkerchief tied about her Head, and a Piece of Flannel wrapped about her Shoulders; she was young, fair, and finely limbed, but her Eyes were sunk: She was meagre, pale, sick, and so weak she could not rise. The Lords viewed her with such Compassion, that they were ready to weep. 'In the Name of God, said the Count de Hautville in French, what are you? And how came you to be left in this dismal Place?' 'I am not able, said she, to tell you; If you are Christians, give me something to eat or drink, for our Saviour's sake.' They had nothing with them; but Attabala, who went with them as a Guide, hasted to the next Village, and soon brought some Bread and Wine, with some of which they a little revived her. She drank a good Draught of the Wine, but had not Strength to chew or swallow the Bread. As they were assisting her, a Man came up, whose Face, Shape, and Mien engaged their Attention: He was dressed in a Jacket and Drawers of Canvas, his red Cloth Cap upon his Head with Fur, barefooted, and so pale and lean, that he appeared the very Image of Death; in a ragged Handkerchief he held in his Hands, he had Nuts and wild sour Grapes with a few dirty Bones, such as seemed to have been flung out into the Streets for Dogs. He retired back when he saw the Lords; at which the Woman called to him in a sort of Extasy: 'Come here, my dear Lord, God sends us Friends and Food.' He then bowing, approached them. Their Surprize was such, when they saw him nearer, they could not speak. His Feet bled, his Sinews and Nerves were all open, his Bones stared upon one another; in fine, he was the most miserable Object their Eyes ever saw. They put the Bottle of Wine and Bread into his Hands, at which a Flood of Tears poured from his Eyes; and going to lift the Bottle to his Mouth, he staggered and fell down; at which the Woman shrieked, and fell into strange Convulsions. Don Lopez who caught the Bottle when the Man fell, endeavoured with his Friend's Assistance to get some Wine down his Throat; but his Teeth being set fast, it was very difficult. Mean time Attabala was employed to hold the Woman, who beat her Breast, gnashed her Teeth, rolled her Eyes, and appeared to be in the Agonies of Death. In some time both recovered a little, and Don Lopez ordered Attabala to run back to the Town and hire Horses to carry them to Attabala's House. This was soon done, and the Lords mounting, took the Man and Woman up before them, and so posted Home: Where being arrived, they put them into warm Beds, not being certain they were Man and Wife, Attabala having first washed their Feet. This with some burnt Wine, and Bread sopped in it, threw them into a profound Sleep till the next Morning; when Eleonora, Anna, and the Lords visited them to enquire who they were, and how they did: They first entered the Man's Chamber, who no sooner saw them, but he raised himself up in the Bed, and lifting up his Hands broke out into these passionate Expressions: To thee, first, my merciful Creator, I return my Thanks; it is to thee I owe this great Deliverance, and all the good Things I have received in my whole Life. I bless thee for the Miseries I have suffered: It is most just, my God, that I should be punished with Cold, Hunger and Thirst, who broke my Faith with Thee, and fled thy Altar for a sensual Satisfaction. It was I seduced the virtuous Clarinda from her blessed Retirement, for which she suffers both in Mind and Body; but no more will I offend my God. Now pardon us, and as thou hast delivered us from Death, so grant Peace to our Souls. Then bowing to the Lords, 'To you blessed Instruments of Heaven's Bounty, said he, who have saved the Life of her whose Life is dearer to me than my own, you who saved both from certain Death, I return unfeigned Thanks, and will make all the grateful Returns my present Circumstances will permit.' They embraced, and congratulated him with much Tenderness, and promised to return to him so soon as they had visited the Lady. To her they went, and found her waking. She was very faint, and the Ladies welcoming of her, desired she would drink Chocolate with them, and not spend her Spirits by talking; yet she uttered many affectionate Thanks and Acknowledgments to God and them. The Breakfast was brought in, and soon after the Gentleman being risen and dressed in a Shirt, a Thing he had not on before, Waistcoat, Breeches, Cap, Night-gown, Stockings, and Slippers of one of the Lords, entered the Room, and appeared like what he really was, a Man of Quality, of excellent Parts and Person. Anna had likewise supplied the Lady with Shift and Night Clothes; she appeared to be about two and twenty, and the Gentleman upwards of thirty. Being refreshed with eating, the Gentleman handsomly, without asking, addressed himself to the Company thus: 'Gentlemen and Ladies, said he, I am positive you are very desirous to know who this Lady and I are, and what strange Misfortunes reduced us to the deplorable Condition you found us in; I will therefore as briefly as I can satisfy your Curiosity, and you must excuse me, if I do not relate every Particular with that Exactness it ought to be done in, since my Strength is but little at present.' They assured him they would rather deny themselves that Pleasure, than trouble him; and begged that he would proceed.

CHAP. IX.

'This Lady and I, said he, were both born in France, in the same Province; Dauphiny gave us Birth. My Father (whom it is necessary I should mention first, because I am but ten Years older than she, which occasioned my Misfortune, in being destined to the Church, before she was grown up to inspire my Soul with that fatal Passion that has undone us) was the King's Lieutenant for that Province, and Marquis of Harcourt. I was his third Son, and therefore designed for the Church, in which I could not miss of Preferment, being descended of so great a Family; nor did I want the Qualifications requisite to render me capable of that noble Profession. I was not inclined to any Vice; nor, I thank God, wanted Sense to learn, and retain, all that was taught me. In fine, I was very dear to my Father, and much esteemed by my Friends and Family. I passed through my Study, and was ordained a Secular Priest at twenty. I was soon dignified with being made a Canon of the royal Cathedral of Cambray . My Brothers were greatly preferred in the Army, and we were all very great and very happy: But Providence did not think fit I should continue so. I got an Ague and Fever, which rendered me very weak; the Physicians advised me to the Country Air. Upon which I retired to a Village, where my Father had a little Summer Seat. In this Town was a Monastery of Benedictine Nuns; this Place I visited, having two young Ladies my Relations there. Here I saw the charming Clarinda, who was then about fifteen; she was Daughter to the Count de Villeroy, who having ten Children, four Sons and six Daughters, sent three of his youngest Daughters to this Monastery, of which the Lady Abbess was his Sister. He gave a thousand Pounds Sterling with them, and all possible Persuasions and Means were used to persuade them to embrace this holy way of Living, as is customary in France, because great Fortunes and Families should not be impaired and ruined, by portioning many Children; therefore they commonly dedicate some of them to the Church, which prevents their impoverishing Estates, and too greatly increasing the Family. Thus they were enabled to give such great Portions with their eldest Daughter, and making Settlements on the second Sons, as may marry them into noble and rich Families suitable to their own. But though this be an excellent Piece of Policy, yet it often causes the Children to be very unhappy, and the Church crowded with those, whose Inclinations do not suit the Habits they wear, but tend to the World, and sigh after the Pleasures of it; nay, too often do, as I have done, forget the sacred Vows they have made, and follow the Dictates of their Passions. Clarinda was fair as an Angel, witty, free, affable, and in all Things so engaging, that I soon lost my Heart to her; I struggled with the growing Passion, sometimes resolved to see her Face no more, but Love overcame all my Resolutions, and I at last resolved to possess her or die. I soon found Means to reveal my Passion to her, and she in short time yielded to fly with me to any part of the World, for in France we could not stay. I had a great deal of Money by me, and now I thought only of amassing such a Sum, as might provide handsomely for us in Holland or England, to one of which Places we were determined to go: In order to this, I made bold with some very rich Jewels, which were laid up in a Reliquary, of which I kept the Keys; to prevent Discovery I employed a Hugonot Jeweller to set false Stones in the Room of the true, which I picked out before he saw them, pretending to him that I was desirous to repair and beautify those sacred Things; and that Time having reduced them to this Condition, I could not bestow Diamonds and Rubies, and was willing to make them decent, at my own Expence: And indeed I thought there was but little use for Diamonds, to adorn dry Bones and Relicks, which we were not certain belonged to those holy Persons whose they were pretended to be; and that the Money bestowed on the Poor would have been much better employed. Though in me this was Sacrilege, and a great Crime, yet having given the Reins to my Passion, I ran headlong to Destruction. All things being ready, I provided a Boat to carry us down the River Rhosne to Arles, from whence I doubted not to get Passage to England, in some Ship from Marseilles that was going Home through the Straits. Clarinda failed not to be ready at the appointed Hour, which was Midnight. I brought a Ladder of Ropes, which throwing over the Wall of the Garden, which was not very high she mounted, and turning it over on the other Side descended. I received her with open Arms, and all the Transport a Man may be supposed to feel, who has rigorously lived to his Duty, denied himself all the Pleasures of Sense, and gives a loose to his Desires. The sad Prisoner, who has lived long confined in a dark loathsome Vault, feels not a greater Joy at the Sight of Day and Liberty than I did then. I hasted with her to the Boat, into which I had already conveyed Habits for us both, with all Things nec