Ottoman Gallantries: OR THE LIFE. OF THE BASSA OF BUDA.  
Done out of French.  
LONDON: Printed for R. Bentley and S. Magnes, in Russel-street, in Covent-Garden. 1687.   

To the Honourable, WILLIAM, Lord CAVENDISH.  
My Lord,  
I Should not know how to Apologise for the Presumption of this Address, if the Introduction of a Foreigner did not in some wise plead in my Excuse. His Privileges, as such, in a great manner entituling him to your Lordship' s Protection, I resolved, at the same time I implored his Admittance, to improve the Occasion, as well for the discharging some awful sense of Gratitude, for the Obligations I have to your Illustrious Father, as for the paying your Lordship that Homage that is owing you from all those that make Profession of publicly honouring Merit and Virtue. Yes, my Lord, as the World does both Esteem and Admire the ravishing Excellencies of your Person, the surprising Progress you have made in all sorts of Noble Exercises, that Blooming Beauty of your Genius, that Vivacity of Imagination, Solidity of Judgement, those Charms in Conversation, and that early Harvest of Polite Learning that so soon in your Spring your Lordship stands possessed of; as if the Muses had a Mind to make some Amends by shedding all their Gifts upon your Lordship, for the constant support and azylum they have ever found in your illustrious Family: So it has a Respect and Veneration for your Goodness, your Condescension, Generosity, Candour, and Gallantry, that conspicuously declares the Nobility of your Extraction. Thus I hope this Offering will not only be interpreted, as an Effect of my Zeal and Admiration, but as a Testimony of the ardent and respectful Passion, with which I am,  
My Lord, Your Lordship's most Obedient, And most Humble Servant, B. Berenclow.   

IBRAHIM: BASSA OF BUDA.  
I Am not at all surprised to see that Love occasions many Disorders in Private Families. It ever did so, and ever will: But to find that it is It that has kindled the War we at present see between the Turks and the Empire, is a matter very extraordinary, and nevertheless very true. Easie will it be to know this Truth, from the following History, which I shall faithfully relate from the Memoirs I have received from one of my Friends at Constantinople, where he has an Employ under a Foreign Minister, by whom, as he writes me word, he was informed of what I am going to recount.  
Count Teckeley, that famous Head of the Malcontents, that has so long born Arms against his Master, after having (according to the Destiny of those that are engaged in such like Enterprises) found that there is nothing more difficult than to succeed in their Projects, was ready to sink, when he resolved to send his Secretary, once for all, to the Grand Signior, of whom he had already received divers Succours, but too slender to bring his Designs about. He expressly encharged him to tell this Prince, and the Grand Vizier, that he was obliged to come to an Accommodation with the Emperor, unless they assisted him better than they had hitherto done. That all his Partisans were weary of the War they had made for so long a time, and for the most part at their own cost. That he could no longer hinder them from returning to their own homes, where they had their Wives and their Children, principally since the Emperor, gave them hopes of Liberty of Conscience, and the Preservation of their Privileges; for whose Infraction they had taken up Arms against him. That they daily persecuted him to accept these Conditions, which he had endeavoured to elude; remonstrating to them, that these were Promises that would never have effect. That this had stopped them hitherto: but that at length the want of Power he laboured under, would oblige him to close with those Offers.  
This Secretary having laid these Reasons before the Grand Vizier, this Minister laid 'em before his Master; a Prince that having been brought up amid the effeminacy of the Seraglio, did by consequence, love Peace much better than Wan. The Grand Vizier, for his part, desired nothing but Quiet; not but that he was well experienced in Martial Affairs, but because he loved a Sultana, whose sight he preferred before all things. By these means the Secretary had but a scurvy Reception; and the Answer made to him, was, that the Grand Signior would by no means engage openly in the War; but that he would give Order for the assisting of his Master, under hand, as had been done since his Revolt, against the Emperor. For this purpose several Bassa's had Order to repair to Constantinople, and there, in the Secretary's presence, were they commanded to keep a secret Correspondence with Teckeley, and to favour him in all they could, yet without committing any Hostility that could embroil the two Empires.  
The Emperor, who was but ill served in Spies, hearing of Teckeley's Secretary's arrival at Constantinople, and this meeting of the Bassa's, imagined all to be for the making of War against him; and an Envoy he had in that Court; having signified to him, that the thing was so, he sent him Order to break the Designs that might be espouzed to his prejudice in that Assembly, by several advantageous Offers he caused to be made to the Turks, if they would for Twenty Years prolong a Truce, that was made between the Two Empires, after the Battle of St. Goddard. The Grand Vizier, who expected nothing less than this, was over joyed at this juncture, and resolved to procure the advantage of his Master, that was offered without running any Risque; he began to give out a Rumour of an approaching Rupture, that so the Emperor augmenting his alarms, might cause still more advantageous Conditions to be proposed to him. Nevertheless, for the better insinuating of the War, he sent for the Bassa of Buda, who had not been summoned to the first Assembly: and as he was the Person the Port was wont to consult in what concerned Hungary, the Emperor did not doubt, but that the Turks would proceed to a Rupture with him.  
This Bassa was a Man between Eight and Twenty and Thirty Years old, as well made as a Man could be, brave to the highest Degree; but whose Wit did nevertheless surpass his Bravery, and Good Mien. He had obtained his Government, not so much however by his Good Qualities, as by the Love the Sultana Zelinda had conceived for him: And this Adventure is extraordinary, and sparkish enough, so as to believe that I shall not weary out my Reader, by giving him an account of it.  
This Bassa was one of those Tribute-childrens that are raised upon the Christians; and his Mother having not been able to dispense herself from this unhappy Law, which thus obliges to give what one best loves, no sooner saw that her Child was culled out by those that are appointed to exact it, but that she made a Mark in his Face, that she might be able to know him again another day. This Mark was just for all the World, as if he had put on a Patch; and far from being disguised by 't, it on the contrary, served as a Beauty-spot. For this must needs be granted, that it does not unbecome a Man. Nevertheless, as it is a Token of an effeminate Spirit, that has recourse to these sorts of Artifices, it must be allowed at the same time, that those who pretend thereby to please, far from succeeding in their Designs, render themselves contemptible to the Fair Sex, which loves a man that does not thus trifle away his time in playing the Woman. The Bassa's Mother having taken this Precaution, saw him carried away with the less regret, as hoping she had not wholly lost him. He was educated in the place where the Children of Tribute are brought up; and when he was at an Age of learning something, he distinguished himself from all the rest: Insomuch, that he was from that time observed to be a Subject worthy of officiating one time or other, the highest Places of Trust. Nor were they deceived in the hopes they had conceived of him. The Grand Signior, who had been informed of his fine Qualities, having one day sent for him into his Presence, he liked him so very well, that he would needs have him to be his Page. But this Youth, who was but between Twelve and Thirteen Years old, fell on his Knees before him, and besought him rather to let him bear Arms; promising him, that he would one day render him such good Services, that he should not be sorry he had granted him his Request. It is often a Capital Crime to oppose the Grand Signior's Will. And as their Yoke is tyrannic, such like Compliments have been often known to cost the Lives of those that made them. But either that the Grand Signior was in a good Humour that day, or that he was pleased with the prettiness of this Child, he granted him what he desired.  
He was put among the Janissaries; and being one day upon the Guard, at the Grand Vizier's Tent, this Minister commanded him with his own Mouth, not to suffer any body to enter, be it who it would. A moment after the Aga, who is the Captain of the Janissaries, coming thither, our Youth denied him the Door, which he being scandalised at, he lift up his Hand to strike him; ask him, if he knew not his Aga. The Answer the young man made him, was, levelling his Piece at him; and he had been a dead man, if some Officers, that were with the Aga, had not interposed to save him. The Janisary would not fire, for fear of killing an Innocent instead of the Offender; but still keeping his Arms in a Posture, he prevented his being seized, which the Aga would have gladly done, that he might have punished him upon the Place, for the Affront he imagined he had received.  
The Grand Vizier hearing a noise, sent to see what was the matter; and being told the occasion of the Disorder, he himself came out of his Tent-door, where Both demanded Justice of him. The young man was in such a Rage, that the Aga had dared to lay his Hand upon him; that he could hardly open his Mouth. He remonstrated to the Vizier, that he had done nought but executed his Orders: That thus he was as much concerned as himself, to be revenged, since that the Aga, who had been informed of the Prohibition, did sufficiently show the little value he had for his General, in thus exceeding his Commands. But all that he could say, did not hinder the Grand Vizier from making him in the wrong; telling him, that he ought to have the Judgement to consider, that the Prohibition did not regard the Aga, who being the Head of his Guard, aught to have free Ingress and Egress to his Quarters, for the receiving and executing what should be commanded him. Nevertheless, as the Greenness of his Years rendered him excusable, besides his having ●o expressly forbidden any one should enter, as that he might believe, that the Prohibition was for all, he ordered the Aga to contain his Resentment, and imposed Silence on him. He fancied he had not so many measures to take on the young man's account, whom he looked upon as a simple Janisary; and to whom besides he imagined he had been very kind, in causing him to be pardoned. But it lying upon our Youth's Heart, that a Hand had been lift up against him, far from being satisfied with his Sentence, he resolved to right himself, since the Person he expected it from, had not done it.  
Nor was the Aga on his side satisfied; and as he imagined it to be a Blot upon him, in having been insulted by a Man who was bound to obey him, he would have proceeded to strange Extremities, if he had not been afraid of displeasing the Grand Vizier, who would be absolute. Things being in this manner, they both would quickly have found the means of satisfying themselves, if they had been of equal Condition: But inequality being the Cause that the Aga slighted the young man, and that the young man durst not on his side offer to challenge him; they both watched for the Occasion to give themselves satisfaction; and the Aga went this way to work: He commanded the Youngster in all perilous occasions, hoping it would be impossible for him to escape perishing in one or other. But Fortune taking care of him, not only preserved him from Dangers, but also extended his Reputation so far, by the fine Actions he performed, that he was talked of in the most remote Provinces of the Ottoman Empire. Nay, and as People are wont to magnify all Objects, according as what is related, is more or less distant, he was said to have achieved such great things, as would have been capable of defacing those we read in History, if they had been true. In short, he began to make himself known in Places whither he was never like to go; and People had every where so good an Opinion of him, that as soon as the least advantage befell the Ottoman Empire, the better part of it was attributed to him, though very often he had not been present in the Encounter.  
This did not at all please the Aga, who far from diminishing any thing of his Resentment, in favour of his Merit, found, on the contrary, the aversion he had for him to augment. He looked upon him as a Rising Enemy, and as a man that would stand candidate with him for the first Offices of the State, and the favour of his Master. Being prejudiced with such like Sentiments, he did all he could in some wise to lessen his great Actions; and not being able to ravish him of the Honour that was due to him, he endeavoured, at least, to make him share it with some others; hoping, that the more People partook therein, the less would be said to his advantage. The young Janisary would not perchance have taken notice of this, if he had not moreover had a Grudge in his Heart. But being attentive to all he did, he quickly perceived with what Spirit he was animated; which still increased the Desire he had of measuring his Sword with his. The Undertaking was great for a young Soldier. Nevertheless, the Affront he had done him, being ever present to his Memory, he had no Quiet till he had satisfied himself in this. This he effected by an occasion that was offered; and in this manner were matters brought about.  
The Troops being in Winter-Quarters, the Aga, who had a great Passion for hunting, sent for English Hounds; and though it is not the Custom of the Turks, to hunt like us, a certain Renegadoe he had with him, discoursed him so often of the Pleasure we had in Stag-hunting, that he suffered himself to be led along with the temptation of seeing whether our way was better than theirs. Thus being out a hunting, the young man, who being still animated with the same Design, put himself into a false path, and caused one of his Friends, whom he had engaged in his Interests, to suggest to him, that if he meant to be at the fall of the Stag, that was just coming to a Bay, he must scour along that way. The Aga was overjoyed at this advice, which he took in good part; and being extraordinarily heated, he thundered along, without considering, whether he was attended, or not. And indeed, he that had gived him this Council, seeing that he was fallen into the Trap that was laid for him, instead of following him, galloped after the Dogs. By these means the young Janisary had the pleasure of seeing himself alone with his Enemy, whom he cried to as soon as he saw him, that he had long sought for such an opportunity as that, and that since it offered itself so happily, he desired him to give him satisfaction for the Outrage he had received.  
This Compliment surprised the Aga. However, as he did not want Courage, he laid hand to his Pistol, rather than to answer him: For you must know he had a pair at his Saddle Bow, contrary to the custom of those that go a Buckhunting. The Young Janisary did the like on his side; and as they were in a place where they could not make any escape, to avoid a Shot, a Cut, or Thrust, it was impossible for the Combat to be otherwise than cruel on both sides. However, the young Janisary meaning to let him see that he had a Courage above all Fear, bid him fire first; and the Aga not standing to be twice bid, levelled his Pistol at him, and missed him. The young Janisary called out to him, to take his other Pistol, and bid him fire again, which the Aga did, but with as little success as the time before. He was very much at a loss, after having thus missed in his twice discharing: But he was very much surprised when the Janisary, instead of availing himself of his advantage to kill him, or at least, to make him beg his Life, cried out to him, not to be under any fear, and that out of acknowledgement for the Obligation he had to him for fight him, he was willing to renounce the hopes he had of Victory. However, to let him see, that he said nothing to him, but what he was ready to do, he fired his two Pistols in the Air, which put the Aga into great admiration. But he had not the leisure to make any great Reflection upon his generosity: For at the same time the Janisary attacked him with his Sable in his Hand, and pressed him in such manner, that he plainly saw, that though he was rid of his Pistols, yet was he not the less to be feared. He stood upon his Defence, and did all he could to stop him; but either that the Aga was not so expert as the Janisary, or that Fortune concerned itself in the matter, the Janisary gave him two Wounds, one in the Arm, of no great moment, and the other in the Body, which was much more dangerous.  
While this Combat was in Hand, the Aga's People not seeing him, and having heard firing several times, most of 'em quitted the Chase, and made that waywards, where they heard the noise. As they ran full gallop, they were not long a getting to the Place of Battle, and were much startled to find him wounded. Yet as part of these People belonged to him, and that the rest were his Friends, they did not inquire into the occasion of the Quarrel. All their care was only to secure the young Janisary, who being in a narrow way, could not avoid falling into their Hands. In vain was it that he stood upon his Defence; the Number overwhelmed his Virtue, insomuch, that he was loaded with Fetters, as if he had done the most criminal action in the World.  
It was a great misfortune to him, in that the Aga did not see how they misused him; for after having tried, as he had done, his Generosity, in all likelihood, far from suffering such a thing, he would have hindered it with all his Power. But the Wound he had received, and whose danger. I have intimated, had reduced him to such a Weakness, as that he had lost both Speech and Knowledge. However, it could not be said, that he had been assassinated; for he had been also found with his Weapons in his Hands: And those that took the young Janisary, did themselves declare, that he singly had brought him into that Condition. All this, together with the Youth of Ibrahim (so was the Janizary's Name), and the great Actions he had done, did occasion his being generally pitied by all People; especially when reflection was made, that the Aga had put a signal Affront upon him; and for which any man of Courage, as well as he, would have taken his Revenge.  
The Grand Vizier was the first of this Opinion; but with all this not one durst interpose in his behalf. If it was on one side considered, that the Resentment so common to Men of Valour, was the Cause of his Fault: on the other, they made reflection, that this Action was of mighty Consequence; at least, without being severely punished. Those that had the best Intentions for him, did allow, that if he was pardoned, it was the means to heighten the audaciousness of the Soldiers against their Leaders; a Crime that already reigned so very much among the Militia, that it was absolutely necessary to remedy it. Thus Policy prevailing over any other Consideration, the whole Discourse was of making him serve for an Example to others. The Grand Vizier himself appeared the most earnest to have him brought to a Trial; but it was only outwardly: for under hand he caused the Officers of the Council of War to be sounded, by whom he was to be tried, to know, whether there was no way to bring him off. If he would have employed his Authority in the Case, it would have been easy for him; and he needed only to say one word; but he was afraid of getting the Odium of all the Officers in the Army, that seemed concerned in the Aga's revenge.  
Those whom he had thus given order to sound the Council of War, having brought him back word, that not one of them would promise him any thing, he bethought himself of a very singular Stratagem, which was to send for each of them apart. Some he told, that the Janizary's Crime being the most enormous that a Soldier can commit, there was no Torment great enough to expiate it. That thus they would oblige him, by detaining those that be prone to commit a like Action, in condemning him to have his Hand cut off, and then to be impaled alive. His Directions to others were quite in an other Style. He told them, That indeed the Janisary deserved a most extraordinary Punishment; that Martial Law required his Hand to be cut off, and then undergo an infamous Death: However, as he had performed a thousand fine Actions, and this the only ill one, he should be obliged to them, if they would in his favour relax of the Rigour of the Ordinances. That he did not demand of them absolutely to absolve him, but barely to condemn him to run the Gauntlet; a Sentence that nevertheless would be sufficiently rigorous, seeing, that hardly any thing worse can be done to a man, save putting him to death.  
The Grand Vizier was too absolute for them to dare to contradict him: every one of 'em promised what he required, and effectually kept their Words. Thus when the young Janisary came to a Trial, they were divided in their Opinions, some requiring he should be impaled alive, after having had his Hand cut off, and others, that he should barely run the Gauntlet Not a man of them would desist from his Sentiments; so as that they could not agree upon the Sentence, for which cause they had it referred to the Grand Vizier. But he, far from deciding, bid both Parties be steadfast; and in the mean while outwardly to terminate this Contest, he nominated Six Officers more to assist at the Trial of the Process.. He for his Reasons gave, that these would not perchance be divided, as the others; and that thus he should make them agree in their Sentence. But before he nominated them, he made them all to promise all that he desired; insomuch, that Three opined on one side, and Three on the other; which rather augmented, than laid asleep the Dissension. And indeed I may call by this name, what had like to have been the occasion of a great Disorder: for every one thinking, that the Opinion he declared himself of, was that of the Grand Vizier, they spared one another so little, that after having been at hard Words, they appointed a Rendezvous, to see one another with Sword in Hand. Of this the Grand Vizier was informed by one of those who thought to make his Court to him, by letting him see to what a Pitch he was affected to him. He was not mistaken; for the thing pleased the Vizier extremely: Nevertheless, not judging it convenient to let it proceed farther, he forbid these Officers from proceeding to any such Extremity; and under Colour of not augmenting the occasion of their Enmity, he said, That since they could not agree upon the Point, he would send away the Prisoner to Constantinople, to be tried by the Grand Signior himself.  
All the Officers that would perchance have found fault, had he undertaken to save him, of his single Authority, far from diving into his Secret, were the first to approve of his Prudence. Whereupon he sent him under a good and sure Guard; at least it seemed so: but having waylaid it with Men, that were still more numerous than the Convoy, they freed him out of its Hands, after having put those to flight that should have opposed their Attempt. The young Janisary, who expected to die at Constantinople, as well as in the Camp, was over joyed at this Adventure, which he knew not what to attribute to. However, his joy was but of short continuance: for he had scarcely had time to thank his Deliverers, when that the Convoy returned, with a Troop of Horse, which it had met on the way, and whose assistance it had implored. As soon as the others saw this, and that the Match was not equal, they in their turn fled, and abandoned the poor Janisary, who being ill-mounted, according to the Custom of all Criminals, could not follow them, though his Heart did. The Convoy having thus taken him again, without much truoble, it did not otherwise mind running after the rest, who, to cut off all knowledge of their March, threw themselves into a Forest on their Right Hand, and which contained ten Leagues at least in length.  
By this means the young Janisary was conducted to Constantinople; which the Grand Vizier being informed of, all that he could do, was to write to the Sultana Zelinda, who was very much his Friend, that she would employ her Credit, to save him. In the mean while the Aga had had time to recover; and as he was generous of himself, and that besides, he valued the young Janizary's Courage, whereof he had had good proof in the Combat he had had with him, he was no sooner upon his Legs, but that he entreated the Grand Vizier to suffer him to go to Constantinople, where he promised him to do all that in him lay, to obtain the young Janizary's Pardon. The Grand Vizier having this very much at Heart, did not only give him leave, but that he might make the more expedition, he advised him to embark in a Ship, which he offered him. The Aga accepted it, and going accordingly on Board, there arose so great a Storm the very first day, that he was forced to come to an Anchor on the Coasts of the Venetians. This Republic was then in Peace with the Port, so as that the Aga there met with all sort of good Reception. He stayed two or three days, waiting for good weather; and in that space a Woman came to beg of him, he would give her leave to embark in his Ship, when that he made Sail. This Woman, who was already pretty well advanced in years, had a Daughter with her of an excellent Beauty; and the Aga thinking that she would go the Voyage too, not only granted her Request, in consideration of the Damsel, but likewise made her a thousand offers of Service. For he said in himself, that this was a Bit fit for the Grand Signior's Tooth; and that if he could make himself Master of her, he should not only obtain the Janizary's Pardon, but that he should also oblige his Master to do many things for him.  
While that he fed himself with these hopes, the Woman told him, that this Beauteous Person, who was her Daughter, would not go the Voyage; which obliged him to take other measures. That which he contrived, was to conceal what passed in his Mind; telling this Lady, on the contrary, That she did well, in not exposing her Daughter to the danger of the Sea, or to the inconveniency of a long Voyage. By this means he removed all the suspicions she might have conceived, joined to this, that he never looked upon this Beautiful Person, but as if she had been altogether indifferent to him. In the mean while, the day of his departure being come, and the Nymph returning to conduct her Mother to the Ship, he made Sail all on the sudden. The Mother having perceived, that they were moving, begged of him, to cause the Longboat to be put out, to carry her Daughter back on Shoar: But the Aga seeing that there was no longer any danger for him, in declaring his Mind, he told her plainly, that her Daughter was too lovely to be the Wife of any private person; that he pretended to present her to the Grand Signior, as soon as he was arrived at Constantinople; That he believed she would infinitely please him: But if it proved not so, her Fortune would be greater than if she stayed in her own Country: That he had not been able to see her, without finding her the most Charming Person breathing; and that if he did not love her, it was only for that it was not allowable in a Slave, as he was, to lift up his Eyes upon a Person designed for his Lord: That he said no more, because he was not suffered to explain his mind further; that Time would show the rest; and that this depended on the manner of her Reception by the Grand Signior.  
This Compliment was extremely vexatious to this Lady, as well as to her Daughter: And it is impossible to relate all the melting things they said to persuade him, nor how many Tears they shed, seeing their Entreaties were in vain. However, that I may not dwell longer upon a Subject so worthy of Compassion, you must know, that all conspiring to the Aga's Desires, he had so fair a Wind, that his Ship made more way in Two Hours than he expected to do in Four. By this means he arrived at Constantinople, before that Ibrahim was conducted thither; which was of extreme consequence to him, since it was to be feared, that the Grand Signior might take a Fancy to put him to Death as soon as he arrived. It was no extraordinary thing, that the Aga should have this thought, since he was ignorant of what the Grand Vizier had done for him, or that he had written to the Sultana in his behalf. However, having begged Audience of the Grand Signior, he presented him the Beautiful Person he had brought along with him, who was in some manner changed, both by the inconveniency of the Sea, and out of Grief to be thus led into Captivity. But though for these Reasons she did not shine so much as usually, she nevertheless appeared so beauteous and charming to the Grand Signior, that he whispered to himself a thousand times, that there was nothing in his Seraglio comparable to her. He made her at the same time several magnificent Presents, and worthy of so great a Prince. This Beautiful Person appeared insensible to all this, as well as to the other Tokens of Love given her by the Grand Signior: But as the Will of those Princes serves for Law in all their Dominions, whatever repugnance she had to grant him any favour, she could not dispense herself from doing all that he required.  
Enjoyment, which is wont to extinguish all Desires in other Lovers, produced a quite contrary effect in him. It is impossible to say to what Degree he loved her; and his fondness appeared so strong, that it gave a jealousy to all the other Sultana's of the Seraglio. In the mean while, she had not been eight days thus declared the Favourite, when the Guard that conducted the Janisary arrived. He that commanded it, having had Audience of the Grand Signior, he presented him the Grand Vizier's Letter, by which this Principal Officer informed him of all that passed between the Aga and the Janisary: And to inspire him with Sentiments of Mercy, he gave him an exact Account of all the Occasions Ibrahim had been in; and forgot not to give him the Praises that were due to him. While that the Grand Signior read this Letter, the Aga being then present, had his Eyes fixed upon him, to mind after what manner he took the thing; and he only waited till he had done, to throw himself at his Feet, and demand his Pardon. For after having changed Colour several times while that he read this Letter, an indubitable mark that it sensibly affected him; he toar it in a thousand pieces; then walking thereupon, as a furious man; This insolent Wretch shall pay for it, said he; and I am over joyed that he is brought hither, that he may gratify my own sight with his Execution. How! continued he, to attack his Aga! And what Torment can be invented, but what he deserves to have a thousand times more cruel?  
Every one seeing the Grand Signior in so great a Passion, cast down their Eyes, and trembled. Thus not a Person but looked on Ibrahim as a lost Man, and all People pitied him, without knowing him otherwise than by Fame. In the mean time Sultana Zelinda, being ignorant of what passed, sent to entreat the Grand Signior to come and see her upon a matter of moment she had to say to him. The Grand Signior went thither, and as soon as she saw him, she went about to prepossess him, in favour of the Janisary, by a Relation of his fine Actions. But the Grand Signior not being pleased with this Discourse, Yes, Madam, he answered, he has done all you say: but d' ye also know what he has done more? D' ye know that he would have killed his Aga? And that to morrow I'll have him impaled before my Eyes? Ah! God forbid, Sir, the Sultana answered, and have you no more care of your own Interests. Consider, Sir, that after those Trials of Skill this poor Wretch has made, he is born for the Glory of your Empire. If he had had less Courage, he would more patiently have born the Affront put on him by the Aga. See with what greatness of Mind he declined revenging himself, when it was in his Power to do it. He fires his Pistols in the Air, against a Man that had newly fired two at him. Where is the Man that has done the same thing? and what Example have you of it in your Empire? Besides, if your Celsitude did but consider what you might expect from such a Man, who is said not to be Eighteen Years old as yet; and if you be not resolved to yield to so many illustrious Marks of Valour, that you would, at least, yield to my Entreaties. Yes, Sir, continued she, 'tis I that implore your Mercy for that unfortunate Man. You know, Sir, I know him not; but I am so affected with his great Actions, that though he were my Brother, I should not intercede more for him. At these words she threw herself at his Feet, and embraced his Knees, telling him, she would never rise, unless he granted her Request.  
This Sultana had formerly been his whole Inclination; and it was only since the Arrival of the New Comer, that her Credit was no longer so great. Nevertheless, this Prince still expressed a great regard for her; and the World saw, that notwithstanding his new fondness, he still honoured her with his Visits. Wherefore she did certainly believe that her Request was going to be granted her. But this Prince imagining, that it was for his Interest to punish a Crime, that being pardoned, might give an Ill Example to his Soldiery; Ask me, Madam, said he to her at the same time, all you please, and I will instantly grant it you; but do not importune me any longer, I beseech you for a thing which I must, of all necessity, deny you. It sensibly troubles me, loving you so tenderly as I do; but you would not have my Complaisance proceed so far, as to injure my Empire. You see the Consequences of it as well as I; but as I fancy, you did not reflect upon them. Thereupon he represented to her, how necessary it was to keep up Obedience among the Soldiery; and that if Ibrahim was not punished, all the others would think it allowable in them to do what he had done. However, to let her see, that it was not out of Passion that he spoke in this manner, though he had manifested some in the beginning of his Discourse, upon her Consideration, he changed the manner of his Death, and promised her, that he should only be be-headed.  
As this Sultana did not act of her own motion, and that it was only to do the Grand Vizier a kindness, she would not importune him any longer, contenting herself with telling him, that her Design was not to torment him; but that if he could have granted her this Request, without injuring of himself, she should have been much obliged to him. The Aga, who had said nothing as yet, having learned, that this Sultana had been refused, durst not speak, well knowing, that his Credit did not come near to hers. Thus nothing now was expected, but to see the Janisary dye, the Day of whose Execution was assigned on the morrow. The Grand Signior had the Cruelty to have it performed in his Presence, and appointed the Place under the Windows of the Seraglio, contrary to the usual Custom. The Hour drawing near, he went to the new-come Sultana's Room, and there, without being seen, he viewed through a Lattice-window, the whole Preparation for the Execution, having the Young Sultana by his side, and her Mother, whom he had left with her. A Moment after came the Young Janisary; and the Mother had no sooner cast her Eyes upon him, but that she cried out; Ah, Sir, what see I here! this is my Son; and if you do not pardon him, I shall die at your Feet. These Words did extremely surprise the Grand Signior, as well as the Young Sultana: And the Grand Signior imagining, that some body made her say this, to save him: Ah! Madam, said he to her, how can this be your Son? and though it were so, how can you know him again, he that is not above Eighteen Years old, and has been here above these Fourteen? It is my very Son, Sir, she answered him in a frightful Condition, and if you have any kindness for the Sister, save her unhappy Brother. Thereupon she told him succinctly the Mark she had caused to be made upon him, that she might know him again; and that she came to seek him out, when that the Aga stole away her Daughter. She added, That if it was her Son, he must likewise have a Mark on the left Arm, but which was natural; That it was of the form of a Pigeon: and that if it were not so, she did not pretend he should pardon a Person that had had the unhappiness to displease him.  
The Young Sultana hearing the Mother talk in this manner, or rather partaking in her Grief, she threw herself at the Grand Signior's Feet, and told him, That after having raised her to the Rank she possessed, she did not think he would give her the Affliction of seeing her Brother pass through the Hands of an Executioner: That she found herself in a strange Concern, a Token that her Mother was not mistaken: That she must however tell him the same thing that she had told him; namely, that they should view his Arm, and then pass on to the Execution, in case they did not find the designed Mark. The Grand Signior taking care to lift her up again; Yes, Madam, said he to her, what you demand is just; and though I am going to make a scurvy Business on't with the Sultana Zelinda, to whom I have refused Ibrahim' s Life, I am very glad that this has thus happened, to let you see, that I consider you above all others. At these words, he gave a Slave order, to go immediately to the Place, where the Execution was going to be performed, to make the Janisary show his Left Arm; and if the Mark beforementioned was there, to cry out Pardon at the same time.  
The Slave knowing what part the Sultana. Favourite took in this Commission, did not leave off running till she came to the Place, where it had been too late, had she stayed never so little longer. For indeed in a moment later it had been done; and, as I may say, the Executioner had already his Arm lift up to complete his Work. But the coming in of this Slave having stopped him: Look upon me, said she to the Janisary, who did not mind her: I come from the Grand Signior, and he commands thee to show me thy Left Arm bare. Does he already repent, he answered her with a firmness becoming his great Courage, of his Favour to me? If he will have my Hand to be cut off, 'tis not the Left I am to give thee, but the Right, with which I attacked the Aga. At the same time he presented the Hand to him he then mentioned: But the Slave said to him, The Grand Signior does not send me hither to do thee more harm than thou hast received. I can say no more to thee, but show thy Obedience to his Commands, by letting me see the other Arm instead of this. The Janisary seemed very indifferent at these Words, and showing her what she demanded, she had no sooner turned up his Shirt Sleeve, but that she perceived the Form of a Pigeon: She immediately cried out, Pardon, pardon; which amazed all those that were present, who knew that Sultana Zelinda had been refused the same thing, as was declared by the Slave. The Officers would not believe her upon her bare word; but also not daring to proceed, because that she spoke in the name of the Grand Signior, they sent to know his Pleasure. The Grand Signior confirmed what she had said: And thus in an Instant the Janisary was seen to pass from a shameful Punishment, to a Fortune that would have been much greater, but for an unhappy Accident that befell his Sister: She was become big with Child, miscarried, and after that had a flux of blood, that hindered the Grand Signior from seeing her of a long time in private: And as she no longer contributed to his pleasures, she was quickly in the Rank of forgotten Persons.  
After this Sultana Zelinda became more than ever in favour. She had mortally hated the other, during the little time she had been in Credit; Not content to see herself triumph o'er her Rival, through the Disaster that was befallen her, she did what she could to ruin her entirely in the Grand Signior's Opinion. She forged several Letters, by which she seemed to be a Damsel that had had several Intrigues in her own Country: And if the Grand Signior had been Credulous, she would have been shamefully turned out of the Seraglio. But this Prince knowing what to attribute this Detraction to, and who besides looked upon himself as the only Cause: of this Sultana's Calamity, entreated Zelinda to entertain him no longer with such like Discourses; adding, that on the contrary, she must live in good Terms with her, if she meant to be agreeable to him.  
This Advice was a kind of Command. Thus Zelinda was to use Violence to her own Inclination. But what is not a Person capable of, when the Business is to captivate the Heart of a Great Monarch? Not only she abstained from speaking ill of her any more, but she likewise saw her with as great Expression of Kindness as any other: So true is it, That when the Master commands, nothing is impossible. This pleased the Grand Signior extremely, who was daily more and more concerned at the unhappy Condition the other Sultana was reduced to. For you must know, that her flux of Blood did not cease, which was doubtless worthy of Compassion. Now that he might declare to her his Regret for her Illness, he granted her all the Favours she demanded of him: nay, and often prevented her Requests: Insomuch, that Pity, with him, supplied the Place of Love. But nothing could so much persuade her of the Consideration he had for her, as his giving her Brother leave to come see her Twice a Week in the Seraglio. A thing that was never seen in the Ottoman Empire, and which perhaps will never be seen again. He had already given him the Office of Vice-Admiral of the Seas, and had heaped sundry other Favours upon him; insomuch, that he might be said to be a fine Example of the Inconstancy of Fortune, who after having used him so severely, smiled so much upon him at that time, so far, as that he was one of the Men of that Empire, to whom He promised most, and who, on his side, had the finest Qualities therewith to correspond. For though we daily see, that she makes her Choice fall upon such Persons as are unworthy of it; yet must you agree with me, that when she sheds her Favours upon Men of Worth and Ability, they are much more capable of keeping them than others.  
This is a Truth that cannot be denied. But without dwelling longer upon this Subject, you must know, that one day when he went to see his Sister, the Sultana Zelinda came thither, but in such an extraordinary Magnificency, that had she had a Design of Dazzling the Grand Signior, she could not have done more. The Grand Signior had given the sick Sultana order, not to admit any body into her Lodgings while her Brother was there. Thus when the other came to the Door, she let her know, that she was extremely grieved that she could not receive her, and told her the Occasion. But Sultana Zelinda made answer, that the Prohibition was not for her; and at the worst, it was but letting the Grand Signior know nothing of the matter. This answer seemed very sparkish to the sick Sultana; and as she was afraid of incurring the Grand Signior's Displeasure, she rose up hastily to go mind her herself, that far from the Prohibition's not being made for her, it would be found to be principally on her account, if the Grand Signior was brought to explain his Intentions. But the other making a Jest of all she said to her, replied, That they were Both too wise ever to say a Word of the matter; and that thus there was no great danger in not remembering the Prohibition. And going still on, as she said these Words, she came into the Room, where was the sick Sultana's Brother. Since he had been in Turkey he had seen a World of fine Women; so as that he had no reason to be surprised at Beauty: yet could he not sustain the Lustre of the Sultana's, which he gazed upon with Admiration. But this Admiration produced no Softnesses and Wish, either that he was withheld by Respect, or, as is more probable, that Sympathy, which is wont to produce such surprising effects in an Instant, was not in him. He would have gone away that very moment, which put Sultana Zelinda in a Maze; and she asked him, whether she frighted him? He made her such an Answer as Gallantry required of him to such a Question as that: Then he added, That he knew the Respect he owed her, and that this was the Cause that he was content to deprive himself of the Pleasure there was in seeing her. That's being too wise, and too prudent, she said to him, for a Person of your Age: And if Respect, as you say, obliges you to be gone, I dispense you from that, nay, and require you to stay here.  
This Discourse seemed very free for such a Person as Zelinda, who had so many measures to keep: and the sick Sultana, and her Brother, did presently imagine that she must have powerful Reason to induce her to talk in that manner. If it had been becoming a Man to have had a little good Opinion of himself, Ibrahim might have fancied that he had some share therein; and though this had happened, he would not have been much in the wrong, since in Truth Sultana Zelinda was fallen in Love with him, upon the Rumour of his Reputation; Insomuch, that being very willing to inform herself, whether greater Commendations were not bestowed upon him than were due to him, she had passed o'er a great many Considerations to have a sight of him. Thus was she far from suffering him to be gone; and as People are wont to interpret all things to their advantage, she took for Tokens of a budding Passion, all the fine things he could not forbear saying to her, both upon her Beauty and her Wit.  
It is a wonder how Ibrahim came away from this Interview, without being in Love. For it is certain she did all she could to please him, which joined to her Beauty, which was not Common, aught to produce great effect upon a Man of Eighteen Years old. She was obliged to go away first, because that word was brought her, that the Grand Signior was going into her Apartment. Fough, said she in Ibrahim's Ear, he knows not how troublesome his Visit is to me; and if I might speak my Mind, I should desire him to put it off till another time.  
This was a sufficient hint to a man that was not stupid: But what gave him still a better Opinion of his good Fortune, is, that she pressed his Hand at her going away. He thought not fitting to say the least of this to his Sister, though he was not wont to conceal the least thing from her; but he believed there to be such as he could not divulge, without being wanting to the Character of a well-bred Man, and he placed in the Number of these what had newly happened. Sultana Zelinda being gone, the beauteous sick Sultana asked him, what he thought of her: All that a man can think, Madam, said he to her, of a Beautiful Person; and I know only You that ever was capable of disputing the Prize of Beauty with her. What I now say, he continued, ought not to be suspected by you: You know, that Flattery is very ill becoming in the Mouth of a Person that has the Honour of being so nearly related to you: But if what I now say to you, be not sufficient to persuade you of my sincerity, I mean to tell you with the same ingenuity, that I have hardly in my Life seen a more Beautiful Person; and yet I know none that affects me less.  
This Converse held them till the time required for him to go to his own House. The fair, though sick Sultana, was overjoyed to see him have these Sentiments: For though the Grand Signior had commanded her to live in good Terms with Sultana Zelinda, she against her had a certain Jealousy, which is natural to Persons that aspire to one and the same Heart. And indeed, though in the beginning she had only complied with the Sultana's Desires, out of a kind of necessity, she came in process of time, to relish the Occasion; not, perchance, his Person, but at least the Grandeur of his Empire, which he had shared with her, so long as she had enjoyed a perfect Health. So sweet a time being ever present to her Memory, she wished nothing so much as that she might recover. It was rather on this account, than to deliver her from the Indisposition she laboured under, that she sent for Physicians from all parts, to whom she promised Immense Sums, if they could stop the Malady with which she was afflicted. Several promised her what they did not perform; but at last, after having passed through the Hands of all these Quacks, there was one that offered his Service, telling her, that he would stake his Life against her Recovery. That nevertheless, as she was weakened both by the Nature of her Distemper, and the violent Remedies that had been given her, it required time to see the effects of his Promises, for as much as that she was to be restored by little and little, before the last Hand could be put to her Recovery.  
The Promises this Physician made were quickly divulged throughout the Grand Signior's Court; and though they could hardly obtain Credit, after so many others that had failed the beauteous Sultana; yet Zelinda was alarumed at them, principally when she knew, that by the Means of the Remedies he had given her, she already began to mend daily. She would willingly have doubted of it, so ungrateful was the thing to her; but it was impossible for her to do it, seeing herself, by the Change that appeared in her Face, that to think the contrary, would be to flatter herself. However, you must know, that she still continued to love her Rival's Brother: and of this she had given him several Tokens, in some other Visits which she had still paid him when he was there. Nevertheless, things had not proceeded further as yet, either for want of Conveniency, or that perhaps she was afraid of trusting her Secret with a Person engaged in Interests so contrary to hers. But in short, she passed o'er this Consideration in some days after, and that because she fancied she saw in him a Love that fell in nothing short of hers. It was in her Sister's Apartment; where she imagined she perceived it. She was gone to pay her a Visit, after her usual manner; and discoursing familiarly with him of the return of her Sister's Health; She will be more beautiful than ever, said she to him; and as the Sultan will not fail of reviving his Flames, you will quickly share his Favour with her. I do not envy, added she, her happiness; but I am vexed that the Benefits you are going to receive, should come to you through any other hands than mine.  
Before I tell his Answer, you must know, that what ever indifference he had entertained for her in the beginning, he had in the process of time, found so many Charms in her Conversation, that if he was not Hand over Head in Love with her, yet it might be said, that she was not indifferent to him; for which Reason, taking that time to declare the Sentiments to her he had for her, I love my Sister, said he to her, as a Brother is bound to love her; but in short, if I was suffered to tell my whole thoughts upon the matter, as there are others in the World whom I love infinitely more, it would be much more grateful to me, that they took care of my Fortune. Wherefore, added he, if it must b● to their Prejudice, that she recovers her Health, though it would be more handsome in me to think it than to say it, I am willing you should know, that I wish she might never be cured. This was a sufficient Explanation of his Mind, as not to leave any room for doubt, but that she was the Party meant in his Discourse: So as that she was extremely well satisfied: And as there is nothing that makes greater progress with a Person, as her knowing that you correspond with her Passion, Sultana Zelinda was quickly sensible of such raging Flames, that she was obliged to unbosom them to their Author.  
It was not without Confusion however, that she resolved to take this Course. Such a step is ever a wrecking sort of Business to a Woman: and if ordinary sort of Damsels make such a do in coming to that pass, what must it not be when it befalls such a Person as Zelinda? Nevertheless, Love being stronger in her than all the Reflections she could make, she took Pen and Ink, and wrote these Words to him:  
Sultana Zelinda's Letter to Ibrahim.  
IT is time that I lay aside the Scruples that stop me. I love you, since I must needs tell it you: And indeed, to what purpose would it be for me to conceal it, since you are sufficiently clear sighted, to see it in every thing I daily do. Your Sister has no share in the Visits I make her: You ought to make the Application of them wholly to yourself: And she is so very far from flattering herself with them, as that we both of us make such Figures, as would hinder us from ever being good Friends, had she not a Brother that is capable of making me forget all things. Thus let her in peace enjoy the Sultan's Heart; I shall never be jealous of her, provided, that you assure me, you will render me the Mistress of Yours.  
Ibrahim being daily more and more taken with the Sultana Zelinda, relished this Letter extremely; and for fear she should repent of having written these king things, he expressed his own Gallantries in these Terms:  
Ibrahim's Answer to Sultana Zelinda.  
IF hitherto nothing but my Looks has told you, that I love you, do not think, Madam, that I was detained by any other Consideration, than the Respect I have for you. I do not fear enting upon the Sultan's Tenors, and though it were to cost me my Life, I am prepared for all, rather than remain any longer in silence. Thus it is not your Letter that quickens me, I had already my Pen in Hand, to assure you, that you are the most lovely Person in the World, and that I am the most in love of all men. Give me, I beseech you, Madam, an Assignation elsewhere than at your Sisters; You will see, that the Expression I have newly used, is much too weak to express all those soft Wish you have inspired me withal.  
Though Ibrahim took mighty pleasure in reading the Letter that was sent him, yet Sultana Zelinda was no less satisfied than he. Thus Both having Sentiments so conformable to one another, they were careful when they saw one another at the Sister's Lodgings, to procure a more particular Interview to themselves. Zelinda bribed an Eunuch, who introduced Ibrahim privately into her Apartment; and there they interchanged so many Testimonies of a Reciprocal Love, that after having spent the Night together, Ibrahim did not talk of going, nor Sultana Zelinda of sending him away home. In the mean while, it being already broad-day, and Zelinda obliged to show herself to her Waiting-Woman, she shut Ibrahim up in a Closet; and he, in hopes of having the same Pleasures the following Night, as he had had the Night past, was not at all sorry to be thus put into Prison. He there spent Two or Three Hours in bewitching Imaginations, as is usual with happy Lovers. But, as there is nothing so common as to see them pass all on the sudden, from the top of Happiness to an Abyss of Miseries, at the time he was deepest plunged in these agreeable Thoughts, he heard a great noise, which obliged him to listen. It was the Grand Signior, who was come to see Sultana Zelinda; and Both being seated pretty near the Closet-Door, he heard the Sultan speaking these Words to her:  
It is a strange thing, Zelinda, to see how you use me at present: I love you daily more and more, and yet far from corresponding therewith, you can hardly suffer my Caresses. I see that all you do is only out of Constraint; and as that is not natural, some body must certainly have robbed me of your heart. There was a time when I flattered myself, that I had it all entire; and when I compare so happy a time with the present, I find myself under so profound a Grief, that I know not how it comes that I do not die of despair. For you I renounce all the other Sultana's: With whatever Charms Nature has provided them, my Eyes are not favourable to them. Nevertheless, they all do what they can to please me. Whereas you now look on me so indifferently, that it seems as if. I was burdensome to you. What does all this mean, Madam, added he, can I be so unhappy, as that you should have a disgust for me, or that my Conduct should make me incur so ill a Treatment? If I am the cause of it, you need only to speak, and you will see me so complaisant, that though I were your Slave, I could not obey you better. But what do I say! Am not I effectually so? And do you see, that I ever in your regard, made use of the Power given me by the Rank I here hold. All the People you see of both Sexes, make it their main Pride to soothe my Will; and for my part, I make it mine wholly to soothe yours.  
Such a Discourse at any time is troublesome, principally when one knows, that there is some ground for it: But it's quite another thing, when a natural Coldness is joined to some Consideration. Thus the Fear Zelinda was in for her Lover, who was not so well concealed, but that he might be discovered, rendering her altogether unhinged, or rather, quite nonplussed and in utter Confusion, she made such a sorry Defence, that the Grand Signior, who was not, perhaps, as yet jealous, begun to harbour some galling apprehensions. You have reason, Madam, he said to her, for not vouchsafing me so much as the trouble of disabusing me: When one hates People, it is very indifferent, whether they think they are beloved or not. But, what do I say? You would be glad that I left you, that so you might be at ease. He then held his Peace, to see whether she would use her utmost endeavours to give him better Impressions: but perceiving that she continued in a kind of Insensibility, which was worse to him, a thousand times, than the greatest Slights: Ah! this is too much, Madam, renewed he, and since now I can no longer doubt, but that you despise me, at least, without being insensible, I must watch so narrowly, to discover who can be the Cause of it, that nothing may escape my Penetration.  
At these words he rose up, all in Anger, and his Design was to be gone that very Instant; but his Love detaining him in spite of his Intentions: But pray, Madam, said he to her, have you nothing to say to me? And will ye let me go away desperate? What can I say to you, Sir? she answered him: And if you be in an ill Humour, am I the Cause of it? Yes, that's it that makes me now incur all these Complaints: wherefore, as I hope it will quickly be over, far from detaining you, I should be glad you would go your ways. She paid him her Respects after the rate of our women's Courtesies, as soon as she had finished this Discourse: And the Grand Signior not being wont to be treated in this manner: Yes, I will go, Perfidious Woman, he said to her, since you will have it so. Nay, I'll do more: I am going to use my utmost endeavours to forget thee; and happy shall I be, if I can accomplish this Design. Nevertheless, I must tell thee, that I plainly perceive from whence thy insensibility proceeds; thou lovest some other; and as thou must have seduced the People that are about thee, to serve thee in thy new Passion, my Wrath is going to pour upon them, till such time as that my Love does permit me to revenge myself on thee. At these Words he sent for all those he had placed about the Sultana, and after having questioned them each by him, or herself, and threatened cruelly, for that they had not with sufficient Fidelity looked after the Sultaness; he caused Two to be strangled in his Presence.  
This was matter to startle her mightily, as well as Ibrahim, who heard all that passed, from the place where he was shut up. However, after having thus given Instances of his Cruelty, he went his ways in a terrible storm. But hardly was he got out of her Chamber, but that he returned his Eyes, all sparkling with Fury: Open me, Madam, said he to her, your Closet, to see if you have not had the imprudence to keep some Love-Letters: And since that I am so unhappy, that the People I have placed about you, are more trusty to you than me, let me, at least, omit nothing of what may inform me of the Occasion of my Misfortune. It is easy to apprehend, that these did strangely surprise the Sultana as well as Ibrahim, who had heard them distinctly. However, Zelinda, after having committed the fault of not managing this Prince, as became her, by some kind Words, hoping that she might repair it: Ah, Sir, said she to him, Must your Celsitude needs continue to outrage me by the most sensible suspicions imaginable? Should I write to any Body but my Dear Lord? And should I receive Letters from any other than himself? In saying these Words, she threw her Arms about his Neck: but he stepping back, How, Madam, he answered her, from whence comesit, that you are so sensible to this Reproach, and that you were not so but a moment ago to so many others that I made you. I said a thousand things t' ye more outraging than this; and not content with Words, I proceeded to Effects. All this, nevertheless, was not capable, as I may say, of unlocking your Teeth. You saw, that I exercised my Justice upon Wretches, without so much as vouchsafing to implore my Mercy. What' s the meaning of your talking now, when what I do does not come near the hundredth part of what I did. I must certainly, added he, have caught you by your Feeble; and I beseech you to open this Closet to me instantly, to see whether I be mistaken or not. The Sultana seeing that her Artifices had availed her nothing, found herself still at a greater loss than before. She would still have trifled him off with some sorry Reasons; but he, instead of being therewith satisfied, thinking, as it was true, that all her Excuses only departed from the fear she was in of his discovering her Concerns: Ah! this is delaying too much, Madam, said he to her, and if you give me not the Key which I demand of you, I shall quickly break open the Door. The Sultana no longer knowing what to say, made semblance of feeling for it in her Pocket, and not finding it, making the Grand Signior very impatient; Pish, once again I tell you, this is trifling too long, said he to her in a furious Passion; and I see plainly that you fool me. At these Words he called some Persons of his Train, with a resolution to command them to break open the Door.  
Ibrahim did not attend that Extremity to shift for himself; and having devin'd, that Matters would come to that pass, he had seasonably opened the Closet-Window, that looked into the Garden, and leaped out of it. It was full Thirty Foot high; but he had been so happy, as not to hurt himself. However, in avoiding one danger, he fell into an other. Nobody comes into this Garden, but the Grand Signior and the Sultana's; and were he discovered, it was almost the same thing for him, as if he had been caught in Zelinda's Closet. As he knew all this very well, he immediately sought out some place where he might hide himself. This was no difficult matter; for Places there were enough, where a Man might hope not to be perceived: but wisely making reflection, that it was not sufficient to avoid all People's sight, but that he must likewise contrive the means to get out of that Garden; which he could not do, but by the Ministry of the Gardener: He resolved to trust himself to him: For this purpose he cast his Eyes about, to see if he could spy him; and getting no Body in ken, he perceived an House, which could belong to none but him: Thither stole he, and after having listened attentively at the Door, he knocked, and a Woman came and opened it, and was mightily surprised to see so handsome a Man, and of so good a Mien. Save my Life, said Ibrahim to her, without Hesitation; and to merit her giving some attention to his Words, he gave her his Purse, which was topful of Gold, with a Diamond of great value. This does Wonders in the Age we live; and in Turkey, as well as here, there are very serviceable People, when a man knows how to engage them by such winning, Such attractive Means as these Ibrahim made use of. And indeed, this Woman, without making any Reflection on the Danger she exposed herself to, if it should chance to be known, that she had given him harbour (for in fine, she might well imagine, that he came from the Seraglio), let him in very amicably; and having discoursed some time together upon this Adventure, he was obliged to tell her, that Love was the Cause of his Disorder, yet without specifying to her any further particulars.  
The Woman, who was the Gardener's Wife, hearing him talk in this manner, bid him fear nothing; and as she had been formerly in Love, she would take a most peculiar Care of him. That she knew what a Person was capable of in that Condition; not that she had ever done any thing but in Honour and Honesty, but because that her Relations being against her marrying the Husband she had, they were both obliged to have recourse to Artifices, to deceive them. Thereupon she began to run into Particulars of her Husband's Courtship; and already began to make known by the Prologue, that the History would be long, when Ibrahim, who had other things in his Head, desired her to defer that Account till an other time; giving her to understand, that some body or other might pop in upon them immediately; and that it was expedient to find out a Place where to hide him.  
In all this House there was but one Chamber, and a Garret over it; and Ibrahim was of Opinion to go into the Garret; but was dissuaded from that by this Woman, who told him, that a Fellow her Husband employed in his Profession, lay in it; and that as they knew not how long he should be obliged to stay there, it was not fit he should be seen by a young giddy-pated Coxcomb, who might perchance discover the whole Mystery. She was rather of advice, to disguise him as a Woman; and he jumping with her in Opinion, she gave him a whole Suit of hers, and hid his in the Bed. While that this Metamorphosis was doing, in came the Husband, who was mightily surprised to see a strange Face, and whose Sex his dear Spouse was busy a changing. As she was so so pretty, and that it's very natural to be jealous, he began to make a terrible Bustle; nay, and perhaps things would have proceeded further than Noise, had he had the strength in his Hand. Ibrahim threw himself at his Feet, begging him not to ruin him, and owning ingenuously to him, that it was for an other Woman than his Wife, that he was fallen into that Perplexity, it moderated his Jealousy a little. But nothing put him in so good an Humour as the Purse and the Diamond, which his Wife showed him. Whereupon Ibrahim added, that what he saw was nothing, and that he would make him other-guess Presents, in case he was trusty to him.  
This Husband seeing some likelihood in what he said to him, did a little calm his Anger. Nevertheless, having heard, that Gallants paulmed strange things upon Husbands, he began to fall again into his jealous fit, telling Ibrahim very resolutely (for fear all this was Trick), that he would know from what part of the Seraglio he had thrown himself into the Garden. This was a question he would never have been prevailed upon to satisfy, nay, though it had cost him his Life, if in that instant he had not remembered that his steps were printed in the place where he fell, and that thus it was a Proof against the Sultana, should the Grand Signior come to take notice of it. For this reason did he no longer persevere so much in concealing his Secret from him; he owned all ingenuously to him; and desiring him at the same time to take a Spade, and under pretence of working in that place, set what he should think necessary to rights, as well for the Sultana's safety as his own. Though that at the Name of the Sultana Zelindu, the Gardener knew her to be the Grand Signior's Favourite, he was a little troubled at the danger he was going to throw himself into, if the Intrigue ever came to be discovered. Yet as one is ever more sensible to one's own Concerns, than to those of an other, he was very glad that he had cured him of those Suspicions that might have remained in his Head. He went immediately to do what Ibrahim said to him; and he had hardly struck twice with his Spade, but that the Grand Signior appeared to him out of the Closet-Window, ask him if he had not seen any body leap down.  
As you will doubtless wonder, that after the Orders the Grand Signior had given to his Men, to break open the Door, so much time had passed before he came into that Closet, it is fitting that you know, that those he had brought with him to the Sultana's Apartment, thinking he would stay there some time, as he was wont to do, had straggled up and down, so as that when he wanted them, they were not to be found. Nay, some hearing what passed, and thinking to oblige the Sultana, who they knew had a great ascendant over him, went out of the way on purpose, so that he had himself been forced to take an Iron Crow; and as the Door was strong, he had been a long while before he could break it open. Besides, he had prosecuted his first Thought; That is to say, of ferreting her Scrutoir, and all the other Places where she might conceal her Letters: But in short, having found nothing, he made reflection, that the Window was open, and that perhaps some body, having been hid in this Closet, had made his Escape that way. He had not dreamt in the least of this before: So true it is, that when a Person is in Anger, they are but little guilty of reasoning. This had made him ask the Gardener, whether he had seen any thing; But this Man having answered him in the Negative, he was vexed that he had made such an Hurricane for nothing. It is not necessary that I say, how that the Sultana was in a terrible alarm while all this passed; it is easy to be imagined. She represented to herself at each instant, how she had seen Two Persons strangled in her Presence, and only expected the moment that the same thing should befall her, as well as Ibrahim. But at length, seeing that the thing had turned so happily for her, she began to be haughty again, and told the Grand Signior, with an Accent that rather spoke the Mistress than the Slave: That the Condition of those that are destined to enter the Seraglio, was a strange thing; That they were exposed to his Caprices, and to his Jealousy: That Two poor Wretches had newly perished in her sight, whose Blood was every moment in her Mind: That this was not the first time she had endured his peevish Humour: That it would be a greater kindness to kill her outright, than thus put her to a lingering Death: That in a Word, if he was resolved ever to treat her in this manner, she would rather make away with herself than suffer it.  
The Sultan had diminished much of his Anger, when he had found nothing in the Closet. Thus being wholly disposed to make her satisfaction: I am too blame, Madam, he said to her, I own it: but in short; blame yourself, if I have pushed my Jealousy so far: A Word said timely would have freed me out of this Extremity: but you took delight in augmenting my Suspicions; and you, doubtless, did it to see, whether I really loved you. You know that Jealousy is inseparable from true Love: You were not content with mine, it ever having been sedate and calm: But why put ye me to this Test, you that know 'tis you I only love, and that for your sake I should be ever capable of quitting my Empire?  
A ready way to a Reconciliation, was certainly such words as these, coming out of the Mouth of so great a Monarch; and Zelinda being not altogether so fierce as she might have been, if she had found herself innocent, quickly closed with it. Things having passed in this manner, the Grand Signior, after having spent an Hour, or thereabouts, in an Entertainment all full of Affection on his part, and all full of Artifice on Zelinda's, proposed to her to go walk in the Garden. As she could not imagine any thing else, but that Ibrahim was there, she did what she could to divert him from this Resolution. Nevertheless, seeing that he persisted therein, she durst no longer oppose it, for fear that a longer Refusal might make him suspect something. They took several Turns in a covered Alley, and which was very pleasant; but the Sultan being weary of walking there, he proposed to her the going into a Grove, that was the whole Ornament of that place. The same Reason that had obliged her to decline coming down into the Garden, set her a studying to contrive some Excuse to avoid that Walk. But the Sultan taking her by the Hand, hall'd her along, as a Man may say, in spite of her teeth. She would not stand upon any further Entreaty; and having made way into the thickest of the Wood, the Sultana relied upon the Fancy she had, that if Ibrahim should by Chance be there, he would take care to hide himself; when she perceived a Man stealing across the Grove, she did not doubt but that it was he, and imagined herself absolutely ruined. And indeed this Object, which the Grand Signior had perceived as well as she, having revived his Jealousy, he quitted her surlily, to run after the Spark. In that Instant the Sultana fell into a Swoon; and if by chance the Sultan had come presently back, there needed nothing else to convince him of her Infidelity. But he was so taken up with his Pursuit, that though his whole Empire were at stake, it is to be thought it would not have diverted him. The Man being a good Runner, made him take several Turns before he could overtake him; but, as ill luck would have it, his clothes catching upon a Palisado, the Sultan, who followed him close, got up to him before he could get loose. Thou shalt die, thou Wretch, said he, laying hold of him, but of so cruel a Punishment, as shall detain all those that might, like thee, be capable of corrupting the Fidelity of the Sultana's. The Ungrateful Woman shall also perish, added he; And though I should love her still more tenderly than I do, which nevertheless is impossible, I should choose much rather to die myself than pardon her.  
The Man was so seized with Fear, to see that it was the Sultan himself that had stopped him, that he was as a Man that had lost all manner of Knowledge. Wherefore he suffered himself to be led on, without making any resistance, or so much as saying a Word. Now this was exactly the way to confirm the Sultan in his Suspicions. It is impossible to express to what a Degree his Anger proceeded; and after having put this Man again into the Hands of the Eunuches of the Seraglio, he commanded them to carry him into Sultana Zelinda's Apartment, and to attend his Orders there. After this, returning back, and after having sought out the Person he thought he now hated much more than he had ever loved her, he found her in the same place where he left her.  
She was recovered from the Swoon she fell into; but she was in such a piteous Condition, that she might be said to be rather dead than alive. The manner of the Sultan' s accosting her, was the way to put her into a greater Disorder. Thou hadst Reason a while ago, said he to her, to tell me, that thou wert very unhappy, in being bound to suffer my peevish Humours. Perfidious, faithless Woman, I have at length in my hands, he that robs me of thy Heart, and within a moment I am going to give him his due deserts. I ought already to have sacrificed him to my Resentment; but I will have thee to know, that if I have deferred his punishment, 'tis only that thou mayst see him expire thyself under the most cruel Torments. I shall spare thee no more than he: And since thou hast had so much Pleasure in preferring that miserable Wretch to me, thou must also go and keep him company in the other World.  
At these Reproaches the Sultana fell again into a Swoon; and as the Grand Signior had called his Attendants of Eunuches about him, he ordered them to carry her into her Apartment. There they threw her upon her Bed, and while they did what they could to bring her to herself, he sent for Executioners, that so as soon as she had opened her Eyes, he might before her Face put to Death the Man he had taken Prisoner. This Man, who had appeared so dejected at the time he was laid hold of, had mightily changed his form. He was prepared for all the Grand Signior should cause to be done to him, with a wonderful Courage: Wherefore, making a generous Contempt of Death; Why dost thou tarry, said he to him, to bereave me of Life? Know, that it is ungrateful to me, since thou hast robbed me of what could make me love it. I love the Sultana, it is true; And since it is a Capital Crime in such a Barbarous Nation as thine, I would have thee know, that this, instead of troubling me, is the most acceptable thing I could have met withal.  
These Words put the Sultan into such an Excess of Rage, that he drew his Sword to sacrifice him to his Resentment; But at the time he was going to run it through his Body, coming to make Reflection, that he would come off at too cheap a rate; No, said he to him, I will not follow the Dictates of my Anger; And I plainly perceive, that thou only seekest to animate me, to escape the Torments I design for thee. Arm thyself with a true Constancy, instead of the bare Appearances thou now showest us. It is seasonable for thee, I assure thee; and never hadst thou more need of it. And indeed, the Executioners were just ready; and if they began not their Work, the Reason was, that the pitiless Sultan would needs feed Zelinda's Eyes with this fatal Spectacle. He gave Order for that purpose, that she should be immediately brought to herself again by the means of Remedies: And through the impatience he was in of wrecking his Revenge, he was seen to run where she was, hoping that his Presence would give more Virtue to the Remedies. But seeing that this had no effect as yet, he returned again to that Wretch, whom he endeavoured to overwhelm with New Reproaches. For all this staying, he said to him, thou shalt suffer nevertheless; And if I hold these Executioners hands, it is only because I mean, that the Sultana shall be herself an Eye witness of thy Punishments. Her Fear for the Torments I am preparing for her herself, had made her fall into a Swoon, out of which they have much ado to fetch her; but in short, this will last but little longer, and you shall quickly see an end on't.  
Thou think'st this is an horrible wrecking of me, cried this Unhappy Prisoner, in saying all thou sayest to me: but I would have thee to know, that thou canst not oblige me more. How! is it possible that the Sultana should think of me, and she, whom I have ever found cruel in the time that I might believe that she opened her Eyes to the Proposition I made her of marrying her, should be propitious to me now, that she sees me in thy Hands, and just ready to perish for having loved her too much. No, I have no longer any regret to die, if thou tellest me true; And though I had already comforted myself after all the misfortunes that persecute me since I saw her, it is now quite an other thing, that I know she yields to so many illustrious Marks that I have given her of my Affection. Let her only come and speak one word to me with her lovely Mouth, and after that do the worst thou canst. I defy thee to get one bare Word from me that may express any impatience; nay, and provided, that I have but the pleasure of seeing her once again, I shall be but over-well contented.  
This Excess of Love put the Sultan into a Rage, as thinking this unfortunate Creature did only say, he was unhappy in his Mistress, to hinder his Resentment from falling upon him. Wherefore, to let him see, that he did not so easily credit him; We shall see in a moment, said he to him, whether we are able to humble this Pride, and whether by the means of Torments we can force the Truth from thee. Just as he had uttered these words, he had notice brought him, that the Sultana was come again to her Senses. And as each Moment was a Year to him, as I may say, so hot was he upon his Revenge: Bring that ungrateful Woman hither, he answered, and let us see whether we can find out any thing severe enough to punish her. Provided that thy Vengeance falls only upon me, replied the unfortunate Prisoner, thou needest only to satisfy thyself; and I tell thee once again, I shall have sufficient Constancy, not to utter one sole Complaint.  
The Grand Signior did not vouchsafe to answer him any longer; and casting his Eyes that way the Sultana was to come, he had no sooner perceived her, but that using his Tongue again; Come near, Perfidious Woman, said he to her, and after having rendered thyself so unworthy of the Honour I did thee, come and view the Torments that are prepared for those that dare to sully the Bed of the Ottoman Emperors. This is a Capital Crime among all Nations; but know, that it is much greater here than elsewhere. Other Princes do not choose Women, but through reason of State; and very often they do not love them; but for my part, I love thee tenderly; and it was on that account that I had preferred thee to an infinite number of others, that would have thought themselves honoured by my Choice, and who would have been favourable to me, though it were only in gratitude for the Favours I had raised them to.  
Ought not this Obligation to produce the like Sentiments in thee? But what do I say! Wert thou not obliged to it by a more engaging Sentiment than this? Oughtest thou not to answer to my Love, whereof I give thee so many instances; and for a reward of which, thou wouldst now give me my Death?  
As the Sultan had put himself between the Prisoner and Zelinda; to make these Reproaches, they could not see each other: but stirring from his place, the Prisoner, who was at watch to see a Person he infinitely loved, and for whose sake he had exposed himself to so great a danger, had no sooner viewed Zelinda, but that turning towards the Sultan; With what false hopes hast thou fed me, he said to him, and after having made me expect to see the Person for whose sake I came so far, must thou insult me to that degree, as to show me an unknown Face, instead of that which is so well engraven in my Heart, that I can never forget it?  
Hitherto Zelinda had had her Eyes down upon the Ground, as a Person that found herself Culpable, and who expected every moment to be convicted. For she had so fixed it in her Head, that it was Ibrahim whom the Grand Signior had taken, as that she did no longer doubt of it. But finding by the Tone of his Voice, how far he was mistaken, she interposed with her Tongue, and thereby hindered the Grand Signior from speaking, though he had already his Mouth open to answer the Prisoner. She addressed her Discourse to the Sultan, and did it in these Terms: It is so dolorous a thing to me, Sir, to see myself so unjustly accused; and my Grief must have very much deceived me, that I now find myself alive. And it is in this, that I am obliged to jump in an Accord with what People say of our Sex; namely, that only Men die of Grief, and that for our parts, we live by't. God keep me, however, from it, and after the injustice that you do me, if I am so unhappy, as not to sink under my Griefs, I know the Means to free me all of the sudden. Yes, I will myself stab my own Bosom, added she; And all that I require of God, and my Great Prophet, is, that you may have eternally a Regret for the sad Extremity you have reduced me to.  
The Grand Signior, who looked upon both their Discourses as Trifles, as suspecting them of Intelligence, the better to deceive him: Pish, to others, Madam, said he to her; for I am not so easily imposed upon. We shall presently make that Wretch sing an other Tune; and turning at the same time towards the Executioners; Come, said he to them, Employ your whole industry to force the Truth out of his Mouth. That is not necessary, this unfortunate Man answered, with a firm and vigorous Voice; and I shall tell it thee plainly, without thy needing their Ministry. I do not say this to thee, added he, that I might escape the Torments that thou art preparing for me: I know, that thou ought'st to satisfy thy Cruelty. A Man that despises Death, has nothing to fear; And all that I can tell thee, is, that if I could be revenged on the Aga of the Janissaries, and see her once again I love, I should die the most contented of all Men. But thou deniest me the One, and as for the Other, it was impossible for me to succeed in the Projects I had laid, it being the Will of Destiny, that this Aga, whom I had so much Reason to hate, was no longer here when I arrived. And what has the Aga done to thee, the Sultan repartyed, that thou shouldst have that inveteracy against him? He has robbed me of my Mistress, this Unfortunate Prisoner answered; And what makes me hate him still the more, is, that he carried her away contrary to Good Faith, and as a Thief as he is. I will inform thee of that Circumstance, added he, if thou art ignorant of it; And thou must know, that her Mother going to entreat him to afford her Passage in his Ship, to come hither, to seek out a Son that had been a long while in these Parts; and this lovely Virgin having accompanied her on the day of her departure, to give her her farewell, he weighed Anchor, without being affected either by her Cries or her Tears. I have been since told, added he, that he has delivered her into thy Hands; And it was to see her once again, that I passed o'er the Garden Walls, where thou found'st me. This is the whole Naked Truth, since thou wilt needs know it. But let not this hinder thee from doing all that thou hast resolved on: I did not tell it thee, to avert the Punishments with which thou hast menaced me: And once again, those that do not fear Death, do little fear all that can usher it in.  
Never was Man so out of Countenance as the Sultan, when he heard him talk in this manner: For in fine, as a body cannot feign so well, but that it may plainly be seen when a Person lies, it is in like manner easy to know when he speaks the Truth. However, that he might not pass for too credulous a Man, he sent for the other Sultana; and when she was come into the Antichamber, he went out to meet her, and question her. And indeed, he was resolved to be Cully to neither of them; and though he no longer loved this latter, yet was he not without Jealousy. The Sultana, little dreaming of what passed, seeing him coming, advanced with a smiling Countenance, ask him from whence she derived her great Felicity, to see herself sent for to a place where he was seldom used to think of her. But the Sultan, far from answering, as she expected, to so handsome a Compliment; Forbear, Madam, said he to her, going about to abuse me any longer: I am informed of your Demeanour; and if I send for you hither, it is only to punish you, as you deserve. The Sultana was much surprised at these Words. Nevertheless, as she knew herself innocent, and that People when so, are never at such a loss as when they have something upon their Conscience: My Life, Sir, is in your Hands, she answered him; but I think you too just to go about to deprive me of it, without first telling me wherein I may have offended you: For the more I examine myself, the less can I guests it; and unless you acquaint me with it yourself, I shall remain all my Life long without knowing it.  
These Words were said with a certain Air, that made the Sultan know that she was innocent. Nevertheless, being willing that she should fully justify herself, How, Madam! he renewed, d' ye call this nothing, to have an other Lover than me; the appointing him Assignations; And after having been raised to the glorious Rank of Sultana, to allow a Slave to share the Favours you have granted me? These Reproaches made a shift to put the Sultana into the utmost Surprise: Nevertheless, her Innocence continuing to give her assurance: These Words, Sir, she answered him, would not deserve my puzzling my Head in the least with them, if they came to me from any other than you: but since they depart from a Mouth I must ever revere, whatever it may utter against me, I have nothing to answer, but that you would let me see those that dare to accuse me, and I will make their Calumny so clearly known to you, that I do not believe you will any longer suspect me. This is just, Madam, the Sultan replied to her, he being still more and more persuaded of her Innocency; and making her pass at the same time into the Chamber where the Man was I have mentioned, she was in a strange surprise when she had cast her Eyes upon him, and had already opened her Mouth, to express her Wonder to the Sultan, when this Man prevented her. There's she, cried he, she I came so far to seek: And how could I miss of knowing her again, after having imprinted her so deeply in my Heart? But alas! I plainly perceive she is no more propitious to me than she was in our own Country; she already colours for Anger: And since it is impossible for me to live without loving her, you will do me a kindness, Sultan, in taking away my Life, which in my Circumstances, cannot be otherwise than ungrateful to me.  
Sultana Zelinda, after having been in so terrible a Fright, triumphed in her mind to see herself delivered from it with so much advantage: And as she was not without Jealousy of her Rival; From whence comes it, Sir, said she to the Sultan, that you have used me so very ill, upon a bare suspicion, and that now that things are made out, your Anger is cooled, to a degree, that you seem to be insensible? Why are not you curious to know whether you have been told All? Perchance that this Wretch has still a Design upon me. What has been newly told you, might be invented on purpose to make your Resentment fall upon an other, and to screen me from your Anger. Lovers have Fences that are not always found out. And when one has the Sovereign Power in Hand, as you have, methinks that good sense requires, that you should not thus stop at the half way of your Revenge. Command these Executioners to do their Duty, and you will perhaps discover things which you did not expect.  
Now if we make Reflection on this Discourse, nothing is more malicious. It was an insinuating into the Grand Signior, that the other Sultana was capable of deceiving him; and that in a word, this Unfortunate Wretch corresponded with her. But as he was naturally far from the Cruelty of his Predecessors, I mean, when he had no Cause: for upon the least suspicion he was like them; and what I have above related is a good Testimony of it, as I say, he fancied he was sufficiently informed, as not to need to go any further: Cease, Madam, said he, a Discourse that is so very much out of season. If I have given but a moment ago Marks of my Cruelty, you ought only to impute it to my Jealousy; and far from being in Anger at it, you ought to have been vexed if I had not done it, since Tranquillity, upon these sort of Matters, is a sign of but little Love.  
These Words were as many Stabs with a Poniard, into the other Sultana's Bosom, who saw, that notwithstanding she recovered her Health, the Grand Signior made so little account of her, that even in her own Presence, he did not stick to say soft and kind things to her Rival. However, as People's Demeanour towards these Emperors, is not the same with that to other Persons, she was obliged to swallow her Affliction, which Sultana Zelinda having perceived, she did further all she could to insult her. At the last, being no longer able to bear with so many Instances of Contempt from her, and from the Grand Signior too; I join my Entreaties, Sir, said she to the Sultan, to those of Zelinda, that you would revenge the injury that this Wretch has done to you, and of which I am as culpable as he, since I must needs tell you the Truth. Yes, if h● had not known he was beloved, he would not have exposed himself to so great a danger. I can no longer live without him, just as he was no longer able to live without me; and the greatest kindness that you can do to us Both, is to bereave us of our Lives, that are equally burdensome to us Both, since that the Aga has so cruelly parted us.  
If the Grand Signior was surprised to hear this Discourse, he she pointed at in it was still more than he. Ah! Madam, said he to her, would to God, that what you have now said was true, and that I, on that condition, were destined to endure all that these infamous Executioners can invent most cruel against me. But to my Misfortune, you are but too cruel to me; and what still plunges me into a farther despondency, is that I plainly perceive with what Spirit you are animated at present. You lay to Heart, that the Grand Signior says kind things to an other in your presence; And the injustice of my Fate, is such, as that not content with all the Cruelti's that you have exercised against me, to complete my misery, you add what I could never have expected.  
I thought that Virtue was the Rule of All your Actions; but by what I perceive, you are very much a stranger to it. And this is what ought to comfort me in my present Condition, since that the loss I have is not so great as I imagined it. Yes, Sultan, 'tis out of Jealousy that she goes about to provoke you; And if I had still sufficient Power to acquaint thee what her Cruelty was to me, thou wouldst see, that I am so far from ever having been happy, that my Misfortune has even surpassed that of the most Unfortunate.  
As much as Sultana Zelinda had been transported with joy at her Rival's Discourse, whom she thought ruined in the Grand Signior's Good Opinion, after her Confession; so much was that of this Man unpleasant to her. Wherefore, that she might not give the Grand Signior time to make Reflection upon it; D' ye not see, Sir, that the Excess of his Love sets him upon saving his Mistress at the Expense of his own Life. Now are Torments and Tortures seasonable; and I am very much deceived, if you do not find out many things. The Sultan had almost forgot the Love he had had for the Sultana while that she had been indisposed: but the Words of this Man having made him return into himself: It is not your Business, Madam▪ said he to Zelinda, to teach me what I have to do. I love the Sultana, well enough to be willing this Mystery should be unravelled; And I shall take care to revenge her Love, or reward it, according as it shall prove guilty or innocent. But there are ways of informing one's self, which though they be less cruel the one than other, are nevertheless equally certain. It is to those of Mildness that I am very willing to have recourse: And who knows not, that very often, instead of extorting a Truth by the means of Tortures, the miserable are often obliged to say all they have not done, so to free themselves from the Excess of the Torments they are made to suffer. At these Words he sent Ibrahim's Sister back into her Apartment; commanding, that no body should speak to her till farther Order: Then questioning her Lover, he would needs have of him a particular Account of his Passion. And this Man, who had made the Sultana a Thousand Reproaches when she went out, but nevertheless loved her beyond expression; thinking, that the only means to save her, was to tell the Sultan the Truth, related his History to him. And as it is full of a World of Incidents, I am persuaded the Reader will not be sorry that I impart it to him. And here you shall have it Word for Word as he told it to the Grand Signior, without my changing the least thing in it.  

THE HISTORY OF Rivelli and Lidiana.  
I Shall not trifle away time, Sir, in giving you a long account of my Birth, nor of the Sultana's: And to what purpose would it be for me to tell you any thing to the advantage of our Extraction, since no regard is had to that in your Empire? I will tell you nevertheless by the by, that we are both Natives of a Town, which is but Two Italian Miles distant from that where the Aga played his Prank: That our Relations are the most eminent for Estate and Quality in that Place: That for my part I had all imaginable Reason to be satisfied with Fortune, if Love had not come across, and robbed me of my Repose. At Fifteen Years old my Father sent me to Venice, to serve the Republic in its Armies, where, in his time, he had had considerable Employs; and Three Years after I was listed under its Colours, the Senate sent me Order to return into the City, and gave me a Regiment. During the abode I made there, I lead the same Life which People of Eighteen Years of Age do commonly lead, and who want no Money▪ That is to say, that being naturally prone to Love, I saw an infinite number of Courtesans, which that Town is better stocked with than any other in the Universe At length, growing weary of that Life, which, in Truth, is unworthy of an Honest Man, I abstained from returning into that Place of Debauchery, which did in no wise please those that had tasted of my Liberality; and especially a certain Woman, whose Ministry I had made use of in my amorous Expeditions. I was daily persecuted by her; she every day showed me the Picture of some new Courtesan; and I own, that among them there were some of a wonderful Beauty, and for whom a Man would have been capable of doing all things, if their Beauty had been accompanied with Wisdom. But as I was utterly pawled by the easiness of these sorts of Conquests, or rather, I knew they were common to me with the first Comer, I persisted in the Resolution I had taken of remaining Discreet. This almost madded this Woman; and I was for some time without hearing of her: But at the Month's end I saw her come into my Room with a satisfied Countenance; and having desired me to send my Servants out; And this, said she to me, showing me the finest Picture I had seen in all my Life, will you resist it? No, said I to her, I own it, after having attentively viewed the Portrait; And I agree, if the Original be conformable to the Copy, there is nothing but what you may expect from my Liberality. I do believe it, she answered me; And if you say this to me now, what will you say, when I shall have told you, that this is the Picture of Mademoiselle Lidiana, a Person whose Name cannot be unknown to you, no less than her Birth and Fortune. I was surprised at these Words; and must tell you, Sir, that this Name is that of the Sultana you have in your Hands; who being of the most considerable Birth in our Country, was as familiar to me as my own. For my part, I am called Rivelli: And I am very willing to acquaint you with Both our Names, that Circumstance being necessary to the Sequel of my Discourse.  
My Surprise was not so great, but that I presently re-collected myself out of it; and still holding my Eyes fixed upon that Picture; Is it possible, said I to this Woman, that you can put the Original into my Hands▪ Doubtless, answered she me; And provided you do what is requisite for that purpose, you will quickly see the Accomplishment of my Promises. I thought that this Woman, who was self-interested, as are commonly all those of her Profession, meant, that I must be liberal: Wherefore taking out my Purse at the same time, I gave it her, with a Promise, that it should be only a Sample of my Gratuities. In fine, being inflamed more than I can represent to you, I told her, that I pretended not to wait any longer than Night, to see whether she was a Woman of her Word: Whereupon she told me, that I was too hot upon the Spur; and that the Conquest she proposed to me, was none of those that are achieved in so short a time. Nay, she added, that the Person being in nothing inferior to me, as I know very well myself, she did not pretend to grant me any Favour that could redound to her Prejudice: That this was what she had to tell me on her behalf; and that if I was an Honest Man, and would think of marrying her, that then it should be my own fault, if I was not happy.  
This Compliment, far from displeasing me, was extremely acceptable to me. There wanted nothing to my budding Passion, but a little Esteem, to render it such as it ought to be, that it might be wanting in nothing. Thus there being nothing more now to stop the Progress of it, Yes, I said to her, a Thousand times more inflamed than before, I accept of these Conditions; and I charge you to tell her, that I shall never infringe them. In uttering these Words, I snatched the Picture from her, and kissed it with so much transport, that a body must have been very blind, as not to perceive that I was passionately in Love. After a thousand Follies of this nature, and which would be too long to relate: But tell me, I said to her once again, is it really true, that she is as beauteous as her Picture? And may I flatter myself, that my Vows may with her meet with a kind Reception? I warrant ye both, she replied to me: And if you would have me tell you things as they are, I come hither only by her Order. You may know this from her when you please. And to show you, that I tell you nothing but the Truth, be you a while hence, at her going out of her House to the Church: She is lodged near the Church of St. Mark: Follow her, and when she comes near the Holy Water, speak something to her, and you will see in what manner she will answer you.  
These Words were so positive, that I had not the least room left for doubt, but that she spoke the Truth to me. Thus abandoning myself to joy, I confirmed the Promises I had made her, that she should not lose her Pains: After which I accepted of the Expedient she proposed to me, that I might fully secure my happiness to myself. Now you must know, that this Woman did really speak the Truth; and that at that time I was not indifferent to the beautiful Lidiana. But I must inform your Celsitude how this came to pass: This Woman seeing that she lost all her Gains of me, by the Resolution I had taken, to be no longer debauched: And having thereby lost her best Customer, had been cudgelling her Brains, to contrive the means of getting my Favour again. As she had seen me very sensible for the Fair Sex, she fancied there was no other Expedient for her, than to bait me with this Temptation. Nevertheless, having seen me pawled by all the Courtesans, she sought out one that was no Miss, but who might become one by her way of Management. As she was attentive to this Jest, she saw Lidiana, whose ravishing Beauty offered her the Fetter wherewithal she sought to ensnare my Liberty. She informed herself carefully, who she was, how she had been brought up, whether she was giddyheaded, and well disposed to the World; and in sine, whether her Mother, in whose Company she was come, had a strict Eye over her: But all that she was told, having informed her, that she had fed herself with hopes, which she was far from seeing effected; she took other Measures, and such as I am going to re-count to your Celsitude.  
Having acquainted her with the Name of the Town where I was born, and she knowing Lidiana to be of the same Place, our Birth, our Age; and in short, all that People seek to make a Match seeming suitable to her, between us Two, she found the Means to get to the Speech of this lovely Person; and after having told her, who I was, and that I was extremely taken with her Beauty and Merit, though I had never seen her, she used her Persuasions so effectually, that she inspired her with the Curiosity to see me. Lidiana giving Credit to all she said to her, made her swear, that she would not give me intimation of it, which the other was very glad of, as having not yet discoursed me upon the Matter, and by Consequence, fearing that I might have made some false step, that might have discovered her Cheat. The Place she appointed her to see me in, was the Church of Saint Mark, whither I commonly went to Mass; and there, without dreaming of it in the least, I was contemplated by Lidiana's fair Eyes, to whom I could not make Returns, she being mobbed up, after the Mode of Italy, in a great Veil, that rob me of the sight of her. I appeared to her the same as the Woman had described me to her; and though it was very advantageously to me, I may, without Vanity, say, that I did not belie the Esteem she had conceived upon the Go between's Relation.  
This interview being made in this manner, Lidiana said a thousand things to her in my favour: And after several Discourses, of which I was ever the Subject; and wherein the Woman did not forget to assure her, that I daily became more and more in Love, and that I continued in the Design of marrying her; she brought her at length to consent to give her her Picture; and it was the same she brought me. Things being in so fair a way, without its having cost me either Cares or Pains, which however is seldom seen in such an Occasion as this. I had no longer any other disquiet, than the longing to see so fair an Original. It was easy for our Go-between to procure me this satisfaction; and after what she had done, she needed only to speak, to effect that. It was still in a Church where this interview was made; and Lidiana seeing that I did not take my Eyes from off her, this confirmed her still in all that had been told her; and she lift up slily her Veil, and gave me sufficient leisure to contemplate her; so as to tell myself a thousand times, that I had seen nothing in all my Life that came near her Beauty.  
To tell you, that after this, I had no longer any Repose, till such time as that I had spoken to her, is to tell you nothing new. Whoever has ever been in love, knows, that Lovers require something more real than sight. Nevertheless, it was a Difficulty, and as the Mode of Italy is, that Maidens do not render any Visit, so incommode a Custom did not allow me to have a plenary satisfaction in that point. This Faileur advised the using of Stratagems. But though I was passionately in Love, and that the Property of Love is to inspire Wit, I must needs own to my own Confusion, that I was indebted to our Go-between for our Contentment. This Woman having prudently judged, that we could never do any thing, unless we had some Servant to be a Confident in the Concern, had wriggled a Waiting Gentlewoman into the Family, of whom the Mother had occasion: She daily gave Lidiana one Letter or other that I had written to her, and very often two or three, instead of one, She likewise conveyed her Answers to me: And this Petty Commerce was a mighty Easement to both of us. Now our Go-between having so good a string to her Bow, she bid this Maid to tell Lidiana, that she should make semblance of falling all of the sudden into a Swoon, when that the Mother was gone abroad, which Lidiana having accordingly done, this Maid went our, as if it were to fetch a Chirurgeon, to bleed her; and as I had notice of the Mystery, I stayed hard by in a Decent Habit. Thus was I conducted into Lidiana's Chamber, where because there were some other Domestics, she told me aloud, that she would not suffer me to blood her; and that I was too young for that. The Waiting-woman, with whom all things were concerted, and who had her Lesson at her singer's ends; You say right, Madam, she said to her▪ but as it is not certain, that we shall find any other than this; and as your Malady is pressing, I am of Opinion, that he stay here till you see whether an other will come. At these words she gave the Servants Order to go seek out one; nay, and a Physician. And that they might not return too soon, she sent them to such as were lodged at the farthest end of the Town, as if they had been the most expert.  
To prevent giving of suspicion, I made semblance of being vexed at this Preference, and would needs be gone; but they promised me, I should be rewarded as much as if I had let her Blood: And as the part I acted required my seeming self-interested, I promised to stay upon these Conditions. All of them by this means being dispatched out of the way, except the Waiting-Gentlewoman, I threw myself at the Feet of Lidiana's Bed, who had caused herself to be undressed on purpose, the better to make her illness thought to be real; and I not only confirmed to her, what our Go-between had told her on my part, but I also vowed to her an eternal Love. She seemed to be affected with all these Assurances; and as there is nothing that more redoubles the Affection, than the being possessed, that she for whom one sighs, has a grateful sense of it, it is impossible to express to what a Degree I found myself▪ inflamed.  
I cannot tell exactly how long I stayed with her; but I dare affirm, that though, as I have said, the Lodgings of those Persons we sent for, were a mighty way off, they nevertheless came when I thought they must needs be still a long time before they could return. That is to say, in one word, that I was not weary in her Company. Nevertheless, hearing the others upon the Stair Case, and having nothing more to do there, at least, without exposing myself to the being discovered, I was obliged to sound a Retreat. The Waiting Gentlewoman conducted me back; and to make it the more believed I was what I really represented, she put the piece of Money into my Hands in the Presence of the other Servants.  
That interview having passed in this manner, both our Passions augmented in such sort, that in an other Visit that was procured me by the like Artifice; That is to say, in still seeking to deceive those that might be concerned therein: Tho by other means, she proposed to me, to demand her in Marriage of her Mother. I made her answer; That it would be but ill timing of our Business; and that it was rather a thing that depended on the Father than on her: That hers being far off; and as there was no paying him this Deference, by reason of his Absence, we must even stay till I could have the honour to see him. That I would take a journey on purpose to our Countryhouse, at my return from the Campaign, then at hand: That in this Expectation I should think it a Thousand Years long; and that if she doubted of it, she would do me a great deal of injustice.  
I know not what to attribute the refusal to that Lidiana made of being satisfied with my Reasons, unless that Fortune, being weary of favouring me, was resolved to play me the most cruel Prank that ever could befall a Man. But so it is, that she, after having urged several things in opposition to the Reasons that I gave her, I had not any quiet till I had promised her to break the Matter to her Mother. I did so out of hand, to satisfy her rather, than out of any hopes I had, that she could give us satisfaction. And indeed, the Mother, after having received me with great Civility▪ so far as to tell me, that no greater advantage could befall her Daughter, gave me to understand, that I asked her a thing that was out of her Power; but that she would write concerning it to her Husband, who was particularly informed of my Birth, of my Estate, and of the Repute I had acquired in the World, to receive my Alliance with the same Joy she did. Thereupon I entreated her that I might accompany her Letter with one of my own; and having declared to me, that my Request was too just to be denied, I gave it into her Hands, that she might enclose it in her Packet.  
Lidiana seeing things in this disposition, far from being sorry at the step she had made me take in this Matter, was overjoyed at it, and advised me to ask to see her till such time as that her Father's Answer came. This was my intention, had she not mentioned it to me. Thus I went to pay a Visit on purpose to her Mother; but she told me, that could not be, without furnishing Matter of Talk to the World; and that if I loved her Daughter, as she was persuaded I did, I would not insist upon that, as being bound to take more Care than any body of her Reputation. She urged to me a World of things to the same purpose, and such as were conformable to the Custom of the Country, and even to Decency. But as a Lover is seldom well content to have such narrow bounds prescribed him, I opposed Reasons against her, but which seemed so weak to this Lady, that she continued to refuse me what I required.  
Things remaining in this Posture▪ to my great Regret, I impatiently waited for the Father's Answer. In the mean while, not being able to be without seeing Lidiana, I had recourse to the Go-between, whom I was upon the point of dismissing, as secretly reproaching myself for suffering such an Affair as that to be managed by such an Hand as hers. But having been withheld by some Consideration, I was very happy in meeting her still to do me Service. I went to Lidiana's House when her Mother was not at home, and having shut ourselves up in that Lady's Chamber, having with us only the Waiting▪ woman ay mentioned a while ago, whom we had for a Witness of our Actions; I perceived a Paper behind a Glass; and Curiosity having set me to see what it was, I found it to be the Letter I had given her. It was just the same as I had put it into her Hands; at which, being both of us surprised▪ Lidiana told me, that she must of necessity have forgotten it there, which I thought to be very probable. Nevertheless, being not at all satisfied with this Neglect, I told her, that it would be convenient that we put it again where we found it, and that she making semblance of perceiving it when her Mother was come home, she should ask her what was the Reason she had not sent it.  
I was so out of Humour at this Adventure, and so eager to find out the Riddle of it, that I left Lidiana in that very instant, as if my Departure must have forwarded her Mother's Return. Lidiana, who had no less impatience than I, seeing her come back, immediately performed what we had agreed on together. This Lady appeared extremely surprised to her: And indeed, she fancied she had sent that Letter, which she had left by mistake. The thing seemed so extraordinary to Lidiana, in a Concern of that Consequence, that she thought it to be an Excuse she used, and which she paulmed upon her: But in Truth, it was really so as she said: and what had been the occasion of this Mistake, is, that she had so much Business on the day she had written, that one thing had made her forget an other. However what is extraordinary in such an Occasion as this, is, that though she had thus forgot my Letter, she had not however been wanting to make mention in hers of the Proposal I had made to her; wherefore she told Lidiana, that I needed not to be concerned; and that this would nevertheless produce its Effect.  
Lidiana repeated this to me the first time that I found the occasion to see her again; and thinking to comfort me mightily, by vending the same Money to me with which she had been paid, this Circumstance plunged me into the utmost Despondency: So much the worse, said I to her, if she has committed that Fault also: And what will your Father say, when he shall see that I demand you of your Mother, and that I do him not the least Civility; he who is the Head of the Family, and whose Affection I only ought to captivate, if I mean he should be propitious to me. Lidiana made a Mock of my Fears, assuring me, that her Father was not a Man of such scrupulous Regards. She told me farther, that though he were of that Humour, he might be appeased by letting him know that it was none of my Fault. I made a show of believing her, because I perceived I obliged her in so doing; yet I could not forbear trembling secretly, till such time as that they heard from him: and when the Letters were come accordingly, it was with a greater trembling still, that I went to her Mother's House, to inquire what they contained: But alas! I was but too good a Prophet. She ingeniously told me, that her Husband was piqued that I had not accompanied her Letter with one of mine. But as she certainly did cordially espouse my interests, she told me, that since it was she that had committed the Fault, she would repair it▪ and that I should not trouble my Head about the matter.  
These Promises had been something to a Man that had been less persuaded than I of the Capricious Humour of the Person, which I had heard instanced several times. I knew, without being particularly acquainted with him, that he was of the same Temper with those Country sort of Noblemen that will have every thing precisely in its form, and a superstitious Observer of Method. All his Life long he had been wedded to Appearances, without ever standing to shrift into the Truth: And what could I expect from a Person that passed for such in the Opinion of all People. My Suspicions proved to be but too real; his Wife having sent my Letter to him, and given him a fair account how all matters went: Pish, to others, said he, it's now too late: This was a convenient Match indeed, I own it: But I'll ha' no Son in Law that knows not how to live, that understands not good Manners. At the same time he divulged my Courtship throughout the whole Town; and as I had many Relations and Friends there, I received intimation from several Hands, that I had nothing to hope. The Answer he made his Wife, was conformable to what was signified to me; insomuch, that having lost all Hopes on that side, I went to see that Lady, to whom, after having made known how sensible I was to this Refusal, I proposed, that she would give us her Consent for a Private Marriage. To make her condescend thereunto, I told her, as it was Truth, that her Husband having found nothing to reprehend in me, save the Fault whereof I was accused, he would be obliged to be appeased, when the thing was once done. That she had promised me to repair the Mischiefs, which she knew very well herself to be the only Cause of. That thus I hoped she would not disapprove of the Expedient I started; and that it was the only Remedy to my Misfortune. This Lady loved me, and I cannot deny it, though indeed, she was the only occasion of all my Misfortunes: Nevertheless, she was frighted at my Proposal; telling me, that she should be ruined if such a thing should happen. That her Husband was a Man not only never to relent, but likewise to cause my Process to be made as a Seducer. He'll not meddle, Madam, I answered her: And d' ye not know, that we have seen People as much wedded as he to their Sentiments, that have been obliged to conform to such an Occasion?  
I told her still many things more to persuade her; but all that I could say having been to no purpose, I was obliged to take other Measures. Those that came into my Head, as likely to be the most effectual, were to speak to Lidiana, having asked whom, whether she laid her Father's refusal to Heart? As much as you, said she to me, at least; And I think it strange, that after so many instances that I have given you of my Esteem, you ask me such a Question. It is not that I doubt of it, Beauteous Lidiana, I answered her: And if I was willing to hear you once more say, that you love me, it is a Token of the sensibility of my Passion: And to demand such Proofs of yours as may solace me in my Misfortune. I have proposed them to your Lady Mother; But as she more cordially espouses Conjugal Love than that she had given to me as her future Son in Law, she would not listen to them. I hope it will not be the same with you; and that having looked upon me by her Order, as a Person that was one day to have the happiness of being your Husband, that same Conjugal Love will make you concur with me, to procure the things that are necessary for our mutual satisfaction. You ought not to doubt on't, said she to me, provided you only propose such things as I may honestly do: for otherwise I do not think you expect I should obey you. No, my dear Lidiana, I replied to her; and you would be too blame, did you so much as but suspect it; And all the Proposal that I have to make to you, is only that we may marry privately.  
I pretended to go on, and tell her how things would be accommodated after that she was once my Wife. I would farther convince by good and specious Reasons, how that she could be in no wise prejudiced, and that there were thousands daily, who by these means brought their Parents to reason: but instead of giving me time for so doing, she interrupted me with these Words: I wonder, Rivelli, said she to me, how you dare make Proposals of this nature to me. I must certainly have given you Occasion, by some Action unbecoming a Virgin, which puts me so out of countenance, that I promise you to prevent it for the future. No, my dear Lidiana, I answered her, all in a maze at this Discourse, you never did any thing that could shock Decency; And though I should have seen you of a humour to do it, which God be thanked, is far from your inclination, my Love is of such a Nature, that I should have quickly have advertized you of it. I love you not only because you are lovely, but also because that you are virtuous. With these Sentiments can I propose any thing to you that may make you uneasy; And then why exclaim you so highly for telling you, that I wish to be your Husband? There are often secret Reasons that oblige a Lover to make the like Propositions. The Fortune of she they love, that is more considerable than their own; the Advantage they derive from an illustrious Alliance; and sometimes also the desire of deluding them, after having gratified their foolish Passion. But thanks be to God, I am exempt from all these Weaknesses; and I do not believe that you can suspect me of them. I have a Fortune considerable enough, so as not to mind that of a Wife: Your Birth, all illustrious as it is, does not surpass mine: And as for my Design, I do not think there is any need of telling you, that it has only Virtue in Recommendation. If it was otherwise I should not have made the Paces you have seen me make: And you know, that it was not till after the Refusal of our Parents, that I have been obliged to make you this Request.  
I told her nothing but the Truth; and she knew all this as well as I; nevertheless, giving me a greater repulse than before. If I did well, said she to me▪ after several sharp things that ushered in this, I should never see you more after such a Proposition: And though I will not deny that it is not Interest that has set you to court me, yet you must agree with me, that you offend me in the most sensible part imaginable. Is it not the dishonouring of me, the proposing a secret Marriage to me? How can the matter be concealed when People stand in such fair Terms? What can those say that take notice on't? And must one carry in one's Pocket one's Contract of Marriage, or the Certificate of the 
Greek Priests.  Papas, to oblige them to pass a better Judgement? Ah Madam! I answered her, can one ever pass an ill one of you▪ you that pass for an Example of Virtue in every Body's Opinion? Such an Apprehension is valuable for those whose Virtue appears doubtful▪ the least thing may make the Balance incline on the Bad side: Whereas those that resemble you, would do all things without my concerving the least Suspicion. That is to say, Rivelli, she retorted upon me, that you would insinuate to me, that Reputation all alone is sufficient for a Woman: But know from me, that we are so far from being bound to believe you, that they are those that have the most measures to keep. The Reason is, that when People come to discover their Concerns, the noise of 'em is much beyond that of those they call Persons of mean Virtue. Now as that you propose to me, must of all necessity be one day detected, you will take it in good part, that to avoid such a trouble, I desire you to desist from all such Pretensions.  
In spite of all the interest I had in these Words, I must own to you, that they gave me Admiration. I tacitly applauded myself for loving so virtuous a Person. Nevertheless, as I was more sensible to my Love than all the rest, I was very cautious of unbosoming these Sentiments to her. On the contrary, I still did all I could to make her lay aside hers: But not having been able to bring that about, my only care was now to sweeten her up, seeing her beyond measure incensed. This I had much ado to effect: but in fine, all things being reconciled by my Submission, we thus parted as good Friends as ever, after I had promised her nevertheless, that I would never make her the like Proposition again. However, it was very necessary that I should set my Mind at rest on that side; For Two Days after her Father arrived, he having run Post to stop the Progresses of my Passion; so pray possessed was he against me, on the account of the Circumstance I have before-hinted. The first thing he did upon his Arrival, was to forbid his Daughter ever to think of me; and told his Wife, that as he judged by her Letters, that she espoused my interests, he commanded her absolutely to lay them aside. These were the very Terms he made use of; of which I had notice by Lidiana; who assured me at the same time, that if I remained faithful to her, all this should not make any impression upon her Mind: That she would so order Matters, as to make him come to himself, by a feigned condescension: And she entreated me to set my Friends to work, and to go to work myself, to gain his good Opinion.  
It was needless in her to give me this Counsel; my interest obliged me to take it of myself. Whereupon I went to pay him a Visit as soon as he had made known his Arrival; but I was very much amazed to see, that though the Door was open to all People, it was shut to me. He sent me word, that he was busy in writing of Letters, and desired me to excuse him. This might have passed current with me, if the same Compliment had been made to all Comers: but a Man coming at the same time to ask for him, the Porter let him in under my Nose, either that he had not the Wit to know that this might vex me; or, as is more probable, he did nothing without his Master's Order. If it had been in an other Occasion, I leave it to be guessed how I should have taken this Affront: But the Concern of my Love not permitting me to manifest my Resentment, I went my ways without saying a word; but not without carrying along a peevishness, as rendered me quite another man. I returned thither on the morrow; and the same Compliment having been made me; or at least, the Porter having contrived an other Excuse not to let me see his Master, this was more than needed to cause me to make a noise, if the same Reasons that had detained me the Evening before, had not still detained me that Day.  
What shall I say? In short, I had the Patience to do the same thing for Eight Days together; at the end of which, seeing that it would be the way to make me ridiculous, if I went again, I chose to write to him; and accordingly did so in most submissive Terms: And the Tenor of this Letter was to undeceive him of there being any Fault of mine in what had passed; and to let him know that I had been several times at his House to discourse him myself on this Affair. I gave it to One of my Men, with Order to deliver it to him himself, and to demand his Answer. Nevertheless, as I was afraid, after what had befallen me myself, they would not introduce him, if he said he belonged to me, I forbid him saying of that; but only that he had a Letter to give him from one of his Friends. With this Precaution he was introduced to him: And as my Man could then no longer excuse himself from telling him from whom he came; he had no sooner mentioned my Name to him, but that he refused to take the Letter; telling him angrily, That when he had been once offended he never pardoned. As I did not expect such an extraordinary Compliment, I had not instructed him what Answer to make him. Nevertheless, happening to have some Wit: My Master is not a Man, said he to him, to be treated in this manner: And though it were true, that he had offended you, which however I shall not grant, the Submission he makes to you would be capable to sweeten any other Spirit than yours.  
These Words, far from producing the Effect he hoped, did only serve to insense him the more: So as that my Man seeing there was nothing to be done with such a rugged Temper, thought fitting to come his ways. But in coming out of the Chamber, he left the Letter upon a Stool; telling him he was afraid I should beat him if he brought it back. As I was impatient to know the Success of this Embassy, I thought the time tedious till he returned: But I had so little Reason to be satisfied with the Reception that had been made him, that the hopes that had fed me hitherto quickly vanished. I approved what he had done, and what he had said: And as he was making an end of giving me an Account of all, word was brought me, that a Footman asked for me. I was surprised to see Lidiana's Livery. What wouldst thou, Friend? I said to him hastily; already hoping for some better News. It is a Letter, Signior, answered he, that my Master sends you back; and he desires you never to take the pains of writing to him. At these Words he presented me my Letter, which was still sealed up; And as there was no way for me to decline taking of it, I was struck with grief, in having to do with a Person of so little Reason.  
This was as yet but the Moiety of my Misfortune. This whymsical Man, guessing that I did not make all the Paces without finding some returns in his Daughter, he forbid her not only to have any Commerce with me, but he watched her so narrowly, that though she had been of an Humour to do things to the prejudice of his Commands, it would have been impossible for her. Nevertheless, he knew not that we had a String to our Bow, which it was difficult for him to break: This was the Waiting-woman whom the Go-between had placed with the Mother, by whose means I received five or six Letters after one another.  
But all on the sudden I saw myself deprived of this Consolation; and when I asked the Reason, the Go between told me, that the Father had taken away all the Ink and Paper that was in the House; that there was no longer any Writing but by his Order; and not content with this, he had placed Maids with his own Hand about the Mother and Daughter, to hinder any one from being so charitable as to furnish them wherewithal to keep on foot our Commerce.  
All these Precautions seemed to me very strange in a Man I had never offended: and all the Comfort I had left in so great a Misfortune was, that I could still write, and receive Answers by word of Mouth. I knew not whether they were ever conformable to what the Go-between told me: But in fine, as they could not be more obliging for me, I took thence an occasion to revive the Design I had interrupted for the Reasons already specified: I mean the proposing anew a private Wedding. To oblige this Woman to do her Duty well, I not only showed myself beneficial to her, but still made her hope for great rewards if she sped. This is a Secret very serviceable to many People; and there are thousands that thereby succeed in their Designs. But for my part, who am the most unfortunate of all men, I found myself Ship wracked where others find an Harbour.  
That you may apprehend this Truth, I must tell you, Sir, That this Woman understanding her Trade to Perfection, lured me for some time without giving me any positive Answer. One while Lidiana did but weakly oppose my Proposal; another while she absolutely rejected it, as the thing in the World the most injurious for her. At length, after having thus imposed upon me for Two Months; That is to say, during the whole time that my Employment permitted me to stay at Venice, she no sooner saw me upon the Point of my Departure, but she told me, That Lidiana being persuaded of the Honesty of my intentions, had at length resolved no content me. So great a piece of News, and which besides was so little expected by me, overwhelmed me with an indicible Joy. Is it possible, I said to this Woman, that Lidiana yields to my Desires? And how shall I ever acknowledge this Obligation, for which I know I am only indebted to you? I told her thereupon, all that an Inamorato is capable of saying, when he thinks himself just ready to enjoy a Felicity after which he has long sighed: And not content with expressing my Acknowledgement to her by Words, I made her Presents soso considerable.  
The Joy I was in had hindered me from ask her, after what manner she had agreed with Lidiana to execute our Project: but suspecting that I should not be long without ask it, she prevented me by questioning me how I pretended to go to work: For in short, said she to me, I do not see that you would have been the better by having her Consent, at least, if I had not smoothened a Difficulty that was offered. You know she is kept in her Father's Eye, and by the Person he has put about her; and how to deceive these Two Argus', and find the time necessary for you Both, before you can put your Concerns in a good way. Yet this is what I have done, added she, without giving me time to answer her: For having objected this same Difficulty to Lidiana, now in discourse, I let her see, that having but a Quarter of an Hours time, this Marriage could not be done in the Forms; but that if she would trust to a Promise you should give her of marrying her, it was all one and the same thing, since that you loved her too much to deceive her.  
This, Sir, is what this dangerous Woman told me; to which she added, that after having had a great deal to do before she could bring Lidiana to resolve upon this, she gave her her Word at the long run; That in consideration of this Promise she would do all I pleased. That if I had the assurance of mounting by Night into her Chamber with a Rope-Ladder, I should find the Window open: But that I was to make no Noise when I was once got in, because that the least Word was capable of discovering me: That I knew there was only a single Wall between her Mother's Chamber and hers; Nay, and that the Two Beds were very near one another: That therefore I ought to take my measures accordingly: That I needed only to present my Promise; that was my Passport: That Lidiana would take it; after which she would grant me all things as her Husband.  
It is impossible to express the joy these good News gave me. That I had before was nothing in comparison of this: Not that I meant to abuse Lidiana's facility, but because I saw myself thereby delivered from the trouble of lulling to sleep a Father more difficult to deceive than a jealous man: Besides I had no time to lose, being upon the Point, as I have already said, of my Departure. Be it as it will; being urged on by my Love, and this Circumstance, I desired the Go-between to procure the Assignation for that very Night; and to signify to me, whether it would be accepted. Her Answer was favourable to my impatience: She told me, that Lidiana would leave the Window open▪ and recommended to me on her behalf, that I should not in the Sequel abuse the Favour she did me▪ as also to observe a profound silence. I told her I would perform all she desired, in such manner as that Lidiana should never have the least matter to upbraid me withal.  
Things being thus concluded on both sides, I kept myself ready for the Hour of the Rendezvous: And having written the Promise in agitation, which I was so foolish as that I must needs sign it with my Blood, I went from home, and repaired under Lidiana's Windows: at the time I thought all People to be in Bed, I slung up my Ladder of Ropes, which she was to fasten, for fear I should break my Neck; and finding it fixed, I mounted-up in such haste, as that I seemed to fly. When I was at the Window, I pushed against it, to see if it was open; and having found all things conformable to what had been told me, I entered the Chamber, where I should have see myself up against the Wall, though I knew the Room well enough, if one had not come to take me by the Hand. Ah! Lidiana, I said to her softly, getting as nigh as I could to her Ear; how infinitely am I obliged to you? And though I should give you to the last Drop of my Blood, can I ever acquit myself to you of what I owe you? I was so very much in Love, that notwithstanding the Prohibition that was made me, I was going to launch out into a Discourse of a World of such like things, when this Person put her Hand upon my Mouth. I thereby understood that she barred my saying any thing more; and studying only to please her, I held my Tongue immediately. But in exchange I took that Hand, and kissing it with Transports that are more easy to be imagined than described; I held my Fortune so great, that I would not have exchanged it for that of a King. From thence I would have proceeded to the Face, but this Person repulsed me gently with her Hand; insomuch that she did but the more augment the flames I was sensible of for her.  
What shall I tell you in short, after several little things of this Nature, she yielded to my Desires, after having received the Promise I have mentioned, and which I gave her upon my accosting her. How! the Sultan interrupted, has Lidiana granted you the last Favours? And dare you boast of this in my Presence, you that know, that of a sorry Slave, as she was, I made her a Sultana; nay, and a Sultana- Favourite. Pardon me, Sir, this Man answered; Matters went not so; and if you would be pleased to have one Moment's Patience, I will quickly acquaint you how all this Concern was unravelled. You must know, that in the Moment that I thought myself the most Unhappy of all Men, I found so little of what I sought, that I could have wished myself a good way off. Is it possible, said I in myself, that there can be such deluding Maidens, and that it is my ill Fortune to have made so ill a Choice? I did not make these Lamentations without cause: She I had in my Arms had been already in those of several others, by what appeared to me. Thus my Love being changed all of the sudden into a terrible Disgust, I need not tell you that the Night seemed a thousand Years long to me. This is a thing you may easily suppose of yourself; and it is not necessary that I utter my mind further. In fine, I made the Day come at least Two Hours sooner than ordinary: I mean, that there were Two Hours of Night still to come, when I told this Person that I was going my ways because the Day drew near. She grasped me in her Arms, seemingly to make me believe that she let me not go without Regret: But this little availed her, since I was so far from making Returns to her Fondnesses, that I could have been content, as they vulgarly say, to have been kicked out thence. In short; having broke out of her Arms without observing many Measures, I went my ways with a Mortal Vexation; but which would have still been much greater but for a dexterous Trick I used This Person had put my Promise under the Bolster; I took it slily away, with a full Resolution not to marry her, since that instead of the Ravishments I had promised myself to have met withal in her, I had found something so different, that the Day was not more from Night.  
Now these are the Particulars of that Rendezvous; to which it is convenient to add to undeceive you at present of the thought you had of its being Lidiana: for the Go-between having proposed to her the Secret Marriage I have beforementioned, and in no wise prevailing with her to consent to it, she bethought herself of making an other supply her Room, to merit the Recompenses I had proposed. Thus one may see how dangerous it is to trust in those Venial Souls; and provided they have your Money, they mind not by what means. Besides it was an easy matter for her to palm this Trick upon me. She had in the House a Creature she had several times put to all sorts of Trials: Besides she lay in Lidiana's Chamber; nay and in her Bed; the Father of that fair Virgin thinking fit to have her by him, for fear of those Nocturnal Rendezvouzes by which the sharpest circumspection is overreached. Now I was ignorant of this Circumstance. Thus all things conspiring to my Misfortune, it is not to be wondered that I was cruelly deceived.  
In the mean while I went away the next Morning without bidding Adieu to the real Lidiana, of whom however I had no cause to complain. But the Adventures of a Wicked Night had so pawled me, that I was no longer capable of Gratitude or of Love. Being possessed with such Sentiments, if I could have made my Horse fly, I should have done it; so eager I was to distance myself from Lidiana; to whose disadvantage▪ I told myself then at least as many things as I had told myself a little before in her favour. So precipitated a Departure did extremely surprise her: She was not for some time to be persuaded that I was gone: but at length having no room left for doubt, if her Love made her be troubled for my Proceedure, her Spite suggested into her so many things against me, that it may be said to have got the Victory. Nevertheless she was not so well Mistress of herself as that she could entirely forget me; wherefore after having wavered a long time, whether she ought to write to me or not, her weakness was more prevalent than her Haughtiness. Perhaps she thought hereby rather to revenge herself on me, than make appear the Remnants of her Love. Nevertheless, as in regard of that Passion it is more grateful to a Lover to meet with Reproaches than to be treated with indifference, this had been still matter of Triumph to me; supposing I had been still as sensible to her Merit as I had formerly been. But leaving this Question apart, which nevertheless was never contested by able People, I will repeat to you the Tenor of the Letter she sent me.  
LIDIANA's Letter to RIVELLI.  
I Thought you of a Character so different from that of other Lovers, that I made no Scruple of giving you Testimonies of my Weakness. But in fine, it was a folly in me to believe otherwise than that all Men resemble one another: There is not one but that is a Deceiver: And as it would be Blindness to doubt of this after your Carriage, I am become so wise at present that I should rather choose to lose my Life than ever more commit the Folly I have done. In short, I hate you now as much as I ever loved you: This says All to express the Sentiments I am in, since it is certain that I have been so possessed in your Favour, that nothing could be added to my good Opinion.  
She has Reason, said I smiling in myself, never more to commit the Folly she has done. It is effectually the means to disquiet those that have to do with her; and I advise her to stick to her Face; which far from discovering her Defects, has so many Attractions, that no body would ever imagine that the rest was so little answerable thereunto. After this Reflection, and some others that were as little to her advantage, I felt my Pulse, as I may say, to know whether I ought to make her an Answer; but fearing if I did so, it might make me incur an other Letter, I resolved by my silence to break off all Commerce between us Two.  
Now this was my Proceedure; whence it is easy to conjecture, that Lidiana seeing herself slighted in this manner effectually hated me in succession of time, as much as she had ever loved me. But what do I say? Her Aversion did much surpass the Love she had ever had for me: I will make who will be Judge: And I will take you yourself, Sir, to Witness, after I shall have related to you the Sequel of my unhappy History.  
You must know, that the Campaign being ended, I was in Garrison in a City where all the Women, even such as were of the very Dregs of the People, were so many Beauties. And certainly though I have travelled as much as any Man of my Age, I know no place where Beauty is more generally found. This infinitely pleased all the Officers; Several alured by so great a Charm, married in this Place; others that had not as yet Devotion enough for so holy a Business, got Mistresses; and of the whole number of us I may safely say, that only I remained insensible. They all wondered at this; and particularly those that knew me to be of a Temper very prone to Love: But in short, one single Night had given me a Disgust to all Women; and they were all Lidiana's to me,  
About the middle of our Winter Quarters I had a Boon to ask of the Senate; and thinking to obtain it better in Person than to demand it by a Letter, I departed Post; though to tell the Truth, I considered on it more than once by reason of Lidiana, whom I was afraid of meeting some where or other; nay and for whom I had so much Aversion, that I dreaded to hear her so much as speak. Being arrived at Venice I did not so much as inquire after her, for fear some troublesome Person or other should come and extol her Gracefulness and Beauty to me. Only the Go-between knowing of my Return, came to see me; or to speak more exactly, to renew some Commerce with me; so to get some Money from me. But I sent her Word, that I would not speak with her▪ Yet this not making her desist, she came again several times; which obliged me to send her Word, That if she was ever more seen at my Gate, I would have her whipped. She knew not what to think of so great an Alteration: But in fine, these Words being positive, she was afraid of the Bastonnade, and importuned me no more.  
I came not alone to Town; one of the most Considerable Officers of the Army kept me Company. As he was Young, well-made and very Rich, he quickly made an Hurry-durry among the Ladies; who were not all Cruel to him. Nevertheless he met with One to whom he sighed in vain: And as he very ingenuously told me his Concerns after having entertained me with his good Success with the others, he imparted to me the Rigour of this Person; at which he seemed to me to be very much afflicted. As I was no longer an Inamorato, I did not take his Passion by the same Bias I should formerly have done. On the contrary, I told him, That I wondered that he who was so richly stocked with Wit, laid a thing so very much to heart that was only the Well-bred Man's Trivial Play-thing; or at most ought to serve him only as an Amusement. He was surprised to hear me talk in this manner; I whom he had ever known to be of a Character quite different from this Discourse. You are no longer the same Man I knew, he said to me: And pray ye since when have you been so very much changed? Since, I answered him, that I have found all Women to be deceitful. I thereupon told him my History; at which he did but laugh, after the rate of most Young People, that make a Jest of all. You laugh at my Cost, I said to him: but have a care I do not quickly laugh at yours. This cannot be long first, since you tell me you are so very much in Love; For▪ craving all Lovers Pardon, there is not One but is a Culty: And notwithstanding all your Wit and Understanding, I have no better Opinion of you than of an other. All Women cheat us, continued I: Some smile upon us, as having need to recover their Honour that has long been under a Cloud; Others seek to lose it: And if there be any one that has sincerity at first, she keeps it not long, either that We being first wicked, we quickly teach them to become so as they cannot repair the Corruption of their Nature; which makes them run full speed to Perdition. The truth is, he said to me, you surprise me still more and more by such extraordinary Sentiments: I do not much wonder to see you have such a bad Opinion of her that has deceived you; but to extend it indifferently over all Women, is what I cannot relish; nor will ever any Body relish it no more than I. Pardon me, I said to him; For let a Man but have never so little Practice of the World, and he will quickly know that they are all marked in the same Corner; and all the difference I find in them is, that some are cunninger than others; insomuch that they can longer disguise their ill Nature.  
We could never agree upon this Matter; which did not much trouble my Head no more than the Rumour he spread abroad of me, that I slighted all Women. And indeed they were all so indifferent to me, that he asserted nothing but the Truth. Nevertheless as he was daily more and more possessed in Favour of his Mist ress, he was so particularly assiduous in his Addresses to her, as obliged her to look upon him with a better Eye than she had hitherto done. He came to proclaim this Triumph to me with an unequalled Joy; and in all probability expected I should have complemented him upon the Occasion; when I told him with a very dull Face; Well! You see now which of us two was in the right: Now the cheats discovered: You was only put off at first that you might be the more inflamed; and now you are only looked upon with a better Eye for fear you should be gone. Do but continue, and you will see strange things. In fine; I do not despair but that the same thing will quickly befall you as did me; and you need only to press on, as I did, to be convinced of this Truth from your own Experience.  
I shall not tell you, Sir, all that he replied to me upon this Point: that would be too tedious: and it is sufficient that you know, that he having continued to sing to me still in the same favourable Tune of his Mistress, I was obliged to draw him Lidiana's Picture, to show him, that those that had the finest appearance, were not the she's in whom he ought most to trust. He was very attentive to the first Strokes I touched of her; but I perceived that he afterwards grew concerned; which I was preparing to ask him the reason of, when he interrupted me with this Discourse: Forbear your Raileries, I beseech you, Rivelli, and do not draw the Portrait of my Mistress instead of yours. ay! the Portrait of your Mistress, said I to him, strangely amazed: Faith I had no such Thoughts: I know not who she is, and hitherto have not been much concerned to know her; but you will see, that if they be so alike in Face, they are much more alike in inclination: I told you plainly enough, that all of them are Cheats; and you will never believe it till you are caught.  
He took in ill part all I said to him; and seeing it impossible for me to get him out of his pensive Humour: But for God's sake, I said to him, acquaint me with your Mistress' Name; for I know that of mine; and this will be surer than all the Conjectures you can derive from my Discourse. She is called Lidiana, he answered me; and she is a Person of Quality, who is come hither with her Mother for a Process of Consequence which they have before the Senate. I leave it to be judged whether I was not surprised at this Declaration. Nevertheless I judged it not convenient to tell him what I thought of the matter: On the contrary, being very willing that he might be caught as well as I: You have been falsely alarumed, said I to him; I only knew Lidiana by Fame; and though she is of my Country, as I departed thence when very young, I do not remember I ever saw her. A body has never so much assurance when he tells a Lie as when he tells the Truth; either that the serious look I put on, made him suspect something, or that there appeared Signs in my Face that I did not speak sincerely; he had no sooner left me, but that he left Lidiana, whom he asked if she knew me. She blushed at this Question, and appearing strangely non plused; What is the meaning of all this, Madam, he renewed? And the Question I put to you, is it so extraordinary that it must needs cast you into the Confusion I see you labour under. This perplexed her still more than before; insomuch that it was not necessary he should question her farther to discover that it was she I had pointed at in my Discourse: Ah! Madam, he said to her, who would have thought it of so lovely a Person? And what will become of me after all I know? He said no more: but as this was more than needed to make Lidiana apprehend that some Story had been told him that touched her Honour: Yes, Sir, she said to him, I know Rivelli: But whence comes this Perplexity, and the Discourse you hold me? He was in so lamentable a Condition, that he could not answer her in his Turn: Whereupon Lidiana confirming herself still more and more in her Suspicions: From that proceeds what I see, she renewed: And is it a Crime in me to have known Rivelli? I'll tell you farther, he has loved me; or at least he would have made me believe so: and perhaps he would have married me, but for Conjectures which it's not necessary I inform you of. I believe it sufficiently, Madam, he answered: But let me advise you not to mention it to any Body. Nay and I advise you to tell Rivelli, that he be more discreet an other time: And if like him, I had had the Fortune to have Favours from so beautiful a Lady as you, I would sooner have been killed than ever have spoke of them to any Body.  
He judged not convenient to say more to her, though she earnestly entreated him to conceal nothing from her: But what he had said to her being more than sufficient to make her understand that I had spoke ill of her, I was strangely surprised to see her enter my Chamber one Morning; and having asked her the Occasion, I come, Sir, said she to me, after having taken off her Veil, to know why you ruin my Reputation: and I wonder very much that you, whom I ever thought a worthy Person, should do Actions so unworthy of a Man of Honour. You was suffered, added she, to go your ways, as you did, without your taking leave of me: I never made you any great Reproaches for breach of Faith: and you should never have heard talk of me, if you had not obliged me to it by your Carriage.  
Lidiana appeared so beauteous to me in holding this Discourse to me; and she was really so lovely, that it is not to be wondered if I perceived those Flames to revive that had been formerly so ardent. I was strangely surprised; I that slighted her so much before, that I should have preferred the most despicable of Creatures before her. For this Cause did I seek to excuse myself; or rather, I absolutely denied the ever having spoke ill of her. It is very true, Madam, I added, that I have great Reason to be surprised that you have so much forgotten me after what passed the Night before my Departure; and I can only attribute it to the Levity so natural to those of your Sex.  
I had no sooner bolted the Word but that I checked myself tacitly for so doing. I asked myself what this meant: and if after the imperfections she had under her Linen, a Man must not be void of Judgement to be still sensible of any Spark of a Flame that must needs make me blush for shame. But if I made this Reflection, Lidiana immediately freed me from it by a Transport of Anger which she could not moderate, after having heard me talk in this manner What then has passed between us, she said to me? And impart it to me, since that I do not remember it. Let's leave that matter apart, I said to her, and let it never be mentioned, since you have forgotten it so soon. I have tenderly loved you, you know it: but in short, one is not born to love eternally: And though this should not commonly happen, yet this is what has befallen you, who had promised never to love any Man but me. It will be a surprising thing to you, Sir, that I talked to her in this manner; after the tacit Reproaches I had newly made to myself: But the more I looked upon her, the more I found the Wounds to open again that she had made in me. Wherefore all I could say to myself of the Condition I had found her in, being not capable to make me turn my Eyes from off her, I grew more inflamed than ever; which will not seem surprising to you when I shall have told you, that she quickly justified herself to me of the Suspicions I had conceived of her Virtue.  
As all I said to her did still denote that something very particular had passed between us, she would by all means know it; and thinking there was no great Mystery in discovering a thing to her which she must needs know as well as I, I surprised her extremely, when I told her what I told you before. I perceived she blushed at this Relation, and I attributed it to the Modesty that is so natural to Maidens; or to the Regret she had perchance for having granted me this Favour now that she no longer loved me. But I remained not long in this Opinion: What you now tell me, she said to me, is an Imposture so enormous, that I will die in Torments, or I will be revenged. You shall maintain before the World what you have now said to me: It concerns your Honour and mine so to do; and I perceive you have been deceived.  
These Words opened my Eyes when it was too late; and no difficult matter was it for me to apprehend that it was the Go-between and her implement that had played me this Prank. In the mean while, if without having been informed of Lidiana' s innocence, I had anew conceived for her Sentiments all full of tenderness, it was quite another thing, when I was persuaded of it. Ah! Madam, I said to her, what can I ever do to repair my Fault? It was the loss of the Esteem I had for you that has been the Occasion of all this Disorder. But now that I know your Virtue, I shall so well repair what has passed, that you shall see that it is not without an extreme Regret that I see myself obliged to leave you. But I do not pretend, I added, that my Repentance should exempt me to you wards from the Satisfaction I owe you: You need only impose a Punishment upon me, and I shall not appeal from it, however rigorous it may be: and on the contrary I will say, that you are too good, since I own my Fault does not merit any Pardon.  
If she would have listened to me, I should have said much more to her, so penetrated I was with Love: But her Head being only possessed with her own Justification, she went directly to her Mother, to whom she gave a faithful account of all I have newly related. As that Lady could not act all alone in this Concern, she gave her Husband intimation of the Matter, who presented a Request to the Magistracy, that he might be permitted to take up all those he suspected of this intrigue. The Magistracy having upon his Request given way to Justice, the Go-between and her imp were put into Prison; and I was confronted against them after they had denied the Points upon which they were examined. As the Truth was easy to be made out, notwithstanding all their little Tricks and Circumventions, the Judges condemned them to be put to the Rack. This struck a Terror into them; and preferring a speedy Death to Sufferings that are very often worse than the loss of Life; they owned their Crime, without standing to be put to Torment. After this they were condemned to the Whip and to Banishment; a Punishment too mild for a Crime of that Nature.  
This Affair did not thus occur in Venice, without furnishing Matter of Talk to a World of People: And as Detraction finds occasion to bite upon all things, People there were that would needs have it, that these Wretches had been sacrifieed to recover Lidiana's Honour. This Rumour was quickly buzzed about the Town; which the Father having notice of, he expressed a Concern at it to his Friends, who advised him to marry her out of hand. They told him, as it was true, That it was the means to put an end to all these Discourses: Whereas-as long as she should remain a Maiden, People would be ever talking of this Adventure. He found their Reasons very pertinent: and as they advised him at the same time to prefer me before all the Matches that could be offered, it so fell out, that his interest made him forget the aversion he had conceived against me. One of our mutual Friends proposed the thing to me, which filled me so with joy as was impossible for me to express it. I went immediately to find out Lidiana's Father; and after having thanked him for his kind thoughts to me, I told him that he might make the Contract of Marriage as he pleased: That I pretended to give all I had to his Daughter: wherefore that it could not be so advantageous to her but that I should still wish to do more for her. He received my Compliment with abundance of Civility; and after having made some Excuse to me for what uva passed, he bid me go see his Daughter, and tell her this News▪ found her alone in her Chamber and having thrown myself at her Feet: Your Father bestows you upon me, said I to her, Beauteous Lidiana. But as this Present, however incomparable it may be, cannot please me unless it comes from your own hand: Tell me, I beseech you, whether the Regret I have for having offended you, has made you forget the hatred you had for me.  
Lidiana gave me not time to finish these last Words; or at least did not give herself the Patience to hear them. And indeed, interrupting me with a Disturbance of mind not easily to be observed: My Father bestow me upon you! she said to me: And is he so poor spirited after the Reasons we have to hate you? Does he not remember the ill Opinion you had of me? And in short, after the most sensible Affront that a Man can offer to a Virgin, is it possible that he can pitch his Choice upon you? How, Madam! I said to her, is it possible that you your self do remember my Offence, rather than the Regret I have for having offended you? I shall say nothing to ye of my Love: yet if you have the least Memory, you must know that I have loved you with all the Passion and all the Honesty imaginable. This is sufficiently justified by the Esteem I have forborn having for you from the very moment that I thought you less honest than I imagined; but now that nothing more hinders me from entertaining that Esteem anew, I may tell you, that I shall render so much Justice to your Merit and Virtue, that never Husband set so great a Value upon a Wife as I pretend to have for you. If you never esteem me but in that Quality, she answered me, you will never have other than an ill Opinion of me. Though I know the Obedience that I owe to my Father, yet I would have you know that I shall dispense myself from it in this Occasion: Wherefore if you have the least Consideration for me, I beseech you to lay aside all thoughts of courting me; otherwise you will oblige me to things which will not be to the advantage of either of us both.  
You may think, Sir, I could not be otherwise than afflicted at these Words. Ah! Madam, I perceive how the Case stands, I answered her: I now experience a Calumny that is common to me with many Unfortunate Wretches. I have a Rival; and you do not hate me so much on the account of what I have done to you, as because that you love an other. I was struck with Jealousy at the same moment: and after having cudgeled my Head with a thousand desires of revenge, I went away all in a Fury, and fully resolved not to let things rest so. In this Design I went to find out my Rival, whom I let know, that one of us must die. He was a brave Man, and not of an Humour to be startled at such a Compliment: Wherefore without being in any manner heated; Very willingly, he said to me; but perhaps there will be no need of that, if you will but acquaint me what animates you so much against me. Can you be ignorant of that, I answered him? And when you rob me of my Mistress' Heart, can I be without Resentment? I have not so much Presumption, he replied to me: but though it were so, I swear to you, that things shall never go farther on my side. I have loved Lidiana, I own it; nay and my design was to marry her; but since the News you imparted to me, I am so thoroughly pawled, that I no longer remember that I have loved her. If ever I happen to marry, added he, it shall not be a Chronicle-Wife, at least in my knowledge.  
This Discourse made me apprehend that he was one of those that had an ill Opinion of Lidiana: And though I had a sufficient Esteem for her, as to be very glad that every one should do her Justice, the least of my Cares was to undeceive him. Having no longer any Occasion to quarrel with him, after such a Declaration, I set my Mind a little more at rest; hoping that since I had not a tender and passionate Lover to combat withal in her Bosom, in time I might with ease recover the Honour of her good Opinion. Being possessed with these Sentiments, what did I not do for Two whole Years together? I quitted my Employment that I might be the more assiduous with her; and declining to make use of her Father's Authority, who still favoured my Addresses, I placed my hopes only in the Excess of my Repentance, and in the Violence of my Love. What did I not do, Sir, during so considerable a time, and which seemed so much the longer to me as that I was in Torment? But what need is there of spinning out this Discourse any further? You must know, that I only lost my Pains; which putting me into the utmost Despondency, I departed from Venice with a Resolution to go seek in Foreign Countries the Cure I could not hope for as long as I stayed in a Place where I should be continually exposed to the seeing of Lidiana. I had much ado to form this Resolution, and much more to execute it; so great is the Feeble when one is in Love. But what much helped to make me gain this over my Mind is, that Lidiana had no longer any Quiet with her Father since she had so formally thwarted his Will. Thus believing my Absence would screen her from all these Persecutions, I went to Rome, and thence into France, where I served in the Forces that were appointed against Flanders. But though War be capable of possessing one's Mind entirely; principally when a Man has a little Ambition; it is nevertheless certain, that wherever I went I carried Lidiana's image along with me: She every where came to torment me; insomuch that having no more Repose in that Country than I had at Venice, I returned thither incognito, to have at least the Consolation of seeing her. I found she was gone thence on her return into our own Country; and taking a Journey thither myself, I was told the saddest News that ever could have befallen me. It is not necessary that I tell it you; you know it, Sir, as well as I; I mean the stealing away of Lidiana by the Aga. Any other that had been less in Love, would have contented himself with venting of Sighs, and with accusing Fate of injustice: But as my Love was of a different Nature from that of all Men, I also took a Resolution, which no other Man but I would have taken; it was to come snatch Lidiana out of the Aga's Hands; wherein though I saw an insurmountable Difficulty, my Consolation was, that either I should die in pain, or that I should speed in my Design. Whereupon I came hither only as courting Death, as I may say: but Destiny seeking still more and more to oppress me, I was informed that your Celsitude had had the same Eyes as I: That is to say, that you had found Lidiana so Beauteous that you had put her into your Seraglio. It would be impertinent for me to tell you my Despondency at this News: it is easy for you to judge of it by the Resolution I took to pass over the Walls of the Seraglio: And I undertook to do so, so much the more willingly, in that I hoped that Lidiana being there against her Will, she would concur with me to free herself out of Slavery; supposing that I was so happy as to get to the Speech of her. There is no need of my telling you any thing farther: You know how you found me; and I shall only add, that your Celsitude is concerned to punish me out of hand, since that as long as I shall be alive, I shall not only dispute against you, but also against the whole Earth together; for a heart without which I cannot hope to live.   
This Man having thus related his Concerns, the Grand Signior, who had harkened to him without one's being able to say whether he was animated with Revenge or Hatred, went out of the Chamber, and so to that of the Sultana, who was interested in this Discourse. There, without telling her what this Man had related to him, he would needs be acquainted with her History from her own Mouth, to see whether he had not imposed upon him. But her Account having been altogether conformable to his, he wanted much of being in that Anger he would have been in had he perceived they had prevaricated with him. Nevertheless he was still uncertain what he was to do: For on the one side he judged this Man worthy of Death for the Love he dared to harbour for the Sultana: He considered on the other, That he was sufficiently punished in the manner he was treated. In fine, Mildness having prevailed over all other Considerations, he granted him his Pardon at the Request of Sultana Zelinda; not that she did honestly espouse his interest, but because she thought that by preserving his Life, it would be for her an instrument ready at hand that would serve to render the Grand Signior jealous of her Rival. Now indeed her Policy had been good, supposing that his Celsitude had suffered him to stay in his Dominions; but having had the Precaution to send him away thence; nay end to cause him to be accompanied to the very Frontier; that so he might not be imposed upon by this means, her Malice proved all to no purpose.  
While that all this passed Ibrahim was still in the same place, whence he imagined he might easily escape, having engaged the Husband and Wife in his interests. But as People often reckon without their Host, it happened that in the very time that he thought himself in the greatest security, it wanted little but that he had been discovered in the manner I am going to relate: After all the Bustle that I have newly recounted, the Grand Signior went down into the Garden with the Two Sultana's; and as he was walking there fell a terrible Rain that obliged him to seek out some Place where he might be under shelter. There being none nearer than the Gardener's House, he ran thither with his Company; and Ibrahim had but just time to hide himself. In the mean while the Gardener's Wife was so surprised, that the Grand Signior easily perceived that something ailed her. The Sultana's passed also the same Judgement. But they all having attributed it to the surprise she was in to see Persons of their Rank, the lowness of her Extraction saved her. The Rain being over, the Grand Signior returned into the Garden; and there it was that Sultana Zelinda was surprised with a strong Jealousy. For while she was amusing her time, in contemplating some Figures that were upon their Pedestal, the Grand Signior struck aside with her Rival; and kindling his Flames anew that had only been interrupted by her Malady, he entered into an Arbour that was at the end of an Alley, the Door of which he shut after him, for fear Zelinda should come and disturb his Conversation. Zelinda no sooner perceived that he went off, but that being vexed for having given Occasion to the Affront that was done her, she walked apace to overtake him. She was almost as soon as he at the Arbour, which she saw him direct his steps to; and when she was just got up to it, she saw herself shut out.  
This was so terrible a Vexation to her, that she had never had the like. Perhaps she did not love the Sultan; and the Love she had for Ibrahim is a good instance of the contrary, since Two great Passions are incompatible with one another. But in her Ambition supplying the Room of Love, she was for all the World as jealous as if she had really loved him. I shall not however lose time in relating all that her Anger made her say: and indeed it would be needless, since there is no body but may imagine, that in such Circumstances one is capable of saying many things. It is more expedient that I proceed to her Actions, by which it will be made more manifest than by her Words, with what Spirit she was animated.  
All the World agrees, That Women have infinitely more Wit than we Men, when the Matter in agitation is Love. The Reason for this is easy to be given: As it is of an extreme Consequence for them to conceal their Concerns, they make it their study, as I may say, from their Infancy, to foresee all that may befall them. From hence it comes, that some of 'em are so expert at deceiving their Gallants and Husbands. But this is not my Business; and I shall only say, that as they excel us in the Art of making Love, it is the like in Jealousy, to which they are so naturally prone, that it makes them often commit a thousand Follies. If I sought for the Reason of it, I should quickly find it. As Jealousy is a Companion of Love, it follows, that he that is the most wedded to this last Passion, is the more smartly sensible of the other. Now Zelinda making this fatal Experience, it is not to be thought strange if she studied the means to ruin her Rival, to which she was so much the more powerfully excited, in that she daily saw her Favour augment, and that her own, on the contrary, did visibly diminish.  
After having framed this Resolution, she was not long before she contented herself; and in this manner went she to work: She made reflection, that Ibrahim only passed for her Rival's Brother, on the score of what her Mother had said of him: That the Sultan was to be made believe, that it was a thing invented on purpose to conceal the secret Flames he had for her. That if he was sufficiently jealous after this, to be hurried to the utmost Extremities against him, she would see to preserve him from danger, either by the Ascendant she had over him, or by the Credit of others that had the Grand Signior's Ear, and who would be overjoyed to employ their interest in her behalf. That at the worst, if Ibrahim perished in this Occasion, she should have, at least, the Consolation of having involved her Rival in his Misfortune.  
Such a Resolution was no great Proof that she loved Ibrahim with overmuch Affection: But without troubling my Head, in going about to justify her, I shall only say, that she is not the only Person that has thus sacrificed her Love to her Ambition. Be it as it will, being daily more and more persuaded, that she could not take more just measures than these, to re-establish herself in the Sultan's Favour, and banish her Rival from it, she caused Notes to be dropped in the Grand Signior's Chamber, by which he had intimation given him, that People frequented the Seraglio for the Love of the other Sultana. One of these Notes falling into his Hands, he was struck with so terrible a Passion, that nothing was capable of cooling it, but a thought that came into his Head, that it might perchance be an Artifice of Zelinda. That he might shrift into the Truth, he went to this last Sultana's Apartment, and pretending to consult her upon this Affair: Is it possible, Madam, he said to her, that I am deceived? And you that have so much interest to make the Truth known to me, how can you be at rest in a thing that concerns you as well as I.  
He considered her attentively, to see if he could discover upon her Face, with what Motions she was seized. But Zelinda being Mistress of her Movements, and besides excelling in the Art of Dissembling above all those of her Sex: It is true, Sir, she said to him, that this Discovery concerns me as well as you, since it would be the means to recover the Honour of your Favour, which you have bereaved me of, without my having rendered myself unworthy of it. But to what purpose would it be for me to intermeddle with a matter, since that your Celsitude is so prepossessed, that though I should let you see things with your own Eyes, yet would you not believe them. She said these Words with such an Air of Simplicity, that the Sultan fell into the Trepan. How will you let me see things with my own Eyes, he answered her? And having it in your power to procure my Repose, you have hitherto had the Cruelty to be silent. Ah! Sir, the Sultana said to him, is this still the means to get out my Secret? And these Transports of Love that start from you in spite of your Anger, do they not acquaint me, that the greatest harm that can be done you, is to disabuse you. Continue, Sir, she added, to love those that deceive you, and on the contrary, hate those that love you. This is the Fate I have of late undergone.  
This augmented the Sultan' s Jealousy to such a point, that he would needs at the same instant give order for the strangling of Ibrahim, which Zelinda being mightily surprised at: Moderate your Passion, she said to him, unless you would have me believe that I am now the most unfortunate of all Women. How can you have the least kindness left for me at a time when you are so sensible for an other. But if my interest does not affect you, do, at least, for your own sake what you will not do for mine. Suspend your Revenge, till you know whether you are really jealous. Perhaps you are imposed upon, and would you not be very glad to be so informed, that you may not have any Scruple left.  
Tho these words were not capable of appeasing his Anger; yet at least he gave bounds thereunto, till such time as that he had shrifted into the matter. In the mean while the Sultana was very much perplexed how to reconcile the Jealousy she had against her Rival, and the Love she was sensible of for Ibrahim. She had in her Mind invented an infallible means to confirm the Grand Signior in his Suspicions: But at the same time she represented to herself, that it would be the loss of her Lover, which rendered her a little more reserved in her Revenge. At length, Ambition prevailed over Love, and to the hazard of all that could happen, she resolved to ruin her Sister. What farther obliged her to take this Resolution, is, that after having promised, as she had done the Grand Signior, to make him see clear into her Rival's infidelity, he earnestly pressed her daily, to which it was impossible for her to resist, at least, without letting him see, that all that she had done, was only an imposture: Wherefore being pressed by such powerful Considerations, she confirmed to the Sultan the Promises she had made to him; and to acquit herself of them, she told him that it was necessary he should dissemble both to the Sultana and to Ibrahim. That she would make him hear with his own Ears, his amorous cajoleries to her: That she did not think he required more of her, since that to speak on one side, and to listen on the other, was a Proof sufficiently great, that she had told him nothing but the Truth. That she asked him but Two or Three Days for that purpose; that is to say, till Ibrahim went to pay a Visit to his pretended Sister, according to the Permission he himself had given him.  
The Grand Signior agreed to all, as also to put himself in a Woman's clothes that day, that so in Quality of Zelinda's Maid, he might slip into the other Sultana's Apartment, without being known. Things having been concerted in this manner, they were accordingly executed. Zelinda knowing that Ibrahim was at her Rival's Lodgings, carried the Sultan thither, and letting him into a Closet that was▪ beyond the Sultana's Chamber, she bid him stay there. Before she left him, she promised him, that she was going to bring them both near him▪ and that there being only a Partition of Deal Board's, he might hear all that they said to one another: For she insinuated to him at the same time, that she would withdraw immediately, to afford them the means of saying kind things to one another.  
The Sultan fell into this Trap, and Zelinda being gone out, she pulled to the Door, shutting it to with a Hook, without the Sultan's perceiving it. After this she went to find out Ibrahim and his Sister, who were in a place pretty remote from that where the Sultan was, and there making semblance of having something to desire the Wife of one of the Grand Signior's Principal Officers, she told her Rival, she knew not how to go about it, for that there had been some Bickering between them: that if she pleased, she could free her from that Trouble, she that was a Friend of this Officers Wife: That she entreated her to write to her, as if the thing came from her, and she offered to do her the same Service in the like Occasion. By this means she engaged her in writing: And as she had made it a long tedious Business, a Tale of a Tub, and that it was necessary she should be a long while a writing, she took that time to go to the Place whither she had promised to bring the other Sultana. She used their not disturbing her as a Pretence, and Ibrahim, who was very glad of it, being resolved to improve that Occasion to the discoursing her: Wherefore he followed her at the same time; and had no sooner overtaken her, but that taking her by the Hand, How much am I obliged to you, Madam, said he to her, for having found the means to send away the other Sultana? And how happy should I be if it was for my sake? Pardon me for my boldness, in saying such things to you. It is perhaps showing a little too much Presumption: but after all the indulgence you have had for me, it is pardonable in me, though I believe that you prefer me even before the Sultan.  
The Grand Signior, who heard all these Words as distinctly as if he had been in the very place where they were, not being able to contain his Resentment; Ah! Wretch, cried he, with an inconceivable Fury, stay one moment, and I will make thee throw off that Criminal Love that dares attack me, who am thy Master and Benefactor. At these Words he would have rushed out of the Closet; but finding resistance at the Door, his Resentment augmented in such a manner, that all that I might say of it, would fall much short of it. Ibrahim was much surprised when he heard the Sultan talk in this manner; and Zelinda making semblance of being the like, Ah! you are ruined, my Dear, she said to him, after having got at some distance from that Place, for fear the Sultan should know her Voice: Make your Escape presently, and for my part, I will see to come off as well as I can. The Necessity was too urgent to stay long in consulting what Course to take. Thus Ibrahim not knowing of any more safe Retreat than the Gardener's House, where he had already been, leapt out of the Window, without being perceived by any body. Zelinda having shut it after him, went to the Sultan, who used his utmost endeavours to break the Door open.  
He was in a terrible Fury, and without saying one word to Zelinda, he ran with his Sword in his Hand, where he expected to have found Ibrahim, and the other Sultana. He was not surprised that he found no body there, and he had made noise sufficient, as to imagine that they had made their Escape: but thinking that they could not be far off, he fell to searching, having still his Sword in his Hand, an indubitable Mark that he had no mind to stand shilly shallying. It will doubtless be wondered that the Sultana did not go to meet him, to justify herself: but you will forbear doing so, when you shall know, that her Closet was remote from the place where this Scene was acted, and that she was there sedately finishing her Letter, and without suspecting in the least the Misfortune that was grappling her. In the mean while, the Sultan, after having sought her every where in vain, directed his steps towards this Closet; and as he hurried along, she turned her Head that ways, to see what was the matter. She was much surprised to see him thus with Sword in Hand, and all transported with Anger, which was easy to be guessed by his Eyes, as well as by his Carriage. Thus without thinking of what she did, she threw herself at his Feet, saying to him, Ah! Sir, do not let your Resentment fall upon your poor Sultana. These Words confirmed him still more, that she was culpable; so that he lift up his Arm to plunge his Sword into her Bosom; but having by chance cast his Eyes upon the Letter, See here-still doubtless, said he to her, Marks of thy infidelity, perfidious as thou art; and Curiosity suspending his Resentment, he went to take that Letter, wherein he was very much amazed to see quite an other thing than he expected. This disarmed him in some manner, not being able to apprehend how the Sultana, having such reason as she had to tremble, could amuse herself, in writing such indifferent things. Thus not being able to conceal his Astonishment, Ah! this is too much, ungrateful Woman, he said to her, to join insensibility to the most mortal Offence that can befall me; and tell me how thou canst be so in Cold Blood, when that I surprise thee with Ibrahim, and dallying away the time with him in Amorous Discourses.  
The Sultana was so far from dreaming of the malicious Prank that had been played her, that without casting the Fault upon her Rival: If I have seen Ibrahim, Sir, she said to him, it is only with your Consent; and you must have taken for amorous Discourses the brotherly Kindnesses that have passed between us, but which never went beyond the bounds of Honesty. At these Words she fell into a Swoon; and her Fright having made her Malady return at that very instant, she vented in a moment so great a Quantity of Blood, that the Sultan imagined, that without being obliged to revenge himself, he should presently be revenged by this Accident. This made him direct his steps another way, to seek out Ibrahim: but he was far from finding him, since that he had made his Escape, as is before related. All these Disappointments did a little cool his Fury, infomuch, that Zelinda seeing herself revenged on her Rival, without there being any Necessity to shed all her Blood, took that time to endeavour to save Ibrahim. Sir, she said to the Sultan, I may perchance be mistaken, and the Tranquillity you found the Sultana in, is a certain sign that she never understood any fineness in all the Caresses she has made to Ibrahim. You know there are Brothers and Sisters that love one another tenderly, and discourse one another accordingly. Wherefore I am vexed that I have animated your Celsitude by false Accounts, which will be the Occasion of the Sultana's Death. If you would take my Advice, added she, you should seek to inform yourself, before that you proceeded further: And you ought to take my Advice; mine, that notwithstanding the interest I have to rid myself of a Person that shares your Heart, do sufficiently love Justice, as not to be willing you should sully your Hand with a Blood that you would perhaps unjustly shed.  
The Grand Signior, who had already judged favourably of the Sultana, being still prepossessed in favour of her by Zelinda' s Words: Yes, Madam, he said to her, I will follow your Advice, since you judge it convenient. But be she innocent or not, I cannot but, after the Generosity you have had to save her, when that one bare Word of yours would have ruined her, I give you for a Recompense the whole Empire, which your Virtue merits o'er my Heart. Yes, my lovely Zelinda, You need not fear that your Rival shall share it with you; nay I am sorry that I have given you any matter for Vexation in that point: but I will so behave myself henceforward, as that you shall never have any Occasion to be discontented.  
Such Words as these were a mighty matter of Triumph to Zelinda; and her Wile could not have a more advantageous Success. Thus, all haughty at this Event, she signified to Ibrahim, after what manner she had turned things, and how that he had nothing more to fear. As there is nothing that touches us more nearly than ourselves, Ibrahim, who at another time would have been sensibly afflicted at his Sister's Misfortune, was easily comforted. Nevertheless the Grand Signior was not so well cured of his Suspicions, but that he forbid him expressly ever more to enter into the Seraglio, which extremely displeased Zelinda, who had been so well satisfied with the Visits he paid his Sister, that if the Sultan had taken her Advice, matters should have gone otherwise. However, she was too cunning to desire him to revoke that Order. When People know themselves culpable, they are ever afraid, that the least thing should be capable of discovering them, as indeed this daily happens, when that it is the least expected. Besides Zelinda having judgement enough, as not to commit a Fault of that Nature, she studied how to find in secret interviews, the Occasions of seeing Ibrahim, and of not making her Fidelity to be suspected by the Grand Signior.  
This was absolutely impossible, at least without engaging an Eunuch, who might facilitate the entrance of the Seraglio to her Lover: Wherefore to surmount this Difficulty, she caressed one of them, called Almonack, a Person of Wit, and whom she had already done some Service, though at that time she did not expect any Returns. Now you must know, that Jealousy prevails as much among Eunuches as among others; they would all be Favourites of the Sultana's: and at the moment that any one of them is so, he has as many Enemies as he has Comrades. This befell Almonac, and one called Moro, who had at least as much Wit as he, having got a Fancy to dive into the Reasons that made him so gracious with Zelinda, was not long without discovering the whole Mystery. He one day perceived that he let Ibrahim into the Seraglio, and that he conducted him into Zelinda's Apartment. There needed nothing more for him to judge how matters went: But he was in a great Perplexity, when it came to the push, what Course he was to take upon this Discovery. For in short, he was no stranger to Zelinda's Ascendant, and her Artifices, insomuch that he was afraid, that the Grand Signior being informed of it, he might have so much Weakness as to believe her, to his Prejudice. Being possessed with this Apprehension, he resolved to go warily to work in this Concern: That is to say, not to intimate Zelinda's infidelity all at a Clap to the Sultan; but that Ibrahim had a secret Commerce in the Seraglio by Almonac's means. Moro having given this Account to the Sultan, his Celsitude fancied it to be for the love of the other Sultana, insomuch that being vexed at his having pardoned her, he went to find out Zelinda, to whom he imparted the News he had been just then acquainted withal. Zelinda gave Heaven thanks, for that he came to unbosom himself to her, seeing otherwise she had been absolutely ruined, as well as Ibrahim. Nevertheless, not judging it convenient to oppose the impression this News had made upon his Mind, she told him on the contrary, that Ibrahim merited a most extraordinary Punishment, and that if he would take her Advice, he should endeavour to nab him in the Fact, so to make him afterwards suffer the Punishment such a Fault did deserve.  
The Sultan relished this Advice, and commanded Moro to be so narrowly upon the watch, as that he might surprise him: And Moro imagined this to be no difficult Province, because that in one Week only he had seen him enter four times into the Seraglio. But Zelinda being none of those that sleep upon an Affair of such great Consequence, gave Ibrahim intimation of all that passed, insomuch that Moro lay all in vain perdue. The Grand Signior, whom he had promised, that Three Days should not be over before that he put him into his Hands, seeing Fifteen spent, asked him, if he jested with him. To which, Moro not knowing what Answer to make, he gave him but one Week more, threatening him, that if in that time he did not see the Effects of what he had promised him, he would treat him as a Calumniator. There passed a Week more without his being able to keep his Word: Whereupon the Sultan being animated against him by Zelinda, commanded the Mutes to strangle him. Moro knowing that he died unjustly, he demanded permission to sign his Last Will and Testament, to which he had Answer made him, that he might not only do it, but also that the Grand Signior had so ordered it.  
Whereupon he began to maintain, that what he said of Ibrahim was true; after which, he that served as Clerk, bid him sign it; but he made Answer, that it was not yet time, and that he had many other things to say. Thereupon he would have talked of Zelinda; but this Clerk being obliged to her for his Fortune, would not listen to his Deposition, but made Signs to the Mutes to do their duty, insomuch that he was strangled at the time he was going to conceive some Consolation, in knowing that the Sultan would revenge his innocence.  
Moro perishing in this manner, it was easy for the Clerk to serve Zelinda thoroughly; and he needed only to suppress the Deposition that concerned Ibrahim: but as he wanted much of having the same Sentiments for him, as he had for her; and that on the contrary, he was overjoyed at this occasion to revenge himself, for an injury he had received from him, he carried the Last Will to the Grand Signior; and it made upon his Mind all imaginable impression. Zelinda was not long without taking notice of it; for after he had dismissed this Man, and cast his Eyes twice or thrice over what he had left him, Ibrahim is culpable, he cried, and I must not suffer him to live any longer. At these Words he gave order, that the Mutes should be bid to go strangle him: Whereat, Zelinda being strangely surprised, and meaning to endeavour the fencing off so great a Misfortune. What is your Celsitude going to do, she said to him? And must you, upon the Tale of such a Wretch, put to Death one of the greatest Generals of your Empire, and who is the most capable of doing you service. The Eunuch, who had Order to go warn the Mutes, surceased his Departure at these Words, being very glad to oblige the Sultana, in giving the Grand Signior time to make Reflection on what he did. The Sultan appeared uncertain in this, and tenderly viewing Zelinda, You are too generous, Madam, said he to her, for a Rival; and if you did well, far from interceding for them, as you do, you would animate me to put them both to death. Far be I from that, she answered, Sir; if I aim at your Heart, it is not by sullying myself with a Crime which I should be eternally upbraiding myself withal. But alas! I perceive, that I shall never possess it, that Heart that makes all my Joy. It is much more my Rival's than mine; and if it were not so, you would not command that Ibrahim should be put to Death upon a bare Suspicion. But what do I say! rather upon the Deposition of an Enemy, since he that had promised you so many things, is dead, without being able to acquit himself of his Word; so great a Jealousy, added she, I very much suspect; and it is perhaps the Cause I concern myself so much in Ibrahim's safety, since that if you grant me this, it is an infallible Mark that you love me more than her.  
Zelinda having turned matters thus dexterously, the Grand Signior was far from diving into the Motive of her Intercessions; and that he might not give her Occasion to believe, that he entertained any Sentiments for her Rival, to her Prejudice. You confound Delicacy and Love, Madam, he said to her: if I am jealous, it is not of your Rival, but rather of my Glory, which suffers by Ibrahim's Audaciousness. If I put him to Death, it is only to learn those that might resemble him, that it is Temerity for them to address their Vows to the Sultana's. Thus if I am jealous, it is only of you; and I do not pretend, that Ibrahim's Action had the Confidence to entertain you with his Love. How should I be capable, Zelinda answered, ever to listen to any Body, to the prejudice of what I owe to my Lord! I say this, the Sultan replied, only to render others wise. It is expedient that one or other die. At these Words he reiterated the Order he had given for the strangling of Ibrahim; insomuch, that Zelinda being no longer able to parry so Unhappy a Blow, she could not retain her Tears; which she nevertheless covered with an other Pretext: If you see me weep, Sir, she said to him, it is not without Reason: The whole Ottoman Empire is going to impute Ibrahim's Death to your Jealousy: And, as I told you, this Passion never proceeding but from a violent Love, who will not believe, but that I am the least beloved; I, for whom your Celsitude has ever appeared so indifferent, as never to have any suspicion of my Fidelity. How! the Sultan retorted, would you have me jealous of you? No, Sir, Zelinda answered; And whatever I say, I will never give you occasion for it: But I could wish, that you were not so much of others, or at least, that you would not let it be so manifest. If Ibrahim is so unhappy as to rob you of your Repose, you may remedy it, without suffering the thing to retort upon me: You need only to distance him, under the Pretence of the Good of your State; after that, you need not fear his returning into the Seraglio, to see my Rival; But to put him thus to Death on her score, I tell it you once again, is clearly to show to all the World, that I am the wretched she, and that it is she only for whom you have an inclination.  
The Sultan was strangely amazed to see her take things by this Bias; and as he did not penetrate into the source of her Tears, that still trickled down more and more, he became very much mollified. Thus, to show him, that he had more consideration for her, than she said, he dispatched away an Eunuch, to hinder the Mutes from doing their Office. The Eunuch made haste, for fear of coming too late; and indeed it was necessary he did so, since that all Ibrahim had been able to obtain, was, that he might bathe, and say his Prayers, before they executed the Sentence that was passed upon him. Nevertheless, as the Sultan's Design was not to pardon him to all Intents, he asked the Sultana, whither he should send him, and Zelinda, choosing rather to deprive herself of him, than see him die, advised the Grand Signior to confer the Government of Buda on him, an Employ that required a Man of a consummated Experience in War, and which, by Consequence, he was as capable of as any body.  
Thus you see how Ibrahim came to be made Governor of so considerable a Place, and why in the first Convention that was held of the Bassa's, he was not sent for with the rest. But at length, the Good of the State prevailing over all other Considerations, he came to Court, and Sultana Zelinda having ever a great influence over the Grand Signior, made use of that Occasion to see him; Absence having not been capable to make her forget him, though it had been of some Years duration. It was not so with Ibrahim, not that he had entered into any other Engagement, but he had made use of his Reason, to cure himself of an Amour that had like to have been fatal to him, and wherein he could not persevere, at least, without being exposed to the same Dangers he had run. Thus the Returns he made to the Testimonies she gave him of her Passion, spoke but little fondness; nay, and he excused himself from accepting of an appointment she made Almonac propose to him, who on his part did not allow Zelinda his Ministry but with trembling, after what had happened. The Sultana was startled, and also picqued at this Refusal; and though he had used, as a Pretext, that if he did not accept the Offers she made him, it was rather out of fear of engaging her in some ill Business, than for his own sake; yet was she of a quite different Opinion. She entertained a Fancy, that his denying of her thus, was because he had got an other Mistress; and this thought inspiring her with a Design to ruin him, she only suspended this Resolution till such time as that she could be truly informed, how this Matter stood. To effect this, she bribed one of his Principal Servants, imagining, that if he had any Intrigue, there must be some one or other to whom he must have imparted it: But not one having been able to give her any such Account, because that effectually her Suspicions were ill grounded, she laid aside above half her Anger, beginning to believe, that it was only Fear that had hindered him from accepting of her Rendezvous.  
After she had thus justified him in her Mind, she was but a very little while before she restored him her Affection: So true it is, that in the Hearts of Lovers, the Passions that seem the most contrary, succeed one another. Far am I from saying, that they be effectually so: For after all, whatever Hatred a Lover, or a Mistress may think they have for each other, we are too blame, to call by that Name the Sentiments with which they are animated. So far it is from being Hatred, that it is an Excess of Love, insomuch, that the greatest Mischiefs that can befall them, would be, if that should happen which they desire against the Beloved Person. Sultana Zelinda did quickly give proofs of what I now say; for instead of continuing in the revenge she meditated a moment before, she signified to Ibrahim, that she loved him more than ever, insomuch, that she could live no longer, if he refused her the satisfaction of entertaining him in private.  
It would not have been well in Ibrahim to have persisted any longer in his Denials: Cruelty does ill become a Man; and after all, since it was only fear that detained him, it was in some manner shameful for him, that a Woman should have more Courage than he. I know not, whether it was for these Reasons, or others, that he changed his Mind; for in short, he saw Sultana Zelinda, and she took so much pleasure in his Converse, that she would have been very glad if the Grand Signior would have conceived a Fancy to have detained him at Court. Nevertheless, as this was a thing rather to be desired than hoped for, she fell to contriving some other expedient, for the giving herself content, and found none better than this.  
As she knew not the Secrets of State, she innocently thought that Ibrahim, and the other Bassa's, had been sent for, only with a Design of making War, and imagining, that there would be a thousand Occasions for her to see her Lover, if she could oblige the Grand Signior to go himself at the Head of his Armies: She used all manner of means to persuade him, that it concerned his Honour not to leave any other than himself to make the Conquest of Hungary. The Sultan, who to speak frankly, loves a Camp less than the Seraglio and Hunting, having not answered her upon this Point, as she desired him, she addressed herself to the Grand Vizier, who, in Quality of Prime Minister, might do much for her satisfaction. She was very loath to do it however; For this Minister had been in Love with her for some Years; but he, far from seeming to her, amiable enough to create the like Sentiments in her, he was disagreeable to her, to a Degree beyond sufferance. But being capable of doing all things for the Love of Ibrahim, she sent to tell the Grand Vizier, that she had a longing desire to speak with him, and entreated him, that it might be the same Day. Almonac was the Bearer of this good News, which afforded the Vizier so much Joy, that he made him a Present of a Diamond of great Value. You may be sure, he did not fail the Rendezvous: He threw himself at the Sultana's Feet; he asked her, what he could do for her Service, entreating her, that she would employ him. Zelinda received him with a Countenance, which she knew how to compose as Occasion served. Thus having appeared all Sweetness, contrary to her Custom, the Vizier was so inflamed, that he vowed to her, that what she demanded of him, must not be in his power, or that he would instantly grant it her. We shall see that, the Sultana made Answer; and what I desire of you, is, that in the War we are going to make in Hungary, you would induce the Grand Signior to go thither in Person.  
The Grand Vizier was surprised at this Request, and seeing that the Sultana had suffered herself to be abused by the Rumours that ran about of an approaching Rupture between the Two Empires, he thought it convenient to undeceive her, that so she might convert her Demand into an other, wherein there might be means of doing her Service. Whereupon he informed her, how the Reports that run about of the War, were only to oblige the Emperor still to augment the Offers he had made to the Grand Signior: That there were not the least thoughts of proceeding to a Rupture with him, and how far from that the State stood in need of Peace. Though such an Answer ought to have stopped the Sultana's Mouth, she did not rest satisfied therewithal: She told the Vizier, That it was very true, that she had thought, as well as others, that the War was just breaking out; but that by being mistaken, she did not see why he refused her her Request: That Peace and War being equally in his Hands, he might choose either: That if he did it not, it was for that he had no Design to oblige her: That she was very glad she knew it, that so she might accordingly regulate her Sense upon his Conduct.  
These Reproaches were sensible to the Grand Vizier, proportionably to the Love he had for her; and as it proceeded even to Excess, I shall not undertake to express his Grief: Nevertheless, being very willing to mollify her Spirit: Ah! Madam, he said to her, would you, that for my own sake, I should plunge the Empire into the Disorder that is an inevitable Consequence of War. Should not I remain responsable towards the Sultan, and towards his People? And for having confided his Authority in me, must I be the Author of so many Mischiefs? Tell me, he added, what can oblige you to make such a Request, and perhaps I may find some other Expedient for your satisfaction.  
The Sultana was not so mad as to do it. And indeed, if there are Women that impart to their Lovers what passes secretly in their Hearts, it is only to their Favourites; but to believe they do so to others, is what never happened, and never will. Thus the Sultana guiding herself by these Rules, far from owning things to him as they were, used, as a Pretext, That the Grand Signior shared his Favour between her and her Rival, she fancied she could not better remove her from his Heart, than by removing her from his Presence. That as she did not enjoy her perfect Health, the Grand Signior would never expose her to Fatigues, such as were those of War: That this was the Service she expected from him: if not, that he might expect she would never look upon him with a good Eye.  
The Grand Vizier believed sincerely what she said: Wherefore, imagining, that provided he proposed some Expedient that could produce the same Effect, she should like one as well as an other: It is not necessary, Madam, he said to her, that we proceed to that Extremity, for the giving of you satisfaction; and though in the sentiments I have for you, it is very grievous to me to understand, that all your Vows aim only at possessing the Grand Signior; Yet will I serve you in it, to show you, that your Content will ever be dearer to me than my own: Suffer us only to finish, he added, the Treaty that is now negotiating with the Emperor; and after, I promise you to engage the Sultan to undertake such a Progress as shall be the same thing for you, as if he had been engaged in War.  
This Expedient was such as would have non-plused a Person that had less Address than the Sultana: But besides her being naturally crafty, and that besides, Love whetted her Wit: What you say, said she to him, would be something, if I did not see an inconvenience in it. If you thus cause the Emperor to take a Progress, this will be so far from quieting my Mind, that it is on the contrary a Courting in me of new Disgraces. For one Rival that I shall rid myself of, there will thence arise an hundred others. How many People are there that have not the least thoughts, by reason of the length of the way, of presenting a Beauty to the Sultan, who seeing him upon the spot, will be proud of the Occasion of bringing him all that they shall find handsome. I shall be every where afraid of meeting with one or other, to supplant me, and only in War can I find my safety.  
These were the Reasons the Sultana urged, to destroy the Expedient the Grand Vizier had started: And as they had some Face, he bent his Thoughts to effect her purpose by some other means. In the mean while, as it was not his Opinion to make War with the Emperor, he proposed that of the Persian, wherein he made appear much more facility; but which the Sultana thwarted with Reasons I shall suppress. In fine, the Grand Vizier in no wise prevailing to get her approve of it: Well, Madam, he said to her,' 'tis done, since you will have it so, and we will have War with the Emperor. But at least remember, that it is only to oblige you; and that if this makes me lose the Sultan' s Favour, you are bound to treat me a little more favourably than hitherto you have done. The Sultana being overjoyed at her having obtained what she desired, gave him some good Words, which rendered him so fervent to oblige her, that he sent for Ibrahim that very day, by whom he expected to be better informed than by any other, by reason he was acquainted with the Country, and knew the means how to carry on the War successfully in Hungary.  
Ibrahim repairing to the House of this Prime Minister, came at a time when he was busy: Wherefore there being no means of seeing him in half an Hours time, the Grand Vizier sent Directions to his Wife, to introduce him into her Lodgings, and to entertain him till such time as he had dispatched an Affair he had then in hand. This was a signal Favour for Ibrahim, and which the Grand Vizier seldom did to any Body: But the necessity he had of him, was the Occasion of so great a Distinction. Be it as it will, Ibrahim no sooner saw this Lady, but that he remained, as it were, charmed with her Beauty. The Lady, on her side, found him perfectly handsome; and if they had dared to interchange their thoughts upon this Case, they would have mightily gratified their Inclinations, since there is nothing that more abridges the pains of Lovers, than the knowledge they give one another of a Reciprocal Love. But in short, both of them were cautious of so freely declaring their Sentiments, Ibrahim was detained by the Respect that People commonly have for the Person beloved, and the Grand Vizier's Wife, by the Decorum of her Sex. I do not say, by the Obligations of her Duty, since it is certain they seldom stick to fail in that, from the time they amuse themselves thus in ogling so tenderly any other than their Husbands.  
Thus this Interview only terminated in a great deal of Civility on both sides: But though the Grand Vizier remained full an Hour without coming, the Conversation did not languish, as commonly happens when there is nothing that animates it. They said a Thousand pretty things to one another: and they had still abundance more to interchange, if he had not come so soon. In the mean while, the Grand Vizier being to discourse him in private, took him along into his Garden, where he immediately fell to the matter, ask him, what he thought of the Emperor's Forces. Ibrahim told him what he knew of them; and as he required nothing more than Occasions to signalise himself, he made the Conquest of Hungary so easy to him, that the Grand Vizier was the more excited to keep his Word with Zelinda. Wherefore this Minister having been very much satisfied with him in this first Interview, demanded a second of him, and after that, several others, which Ibrahim took care to lengthen as much as he could, because that in those Occasions, he took his measures so well, that he saw his Wife several times, with whom he fell so in Love, that he absolutely forgot Sultana Zelinda.  
What made him proceed so far in so short a time, is, that he found in her all the Acknowledgement he could desire. Nevertheless, Sultana Zelinda was sufficiently jealous, as to take notice of it; but by good luck for him, as she knew that he had Business in that House, she was far from believing that he went thither on any other account. After all these Conferences, the Grand Vizier spoke to the Sultan of making War upon the Emperor▪ at which his Gelsitude seemed amazed, having heard him say several times, that it was not for the Good of his Empire to break with him. He asked him the Reason of so sudden a Change: And as the Vizier was prepared for this Question, and that besides, the Sultan was none of those penetrating Wits, that can defend themselves against the Artifices of a Crafty Minister, he made him believe all he was minded. The War being thus resolved on in the Council, was proclaimed forthwith throughout the whole Ottoman Empire, with this Circumstance, That the Grand Signior would go himself in Person.  
Sultana Zelinda, after having expressed her Acknowledgement to the Vizier, thought that there was nothing more wanting to her Happiness, than to intimate to Ibrahim, that she was the Cause of it, and why she had done it. Ibrahim thought himself bound to thank her for it; but he did it with so little Fondness, that the Sultana was not satisfied. Still less satisfied was she with several Reasons he urged to divert her from this Voyage: He told her, among other things, that if she suffered the Grand Signior to make War, he would cease perhaps making of Love. That though these Two Passions be not incompatible, it nevertheless often happens, that the one is neglected for the other: That her Interest was to keep him with her, and not to suffer his Flames to evaporate by Occupations that were of sufficient Consequence to make him lay all other Thoughts aside.  
The Sultana vouchsafed to hear him out; but he having done speaking, she was so scandalised at his Discourse, that she was seized with a furious anger: It ill becomes thee, ungrateful wretch, she said to him, to give me Lessons how to keep the Sultan's Heart: And when I only aspire to thine, should it not be thy Province to make me forget him, instead of speaking to me in his behalf. Ibrahim saw plainly he was in the wrong; and meaning to repair it, he endeavoured to excuse himself upon the Care he had of her Fortune. But the Sultana made him Answer, That as he only faggotted sorry Reasons upon each other, he must needs do a great many things to make her forget such an Offence. This was frankly telling him to be more tender for the future: But as this did not depend on him, and that besides, the Love he had for the Grand Vizier's Wife, was an Obstacle to the return of his Affection, he so little satisfied her, that she was still more angry than before. However, it had been a Thousand times worse, had she known the Cause of her Misfortune; but by good luck for her, she was a stranger to it; and as wretched as she thought she might reckon herself, she had, at least, the comfort of flattering herself, that she had not any Rival.  
In the mean while, the Grand Signior made all the necessary Preparations for his Journey; and Ibrahim judging that he should be persecuted, if Sultana Zelinda went along, used his utmost endeavours to have it put off, or at least, that she might not be of the Number. But the Sultan having formally declared his Mind, That he meant she should accompany him every where, he had no other means left than to set the Grand Vizier to work. Wherefore he told him, that if he was minded to Husband his own Glory, it was not expedient he should let the Grand Signior march to this Expedition: That though he was without experience, and by Consequence obliged to rely in all things upon him, Fame would nevertheless adjudge the Praise of all his Conquests to the Sultan: That since He it was, that must undergo the whole trouble, it was but Justice that he should have all the Glory: Wherefore he thought himself obliged, as a real Friend, to give him this Advice.  
The Grand Vizier having weighed this Discourse, found it to be of very good sense, and seeking the Occasion of speaking to the Grand Signior, he urged to him Four Difficulties as to his Journey, insomuch, that this Prince, who was more a Lover of Repose than of Trouble, promised him to make reflection upon the matter. Thus People began from that very day to forbear talking of the Journey, as of a thing very certain: And this being told again to Zelinda, she asked the Grand Vizier the meaning of it. He had only sorry Excuses to give her, which made her still the more angry. Nevertheless, not satisfied with telling him, that she took it very ill that he changed things in this manner, after having concluded them with her, she declared to him so positively, that she expected they should be executed according to their Project, that the Grand Vizier durst not thwart her. In this manner the Grand Signior's Journey being upon the point of being broken off, was set on foot again, so as left no room for doubt.  
When Ibrahim first heard this News, he thought every body mistaken, and that he alone was informed. That he might be the better assured, he enquired of the Grand Vizier about the matter; and he being willing to let him see that it was none of his fault, owned ingenuously to him, how the Case stood, and at the same time, that he was forced to it by the Sultana. Ibrahim did all he could to represent to him, that in his Post he needed only to slight all such Menaces: but he knowing the Influence she had over the Grand Signior, not judging it convenient to incur her Displeasure, he made Ibrahim Answer, That he loved rather a little less Glory, and to be what more assured of living the longer.  
After this Answer, Ibrahim judged that it would be a difficult matter for him to prevail with him to take an other Resolution, so much the more as that his Passion solicited him himself, not to absent himself from the Sultana; and as that he had taken, was very contrary to the Love he began to be sensible of for his Wife, he invented all manner of means to absent himself from the Eyes of a jealous Woman, whose detection he judged it would be impossible for him to escape, if the Grand Signior went the Journey. Being possessed with these Sentiments, he whirled his Head with a Thousand such things as I may well call Chimeras, since that he himself gave them this Name, when that after having trolled them in his Mind, he had found their Extravagancy. Nevertheless, after long musing, he pawsed upon one that he thought certain, but which being extraordinarily dangerous for him, did well merit he should take it into his serious Consideration. This was to intimate to the Grand Vizier, that the Sultana was only desirous of this Journey, that she might have the Opportunities of seeing him, and that what she had said to him, was only a thing invented to conceal her Concerns.  
The step was very slippery, as I have said, and he was not so unprovided of understanding, but that he plainly saw, that he staked his Life. But as Inamorato's are half mad, whatever Reflections they may make, he caused this Intimation to be given under Hand to the Grand Vizier; but to lessen the Vexation he might entertain upon this account, he signified to him at the same time, that far from making returns to her Passion, there was nothing that was more insupportable to him. That he might not doubt of this Truth, several Circumstances were related to him, which he himself might remember. However nothing persuaded him more than that invincible desire the Sultana had to cause the Grand Signior to undertake this Voyage, and Ibrahim's Request to hinder him from so doing.  
Without this Circumstance he would a thousand times have died of grief, to see, that before him she preferred a Rival, whom he esteemed so much below him. But being in some manner comforted, by making reflection, that the Sultana was made to endure the same Treatment he endured, he went to the Grand Signior, whom he told, That he had maturely weighed the Reasons that were Pro and Con his Journey, and that all well considered, he ought to think of it no more, at least, without exposing himself to Perils, to which, whatever Precaution he might use, there was no Remedy. There needed no more to make him break it a second time: But the Grand Vizier not content with what he had newly done, he sent Ibrahim away Post, without giving him one moment's delay, under colour, that in the then Conjuncture, the Frontier stood in need of such a Man as he.  
This was to his great Regret, that he saw himself obliged to go thus away Post, and he could have wished he might have bid Adieu to the Grand Vizier's Wife, with whom he had been so happy as to come to a right understanding. Nevertheless, his Vexation was much less than that of the Sultana, when that she knew he was gone. She knew not whether she ought to impute the Fault to him, or to the Grand Vizier, whom she had heard, had only given him a Quarter of an Hours time to take his leave; of which, being very willing to be informed, she sent to require a private Conversation, with him, which he was far from refusing her, out of the desire he had to reproach her. Coming both with such Sentiments, it was impossible their Interview should pass without some noise; and indeed the Sultana having farther learned, that the Vizier had dissuaded the Grand Signior from going into Hungary, which she knew not before, She was no sooner in his Presence, but that without making him any Compliment, she asked him why, after having promised her, that the Journey should be undertaken, he had broken it, to the prejudice of his Word. The Reason is, Madam, the Grand Vizier said, without being startled, that I knew not you was in Love with Ibrahim, and as I have a Care of my Master's Honour, I am very glad that a pitiful Slave should not share what is destined for him. The Sultana was very much surprised at these Words.; but not thinking fit to agree to what he said; I excuse this want of Respect, she answered, because I know very well, that it proceeds from your Jealousy; but know you, that you must not relapse; otherwise I shall not ever be of an humour to take things so mildly. Thus it is to your Love, she added, that you are now indebted, that I do not punish you, as you deserve; and it is further in its Favour, that I consent that there be not any Journey, to let you see whether I love Ibrahim or no.  
It was an extraordinary thing to hear the Sultana talk in this manner, who naturally was violent, and who besides, according to all appearances, ought not to have taken the Vizier's Compliment so mildly. But you must know, that she had the knack of dissembling when she pleased, and that when her Heart was seized with a strong Anger, that was the time when she affected the greatest Mildness. And indeed, far from doing what she said for the Love of him, her whole Contrivance was, how to know who had revealed her Secret to him, that she might afterwards accordingly make her Resentment fall upon them both. The Grand Vizier not knowing her to be so great a Mistress of Dissimulation, having taken in good part so sudden a Resignation, instead of persisting in jealous Motions, fell into an Excess of Tenderness. He asked her Pardon for having unjustly suspected her; and the Sultana seeing him at the Point she desired, pressed him to tell her the Author of such an Alarm. The Grand Vizier imparted all things to her, and having not omitted to tell her, that Ibrahim had himself entreated him to break off the Sultan's Journey, she changed Colour, and called him a Thousand times Ungrateful and Perfidious in the bottom of her Soul. But this plunged her into a greater Despondency; the Vizier assuring her, that either he was mistaken, or that the Intimation came from the same Hand.  
They parted pretty good Friends in appearance, which must needs cast a diffidence in the Mind of a suspicious Man. But as much as Lovers are suspicious in Points of their Misfortunes, they are on the other hand as full of Confidence in Point of their good Fortune.  
Thus the Grand Vizier having fallen into the Trap, went to the Army the most satisfied Man living, and was no sooner come thither, but that the Sultana, who was very glad that he appeared in these Sentiments, for fear that out of Jealousy he should reveal her Concerns to the Grand Signior, had it buzzed in his Ears, that what had been said: to him of Ibrahim, was not only true, but also, that he loved her beyond expression. He had much a do to believe this News; but they promised him to give him such convincing Proofs of it, that he should no longer doubt of it. He had nothing to say after this, till such time as that it was made clear out to him, as was promised, he fastened upon the Siege of Vienna, after having laid waste the open Country by Robbery, Slaughter, and Conflagration.  
If this Famous Siege related to my Subject, I should have fine things to insert in this place; but as it is not seasonable, I shall only say, that the Vizier was so jealous of Ibrahim, that he did all he could to have him cut off. It was a Miracle how he escaped, at which the Vizier being strangely amazed himself, he contrived to ruin him after an other manner, charging him with the length of the Siege. The Sultan setting a Value upon Ibrahim, wondered to see that the Vizier complained of him; and having communicated his Letters to one of his Principal Officers; This Person being a Friend of Ibrahim's, told him, that he needed not to wonder, and that the Vizier had Cause to hate him. The Sultan asked him, why? Because, Sir, he said to him, that Ibrahim loves his Wife. At these words he took out of his Pocket a Letter that was written from the Camp, in which several Circumstances of this Amour were signified to him. The Sultan, who delighted in diverting himself at an other's expense, retained this Letter, and half an Hour after imparted it to the Sultana, who had taken a strange course to revenge herself on Ibrahim. She had caused a Letter to be put into the Vizier's Hands, which Ibrahim had written to her formerly, and which, being without a Date, might pass for New. But seeing this, which might produce the same effect, she was very sorry she had sent the other, yet kept it, however, that she might make farther use of it against Ibrahim. The Sultan left it with her, without so much as thinking whether she kept it, or not; but as soon as he was gone, she sent it to the Vizier, by an express Courier, with order to tell him by Word of Mouth, That now it was his part to revenge himself on a man that made Love to his Wife, and to his Mistress: and this done, she imagined he would not suffer him to live long.  
This was all the Compliment she made to him: for she was so incensed, to see that Ibrahim loved an other, that she only breathed Revenge. And certainly, this is not to be wondered at, since that some few days before, she was also prompted by the same Sentiments, though she as then thought him but iudifferent. The Grand Vizier, at the Reception of this Letter, had much ado to believe what he saw. He had newly learned by the other, that Ibrahim loved the Sultana: And by this: he saw plainly, that it was his Wife of whom some Circumstances were related, touching some Beauties she had under her Linen; which made known to him, that those that talked in that manner, must needs have seen them. I leave you to think, what Two Injuries of this Nature were capable of producing in his Mind: To which, we shall add a Third Affront, which was as sensible to him as the other: This was to see, that after his Wife had had the Weakness to grant him some Favours, he had been capable of divulging them, which he perceived by the Character of the Letter he had newly received. So it is, that being seized at the same time with Shame, Rage and Jealousy, he sent to seek out Ibrahim, and enquired of him about a Mine, with which he had encharged him. Ibrahim made him an Answer suitable to his knowledge of the matter: Where upon the Vizier taking occasion to fall into a Rage: There's no need of ask, he said to him, why the Siege is thus span into a length; no body does his duty; and Ibrahim, whom I thought the bravest of our Officers, is the most a Coward. Ibrahim is no Coward, this Bassa made Answer; And he dares say, that if every one had performed his duty, as he has done, the Town would long since have been taken. These are only Words, the Vizier replied, and Words very remote from Effects. But if you are so brave, go now instantly and attack such a Bastion, and either be killed upon the spot, or return victorious, when the Mine has been once sprung. I consent to it, was Ibrahim's Answer: And if you would yourself see how I go to work, I would advise you to follow me.  
The Vizier seeking a Quarrel, was upon the Ferment at these Words: You are a rash, arrogant fellow; said he to him, to go to tell me what I have to do: March where I command you, without further Reply: if not, I shall make you sensible what it is to disobey me. I do not disobey you, Ibrahim replied: but once again, it is not yet time to attack the Bastion: And if you do it, it is the way to ruin your Army. I'll march thither, however, since that you will have it so; but I will have every one to know, that I do it not without Regret. I do not doubt that, the Vizier repartyed: And it is long since, that I know, that the greatest vexation that can be done to such a Man as thee, is to send him to such an occasion. I trouble myself little for this Reproach, Ibrahim made Answer: My Comfort is, there's none but thou of that Opinion: but thou must needs bear me a Grudge upon other Accounts; And the whole Army is my Witness, that I spare myself no more than an other, when it concerns the Sultan's Service. At these words, out he went, and so to his Expedition, which was as unhappy as it was ill digested. He caused Three Thousand Men to be killed in this Action: and the Vizier seeing that the whole Army was ready to revolt against him, accusing him of causing all these Men to perish without any necessity, sent him an Order to retreat.  
In the mean while, though the Siege thus spun into a length, as the Christians dreaded, that at the long run the Place would fall into the Hands of the Infidels, several hastened to its Relief, and, among others, the King of Poland. All these Troops being come within Two Leagues of the Ottoman Camp, the Grand Vizier was at a very great perplexity, having an Ill Will born him equally by the Officers and Soldiers. This did not hinder him however, from contriving to rid himself of Ibrahim; and having sent for a Man in whom he confided, he commanded him, that when the Bassa was engaged in the Battle, he should give him a Bullet in his Back. This Order being given, he detached Ibrahim to go view the Christians, who were advancing upon the Mountain of Calemberg. The Assassinate followed him; but before he had time to do his Business, there came a shot that killed him himself, and which preserved Ibrahim from danger.  
It is not my Province to give the Particulars of that great Day, a Day so glorious to the King of Poland. It is sufficient, I say that after Ibrahim saw that all was in disorder on his side, he marched towards the Grand Vizier's Wife's Tent, which was already surrounded with Christians; insomuch, that she ran a risk of falling into their Hands.  
He opened his Passage to it with his Sable: and having thus freed her from danger, he conducted her into the Body of his Army, which fled before the King of Poland. The Grand Vizier, who thought her a Prisoner, and who, as is thought, would have been glad something worse had befallen her, which is justified by the little Care he had taken of saving her timely, was in a Rage to see that she was indebted to Ibrahim for her Safety. Nevertheless, as he had too much Business upon his Hands, to think then on that, his whole Thoughts were how to get off with his Forces and himself. But when this was done, he openly complained, that Ibrahim had abandoned the Posts he had confided to him, under Colour of giving Succours to Ladies, but in effect, to cloak his Cowardice. He further complained of some other Officers, that so he might not be thought to point at Ibrahim, out of any particular Resentment. Having prepared People's Minds by these Complaints, he sent for them to his Tent; and after having upbraided them with their Cowardice, he caused them to be strangled in the Presence of the Principal Commanders of the Army; Ibrahim only did he reserve for the last, and having made him go into a By-Apartment, he showed him the Two Letters before mentioned; after which he had the same Fate as the others had had.  
His Execution surprised all the Officers that knew that the Pretext that had been used to put him to Death, was altogether unjust, since that he was not only brave of his Person, but that he had moreover, more Experience in point of War than the Grand Vizier himself. And indeed, this Minister imagining, that after so hardy a stroke, and done by his single Authority, he had many measures to take, he sent a Courier to the Grand Signior, to acquaint him with the Motives that had obliged him thereunto. This News being spread in the Seraglio, the Two Sultana's were forthwith animated with different Sentiments. Ibrahim's Sister being extremely afflicted, went to cast herself at the Grand Signior's Feet, and demand Justice of him against the Vizier: And as for Zelinda, she did not think it became her to concern herself in this Affair, that freed her from a Lover blackened with Infidelity. These were her first Motions: but having quickly made room to others, more tender, she looked upon herself as the Cause of Ibrahim's Death, which cast her into an Affliction much greater than that of the other Sultana.  
Being thus possessed anew with Sentiments of Tenderness, it is easy to apprehend, that far from taking the Vizier's part, who besought her however, by a Letter, that she would grant him her Protection with the Grand Signior, she did him all sort of ill Offices, but underhand. Yet did she not think it expedient to use Ibrahim's Death as a Pretext, for fear he might accuse her of revenging him, as a Party concerned, which he might have justified by the Letter he had in his Hands: but having had the Cunning to get it again, she no longer kept any measures, and accused him of being the Cause of all the ill successes of the Army. Now as these ill successes had cast the Ottoman Empire into a great Consternation, the Grand Signior did no longer look upon the Grand Vizier with so good an Eye: and then Zelinda coming also to the Charge, it was no difficult matter for her to obtain of him, that he should be put to Death. The Order for that purpose was dispatched out of hand; and for fear the Grand Signior should revoke it, Zelinda sent it to the Mutes by one of her Servants, with an Injunction to be himself present at the Execution.  
Such an Order did extremely surprise the Grand Vizier, who expected quite an other Treatment from the Grand Signior, whom he had done great Services in several Occasions: but seeing that it was brought by a Confident of Zelinda's, he plainly perceived, that he was going to die, rather as a Victim of Love, than as a Victim of State, which was performed at that very instant; and Zelinda had the Cruelty to go see him struck dead, as he was, as if she had been afraid they had not executed the Grand Signior's Orders.  
THE END.