IAMATAMAMAMARINDAKAN
ARTES
LIBRARY
1817
VERITAS
SCIENTIA
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PL
IRIBUS UNUS
TUEBOR
CUMSPICE
དགོན་པ་གས་གཅོགས་ཅ་ད་ད་ས་གཅིག་ག་ག་ག་ད་དང་
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
THE
VOYAGES
AND
ADVENTURES
OF
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE,
In feveral PARTS of the WORLD.
Intermixed with the
STORY of Mrs VILLARS,
an Engiſh Lady, with whom he made his
furpriſing Eſcape from Barbary,
L'kewife including!
The HISTORY of an Italian CAPTIVE and the
LIFE of Don Pedro Aquilio, etc.
Full of various and amazing Turns of Fortune,
man has a right to adm›
ough praiſe is the juft du
nd all the world
EDINBURGH:
Frinted by ALEX. M CASLAN, and fold at his Shop,
oppoſite to the Chapel of Eafe, Crois-Cauley.
MDCCLXXIII.
To the Right Honourable
Sir WILLIAM YONGE,
One of the LORDS of the Treasury,
and KNIGHT of the moſt Honourable
ORDER of the BATH.
SIR,
ΤΗ
I
HE great and Noble of all ages,
have, and ever will be mark'd
out by Writers of every degree to pa-
tronize their labours: And as public
fame (though ſparing of her favours)
has diftinguiſhed you in an age of
Politeness, Wit, and Learning, among
other eminent virtues that exalt the
mind, and dignify human nature;
am fufficiently juftified to the world
in the choice of my patron; But muft
depend on your known candour, for
thus prefuming, without your leave.
Yet I have this for my excufe, exalted
merit is free to the confideration of
all men, and where excellencies fhine,
every man has a right to admire.
Though praiſe is the juft due of me-
rit, and all the world would join with
me while I grew warm in yours, yet
as I know your nature more inclined
to deſerve than receive it, I fhall eaſe
you of that pain, and in filence won-
der, where words muft fail.
iv DEDICATION.
The people of Mexico, every year,
offer'd fomething to their Emperor in
token of Vaffalage; and frequently,
among things worthy the notice of a
King, he receiv'd even facks of com-
mon earth, from thofe perfons who
could not afford a nobler offering: But
they, like me, did what was in their
power, with an expreffion in their
language, which fignified, I would it
were more worthy of your accept-
ance I am affur'd from your good-
nefs to find pardon for this freedom,
though I add to my prefumption, by
fubfcribing myſelf,
Your most obedient,
Humble Servant,
THE
ADVENTURES
OF
Captain ROBERT BOYLE, &c.
I
WAS born at a fea-port called Boſton in Lincoln-
fhire. My father was captain and owner of a mer-
chant,ſhip that traded to the Weſt-Indies, but was
caft away homeward bound upon the rocks of Scilly,
and but one man faved of his whole crew. My mother
and I were at an aunt's in London when the unhappy
news of my father's death arrived.
I was too young to feel my lofs; but my mother's
grief foon broke her heart, and left me a poor helpless
orphan not ten years of age. It's true, I had a tender
aunt that was in pretty good circumftances,, who took
care of my education. Ifoon learnt to read, and write
a good hand; I underſtood a little Latin, and was per-
fect maſter of the French tongue, which I had been
learning from my infancy; my mother being born at.
Paris, where my father married her very young, and
brought her to refide at Boſton.
By that time I had reached fourteen years of age, my
aunt told me it was time for me to think of fome trade,
defiring me to chooſe what I liked beft, and he would
provide for me accordingly. Said fhe, if I might advife
you, I would have you ſtudy the Law, under the tuiti-
on of your uncle, but I told her I did not much care
for any calling that must owe its profperity to the mis-
fortune of others: And at laft I chofe that of a watch-
maker, as imagining myſelf to have a good mechanical
head. Accordingly I went upon liking (as they call it)
and my maſter and I agreeing very well, I was bound
with the uſual forms, and found civil ufage from him,
in reſpect of my birth and the misfortunes of our family.
My aunt paid forty guineas (which was reckoned, at
THE ADVENTURES OF
that time, a great price; but he was one of the top of
his bufinefs) and befides to find me in clothes and other
neceffaries, during my feven years apprenticeſhip.
C
The firſt half-year we agreed very well; but within
that time my maſter had married a wife of a pretty good
fortune, and a large fhare of ill-nature. In a month's
time ſhe began to tyrannize over my mafter as well as
me, and foon proved, as the faying is, "The gray mare
to be the better horfe." She brought it to that pafs at laft,
that I was obliged to go on all her half-penny errands,
and carry her book to church of a Sunday after her. I
bore this tolerably well, but not without complaining to
my aunt, who adviſed me to make myſelf as eaſy as I
sould, for the feared fpeaking would do no good.
I went on this way for a whole year, and then to
complete my misfortunes, my poor aunt died of a drop-
fy. This indeed was the greateſt fhock of all my life;
for while fhe lived I felt no want of father or mother.
She left me 800 7. and my uncle-to be my guardian. I
Chall forbear mentioning his name, not out of regard to
him, but of his children, who have proved a ſweet graft-
ing from a four flock, and as good as he was baſe.
My fhrew of a miſtreſs continued her ill-nature to
me, and one accident made her prove outrageous.
My maſter had a vaft trade, and vented a great many
watches beyond ſea. One day he had a large parcel of
them to go on board a fhip bound for Liſbon; the veffel
lay at Deptford, and my maſter was pleaſed to take me
along with him in the boat.
Before we were got to Limehouſe, my mafter called
to mind that he had forgot a filver watch that he had
purpoſely made for the captain of the fhip. He landed me
at Ratcliff-Crofs, and defired I would be expeditious in
going (for the tide running downwards I could get to
the Exchange (ooner on foot than by water againſt the
ftream) then to take boat at Billingsgate, and follow
him to the fhip.
I ran almoſt all the way, and I believe got to the Ex-
change in half an hour. When I came home, I found
no body in the fhop but my fellow-prentice, who in-
formed me my miſtreſs was above. I went immediately
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYL E.
up ftairs for the watch (for my mafter told me he had
left it in his own room, being he had wore it feveral days
to prove the going of it) but found the door ſhut. Stand-
ing a moment to confider, I heard a man's voice ſpeaking
to my miſtreſs, in a low key, and I foon underſtood by
their dialogue that love was the fubject they talked of.
I liſtened fome time, till I found they had left off dif-
eourfing, and were entred upon action.
Now at the head of the ftairs the maid had left a ſtep-
ladder, that ſhe had uſed in the morning, in nailing up
fome vallens to the windows in the dining room, and there
being a glaſs over the chamber door, I had a great mind
to ſee who it was that was doing my maſter's buſineſs in
his abfence. Thereupon I fixt the ladder very foftly a-
gainſt the wainſcot by the door, and up I got: but lean-
ing towards the window in order to fee unto the room,
my weight made the ladder flip, and the top fliding a-
gainſt the door burſt it open, and in fell I into the room,
ladder and all, with no little noife.
The loving couple were mightily furprized you may
be fure, and were in ſuch a fright that they had forgot
what they were a doing. But I faw enough to convince
me that my maſter was in a fair way to get to heaven
purely upon my miftrefs's account.
After our furprize was over, and every thing put in
order again between the gentleman and madam, I ven-
tured to tell her my errand. She gave me the watch
with a hearty good box on the ear, and told me the
wondered how I had the affurance to come up without
knocking; but, added the, I believe you rather came
upon fome knaviſh deſign, and had intended to rob your
mafter, if I had not been in the room with my phyfician,
that came in purpoſe to fee how I did.
It was plain enough what phyfic fhe was taking, yet
I made my excufe to her that I went to remove the lad-
der, and it fell out of my hand againſt the door and burſt
it open; but I told her I was forry I had diſturbed her,
made my honours and walked off, taking no notice that
I had feen any thing. I took water at Billingsgate, and
followed
my mafter.
In the boat I began to ruminate with myfelf, whither
A 2
THE ADVENTURES OF
1 had beft keep, this accident a fecret, or diſcloſe it to my
maſter. At laſt, with many pro's and con's with myfelf,
I refolved to acquaint him with it; partly to be reveng-;
ed on my miſtreſs for the blow fhe ftruck me, and on the
other fide not to let my honeſt maſter be kept in ignor-,
ance of her ufage of him.
When I came on board, the captain commanded me.
(with my mafter's leave) to fit down at table with them.
We dined heartily, the wine and punch went merrily
round, and my mafter, the captain, with two more that
were paffengers, began to be in high mirth; when word
was brought that the captain's lady (as the meffenger
called her) would be on board in an hour to take her
leave of him. My mafter upon this meffage began to be
merry with the captain; I wonder, faid he, that you
feafaring men will venture upon wives. Why fo? re-
plied the captain. Why fo returned my mafter,.
becauſe in my opinion it fhould put you in mind of
Cuckolds Point as you went by water: your abfence
gives them fuch a conveniency, that I believe few let flip
the opportunity. Why, anfwered the captain, mayn't
your wife, even now, be doing you the favour; has fhe
not time enough, d'ye imagine? The thing's foon done;
and if they have an inclination, watching and reftraint will
do no good: many an Alderman has been cornuted while.
upon Change; and I knew a Parfon's wife that feldom
went to church, but took time by the forelock, and while.
the husband (good man) was taking care of his flock, the.
good woman at home was at her occupation with her gal-
lant, a rich young farmer. But the Parfon one afternoon.
being taken fuddenly ill with a giddinefs in his head,
was conveyed home before he had begun his work, and.
there foon found the occafion of his pain; for he had
been breeding horns, as children breed teeth, a little-
unkindly. But however the Parfon having witneffes
enough of his promotion in the herd of cuckolds, went.
to law with the farmer, and recovered 500 . damages;
and yet he has been heard often to fay, that his wife's:
tenement was never the worſe.
This ftory occafioned fome others much to the fame
purpoſe: at laft my mafter and I, (the tide being turned)
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
IT
took our leaves of the company, and wifhed them a good
voyage. Coming by Cuckolds-point, my mafter cryed Ro-
bin, why don't you pull off your hat to the gentlmen in
the window yonder? I pulled off my hat very orderly,
but faw no body; at which my maſter fell into a great
fit of laughter, and cryed I had been very courteous to
the horns. I then, underſtanding his meaning, told
him, that it was only for married men to fhew their
complaifance that way: and being a little quiped at the
affront I thought put upon me, faid I believed moſt mar-
ryed men were, or would be in the lift of cuckolds. Why,
how now, firrah! replyed my mafter, d'ye think I am,
or fhall be a cuckold? Why truly, faid I, Sir, I have but
little reaſon to believe my miftrefs a faint more than any
other woman; and to inform you farther of what I have
feen to-day, I beg you would be pleafed to go to fome
publick houſe, that we may not be obferved by the water-
men. My maſter's colour began to change upon this;
and being very impatient to be informed of what I knew,
ordered the waterman to land at Ratcliff-crofs and wait
a while.
We went to the Ship-Tavern and had a private room,
where I declar'd to him the whole truth, After many
queftions and anſwers between us, I foon found he be
lived all that I told him, for he turned as pale as afhes,
and the tears ftood in his eyes. I then was ſorry I had
diſclos'd it to him, remen bring the inimitable Shakeſpear,
He that is robb'd, not wanting what is ftole,
Let him not know't, and he's not robb'd at all.
After ſome time being filent, my mafter broke into ma-
ay extravagant words, and threatning actions; and at
laft I ventured to tell him, I thought him in the wrong
to grieve at what could not be called back, and I won-
dered the world ſhould unjuſtly caft upon the man the
ignominy which was properly due to the woman for
her licentioufnels.
{
After fome time he began to be more calm, and made
me this compliment; Robin, ſaid he, I have obſerved in
thée a more than common underſtanding: Pry'thee tell
A 3
THE ADVENTURES OF
me in what manner I fhall behave myſelf in this affair:
I thank you, Sir, faid I, for your good opinion of me,
and, were it my own cafe, I would not take any notice
of till I found her in the fact, or ſuch circumſtances that
even ſhe herſelf could not deny; and for theſe two rea-
fons, Firſt, whenever it comes to an open rupture, you'll
have but an uneafy living; and Secondly, That ſhe may
take it into her head to deny it, and then the whole
weight of her anger will fall upon me; and truly, faid
I, I have too much of her ill-nature already to bear any
more with any manner of patience.
>
My Maſter refolved to follow my counfel, and in-
tended to make his wife believe he knew nothing of the
matter.
My mafter could not imagine who this gallant fhould
be, by my difcription, for I had never feen him before.
We went to our boat, and fo home. When we came
in; my miſtreſs aſked my mafter if Robin, meaning me,
had been telling him any ftories. Stories, child! an-
fwered my mafter, what ftories? he has told me nothing,
Nay, no great matter, faid my miſtreſs, but I gave him
a box on the ear this morning, when he came back for
the watch you had forgot, and I did not know but he
had made fome complaint; but I am forry for it and
will make him amends one time or other. This fhe faid
fotloud that I might hear..
The next day when my maſter was gone to 'Change,
fhe came up into the work-houſe, as we called.it, up
three pair of ſtairs, and took an occaſion of ſending my
fellow prentice on fome concerted errand. When he
was gone out fhe fat down upon his chair, and looked
me in the face for ſome time. Well, Robin, ſaid ſhe, I
am very much oblidged to you, that you did not take
any notice of the accident that happened yeſterday to
your maſter, and to make you amends for your filence,
I give you this broad-piece to buy you a pair of gloves,
with this promife, that you and i will never difagree.az
gain I received.her money, and told her I fhould ne-
ver take any farther notice of it. She called me good
lade and left ne
嘴
​My mafter had not always an opportunity of talking
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
12
with me at home, fo he appointed me every Sunday af*
fer fernion in the evening at fome tavern or other, that
we might talk about the matter. At our firſt meeting I
told him the ſtory of the broad-piece, and the diſcourſe
my miſtreſs and I had together. I fhewed him the mo-
ney, and he foon knew the piece to be his wife's from
the particular fairneſs of it, being the fame he had ſome
time ago given her for a pocket piece.
Now, faid he, Robin, I am fully convinced of the in-
fidelity of my wife; for notwithstanding your former
ftory, I had fome faint hopes it might have been a tale
of thine, raiſed out of malice to thy miftrefs, from her
indifferent ufage of thee.
But now to find out this ſpark, that I may wreak my
vengeance on him firft; for to my own folly, Robin, î
must tell thee I can't find I fhall ever be able to hate this
ungrateful woman. Some time after, my mafter was
pretty well convinced that his wife had been with her
fpark, to the Mulberry Garden, and my mafter had dif
covered who he was; he proved to be a young attorney
of Clifford's Inn. The next thing we confulted about
at our weekly meeting was how to give them an oppor-`
tunity of purſuing their amour at home. In order to this,
my mafter gave out to my miſtreſs that he ſhould be ob-
liged to go as far as St Margaret's in Kent, to look after
fome goods that were landed there in order to avoid
paying cuſtom for them, and he feared the affair would
not be fo well managed if he was not prefent.
5
The Tueſday following was chofe for the day of his
fetting out. My mafter gave me publick orders to go to
feveral places in his abfence, to look after the workmen
(for there are ſeveral trades belonging to the making of
a watch.) On Tueſday morning my mafter got on
horſeback, in order (as my miftrefs and the rest of the
family thought) to purfue his journey: But he went
no farther than iflington, and returned, putting up his
horſe again; and went up ftraight to the place of our
rendezvous.
As foon as my mafter was gone, my miftréfs called me
up to her, and aſked me, if I had time to ftep a little
way for her. I told her 'twas impoffible; being had
14
OF
THE ADVENTURES
ſome work to finiſh, that I was obliged to carry out im-
mediately. Then fhe begged, I would call her a porter,
which I did, and one of my particular acquaintance, one
well to pass in the world; for a city Porter in thofe days
was a very beneficial employment, there being then no
penny-Poſt-office. I told him what he ſhould do, that
he must go to my miſtreſs and receive the letter, and then
to an ajacent ale-houſe, and wait till 1 came to him. Ac-
cordingly, he received the letter, and went to the place
I appointed. I did not let him wait long, but ordered
my matters, as if I was going about my maſter's buſineſs
and went to the porter. From thence I took him along
with me to my maſter, where we opened the letter, and
found it as follows: "Dear Tom, it's an age, fince
laft I faw you; the cuckold's gone out of town for a
week, therefore meet me at the old place by fix this
evening." Here we were at a ſtand, for we could not
imagine, where the old place was, unleſs the Mulberry-
garden. At laft, we refolved to fend the porter to the
fpark, and bring the anſwer to us, to ſee if that would
give us more light in the affair. Accordingly he went,
and returned with his billet; we made bold to open it,
and found it contained thefe words," My life, I don't
think the old place convenient, being a brother Lawyer
has difcovered fomething of our intrigue; therefore,
I'll wait on you before the time, that we may concert
meafures accordingly. I am glad your beaft is out of
town: we'll add another antler to adorn his brow, as
foon as I have the happineſs to ſee her who ſhall eternal-
ly command yours"-
問​者​が
​When my mafter perceived that the fcene was to be
opened at his own houfe, he began to demur: But after
keeping filence a little time, he ſpoke to me to this pur-
poſe: Robin, this letter has in ſome fort confounded our
defign, for what I intended to act, I would not, if it
could be avoided, put in execution at home, for fear it
ſhould make too much noife; for, added he ſmiling,
though a man has the misfortune to be a cuckold, yet
he would not have all the world know it. I told him, I
was glad to fee him fo merry upon the occafion, but
begged he would not keep the porter any longer, for
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
15
Fear of fome accident. He thanked me for my care,
fealed up the letter again, and fent him away with it.
When the porter was gone, my mafter ordered me to go
home again, and obferve how matters went there, and
as foon as ever the ſpark came, to fend the porter back
to him with this notice, "That the work was ready to
carry home, whenever I thought fit."
I had not been at home a quarter of an hour ere my
gentleman came in a coach; he went up ſtairs, but did
not flay a moment, came down again, whiſpered the
coachman, and drove into Cheapfide. I was at a loſs how
to behave myſelf, but my miſtreſs ordered another coach
to be called. When I found out that, I fent for the
porter, and told him fecretly, that be muft dog that
coach, let it go where it would, and be expeditious in
bringing me word. My miftrefs came down in her hood,
and mafk in her hand, and went off in the coach. I
'locked after her, as far as I could fee her, and obſerved
the porter to jump up behind the coach. I immediate-
ly went to my mafter, and acquainted him with the
bufinefs. He hurried me home again, for fear the porter
fhould wait for me, and ordered me to bring him, when
he came, to the Pope's-Head tavern, becauſe he would
be nearer home.
3
The porter did not return in two hours: he told me,
that the coach drove to York-ſtairs in York buildings,´
and there they got out and took a pair of oars; he went
in another, and followed them till they landed at Lam-
heth, and dog'd them into the white Lion inn. There
he ftaid fome time, to fee if they intended to
go from
thence; he walked into the kitchen and drank à mug of
ale, and in a little time one of the waiters came in, and
told the cook the gentleman and his wife had beſpoke a
roafted fowl and fome fish for their dinner, and had
ordered clean sheets to be put to air, for as foon as they
had dined they defigned to go bed, being the ſtage-coach ›
was to call them up at one the next morning.
I did not think it altogether ſo proper to take the por-
tor to the Pope's-Head to my maſter, but went alone,
where I found him with another gentleman, a ftranger.
to me. When I had given him an account, we took
16
THE ADVENTURES OF
coach all together and drove to the horſe ferry, Weſt.
minſter, took boat and landed at Lambeth. We all
went into the White-lion the back-way, and I went to
the drawer (as we had before concerted) and aſked if
there was not a gentleman and a lady that defigned to
lie there all night to wait for a ftage coach in the morn-
ing; he anſwered in the affirmative, but added, they
were that moment gone to bed, that they might be the
better able to rife in the morning. I aſked him, which
room they lay in, for that I had buſineſs of great conſe-
quence to communicate to him. Why, that room up
one pair of ftairs, anfwered the drawer, and pointed at
the door. Well, faid I, fetch me a pint of wine, I'll
drink a glaſs, and then go and wait on them.
The drawer ran down for the wine, and in the mean
time, I beckoned my mafter: up ftairs we went, I fet
my foot againſt the door, burft it open, and there we
foon perceived the loving couple playing at Rantum
Scantum. I fhut to the door again, and ſtood guard, that
no one should enter. My mafter laid fast hold of my
naked gentleman, and with the affiftance of his friend
threw him upon his back, clapt a piſtol to his breaſt, and
fwore he would fhoot him, if he offered to ftir or cry out.
Then my maſter's friend took out a box of inftruments,
and, with a pair of fciffars for that purpoſe, ſoon de-
prived him of what Senefino and feveral italian fingers
want, as well as our ſpark. The thing was done fo fud-'
denly, that I believe my gentleman hardly knew his lofs
till he felt the blood trickle down about his legs.
made feveral attempts to get up but to no purpoſe. My
maſter told him, he had better be quiet, for fear he
ſhould be worſe ſerved, (but in my opinion, that could
hardly be.) The furgeon (for it proved my mafter's
friend was no other) had all his implements about him;
he managed his needle, his plaifters, and falves, and
finiſhed my gentleman, and would have had him gone
home fomething lighter than he came, but he proved fo
weak with lofs of blood and the pain together, that he
fainted away.
.
He
My miftrefs had hid herſelf behind the curtain, and
did not ſo much as fay one word; but in all her concern,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
If
he took care to drefs herſelf; and when ſhe had done,
fhe fat upon the bedfide next the wall, and feemed to be
in deep diſcontent.
we
髅
​We had got my gentleman to himſelf again by the help
of the drawer, who foon found how matters went. When
had done, my maſter ſaid to his wife, madam, I muſt
confefs, I was to blame to difturb you in your diverfion,
but I own my fault, and will endeavour to mend it by
leaving you together to folace yourſelves, and ſo I take
my leave.
He
Upon this we marched down ftairs, paid for our wine,
and went to our boat that waited for us, and landed at
the Steel-yard. My mafter was very uneafy all the way
home, and we could not get one word out of him.
went up ſtairs, locked himfelf in his room, and remained
alone feveral hours. I would have been willing to have
diverted his melancholy, but did not well know how I
fhould go about it.
Near ſeven o'clock in the evening he called me up ſtairs,
and aſked me, if I had heard any thing of his wife. I
told him, No. Nay, ſaid he, if the has any fhame left,
ſhe will hardly attempt to come again in hafte. After
fome time he went out, and did not come home again till
twelve o'clock. He aſked me till after my miſtreſs, and
underſtanding we had no news of her, went to bed.
The next morning he ordered me to fend the porter to
Lambeth, to learn how they behaved themfelves when
we had left them. He returned, and told my maſter,
that the gentlewoman, went away as foor as the found
we were gone, and left the gentleman there, who was
fo weak, that he remained there ftill, and had fent for
feveral of his acquaintance.
·
In the afternoon my miftrefs's mother came to my
mafter, and they had a long difcourfe, and afterwards
went out together. But I was never more furprized in
my life, when he came home the fame evening with his
wife and mother. He vouchafed to tell me the next day
that his wife refolved never to be guilty of any fault a-
gain, and by her fubmiffion and the intreaties of her mo-
ther, he had refolved to take her home once more. Sir,
faid I, if you can forgive her, no one elfe has any thing
THE ADVENTURES OF
1
to do with it. But added I, I fear I fhall feel the effect
of her diſpleaſure. No, anſwered my maſter, that was
one of my conditions with your miſtreſs, that ſhe ſhould
take no notice to you of paſt tranfactions. And truly
fhe kept her word, for ſhe would not ſo much as look
at me.
She continued very referved for a great while, and
· never went out but to church of a Sunday.
In the letter end of the fame year my mafter began to
be out of order, and the phyfician adviſed him to go into
the country for the air; accordingly he took lodgings
at Hampſtead, where my miſtreſs uſed to go twice or
thrice every week to fee him; and my maſter told me
(when I went of a Sunday to wait upon him, to give
him an account of the bufinefs of the fhop) that his wife
had been ſo tender of him in his illneſs, that he verily
believed, he ſhould never have any occafion to blame her
conduct again. I told him, I was as well pleafed as he
was.
About a week afterwards, my miſtreſs went in and
out very often, and feemed to be very buſy, giving or-
ders to my fellow-prentice for taking her a place in the
Hampstead coach as ufual. This happened on the Tuef-
-day, and I ſaw her no more that week.
When I went to my mafter on the Sunday following,
he aſk'd me, if my miſtreſs was out of order, being he
had not feen her fince the Monday laſt. Nor I fince
Tueſday, faid I, but I thought fhe had been with you,
for fhe took a place in the coach in order to come to you
that day, and fent out feveral bundles to be carried, as
ſhe uſually did when he was going to wait on you.
My mafter was ſo confounded with what I told him,
that he did not offer to ſpeak for fome time, and the
ſweat ran down his face like drops of rain. At last, faid
He, Robin, I fear all is not well! My wife has certainly
undone me. Come, hope for the beft, faid I.
Well, my mafter refolved, weak as he was, to go for
London immediately. We took a coach, and foon got
home; and there to my great forrow found my miſtreſs
had robbed my maſter to the value of five thouſand
pound in Bank notes and money, with fix and thirty
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
19
gold watches and feventeen filver ones, befides her own
wearing clothes. My mafter at this lofs funk down up-
on his bed. I went and fetched ſome of his neighbours
and friends to comfort him, while I ran up and down like
a madman, to fee, if I could get any tidings of the thief.
•
I went to give orders at the Bank to ſtop payment, but
to my great forrow found the money had been received
four days before. I came back to acquaint my maſter
with my ill fuccefs, and found him alone and gone to bed.
When I told him, I could not hear any tidings of my
miſtreſs, and that the money had been received, he cried,
› Robin, It is not the money that grieves me, but the ill
ufage of my wife; 'tis that has got to my heart, and
never to be removed till death. I fat up with him a
great while, till he told me he began to be fleepy, and
ordered me to retire; but as I was going from him, he
took m by the band, and bid me good night. I found
by his pulfe that he was in a ſtrong fever, and begged I
might call a phyfician; but he faid, he fhould be better
in the morning, if not he would fend for one. Finding
him willing to reft, I left him and went to bed.
:
As foon as I waked in the morning, I put on my
gown, and went to ſee how he did; but found him fo
weak and faint, that he had not ſtrength enough to lift
up his head. I was immediately running to fetch a phy-
fician that lived hard by our houſe, but my mafter called
me back, and told me that it was too late, for, faid he,
I feel my laft moment approaching. He ordered me to
fit upon the bed by him, he took my hand in his, which
burnt like fire, and ſaid, Robin, my wife has killed me;
I could have born any other misfortune with temper: if
thou ever ſhould'ſt fee her, tell her from me, that I for-
give her, and that I beg fhe would reform her life: but
alfo let her know that he was the death of me. Ftold him
1 would not have him talk of dying for an ungrateful
woman that did not deferve the leaſt regard, but to
-chear up his ſpirits and let me go for a Phyſician. No,
faid he, all phyfic or counfel comes too late;
Pve that within which baffles all their art,
Sure means to make the foul and body part,
A burning fever and a broken heart.
B
•
THE ADVENTURES OF
He had no fooner repeated thofe lines but his ſpeech
failed him, his eyes clofed, and he expired only with a
figh.
I muſt confefs I was in wardly fhocked, and the fpirit
of revenge rofe in my foul againſt the barbarous caufe
of his end.
When I had a little recollected my fcattered thoughts,
I went to à couſin of my maſter's that lived in Cheap-
fide, and deſired he would come and take care of his af-
fair. For my own part, I could not compofe myſelf
for two or three days: At laſt I went to my uncle, and
defired he would let me have twenty pounds to buy me
mourning, (for I did intend to wear black, that my me-
lancholy outfide might conform with what I felt within)
out of reſpect to my mafter's memory. Mourning, Bob!
anfwered my Uncle, Why, if thy mafter's friends won't
give it thee, 'tis my opinion thou oughteft not to think
on't. Yes, Sir, added I, I think it my duty; for tho'
my miſtreſs uſed me ill, my mafter always was civil to
ine. But my Uncle told me in plain terms, that I ſhould
not have a farthing. I told him, I wanted but my own;
but he replied, when he thought I was of years enough
to manage my money myfelf, perhaps, I might be trufted
with it, but at prefent he would take care of it for me.
10
I was very uneafy at this affair, for it began to look,
as if he intended to cheat me of it, and I did not ftick to
tell him my fentiments in a civil manner, but to no pur-
pofe. left him with a very heavy heart, and came home.
I went to bed in the utmoft confufion of thought; yet
notwithstanding my difcontent, flept 'till morning. I
got up about fix o'clock, with a fcurvy idea of my future
fortune. About eight, my Uncle's man brought me a
Jetter from him, in which he begged my pardon, and
told me it was only to try my temper. The man gave
me ten guineas by his order, and farther told me, that
his taylor would be with me immediately to take my
directions and accordingly before the fellow was gone
he came, took meaſure of me, and told me, he would
be ſure to bring my clothes home by twelve o'clock the
next day; and he kept his word with me.
-
•
In the mean time, I had provided myſelf with every
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
21
thing elſe with the money my Uncle had fent me; and
the fame evening waited on him to return him thanks.
Bob, faid he, I had only a mind to try your temper, and
I find thou art father's own child, a chip of the old
block.
He would have me ftay to fup with him; and among
other diſcourſe he aſked me, what I did intend to do now
my maſter was dead, for he did not fuppofe, I was maf-
ter of my trade enough to follow it. I replied, I knew
enough to recommend myſelf to any other mafter with-
out paying any more money. My Uncle replied, I need-
ed not be in fuch hafte, but take fome time to confider
of it, and in the mean while, I fhould live with him and
be heartily welcome. And to make his actions agree
with his words, he gave me five guineas more for pocket
money, and gave directions for me to be with one of his
Clerks, a good natured young fellow, that was a ſchool
fellow of mine.
I was very glad of the occafion, living with my Uncle
in great tranquillity the ſpace of a month, and all the
time he feemed to be very fond of me, never denying
me any thing that I aſked him.
One Sunday morning before church-time he called me
to him, and (after many profeffions of friendſhip) aſked
me, if I had ever done any bufinefs for my mafter out
of the watch-making trade pretty well gueffed at
what he meant, and anſwered him in the affirmative.
Very well, faid he, I muft fend you as far as Gravefend
to-morrow about the fame affair; and if I executed my
commiffion dextrouſly, he told me, it ſhould be the bet
ter for me..
The next morning I got up, and my Uncle fent me
with a letter into Pall-Mall to a Client of his, and re-
turning with an anſwer found him taking his leave of a
gentleman that looked like a fea-officer. As foon as their
compliments were over, my Uncle difpatched me away
to Billingsgate, and gave me inftructions what to do. F
was to enquire for a fhip called the Succeſs, Captain
Stokes commander, at Gravefend, and then to follow
his directions.
As I was talking with my Uncle, my bed-fellow thruft
B 2-
22
THE ADVENTURES OF
I
a book into my pocket, and told me that would divert -
me in the boat, if I had not company that I liked.
did not muchregard what he faid but went about my bufi-
nefs, got into the Gravefend boat, which put off upon
the inftant,. and had the fortune to light of good com-
pany, and one young man that was going to the fame
thip as I was.
We were very merry all the way with little ſtories we
told among ourſelves. We got on board the Succefs a-
bout two o'clock in the afternoon, and the firſt perſon
I ſaw was the fame man that I found with my Uncle in
the morning. He took me by the hand, and carried me
into the cabin, and fet a piece of fhip-beef before me.
When I had dined, he informed me my things would be
on board immediately. I told him it was very well; not
fufpecting any thing. Afterwards the captain went out
and left me alone in the cabin: I got up, and looking
out of the cabin window, found the ſhip was under fail,
At firſt, I began to be ſurpriſed but yet was ſo ignorant,
that I thought we were failing up the river. While I
was. ruminating on the matter, the captain came and
told me, my things were ready for me whenever I would,
I went out; but how was I ſurpriſed when I faw my ·
trunk that I left at my Uncle's with all my clothes in it!
I was in fuch confusion that I had not power to utter
one word for fome time. At laft, recovering out of my
furpriſe, I aſked him the meaning of what I faw! Mean-
ing, child replied the captain: Why, what's the mat-
ter? would you go ſuch a voyage as we are upon with-
out neceffaries? What voyage? returned I. Why, to
Virginia, replied the captain. At that anfwer I fat me
down upon my cheft and burst into tears, and had fuch
a combat in my mind that bereaved me of the power
even of thinking for fometime.. The captain indeed
did all he could to comfort me : At laft, I fancied, it
might be only a jeft; but to my forrow found by all
their difcourfe it was but too much in earneſt.
The captain declared that my Uncle had bargained
with him for my paſſage, and that I was to be delivered
to a relation I had in Charles-town, upon the continent
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOÝ LE.
23-
of America, I aſked the name, but he told me one that
I had never heard of before.
When I found I was certainly betrayed by my barba-
rous Uncle, I fell upon my knees, and begged the captain
to put me on fhore, and I would find fome means to pay
the fum he was to have for my paffage. He answered,
he was too well paid already to let me go on fhore again;
and further added, I had nothing to do but to make my-
ſelf eaſy, for I was not likely to fet my foot in Europe,
till I had firſt ſeen America.
I found it was to no purpoſe to intreat any further:
It is true, I had no averfion for the fea, but rather an
inclination; and if my Uncle had made any proposals to
me concerning fuch a voyage, and properly prepared,
'tis ten to one, if I had not accepted it. But in this
manner to be kidnapped, for it was no better, and then
the dread of being parted with as a flave when I came
thither, fhocked me prodigiously. But being naturally
of an eafy temper, eight or ten days pretty well wore off
my apprehenfions, and I began to be contented with my
wretched fate. I fet myfelf with all my diligence to
learn the mathematicks, as alſo the work of a failor, and
quikly attained to fome knowledge. I foon ingratiated
myſelf with molt of the crew, who inſtructed me in all
they knew,
I mentioned a book my Uncle's clerk put in my pock-
et, as I left the chambers that morning was trepaned,
which for the first three or four days I did not remem-
ber: but putting my hand in my pocket to feel for fone-
thing elſe, I took it out, and found in it a letter directed
for me, which was as follows:
Dear BOB,
W
I
HEN you went to St James's this morning, [ſup-
pofing I would have read it the day 1 received
it] I overheard my mafter difcourfing with the captain of
a ſhip, and learnt he intends to fend you to Virginia.
could not understand the particulars, but enough to know
the bargain is made. My friendſhip to you, and the bar-
barity of your Uncle, obliges me to give you this (I hope)
timely notice. I shall leave the management to you: but
B 3.
24:
THE ADVENTURES
OF
whatever ſteps you take, I am not to be in the queſtion; and
I thought of this way to acquaint you with it, fearing ›I
Should not have the opportunity of speaking to you. Fare-
well, till I fee you again, which I hope in God will not be
Long:
A. M.
This letter made me curfe my fate again; for if I had
had the good fortune to have read it before I was on
fhip board, I might have prevented my Uncle's defign:
But it was my deftiny, and therefore I fubmitted to it
We met with nothing in our voyage till we came near
the Canaries: When one evening we heard feveral can-
nons fired, as we ſuppoſed two leagues from us. Our
captain altered his courfe, in order to avoid a rencounter
with an enemy; for our fhip carried but ten guns and
twenty men, beſides paffengers. But notwithſtanding the
captain's care, as foon as ever the morning dawned and
the fog was cleared up, we found ourſelves within half
a mile of a rover of Barbary. We were all mightily fur-
prifed, for the galley made up to us with fails and oars,
being to windward of us. Our captain adviſed us to furren-
der immediately, but the failors were for fighting, and
were confirmed in their opinion upon fight of another
veffel bearing down upon us, whom they knew to be
Spaniſh by her colours. All our guns were immediately
brought to the ftarboard fide, and every body ready to
engage, paffengers and all who were willing to preſerve
their liberty.
1.
=
The rover by this time was juſt upon the ſtarboard bow,
and prepared to hoard us. We had fome hand grana-
does on board, with ſeveral other ftores. for our fort at
Charles-town, and a gunner as one of our paffengers.
He ordered ſeveral men into our main-top with grana.
does, and followed himſelf, and as foon as ever the gal-
ley came near enough, our men at the helm bore away,
and fired our guns upon him, which raked them fore and
afty and did much-execution. Our gunner above in the
top threw in upon them with his granadoes, which we
could perceive put them into much confufion. But all
this, would not have availed, if they had not perceived
the spanish man of war bearing upon us. They did not
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
25.
make any further attempts to board us, but they fired
their cannon and galled us with their ſmall arms.
*
I had gotten a mufket on board, and had diſcharged
it as I thought, for it flaſhed in the pan, and the noiſe
of the other pieces deceived me. I charged again; but
then found by the rammer, that my piece had not gone
off. However, I was refolved to fire it: I flood upon
the larbroad gunnel juft upon the forecaftle, to be as far
from the enemy as I could, and fired my piece; bựt be-
ing double charged, and a ſtubborn Jade, gave me fuch
a bang that threw me over the ſide of our fhip; my foot
hung in the fore chains for fome time, but ftruggling,
(with my head downwards) to raiſe myſelf up, my foot
diſentangled, and I fell plum into the fea.
A
Altho' I had learnt to fwim in England, yet the fright,
the ſmoke, and all together took away my underſtand-
ing, and found by my ftruggling, that I had got within
ten yards of the rover, and the that inftant bearing away-
before the wind, they did me the favour to ſtun me
with a ſtroke of one of their oars, and took me on board
them..
++
They rowed with all their ſtrength, and the wind be-
ing in their ftern, they infenfibly left the Succefs, who
flated their fails and laid by till the Spaniſh fhip came
up with her, and then we could perceive them both mak-
ing after the rover.
+
The captain of the corfair was an Iriſh renegado, and
as foen as he was out of danger, he fent for me into the
cabin, and afhed me feveral queftions concerning our fhip.
where ſhe was bound, and who I was (for he took me
for more than a common failor, being I was not in a
failor's habit.) I told him my ſtory as I have related-in
the foregoing fheets. He fhook his head, and, with a
ſmile, faid I was very ready at a lie, Sir, faid I; I am
Lo far from lying, that I jumped overboard on purpoſe
to come to your veſſel rather tham to ſtay with them,
chooſing to be a flave nearer home, than to go I don't
know where with the knave that trepanned me: And to
convince your honour of the truth (for I honoured him
much) here's the letter which my Uncle's clerk flipped in-
to my pocket in a book (for by good fortune I had the
26
THE ADVENTURES OF
3
letter and book in my pocket when I fell over board).
At reading the letter he was convinced, he ſaid, of my
fincerity; and thou fhalt fee, added he, notwithſtand-
ing the bad opinion is held of us Renegadoes, that you
fhall fare the better for your confidence in us. Sir, re-
turned I, this accident may convince you that I thought
very well of your honour, for as foon as I faw your ho-
nour upon deck giving command. I thought you had the
look of a gentleman; (the' by the by he had a damned
Tyburn face.)
*
I clark't him up fo well (with your honour) that he be-
gan to fancy himſelf a hero indeed. He ordered my chains
to be taken off, (for they had done me the favour to
provide me ſome as foon as ever thay had got me on
board) and told me that if I would turn Mahometan I
fhould have command under him. I anſwered him, I
hoped he would give me ſome time to confider of it.
Ay, ay, time, thou fhalt have half a year's time to con-
fider of it, returned the captain. He carried me out
upon deck, and told my ftory to his crew, who were
mightily pleaſed with the relation, and faluted me after
the Moorish manner, by bowing their eads, and clap-
ping their hands acroſs upon their breafts.
+
There were feveral other English renegadoes that were
officers in the galley, but moſt of the common failors
were natural Moors. The captain told me that he did
defign to make for Sallee with all the expedition he
could, for he had engaged with a Spanith man of war
the night before, and had ſuffered very much in both his
vellel and crew: but he told me he would foon be out
again, for he had another veſſel ready in Sallee road to put
oùt to ſea. We had before aight loft fight of the Suc-
cefs, and Spaniſh man of war, that had to luckily freed
her from the infidels clutches; and we feered for Sallee:
Ten days after we discovered the African thore, with-
in five leagues weſt of Sallee-road; and the wind favour-
ing us, we anchored in the harbour by fix in the even-
ing. The captain went on thore, but ordered me to
remain on board till the next day.
I muſt confeſs I began to have some hopes of ſeeing
my own country again, but yet did not know how to
Å
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
227
bring it about; however, I refolved to truft providener.
The next morning my mafter fent for me on-ſhore, by
a young renagado failor born at London, whofe Chrifti-
an name I learnt was Francis Corbet, but had exchang-
ed it for Muſtapha; a good intelligent young fellow,
and one that was perfect mafter of the methematicks.
The reaſon why he did not accompany the captain in
this voyage, was a violent fever when he fet fail. I afk-
ed him why he could forget the Saviour of the world
to turn Mahometan; he told me that he was only one
from the teeth outward, and he thought it better to
truſt God with his foul, than thoſe barbarous wretches-
with his body. I thought it was a pretty free declara-
tion to one that was an utter ſtranger to him.
+
As foon as we were landed, I had the whole town of
Sallee ſtaring at me; for the captain of the rover had
taken care to fpread my ſtory among them; and I had
as much reſpect fhown me by the people of the town as
he had. He took me home to his own houſe and uſed
me with much civility for a week or ten days; during
that time he had carried me twice or thrice to his coun-
try houſe, about fix miles up the river.
It was a very
pleaſant place, fituated in a little wood, with the river
running round it, and no approaching to it, but over a
draw-bridge.
At this houſe his wives lived for I was
informed he had feveral.
Obferving his garden, I told him it was but indifferent-
ly kept. He answered, it was for want of a gardener,
none of his flaves underſtanding that art.
I offered my
ſervice, but told him I did not pretend to be a gardener,
but I was affured I could foon make amendment to it,
with the help of fome of his fervants. He ordered me
to take as many as I thought fit, and, added he, becauſe
I am impatient to fee it in a better condition, I'll leave
you here. I told him I begged to be excuſed now, be-
cauſe I ſhould want feveral things for any defigns. If it
be tools, faid he, or feeds of all forts, I have them here.
Upon which he carried me into a little houſe, meant for
a green houſe, where I found every thing that was want-
ing, with a large quantity of European feeds and roots.
I told him. I was fatisfied there was every thing that
48
THE ADVENTURES OF
fhould want, The captain ordered me a bed to be made
in the green houſe, and an old eunuch, that underſtood
French very well, to wait on me, with a ſtrict order that
I ſhould have every thing I aſked for, but I was not to
approach the houfe in his abfence upon any account. I
told him I had no curiofity that way, and did not doubt
but I would fhow him fomething that would pleaſe him
the next time he came, which was to be in twenty days.
As ſoon as he was gone I went to work, (for garden-
ing was what I always took delight in, both theoric and
practice.)
I drew out plans, ordered my workman, and in fix
-days time brought it into fome form. `I perceived in the
middle of the garden a puddle of water, which I gave
directions to be drained, and found that it had been for-
merly a fountain, but was cnly choked up with filth bý
neglect. I aſked the old eunuch if he had ever known
it to play, and he anſwered in the negative, neither did
they imagine it to be any fuch thing; for his mafter
had bought the eſtate of an old Spaniſh renegado four
years before, and he told him it had been a fith pond.
I examined about the river, and found the head of the
pipes ftopped with rubbish, which I cleared, and by
degrees the water worked through into the fountain,
and out again through another conveyance. I obſerv
ed that there had been figures upon it, by the pipes;
I aſked my eunuch if he had ever ſeen any ſuch things:
He told me there were feveral lying in a back yard on
the other fide of the houſe, I went with him, and found
four ſmall figures of Tritons, and a Neptune in his cha-
riot drawn by fea-horſes. I ordered them to be brought
to the fountain, and fixt them on, (firſt ſtopping the
the water) and then letting it loofe again finifhed my
fountain, which plaid admirably out of the fhells of the
Tritons, (which they feemed to blow with) from the
noſtrils of the horfes, and the trident of the Neptune.
The workmen were aſtoniſhed to fee with what expedi-
tion I had completed it, and imagined I had dealt with
the devil. The next morning the eunuch came to me
before I was up and defired I'd give him the key of my
Chamber, and be contented to be a prifoner till he came
·CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
to me again. I was a little furprized and aſked him
the reafon: He told me he could not give me any, that
being beyond his commiffion. Accordingly he locked me
in, and went away. I began to ruminate about this
accident, but could not imagine the caufe: I had no
way to look towards the garden, becauſe the windows
of the green-houſe looked over the river into the wood,
and the back which fronted the houſe had only painted
windows for ornament, not uſe. In about two hours
my eunuch came and releaſed me, and we din'd toge-
ther. I uſed all the rhetoric I was mafter, of to find
out the ſecret, but to no purpoſe: he only added that I
muſt be in the fame condition again the next morning.
This was ſtill more ſurprizing, and I began to think by
degrees I ſhould entirely loſe my liberty. The old eu-
nuch imagining my thoughts affured me there was no
harm meant to me. This afternoon was my laſt day's
work and in three days more I expected the captain: A-
bout an hour before night I perceived another eunuch
of the houſe talking earneſtly with him that uſed to at-
tend me, who immediately came to me, and told me he
muſt beg me to retire to my chamber that inſtant;
upon which I readily obeyed, knowing it was to no
purpofe to contend.
I was upon the tenters to know the reafon of my con-
finement; whilft I was employing my thoughts about
it, I heard the voices of women. It furprized me at
firft, but I foon found that was the reafon of my being
made a prifoner. When the eunuch came to bring me
my fupper, I, told him he need not have made fuch a
fecret of what I was locked up for, for I had found it
out; and then told him that I had heard womens voices
in the garden. Did you? (faid he, furprized) I'll take
care they fhall keep their tongues, within their teeth
for the future. He faid no more, but immediately
went out, and foon returned, and told me I ſhould
hear no more of them. I was confounded with this
odd proceeding, and my curiofity began to be more and
more raiſed.
When I was left alone, I began to examine my room
where I was, to fee if I could find ever a peep-hole;
>TÀY ADVENTURES ~OW
*
堇
​and by good fortune found one made by time and Ili
weather under the pent houfe. I upon the inftant of
my difcovering made all the ufe I could of it, and foon
perceived three women in the walk with their backs to-
wards me. They were in a Turkiſh undreſs, with their
necks bare: one of them above the reft ſeemed to me to
have a better fhape and air than commonly the women
of Morocco have. I don't know what came over me;
but I feemed impatiently to expect their nearer approach.
At laft my defires were anſwered; for as foon as they had
ſpent ſome time at my new fountain, they directed their
fteps towards my confinement, and when they were near
enough, I could diftinguish them to be three hand fome
women; but one of them that feemed to be very me-
lancholy, furpaſſed the other two, at leaft in my opinion.
She ſeemed to be about twenty, fair to a miracle, and
much like an Engliſh-woman. She did not ſeem to con-
verſe with the other two, but followed them with an air
of contemplation; and I could obferve her figh often.
I never till this momemt had the leaft regard to any of
-the famale fex, no more than good manners and decency
required; but I found myſelf in a moment full of ach-
ing tenderness for this ftrange woman. Though I had
no time for thought till the ladies were retired, I then
began to reaſon with myſelf, and found love like deſtiny
was not to be avoided; and the more I thought, the
· more I was plunged in this tormenting, yet pleafing
paffion. Yet I thought it was very odd to fall in love,
confidering my circumſtances. I had nothing to hope,
and all to fear: I was poor, a priſoner, and a ſtranger,
far from my native country, in want of neceffaries, and
to complete my mifery, funk in one hour an age in love.
Every new thought feemed a thorn to torment me;
yet notwithſtanding all thefe difficulties, a beam of hope.
would now and then fhine thro' the thick clouds of de-
ſpair, and encourage me to love on. From this thought
I began to think with reafon (if a lover can be called a
reaſonable creature) how I fhould manage my paffion.
I began to reflect the Moors were jealous of their women
even to a degree, and did not in the leaft doubt but my
Irish Renegado had learnt that part of their manners.
L
Captajn ROBERT BOYLE.
31
At laft I pitched upon an odd expedient: I determined
to fhew to my captain an utter deteftation of all females
(and in truth the ufage my poor maſter met with from
his wife, very much leffened the regard I owed the fex)
and try what that would do. This thought feemed to
give me fome fatisfaction, and as foon as the eunuch
came to releaſe me, I begged he would fup with me
that evening. He accordingly promiſed me, and came
immediately with my fupper, and brought under his
garment a bottle of excellent Greek wine. I muſt con
fets I was turpriſed and pleaſed; for as I knew the Moors
are restrained from wine, I did not expect any there.
The eunuch told me, fmiling that he had brought me
that cordial to make me amends for the lofs of my liber-
erty; for though, added he, Muffelmen are not allowed
to drink wine, we very well know you Europeans feldom
eat without it, and our maſter (meaning the captain)
is not fo itrict a Muffelman but he drinks much himſelf,
and procures privately great quantities for his own ufe.
I told him, I thought Mahomet ordered his followers
to abftain from wine, becaufe an immoderate ufe of it
generally turned to immoderate paffions; but to take it
fparingly give health and vigour to the body, and chear-
fulneſs to the spirits. He agreed with me in my ſenti-
ments, and ſhowed he approved of them by drinking to
me. Notwithſtanding my endeavours to hide the trouble
of my ſpirit, my kind eunuch took notice of a concern
in my countenance, and cheared me up with repeated
glaffes, and imagining my confinement caufed that al-
teration, told me he would not have me take to heart
the ſmall abridgement of my liberty, for as foon as his
mafter arrived, I fhould not be reſtrained any more; for
the cafe would ceafe, by the confinement of the ladies to
their ſeveral apartments. I told him with a feeming
joy, that I fhould be mightily pleafed when that ſhould
happen, for I abhorred the fight of them; women were
my utter averfion, and had been from my infancy;
and that averſion was aggravated by the knowledge of
their perfidy; and I thought it the greateft curfe could
fall upon that noble creature man not to be born without
them. Upon this I told him the ftory of my mafter and
C
THE ADVENTURES OF
?
miſtreſs, and ſeveral extravagant tales of my own inve
on, and painted that beautiful part of the creation in
the colour of the devil. My companion praiſed me for
flighting the fex, and backed my ftories with as many of
his own knowledge. Between our familiar talk and our
Greek wine, he began to be very loquacious; he told
me, his maſter, after the mode of the Moors, had feve-
ral wives, befides a captive that he had lately taken,
that ſeemed averſe to his paffion, and all the retoric he
was maſter of could not prevail. He did not know, he
faid, what country woman fhe was, but the ſparke very
good French. I imagined this could be no other than
that ſweet creature I had feen: I changed colour; but
to put it off faid, a pox take all the fex, don't let's talk
of them any more.
I am afraid, faid he, you love to
converfe with the men, and that makes you flight the
women, I did not immediately underſtand him, but he
foon explained upon it, and then I was no longer igno-
rant. I told him it was of fuch a beaftly nature, that I
was of opinion thofe perfons that uſed it ſhould be treat-
ed worſe than beafts. Why, replied he, it is fo com-
mon here that 'tis reckoned only a piece of gallantry.
Well, faid I, I hate that action, even worſe if it be pof-
fible than the fight of the female fex. The old man and
I parted like two friends; but before he went, I told
him he need not give himſelf any great trouble to lock
me in for the future, for I would take care of myſelf,
Well, well, faid he, and ſhook his head, I believe I may
truſt you.
As foon as he was gone I went to bed, not
to fleep, for I had thoughts enough about me to keep
me waking. I began to conceive a great deal of hopes
from my diffimulation. Lſpent the whole night in think.
ing of a thouſand expediments to forward my defigns,
till I had thought of ſo many that they were all confuled
like a ſkein of filk pulled the wrong way. At laft with
the fatigue of thought I fell afleep till fun-rifing: nor az
waked till I heard voices in the garden. I ran immedi
ately and barred my door on the infide, for fear of being
diſcovered at my peep hole, huddled on my clothes, and
ran'up'; where I faw my lovely charmer reading in a
book, walking by herſelf in the alley that led to my pri-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
33
fon. The other women were got about the fountain,
admiring the playing of the water. she drew nearer
me; but what was my pleafing furprise when I heard-
her repeat the following lines in English!
-My grief lies all within,
And thofe external manners of laments
Are merely fhadows to the unfeen grief
That fwells with filence in my tortured foul.
I must confefs, the tranfports 1 felt were beyond ex-
preffion. fhe had ſuch a ſoftneſs in her voice, and yet ſø
mufical, that it made my blood thrill thro' my veins.
In fhort, during the time I beheld her, I was in fuch an
ecitafy, that all my cares were forgot. She turned up
the walk again, but I followed her with my longing
eyes till ſhe was out of fight: I then turned them inte
my imagination, and there beheld her ftill.
I was convinced the was an Engliſh woman, and kept
in her reſtraint againſt her will. I foon refolved with
myself to find fome expedient to let her know I would
ferve her all that lay in my power, if the was ditpoled
to accept of it.
I had ftaid fo long fixt at my peep hole, that the old
eunuch knocked at my door, which foon roufed me
from my pleafing thoughts, and put me upon another
taſk, which was to diffemble. I fuffered him to knock
twice or thrice before I let him in; at laſt 1-opened the
door when he had called to me to give me to know who
it was: as foon as he was entered, I began to exclaim
against him in a friendly manner; faid I, You promised
me yeſterday that I fhould not be troubled with the
tongues of thoſe famale devils, and I have been ſo pla.
gued with them for an hour together, that I was obli-
ged to fhut my door, and run up ftairs to be free from
the found. He fmiling told me, the fumes of the wine
which he drank over-night had drove it out of his
thoughts, but he would be fure give them a caution to
hold their tongues for the time to come: but then add-
ed I, I may be ſurpriſed by them when I little expec
them. No, faid he, I'll take care to ſend, or bring you
word when they are difpofed to walk in the garden a-
C 2.
34
THE ADVENTURES or
gain. I thanked him for his caution. He told me he
did defign to come and dine with me that day, for add-
ed he, I ſhall not have another opportunity a great
while, for the captain has ſent word he'll be here to-
morrow without fail. Accordingly he came with a
roafted pheaſant, and ſome boiled rice, attended with
another bottle of Greek wine.
Notwithſtanding my new paffion, I eat and drank
heartily; but my eunuch got almoft tipfy, and the fumes
of the wine getting up into his head, he defired, he
might repofe himſelf on my bed for a while, which I
granted him; well knowing if he had been found out,
we might both have fuffered for tafting the juice of the
grape. I had much rather he had gone within the houfe
to have flept, for I could not even think to the purpoſe
while he was there: but he foon got into a found fleep,
which I found out by his fnoring. I then ventured to
take pen and ink, and wrote the following lines.
I
MADAM,
To the English Lady.
HAVE obferved your melancholy air, and other cir-
cumftances, speak you a priſoner bere. The perfon that
writes this is your countryman, aad tho' in the fame di-
frefs, yet has a heart and hand to do you ferviee. I flat-
ter myself it will one time or other be in my power to ef-
fect our liberty. If you have no thoughts that way, I am
perfuaded you have too much generofity to do one a preju-
dice that would venture any thing to ferve you. You know
the confequence if this note fhould be difcovered, therefore
I beg you would deftroy it as foon as you have peruſed
it; and if you will favour me with an answer, with your
fentiments of what I have wrote, you'll find a firing hang-
ing on the north-fide of the garden-houſe to which if you
fix your letter, I fhall be ready to prevent difcovery of
what may hurt you, and him whom you may freely cam
mand.
I had not the conveniency of fealing-wax or wafer,
therefore 1 folded it up, and directed it, Tothe ENGLISH
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
35
LADY. When I had finished, I began to have odd and
confufed notions of the fuccefs of it: Perhaps, faid & to
myſelf, ſhe may be contented with her fortanen or be
afraid to hazard any attempt towards her liberty a She
may alſo imagine I am fet on purpofe to betray her, and
therefore to fhew her innocency may difcover me to the
captain. I was in a hundred minds: fometimes I refolv-
ed to burn the letter; but at laft love prevailed upon all
my reaſons to the contrary, and I refolved to try the
fucceſs of it the first opportunity.
In reafoning with myfelf, and writing my letter, I
hd ſpent three hours, and therefore I thought it high
time to awake my eunuch, who ſtarted up frighted out
of his fenfes. When he had recovered himself, he
thanked me for breaking his reft, for he was affured he
was wanted within. And he nicked his time to a hair,
for before he was got half way the walk (for I immedi-
ately got up to my peep hole) I faw the ladies at the
farther end. He talked to them fome time, and then
left them, to go into the houſe.
They fauntred about the garden a good while, till at
laſt two of them fat down by the fountain, and the En-
glith lady continued her walk towards my apartment.
Now my blood ran its ſwift courfe, and the whole frame
of my body felt violent emotions. I thought this was a
fair opportunity, and yet was fearful to make ufe on't.
But muftering all my fpirits, I ventured, and when the
was within twenty paces of the green-houſe, I darted the
letter, and by good fortune it fell in the middle of the
gravel walk, fo that it was almoſt impoſſible to milson't;
but had it happened otherwife, I had time enough to
rùn down and take it up before any one else could dif-
cover it. She continued her walk, and when the came
at it, he kicked it with her foot once or twice, and at
laſt took it up.
She was reading in a book, as the was
the day before; I could perceive her open it, and spread
the note upon her book; fo that no one could tell but
that the was reading. It is impoffible to exprefs the an
xiety I lay under all this while but I began to be tastier
the more compofed, when I oblerved her tearing the let-
ter into very fmall pieces, and fettering them in feveral
36
Txя ADVENTURES OF
places of the garden. She had not walked far, but the
returned, and view'd the green houſe with a great deal
of regard, and, to my imagination, wanted to come to
the north-fide of it, as mentioned in the note, yet feem-
ed fearful; often looking back, and not fully confirmed
in her refolution, at laft went unwillingly to the reft of
the ladies. This gave me fome hopes that the received
the letter kindly, and that I fhould hear from her foon.
green-
I obſerved the fat by the fountain very intent upon her
book, which did not much pleaſe me. In about a quar-
ter of an hour ſhe got up, and came towards the
houſe again. When
When I ſaw her coming, I ran down
ftairs and fixt a pack-thread, to the top of the window,
for fear if fhe ſhould take courage, and come to that fide,
not feeing the pack-thread, the might be ftartled, and
perſuade herſelf there was nothing in't I had placed it
and got up to my peep-hole before the had reached the
fouth fide. But coming cloſe to the wall, I could not
fee by reaſon the fmallness of the hole cut off my fight.
But in less than a minute I difcovered her walking
back again, and fometimes turning to view the place
of my retirement. As foon as the had got to the
top of the walk (for I had not power to ftir before) I
went down, and pulling in the packthread, found a
piece of paper tied to it. I untied it with a great deal of
expectation and impatience, and found thefe words wrote
with a pencil, upon a clean leaf of a book (which I fup-
poſe ſhe had torn from what fhe had been reading in.)
I
Was much furprised when I perused a note, I found in
the walk of the garden, as believing it directed to mie
I cenfess I am a perfon in diftrefs, but know not how to
take the sword of a firanger, and one I never far, who
perhaps is no more than a ſpy upon my actions, and what
the note contained may be by order of him who pretends to
tyrannize over me, becauſe I am in kis power : and ſeeks
this way to find out my inclination, for pretences to use me
worfe. Therefore I'll expect à farther affurance in half
an hour from the fame place. And I'll take an opportunity
to convey my real ſentiments back again.
Captain ROBERT BOY LÈ.
39
The joy I felt at reading this note cannot be expref-
fed in words, I fat me down and wrote the following
anſwer.
MADAM,
Ꭲ
O tell you
the motive to ſerve you, may convince you
of my fincerity, which I'll let alone till I have the
favour of Speaking to you, if ever I am so happy. You
have heard no doubt, of the perfon that the mafter of this
bouſe brought from Sallee, who is the fame that is willing
and proud to ferve you. By him that died upon the cross
for our fins, I am fincere in what I write to you; and if
I cannot ferve you, it will be the greateſt grief can hap-
R. B.
pen to one who ſhall ever be yours.
*
When I had wrote this, I went to the ufual place,
and faw my charmer very near me. I threw it down as
before: fhe readily took it up, and walked back again,
tearing the note when ſhe had read it, as the did the for-
mer, and went into the houfe. Just as fhe was got with-
in the gate the other eunuch came out (not my friendly
eunuch) and as he was walking along, I obferved him
picking up the pieces of the torn notes. If any one had
obferved my countenance at this action, they might
have diſcovered the utmoft confufion there. I thought
we were certainly undone, and could not tell how to be-
have myself. I fometimes repented of the affair, but
yet I always found my concern was more for her whom
I loved, than for myſelf. As foon as he had picked up
all he could find, he returned with my hearty curfe, and
wiſhes that he might be obliged to fwallow them down
his throat for a penance.
She
I don't know when I fhould have recovered out of my
fit of confufion, if the fight of my bliſs had not done it.
went to the fountain, fat her down upon the mar-
gin, and ſpent fome time there, then rofe and made to
my apartment; she took two or three turns with a book
in her hand, but at last went out of fight, as before. I
faid till I faw her in the walks again, and then run
down, where I found another writ with ink, as follows,
38
THE ADVENTURES OF
AM convinc'd of your fincerity, and fhall wholly re-
ly upon your endeavours to help me, If we fucceed,
and get our liberty, I have it in my power to reward you
when we arrive in England. As we are two unhappy
perfons, I ſhould not be difpleafed to fee the man that I
own an obligation to. even in his intention to ſerve me. 1
have liberty enough, I méan as far as my bounds, and am
not over closely watched. The captain, who took me pri-
foner, has hitherto uſed me very civilly, and is only trouble-
Jome when he tells me he loves me. I have kept him from
being too violent, by ſherving him a little civility fometimes,
but how long he will continue within the limits of modef
ty I can't tell. 'Tis that makes me dread bis prefence,
and the fooner I am out of his power, the fooner I ſhall
breathe the air of content, which is the wish of
Your humble Servant.
At the reading of this paper, my heart ran over with
contentment; and had it not been for the fear of what
would happen about the pieces of the letter that were
picked up by the curfed eunuch, I would not have
known how to have contained my tranfports; but the
thought of that, like water on a fire, dampt my joy. I
paſt my time between hopes and fears, till my eunuch
came to fup with me. I had torn my letter into many
pieces, and had diſpoſed of all the fragments that had
any writing on it; but two or three fmall bits of plain
paper lay under foot. As foon as ever my eunuch, fpied
them, he picked them up, and faid. I did not do well
to tread upon paper; for, added he, if Achmant had feen
you (meaning the other eunuch) he would have been in
a ftrange paffion. He has chid the lady that my maller
brought home laft, very feverely, for throwing pieces
of paper about the garden, well knowing it could be
only the that had don't, because the reft were all Maho-
metans, and know the virtue of it. I asked the reaſon
of all this bufilè, about a thing we Europeans put to the
moſt fervile uſes. He told me with fome intreaty at laft,
that all true Muffelmen have a great deal of regard for
bits of paper, because the name of God, or their pro-
phet, may be wrote upon it; and they have a tradition,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
3.
I
that when they are all called out of purgatory at the day
of judgment, to be inhabitants of the ever-bleffed man-
fions, there will be no other way to come to their pro-
phet Mahomet, but over a large red-hot iron graté,
which they must walk over barefoot. And therefore,
upon the inftant as they are going to step upon the grate,
all the pieces of paper they have picked up during their
refidence in this world will run and place themfelves of
their own accord under their feet, ſo that they will be
enabled to get to their prophet without much difficulty.
This whimſical ſtory fet my heart at reit, and we fupped
clearfully, emptied our flafk of wine, which held
two quarts, and took our leaves. I went to bed, and
felt fuch a calm in my mind, that I did not lie long a-
wake, but continued fleeping till ten o'lock the next day.
I was ſurpriſed, and vexed I had refted fo long, when I
confidered perhaps that I had loft fight of my love.
drefs'd myself, and took a walk in the garden, finding
the coaft clear as I thought. The fun being pretty
warm, I retired to a little fhade made by a few laurel
trees; but was much ſurpriſed to find her that was ever
in my thoughts, fitting under the fhade in a thoughtful
poſture. She turned her head at the noiſe I made in
approaching her and was running away. I plucked up
(with much ado) courage enough to fpeak to her; Ma-
dam, ſaid I, I would not have you be under any appre-
henfion. If I had known you had been here, 1 would
not have diſturbed you. I will only inform you that I
am the perfon that has vowed to ferve you to the ut-
moſt of my power.
Sir, anfwered fhe, I am not at all
diſpleaſed at this interview which is merely chance; on
the contrary, I am pleaſed to ſee the perfon whom I
once hope to be obliged to for my liberty, and wiſh we
could often meet, that we might confult about the
means. Madam, anſwered I, if you'll condeſcend ſo far,
I don't doubt but to find opportunities enough. I told
her of my plot with the eunuch, and I had fome hopes it
might produce fomething. She approved of my deſign,
and my conduct hitherto. She added that the would
take hold of all opportunities to walk in the garden
(where I had informed her I could fee her without being
}
45
THE ADVENTURES OF.
*
feen) and fo we parted for fear of being diſcovered.
She went into the houfe, and I went back to my dwel-
ling, and in lefs than half an hour the captain arrived.
He came to fetch me to dinner, and told me I had work-
ed by magic, or I could never have done what I did.
He told me he thought himself much obliged to me,
and that I ſhould find it. I answered him, I was con-
vinced it was but my duty to ferve him with every thing
in my power, and that if he pleaſed I ſhould make far-
ther improvements. He made me a great many com-
pliments in his way, and declared he would leave it to
my better judgment.
·
By this time dinner was ready, and I was ordered tở
fit down at table with him, (for tho' he had turned Ma-
hometan, yet he eat as we do in Europe, not on the
ground upon carpets as the Afiatics and Africans do.)
We had our dinner dreffed after the English faſhion,
and we drank plentifully of his Greek wine. He told
me he had a difpenfation from the Mufti to drink wine,
and ſmil'd. I anfwered I believed the crime was pardon-
able by Mahomet, if it was drank with moderation.-
For my part, I don't think, faid I, religion conſiſts in
caftigation and penance; and I am convinced that an
upright man, let him be Jew, Turk, or Chriſtian, may
find his way to heaven. We had ſeveral difcourfes at
dinner about religion, but I foon diſcover'd the captain
knew very little of any; and I am of the opinion that
very few of the Renegados think of religion: Their mo-
tive to change is eafe and intereft. But this is a digreffion.
When dinner was over, we walked in the garden, and
I fhowed the captain what improvements I had defign'd
to make. He approv'd of every thing I faid, and in-
formed me that he had heard from Mirza the eunuch
my abhorrence of women. But he advised me to keep
my fentiments fecret, for when you abjure, faid he, the
Moorish women will make you feel their reſentments.*
But 'tis odd continued he, that one of your youth and
make ſhould take fuch an averfion to the female fex.
told him I had very good reaſons for my hatred, and
even my mother was odious to me, tho' fhe brought me
into the world. Well but, added the captain, Time
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
זי
and a fair face may make great alterations. I told him
I was very well affured I fhould carry my refentment to
the grave. I fancy, ſaid he, I have an Engliſh woman,
a flave of mine, that I have lately taken, would make
faw her. Sir, an-
you change your ſentiments, if you
fwered I, I would be willing to ſtand the trial to convince
you to the contrary, tho' I would as foon look upon a
ferpent with my will. Well, faid he, I have not learn-
ed the ftrickness of the Moors, in keeping women with-
out being feen; or if I had, your averfion to them would
convince me I have not much to fear. He defired me to
walk a while in the garden, and he would be with me
again immediately. Upon this he left me, and went in-
to the houſe, and returned in five minutes. Come,
faid he, I have ordered my women to walk in the gar-
den, and you and I will abfcond behind theſe laurels,
where we may fee them, and not be ſeen. We had not
fat long before we could perceive three women coming
towards us. The two firſt were very handfom, a little
inclining to fat, one feemed to be about thirty, and the
other twenty one according to my gueſs, and not ſo fair
as our English women; but the third was fhe I looked
for. All my circumfpection could not avoid my feeling
a fudden flow of my blood rise into my face, which my
captain obſerved. Well faid he (when they were walk-
ed out of hearing) 1 have taken notice of your diforder,
and perceive your real averfion is unfurmountable, which
I am not forry for, being it will add to your liberty. I have
no occafion to have you confined when they walk in the
garden, for I fancy, added be laughing, you'll fhun
them fast enough. Juft. anfwered 1, as I would a creep-
ing fnake, unless it were to deftroy them, and that the
regard I have for you would prevent. The last, faid
the captain, is your country-woman, one that I took in
a fhip (my laſt voyage but one) bound for the iſland of
Zant. I liked her to well, that refufed her ranfom
that amounted to five hundred pounds, and her charas
have overcome me fo much, that I would willingly en-
joy her with her own confent, for compulfion palls thes
joy have given her twenty days to confider on't
$2
TĦ1 - ADVENTURES
and when that time's expired, if the will not confent. 1
amefolved to force her..
Lord (faid 1 in a feeming paffion how can you take
fuch an extraordinary trouble for a thing that does not
deferve the lealt regard. If the reft of the world were
of your mind (faid my captain) the women would have
but a fcurvy time on't. Now 'tis to me amazing (repli-
ed I) that men fhould take pains, live hard, and run all
hazards to come home, and fpend all the fruits of their
labour on ſuch' trifles, that perhaps have not the leaft
tenderness for them, efpecially in thofe hot countries.
where women are given to be amorous, and yet have
but one man 'to fometimes a dozen of them and more;
when perhaps a dozen men would hardly fatisfy one wo-
man. Why (replied my captain) that's the reafon they
are fo fridly guarded, we pretty well know what they
expect Now, if I had not this averfion to woinen 1 re-
turned) 1 have a fecret without witchcraft, to make a
Woman dote upon a man, How, faid the captain, have
yon fuch a fecret? if you'll let me know it, I will not
only give you your liberty, but amply reward you be
Tiles. Sir, faid 1, I thank you; but as for difctofing the
fecret, it is what I never can do; yet 'tis in my power
to prepare you a chymical liquid, which put into white-
wine will do the bufinefs, though it will take up a great
deal of time, and be very expenſive, As for the expence,
replied the captain, I fhan't value it. But in how long
time can it be done? Not under one hundred days after
projection, anfwered 1. Upon this he paufed fome
time: a hundred days is a great while, yet I think "tis
better to wait for her content than to force her. So far
(ſaid 1) I think you are in the right; and farther (added
I) you may continue her affection, as long as you think
fit. by owand then adding fome of the chymical drops
into any liquid the thall drink, after fhe has taken the
firſt preſcription.
23
The captain feemed mightily pleafed with my project,
and aſked me what the charge would be. I anſwered,
I feared it would be about two hundred pounds in this
country, though it would be much cheaper in England,
where the things that I fhould want were eafier to be
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
43
had; but I told him I could not give a juſt account of
the charge, till I faw the prices of the things I fhould
want, I told him I was afraid I ſhould find it a difficult
thing to get a Still, for that was the first thing I fhould
want. He anſwered me, he did not queſtion but I-ſhould
cafily procure every thing I wanted for money, and he
would take care I fhould not ſtand in need of that. He
farther told me that feveral Jews in Sallee had all
manner of drugs, and he believed every thing elſe that I
thould want. (For fear of the worſt) I told him, I ſhould
not want my drugs theſe fifty days, though I ſhould
want the Still immediately, and liberty to go into the
neighbouring woods in the night-time, being there were
feveral herbs that I muſt gather by moon light, and
when the moon was in its full, in the increaſe, or de-
creaſe, according to the nature of the herb I wanted.
He told me I fl.ould have all the liberty I required, not
doubting I would make any wrong ufe of it. I told him,
to be more ſecure, he might fend who he thought &t,
to guard me.
No, returned he, I'll leave you to your-
ſelf. But you may take who you will with you of my
fervants, if you want their affiftance. I told him I ſhould
ftand in need of fome of them fometimes. Well, faid
he, you ſhall go up with me, and take what money you
have occafion for. So accordingly we went into a little
cloſet, where was a ſtrong box, which he opened, and
took out two hundred and fifty Spanish piſtoles; faid he,
if there is not enough, you may have more, I told him,
I was affured there was too much. Well, faid he, we'll
reckon after the affair is over. And becauſe it will be fo
long about, I'll e'en take another cruifing voyage, that
I may not think the time tedious. I was very glad to
hear him fay fo, becauſe I thould have the better oppor-
tunity to work my defign Tho' i diffembled my joy,
and told him I fhould be forry for that, for I fhould
often have ſomething or other to give the woman he de-
figned me to work upon. Well (faid he) Mirza fhall
take your directious. Upon faying this, he called Mirza
to us; Mirza, laid the captain, you muſt obſerve this
perfon's orders; whatever he commands you to do, you
muſt obey with as much exactneſs as if you were ferving
D
44
THE ADVENTURES 02.
of me.
This he told Mirza in the Mooriſh tongue, but
explained it to me in Engliſh. Mirza alfo told me in
French the commiffion his maſter had given him, and
farther added, he hoped I would often command him to
vifit the wine-cedar. I told him we would not want.
I advised the captain to let me go to town, to enquire
for the still as toon as poffible, and be to known to thoſe
people that fold the drugs. Why if you will (replied
the captain) we'll go immediately, upon which I confent-
ed. He ordered a horſe to be fadled for me, and I went
into the green houſe to prepare myſelf and luckily for
me I did, for I found a note fixed to the ſtring, which
my fair correſpondent had taken opportunity of leaving,
when the walked in the garden by the captain's order.
Fue contents were as follows.
I
SIR,
Take this opportunity to acquaint you that the tyrant
captain is arrived, and has given me twenty days to
conſent to his abominable love. I hope you will believe
me when I tell you it has almoſt taken away my ſenſes.
The time I fear is too short for us to effect our liberty;
and if we do not fucceed before the fatal day. I ſhall be
the most miferable wretch the earth contains.
Let me
hear from you, and if you can give me the leaft glimpſe of
hope to lull my forrows, fail not to chear the heart of
Yours.
How lucky was it for me to find this note! it might
have fell into the captains hands, and then we had been
in a fine condition. I had time to write but a fhort an-
fwer, which I threw on the ground, and pulled in my
ftring; it was this, Hope every thing: write no more
till to-morrow. I locked my door, and took the key
with me.
When we were on horſeback, our chief difcourfe was
concerning charms, philters, and witchcraft. I convin-
ced him there was not any fuch thing in the world; and,
my compound was the only thing that could do what
was defired. He asked me if I myself had ever tried
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
the experiment: I told him more than once; and re-
lated the following tale to him off-hand.
There lived in our neighbourhood a rich old man and
very amorous, but deformed to the lalt degree: He was
round ſhouldered, broad-faced, blear eyed, fhørt noted,
and his mouth as wide as bis face was broad; a pretty
object as one ſhould fee. This old gentleman fell in love
with a very pretty woman, a mercer's daughter over-
againſt him, but the feemed to be the very off-fpring of
pride, and think nothing lets than a lord worthy to be
her hufband, being well affured her charms would con-
quer every one that looked upon her. She could not
bear the thoughts of the old gentleman, and whenever
he talked of his paffion treated him ſo ill that he was al
moft diftracted. I went to vifit him one day, as I often
uſed to do, for before his love fit he was wont to be very
good company, and would make as free with his defor
nity as any body elie would do: but I found him now in
fuch a condition that I began to pity him. Lufed all the ar-
guments I was capable of to bring him to reafon, but it
was the fame thing as to ftem a torrent. At laft I called
to mind this elixir, which I had never tried before this
occafion; I was pretty well convinced of its virtue from
what I ſaw it was compofed of, though the chief ingre-
dient is calcined gold.
\- 1 his wonderful Arcanum was found out by an uncle
of mine, that had ſtudied the fecrets of nature ixty
years. When he was dying he called me to him, and
gave it me in writing, with the moſt facred conjuration
that I fhould never reveal it, nor cauſe it to be wrote till
I thought my laſt hour near, and to deſtroy that which
he gave me in ten days, for fear it ſhould be found by
accident, and that ten days would be fufficient to im-
print it in my memory: I give it into your hands, faid
my dying uncle, becauſe I find thy underſtanding exceeds
thy years, and thy averfion for women will never let
thee make an illufe of the valuable ſecret; and further
added, that the charge would deter me from doing it
upon any flight occafion, I took it from him, with a facred
promife rot to diſcloſe it, till on my death-bed; for if
D 2
-46
THE ADVENTURES OF
my uncle had recovered I muſt have delivered it up to
him again. But he expired in half an hour.
I fo far pitied the old gentleman (and alfo having a
defire to try the experiment) that I told him I had it in
my power to make the lady as fond of him as love could
irish, if he would go to the charge. He told me he did
not value the expence, but he had no faith in charms.
convinced him at laſt, went to work, and accompliſhed
my affair. The quantity I made would ſerve a hundred
years, and I had a bottle in my trunk when I was tre-
panned aboard, which if you had had the good fortune
to have taken, would have faved you time, and money.
When I had brought my old gentleman a bottle of
my fluff, he feemed even then to have little faith in it;
but I bad him have patience till the trial. All he had to
do was to convey about forty drops in a glaſs of white-
wine fafting. That, he faid to me, will be a difficult
thing, for I know the hates me, neither will ſhe ſtay in
the company where I am. However I told him I would
do my endeavour to find an opportunity: fo I ordered
him to keep a ſmall bottle in his breeches-pocket, (for it
muſt be warmed naturally with the heat of the perfon's
body that is to give it.) And in two or three days I
prevailed upon a relation of mine to invite the lady to
drink tea with her; I acquainted my old lover that he
fhould come in as by accident, and bring a pint of white-
wine as a taſte of a parcel he was to difpofe of. Every
thing happened as defired; the old gentleman came in,
and got an opportunity of conveying fome of the drops
into a glass of wine, and I had the fatisfaction of ſeeing
her drink it. This paffed off, and we parted: But the
poor woman in leſs than ten days was diſtractedly in love!
with the old gentleman, who took his opportunity, en-
joyed her, and after difpifed her.
Now the nature of this elixir is, that if the dofe is not
renewed every time the moon is in the full, the object
beloved will fink into dull indifference again.
My captain told me he thought I might have made
my fortune by fuch a fecret. I replied, I had forgot
to tell him, that my uncle made that one of his articles,
that I ſhould never fell a drop of it, and I affured him
would always keep my promiſe.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOX LES
47
Our ſtory brought us to town, and I was very much
pleafed for I was both tired in inventing hes to amuſe
him, and riding after the Mooriſh manner, with one's
knees almoſt to one's mouth, and there's no alterng
the ftirrups.
We alighted at the captain's houfe; he fent about
the town, and in an hour bought a complete Still. He
went with me to the Jews that diſpoſed of drugs, and
by good fortune, and a good memory, I remembred the
names of a great many forts. I laid out fome money
then, and told him I thould want a great many other
forts, and larger quantities. Of this Jew I borrowed
a crucible (through the captain's intereft to melt the
gold, as I told him. The things were ordered imme-
diately to the country houſe, the captain defired I would
make no delay, ſo I returned, and got home juſt by ſun
fet. I immediately ran to my green houſe to fee if the
piece of paper was there, but I found it was gone: this
pleafed me.
I went to bed and roſe early in the morning. and
feemed to be very bufy about the garden. I fent for
my eunuch out of the houſe, and told him what I had
undertaken for the captain; but I further added, if he
did not now and then give me his company, attended
with a bottle of the juice of the grape, I could not pot
fibly go through with my undertaking. He anfwered
me, failing, that he had orders from his maſter not to
drobey-me in any thing. But added I, I have a harder
talk than all this, for I am compelled to have ſome diſ-
courſe with the woman I am to work upon, to had out
Her temper; for according to her difpofition I am to add
o diminith feveral of my ingredients. Nothing could
have prevailed upon me, continued I, to have under-
take this hateful taſk, but the hopes I have of liberty;
for that is the agreement between the captain and me;
if 1 fucceed in my defign, which I am in no doubt of.
Ithould be glad, returned the eunu, h, you might meet
with what you defire, yet I thould be torry to lote your
good company. I fhall with fome regret, anfwered I
part with you; but defire of liberty, and indeed of re-
venging my felf on my unkind uncle; which is natural
I
D 3
48
THE ADVENTURES OF
to us mortals, will make me as expeditious as I can in
my work. I ordered him to let me have a couple of
fervants, to go with me into the fields that night to
carry the herbs I ſhould gather; and he told me they
fhould attend me.
I now began to think of acquainting the lady with
ſome part of my deſign, and therefore wrote her a note
to this effect.
I
MADAM,
you
with-
I
Hope to have the honour of converſing with
out fear, and even with the conſent of your tyrant. I
have laid a fcheme for our liberty, that with the bleffing of
God I hope will fucceed. You'll ſmile when I tell
am to understand natural magic; But I fhall think no-
thing difficult, if in the end I can ferve one who may ever
command
جو
you
Yours.
In less than an hour I faw the ladies coming down
the walk; I ran immediately up to my peep hole, and
obſerved the miſtreſs of my heart fauntring the fame way
the uſed to go.
As foon as I had diſcovered her in the
walks again, I ran down, and found a note in the room
of mine; (at firft I was uneafy, imagining fhe had not
taken mine away) which contained to this purpoſe.
Am fomething revived at your ſhort ſentence 1 found
upon the ground yesterday. I learnt your going to
town with the captain by a diſcourſe between Achmat and
Mirza; for I understand the Morifco tongue enough to
pick out the ſenſe of what they fay : yet I had not ventur-
ed to write, for fear my note fhould have mifcarried, if I
had not seen you talking to Mirza out of my window.
Only confider my time is very short, and if there is no o-
ther way to avoid the captain, I mufl fly to death as my
only refuge. Think of it, and farewel. Let me have an
anfaver the fioneft, for doubt and expectation are but ling-
ring torments.
I wrote her the following anſwer.
D 3
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE
49
MADAM,
I
LL write to you no more, and beg the favour you wou'd
defift from giving yourſelf any farther trouble. I
will have the pleaſure of talking to you openly to-morrow,
and let you into the whole fcheme. I have laid for your li-
berty. But let me beg you to be chearful, though referved
in your countenance when we meet, for fear we should be
obſerved.
She came to the old place in an hour after fhe had
brought the laſt, with another note (as ſhe told me after-
wards) but reading mine, fhe did not leave it behind her.
After my eunuch and I had dined, I went into the
neighbouring wood with two of the captain's flaves that
were blacks: I loaded them with herbs of feveral forts,
any thing I could lay my hands on, and ordered them
to carry them into the garden, I had taken care to tie
every particular herb with a ftring, fo that there was no
danger of mixing: thefe 1 hung in bundles upon the
branches of feveral trees in the garden, and out we went
again. In fhort, I gathered a good horfe load of diffe-
rent forts, and fome I laid upon the banks, and others
I covered with earth, that it looked as if I was about
buſineſs. I could hardly forbear fmiling fometimes
when alone, notwithſtanding my anxiety for the fuccefs
of my defign, to think how foon I drew in the credulous
captain. Then I began to be in a thouſand fears of his
difcovering my intention to fome of the Moorish phyfici-
ans, for though generally ignorant, yet they would foọn
have found I was but an impoftor.
While I was amidft my fears the captain arrived,
whofe fight gave me fome trouble. He came up to me,
locing about him at what I had done; why this locks
like work, faid he. Yes, Sir, faid I, I am willing to
begin that I may make an end the fooner: But, Sir, I
mult intreat one favour, that you would not impart the
fecret to any one of your family but Mirza, nor to no
one elſe upon any account whatfoe ver: if they feem in-
quifitive tell them I am only diftilling fome fimple waters
for your cloſet. I like your advice, anfwered the cap-
50.
OF
THE ADVENTURES
C
tain, and will be fure to follow it: The reaſon of
coming down now was to take my leave of you, for 1
deſign to ſet fail to morrow morning early, for I am in-
formed of a rich veſſel that well be in our latitude in ten
days, from a prifoner that's lately taken belonging to
Spain: I can't tell how long fhall be out, but I hope
by that time I come back, I ſhall find every thing in
readineſs. Sir, I replied, I don't fear but to accompliſh
my deſign "before you come back. Well, faid he, do
you think you fhall want any think elfe? I told him,
nothing but now and then a gallon of fea-water.Well
faid he, I fhall leave Muſtapha behind me in town, whɔ
ſhall obey you in whatever you fhall; command. · 'Well,
faid he, farewel (and fhock me by the hand) I'll juſt go
in and give them a fresh charge concerning you, and
then to town again. I was very glad to hear him fay
fo; and he was as good as his word, for in half an hour
he took horſe. He fhook his hand at me as he went by
me, and I heartily wished it might be the last time we
might fee one another; not as I could complain of my
treatment, for he had uſed me very handſomely; and
if it had not been in regard to the buſineſs of my love,
I ſhould not have wifhed him ill.
Mirza came to me, and told me his maſter had given
them ſo ſtrict a charge to obſerve my directions, that if
I had a mind to diſpoſe of his eſtate, 'twas his own fault,
for we must not difobey you. Yes, anſwered 1, if ever
you find me requiring any thing foreign to this affair,
I'll give you leave to deny me; but there's one thing
I muſt command you fince I have the power, and that
is to come and fup with me, and bring fome of the nectar
along with you, for I am really fatigued with ſtooping
and walking in the fun when I gathered thofe herbs,
Well, anfwered Mirza, I believe 1 fhall not find much
difficulty in obeying your commands; and I have one fa-
vour to beg of you, which is, that you will lay your in-
junctions on Achmat, that he may partake. Said I,
not to day, Mirza, another time with all my heart.
Nay, replied Mirza, it is not out of love to Achmat that
I defire it but that he may be as deep in fin as myſelf;
for if he ſhould ever diſcover me, I can't tell the confe-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BO Y E L.
51
quence. Well, returned 1, we'll find an opportunity.
The hour of fupper being come, Mirza arrived with
a couple of flaſks. We eat and drank fo heartily, that
Mirza was incapable of helping himfelf; but was fo in-
ebriated with wine, that I began to repent of my plying
him fo faft was forced to drag him, and lay him on
my bed. But how to conceal it from Achmat was my
greatest care; for I did not doubt but he would be want-
ed; and accordingly it fo fell out. For about twelve
o'clock at night he came, and knocked at my door. I
was up, and thinking of my defign. 1 opened the door,
and underfood by his figns, that he wanted Mirza.
let him know by figns, that I had fent him to gather me
fome herbs by moon light. He was ſatisfied, and went
back again. Now Mirza kept the key of the gate, fo
that my ſtory was ſenſible enough.
I
about four o'clock in the morning Mirza waked, but
frighted out of his wits to find it morning; tho' I ſoon
compofed him, by letting him underftand how I had
managed Achmat. He returned me a thouſand thanks
and told me, he ſhould never be able to make me a-
mends: Lafked him, how I fhould order it to fee this
woman, for I could not go to work till I had converſed
with her: And yet by heaven and paradiſe, ſaid I, I
thall be more concerned at the interview, than at any
thing which ever happened to me; (and that was but
truth, for my mind was perplexed between hope and
fear, joy and anxiety.) I pity you indeed, faid Mirza,
and wiſh I could any way eaſe you of the trouble.
Welt, faid I, then let her come alone into the garden,
as 4 am fprinkling my herbs by and by; for I think one
woman is enough to plague a man. Oh, faid Mirza
all men are not of your mind. But I'll leave you, and
hope to find you in better humour, when i ſee you a-
gain.
I had ordered a flave to bring me fome water, and a
large quantity of falt, to mix with it, only to amufe
them. With this I fprinkled the herbs I had gathered,
and I was very bufy about nothing.
I faw preſently after the idol of my foul, and Mirza,
running before her. When he was near enough to me.
52
THE ADVENTURES OF
to be heard, he faid I muft beg you to excufe my wait-
ing on you for a little while; for my not being in the
houſe laſt night, as ufual, has let my buſineſs ſo increaſe
upon my hands, that I muſt make use of all opportuni.
ties to regain loft time. I told him I would not be his
hindrance, but was very forry I could not have his pre-
fence upon this occafion, for I ſhould be in a very great
dilemma. He made no answer, being the lady was
within hearing, but returned into the houſe.
As foon as the coaft was clear, I accotted her with a
great deal of temerity. Madam, faid 1, the happy time.
is come, that I may tell you, without fear or danger,
how much you may command me. Sir, anſwered the,
I am convinced of your fincere defire to ferve me: and
as I have written to you in one of my notes, if heaven
profpers our withes, and we arrive fafely in Eng'and I
hope it will be in my power to reward you. Madain,
faid 1, the fuccefs will amply reward me for all my
trouble; and as one climate gave us birth. it is my duty
to do all I can to ferve you, if I had no other motive.
But if you please let us confult, now we have time by
the forelock, how we fhall order our affairs. Sir, re-
plied the lady, I am convinced your understanding wants
not to be inftructed; and, if you pleafe, I'll be ruled by
you u in every thing. Madam, faid 1, have you any ob-
jection to be difguiſed in the habit of a man? for, ad-
ded I, we may fo accompliſh our liberty with more eaſe.
I have no objection to it, anſwered the lady; but how
will you procure it? Pleaſe leave that to me, 1 replied,
and in leſs than ten days I hope we ſhall be out of danger.
I then informed her of the ſcheme I had laid, which the
mightily approved, and told me the thought my under-
ſtanding out went my years. I told her fome accidents
in life new-edged our thoughts, and if we fucceeded,
the infpiration came from her. I obferved fhe bluſhed
at my difcourfe, yet did not look as if fhe took ill what
I had faid. But I was much concerned to fee her change
the diſcourſe. I did not think it proper to declare my
felf any further, hoping when I had effected her liberty
gratitude would befriend me in her heart. I obferved,
by her converfation, he had a large fhare of under-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
tanding, and a happy turn of wit. In fhort, this in-
terview had fixed my heart intirely hers I had several
times thought of enquiring into her fortue. and how the
was brought into her unhappy flavery, but defifted, till
we had more leiture. She told me, fhe feared we fhould
make our converfation too long: not faid the (with a
look that shot through my heart) as I am oppreffed
with your company, but for fear we may be oblerved.
I told her. I believed we fhould not have many more op-
portunities; therefore I begged her to be ready in a few
days to leave this hateful place. She anſwered me, that
fhe would wait with tome impatience my commands,
and any hour ſhould find her in readinets. She farther
added, that ſhe wifhed fhe might be as ready and as wil-
ling at her last call. I begged her to caft off all melan-
choly thoughts, and truſt to providence. Upon which
we parted; with this her anfwer, that ſhe was ever re-
figned to the will of heaven; and whatever ſhould hap-
pen, fhe would do her endeavour to make herſelf ealy,
even if it was the miſcarriage of our defign.
When ſhe was gone, I foon found the fight of her in-
creaſed my paffion (if it was poffible for love like mine
to fuffer augmentation) But it was love alone that
worked miracles of old; it was love that ruſed me fron
fupine flavery; for I must own once more, if it had not
been for this fated paffion, I thould never have attempt-
ed any thing to regain my liberty But even my love
flumbered now and then, that induftrions diligence
might wake, and I was refolved to put the deſign in ex-
ecution with all the expedition imaginable for fear of ac-
cidents. I went on amufing the houſe, with variety of
works for my preparation; and I was continually order-
ing the flaves to town, for one thing or other, to
ſtrengthen their opinion.
Mirza came to me foon after. At his approach, I
did my endeavour to put on a countenance with little fa-
tisfaction of mind, but I am apt to believe I did it but
aukwardly. For as the face is the index of the mind, I
am of opinion a perion of nice judgment and obferva-
tion may ditcover a tale paffion. with as much eaſe as a
jeweller would diftinguish the different species of tones
34
THE ADVENTURES
(if we may call them fo.) Well, faid Mirza, your fiery
trial is over; but I perceive by your countenance, your
chagrin would willingly wear of, if you'd but fuffer it.
Why truly, faid I, I have two different paffions krug-
gling in my mind, that is joy and grief. I am pleated
to think I fhall fucceed in the affair I have undertaken;
and yet griev'd that I must be compelled to fuffer the
torment I endure to help the operation. Confider the
reward, replied Mirza, that is to follow. I changed
the diſcourſe, that I might not be put to the trouble to
ſpeak against my confcience any longer. I told him I
ſhould be obliged to go to town for falt water out of the
fea, and other neceffaries, that I ſhould ſtay for. Why,
replied Mirza, you may fend for falt-water without
being at the trouble of going yourſelf. I told him I was
obliged to go in perfon, becaufe I was to take it out of
the fea when the fun was in a particular altitude. Nay,
returned Mirza. I am only concerned upon my own ac-
count for I have engaged Achmat to dine with you to.
day, with a great deal of trouble. Well anſwered I, I
will not diſappoint you. I'll ftay one day longer to ob-
lige you. He returned me many thanks for my conde-
fcenfion, and went into the houfe to prepare things ac-
cordingly.
But I
All the while he was abfent, I was contriving my
ſcheme. When dinner was ready Mirza brought it in
accompanied with Achmat. He had taken care at ſeve-
ral times to bring wine, and had placed it in a vault in
the green houfe.
Achmat made his Moorifh honours,
and we all ſat down. Mirza begged I would call the
wine a cordial, that the captain had given me.
might have called it what name I would, for Achmat
did not underſtand me; for Mirza was my interpreter
and with much perfuafion we prevailed upon him to tafte
it. But when he had drank one glafs, he feemed to like
it mightily, and ſoon aſked for another; and in ſhort,
plied his hand to his head ſo often, that he was obliged
to get up, and played fuch pranks, danced and fung,
and rolled about, that it put us in a fright, for fear
fome one fhould hear the noiſe he made. Which to re-
medy, I made him drink more, till at last he dropt
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
·55
down, and fell aſleep." We laid him upon my bed, and
did not intend to diſturb him.
*
I told Mirza, now we had accomplished this great
affair, I had a mind to go to town'even then, for the fun
Thone, and perhaps it might not the next day, and I was
willing to take the first favourable opportunity. He told
me what I pleaſed, now the job was done. According-
ly horfes and flaves were provided me, and away I went
for Sallee. When I came to town I found Muſtapha at
home, who congratulated me with the favour I had re-
ceived from his maſter, and farther added, that he had
given him full charge to obey me in whatever I ſhould
command. I told him I ſhould want his affiſtance im-
mediately with a fmall boat, only he and I, and I begg-
ed him to take his quadrant with him, for I ſhould want
his art a little. We took the boat he had provided me,
and rowed out of the bay till we came to a ſmall pro-
montory, where I deſired him to take the elevation of
the pole. When he had fo done, we lavèd water into
a vellel we brought for that purpoſe, and went home a-
gain, From thence I went to the Jew's, and begged
be would furnish age with a Moorish habit for my prefent
wear for the people of the country do ſo ſtare at me,
faid 1, being in a different drefs from them, that it
makes me alhamed. He provided me a very handſome
one, which I had packed up carefully, that no one ſhould
obferve what it was. I bought feveral trifles of him that
I had no occaſion for, and at ſeveral times other rich
babits but one thing particularly that I hoped I fhould
want, which was a pint of liquid Laudanum.
K
*
ار
I went to Multapha, and ordered my things to be got
ready; while that was doing, 1 endeavoured to found
him to
know whether he had any thoughts about his li-
berty, for I remembred at our firſt meeting he declared
himself as I thought, very frankly: But in all his dif-
courſe now, I found him of a 'wavering uncertain tem-
per, and therefore I thought it the wifeſt way to keep my
delign to my felf, and go another way to work. I took
my leave of him, and went home.
I unloaded my
horfes, and took particular care of my bundle of things.
My falt water I put into fhallow pans in the fun, which
Ꭼ
36
THE ADVENTURES OF
in a day's time produced ſmall quantities of falt. I did
not want to try experiments, yet I was pleafed to fee the
operations.
I began to fet my ſtill on work the next day, but was
foon interrupted in my progrefs by the hafty arrival of
Mirza. Said he, we have brought a fine houſe upon our
heads; yonder's Achmat wont be contented without
more of the Francis cordial. [The Moors call all Eu-
ropeans Francis.] I aſked him how he ordered him
when he waked, after I had left them; he told me, he
was fo greedy after the precious liquor, that he drained
the empty bottles; and he believed if Mahomet himſelf
had made him a vifit, and Achmat had got a bottle to
his noſe, he would not have bid him welcome till he
had ſeen the bottom. Well, faid I, you know the li-
quor is not mine, but I'll ftand by you in the confump-
tion of it. Well, if you pleafe then, faid Mirza, we'll
trouble you with our company to night. With all my
heart, faid 1; fo we agreed to fup together. Mirza,
farther added, that the ladies had a mind to fee my ftill
at work. I told him they might do as they thought fit,
but I would get out of the way; and accordingly he
went to fetch them. The Moorish women came down
the walk in a hafty manner to obferve it, but the En-
glith lady came alone as ufual. I had. got on the other
fide of the laurel trees, and took care to appear in her
fight. As foon as the faw me, fhe cautiously approach-
ed me, and told me foftly fhe wanted to have a little
talk with me. I anſwered her we had an opportunity
very favourably; and then let her know how the other
women were employed, (befide we had the laurel walk
between us, and I was out of fight from every body
elle, She told me he had fomething particular to men-
tion to me; faid the, we ſhall certainly want money to
accomodate us with many neceffaries in our dangerous
voyage. I told her what money I had faved for our de-
fign, but that we would certainly have occafion for
if we were obliged to go for Spain. That was one of
the reaſons, faid fhe, why I wanted to confer with you :
It is in my power to procure a confiderable fum, and
though it is not ſo much as I have loft by the captain,
more,
CAPTAIN, ROBERT BOYLE.
57
yet I have even a fcruple to take candeftinely from him
what I may ſay is my own juftly. I foon removed her
fcruples, and then the farther told me, what was in her
power to take was chiefly in jewels, which would be bet-
ter for concealment and carriage than money. By this
time the obſerved the other ladies coming towards her,
which fhe informed me of; upon that I took my leavė,
and abfconded. When they were gone of the walks,
Mirza came to me to releafe me, as he called it, and
told me the ladies were mighty well pleafed with the
view of my work and materials. I told him, I hoped
they would not give me that trouble often: he anſwer-
ed, he would take care for the future.
*
Now the crisis of my project was very near. I went
to the town the next day, and took Muſtapha for more
water; and farther added, I ſhould want him a night
or two hence to procure water by moon light. He won.
dered at my proceeding, but his maſter told him that I
was fomething very extraordinary, and fufjected me of
magic; but he alfo informed him that I was uſing my art
for his benefit. I told him I had ſeveral materials to wafh
in the fea-water in the full of the moon which was'at
that time) and then I ſhould give him no farther trouble.
From thence I went to my Jew's again, and privately
procured ſeveral forts of dried provifions, as neats
tongues, biſkets, dried fish, wine, and a fmall puncheon
of water, and ſeveral other neceffaries, all to be ready
at a moment's warning.
When I had provided every thing I went home again,
and got an opportunity the fame day to ſpeak with my
miſtreſs. I defired ſhe would be ready about twelve
o'clock at night, with every thing fhe had a mind to
take with her. She told me the could not tell how to
efcape the vigilance of the eunuchs, for, faid fhe, they
lock me up every night when they go to bed; nay, every
day, when they are not with me. I defired her to leave
that to me.
I invited Mirza and Achmat to fup with
me that night, for I told them I was obliged to fit up to
watch my work, being it was coming to a head, and
that I was to go to town before day They complied
with my requelt with a great deal of joy; and the hour
E 2
$8
THE ADVENTURES OF
drawing near, they locked up the doors of the houſe,
and came with a great deal of contentment in their looks.
We fat down, and I plied them with wine till they
thought they had enough. For the finiſhing ſtroke I
defired them to drink one cup of a liquor of my own
diftilling, which they foon complied with. I went and
fetched a bottle of brandy that I had procured on pur-
pofe, in which I had conveyed a large quantity of Lau-
danum, to be ready for this occafion. I gave them each
a large cup, which they fwallowed, but did not very
well like the taſte. I told them I had diſtilled that li-
quor on purpoſe to keep the fumes of the wine (or Cor-
dial, as Achmat would have it) out of the head. They
were very well pleaſed if it would have that effect, yet
defired another glaſs of wine to put the taſte out of their
mouths, which I complied with. The liquor foon had
its defired effect, and a profound fleep locked up all their
fenſes. 1 with ſome fear took the keys out of Achmat's
pocket, and went directly to the houſe, and at laſt found
the right key that opened the place where my treaſure
was repofed. Though the found herſelf at liberty, yet
fhe ſhook with timorous apprehenfions. I encouraged
her all I could, and brought her the difguife which I
had provided for her. While fhe was getting ready, I
retired out of decency, and got out my horfes, and an
Italian flave, whom I had two or three times taken to
town with me: he underſtood a little French, and I had
obſerved ſomething in his countenance that ſpoke him
worthy of a better fate. I had not once mentioned to
him any thing of my project, for fear of any accident,
but I had ordered him to be ready to go with me that
night. When I came back I found my miſtreſs ready
and fomething impatient. I informed her ſhe muſt ſub-
mit to another difguife. She aſked me what that was:
I took out a paper of Ombre, and told her ſhe muſt
permit me to. rub it over her face and hands; which I
did: but the pleaſure of touching her flefh in that
gentle manner perfectly put me in an ecſtaſy, which the
obferved, for I could not help fofty fqueezing her hand,
She did not feem difpleafed at my tranfport, but yet I
thought the occaſion ſhe had to make ule of me made
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
59
her bear with me. As soon as we were ready we went
out, but I firſt locked the doors and left them as I found
them. My mind was confufed between hope, fear, joy,
and terror, and I did not doubt but the lady was in a
worfe condition; but all my talk was to comfort her.
When I had helped her up on horfeback, I called for
the Italian flave, and we both mounted, for I would not
let him walk on foot as ufual.
When we were got fafe from the houfe I began to
aſk the Italian ſlave ſeveral queſtions, as where he was
born, how long he had been a flave, and ſo forth. I
found by his anſwers that he had no hopes of liberty,
for he had fent feveral letters to his friends in Italy, and
never could receive any anſwer. Then I began to come
nearer the matter, and gave him fome hint of our de-
fign, but with this addition, even death ſhould not de-
ter me from the execution. He had hardly patience to
hear me out, but begged he might fhare the fame fate
with me, and if he got his liberty through my means,
he ſhould never forget the obligation, but I might be
maſter of that life I ſhould be the means of ſaving; for
added he to live in flavery is but to be always dying the
worſt of deaths. I foon found by his manner of expref-
fing himſelf that he was fincere in what he ſaid.
I told him all my defign, which he mightily approv❜d
of, and faid every thing was fo well concerted, that with
the bleffing of God it could not miſcarry.
At laft
When we arrived at the captain's town-houſe, we
found Mustapha waiting for me.
I had confidered we
could not do without him, yet I would not venture to
mention our eſcape, till we had him fafe upon the fea.
I ordered every thing into the boat, and to hide my dif
guifed lady, I told Muftapha that it was a young gentle-
man that had been bit by a mad dog, and I had brought
him to dip him in the fea, by the defire of his friends
that lived in the neighbourhood in the country, which
was allowed to be the only cure.
When we had gained the main fea, I began to open
my defign to Muftapha, but was fomething furpris'd to
hear him call out for help. I immediately drew a piſtol
out of my pocket (for I had procured feveral pair) held
£ 3.
bo
THE ADVENTURES OF
it to his breaſt, and threatened him with death that mo
ment, if he offered to open his mouth. I added,” that
we had gone too far to ftop now and I believe if he
had made any reſiſtance, I ſhould certainly have dif-
patched him. When he found refiftance would fignify
nothing he fat him down and wept bitterly. I was real-
ly forry to fee him ſo much afflicted, and comforted him
all I could; and, to encourage him, I told him, as foon
as we arrived at Magazan, (a ftrong port belonging to
the Portugueſe upon the Afric coaſt where I had defign-
ed to ſteer our courſe, he ſhould not only have his liber-
ty, but I would reward him with fifty piftoles for the
pains he ſhould be at. I farther added, I would not
have given him this trouble, if I could have found a pof-
fibility of doing without him. He feemed to be fatisfied,
and promiſed us all the help he could. I told him we
would make the beſt of our way to Magazan, not being
above twenty leagues ſouth of Sallee: He feemed very
much pleaſed our voyage was to be fo fhort, for the wind
was fair, and we hoped to arrive at Magazan`in two days
at the fartheſt. I had provided every thing that was
neceſſary for a much longer voyage, and when we had
directed our courſe, and were fettled in our way, I de-
fired the lady to take ſome refreflament, and compoſe her
unfettled thoughts, for we were now out of all manner
of danger. I faid this only to comfort her, for I was
even in fear of the captain's ſhip, or ſome other Moorish
veffel, meeting us by chance; and the Italian put into
my head another fear, that as I had declared I was ne-
ver at Magazan, nor did not know where it was fituated,
he was not affured but Muſtapha might ſteer his courſe
to fome place that was poffeffed by the Moors. I gave
Mustapha a hint of it, with a promife of a quick dispatch
if he betrayed us: but he affured me there was never a-
nother port between that and Magazan. After we had
refreſhed ourſelves, I intreated the lady to acquaint us
how the came into the power of the captain. Now we are
fomething at eafe, faid fhe obligingly, I fhall inform you
with pleaſure.
HIS
THE
TO R
Y
OF
Mrs
+
V I L L A
R S.
Μ'
Y father's name was Villars, an eminent merchant
of the city of Briſtol. My mother died when I
was very young, ſo that I could never know the loſs of
her. The care of my father atoned for the want of my
mother: he gave me all the education that was proper
to our fex; but before I was fixteen my father died.
The grief and forrow I felt for his death was not recom-
penfed by an eftate of two thouſand pounds a year,
which he left intirely at my own diſpoſal; beſides feve
ral valuable jewels of my mother's. My fortune, I fup-
poſe, brought me many admirers; but as I was a ſtran-
ger to love, I had no inclination to marry: yet being
peſtered fo much with their company and courtſhip, I
retired to a country-houſe near the ſea-fide; and as
did not care to ſee any of my fuitors, fo whenever they
came I always left word I was gone abroad or out of
order; and in a little time got clear of their imperti-
nence.
I
I had the misfortune to be a woman of buſineſs, tho?
The
young; for my father had feveral veffels at ſea.
captain of one of the fhips that traded to Turkey brought
me a bill of lading, and I happened to pleaſe him, (tho'
more than I knew till afterwards.) In fhort, he fell de-
ſperately in love with me, but hearing my averſion to
matrimony, never declared his paflion to me; yet by
bribes and preſents gained over to his intereſt a maid that
lived with me, who for a hundred pound bad placed
him in a cloſet in my bed-chamber. I came and un-
dreffed myſelf as ufual, and went to reſt: but I had not
been long laid ere I found a perion pulling down the
62
THE ADVENTURES OF
clothes, and attempting to come to bed to me. I was pro-
digiouſly ſurprized and frightned as any one would ima-
gine: I called for help, but no one came to my affilt-
ance for the maid had taken care of that I got out of
bed with much ado, and attempted to open the door,
but found I was locked in. I uſed intreaties to the
wretch (who was diſguiſed in ſuch a manner that I could
not know him, for he had got a maſk on) but all to no
purpoſe! he feized me, and I was fo faint with ftrug-
gling, that he was very near accompliſhing his barba-
rous defign, when my othor cloſet door flew open, (for
I had one at each end of the room) and there came out
another man diſguiſed. My fear could not be well in-
creaſed; but I was in fuch a terror that I did not well
know whether I was really alive.
The perſon who came out laſt ſeized immediately on
the other, who let me go to defend himſelf. I ran to
the door, and fear adding to my ftrength, I burſt it
open; but how, or which way I cannot remember. I
ran to the maid's chamber, and the noiſe and confufion
we were in alarmed the men fervants. I had ſlipt on a
gown; and when I had got all the men together I told
them the reafon of this alarm They immediately arm-
ed themſelves and ran up to my chamber, but the per-
fons were both gone. In fearching the room we found
a piece of a maſk on the ground, and a handkerchief
marked L. K. with ſtains of blood in feveral parts of the
room. We could not imagine who they were; and I
was fo very much confuſed and frightened, that I did
not examine the bottom of it that night, but went to
bed in another room very ill with the fright; though
not before I had give order to two of my men-fervants
to watch at my chamber door.
42
I fearched the cloſets of that other room, and under
the bed, before I would venture. And it being a room
where my father uſed to lie, it had a bar on the inſide,
fo I and my maid went to bed Notwithſtanding my
fatigue, frights and fears, I fell aſleep, and when I wak-
ed in the morning, found myſelf very well. I began
then to think reafonably of my last night's adventure,
and eafily judged, that one or both of my maids muſt be
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
63
in the confederacy, for my door never ufed to be locked
on the outfide before. fent for all my fervants up,
men and maids, and related to them the night's adven-
ture. But they brought me word that Mrs Sufan was
not to be found. I fent to examine her room, but I was
informed all her things were gone. We all concluded,
that ſhe was the occafion of the laſt nights plot. I did
not think fit to fend after her, rejoicing I had eſcaped
fuch a baſe confpiracy; till going up into my own
chamber, I found a diamond necklace, a ring, my gold-
watch, and about fixty guineas in money, taken away;
my efcrutoir broke open, and a bill of five hundred pounds
that was due, taken away. I immediately fent to Briſtol
to ſtop payment, but was told, that my maid had come,
as from me, for the money, and had received it ſeveral
hours before. We made the ftricteft fearch we could
for her, but all to no purpose. So I gave it all for loft.
Six weeks paffed on, and no news concerning my maid.
One morning as I was walking in my garden, a failor
brought me a letter which was to this purpose.
I
MADAM,
Heartily repent of my infidelity to you. When I com-
mitted that tafe action, I took ſkelter on board of a
Ship that belongs to my brother, and now lies about fix miles
off; where the bearer will conduct your ladyſhip, if you
will be ſo good to come away immediately. The reaſon of
my repentance and forrow (tho' a fincere one) is at the
approach of death, by the accident of a fall down the hold
of the ship, where I broke my left leg, and fractured my
fcull, fo that I have been fenfeless for two days. But God
granting me my fenfes again (though with the informati-
on that I can't live four and twenty hours) has through
his mercy convinced me, that to expect pardon from him,
is to reflore what is yours, with a fincere confeſſion of the
fatal night's adventure, that corrupted my honefty, and
will be the cauſe of my death. And farther, if heaven
will grant me the bleſſing of feeing you, I may put you in a
way to prevent fomething of ill that may happen to you.
Your repenting fervant.
Sujan Prichard.
64
THE ADVENTURES OF
P. S. I beg you to keep it private: And to amuſe your fer-
vants that you bring with you, you may tell them, you
are going on board the Turkey ſhip, to ſee the preſent
the Turkey merchants are fending to the emperor of
Conftantinople. The bearer will conduct you.
Now I had heard of one of the Turkey fleet, that was
obliged to put into the road by a violent ſtorm; and that
it had a fedan, made with looking-glafs, of a very curi-
ous workmanſhip, defigned for a prefent to the Turkish
emperor. I aſked the failor feveral queſtions concerning
the letter, and he anſwered me bluntly, he could not
tell any thing about it; but there was a young woman,
who had fell down their hold, and had almoft killed
herfelf; and that they did not expect fhe could ever re-
cover, I refolved to go along with him, but to take
take two men fervants and a maid with me. I walked
to the waterfide, which was about a quarter of a mile
from my house, and there I found a thip's boat with
eight oars, and very handſome. I ftept into it with my
fervants without any heſitation, and put off. In about
an hour and a half we came along fide of the veffel,
they manned the fide for me and I was handed up, and
led into the cabin where I found my maid upon a pallet
bed in one corner of it. As foon as ſhe faw me, the at-
tempted to rife, but feemed not to have ſtrength enough,
and fell down again. I defired fhe would not put
herſelf to any pain, but compofe her thoughts, that the
might be the better able to inform me of what ſhe had
promiſed me in her letter: 0! madam, fhe cried (with
heſitations, fighs, and ready to faint every moment) you
do not know what I feel at the fight of you. You bring
into my remembrance the tranfaction of that fearful night,
but I hope your goodness will forgive me. I thall put
into your hands what I have wickedly robbed you of;
and fince I am going out of this world, I am affured
your good nature will prevail for my pardon. I-told
her I forgave her freely, and I hoped heaven would do
fo too.
She thanked me, but faid, the found herſelf to
蔔
​CAPTAIN ROBERT BO Y LL.
ill, that ſhe intreated leave to reft from ſpeaking a mi-
nute or two, to gather a little breath.
I waited with fome impatience, but ſhe remained fo
long filent, that I really thought the was expired. Upon
that fuppofition, I called to her, and the anſwered me
but faintly, Well, madam, ſaid ſhe, as I find you im-
patient to know what I have promiſed you I will tell
as well as I am able.
you
Captain Bourn had for many months a great paffion
for you, but finding you averſe to matrimony, he tam-
pered with me, and offered me fuch large fums of mo-
ney, that beat down all my guard of honefty, and over-
came it quite. He gave me a hundred pounds, befides
other valuable prefents, to admit him into your cloſet,
before you went to bed, which accordingly (dazzled
with the luftre of the gold) I did. You know what fol-
lowed, and if he had not been prevented by the ſudden
appearance of another perfon out of the other cloſet,
would have compaffed his defign. Said I, eagerly, pray
do you know who the other perſon was? Yes, madam,
returned the wench, it was Mr Laurance Kendrick,
your former fuitor and guardian, conveyed there for
the fame bafe intent by your ladyfhip's woman.
cried I amazed, are you fure of that? Madam, purſued
fhe, when you got out of the door, Mr Kendrick ſeized
upon Mr Bourn, and they ſtruggled together fometime;
but Mr Kendrick's maſk falling off, captain Bourn
knowing him, cried, Is it you! in fhort, they foon
came to a eclairciffement, and went down ſtairs unper-
ceived by any of us in the hurry. Where he declared
to the captain, that he had prevailed upon Mrs Ellis,
your woman, for a good fum of money, to convey him
into the cloſet, which fhe did unperceived of any. Thus,
faid I, may ill intentions be ever fruſtrated!
How!
When ſhe had finiſhed, ſhe begged me to have a little
more patience, while fhe got a little more strength, and
ſhe would reſtore me my money and jewels. I was un-
willing to wait long, yet thought fifteen hundred pounds
too much to lofe; for my necklace, ring, and watch,
were valued by my father at a thouſand pounds. I be-
lieve I had been full three hours on board, and wanted
66
THE ADVENTURES or-
to be at home again; and after fhe had kept filent Tome
time, I made bold to diſturb her once more, I called to
her, and told her I had a great way to go, and I was
afraid of catching cold. She begged I would ring a bell
that hung by my hand, which I did, and the failor came
in that brought me the letter. Pray, faid the maid, is
my brother ready to come in? Yes, anſwered he, and
has been on board this half hour. It's very well, faid
fhe. Upon that ſhe raiſed her hand, and unpinned a
fhutter, that fell down, and let light enough into the
cabin, which was dark before; but I thought her illneſs
was the reaſon of that. But to my eternal amazement
I faw her rife from the pallet as well as ever I faw her
in my life. Before I had power to ſpeak, captain Bourn
entered. I could not prefently dive into this myſtery.
I hope captain, faid I, at laft, that you repent of your
raſh and bold attempt, Yes, madam anſwered he, that
I did not fucceed in't, but I hope I have it now in my
power to finiſh my defign. I aſked him what he meant.
He told me I fhould foon be informed, and if I would
not confent to his embraces, he would certainly rayiſh
me that very night. Upon this treatment, I began to
call for my fervants; but the faithlefs Sufan told me
they were taken care of, and ſafe afhore. Yes, madam,
replied the captain, they are twelve miles behind us by
this time; and defired I would look out of the cabin-
window, which they had juft before opened. I caft my
eyes behind me; and too foon perceived that we were
a confiderable diftance from the land. I did not look
long, for the fight foon took away my fenfes, and I fell
down in a fwoon, and when I came to my felt it was far
in night; but I was fo faint and ill that my feeble
limbs would not fupport my body. Grief attacked me
fo violently, that it was thought by every body it would
foon overcome me. By next morning a strong fever
ſeized me, and all that I remem bred for fix weeks was,.
that I was put to bed, with the wretch that betrayed
me to attend me. But the condition I was in really
wrought upon her, and produced a true converfion.
She lamented more than I; and curſed herſelf a thou-
fand times.
+
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
85
When I had recovered my fenfes, I was wore away,
to a ſkeleton. And fure never any one in my condition.
found any relief but death. But it pleaſed the Divine
Being to work another miracle, and infenfibly reſtore me
to my former health of body, but a mind involved in
the moſt cruel torture paft imagination.
When I found the maids repentance real, I freely
forgave her. The captain in all this time had never
come near me, but only to enquire after my health, as
Sufan informed me. But when he perceived I had r.gain-
ed my former health and beauty, as he called it, I was.
tormented with his beaftly addrefes. He told me if I
would not confent to marry him, and forgive the crime
he was guilty of, he would immediately fteer for Eng-
land which he could reach in a few days. I confid red
I was in a wretch's power, who, by what he had done
already, would stick at nothing to gain his ends; I
therefore refolved to flatter him, by the advice of my
maid; whom notwithstanding fhe had brought me into
theſe diſtreſſes, I had taken into my former favour. In
one of his troubleſom vifits I told him if he would im-
mediately reſtore me to my liberty, I would upon the
infant make him my huſband, when we could procure
a proper perſon to tie the knot.
He anſwered me, that
the only way to ſecure me to him, was to have poffeffi-
on of my body before hand; and, continued he, if
you
think the action criminal, I'll foon cure your confcience,
by the licence of the church. For, faid he, if you in-
tend what you propofe, you will eafily comply; and
nothing else will convince me of your fincerity, I'll give
you one day to confider on it; but. continued the wretch,
if you refufe to fubmit by fair means, to-mo. row by force.
I will enjoy you.
So I leave you to conſider on it; and
faying this, left us in the cabin. I had defired Sufan to
conceal our reconcilement from the captain, which fhe
artfully had done; and in the difcourſe, would often
throw in a word or two in his behalf
When we were alone, I gave myſelf over to my for-
rows, and thought of nothing for ſeveral hours but my
unhappy circumſtances. We both continued filent a
confiderable time. Nor indeed had I power to ſpeak
F
68
THE ADVENTURES OF
**
though heaven had induced me with that forutuđe, that
I had fooner refolved to die, than to fubmit to his curfed
propoſals. I told Sufan, that I had determined to put
an end to all my forrows by death; and when that fatal
hour arrived of his limited time, I would plunge a knife,
I had concealed for that defign, into my bofom, This
refolution once more renewed our griefs, and we mja-
gled tears together. We wept ſo much that the foun-
tains of our eyes were dry, and we again remained ſilent,
At laſt Suſan broke it, with a ſpeech to this purpoſe.
Madam, in the confufion of my thoughts, I have chofe
out one that has fome probability of fcceefs; but it will
at leaſt convince you of my repentance, and the deſire I
have to restore you to that peace I have barbarouſly
broke. The captain yet thinks me in his intereft, and
if we can contrive it, I'll fubmit to his loathed embraces
in your room, which fhall be managed in this manner,
You fhall treat with him upon it to-morrow morning.
The articles fhall be thefe, Firit, that he come in the
dark, and ſtay no longer than one hour with you; and
laſt, that he ſhall not repeat the familiarity, till you are
joined by the prieſt.
I must confefs, this propofal gave me a dawn of hope;
and if we could but fucceed in it, I fhould not fear his
farther paffion, when we were landed. For I knew it
was eaſy to find protection, when once on fhore in Eng-
land, and I thought the contrivance feasible enough;
for we were much of the fame age, and no perceived
difference in our make, at leaſt in the dark.
She left it to me to manage: and I refolved to put on
a more compofed countenance at the captain's next visit,
which was foon after, though he had given me longer
time to confider. When he came in, he begged my
pardon for interrupting me, but he came to make me a
prefent, he ſaid, and put a little box in my hand, defir-
ing I would open it, which I did, where I found my
jewels and money. I reftore you that, madam, conti,
nued he, and would not willingly be obliged to you for
any thing but your perfon; and even all your fortune
fhall be at your own difpofal, and the moment you con
feat to my defires, f'll deliver you a paper that fhall 9:
Captain ROBERT BOYLE.
69
blige me to fign what ever terms you fhall think fit to
make me. Iaufed a fhort time, but indeed it was to
think what my tongue fhould utter fo foreign to my
heart.
Captain, faid I, you take the only way to gain your
point; and I muft confefs this fhew of generofity, tho'
it's in your power to force them from me again, feems
a little to leffen the ill-opinion I have reafon to bear a-
gainst you if you pleate to allow me one half hour to
think a little, I'll give you my final anſwer to night.
He ſeemed very much overjoyed at my difcourfe, and
fhewed it in an extravagant unpolite manner, thanked
me, and went out.
I did not want that time to prepare what I had to fay,
but I thought it was better than to come into it on a
fudden. The time expired, the captain came in with an
expecting face. I bad him fit down, which I found by
his countenance he took as a good prologue. Sir, faid
I, I have fully confidered every thing, and if you will
comply with a few articles, you fhall have poffeffion of
what, you defire to-night. Articles, madam! I'll fign
to a blank, replied the brute, if you pleafe. I told him
they were Enly verbal ones: Firft, faid I, I'll have no
light in the room; fecondly, You fhall fiay with me but
an hour; and laftly, Never to expect any more favours
till we are lawfully married. Madam, returned the
captain, you fo overjoy me that I don't know w licre {
am: I'll comply with all your articles, and you have
made me the happiest of mankind. He faid a great
deal more fulfcm fluff that was naufeous to my ears as a
plague fore to the fight. He left us with a hope I would
not long defer his happiness. It was well I was in a
dark corner of the cabin; for had I been in the light,
he would have perceived the confufion in my countenance.
*
3
The hated hour drew near, and Suſan with a ſincere
grief, and tears running down her cheeks, laid herſelf
in the captain's loathed bed. I was really griev'd at the
facrifice the was going to make me, for I was convin
ced the had no loofe defires about her. The captain
enter'd in the dark, and was as happy as a falfe imagi-
nation could make him. I muſt confefs, I was in a thou-
F 2
70
OF
THE ADVENTURES
Tand frights and fears left the girl fhould have been dif
covered; but every thing fucceeded too well, and the
captain roſe within his limited time, and went out.
I
As foon as he was gone, the poor creature got up
from her guilty fcene. Well, madam, faid fhe, all
drowned in tears, I hope I have convinced you, though
to my eternal coft, of my repentance and fincerity; but
I hope heaven will pardon me, and not lay the crime to
me or you, when fatal neceffity was the only caufe.
gave her all the comfort I was capable of, and told her
I did not think it impoffible to oblige him to marry her,
when we had him in our power on fhore, and that for-
mality would obliterate all melancholy thoughts. How!
reply'd Sufan, no, madam! tho' I have done all this,
yet it was only to ferve you; and before I would be his
wife, or indeed any man's wife, I would ſubmit to the
moft fervile offices of life to fupport it: and if the cap-
tain knew how we had deceived him, and would offer
to marry me to atone for his fault, I could not confent,
for blothe the very thoughts of him. Well then, Sufan,
faid I, when we have overcome all difficulties, and worn
off the remembrance of our fufferings, I will fettle a
competency for life, that fhall put thee above all fear of
want. Madam, reply'd Sufan, that's all Thall defire;
and then I'll go to fome corner of the world, live retir-
ed, and repent of all my paſt crimes and follies. I told
her ſhe needed not do that, ſhe might, notwithſtanding
what was paft, live with me. No, madam, that can
never be, replied Sufan; for you muft of neceffity, to
elear your own reputation, divulge the fecret, and then
with what confidence fhall I be able to look upon any
one? I told her, it would be efteemed as an action whol-
ly virtuous, without one fpot or blemiſh.
All I was ca-
pable of faying could not alter her refolution; but fhe
perfifted in retiring from the world, and live in reclufe,
and I defifted from ſpeaking any more upon the ſubject.
It had been much happier for us both, if we had ne-
ver entered upon the, argument; for we had not re-
mained, ſilent a moment, before the captain entered,
with a light in his hand, and the utmoſt fury in his
countenance. Thou devil! ſaid he to Sufan, and haft
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LÉ.
71
thou betray'd me, wretch! after what I have done for
thee! but I ſhall ſtudy ſome way to have ample renge-
ance on thee: and for you, madam, I fhall give till the
fame terms and time I firſt propoſed; but that paſt, ex-
pect not the leaft hope, for I will enjoy you, though the
moment after, death fhould feize me. When he had
done fpeaking, he went out: But it was a confiderable
time ere we came out of our furpriſe.
We were convinced that he had liftened and over-
heard all our diſcourſe, though we ſpoke but ſoftly; and
we feared to utter our thoughts to one another, as ima-
gining he would overhear us ftill. But Sufan at laſt
broke out in these words; Good heav'n! I hope the
puniſhments I am bound to ſuffer will atone for all my
offences! If it will make my peace with thee, I'll un-
dergo all the torments in the world in that bleft hope!
I had not words to comfort her. for the thoughts of my
own condition tied up tongue; but the pain of thinking,
nothing could exceed. I prayed to God to bring met
out of this misfortune, or give me ftrength of reaſon to
fuffer with patience a diffolution from this world. When
Sufan heard me, the told me, fhe could fee no path to
lead us thro' this labyrinth of misfortune, but through
the gate of death; and added fhe, fince we muſt die
once, the fooner we leave this troubleſome world, the
fooner we thall find reſt.
Death ſtill bore to me a froſty found, however I foot
refolved upon't; but the manner of it was what moſt
confounded me: At last we both thought of drowning,
and had refolved, whenever the captain came to accom-
plifh his wicked intent, to throw ourſelves out of the
cabin-window. Will you fo? faid the captain, (who
bad overheard us again, for grief had taken all caution
from as) but I'll foon prevent that. He immediately
took a hammer and nails, and nailed the shutters ſo cloſe
that it was not in our power to undo them. After he
was gone, we spent the night in prayer; and juft before
the morning dawned, we understood by the rocking of
the fhip, the noiſe of the failors, and the loudneſs of the
wind, that we were in a prodigious ftorm, This gave us
hopes that the fhip would be caft away, and that God
+
F 3
72
THE ADVENTURES OF
4
had heard our prayers, and would not let us lay violent
hands upon ourſelves. Nay, deceiving hope was ready
to enter our thoughts, that we might be caft away upon
ſome ſhore, and receive affiſtance when we leaſt expect-
ed it. The form lafted the whole day and part of the
next night; but as it fenfibly abated, fo our fears in-
creaſed. The captain gave us another viſit: Well, ſaid
he, madam, I hope you have had fufficient time to con-
fider of my propoſals, and I am now come for my final
anfwer. Said I, heav'n has given you an anſwer by
raiſing the ſtorm; and if you have the leaft notion of a
divinity, you'll find 'twas his voice that ſpoke to you in
that tempeft to defiſt from fuch a baſe attempt. Nay,
madam, if you imagine you can preach me from my de-
fign, preach on a God's name, Wretch that thou art!
faid I, how canft thou mention that facred name, and
yet have fuch thoughts as he abhors? I fancy, madam,
replied the brute, your ladyfhip feels the influence of the
moon, and for fear 1 ſhould catch the infection, I'll leave
you for a while; but with a word by the by, If you
don't confent the next time I come, by hell! (fince you
will not let me mention heaven) I'll not only raviſh you,
but every far in the fhip fhall do fo too, if they think
fit; and I believe they are ſharp enough fet tỏ fall to
upon worſe food than 1 fhall fet before them.
He ſaid a great many more grofs things, that would
only become his mouth to utter: And to convince you,
madam, that I will do what I fay, ſaid he, I fhall begin
with Mrs Sufan: Come, Miſtreſs, ſaid he to her, now I
have had the firft cut of you, I'll let my failors go to din
ner. With this he forced us both on the quarter deck,
and called all the feamen about him: Here my lads faid
he, I have but two dainty bits, and I'll give you one a-
mong you, that you may'nt think I am over greedy.
The failors ftared upon one another, and did not well
know what he meant, till he told them in terms plain
enough, with promifes of reward to him that ſhould
prove the greateſt rogue. Sufan fell upon her knees,
and intreated them not to take pattern from their bare
barous captain, but to pity a poor unfortunate woman,
reduced to the fatal neceffity of living no longer. Some
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LE.
73:
of the failors made ſport with her mifery, while others
began to pity her. One blunt fellow cried, damn it!
I love a woman well enough, but don't care to have her
forced upon me: It's like eating againſt one's stomach.
Befide, faid another, I fuppofe there's fome reafon of the
captain's liberality, or he would not part with her, I
obferved one of them that ſtood at fome diſtance, taking
notice of what was done, without feeming pleaſed. I
thought I knew his face too, and he appeared above a
common failor by his looks and cleanlinefs. I had not
till now appeared publickly. I was determined to speak
to him, and to crave his affiftance. As foon as he faw
me, he ſeemed amazed, and cried, blefs me, madam !
how came you here! I told him I was betrayed by the
captain. I was informed, faid he, that he had two
ladies paſſengers for Zant, but I little thought you were
one of them, for I was not on board till an hour after
you arrived. I begged he would take me under his pro-
tection; which he fwore with a great oath that he
would, or the captain fhould cut his throat. Madam,
added he I am mate of this veffel, put in by your ho
nourable father; and had been captain, if it had not
been for the tricks of that rafcal; pointing to the captain.
+
The failors were fo divided between themſelves, that
they had not proceeded to any violence with Sufan;
and the remained leaning upon the fide of the fhip, all
drowned in tears. The captain had all this time been
laughing at the difputes of the failors; but perceiving
the mate in conference with me, came up to him, and
with a faucy tone, aſked him what bufinefs he had with
me. I have no other buſineſs, anſwered the mate, but
to protect her from your ill ufage. You impertinate
coxcomb, cry'd the captain, I'll teach you to inter-
meddle with my affairs; and upon faying this, be lift-
ed up
his hand and ftruck him: But the mate foon re-
turn'd his blow with intereſt, and knocked him down
upon the deck. The failors came and parted them;
but the captain ſwore that blow fhould coft him his life.
He upon the inftant ran into the cabin for fome inſtru-
ment to dispatch him, as was fuppofed; but the mate
followed him clofe, and, knowing his violent temper,
%
74
THE ADVENTURES OF
barred the door of the cabin, fo that the captain re
mained a priſoner.
+
The mate took from his own cabin, which was near
the captain's, a cutlafs, and put himſelf againſt the
door, and ſwore he would be the death of him that firſt
attempted to releaſe him; and bad none of them offer
to ſtir, till they had heard what he had to ſay.
The failors had caft off all thoughts from Sufan, to
hear what the mate could fay; who declar'd who I
was, and by what means I was betrayed on board,
When the failors found I was their miftrefs, and owner
of the ſhip they foon began to repent of what they were
going about, and declared they would ferve me with
their lives. When I found I had gain'd moſt of them
on my fide, I told them my ſtory at length, only con-
cealing Sufan's affair with the captain; and they ſeem'd
all prodigiouſly amazed, and ſtood gaping upon me like
fo many ftatues.
The captain in the cabin was all this time fwearing,
curfing, and making a noiſe at his reftraint. I told the
mate, if he thought fit, we would releaſe-him. Yes,
madam if you pleafe, faid he, out of the great cabin,
but we must confine him fomewhere elſe; well knowing
his turbulent fpirit would never be eafy, I told him I
would be guided by him, and if he pleafed to accept of
the command of the veſſel (if it was in my power to give
it him) it was at his fervice. He return'd me a great
many thanks, and told me he would be very faithful in
his commiffion. We releaſed the captain out of the ca-
bin, but as ſoon as he came upon deck, he was ſeized,
with a great deal of difficulty, iron'd, and confined to
another cabin. He raged like a madman at this treat-
ment, but all to no purpoſe. I told him he ſhould want
nothing but his liberty, neither would I profecute him
as his crimes deſerved, when we arrived in England.
I defired the mate to make for Briſtol with all the ex-
pedition imaginable; with a promife that I would re-
compenfe every common failor with double the wages
they expected for their voyage. They all huzza'd at
the news, and one and all promifed to ferve me with
their lives. The mate told me the wind was againk us
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
75
+
in our courſe, but that he would ply it to windward (as
they call it) in expectation of its changing. I afked him
whereabouts we were, and he told me, very near the
ftraits of Gibraltar, and ſhould have been at Zant by
that time, but that they were hindred by contrary winds,
and drove back by the late ftorm. I told him how the
captain had deceived me, in telling me we were not fix
days from the Engliſh coaſt.
Sufan's joy cannot be expreſſed at our happy deliver-
ance; and you may be affured I was as well pleaſed as
fhe was, though it did not appear outwardly fo much :
befides I confidered the mutability of the things of this
world; and we were foon taught, by experience, the
uncertainty of human affairs; for before the evening
we were chafed by a rover, who foon came up with us,
and took us after an obſtina e refiſtance; tho' we did
not loſe one man, but the barbarous captain, who was
killed in the place of his confinement, without being in
the action.
The captain of the rover was the fame we have now
made our eſcape from. He never would tell me what
became of Suſan and the crew. Madam faid Muſtapha,
I can inform you: She and all the crew were ranſomed
for a thousand pound, and their flip given them again.
They did their endeavour to raniom you, but to no fur-
pofe, for they could never learn what was become of you.
Mrs Villars thus ended her relation; only added, that
the Captain fell defperately in love with her, and would
never hear of her ranfom; tho' he treated her with de-
cency, allowing her every thing but liberty; with the
conveniency of a ſtudy of books, which the captain had
procured by his piracy; and ever left in her cloſet, her
jewels, and other things of value, that he had taken
out of the ſhip.
When Mrs Villars had finiſhed her ftory, I returned
her thanks for the trouble I had given her. Sir, re-
plied fhe, thanks will not recompenfe me for the pains
I have taken. I ſhall demand the fame fatisfaction from
you. I told her I fhould readily obey her com-
mands; but I begged leave'to give her the relation in
French, that our Italian might partake; for 1 defign,
76
THE ADVENTURES OF
with your leave, to infift on the fame from him, Sir, an
ſwered the lady, I would have related my unhappy ſto-
ry in that language, if you had given me the leaſt hint.
But however, I'll go once more over again, if you pleaſe,
in French; at leaft the chief circumſtances, that we may
more engage the perfon to declare, how he has thar'd
the fame fate with us. I begged the would give me
leave to take that trouble, if it were only to let her fee,
I had imprinted in my memory what concerned her fo
ftrongly, that I could repeat every circumftance. She gave
me leave to proceed, on which I told her flory over
again in French, to the Italian. When I had finiſhed,
ſhe gave me thanks for the pains I had taken. Though
I had not been ſo long in the relation, yet I made, up
the time in defcanting upon her danger and hard fate,
That a lady of her birth, beauty, and eſtate, ſhould be
fo far forfaken by fortune, as to be reduced to wretch-
ed flavery.
I then began my own ftory, from my birth to our
preſent ſtate. Though in what related to my paffion
for the lady, I did not directly explain; yet I gave her
hints enough to underſtand ſhe was the idol of my foul,
and, tho' love like hope does oft deceive us, I thought
my obſcure declaration did not diſpleaſe her.
We then defired the Italian to proceed in his relation.
He fighing, told us, he was too much obliged to me to
refufe me any thing, though it would call to his re-
membrance tranfactions that would bring tears into his
eyes. After fome paufe he began to this effect.
S
THE
TORY
OF THE
ITALIAN SLA VE.
WAS born at the city of Rome, renowned for its
I grandeur and antiquity, and I may fay without
boafting, of a noble family, but had the misfortune to
come laſt into the world, and the youngest of five fons
and two daughters. My father had a plentiful fortune,
but before his death he had much weaken'd it, in giving
dowries to my two filters, who were both married far
above their fortunes, though not equal to their birth.
But riches now balance every thing, and weigh down
birth and humble virtue, and he that has moſt gold, is
the greateſt man.
We loſt our mother in our early days; and my fa-
ther followed, before I was ten years old, having fet-
tled all his eftate on his eldeſt ſon to keep up the gran-
deur of the name, and left three brothers of us to de-
pend on him,
My father in his life-time gave us an education fuit-
able to our birth and family; and my brother, to give
him his due, completed us. Two of my brothers he
procured pofts in the army for, who both loft their lives
in one glorious campaign. The other died young.
It was imagined by every body that had the privilege
to think for me, that their deaths would be of no ſmall
advantage to me; and it had for fome years the ap-
pearance of it. My brother had attained to his thirtieth
year, without once thinking of marriage. But an ad-
vantageous match being propofed it was thought con-
venient for him to pursue it. The Lady that was de-
figned for him he had never feen; but he was informed
fhe was young, rich, and beautiful. He was brought
to the fight of her, and fell violently in love with her
at the firſt vifit, and his paffion increaſed every moment,
98
THE ADVENTURES OF
The day was fixed for their nuptials by the father of
the Lady, which was to be the Eafter following. I had
attained to my eighteenth year, and no provifion made
for me; and it was thought that this match would not
bring me the leaft advantage.
One day my brother told me, he had procured me
the poſt of captain of the Pope's guards; and though it
was beneath my birth, yet I was pleaſed with it, that I
might have the means to fubfift, without being fubje&t
to the caprice of fortune, and the dependence of a br
ther of an uncertain temper. My brother having fome
urgent affairs, that called him haftily out of town, he
gave me a letter to deliver to his miſtreſs, which was to
excufe his fudden departure.
As foon as he was gone, I went to execute his com-
million; and being known to be the brother of the in-
tended huſband, had the liberty of prefenting the letter
to the lady's own hands. But what misfortunes did
that interview coft me! I no fooner faw her, but i loft
my heart, and the regard I owed my brother was of no
force against her charms. I obferved the peruſed the
letter with indifferency, which did not difpleafe me.
Yet I fo far overcame my growing paffion, as to add
fomething to the excufe my brother had wrote.
ferved, in our converfation, that the promiſed alliance
was not very pleafing to her; and fhe at laft frankly told
me, Duty more than inclination, would make her com-
ply with it. I told her, were my brother's condition
mine, and I had been acquainted with her fentiments, I
fhould not have the fortitude to fupport my ill fortune;
yet fhould have fo much regard to her, whatever were
my troubles, not to be obliged to duty, but'inclination.
I ob-
She told me, with a rifing bluſh, thofe efpoufals ne-
ver profpered. where the hand could not beflow the
heart. I agreed with her fentiments; but added, I
feared her heart was already given where he could not
beſtow her hand.
Sir, faid the, I have ever been a friend to plain deal-
ing, and truth appears fe amiable to me, that neither
will, nor can deny it to you. O happy man, cried
whoe'er thou art! Fortune has fhed her happie influ
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
49
4
ence on thee,, and it is not in her power to make thee
miferable, when bleft with ſo much confenting beauty.
Sir, returned the Lady, the perfon you efteem to happy.
is ignorant of my inclinations for him, and fear will
make me conceal the fecret. And the chief reaſon why
I diſcloſe it to you, is, that you would inform your
brother; for, added fhe, with tears, if I am forced to
wed him, I ſhall be for ever miferable. Her grief touch-
ed me to the heart, and the obſerved the forrow in my
face. I perceive, faid the, the love you bear your bro-
ther affects your breaſt. Madam, faid I, fince you have
made this frank declaration, I alſo will be free, and
utter all my heart. The grief you ſee riſing in my face,
is owing to the torments of my foul. The very moment
I beheld your charms, love fhot me with his ſharpeſt-
pointed dart, and all the hope I have is cold deſpair,
She obferved my declaration with a great deal of facis-
faction, and remained filent ſome time, viewing me ſted-
faftly Upon which I caft my eyes upon the ground.
Sir, faid fhe, (with an unconfirmed voice) I hope you
are fincere in what you ſay, for the fuppofition of it will
draw another ſecret from me, which is this; the reaſon
why I cannot love your brother is, that I have long fince
given my heart to you: The firſt time I ſaw your face,
it left its peaceful manfion of repofe, and fled for ſhelter
to a ſtranger's breaft. The joy I felt at this free decla-
ration fo tranſported me, that I knew not whether I
dreamt or no; but being convinced of the reality, I
threw myſelf at her feet, and uttered all my tongue
could expreſs, flowing from a fincere heart. She told
me ſhe had refolved on death before fhe would confent
to wed my brother: and informed me alſo, that her
paffion had been increaſing upwards of two years. The
first time the faw me, was taking my leave of my bro-
thers, when they were going to that campaign, from
which they never returned. In fhort, we were as much
in love, as ever any two were.
We agreed to meet the next day at the fame place,
where had the liberty of coming, as her brother in-law
that was to be.
I was impatient for the next day, imagining time to
30
THY ADVENTURES OF
5
→
have no wings. But the happy moment came at läft,
We talked of nothing for ſeveral hours, but our mutual
love; at laft we fell on the ungrateful fubject of the ap-
proaching nuptials, and how we fhould prevent them.
I propoſed to her, running away, and tying ourſelves
faft by the facred bond of wedlock. Though, faid the,
I will never be any one's but yours, yet we must confi-
der of futurity: I know your fortune is but ſmall, and
mine, though a large one, depends upon my father:
I'll find fome means to defer the marriage; you may do
your endeavor to diffuade your brother, for I fancy
fortune more than beauty has gained his heart. 1 af-
fured her to the contrary, that he was very much in
love with her. We both wifhed it had been otherwiſe,
but refolved to love on. We parted, though we had
not refolved on any thing, and appointed to meet the
next day in a private corner of the town, at an acquaint-
ance of mine, that I could confide in; though I would
not truft him with the fecret, well knowing a matter of
importance inflaves the perſon that difclofes it. I told
him I had an intrigue with a perſon of quality, that I
must be obliged to carry on at his houfe; which fhe
confented to very willingly. We met according to our
appointment, but an hour before the time prefixt, not
willing one fhould be before the other. She came alone
too, for ſhe would not truft any of her fervants. We
met there every day; and one time above the reft, love
being pregnant in both our eyes, I took the happy op-
portunity, and was bleffed in the poffeffion of all 1 wifh-
ed on earth: but enjoyment was ſo far from palling my
defires, that it rather increaſed them. We lived in all the
delight of love for a month, but then came the bitter to
all our ſweets. My brother arrived, and the fatal day
appointed for the marriage approached. We had given
ourſelves up ſo entirely to love, that we did not think
of what was to come; or if the intruding thought did
creep in, we would immediately lull it to reft like a fro-
ward child.
$460
When we parted, it was with fuch a regret and for-
row, that forboded our ill fortune. The father of my
miftrefs bad ordered every thing for the nuptial folem-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
#
nity, with the greatest inagnificence; but two days be-
fore it was to be folemnized, it was reported all over
Rome that Don Antonio Grimaldi's only daughter (who
was my mistress) was taken dangerously ill. I was not
difpleafed at the rumour, as gueffing her defign. My
brother was never from her, and I was pretty well af
fured the fight of him gave her a great deal of pain.
One day finding my brother very melancholy, I aſked
hin if it was the indifpofition of Grimaldi's daughter
that occafioned the Gloom I obferved in his counte-
nance. He replied the was the cauſe of what he felt :
he.farther added, that he thought her ficknefs coun-
terfeit, only to avoid him; and that he had many rea-
fons to believe ſhe had given her heart to another. I
uſed many arguments with him to leave her, and that
ſhe was not worthy his farther thought. But he affar-
ed me that it was not in his power to hate her. I began
to reflect with reafon on the conduct of my love, and
found I had involved myſelf in a very dangerous and
troubleſome affair: but notwithstanding all my reafon-
ings, I found myſelf more and more in love; and ab-
fence, which cures a light paffion, added frength to
'mine; for I had not feen her in fifteen days. I was
reſolved at laſt to vifit her, and took the opportunity
when my brother was with the Pope in his clofet. f
found it no difficulty to gain adinittance, knowing who
I was but notwithstanding all my endeavours, could
not get an opportunity of ipeaking to her, there being
a great many. vifitants. I took an occafion of feeintg
her pulfe, and we had the happineſs of moulding our
hands for a moment. I durft not ſtay long, for fear my
brother ſhould cone while I was there; and yet I had
refolved to inform him of my vifit, which I did the firſt
time of our meeting; but added that it was curiofity.
and to oblige him, that I gave myſelf that trouble. He
thanked me, and aſked me what I thought of her in.
diſpoſition. I told him I could not anſwer for the ſtate
of her heart, but I was affured that her body was in a
violent fever. This I faid, a little to undeceive him;
for fince he could not be perfuaded to abandon her, I
thought it would be more to our advantage to make him
?
G 2
THE ADVENTURES O
**
believe it was a real indifpofition. He went to make
her a viſit that evening, and at his return told me I had
given him true information, for the phyficians had or
dered her to be let blood, and that ſhe was in a dange-
rous fever, and her father defigned to fend her into the
country the next day. I was mightily pleaſed that he
was deceived as well as the father, and I did not doub
but ſhe had perfuaded the phyficians to favour the
deceit.
Accordingly the next day fhe was conveyed in a lit-
ter, to a country-house of her father's, two leagues
from Rome upon the river. Tyber. I flattered myſelf,
that her being in the country would give me a fairer
opportunity of converfing with her: But though I try'd
all the methods imaginable, I could not find the leaft
glimpſe of hope in above fix weeks time. I was per-
fectly like a mad creature, and all my friends, particu-
Jarly my brother, took notice of my uneafinefs. But I
kept the cauſe of it entirely to myſelf.
Any one that's a judge of love, and has ever been in
my circumſtances, may gueſs at what I felt. All I could
learn of my miſtrels was, that the continued very ill.
My mind was tortured with a thouſand imaginations:
fometimes I thought her falle, and that it was her own
defire which kept me from ſeeing her; at other times
I fancied fhe was really indifpofed.
A month more flipped away, and I was as unlikely
to fee her then as at firſt. One morning my bro
ther came into my chamber, before I was dreft. He
feemed over complaifant to me, and expreffed a concern
for the alteration of my temper. I fancy, ſaid he, bro-
ther, that love has forced himſelf into your breaſt, and
that the object of your paffion has no regard to the tor-
ments you endure. I excufed myſelf to him, that love had
no concern in my humour, but rather an inward indifpo
tion of body. He ſaid many kind things upon that occa
on, promiſed to affift, me all he could, and left me.
As foon as he was gone, I dreffed myſelf, and got
on horſeback, in order once more to try my fortune;
and I had taken a refolution to ſee my miſtreſs, what-
ever hazard I ſhould rum.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
83
When I
came upon the ſkirt of a wood, within half a
Teague of the place where I was going, I was furround-
ed by a dozen men on horfeback, who notwithſtanding
the reſiſtance I made, got me down, bound me, and
carried me into the wood. I imagined them to be
thieves by their proceeding; but they never once at-
tempted to take any thing from me, which altered my
opinion, and I began to think they had a deſign upon
my life.
The ſtate and uncertainty of my love made death look
like a friend.
They kept me in the wood till the dusk of the even-
ing, then clapt me into a litter, and travelled hard all
night. The next morning I was put into a boat, and
hurried on board a veſſel that lay a league of at fea..
As foon as they had received me, they weighed and ſet
fail; the perſon that feemed to have command in the
boat, prov'd to be the captain of the veffel.
They carried me bound into his cabin. When we
were alone, he gave me a paper, which I foon knew to
be my brother's hand-writing; and in it an open letter,
whofe hand I could not tell by the direction. Upon
this the Italian took them both out of his bofom. See,
faid he, the fatal feroll, which has robbed me of all joy
in this life, and which I have kept during my captivity.
The first letter he read was to this effect.
I
Will not call thee by the name of brother: That thou
haft bafely forfeited But knew the hand of heaven
hangs over thee, to punish thy unfaithful dealing with one,
who thinks it the greatest curse on earth, that our parents
Should be the fame. The incloſed letter came intò, my
bands by the honesty of her that was commiſſioned to bring
it to thee; who, abhoring thy guilty commerce with her
ungreateful mistress has difcovered thy fcene of villany.
Know after thou haft read this prepare to fuffer for thy
ingratitude. An hour's space is the length of thy life, and
I think death too ſmall a revenge for the wrougs thou haft
committed againft
The other was as follows.
Hernando Alvares.
€ 3
THE ADVENTURES or
L
TO ANTONIO ÁLVARES.
4
IFE of my life! I have refolved to hazard every
thing to let you know the ſtate of my body and mind.
Though body, life, and heart are entirely thine, yet I fear
death will rob thee of them. My counterfeit illness, that
day you faw me, (without having the happiness of speaking
to each other) brought a real diftemper upon me, and my
fever took away my underſtanding. I hope I bave not in
my ravings declared the fecret of foul. The fight of your
brother retards my health, and the hopes I have of my re-
covery, is once more to ſee thee, thou darling of my heart.
I have prevailed upon one of my women, with prefents and
promifes, who I hope is honeft, to deliver this to thee. Our
private meetings, I fear, will prove fatal to me; for I
find our commerce, if I furvive, will make me a mother
but for fear it may touch me more in what thou art to fuffer
if known to be the father, death fhall releafe thee from
that danger.
;
Upon the reading of theſe two letters, different paf-
fions fwelled in my foul. My heart was torn with ago-
nies for her I loved, and my breaft was fired with re-
venge against my unnatural brother: For as he had
fhook off all brotherly love, I thought it was but juftice
I fhould do fo too.
Sir,
I fat a confiderable time in the utmoſt agony, not før
fear of death; for I must confefs I had not the leaf
thought about it. The captain of the veffel feeing me
in that condition, ſpoke to me after this manner.
though I am well paid by your brother, to end your
life, yet I have fo much compaffion for your fufferings,
knowing your crime to be only love, to mitigate your
fentence, I'll put you into a boat, with two men to con-
du& you, and every thing that fhall be neceffary; upón
this condition, that you will give me your word and
honour, not to appear at Rome in forty days.
I thanked him for his kindness, gave him my word,
and told him it was not in fear of death, but only to
diſappoint my barbarous brother, Immediately a boat
was ordered out, and every thing that was needful for
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
85.
a month's voyage. My two men were paid for the voy
age
-before-hand, and we left the fhip. I ordered them
to fteer for Leghorn, becauſe there I could be furniſhed
with every thing that I wanted, from my fifter, who
had refided there two years with her husband, a noble-
man of Florence. But the wind not proving favourable,
we were drove out of our intended courſe, and had it
not been for a French veffel, bound for Malta, who took
us up, we had certainly perifhed. And happy for me,
had it been my fate to have had a wave for my winding-
fheet; for two days after we were received on board, a
Corfair of Barbary met with us, and took us all pri
foners.
I made no extraordinary appearance, being I was al-
ways difguiſed when went to the houſe where my mif-
trefs lay indifpofed. Hamet (the name of our Iriſh re-
negado) valued my ranfom but at two hundred pounds.
I wrote to both my fifters feveral times, and laid before
them my unhappy condition, but never could hear from
them. So that I either feared my letters had miſcarried,
or they were willing to forget an unhappy wretch like
myfelf. Though, to fay truth, I never received any
hard ufage from Hamet; therefore, if the divine being
will favour us in our eſcape, I'll faithfully fend him my
ranfom.
When he had ended his ftory, we condoled with one
another, for our misfortunes had a refemblance. By
this time the day began to dawn, and Muſtapha told us
we ſhould reach Magazan before night. We were all
mightily overjoyed, becauſe we expected to be a day
longer in our voyage. I begged the favour of Mrs
Villars, to let me cleanſe her face from the ombre, which
the confented to. I was filled with contemplation of her
beauty, but was roufed from thofe pleafing thoughts
by the appearance of feveral lowring clouds that feemed
to threaten us with a hurricane, frequent in thoſe parts
and though they feldom last long, yet they might prove
dangerous to our fmall veffel.
Muftapha advised to make to fhore, but I could by
Bo perfuafion agree to that, but ordered him to hold on
his courfe for Magazan. But the tempeft rofe fo fud-
denly, and fo violent, that we were obliged to leave our-
86
THE ADVENTURES OF
felves to the mercy of the waves; and we did not know
which way we drove, for the dark clouds had almoſt
formed another night.
Our boat was a new ftout boat, and bore the weather
very well, but it frightened Mrs Villars very much; and
I had no other regard but for her. The tempelt conti-
nued for near half the day, and when it grew calm,
and cleared up, we were not in fight of land. By good
fortune I had provided a compafs; and I ordered Muſta-
pha to ſteer due fouth, the fame courſe we kept before
the ftorin began, which was before the wind.
though we had failed feveral hours fouth, we could not
diſcover any land. Mustapha adviſed us to put to wind-
ward back, for he did not doubt but we had overſhot
Magazan in the ſtorm.
홍
​But
We were preparing to tack about, when we difcover-
ed a fail within half a league of us; for it was hazy
weather, notwithſtanding the ftorm was over, or we
ſhould have perceived her time enough to have avoided
her. We kept upon a wind, and it freshning upon us,
our fail ſplit, and we found it was impoffible to avoid
the fhip who gained upon us every moment. We thought
it our wifeft courfe to ly by, and wait for-her. Now
all the hope we had was, that the veffel would prove a
ſhip of Europe. I defired Mrs Villars to conceal her
fex, and begged the favour of the Italian and Mustapha
to keep the ſecret. The fhip was near us, and to our
furpriſing joy, hoifted French colours. We immediately
put on board, becauſe they lay by on purpofe,
We were foon informed Monfieur Pidau de St Olon
was on board, the ambaſſador from the King of France
to the Emperor of Morrocco to treat of peace between
the two crowns. I immediately begged to be brought
to the ambaffador's prefence, who received us very
kindly. I told him all our ftories, but concealed that
of Mrs Villars, for fear of any accident. He ufed us ve-
ry civilly, and promifed us his protection. He faid his
affair would not detain him long, and he would be fure
to gain ſafe conduct for us into our own country.
I returned him thanks for his generous proffer, and
begged he would command my life, to fee how readily
I would obey him. He told me, fince I was willing to
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
87
oblige him, he would foon put it in my power to farve
him.
I haye, faid he, loft three, of my retinue in the voyage,
two by ſickneſs, and one drowned by accident. You'll
juſt make up that number, and you need not take any
care for habits; I will provide for you. The fourth
perfon in your company I believe you'll be fatisfied fhould
be taken care of on board our fhip, for his landing on
the African coaft may prove prejudicial to your affairs.
I was mightily pleafed with his propoſals, and commu-
cated it to Mrs Villars and our Italian gentleman. Mrs
Villars told me, he was entirely under my conduct, and
the Italian thought he fhould have a better opportunity
of getting into his own country from Mequinez, than
France. I would not fuffer Monfiur St Olon to clothe
us, as he propoſed; for I had procured of the Jew four
rich fuits of European cloth for a trifle, which I defign-
ed for Mrs Villars and myfelf; for we intended the
fhould put off her Moorish drefs, the firft opportunity.
The ambaffador provided a cabin for Mrs Villars and
me; and he feemed mightily taken with her youth and
beauty, (as a boy) and he would often fay, nature had
miftaken her, defigning her for the fairest of the fofteft
fex. Thefe encomiums made me very uneafy, fearing
he fhould find out the truth. But I underſtood after-
wards, he had not the leaſt miſtruſt.
He treated us very fplendedly at fupper, confidering
we were at fea. When the ambaffador went to reft,
Mrs Villars and I retired to the cabin allotted us. What
a fenfible pleaſure did I feel to bave the happiness of her
company alone, without the fears and terrors of offend-
ing any one! She perceived a fatisfaction in my counte-
nance, that fpoke the joy of my heart; and by her dif
courfe that enfued, fhe was in fome fear, left a guilty
thought had worked that change.
Mr. Boyle, faid fhe, I hope you know what regard to
pay my fex, and do not wrong the good opinion I have
conceived of you. I own the greateſt obligation to
you, and I am not diſpleaſed, I am in your power,
while you uſe that power with moderation. I had hard-
ly the patience to hear her out, Madam, replied I, be
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THE ADVENTURES OF
afſured your own foul fhall not be more pure than my
thoughts. But yet I will take the freedom to declare,
No perfon in the world has that command over me as
you have.
I must own you have it in your power to
puniſh me by flighting a heart full of the moſt tender re-
gard for you; and all I aſk, is only leave to hope; if I
am denied that, the utmoſt of my refentments to you,
fhall only be in hating life, which will be a burden not
able for me long to bear. It would be bafe in me, ſaid
Mrs Villars, to give torments where I am obliged; I
think to diſguiſe our thoughts is an art better loit than
learnt and to deal frankly with you, I cannot find in
my heart any averfion for you; which is a declaration,
if you knew my temper, ought to fatisfy you. I ſaid
all the tender things I was capable of, in return for this
great bleffing, and our converfation lafted feveral hours.
I told her at laft, I was well affured the wanted reſt;
and whatever pleaſure I took in her company, I would
deprive myfelf of it, and leave her to repoſe.
:
She feemed very much concerned, that I was obliged
to leave her alone; well knowing I fhould not get the
convenience of a place to relt myſelf.
1 told her there was not any fatigue I would not
undergo for her with pleaſure. I left her, and night
foon flipt away in pleafing imaginations. I was fur-
prized to ſee her, who was ever in my thoughts, come
out of the cabin dreffed. Madam, faid I to her, I hoje
you have had nothing to disturb your fleep. She ob-
ligingly anſwered me, nothing but the thoughts of
your waking; and therefore ſhe defired I would go and
repɔfe myſelf in the cabin, and I think, faid fhe, 'tis
my duty to watch now. I excuſed myſelf, and told her
it was but for one night more, for in all propability we
ſhould land the next day, and provide ourſelves with
better accommodation.
We went into the cabin together, and our converfa-
tion chiefly centered on love. She told me at laſt, ſhe
would leave her acknowledgments to me, till fhe was
more at liberty, and in her own country, for fear I
fhould imagine the need fhe had of my fervice ſhould
make her declare herſelf in my favour. When I found
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
89
to fair a beginning, I was refolved to puſh my fortune;
till with many intreaties, vows, and oaths of my fidelity,
the owned to me fhe had a tender regard for me when
fhe faw me firft, for fhe was convinced of my love at our
first converfation; not, continued the, that I had any
underſtanding in the art of love, but I knew the hazard
you had put yourſelf in to ſerve me, could have no other
motive but that paffion: and the more I thought of it,
the more I found my heart inclining to believe you.
Thoſe perſons that have felt the foft paffion, may
make a judgment of the tranfports I was in at this de-
claration. I kiffed her hand a thouſand times, and pref-
fed it to my heart. She begged me to curb my tranſ-
port, for fear of being overheard or obferved; for,
continued fhe, you may remember, in my relation of
my misfortunes how near we were fuffering by fuch an
overfight. This kind caution bridled my tongue, but
could not command my eyes; they ſpoke the language
of my foul.
Our filent converfation was diſturbed by the joy of
the failors in diſcovering land; and we thought it pru-
dent to wait on the ambaſſador, and congratulate him
upon it.
He received us very kindly, and told us he
was pleaſed upon our accounts, that we might recover
on fhore the fatigue of the fea and our captivity. The
captain told us we ſhould come to an anchor before din-
ner in the port of Mammora, I was mightily furprized
to find that we were got to the fouth of Sallee, and found
that the tempeft had drove us back beyond Sallee ſeveral
leagues. This we ftill efteemed a greater happineſs,
and if Muſtapha had not been guided by me,
we had
miffed the good fortune of meeting with the French
veffel, and of courſe made the port of Sallee whether we
would or no. Upon this thought, I began to imagine
that Muftapha, as understanding the mathematics, knew
where we were, and confequently had defigned to be-
tray us. I communicated my thoughts to Monfier St
Olon, and he came into my fertiments. He immedi-
ately called the captain of the ſhip, and ordered Muf-
tapha to be frictly guarded in his abfence; and if any
Moors came on board, to prevent his feeing of them
a;
90
THE ADVENTURES OF
ཙྭ
but defired that he might want nothing but his liberty.
When we came to an anchor, the captain was fent on
fhore to acquaint the Moors with the arrival of an am-
baffador from France; and preſently the fort ſaluted
him with one and twenty guns, which was returned
from the ſhip gun for gun. The governor of Mam-
mora in an hour's time came on board attended, who
ſaluted our ambaſſador, and begged he would have pa-
tience to ſtay in the ſhip, till he had acquainted the em-
peror his maſter with his arrival. The ambaſſador in-
vited him to an entertainment; and though I obſerved
he refuſed wine, yet he and his retinue ſwallowed the
punch 10 faſt that their heads proved as light as their
heels. When they went on fhore again, the cannon of
the ſhip gave them a falvo, which was returned by the
fort, as foon as ever they were landed. The next day
an order came from the emperor that we ſhould immedi-
ately repair to Mequinez, the place where the emperor
refided.
The next day the ambaſſador ſet forward with his
whole retinue, among which were Mrs Villars the Ita-
ian, and myſelf, dreffed richly after the European
aſhion. We were provided with Dromedaries to carry
us, all but the ambaffador, who was prefented with an
Arabian courfer. Within a mile or two of Mequinez
we perceived the king at the head of his army in a great
plain. At first I thought it a mark of reſpect to the am-
baffador of France; but found it was purely accident,
for our guide led us out of the way to avoid them.
When we arrived at Mequinez, we were led to a houſe
belonging to the French conful, or rather a houſe he had
hired for that occafion. Before we were well entered
*the houſe, a guard of Moors was fixt upon us, and ſtrict
· orders given that not a foul ſhould ſtir out, not even
the ambaffador nor conful. I thought this an odd pro-
ceeding, and fometimes imagined it was upon our ac-
count, as fear is an expeditious painter, but my timidity
vanilhed, when Monfieur St Olon informed me, it was
the Moorish cuſtom not to let a foreign ambaſſador give
or receive vifits till after his first audience.
Mrs Villars and I had an apartment allotted us, with
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
91
but one bed in it, after the Moorish manner. She told
me, fhe could not bear the thoughts of my watching e-
very night, and begged I would go to reft with the Ita-
lian; but we found he was provided of a companion,
one of the retinue, and there was no help for it. I al-
ways retired when my mistress undreffed herſelf, and
gave her time going to bed: I then with a quilt laid
myfelf down on the floor, but was far from taking my
repofe. The thoughts of the woman I loved being to
near me, naked in bed, kindled fuch a defire in my
breaſt; and the pain I took to ſmother it, perfectly burnt
I would have my readers excufe me, if they are
ditobliged at any part of my ſtory, becauſe I am only
relating matters of fact.
me up.
The next day, when I roſe from my boarded bed, I
retired to give the loadſtone of my deſires time to dreſs
herſelf when I entered the room again, the obſerved
my countenance very attentively, and told ire fhe was
grieved to find in my features fomething that ſpoke a dif
ordered body; which I am ſure, faid the, is for want of
refi but, added fhe, I beg it as a favour, you will im-
mediately undreſs yourſelf, and go into bed, and try to
repoſe yourſelf, and I'll make your excuſe to the ambaf-
fador I refuſed it a great while, but in fhort the for-
ced me to comply with her commands. I went to bed,
but new thoughts again attacked me, and drove fleep
away. Mrs Villars had retired, and ſtaid about an hour.
When ſhe came in again, ſhe ſtole ſoftly for fear of diſ-
turbing me. My mind was fo violently agitated, that
I really began to be out of order, and feveriſh, which
the obferved, and came to the bed fide, and with a ten-
der inquietude aſked me how I did. I took hold of her
hand, preffed it to my lips, and thanked her for her
kind care of me. Alas! fhe cried, you are very much
indifpoted, and am the cauſe of it. Upon this the tears
ran down her cheeks, like morning dew on roſes.
tenderness gave me all the joy imaginable; and as fhe
leaned her head over me, weeping, I preffed her ſoft
lips cloſe to mine, which plunged my foul in ecſtaſies
of joy. She blushed at my freedom, yet ſtill begged I
would try to fleep. I told her it was impoflible, while
H
Her
92
THE ADVENTURES or
fhe was there; upon this fhe was going to retire in hafte,
but I caught her by the foft hand, and told her if the
went out it would be a greater impoffibility for me to
reſt. She conjured me by that love I profeſſed, (if it
was not a falfhood) to declare to her the torments of my
mind, She infifted ſo much upon't, that I told her the
fecret of my heart. She fell
She fell upon her knees, and begged
I would not mention it any more, for the owned herſelf
fo much obliged to me, there was not any thing in her
power the could refuſe me, but that. I begged her
pardon, and had reſolved to fuffer death ſooner than to
have diſcloſed my malady; but I would be ever filent
upon that theme, till fhe commanded me to speak. My
dear Boyle, faid fhe, (I am not aſhamed to call you fo)
ftay till we arrive in England, and here I vow to make
you mine, whenever you fhall command me. Upon
faying this, the joined her lips to mine, not confidering
that in endeavouring to fupprefs my flame, fhe poured
oil upon it, and made it burn the fiercer. I told her,
true love was above nice formality, and that marriages
were made in heaven. Said the, I hope they are, but
Legged by both our loves to drop this theme. I told
her I would, though death ſhould follow. I remained
filent for fome time, while tears topt her fpeech. We
were interrupted by a meffenger from the ambaffador,
who came to invite us to dinner, (for he always did us
the favour of dining at his table.) I begged to be ex,
cuſed, for I found myſelf a little indifpofed. The mef-
ſenger had not been gone a moment before the ambaffa-
dor came in to enquire after my health, and brought
his phyſician with him, who feeling my pulfe, told him
I was in a fever, but bleeding he did not doubt would
give me eaſe. I told him I ſhould be better in the morn-
ing if not I would take his advice. The ambaſſador
would have Mr Villars (as we had named her) to dinner
with him, who had endeavoured to compofe herſelf while
they had been in the rocm, As fhe was going from me,
the iqueezed my hand, and faid. Endeavour to compofe
yourſelf to reft, and you'll foon be better.
1 bey retired and left me to my own thoughts. which
were various and disjointed. Mrs Villars did not ftay
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
93
*
long; fhe came in foftly as before, expecting that I might
have been aſleep. When the found was in the fame
diforder, the burst into tears, and cried, Will nothing
fatisfy you but my undoing? No, madam, faid 1, I will
fight with my defires, and am refolv'd to conquer or
die. She flaid with me till fupper, and our whole dii
courfe was upon the paffion of love When the came
back from ſupper, I had got up and had dreſt myſelf;
but the combat in my mind had really difordered my
body, which fhe foon faw: fhe begged I would go to
bed again, and ſhe would watch me. I told her, the
world fhould not prevail upon me to break her reit; nor
even ſhe herſelf, who was more to me than the world,
I had fat me down upon the bed, and Mrs Villars came
and fat down by me, We remained filent a confiderable
time: at Jaf ſhe took my hand in hers, and preffed me
by the fingers,
Mr Boyle, faid he, I have overcome myfelf: I can-
not fee you in this torture of body and mind, and noɛ
contribute to your eale. Here folemnly.fwear to be my
huſband, and do with me what you pleaſe: I hope you
are a man of honour, and that's what I rely upon. No-
thing in this world could have t: fported ure ſo much
as those few words did: I fell upon my knees, kiffed her
hands, and did I know not what! Madam, faid I, you
have made the happiest man the world contains; and
if I thought my heart and tongue did not agree in what
I am going to ſay, I would pull them both out this mo-
ment. When i had faid this, I fell on my knees, and
made this thort vow. "Thou God that knoweft the
heart of man, I do befeech thee, punith me with eter
nity of torments, if ever I prove falſe to this darling of
my foul, whom before thee I take (as the greateſt blefs
fing) to be my lawful wife. And here I ſwear (ſaid ſhe,
kneeling) to take no other to my bed and heart; and
with this kifs, faid fhe, I feal the facred unian." I told
her nothing could be more binding, and the prieſt could
but confirm what we had done already.
Now the tender moment was approaching to crown
my joys with all i wiſhed on earth, Kings on their thrones
to me ſeemed poor and baſe, and I'd not have changed
H 2
$4
THE ADVENTURES OF
to be the monarch of the univerſe. I begged my dear
bride I might be her bride-maid as well as husband, and
that ſhe would give me leave to undreſs her. Said ſbe,
My love, my life, my huſband, I am to obey you in every
thing that's in my power, and when I fail in my obedi-
ence, may I be miferable in the lofs of you. I was too
eager to fay any thing in return, but I undreffed her,
put her to bed, and you may be fure I did not ſtay long
behind. The veil of night was drawn round us, and I
plunged into a fea of pleaſures, too delicate for words
to exprefs.
י
The next day, the ambaffador faw contentment in
both our faces, and congratulated me for the recovery
of my health. Never was there ſo tender a wife; and
the longer I had the happineſs of enjoyment, the more
my love was raiſed. The next day, the ambaffador was
to have his first audience, and we were all to be in readi-
nefs by feven in the morning. I got up early, and dref-
fed my dear wife in a new fuit of clothes, on purpoſe
for this occafion. The governor of Alcaffar, Hamet
addo Riffy, was to be our maſter of the ceremonies, who
attended us with feveral Moors of quality, and a troop
of the king's blacks, as guards. We fet forward about
eight o'clock, in this order. ft. Twelve of the Moor
guards. 24. everal of the nobility, two by two. 3d.
The ambalador, with Hamet addo Riffy on his right
hand, preceded by two trumpets and kettle-drums, (the
poſt of honour is on the left among Moors, becauſe you
have the command of their fword.)
4. Twenty four
gentlemen of the ambalador's train, two by two.
5. Twelve French flaves that carried the prefents.
6. Twelve more of the guards: and the order was clof-
ed by a Moorish mob, that abuſed us with their tongues
all they could; nay fome of them attempted to throw
ftones, but were baftinado'd by the guards.
all on foot though the king's palace was a mile from the
place where we ſet out.
We were
I was mightily concerned at the fatigue my dear wife
underwent, for it was violent hot; though we had the
bell on't, for going next the ambalador (who ordered
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
95
we ſhould do fo) we had ſome ſhelter from the umbrella
that was carried over his head.
We entered the palace through the marble gate, (for
called from two marble pillars that adorn it) and from
thence, immured with white walls and black guards on
each fide, we arrived at a ſtately pavilion; where a halt
was commanded 'till the king was acquainted with our
arrival. We waited fome time, but at laſt ſaw him
coming, mounted on a white horſe; through one of
the avenues that led to the pavilion. His guards (who
had lined that paffage on each fide) bow'd down to the
ground as he paffed along. He made but a very indif-
ferent appearance. As foon as he came to the portico,
he gave a lance that he bore to one of his guard, got off
his horfe, and fquatted down upon the floor without
any thing under him. He had nothing in his drefs to
be diſtinguiſhed from the reft of his fubjects, but was
muffled up to the eyes with a chocolated-coloured han-
kerchief, that did not feem over-clean. His legs and
arms were bare: as to his age, he ſeemed to be about
fifty; of a very tawny complexion, and very lean; his
hair black, inclining to gray; of a middle ftature, with
hollow cheeks, and eyes black, a ſmall hooked noſe,
and thick lips. Some of his courtiers fat down on each
fide of him, bare-legged and bare headed; and behind
him ſtood a black with a great fan in his hand, not only
to cool him, but to keep off the mufkitos, a ſmall fly,
very troubleſome in moſt parts of Africa.
Mahumet ben addo Otar, his chief minifter and fa-
vourite, was the only perion that ſtood.
As foon as the emperor had fquatted down on the
floor, he repeated theſe words in Arabic three times,
Tạy bươn, which is as much as to fay, “ You are wel-
come;" a common expreffion when they are addreffed
to by a foreigner. Then our ambaſſader made a long
fpeech in French, prepared for that purpofe; which
was only a panegyric upon both kings, fulfom enough;
but the French deal much in wordy compliments. The
interpreter, when the ambaffador had done, read the
fame in Arabic to the emperor. The fpeech was very
long in French and Arabic, but the Emperor heard:it
H: 3
·66
THE ADVENTURES OF
out patiently, which was reckoned a good omen; E
alſo excuſed himſelf that he did not admit him ſooner
to his audience, it being the Ramadan, or Eafter.
When the compliments were over, the ambaffador pre-
ſented all his retinue to the emperor, but I obferved he
took a particular notice of my wife, and eyed her feve
ral times, which gave me a great deal of unea finefs;
for it is as dangerous to be a handſom man as a hand-
fom woman in Morocco, if the brute of an emperor
fhould have a fancy for them.
I longed to have an end of audience,
After we were prefented, the ambaſſador ordered his
preients to be opened and ſpread before the emperor;.
which conſiſted of fine arms made at Paris, ſeveral En-
gliſh watches, cloth, two Perfian carpets, and two
pieces of gold and filver brocade. The emperor in rê-
turn, gave the ambaffador four young flaves, three of
them French, (though he took them all for the fame
nation) but the other was an Englishman, and the fame
perfon I mentioned in the beginning of this relation,
who went in the fame boat on board of the Succefs. I
was very much confounded at feeing him, well knowing
he was on board when I fell out of the fhip. I longed
for an opportunity to confer with him, though I could.
not perceive by his looks that he knew me; but that
might be from my change of habit, and the fun's tar-
nihing my complexion.
The Emperor rofe, (when he had given the flaves):
mounted, and rode off; and we went home in the fame.
order as we came there; only the chief minifter, Mahu-
met ben addo Otar, accompanied the Ambaſſador as far
as the marble gate. informed my dear wife when we
came to our lodging, the anxiety I was in when the em-
peror eyed her: She told me he had made the fame ob
fervation with much uneafinefs: for, faid fhe, I had not.
the preſence of mind, upon the inftant, to imagine my-
felf a man.
However, we both wifhed ourſelves on
board, and the embaffy well over, and then we might
iņake ourielves merry with our fears.
The next day our fears were much increaſed; for
hearing a noile in the ftreet, we went to look out to know.
·
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
97
the reafon, and difcovered Hamet, our Irish Renegade,
with feveral prifoners manacled. Wefoon retired again,
but learnt by other people that they were going to the
Emperor, that he might make his choice. The light of
him renewed our fears, as I ſaid, and we reſolved im-
mediately to get leave to go on board, for fear of fome
unlucky turn of fortune.
I upon the inftant went to wait upon the ambalador,
and declared to him what I had feen, begging leave at
the fame time we might be fuffered to go on board. He
told me he would comply with my requeft for Mr Vil-
lars and the Italian, but begged it as a favour that I
would ſtay with him, for he fhould have great need of
my affiftance; and if any thing fhould fall out, he would
engage for my liberty. Though the requeft cut me to
the heart, yet it was neither prudence nor good manners
to refuſe him. I gave him my promiſe to obey his com-
mands, but begged he would not infift upon my going
abroad but as feldom as poffible. I went to my wife,
(my readers, perhaps, may fmile at my calling her
wife, but I will affure them we thought ourſelves as
much married, as if the parfon had executed his holy
function; nevertheleſs we did not intend to neglect that
ceremony the very firſt opportunity) and told her the
ambaffador's requeft, and my promife. She agreed
with me in the reaſonableneſs of it, but yet could not
forbear fhedding floods of tears at our (we hoped) fhort
feparation. The next day was defigned for the jour
ney; but the enfuing night was fpent with fighs, tears,
and lownefs of fpirit that looked ominous.
-
Yet we
parted; and for feveral hours I could not bring my
mind to any peaceable form to wait on the ambaſſador:
But he fent for me at laft, and told me the reaſon of his
defiring me to continue with him was this
The king his mafter had commanded him to make
fome obfervation of the cuſtoms and manners of this part
of Africa; and, added he, I have obſerved in you a ca.
pacity. fit to affift me in the defign. I told him he might
command me in any thing that lay in my power, and
that I took it for an honour he would think me worth
his employment..
98
THE ADVENTURES OF
We had notice the next day from the perfon that af-
tended my wife with the camels, that he faw them fafe
on board which gave me fome comfort. I begged the
ambaffador to give me leave to fpeak a word or two
with one of the flaves that the Emperor gave him. He
ordered him to come before him, where I defired he
would tell me how he came into the hands of the Moors.
He was prodigiouſly ſurpriſed to ſee me there, and could
hardly believe his eyes; for it was thought by every
body that I had either been killed or drowned; as indeed
it was very improbable to think otherwiſe. He inform-
ed us, that three days after the Succeſs parted with the
Spaniſh man of war, another Algerine rover met with
them, and took them after an obftinate fight; the cap-
tain and ſeveral others being flain in the battle. It was
his good fortune to be bought for the Emperor's ufe; I
call it good fortune, ſaid he, becauſe I was prefented to
the French ambaſſador, and am now in hopes of my
freedom.
I told the ambaſſador in French what he faid; and he
was pleaſed to ſay, that to oblige me he would take him
into his protection. I remembered Mahumet ben addo
Otar was ambaſſador in England; he came to vifit the
ambaſſador often, and underſtanding Engliſh, I gather-
ed ſeveral good hints for his defign; for he was cour-
teous enough, though an enemy in his heart to the
Engliſh.
I think it will not be much amifs here to give the
reader a fuccin&account of the cuſtoms and manners of
the Moors of Fez and Morocco; and we will begin from
their laſt revolution.
Muley Ifmael, the prefent emperor of Morocco, pre-
tends to derive his birth from Mahomet himſelf. He
was fon to Muley Xerif king of Taphilet, but was fuc-
ceeded by Muley Archyd, who dy'd with a debauch Ke
made among his courtiers..
His unexpected death in 1672 gave room for many of
his family to raiſe rebellion in their feveral provinces
But Muley Ifmael being the greateft favourite of the
people, and of an enterprifing temper, proclaimed him
felf king of Taphilet, and ſeized his brother's treaſures,,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BO Y LE.
99
which are the finews of war. His nephew, Muley Ha-
met, gave him the moft trouble; for he had gained a
party, and declared himſelf king of Sus and Morocco,
had feverai battles, but at laſt was overcome as well as
the reft, and Ifmael was fettled the peaceful king of
Taphilet, Morocco and Fez. I have given a defcription
of his perſon already. His empire fpreads from north
to fouth four hundred leagues; from eaſt to weſt up-
wards of a hundred and fifty.
1
There are three ftrong places poffeffed by the Euro-
peans on the coaft of Afric. First, Magazan on the
ocean, by the Portugueſe; and on the Mediterranean,
Meliffa and Ceuta by the Spaniards. They had two
more ſtrong holds, Larache and Mammora; but the
preſent Emperor drove them out fhamefully. And
Tangier once belonging to the Engliſh, who abandoned
it a few years ago, firft demoliſhing the fortifications.
The emperor has but nine fea ports in his whole do-
minions, viz. Santa Cruz, Safy, Sallee, Mammora,
Larache, Arzill, and Tangier, on the African ocean;
Zaffarina, and Tetuan, on the Mediterranean; though
Tetuan is two leagues within land. To begin in order
as they are named; Sancta Cruz (or the holy croſs) is
the firſt port to the fouthward. The town is about.a
mile in length, and a quarter broad. The chief mer-
chants are Jews, who trade with England and Holland.
Their vent is hides, dates, copper and bees wax.
•
Safy or Sophia, appears next, a town finuate on a
hill; but drives a larger trade than Santa Cruz.
Sallee, fituated thirty five leagues fouth-west of Cape
Spartel. It is divided into two towns, the old and the
new; it is called by the natives Arbat. There's a very
good harbour, and a ſtrong caſtle well ſtored with guns,
if the Moors knew how to make uſe of them. The town
is large, and well inhabited, but the walls are all de-
molifhed. I obferved the ruins, of a church, the ſteeple
yet ſtanding, a noble fine Gothic building. The chief
trade of this town confifts in the prizes that are brought
in by their gallies.
About feven leagues more to the north ftands Mam-
mora, once poffeffed by the Spaniards. It ftands in a
100
THE ADVENTURES of
bottom furrounded with mountains, which renders the
air very unwholfom, by reafon of the exceffive heat; but
the bay is fine, large, and fecure from all winds. This
town is generally the high road to Mequinez, the pre-
fènt capital of Morocco.
The next port northward is Larache, a town of a
pleafant fituation, and ftrongly fortified; but to the
eternal infamy of the Spaniards delivered up to Ifmael,
after a fiege of five moons; two thouſand foldiers and
a hundred officers taken priſoners: a fufficient force to
have defended it againft the whole powers of Muley
Ifmael, for they neither wanted provifions nor ammu-
nition. But we ſhall leave them and their cowardife,
and go on to
*
Arzillah, or Azilath about twelve leagues more north.
A place only famed for tobacco, which they feldom
trade abroad for, having fufficient vent for it among
the natives of Morocco; and as we have but little bufi-
neſs with it, we'll come to
Tangier as faft as we can, a fine, large, well-fortified
Gray, when in the hands of the English; but fince they
have left it, and razed the fortifications, the Moors have
thought fit to repair it.
The next, Zaffarina, is a place of very little note,
and therefore we fhall make no obfervation concern-
ing it.
They
The laft is Tetuan, a town fix miles within land,
without any fortification. The inhabitants came origi
nally from the province of Andalufra in Spain, as indeed
did most of the Moors on the fea coafts of Africa.
are white men, pretty well civilized, very kind to ſtran-
gers and chriſtians, and pay but little-regard to the em
peror of Morocco.
3
4
As to the nature of the inhabitants, they are moſt of
a tawny complexion, of a laży, idle diſpoſition, and
curfed with all the vices of mankind, mistrustful to the
laſt degree, falſe, jealous, and the very picture of igno-
rance. They ſtyle themſelves Muffulmen, or true be-
lievers, yet their word is not to be relied upon on any
occafion. The Moors are generally but indifferent fol-
diers, and but ſeldom brave. They are often famed in
Captain- ROBERT BOYLE.
161
the Spaniſh hiftories for men of gallantry, but I could
never find them inclined that way. They manage a
horſe it muſt be confeffed with a great deal of dexterity.
They abominate the Chriftians, for the very word figni-
fies in their language, dog; and are continually feek-
ing means to deſtroy them. Mahomet has taught them
in his Alcoran, that all of his faith who die fighting a-
gainſt the Chriftians, immediately enter into paradife
in triumph: nay, even their horfes, if they die in battle,
are immediately tranflated in to heaven; for they hope
to have the pleaſure of riding there as well as on earth.
$
Though polygamy is allowed, yet they muft marry
but four wives, and muſt fettle a dowry upon them;
and if they ever put them away, they muſt return their
dowry along with them: But they may keep as many
concubines as they think fit; though they have this pri-
vilege, when they can please them no longer, they fell
them to the beft bidder; fo that the women of Morocco,
in my opinion, have but a fad time on't: Yet the huſband
is obliged to keep all their children. They efleem idiots
and naturals to be faints, if they are men; for they be-
lieve the women have no fouls, and are only formed for
propagation. They will not allow them to enter their
mofques, becauſe they eſteem them uncapable of being
received into heaven: yet they fay their prayers at
home, and on Fridays refort to the places of burial, to
weep over the graves of their decealed friends clothed
in blue, which is their mourning. They hire profeffed
mourners to grieve and cry at the graves of relations,
and howl over them, as I have heard the Irish; aſking
them, why they would die when they were provided
with every thing that was neceffary in this world.
Their time is spent in eating, drinking, fleeping, dally-
ing with their women, horfes, and prayers (for they
never learn to read, and are forbid gaming) and even
their prayers are hurried over to flothfully, as if they
were afleep.
They have ufually a ftring of beads in their hands,
like the Roman Catholics, and to every bead they have
a fhort prayer, which as they repeat, they drop throughˆ
their fingers.
The prayer confilts only in the different
102
THE ADVENTURES OF
**
attributes of God, as "God is great, God is good, God
is infinite, God is merciful.' The emperor of theſe
wretches only differs from his fubjects in a larger pro-
penfity to their ill qualities, with the addition of a de-
gree of cruelty and avarice. I was told that during his
twenty years reign he had murdered with his own hands
twenty-three thouſand men: nay, I am apt to believe
the truth of it, for he put forty-feven to death in the
one and twenty days we were at his court.
Every nation is amaz'd to find his ſubjects ſo ſubmiſ-
five and patient under ſo exceffive and cruel a tyranný:
But they ſhould understand (bating their want of power)
that they are taught to believe, if they fall by the hand
of a king who is a Xerif, (which fignifies Mahomet's
fucceffor) they immediately go up to heaven; and if
there is any that would not willingly be fent to heaven
before their time, they are fure to fly him when he is
clothed in yellow, which is his colour of murder; and
he generally dyes it of a blood-colour before he goes to
fleep.
As I was viewing fome new buildings one day, near
the king's palace, I perceived him giving directions to
fome of the workmen. There were feveral carts drove
by his flaves with materials for his building; and as they
paſſed him, he baftinado'd fome for going too faft, while
others thinking to mend that fault, were drubbed by
him for going too flow; bne poor creature treinbling för
fear of what would follow, went bowing before his cart;
but the emperor wounding the horſe in the flank, he
gave a ſpring, tumbled the wretch down, and drove
over him.
Another following him, ran to affit his
fellow, but the emperor threw his dart, and ftruck him
in the fhoulder. The flave drew it out, and upon his
knees prefented it to him again, which the emperor
(when the man had got fome diftance from him) darted
into his chine. The fool drew it out once more, and,
covered with blood, gave it to him back again; but as
be was flooping he fell down with lofs of blood at
barbarian's feet, who did him the favour to pin him to
the earth through his back
I was to flocked at the fight that I could not recover
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
103
myſelf for a good while afterwards. I thought the poor.
fellow was a fool; for if it had been my own cafe, I
would have returned it through his body the firſt time:
for he was fure of dying, and I think it would have
been ſome fatisfaction to have fent the author of my
death the fame journey.
This king uted to murder his flaves upon the leaſt
complaint from the Moors, which they would make out
of hatred to Chriftians. But the wretch finding his flaves
decreaſe too much, took another method; and when
the next complaint was made, he killed the flave. the
perſon complained againſt, but ordered the complainant
immediately to pay him double the price he coſt him, or
find him two more flaves in his room that inftant, which
he was obliged to do; but this proceeding ftopt their
mouths for the future.
They fay he has a great deal of wit and courage, is
very active, and expert in riding, and hurling the dart.
He drinks no wine, becauſe his religion forbids it: but
when he takes opium, or drinks a certain mixture that
he makes himſelf, compounded with brandy, cinnamon,
cloves, anifeed, and nutmegs, woe be to him that comes
in his way. He's much addicted to women, having no
lefs than four hundred concubines. He has one hundred
and eighteen male children alive, and about two hun-
dred famales. One of the males whom he defigns for
his fucceffor, (and which he had by a black, who ad-
viſes him in every thing, and is reckoned a polite wo
man) he has named Muley Zeyden. His revenue con-
fifts in prefents from the governors of his provinces, and
the Arabians who live in huts about his dominions.
When he has a mind to fqueeze, he fends for a gover-
nor from his province, who knows well enough what
he is fent to for, and therefore provides accordingly;
fo that the emperor fleeces the governors, and they
fleece the people. So that there is no one rich but him.
felf, and yet he does not know what uſe to put his trea-
fure to, but hides it in fecret places; and the perſon
that affiſts him in the concealment is fure to loſe his life
for his affiſtance.
Mequinez, the capital and the place of his refidence
I
104
THE ADVENTURES OF
was formerly but a finall village, but now it contains
fiz hundred thousand inhabitants, and the ftreets are fo
crouded, there's hardly any paffing along. It is but a
mean city, very ill built; and, if there falls any rain,
the dirtieft place I ever fet my foot in; for there is no
pavement in the ſtreets; and when it is dry the duft is
ready to choke one. The king's palace is indeed a very
large place, almoſt four miles round, including his
gardens; but is very ill contrived. Here you fhall fee a
fine pillar added to fupport an old ruinated place, and
yet he employs moft of his time in building. In fhort,
it looks like gold lace upon a hop-fack.
$
His ftables are the moſt regular building in all his pa-
lace. But that's no wonder, for the Moors even reve.
rence horſes; and one that has been a pilgrimage to
Mecca, has as much veneration as the pilgrim himſelf.
The king had one of theſe horfes which I have ſeen al-
ways finely capariſoned, and a flave to attend, who car-
ried a pot and cloth to keep him clean. All the horfes
that are thus fanctified are ufually freed from all manner
(1 ſervice, and if the owner cannot afford to keep it,
which often happens, there is a perſion ſettled upon them
by the Mufti.
The Jews drive a great trade here, but they pay fuf-
ficiently for that privilege; for they are obliged to wear
black caps, that they may be diftinguifhed; and not-
withstanding their great trade, they are but fcurvily
ufed, for if a child infults them, it is as much as their
lives are worth to refiſt.
The women of Morocco, I mean all that I had the
fortune to fee, were very handfom, fine large full eyes,
round faces, and every feature exact. They are very
amorous, and dexterous in contriving methods to fatisfy
their defires.
A gentleman of our retinue told me, he had got an
intrigue with one of the Moorish women, daughter to a
governor of a province; and his manner of going to
the appointinent was in difguile. She fent him by a
French flave of hers a complete woman's drefs, which
are generally all alike, and their faces are all muffled
up to their eyes, To that they are often met by their own
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
105
hufbands in the ftreet, without being known; by this
dreſs he got admittance as a lady coming to pay a vifit,
then they are very fecure. For it is the custom,
whenever a man, even the hufband, finds a pair of wo-
men's fandals, at the door of his wife's chamber, he
muit retire; for it is the greateſt affront they can put on
a woman, to enter her apartment when they have that
warning to the contrary. He told me the was a delici-
ous creature, and miſtreſs of the whole art of love.
is no wonder if they give themſelves up to love, when
perhaps there are twenty, or more, (according to the
capacity of the perſon that keeps them flarers in one
fingle man; and they muſt be contented to ſtay for due
benevolence, till their tyrant pleaſes to fend for them.
it
The habit of the men is generally white, (which is a
colour they extremely delight in) with a red cap on their
heads; that is the married men: for all the youth,
from the prince to the beggar, before wedlock, go un-
covered. They are cloſe-fhaved under their caps, ex-
cepting one lock upon the crown of their heads, which
they never cut off; being they are taught, by that lock,
Mahomet is to draw them up to their imaginary para-
dife. They only fhave under their chins, but fuffer
their beards and multachoes to grow, which they take a
particular pride in the length or largeneſs of; and he
that's weil bearded, mun be a wife
n
Their fhirts are made like thifts, only the fleeves are
fo long that they hang down over their hands. Under
the fhirt they wear linen drawers, that reach down to
their knees, for their legs are always bare; their ſhoes
are made without heels, like frifh brogues. Over the
fhirt is a veft without fleeves, which they furround with
a filk ſcarf, of what colour they pleaſe (except green,
which is a colour facred to Mahomet, their emperor,
and the clergy; in this they thruft fhort daggers, or
Knives. Over all is a garment, which they call a Haick,
about five ells long and four broad, which they wrap
round them, as we do our clokes. Some of the meaner
fort, efpecially in the country, wear traw hats of their
Own make. Their dreffes are all alike, only fome add
a gold or flyer fringe round the border.
12
106
THE ADVENTURES OF
As for religion, they rife early and late to prayers;
but only like children, do it becauſe they are ordered.
Their Mufti, or head of their religion, is reckoned the
first in the empire, and difowns the emperor's authority;
but yet he finds means to fleece him, as well as the reſt
of his fubjects, who obey him out of fear; for if there
was one perfon found to love him, it would be as ſtrange
a fight as one of their monſters.
I could not forbear fmiling to fee the providence of
the Moors. Walking one day about a mile from Me-
quinez, it began to rain prodigioufly; I got under a tree
to ſhelter myſelf from the tempeft. But I oblerved ſeve-
ral of the natives undrefs themfelves with a great deal
of precipitation, make up their clothes in a bundle, and
fit on them ftark naked; and all their care was to keep
them furely from the wet, leaving their naked bodies ex-
poſed to the fury of the ſtorm. When it ceaſed, they
walked a little way till their bodies were dry, and then
dreffed themſelves. If a man were to do fo in England,
he would be counted a madman, or a fool, yet I muſt
own I thought them in the right; for be the ftorm ever
fo violent, yet when its over, they purſue their journey
with dry clothes on their backs. But they have one
conveniency, they are dreft and undreſt in half a minute.
Nay, I am informed, theſe that travel on camels, or on
horfelzek, hase a conveniency covered with an oiled
cloth, in which they thruſt their clothes on the like oc-
cafion, and ride naked. I fancy, to meet an army in a
form would create a terrible fright, and do as much ex-
ecution to an ignorant body, as their offenfive arms;
and force them to ſeek for fafety in their heels.
The emperor is able to raiſe an hundred thouſand
horſe, and fifty thouſand foot, When they are to make
war among themfelves, they go very unwillingly into
the field; but when they oppofe the Chriftians, they do
it with a great deal of chearfuldefs; becauſe they expect
indulgences for the expiation of their fins. When they
are ready to give battle, they range their armies ‘after
this manner. They divide their horſe into two bodies,
and place one at each wing; the foot is in the middle,
fe that the whole forms a crefcent or half moon. Before
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
107
they begin the battle, they give a great fhout, then
make a fhort prayer, and fall on without much order very
furioully; fo that they foon overcome, or are as foon
put to flight. Break but their foremoſt ranks, and you
put their whole body into confufion,
I have faid before, that no perſon is rich but the em-
peror; neither do they take the methods to be fo; or
if they are, their greateſt wiſdom will be to conceal
it; for if once known, they are ſure to loſe all their
wealth.
No foreign coin is current in Morocco, except Spaniſh
pieces of eight, which are only received by weight. But
the Jews will fecretly take any coin, and I fuppofe dif-
poſe of it again with the fame circumfpection they re-
ceive it. 1 hey have but three forts of coin current a-
mongſt them. The firſt a Ducat of Barbary gold. Se-
cond a Blanquile, of Silver. And laft a Felowze, of
copper. The image of the emperor is not allowed to be
put on their money, being expressly forbid by Mahomet
in his Alcoran; but they ſtamp them with Arabian cha-
racters. Their way of reckoning is by the ounce.
he
Thefe are the heads of what I obferved in my ſmall
ſtay among them. The ambaffador informed me,
was in fome fear that his embaffy would not fucceed;
for he faid, he found little elfe but delays, excufes, and
nothing of fincerity among them. We were infor.ied,
that the Emperor defigned to go fpeedily upon an expe-
dition againſt the Moors of the province of Oran, who
had newly revolted, and put to death their governor
for his avarice; he having extorted from them vaſt ſums
of money; and the inhabitants after his death, chofe
one of their own province to command them. This
haſtened our ambalador in his legation, to get an an-
fwer one way or other. But we were informed, the
king defigned to fet out the next day upon his expedi-
tion, and yet the ambaſſador had not his audience of
leave. This made him and us very uneafy; for we could
not ſtir from Mequinez, without the emperor's expreis
leave. But about feven in the evening, the ambaſſador
had orders to come and take his lait audience, which
Was the ninth of June 1693: We went in the faine
13
108
OF
& THE ADVENTURES
manner as we did at firſt. But we were informed by
our interpreter, that the king was in a very ill humour,
and that he had but an hour before killed two of his
chief blacks, by ftabbing them with a dagger he conti-
nually wore at his girdle.
We entered the palace farther than the firſt time,
where we waited a full half hour. At laft the emperor
approached richly dreft, and finely mounted on a white
Barbary; the ſaddle and other accoutrements wrought
with gold and precious ftones in feveral places. He was
this day in his yellow, or fatal veft, and ſprinkled in
many places with the blood of thoſe he had flain; and I
thought his countenance had ſomething more of horror
in it, than at our firſt audience. He had a ſpear in his
hand, ſet round with pearls on the top, and a cap with
oftriches feathers waving in the wind. All his atten-
dants had fled his prefence, at the notice of having on his
yellow veſt; and he had only but a dozen of his guards
waiting upon him trembling, but the Alcaydes and other
great men crept about us during our audience.
The emperor begun with his old compliment of You're
welcome, but his looks and words I thought did but ill
agree. The ambaffador ufed many arguments with him
to bring his embaſſy to a happy iffue, but to no purpoſe.
The ambaffador told me, the king was a perſon that
had not the leaft regard to his word, and even diſown-
ed a letter he had written to his mafter the king of
France. Therefore, faid he, we'll take our leave of
this country of monſters in two days: for the king had
figned his departure, with all his retinue.
I was very well pleafed with this hisrefolution; for now
I ſhould once more fee that treaſure of my foul, whofe
abſence had robbed me of all joy. I even thought theſe
two days the longeſt of my life; but at laſt they were
paſt, and we fet out merrily; at 'eaft I did, and all the
reſt of the retinue. Though I mi ft own I could not an-
fwer for the ambaffador, for I believe the ill ſucceſs of
his embaffy had a little chagrin'd him. I did my utmoſt
endeavour to divert his melancholy upon the road,
which he took very kindly. We lay in tents the firſt
Right, which the ambafador had taken care to provide
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
109
us, and proviſion likewife; for there is never an inn be-
tween Mequinez and Mammora.
We roſe the next day very early, that we might avoid
the heat of the ſun. When we came within a league of
the town, we faw coming towards us our Italian, and
by the melancholy in his looks, I began to tremble with
apprehenfion of fome accident. As foon as he approach-
ed us, after paying his obedience to the ambaſſador, he
addreſſed himſelf to me. Said he, in French,
1 was
I wiſh ſome one elfe would have taken my commiffion
upon them, for what I have to tell you will cut you to
the heart. The various troubles in my breaſt locked up
my tongue, fo that I had not power to aſk him any que-
ftions. In fhort, faid he, your miſtreſs is forced away
from us, through the treachery of Muftapha. At hear-
ing this fatal news, I dropped fenfeleſs from my Camel,
nor came to myſelf till we arrived at Mammora.
a thousand times going to deftroy myfelf; and I believe
I had done it in the height of my deſpair, if I had not
been withheld. In fhort, the ambaſſador was no longer
ignorant of my cruel lofs: for in my ravings, I had
called her my dear wife. He feemed amazed at the dif-
covery, and reproached me in a handſom manner, for
not truſting him with the fecret. I was not in a condi-
tion to beg his pardon, neither was there any one could
give me comfort. I was carried on board, where I en-
quired in what manner ſhe was taken away. ·
The captain informed us, that Muſtapha had made
his eſcape out of the cabin-window, by fwimming, I
did not tell any one of it, faid the captain, becauſe I
thought it would be to no purpofe; for I imagined there
could be no other ill confequence to attend his eſcape,
but merely the lofs of him. He had been gone three
days, when on the fourth there came on board us the
governor of Mammora, the fugitive Muſtapha, and one
hundred foldiers, who immediately ſeized on the young
gentleman, who they faid was a woman, and wife to a
renegado of Sallee. It was in vain to oppoſe them, eſpe-
cially when I found by her breafts, that ſhe was really
a woman. They took her on fhore, notwithſtanding
all her cries, fhricks and lamentation, which pierced our
ITO
THE ADVENTURES Or
き
​very hearts. They put her on board a Saick, and fet
fail immediately, fteering fouth, as we fuppofe for the
port of Sallee: This gentleman (meaning the Italian)
took it upon him to acquaint you with the unhappy ac-
cident; 'but, added he, I believe it is not impoſſible to
tegain her. The ambaſſador was fo good as to offer his
affiſtance, in what lay in his power. I begged he would
be pleaſed to lend me a boat, with fome hands to work
her. He very willingly granted my requeſt; and told
mé, he would lend me the ſhip, but he feared it might
occafion a more public quarrel.
***
屉
​I
He lent me ten hands, four patareros, and fufficient
fmall arms, with every thing that was neceſſary. My
kind Italian would accompany me, and the reft of the
company went voluntarily. We spent but little time in
fetting out; and the wind proving favourable, we fet
fail, and made very good way. The Saick had not pur-
fued her voyage above five hours before us, fo that we
had hopes of getting up with them. I encouraged my
companions, who laboured inceffantly. We failed and
rowed all night, and when the morning dawned, we
gained fight of a veffel, which he did not doubt was
that we fought for. We laboured hard to come up with
her, and gained upon her every moment. Before eight
o'clock we came along fide of her, and I foon diſeover-
ed Muftapha giving orders about the engagement.
drew cut a pair of piftols, and fhet him dead. The
reft fired upon us, but notwithstanding all their oppofi-
tion, I jumped into their veſſel, followed by the Italian
and five more of the men: and though they were fupe-
rior in number, yet we foon made them aſk for quarter.
I upon the inſtant enquired for her that was always in
my thoughts; but, to my great grief, was informed by
an Engliſh flave at the ear, that the was taken on board
of a galley by Captain Hamet, our Iriſh Renegado; and
they affured me, it was impoffible for them to be over-
taken. Unfpeakable was the forrow I felt at this rela-
tion; and all the fatisfaction I felt was, that I had re-
warded Muftapha for his treachery. We fleered our
courſe back, but I was more dead than alive in the voy-
age.
+
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
III.
When we came on board, the anbaffador condol'd
with me for my misfortune, and intreated me to take
comfort. I told him death was now my only comfort,
and I hoped that it was not far off.
Our Italian had agreed for his paffage on board a vef-
fel in the bay bound for Rome: He begged that I would
accompany him into Italy: and when he had fettled his
affairs, he would (if it lay in his power) come back to
Sallee, and do his endeavour to find what was become
of Mrs Villars. I thanked him for his offer, and told
him I would accept of it. I had effects enough, having
all the money and jewels we brought from Hamet's
country houfe. We took leave of the ambaſſador, and
gave him abundance of thanks for his civilities, and
went on board the veſſel that waited for us; we fet fail
immediately, and in two months ſafely arrived at Rome;
where our Italian did not care to go publickly on ſhore,
but ſtayed till the darkneſs of the night favoured our
landing.
We had all our goods difembarked, and took a pri-
vate lodging in an obfcure part of the city, where we
were fure of being concealed. We aſked our landlord,
(who was a Frenchman) about the news of the place.
He told us a great deal of idle ſtuff, which fignified no-
thing to us; at laſt, by the advice of the Italian, I en-
quired of him, if Hernando Alvares were in town, or
no! He answered me, that he had been dead above two
months, and had left a noble eſtate behind him. I aſk-
ed him if he had not left a wife to poffefs it. No, ſaid he,
About three years ago (continued our landlord) he
was to have been married to a beautiful young lady, an
heiress to a vaſt fortune; but his brother flept in be-
tween, and gained her affection. Some fay they were
married, and others not; but fhe was delivered of a fine
boy. Don Hernando took a barbarous revenge of his
brother as it is reported: He bribed a captain of a veffel
to put a weight about his neck, and drown him in the
fea. But to make amends for his inhuman act, he has
left his vaft eftate to the fon his brother had by the
lady, and has chofen his holiness the Pope for his guardi-
an, Pray, faid I, what's become of the young lady? He
112
OF
The ADVENTURES
answered me he could not tell; bat it is fuppofed the
was gone-into a nunnery.
The Italian while our diſcourſe laſted, had turned his
face to the window, that we might not perceive the dif
order of his countenance. As foon as our land-lord
was gone he turned to me, and embraced me; faid he,
my dear friend, let what will happen to me, I ſhall have
it in my power to ferve you with my fortune; and fo
much I think myſelf obliged to you, that if half will
buy your miſtreſs's liberty, you fhall command it. 1
returned him the acknowledgements his kind proffer de-
ſerved, but told him, I could not expect to be ſo happy.
He bid me not defpair. I begged he would not men-
tion any thing of my affairs, till his own came to a lucky
iffue.
The next day, we procured ourſelves habits after the
mode of Rome, and refolved to go to Grimaldi's coun-
try-houfe, to hear, if it were poffible, fohe tidings of
Ifabella,
Antonio had dreft himself in a mean habit, and ap-
peared as my fervant. It being but fix pleaſant miles,
we had refolved to walk it. We entered a village with-
in half a mile of the place, and refolved to dine at a
poor Inn, there to gain fome intelligence. I went for a
French merchant, and Don Antonio paffed (as 1 faid)
for my fervant, and interpreter, and informed me of
the diſcourſe that paffed between them. That gentle,
man, (meaning me) fays he to our hoft, has fome bufi-
neſs to communicate to Don Antonio Grimaldi, (for we
knew of his being there. Our Inn-keeper told us, it
would be a difficult matter to talk to him about bufinefs
now, for he was that very evening going to fet cut with
his daughter, in order to put her into a nunnery at
Naples; for all his perfuafions, added he, cannot pre-
vail upon her, but ſhe is fixt unalterably in her refolu-
tion: This news, you may be fure, haftened our de-
parture; but we did not well know how to diſcloſe thè
fecret we had to unfold.
Don Antonio, as not doubting Iſabella's affection to
kim, was fearful left an abrupt diſcovery ſhould have
Come ſtrange effect upon her: We therefore refolved,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
13
A
But at
that I should firſt appear and break the matter by de-
grees; for he had informed me that the fpoke French
very well. When we approached the houſe, Antonio
food at ſome diſtance, while I went up to the door a-
lone. The porter and I not underſtanding one another,
I had like to have returned as wife as I came.
laft a fervant in the family happening to underſtand
French, came and ended our fput'ring at one another.
I informed him I had a fecret of the greatefimportance
to declare to Donna Iſabella. He told me he would ac-
quaint his lord with it. The fervant went in, and im-
mediately returned with a grave old gentleman, that
ſeemed to have been weeping. He asked me in French,
what I had to ſay to his daughter, for the did not care
to speak to any one. I begged that I might be brought
to her preſence, and did not doubt but that I had fome-
thing to fay to her which would not diſpleaſe her. Don
Antonio Grimaldi gravely fmiled, and thook his head;
No, no, Sir, faid he; you have nothing to give either
her or me comfort, unleſs you could revive the dead. I
anfwered him, he did not know what I could do. But
I told him, the longer he delayed me ſeeing her, the
longer he deferred their own happineſs. Well, faid he,
I have no hopes; but you fhall fee my daughter, to
convince you that nothing in this world can make us
happy.
He led me through feveral ftately appartments, all
hung with black. And though it was high noon, yet.
the fun's light was excluded, and dim twinkling lamps
ufurped his room. At last we entered a chamber, where
fat the fair forlorn. I stopped a moment to behold
Fer, and notwithſtanding a fixt melancholy on her coun
tenance, beauty triumphed there. she was careffing
an infant ſhe had in her arms. The father entered firſt,
and told her in French, that a gentleman of France had
a fecret to coinmunicate to her, that would baniſh her..
melancholy. The gentleman (replied the lady) may
promiſe impoffibilities, but rather than expofe him, I
would beg him not to open his mouth upon that fub-
ject. Madam, faid I, I own my felf a phyfician, but I
pretend to cure the mind as well as the body, and to
辇
​¥14
THE ADVENTURES OF
acquaint you with what you know already, you mourn
the lofs of a gentleman, that you imagine was drowned
at ſea: But I can aſſure you he eſcaped that danger,
and is now a captive in Barbary, pining under the fe-
vereſt want; and all the hope he has of freedom, is
through your means.
The lady upon this looked wiſhfully upon her father,
and faid, dear father, don't endeavour to deceive me
any longer; you know I have your promife, and my
time's expired. My dear child I am amazed as much as
you can be, replied the father; for by all that's holy, I
never faw this gentleman in my life before, and am ſo
far from believing him, that (begging his pardon) I
fancy there muſt be fome very great miſtake in't. Upon
this I related to them all his story, from the beginning
to our meeting in Barbary.
I found my relation had ſtaggered her faith a little,
for a pleafing hope, rectified by powerful fear, rofe in
her beautiful face; and fhe threw herfelf at my feet,
notwithstanding all my endeavours to the contrary.
Dear Sir, faid fhe, do not fhow me this light of comfort,
to put it out, and plunge me into eternal darknefs.
Madam, ſaid 1, by heaven and heavenly powers, I have
feen him within theſe two months, and what I have re-
lated to you, his own mouth informed me; and having
gained my liberty, I made him a promiſe to ſee his
friends in Italy, and inform them of his condition. The
tranfports and ecftacies that took poffeffion of both their
fouls cannot be expreſſed by words; they embraced me,
kifled me, called me their preferver. Unlooked for hap-
pineſs! ſaid Iſabella, heaven, thou hast heard my pray-
ers! and does my dear Antonio live! I'll immediately
embark for Barbary, and fetch him thence myself: Evén
all that I am worth, my precious boy fhall fell his for-
tune too, to redeem his father. O my young Antonio,
heaven has reſtored thy father from the dead, ſaid the to
her child, and I hope we fhall fee him again. The
pretty innocent mingled his tears of joy with theirs.
After their firſt tranſports were over, they again em-
braced me, and begged I would put them in a way to
pay me the obligations they owed me. Then they pro-
CATTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
115
ceeded to enquire which way they maft go about to ac-
complish his liberty. I told them, I had a fervant wait-
ing without, that I intended ſhould accompany the per-
fons they would ſend to manage the affair. They feem-
ed to reproach me for letting him wait without, and
were immediately fending for him in. I begged they
would give me leave to go for hin myſelf, being he was
a foreigner, and they would find it a hard matter to
make him underſtand them. Upon this I ran out, and
called to Antonio, and told him in few words how
things flood. He followed me cloſe at the heels: I went
into the room firſt, and as Antonio Grimaldi was giving
him his hand to lead him in, he fell upon his knees be-
fore him. Ifabella cafting her eyes upon him gave a
Shriek, and cryed out, 'Tis he! 'tis he himself my dear
Antonio joy took away her ſpeech, and fhe fell down
into a trance. He ran and caught her in his armis, kiffed
and embraced her, and at lait brought her to herſelf.
Imagination muft make up the difcourfe between them.
He told her at laft, when words of ſenſe took place,
that he was obliged to me for his liberty; for he had
fent feveral letters to his fifters, but never could get any
anfwer. They informed him that both his fifters were
gone to refide at Venice with their hufbands, and that
was the reafon his letters never came to their hands.
Now, faïd Antonio, if my friend, meaning me, was but
happy, it would complete my joy. But to find a wife,
a fon, and father kind, when I had many reaſons to
think the contrary, muft have fome alloy, or it would
not be poffible for me to bear it.
Antonio upon this related my unhappy ſtory, and they
all lamented my hard fortune.
He afterwards eñquired
of his dear labella concerning her own fufferings: which
fhe readily began.
Said he, that day you left me, the troubles of my
mind wrought fo much upon my body, that the phyfi-
cians declared I was in a violent fever, and advifed my
father to fend me into the country, which he according-
ly did the next day. The thoughts of being fo far from
my dear Antonio increaſed my malady, and my father
had little hopes of my life. My fever, after having
K
116.
THE ADVENTURES or
brought me to the brink of the grave, left me: and my
father imagining it was the approaching marriage had
wrought this fudden illneſs, told me one day, that if it
was that which lay fo heavy upon my ſpirits, he would
remove it, by giving me the power of refufing to be the
wife of Hernando Alvarez. I thanked him, and told him
he had taken the only way to reſtore my health; and that
if I was forced to wed him, I fhould be for ever miſerable;
He was the tendereft of fathers, and informed me he would
never force my inclinations. The kindneſs my father fhew,
ed me worked fo much upon me, that I began to recover.
Your brother ufed often to vifit me in my illneſs,
which retarded my health. My father feeing it would
never be in my power to like him, very frankly told him
fo, and begged that he would difcontinue his viſits;
for he was refolved his daughter fhould never give her
hand, where it was not in her power to give her heart,
They parted with many words between them, but my
father perfifted in his refolution.
I began to diſcover that I was with child, and a new
fort of illneſs feized me. I knew this was an accident
that could not long be concealed, therefore I refolved to
let you know my condition; and I gained my woman,
by feveral promiſes of a reward, to deliver a letter to
you: But fhe betrayed me to your brother, which I ſuſ-
pected from her not appearing: I therefore declared the
truth to my indulgent father. He was very much en-
raged at the diſcovery; but paternal love pravailing
over his paffion, he forgave me, and promifed to make
me happy with my dear Antonio. Thefe promifes made
my fickneſs vanish, and I had no other difeafe but what
attends breeding women. My father went to Rome to
enquire for Don Antonio, but could not get the leaſt in-
formation of him. This gave me a new ſhock.
what bitter agonies did I feel, when I received a letter
from your brother, with a copy of that I had written to
you incloſed; which was as follows:
U
But
Ngrateful Woman! Yet I will no more upbraid thee,
but let thy crime be thy puniſhment. He that bạ-
trayed me I will not call by the name of brother: He has
paid for his ingratitude with his life. I only give thee
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 117
this notice, that thou mayeft feel fome of those pangs thou
baft thrust into the breaft of
Hernando Alvares.
The reading of this letter funk me down, and I called
for death, as my laſt and only hope. I refolved to re-¨
fufe all food, and had ſtarved myself to death, if a good
prieſt had not convinced me by his arguments that my
foul was in danger, and I fhould be guilty of a double
murder, myſelf and infant. I lingered on in a reſtleſs
ſtate of unhappineſs, till the time of my delivery came,
which I prayed to heaven to end with my life: but it
pleaſed the almighty power to fpare me to be happy.
The fight of my precious infant called to mind the
lofs of his father; but I refolved to baniſh all thoughts
of death, that I might take care of his tender years.
But I begged my father to give ne leave to go into a
nunnery. With much importunity he granted my re-
queſt, on this condition, that if I continued in that mind
at the end of two years, I might do as I thought fit.
Though I thought the time an age, yet I unwillingly
confented.
My father uſed means with the Pope, to have your
brother called to an account for your death; and it had
gone hard with him, if we could have procured any
witneffes; but for want of that he was acquitted. In a
little time a heavy and deep melancholy feized him; and
he profeffed fo fincere a repentance, that even I almoſt
forgave him. He begged he might fee the child; which
my father made me comply with. He fhed fuch abun-
dance of tears over it, that my father wept for compa-
ny: and ſpoke ſo tenderly of the lofs of his brother,
that wiped off all fufpicions of his repentance. Since
thou haft loft a father, faid he, through my barbarity,
it is but juſt that I ſhould prove a father to thee.
frequently came to fee him, though I could never be
prevailed upon to accept of a vifit. At laft his grief
feized him fo violently, that he was given over by his
phyficians. When he was upon his death bed, he made
his will, and bequeathed my little Antonio his whole
ekate; leaving the Pope his guardian. He died full of
He
K 2
118
THE ADVENTURES OF
repentance for his crime, and no doubt his foul took
her flight to heaven.
The generous Antonio could not refuſe ſome tears to
the memory of his repentant brother; but joy fucceeded
forrow. The Pope was acquainted with the ſtory, who
fent to congratulate their happy meeting. Nothing but
mirth and pleaſure ran through the Villa; which in-
creaſed my ſorrow.
Don Antonio told me one day, that he did not think
he had a right to rejoice without me; and now, faid
be, I have nothing to afflict me but what you feel,
therefore will bend my thoughts if it be poffible to re-
lieve your grief. I can procure a frier of my acquaint-
ance to go to Sallee, one that knows the nature of the
bufinefs we ſhall fend him about, being he has often
gone to redeem captives. We'll fend for him, and you
may give him what inftructions you think fit. I thank-
ed him, and was very forry for the trouble I ſhould give
him, but was refolved to accompany him my elf. He
told me he would not have me go by any means, for I
could be of no manner of uſe in the affair, but rather a
hindrance; and if I fhould be once difcovered, might
fall into the fame ftate we both lately eſcaped from; and
perhaps meet with much worfe ufage than I had before.
His advice was fo reaſonable, that I reſolved to take it,
whatever violence I did myſelf. The frier was fent for,
had his commiffion and inftructions given him, and with-
al to fpure no coaft. Antonio told him whatever he
gave fhould not be thought unreafonable.
He was to have a thoufand crowns for his expences,
and two thouſand more if he fuceecded.
The frier undertook his voyage with a great deal of
alacrity, and gave us great hopes of his fucceſs by his
willingneſs; and he embarked the next day for Genoa,
that port being the propereft place to get a veffel for
Baibary. We wifhed him a good voyage, and recom-
mended him to fortune.
Don Antonia did all he could to divert my melancho-
ly: We often went a hunting, fhooting, fishing, and
vifiting the ladies. In fhort he made me partake in all
the diverfions Italy could afford. But though I feemed
CAPTAIN KOBERT BOYLE. 119
often to be diverted, yet I had always my condition too
much at heart to be merry. We viewed all the rarities
and antiquities of antient and modern Rome. I muſt
confeſs, theſe amuſements lulled my forrows often, but
when I had time for reflection they ruthed upon me with
the greater force.
I ſhall not trouble my reader in defcribing places
treated on by pens far above my weak capacity; but
only give a fhort deſcription of Naples whither Dom
Antonio would have me go. I was not much averle to
the journey, though a pretty long one; and we fet out
with a very handfome equipage. Donna Ifabella, with
her little ſon, accompanied us; but Don Antonio Gri
maldi was obliged to attend the Pope, to fettle the af-
fairs of his fon-in-law's eſtate. I was obliged to appear
chearful, if it was but in complaiſance to Don Antonio.
We arrived at Naples in three days, without meeting
any thing extraordinary upon the road. Certainly, ne-
ver any city in the world can boaſt a finer fituation: add
to that their buildings are ſumptuous, every private
houſe ſeems a palace, and every palace looks like the
court of a king: the ſtreets fpacious; a mild air and
free from tempeſts; ſtrong both by art and nature. In
fhort if I was obliged to live out of my native country,
(which every man is fond of) Naples fhould be the only
place. It has a wall kept in very good repair, with
three caſtles ahnoft impregnable. The chief is feated
:
on mount Erafmus, ſo call'd from a chapel dedicated
him but if it is Erafmus Roterdamus, I cannot im
gine how the Roman Catholics came to have fuch a par-
ticular regard for him, when it is very well known he
was no great friend to them; at leaſt he was a fcourge
to their abſurbities in his writings.
This is not only a fafeguard to the city and adjacent
country, but might.prove its fcourge. In 1587 it was
blown up, by lightning penetrating to the powder-room,
which mightily damaged the whole eity. The fecond
is Cadello nuevo, or the new caſtle, built by Charles
king of Naples. This caftle commands the haven, and
is generally the viceroy's dwelling. The third ftands ou
the louth eaſt corner of the city, built upon a little rock,
K 3
120
THE ADVENTURES OF
But
joined to the continent by Lucullus the Roman, and is
fometimes called by his name, but oftner Caſtello del
Ovo, or the caftle of the egg, from its form. They
have alſo a fine arſenal for their gallies, very well kept,
and furniſhed with great ſtore of ammunition.
think the mole the moſt extraordinary piece of work,
being it defends the haven from the ſtormy fouth; lined
of each fide, and paved op the top with noble ſquare
flones, and in the middle a fine large fountain of mar-
ble; the whole extent is five hundred paces, and ten in
breadth. The inhabitants often boaſt of the antiquity
of their city, founded twenty years after Troy's de-
ftruction, and called by the ancient poets Parthenope,
which Virgil does fufficiently teſtify in his Georgics:
Illo Virgilium me tempore dulcis alebat
Parthenope, ftudiis florentem ignobilis oti.
This city has fuffered many revolutions, but none
more extraordinary than that in 1640, when a poor fiſh-
erman, without fhoes to his feet, in five days time com-
manded the whole power of Naples; and might have
lived in that grandeur, if his mind had changed with
his exalted ſtate; but he was ftill a fiſherman. His fhort-
lived fire blazed too fierce to laſt, and he fell a victim to
the rage he himſelf began.
Their churches are noble ftructures, and beautified
with paintings by the beſt hands. Their women are
moſt of them beautiful, but my heart had no room to
think of them.
The city is governed by very wholfom laws, but one
particular adds much to the quiet of it; none are ſuffer-
ed to wear fwords but thoſe of the garrifons; ſo if
there's any rencounter in the ſtreets, a bout at fifty cuffs
generally ends the difpute: though bravos are to be
hired to do a murder here as cheap as at Rome, and
men of honour too; for we heard of a quarrel between
two Neapolitan gentlemen, where one according to cuf-
tom, hired a bravo to murder the other, and gave him
his reward beforehand. But it fo fell out, that ſome
friends to both parties reconciled the two gentlmean.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
121
*
}
The perſon that had bargained with the bravo for the
job, fent to him, and told him of their reconcilement,
but that he might kept the money. The other told him
that it was not in his power to return it to him, but he
was above receiving money without doing his work, and
therefore the gentleman muft of neceffity fuffer death.
He intreated him, and ufed many arguments, but all to
no purpofe. When he found nothing would prevail,
he told him he would immediately acquaint the gentleman
with his deſign, which he did accordingly. Notwith-
ſtanding, the bravo the fame evening found his oppor-
tunity, and left the other gentleman for dead upon the
Mole; though he recovered after a lingring illness.
But the bravo had the impudence to go to the other
(when he found the gentleman was in a fair way of re-
covery) and told him he begged his pardon that he had
not been as good as his word, but he would take care
and mend his hand very quickly. In short, he was
found fo refolute in the matter, that the gentleman was
obliged to hire another of the fame trade to give him a
caft of his office, and difpatch the bravo before he could
execute what was defigned; and the next day he was
found dead at the very door of the gentleman's houſe
he had intended to affaffinate; waiting, as it was fup-
pofed, for an opportunity to do his buſineſs.
The
After we had viewed every thing within the city, we
went to ſee the much famed Vefuvius, or the burning
mountain, a league and a half eaft of the city.
Neapolitans call it the bed chamber of the fun, becauſe
it appears to them firft from the top of that mountain.
Round the bottom of it is the richeſt ſpot of ground in
the univerſe, I'll not except even the mines of Potofi;
for the yearly vintage produces twelve hundred thoufand
ducats. The middle of the hill is very pleaſantly ſhaded
with cheſnut, and ſeveral other fruit trees. The moun-
tain has a double top; that to the north terminates in
a plain finely cultivated: The other towards the ſouth,
which is the Vulcano, rifes much higher.
When we had gained the fummit, we defcended gra-
dually into its bowels, by large fteps cut on purpoſe.
It has, in times paft, done much damage to the country
122
THE ADVENTURES OF
round it, by its fudden eruptions; but now it forbodes
nothing but rain, when the top is enveloped with clouds,
When we had fufficiently fatisfied our curiofities at
Naples, we took a tour to Putzol, or Pofuolo, through
a hollow rock, a mile in length, and no other light but
what came in at both ends, and one in the middle from
the top of the rock. This fubterraneous paſſage is
paved with ſtone all through, and the narroweſt part
of it is ten yards over. About the middle is a ſmall
chapel dedicated to the virgin Mary. We vifited all the
rarities of the place, particularly Virgil's tomb, which
is almoft covered with ivy. They told me of a laurel-
tree that ſprouted naturally out of it, but (not to take
from that incomparable man whofe works are ever-
living laurels) I could not ſee any fuch thing. We alfo
viewed the lake Agnano, ſo called from the multitude
of ferpents or fnakes that fall into it from the pendent
mountains. The water is of two different qualities;
that tafted upon the furface is fweet or freſh, but that
taken deeper is of a brackifh tafte, fuppofed from fome
minerals that environ it.
On the ſouth fide of the lake ftands a natural ſtove,
which is called St German's Stove; but we had not cu-
riofity enough to enter it, nor faith enough to believe a
ridiculous fable that is told concerning it, (though it is
reported a faint declared it for a truth) which I fhall put
down here, and leave my reader to judge of it himfelf.
St German was adviſed to repair to this ſtove, to cure
him of a dangerous malady: when he came there, he
found the foul of a very pious man that he knew, tor-
Bented with the heat of the place. St German, as un-
derſtanding the language of fouls, afked him, how for
good a man as he was in his life-time, came to be con-
demned to fuch a fevere puniſhment. The foul very ci-
villy anſwered him, that it was for fiding with Lauren-
tius, who oppofed Symmachus in the Popedom; but he
was convinced that his prayers would fetch him out of
that hot houſe. St German prayed heartily, you may be
fure, and got the foul of the man from out thence; but
where it went after no one could tell. But the place was
called ever after St-German's Store.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
123
To the east of the bordering mountain is a place they
call the cave of death; for whatever thing of life ven-
tures to the farther end, they fay immediately drops
down dead; though a perfon that lived in a neighbour-
ing village ventured in often for a reward. When he
came out again he was all of a fweat, and hardly able to
ftand for five or fix minutes. When he had recovered
himſelf, he took a dog out of a bag he had brought out
with him, and by the means of a wooden inftrument
made for that purpoſe, thruſt him in to the very end,
and drew him out dead to all appearance. When he
had remained fome time for us to view him, he took
him up by the fore legs, and threw him in to the lake
Agnano, where he recovered immediately, fwam out,
and ran away from us. Don Antonio told me, it was a
hard matter to get a dog there; for as foon as ever they
faw a ſtranger, they would run away into the woods,
and ſneak home again when they were gone; which was
the reafon the perſon that went in, always fecures one
for the occafion.
A mile farther we went to the court of Vulcan; a
place unpleaſant enough, continually ſmoking, and fuch
hot vapours ariſe from the pores of the earth that it al-
moſt overcame me. In fome places water bubbles out of
the cavities; and if we threw a flone into it, it re-
bounded back as if you had ftruck it againſt a pavement.
But the place is reckoned to cure a great many diftemp-
ers; especially to make women pregnant, and to cure
diſeaſes of the head and eyes. Donna Ifabella was car-
ried over it in a ſedan; but I believe fhe did not want
it upon the ſcore of barreneſs, as you may underſtand
in her story.
We ſpent fix weeks in this not unpleafing entertain-
ment, and Don Antonio being pretty well fatiated as
well as myſelf, we went back again to Rome.
And now my melancholy gain'd fuch ground upon
me, that it was not in the power of diffimulation to hide
it. Don Antonio and all the family expreffed a great
deal of trouble for my forrow; and I am well aflured
there was not any thing in their power they would have
refuſed, to have given me quiet: but the mind's difeale
124
THE ADVENTÛRES OF
baffles the phyfician's art. At laft a letter arrived from
the frier, which gave us no other account, but that he
was fafe returned to Genoa, and intended to embark for
Rome in a few days. This lame account quite difheart-
ened me, for now we had not the leaft hope, being we
all agreed if he had fucceeded he would have been for-
ward enough to have acquainted us with it. The
knowledge of this caft me quite down, and my body
was forced to fubmit to the troubles of my mind.
ſtrong fever feized me, and brought me to the brink of
the grave and though I wifhed for death, yet, like
mon friends, he fled from me in my neceffity.
W
A
Don Antonio and his lady ſeldom went from my bed-
fide, and had I been a brother to them they could not
have regarded me more. But nature, in fpite of my
misfortunes, prevailed, and I gathered ftrength even a-
gainſt my will. They had informed me in my illnes
(by my importunity) of the frier's arrival, and that he
had not fucceeded in his negotiation: but yet they had
not told me all the particulars. I defired the fiier might
be fent for, and conceal nothing from me of what had
paffed. Accordingly he came, and gave me the follow-
ing relation. Sir, faid he in. French, as foon as I ar-
rived at Sallee, I met with Hamet the Irish renegado.
He received me at firſt after a brutiſh manner, but when
I declared I came to pay him his demand for one of his
ſlaves who made his efcape, he began to be leſs four in
his treatment. He faid a great many handſom things
concerning Don Antonio; but when I began to mention
you, he fell into a violent rage, and vented bitter re-
proaches againſt you; faying you were a vile impoftor,
had baſely deceived and robbed him doubly, of his miſ-
treſs and his money.
I told him I came to ranfòm the
lady, and pay for whatever damages you had done.
As for the lady, faid he, ſhe's food for the fiſhes long
ago; for rather then ſhe would ſubmit to me, fhe threw
herfelf overboard, (before we had gained the port,
when I had taken her out of a Saick one of flaves had
brought her in from Mammora) and, in fpite of our
endeavours to the contrary, funk for ever to the bot-
tom. And is the gone? faid I: O proof of virtuous
my
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE
125
love! happy had I been to have embraced the fame fate!
The relation of this killing diſaſter took away my
fenſes for ſome time; but when I had recovered, he
went on. I had fome hope at first this was only a fic-
tion of his own; but I found in the town that it was no
ſecret, and every body declared that it was truth.
$
A
Jew confirmed me in it, whom you had bought ſeveral
things of for your voyage. He told me, that Hamet
arrived without any woman with him, for he ſaw him
land in a very ill humour, and had complained of him.
for affiſting you, to his fuperior at Mequinez, and he
received a fufficient check from him. I was too well
convinced of the truth, and therefore haftehed my de-
parture, and am very forry I could not fucceed; but
that it was in fate, and I hope you will calmly fubmit
to the will of heaven, who fends thefe afflictions for
trials.
The good frier gave me a great many wholfom ad-
monitions; but I was not in a ſtate much to obferve
them, I now began to be careleſs of the world, becauſe
there was nothing in it (fince the death of my dear wife)
worth my notice. I had no thoughts of returning to
England, though I had opportunities enough; but took
a refolution of going to fome remote part of the world;
imagining, the farther I was from my native country, I
fhould be the farther removed from my anxiety.
alas! forrow is too conftant a companion, and there's
no parting with it, but by death.
But
I begged Don Antonio, if he heard of any ſhip
bound for a long voyage, he would acquaint me with it,
which he promifed me to do, (after finding perfuafion
had no effect on me.). Two months paffed away, and
no news of a fhip; when I began to be very uneaſy,
and told Antonio, I would even make a voyage to Genoa,
where I could not well fail of a veffel, when he found
nothing could stay me, he aſked me to what part of the
world I would chooſe to go? I told him I did not much
care where. Why, then, faid he, if you pleaſe, my
father and I will fit you out a fhip of what burden you
think fit, either forwar or traffic. I thanked him, and
told him I would have it for both, if he pleaſed, and I
126
THE GAND VENTURES er
would be their fupercargo, if they thought fit to give
me fo great a truft. In fhort, a fhip of two hundred
and fifty ton was bought of an Engliſh merchant at
Naples à tout new veffel, that mounted fix and twenty
braſs guns, and we manned her with a hundred hands,
moft English; who underſtanding I intended for the
South-Sea, were glad of the opportunity. Don Antonio
took care to provide every thing neceffary for traffic:
and I was made captain, and fupercargo. I told him,
I hoped I ſhould in a few years bring him a good account
of his lading. He obligingly anfwered me, that he
hoped I would come home reconciled to myſelf, and he
fhould think himſelf very happy. The worſt of it was,
we had no commiffion, neither would I fuffer Antonio
to procure me one: for we refolved, like Engliſhmen,
to fight only with the enemies of our country.
I chriftened my fhip the Ifabella, out of reſpect to
Antonio's lady, and hoiſted Engliſh colours on board.
When the day came I was to go on board, there were
tears fhed on both fides. I could not, without fome
regret, part with ſo good a friend as Antonio had prov-
ed to me; and I am very well convinced that they were
as fincere in their forrow.
We ſet fail from Oftia, (where our ſhip lay ever ſince
ſhe came from Naples) the ſecond of March 1693, with
intention to fteer our neareſt courſe for America. Opr
ſhip proved an excellent failor; and we made the Straits
mouth in twelve days from our firſt departure. When
I beheld the coaſt of Africa, it brought freſh to my me-
mory paſt tranfactions; and I longed for an opportunity
to be revenged on the Moors. The next day our men
diſcovered two fail bearing down the wind upon us,
We thought ourſelves too well provided to run away:
though we kept on our courfe; and perceiving but one
of them that followed us, I aſked my men if they were
willing to ſpeak with that veſſel, and they cried one and
all, they would with all their hearts. We prepared
for an engagement with all the expedition imaginable,
for fear the might prove of Barbary.
We hoilted our
English colours, and they did the fame.
When we
found that, we lay by, that we might be informed of
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
127
:
the news in England. But as foon as ever they came
along-fide of us, they plucked down their Engliſh co-
lours and hoifted thoſe of Morocco in their room: cal-
ling to us to ſurrender that inſtant, or it ſhould be worke
for us. We were a little furprized at firſt in being dif-
appointed; but notwithſtanding this, my men defired
I would begin the fight. We had not opened our ports
yet, and I ordered my men not to do it till I gave them
the word. Ifent a man to buſy himſelf about the halli-
ards of our ancient, that the Rover might imagine we
were going to ſtrike. We were well provided with fmại
arms, and all manner of warlike ſtores. I ordered every
man to their poſts but not to appear till they heard a
whitle; upon which they fhould open their ports, and
fire both great guns and fmall arms. The Rover thought
us long in ſtriking our colours; he therefore called out
to us again, and told us if we did not ſtrike that inftant,
they would pour a broad-ſide into us. Juſt upon that,
I blew my whittle; my men obeyed my orders punctual-
ly, they burst open our ports, thruft out their guns, and
gave them a broad fide, with a diſcharge of their ſmall
arms. 1 his put them in much confufion, as not expe&-
ing any oppofition, and I am certain we killed a great
many of their men; for imagining we fhould be their
prize without fighting, they had crowded upon deck all
their hands.
-
I had tacked about, and given her another falute be
fore they returned us the favour. But they were not
long backward, but poured in upon us very faſt. My
men did their bufinefs very well, and the fight continu-
ed half an hour with the utmoſt fury. I began to fancy
we ſhould have but dry meat (as the failors fay) and
looking upon their quarter deck, 1 foon ſpied the Re-
negado Hamet giving directions. At the fight of him
I was both furpriſed and pleaſed; but my foul was filled
with an unuſal fury we were ſo near, that I could
hear every word he ſaid, though I could not underſtand
him, becauſe he ſpoke in the Moorish tongue. As we
were tacking about, and charging again, I fhewed my-
fell to him; I told him he was the only man in the
world that I hated; and that very day he thould be
L
·1-28
THE ADVENTURES or
in my power, or death fhould put an end to both our
lives. He feemed furpriſed, but gave me a great deal
of abufive language. I encouraged my men, and defir-
ed them to fight bravely; for if we fell into their hands,
we ſhould have no mercy. I had fired my piece at ran-
dom before, that is, at the firſt perfon t faw; but now
I levelled all at Hamet, and he the fame at me At
laft I had the good fortune to fetch him down. At this
fight I could not forbear giving a ſhout of joy, which fo
affected thoſe that were near me and underſtood the buf-
nefs, that they fought like fo many furies; and after an
cbftinate fight of two hours, they ftruck to us.
gave God thanks for our victory; and I immediately
went on board them, where we had made a terrible
flaughter, they having loft by their own account ninety-
leven men.
We
I aſked fome of the men, what fhip that was which
ftood aloof from the engagement; and they informed
me it was a prize they had taken a few days before,
Jaden with wine and other commodities. I then thought
of a ſtratagem to get her into my power.
ship to ſtrike her colours, and then we
the Moors, and took our ſhip in tow.
faw us in that poſture, ſhe imagined the Moors had con-
quered, and made all the fail ſhe could to come up with
us; fo that we foon came near enough to fend a long-
boat armed on board her.
I ordered our
hoiſted thoſe of
When the prize
Their were but twelve Moors on board, befides pri-
Loners that were put under hatches. When our men
had taken care of them, I went to them and ordered
the prifoners to be releafed, defiring the perfon that was
the mafter to come upon deck. The Moors had not
taken any of the lading out of her. She was a ſhip of
pinety tons bound for Liverpool, laden, as I faid be
fore, with port-wines, and ſeveral jars of oil. I told
the maſter, he was at liberty to purſue his voyage when
he thought fit. The poor man was fome time before
he could believe what I laid to be real. But when he
was convinced, he returned me the thanks fuitable to
the prelent I had made him. Yet he would make me a
prefeat of a couple of hogheads of wine, two jars of oil,
CAPTAIN - ROBERT BOYLE.
119:
and two of rafins; befides fix of each to the fhip's crew,
I had loft faventeen of my men in the engagement, and
eleven wounded; which I fupplied, by taking as many
of the flaves they had on board of Hamét's fhip, all by
their own choice; and the reft that did not care for to
long a voyage, I recommended to the mafter of the
prize, who promiſed me to land thein all in England.
We pillaged the Corfair, and found very good booty.
We had out of her to the value of two thouiand pounds
in goods, which I entered in the fhip's books for the
ufe of the company.
We did not know well how to dif-
pofe of her crew; and though they deſerved death, yet
in cold blood I thought it was inhuman; and I confi-
dered they never had injured me. So I releaſed them
by the conſent of the whole company, with this agree-
ment; that they ſhould make a prefent from me to Mir-
za the eunuch, of fifty pounds in their Moorish money,
which he that had command over the rest ſwore by
Mahomet to perform. When we had taken every thing
that was, needful for our voyage out of her, we let her
go, and purſued our courte.
We touched at the Canaries (or fortunate iſlands) to
take in freſh-water, and turned the lading we had taken
out of the Corfair into money: and I fhared it
fhared it among
the failors, referving a fourth part for myſelf and own-
ers, as I called them. I gave the men by lots leave to
go afhore, where they foon difpoled of their money for
things they wanted; but the chief of their commerce
was for wine and brandy, knowing we had a long voy-
age to make.
We were obliged to leave the place fooner than we
defigned, by reafon our pilot had unfortunately killed a
Portugueſe, and the governor threatened to have our
ſhip ſtopped if we did not ſurrender him up. I under-
ſtood that the deceafed had been in the wrong, and
therefore rather than run the hazard of lofing him, we
fet fail from thence the tenth of April. The caſtle fired
feveral guns with ſhot to ſtay us, but we did not regard
it, but kept on our voyage.
We met with nothing worth notice, till we made the
iſland of St Vincent, one of the Cape Verde, and came
L 2
130
THIG ADVENTURES OF
tờ an anchor in ten fathom water, in a fine gravelly
bottom.
Theſe iſlands are the Hefperides of the ancients. The
natives are blacks; a poor miſerable people. They
brought usa few tortoife, which we exchanged any trafh
for, and they were contented. The rivulet of freſh wa-
ter would hardly fupply us, it being almoſt dried up.
But we had wood enough. The whole iſland is not a-
bove two leagues and a half in length, and half a one
in breadth; very barren of fruit, grafs, or roots, and
even animals. I faw only a few wild affes, and fome
goats, which were too nimble for us, or ſo far off that
they were not worth our wafting powder and fhot.
The iſland of St Anthony, about two leagues to the
north, is a well inhabited island, belonging to the crown
of Portugal. We refolved to go and anchor there; but
the wind proving fair, we pursued our voyage, paffed
by the iſland del Fogo in the night, and we could per-
ceive the Volcano burning like the flame of a glafs- houſe,
Twenty days afterwards, we paffed the Aquinoctial
line, with the ufual ceremony of ducking all thoſe per-
fons that had never been there bef^.e. But I bought
off the beſt part of the delinquents for an anchor of
brandy.
The next day we buried two of our men, who died
of the wounds they had received in the fight; but all
the reft happily recovered. We gave them three guns,
and committed them to the waves.
In the latitude of twenty two, we faw a great num.
ber of fowls, and therefore judged we could not be ma,
ny leagues from land, which we difcovered foon after
to be the Iſland of Afcenfion, about two leagues to the´
north; but we paffed by it, and in two days more an-
chored in fix fathom water at the iſland of St Catherines,
about half a mile from the main land of Brafil.
This iſland lies in twenty-feven degrees thirty minutes
of fouth-latitude. It is almoſt a continued grove of
trees, and but thinly inhabited by Portugueſe, and a
few blacks. They are in want almolt of all the neceffa-
ries of life, beſides provifion, which is plentiful enough,
fuch as it is.
The inhabitants are courteous enough,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LE.
131
and would not take money for any thing we had of them,
but linen and woolen. And after I had got every thing
that was neceffary for the ſhip, I fold them goods to
the value of four hundred pounds, which I received in
pure gold. They never have peace with the Indians of
the continent; and being fo very near, they have often
formerly made inroads and carried off the inhabitants.
But they have prevented fuch attempts for the future,
by building feveral redoubts, where they keep conſtant
guard.
*
7 hey pay no other taxes but the Church-tithes, (which
they'll be fure not to lefe ;) and for religion, they had
but one frier when I was there; and all his buſineſs was,
as I was informed, only to receive his tenths.
A Frenchman told me a pleaſant ſtory of one of the
inhabitants, an induſtrious fellow that had ten children;
but, notwithſtanding his induſtry, found it a hard mat-
ter to bring both ends together at the year's end:
though the worst of his grievances was the Prieft's tithes,
and his money. He often endeavoured to perſuade the
father to forget him a year or two, but all to no purpoſe.
One day the father paid him a viſit, in order to receive
his dues. The poor man told him ingenuoufly he had
it net in his power to give it him. But he ſtill infifted.
At laſt he told him he had but one way to procure it,
and that he feared the Church would not allow of.
The frier told him he was the belt judge of that, if he
would tell him what it was. Why, faid the man, a
perſon that lives on the continent has ſeveral fat pigs, of
a very fine breed. Now, faid he, I could bring one
over with me unperceived of any one, as I come from
my daily labour; and fuch one (naming a neighbour)
will give me a good price for it. The frier paufed fome
time, but at lalt gave him this anſwer. It is certainly
a fin to ſteal, but yet it is a greater fin to rob the Church
of its due, and therefore I will abfolve you. But bring
the pig to me for if it's worth fo much to your neigh-
bour, it is worth as much to me. The man told him
he would be fure to bring it him that night, and the
frier faid if he was not at home, he would leave word
with his fervant to take care of it. Now the frier had
•
L ~ 3.
152
THE ADVENTURES OF
no conftant dwelling here; for they are fent from Lagoa,
a town upon the continent, about ten leagues to S. S.
W. and their tithes were ufually fent there in a ſmall
bark kept for that purpoſe. The prieſt took care to be
out of the way (that he might fwear he knew nothing
of the matter, if it was found out) at the time when the
man was to come with his pig; but gave his fervant a
ſtrict order, whatever was brought ſhould be immedi-
ately carried on board, and taken a great deal of care
●f.
When the time came, the man was as good as his
word, and brought to the prieſt's houſe his promife in
a hand-baſket. The fervant obeyed his maſter's orders,
and went to carry it on board; but before he could get
to the harbour, what he had in his baſket began to cry
out. The poor fellow was very much frightned to find
he had got a child in the baſket; but fearing, by the
charge his mafter gave of it, he was deeply concerned in
the affair, made all the hafte he could on board: and
the veffel fetting fail that night, he went with his charge
to Lagoa, where he very fecretly delivered it to the
brotherhood.
The prieſt at St Catherines thought his man had rob-
bed him, and made his eſcape, being he was miffing fo
long; for he had carried a great many other things on
board before the child. The imagination of this made
the father very uneafy; and the wind continuing fair,
he embarked on board a veffel, and arrived at Lagoa the
day after his man. But what was his furprize, when
he found he had got a fucking child, inſtead of a fuck-
ing pig! He told the reſt of his brethren the affront that
had been put upon him; and they refolved to fend the
batling back again: but either for want of due care,
or through the fatigue of the fea, the child died. When
the frier came back to St Catherines, he ran open-mouth-
ed to the poor man, and fwore he fhould be excommu-
nicated for playing fuch tricks with the church. The
man told him he was forward enough to have his tithes;
fo having ten children, and finding nine too many to
keep, he was refolved he thould have his due, and have
the tenth.
And farther added, if he offered to make
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
133
any more ſtir about it, he would acquaint every body
with his encouraging him to fteal from his neighbours.
The father finding the man had too much underſtand-
ing to be prieſt ridden, thought it his belt way to hold
his tongue. But the ſecret was difclofed, and the poor
prieſt led a fad fort of life: for whenever he came for
his tithes, many would merrily aſk him if he would have
his tithe pig. In fhort, the frier was fhamed out of
the iſland, and the fraternity were obliged to fend ano-
ther man in his room, who very often hears the ſtory of
the child, though much againſt his will.
We anchored firſt within a bow-ſhot of the Iſland of
Parrots, in feven fathom water: but we were inform-
ed the beſt place to water our ſhip, was two leagues be-
yond the iſland of St Catherine. We had our preſent
wents fupplied from the continent, though not enough
to water the ſhip; fo we refolved to fteer for the water-
ing place, in the bay of Arazatiba.
We fteered between the Iſland and the continent, and
all the way on each fide we diſcovered a beautiful pro-
ſpect of houſes, invironed with natural woods and groves,
which gave the eye a vaft delight. When we approach-
en the bay of Arazatiba, we perceived a fhip, with Eng-
lifh colours, with her anchor a peak, in order to dif-
cover who we were. I immediately hoifted English co-
lours, but prepared for an engagement, as imagining
her to be French, (or fome Engliſh pirate;) for there
was war between the two nations; but I found it was a
privateer commanded by captain Dampier, who made
me a vifit, after having hailed us. When he was on
board, he uſed many perſuaſions to engage me to con-
fort with him, and follow the buſineſs of privateering;
but I told him, I had other affairs to manage:
After I
had treated him handfomly with what the fhip afforded,
he took his leave, and invited me to dine on board his
veſſel the next day. I gave him my promiſe to wait on
him, and I accordingly went, where I was very hand-
fomely treated; and there we agreed two days after tø
make an entertainment jointly for the officers of both
fhips on fhore; and the day after that, for the reſt of
the crew.
$34
THE ADVENTURES OF
In order to this I commanded a large tent to be pitch-
ed, capable of holding fifty perfons; and we ftrove who
fhould fend the moſt materials on fhore for our feaſt.
We had the mufic of both veſſels; but mine proving to
be the beſt, as being Italians, gave the moſt delight:
not but they joined in confort, and agreed very well.
4
2
After dinner, captain Dampier told me, though he
could not oblige me with `Italian muſic, yet he had an
Engliſh eunuch that fang admirably; he added, he
could not anfwer for his judgment, but he was very well
convinced he never heard a finer voice in his life. The
perfon was brought in; but my readers may guefs at
my furprize, when, in the perfon of the finger, I dif-
covered my miſtreſs's lawyer, whom my maſter and his
friend had equipt for a fine finger. I knew him as ſoon
as ever I ſaw him, but I perceived by his behaviour he
had no knowledge of me; neither was it very poffible he
could have known me; becauſe he had never feen me
but once, and then he had too much concern to make
any obfervations: but the occafion had imprinted in my
mind a lively idea of him.
粪
​He fung admirably well, and with good judgment.
I aſked the captain how he came to be an eunuch; he
told me he could not inform me, neither could he ever
prevail upon him to let him know it.
We were very
merry for feveral hours; and I may fafely declare that
during that time I had buried my inward malady.
I told the finger, I believed I could let captain Dam-
pier into the ſecret of his caftration, if he would not be
offended at it. He feemed very much concerned and
blushed; but imagining I knew nothing of the matter,
he gave me his confent to fay what I thought fit; yet
with the utmoſt chagrin in his face, as believing he was
only to be the jeſt of the company.
But when I began to name my maſter, and entered
into ſome part of the ſtory, I found him in the utmoſt
confuſion, infomuch that I pitied him, and told him I
would not proceed any farther without his confent. He
told me in bad French, (for he had obſerved that the
captain and I fometimes talked to one another in
that language) that I was very welcome to tell his un-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
135
fortunate ftory, but not to fo many auditors; for, ad-
ded he, I perceive you know it very well. I gave him
my word only to tell the captain, for which he thanked
me; but I told him in return, that he muſt let me into
the reſt of the ſtory; which he promiſed to do.
The
captain and I with my quondam lawyer, took an oppor-
tunity of leaving the company, and walking a little
way up the river fide, where I informed him that I came
to the knowledge of his ftory, by the porter that dog-
ged him, (for I did not think it convenient to let him
know that I was a perfon concerned) and that feeing
him go into the coach in Lombard-ſtreet, I remembered
his face again.
manner :
He gave us his ftory in the following
I was bred up to the law by my father, an attorney
of Lincolns Inn; who dying, left me a ſmall eftate, which
I foon fpent in none of the best company. I had no
thoughts of bufinefs, 'till drove to it through the utmoſt
neceflity. But finding want approaching began to open
my eyes, I took chambers in Cliffords-Inn, and reſolv-
ed to ſtick to bufinefs. I foon found clients enough
through the credit of my father; and underſtanding the
rough as well as the fmooth part of the law, I got no-
ney enough to fupply even any extravagance.
I had
ever been a great admirer of the female fex, and had
the good fortune, or rather the ill, to fucceed in moſt of
my amours.
The firſt time I ever faw the fatal cauſe of
my misfor-
tune, was at St Dunftan's church; (which to my fhame
I muft own, I too often frequented without devotion.)
Our eyes often told us the language of the heart. I got
the opportunity of fitting the next pew to her, but had
never once difclofed my paffion.
One Sunday as the clerk had fet the Pfalm, ſhe beg-
ged I would lend her my book; faying the had left hers
at home. When ſhe had done, fhe returned it me, and
thanked me. I had refolved with myſelf to have wait-
ed on her out of the church, but was prevented by the
perfon that was afterwards her huſband. When I
came home, I pulled my prayer-book out of my pocket,
but perceived it would not fhut as ufual, which put me
on examining it. I found a note pinned to the laft leaf,
捞
​136
THE ADVENTURES or
which I had not obſerved before: the contents were to
invite me to an affignation that evening at fix.
I was very punctual, and found her there before me.
I begged her pardon for making her wait, which the
eafily granted with a gentle reproach; and we foon
came to a right underſtanding: for that very night, be-
fore we parted, I had what I wiſhed; the fweet which
was followed by the worſt of bitters.
She told me she had long had a paffion for me; which,
though the refifted all the could, got the better of her
modefty, and forced her to declare it. She informed
me too, that ſhe was ſpeedily to be married to the man
that led her out of church, though it was much a-
gainst her inclination; but fhe was obliged to comply
with her mother's commands.
We had many meetings: fometimes at my chambers,
till I was taken too much notice of by fome of my neigh-
bours and when fhe was married we often met at dif-
ferent places, and the as often made me handſom pre-
fents. He then related how he was difcovered at my
maſter's houſe by one of the prentices, (meaning me;
but as he concealed his face by turning it to the win.
dow, he could not remember him.) He alſo related all
that I have declared in the former fheets; and added,
that when the operation was over, his miſtreſs, as know-
ing him of no farther ufe to her, left him without ſpeak-
ing a word. When I had recovered ſtrength, ſaid he,
to write, I fent for fome of my intimate friends, and a-
mong the reſt a furgeon. I told him my misfortune,
and was examined by him; but I was obliged to ftay
at the inn ſeveral days. At laft (though almoſt a mi-
racle) I was perfectly cured, and returned to my bufi-
nefs; but my ftory getting air, I was made the fcoff of
every body that faw me; till in fhort my life became a
burden to me, and I took a refolution to go to fome
part of the world where no one fhould know me; and
getting acquainted with captain Dampier, he favoured
me fo far as to enter me ſteward. I had learnt to fing
when I was young; and my voice, growing clear by my
lofs, is much improved. I had kept my misfortune a
fecret to all the crew, if I had not received a wound in
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
137
my thigh by an Indian arrow on the coaft of Florida, a
year ago; for the furgeon coming to drefs me, when
the extreme anguiſh had taken away my fenfes, perceiv-
ed my condition, and diſcloſed it to the company: but
I have the good fortune not to be flouted at.
When the ſtory was finifhed, we joined our company
again, and ended the day in mirth and jollity.
The
next day my crew went on fhore to regale themſelves;
for captain Dampier and I had altered our reſolution of
fending both companies together, for fear of quarrels
and diforder. And his crew went on fhore the follow-
ing day.
About noon, as I was reading in my cabin, I heard
the report of feveral pieces; upon which I ran out, and
went myſelf to the top maft head, where I perceived
my men, who were filling our caſks at the river of Par-
rots, furrounded by a multitude of Indians. I upon the
inftant let flip our cables, and having a ſtrong ſea
breeze, fteered full into the river's mouth at all hazards,
ordering every man to his arms, and to load all our
great guns with mufket ball. By good fortune the tide
was almoft at the higheft, fo that we came on broad
fide the rivulet where our men were defending them-
felves. They had made a rampart with the empty
cafks, and had kept off the Indians with their pieces; but
juſt as we came, they had ſpent all their ammunition,
and had refolved to ſubmit to the Indians. But as foon
as they perceived us, they took to their heels and ran
towards our fhip, and the Indians after them; but we
foon ftopped their carreer, by firing our double and
round, which killed them fifty men, and put the rel to
flight. We took our men on board, and intended to
fall out of the river, but found the tide turned; and
before we could get out, our fhip ran aground, ſo that
we were obliged to wait till the next tide. I was very
uneafy at this accident, and ordered my lieutenant to
take the boat, and acquaint captain Dampier with it.
In the mean time, not to be idle, I armed twenty
men, and ordered them to guard the rest while they
filled our cafks; which was accordingly done, and
with the long boat brought on board. I would not
138.
THE ADVENTURES OF
let them be hoifted into the fhip, for fear of hurting her
now the lay aground; though it proved to be a clayie
bottom.
An hour before night we perceived an Indian running
very ſwiftly to us, who called to us in Portugueſe to
fetch him on board. As ſoon as he was in the fhip, he
told a man that underſtood Portugueſe, that the Indians
to the number of a thouſand, defigned in the middle of
the night to attack our ſhip, and that they would come
down in canoes; for they very well knew we could not
get out till tide of flood.
This man, whom we took for an Indian, was a Por-
tugueſe the Indians had taken priſoner a year before,
and underſtanding their language learnt their refolu-
tion; and while they were calling their number to-
gether, he took his opportunity to make his eſcape I
ordered him to be told he ſhould be rewarded for his in-
telligence. I immediately called all the officers together
to confult about the danger, and we agreed to ſend to
captain Dampier for help, who came with fifty men well
armed: and by his advice, as foon as it was dark, we
landed fix of our cannon, and raiſed a ſmall battery
without any noiſe or buſtle; theſe were pointed up the
river flanting. Two of our guns were loaded with
double and round, in the ſtern of our ſhip. The reft
of our men were ordered in cloſe coverts on each fide
the river, with directions to let the Indian canoes pafs
them, and not to fire till they were all gone by..
Every thing was concerted and fettled, and every
man ordered to his poft, to expect the charge; and we
had contrived it fo well, that none of our fires could
hurt one another.
About one o'clock in the morning we could hear their
paddles in the watter, and foon after perceive them fi-
Jently falling down the river, to the number of two.
hundred canoes. We let them come within fifty yards
of our ſhip, before we fired; but when we began, we
made fuch a terrible ſlaughter of them, that I pitied'
them. We took one cance with twelve Indians, and
their chief among them. When the morning dawned,
we were amazed to fee what haveck death had made;
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 139
the very thores were ftained with blood, and we had not
Toft one man of either of our crews. The Portugueſe,
who gave us notice, I rewarded with a hundred pound,
and two new fuits of clothes, both linen and woolen;
and we made ufe of him for our interpreter. He told
trs we had one of their Caciques among the pritoners,
“and a man of great power among the Indians. I order-
ed him to afk him the reafon of his enmity to tis, fince,
we had never offended them. He told him that he took its
for Spaniards or Portugueſe, nations they hated from
'the barbarous ufage they had met with from thèm : bat
he was forry he had molefted us, being he was convin-
´ced we were Engliſhmen, and enemies to the Spaniards
as well as themfelves: But however, he would pay tuf-
ficiently for his ränfom, if we would fpare his life, and
accordingly we agreed for a hundred weight of gold
duft, and twenty in ingots, and he ordered one of his
retinue to fetch it. In the mean time, we took the au-
vantage of the tide, and fell down to our old ſtation.
The next day at noon two canoes arrived, one with
the gold, and feveral perfons of quality that came t
wait on their king; and the other laden with fruits and
provifions, which I had equally parted between both
Thips companies. I took the ingots for my tha'ers, and
the duft was divided among us according to cur allow-
ance. Captain Dampier and his crew were mightily
pleaſed with their dividend, and once more preffed nè
to accompany them: But I gave them a flat denial for
the prefent, with this hope, that when 1 had vifited iè-
veral places in the South Sea, I would return to St Saïs
vador, and wait two months for them there.
We put the Indians on fhore, and the next day weigh-
ed anchor again, faluting Captain Dampier with eleven
guns, who returned the like number, and we ſteered
our courſe with a freth gale, for the traits of Magelian
I intended to paſs through thofe ftraits into the South
Sea; for I was of opinion it would fhorten that voyage}
and then my curiofity ftrengthened that opinion! but I
was adviled by my lieutenant to venture up to Buenos
Ayres, a town belonging to the Spaniards, where hë
affured me we might drive a good trade underhand with
M
140
THE ADVENTURES OF
the merchants.
I communicated the matter to the
whole company, who unanimously agreed it was the
beſt courſe we could fteer. So we kept in with the fhore,
and ſteered for the Rio de la Plata, or the River of Plate,
which we reached in twenty days without any accident.
As we had war with France and Spain, I had hoiſted
French colours, that we might have the liberty to trade
with more fafety.
Buenos Ayres is fituated about fifty leagues up the
River of Plate, which above the town receives the name
of Paraguay; and takes its rife many leagues up the
country; which is poffeffed by a numerous nation of In-
dians, who fometimes trade with the Spaniards, but
oftner murder them when they can meet them conveni,
ently; for the fpirit of revenge is fucked in with their
milk, and handed down from father to fon; fo that
they imagine it to be a very meritorious deed to diſpatch
one of them; and they are generally rewarded by their
Cacique for it.
The town of Buenos Ayres takes its name from the
excellent temperature of the climate, and its pleafant
fituation. They have commerce with the fhips of Eu-
rope not above once a year, which bring them the ne-
ceffaries they want, and in return eafe them of their
gold; that being a metal leſs eſteemed than iron, which
proves more ufeful to them. When we were within
two leagues of the port, we came to an anchor in a little
creek in eight fathom water, a fandy bottom. We did
not care to go nearer the town, for fear the governor
fhould have taken it in his head to have hindred our
going out again.
Though we were not in fight of it, yet we had canoes
on board of us in an hour after our anchoring; and
fome of note came incognito, to be informed what we
dealt in. One of them told me, he believed it would
be no difficult thing to difpofe of my cargo, if I thought
fit to make the governor a fmall prefent. Accordingly
I took his advice, and fent my fteward in my name,
with a piece of holland, and half a dozen pieces of itali-
an filks; which he received as a very valuable prefent,
and fent me word he would not in the leaft moleft me,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 141
provided I did not deal too barefaced. I underſtood
him, and therefore was very cautious, felling but to one
at a time, not would 1 iuffer another to enter my fhip.
till the former was dispatched.
In two days I got rid of all the cargo that I intended
to part with, to a very great advantage; and then I al-
lowed my men liberty to do what they thought fit with
what they had, which gave them a general fatisfaction.
The next day I invited the governor on board, with
fome of the principal merchants; and entertained them
in my cabin; and in return I was to dine on fhore at
the castle. But I left a frict order with my lieutenant
how to behave himſelf if I fhould be ftopped; for I knew
the Spaniards to be unfaithful people.
When we landed, I obſerved the town made but a
mean appearance, confitting only of two ſtreets built in
the form of a crofs, and furrounded with a mud wall.
The caſtle itſelf made but a very indifferent figure: but
however I was elegantly entertained. The governor
feemed to have lefs of the formality of the Spaniard,
than ever I met with in any of them. When I took my
leave of him, he made me a prefent of two Indian flaves,
and a bar of gold that weighed three pound two ounces.
When I came on board, I called a council, to know
what courfe we ſhould ſteer next; for as to traffic, I had
no pretence to go to the South Sea, being all ny cargo
was already difpofed of. We debated for fome time,
and at laſt we all agreed to go to the South-Sea upon
the fcore of privateering. We communicated our in-
tentions to the company, and they all feemed very much
rejoiced at the reſolution I had taken.
Now I began to repent I had not joined with Captain
Dampier; for I wanted men for any notable exploit, but
I did not deſpair of meeting with him in the South Sea.
We weighed anchor, and ſteered for the ſtraits of Ma-
gellan with a fair wind. One morning my fervant wak-
ed me, and told me that a fail bore down upon us, and
the lieutenant defired to know how to behave himfelf.
I roſe upon the inftant, and, by the help of my perfpec-
tive, ſaw it was a veffel with Engliſh colours; but 1 im-
agining they were put up only for a fhew, I caufed
M 2
142
THE ADVENTURES OF
*
French colours to be hoifted, which foon was, anfwered:
by the fame in the fhip that purfned us.
I ordered e-
very thing to be prepared for an engagement without
any hurry, commanded my men not to appear upon
deck, and kept on my courfe with crouded fail, that
our puriners might imagine I was willing to get from
them; yet I ordered it fo by falfe fteering that they
gained upon us. About three in the afternoon they.
were within half a league of us, firing every quarter of
an hour a gun to leeward, to let us know, we were to
take them for friends.
us.
1 ordered our men to tack about, to heift up Engliſh
colours, and bear upon them. We foon perceived we
had much furprifed them, but notwithstanding they
kept up their French colours, and feemed to prepare
for the engagement, though they were much inferior to
When we came along fide I hailed them, and (after
owning they were French (commanded them to furren-
der; but was anſwered with a broadfide, which we re-
turned ſo faſt, that they foon ftruck, and called for
quarter. I ordered the captain to come on board, who
informed me that his veffel was called the Felicity, be-
Jonging to Monfiar de Gennes, and had been feparated
from the fleet three days before. I used the captain
very handfomly, for the fake of Monfieur St Olon the
French, ambaffador, I gave him a letter, and a ſmall
prefent for that gentleman, and dimiffed him without
taking any thing from them. I found this action did
not pleaſe fome of my men; and not caring to have
them uneafy. I fummoned them upon the deck, and
told them the obligations I had to the French ambaffa-
dor; acquainting them, as this was a ſhip of war, there
was not much to be expected from them, therefore I told
them I would fhare five hundred pounds among them
to make them amends for their difappointment. But
not one of them would accept a penny; and in return I
told them, I did not intend to make any more fuch
compliments to the French, if ever they came into my
power again. They were very well pleafed at my de-
claration, and fome of them praiſed my generoſity; for
though melt failors are rough and blunt in fpeech, yet
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
143
'
they can in their way admire a generous action as well
as other men.
Our officers were under fome apprehenfions of meet-
ing with the fquadron of Monfieur de Gennes, which
being a fleet of five fail would certainly be too hard for
us; and we were informed by the captain of the Felicity
that they were failed for the ſtraits of Magellan. I found
their fears very reaſonable, and it would be a fool-hardy
action to encounter a force fo much fuperior: for though
life was burdenfom enough to me, yet humanity oblig-
ed me not to hazard the lives of fo many men that were
not out of love with this world. So I refolved to wave
my curiofity, and make for Le Maire's ftraits; which
in five days time we diſcovered, known to failors by
three rocks, called the Three Brothers from their like-
nefs to one another.
We found a ſtrong current fetting northward, and
an unuſual toffing of the fhip; but we got through the
ftraits in two days with fafety, and made for the South
Sea.
The next day we diſcovered the Magellan Clouds, ſo
well known to failors, which convinced us that we were
over againſt thofe ftraits that run into the South-Sea.
Theſe clouds are always feen in the fame degree, and
the fame orbicular form. We kept on our courſe, not
intending to come within fight of the continent for fear
of a diſcovery; and the weather favoured us, it conti-
nuing very hazy.
About an hour within night we heard the found of a
trumpet, which we conjectured muſt be on board of fome
veffel, becauſe we were well affured we were not near
enough the land; upon which I immediately give
orders to put out all our lights, and fleer our courfe that
way we heard the found; which founding often gave
us true notice of their courſe; and in half an hour,
though pretty dark, we gained fight of them but their
mirth was foon changed when we got up with them,
thruft out our guns and hailed them. We underſtood
they were Spanish, and I ordered them to be told, if
they did not upon the inftant ly by, and lend their.
commander on board, I would immediately fire upon
M 3
1442
THE ADVENTURES OF
them. They very readily complied with my orders,
hoifted out their boat, and the captain came on board
me, whoſe name was Don Juan Vinegro, and his fhip
the Wild-fire. He was employed by the viceroy of Peru,
to carry condemned perfons to Baldivia, which is the
refidence of molt of the rogues of America. But we
were alſo informed they had the Real. Situado on board,
which is a fum of money fo called, that is fent from the
viceroy of Peru to pay and clothe the garrifon, as well as
to repair the fortifications of Baldivia. This fum ufually,
amounted to four hundred thouſand crowns, but we
could find no more than two hundred and fifty thouſand;
but then to make amends for the deficiency, we met
with a great many valuable Eaft India goods, brought..
from thence by their Manilla fhip; for the merchants.
always put their ſupply for Baldivia in the ſhip that car-
ries the money to pay the garrifon, that being the only
time to diſpoſe of their goods.
ง
This prize made my men mad with joy, and I feared
it would make them think they fhould have enough, and
confequently defire to return home. But I foon found
it had the contrary effect, and they all expected, from
this earneſt of good fortune, riches enough in the voy-
age we propofed, to make them for ever.
!
I treated the prifoners handfomly, which were forty-
fix, including fifteen felons, who were well pleaſed to
have changed their mafters; expecting better ulage from
us than from the Spaniards of Baldivia, where they
were defigned. There was one Roberts an Englishman,
among them, who, I have been informed, has been ex-
ecuted fince for piracy: I entered him, two Frenchmen,
four Spaniards, and the trumperer, in my books to rein-
force my crew; underſtanding their crime was only fuf-
picion of piracy, therefore I was convinced they were.
good failors. But I did not know how to diſpoſe of the
fhip and the rest of the crew. If I fhould give them their
liberty, they would of courſe alarm the country; and
if kept them. with me, provifions would fall fhort; for
they were victualled bat for a month's voyage.
The Spanish Captain being informed of my fears, told
me by an interpreter, that he had received fuch hand-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
145
fome, ufage from me, that he would upon his honour
fteer to what port I thought fit, and report, if I pleaſed,
that I was failed back again for the North Sea, 1 told
him, though I could rely upon his honour, he could not
answer for all the reft. At laft I thought of a ftratagem
to deceive the Spanifh captain as well as the other pri
foners, as follows. In the firft watch of the night (the
prifoners being all under hatches) I came to our failors
upon deck, and, told them, the ill confequence of keep-
ing or letting go, the prifopers; and therefore concerted
with them that they fhould pretend a mutiny the next
day, and all declare for going, back through the ftraits
into the North Sea. When the first watch was relieve
ed, I acquainted the other moity of the company, and
then retired to reft. But my flumbers were broken, with
vifions. of my dear Mrs Villars: 1 dreamt.I faw her in
the arms of the Renegado Hamet, ftruggling and call-
ing out on me for help, before I could come to her afliſt-
ance, death had freed her from the barbarous wtetch,
This dream had brought to my mind all my afflictions,
and I can't tell how long I fhould have, continued feed-
ing upon my fighs, if I had not been alarmed with fhouts
and noiſes upon deck. I ran out to ſee what was the
matter, and found my men as was defigned, in their.
feigned mutiny. I had forget at firft, and was much
alarmed; but recollecting, I carried on the cheat. And
grief had fo feated herſelf on my countenance, with
thoughts of my dream, that one of my quartermaſters
told me afterwards, My looks were enough to deceive
all the word.
The Spaniards had leave to be upon deck all the day,
and care was taken to let them into the ſecret. At din-
ner I told the Spaniſh captain (for he and the merchants
always eat with me) that I thought his fpeeches yefter-
day were prophetic, for 1 was compelled to comply with
my obftinate crew, and fail for the North Sea again.
He replied, he wished me happy where ever I went:
and to carry on the deceit, we fteered our courfe back
again.
In the afternoon Roberts came to me, and told me
that one of the Spaniards, who was willing to ftay with
#46
THE ADVENTURES OF
us, would undertake to bring me ten thousand pieces
of eight in ten days, if I would let him have the prize.
Upon what Roberts faid, I ſent for the man, and had
him examined by Roberts, who underſtood Spaniſh very
well the Spaniard told me, he would not have me en-
quire into the matter till it was done; and for the bet-
ter fecurity I might fend who I thought fit with him,
provided he had one of his companions that was to help
in the defign. Accordingly I ordered twenty hands,
and to obey the Spaniard in this expedition as if he were
their captain.
We agreed to wait for them the limited time, in the
fame degree we parted from them. I informed the
Spaniſh captain, by an interpreter, that his countryman
was gone upon fome fecret expedition, and as foon as he
returned we would purſue our courſe. He answered,
whatever he had undertaken, he was of the opinion he
would fucceed in it, for he had certainly as much cun-
ning as any perſon in the world; he had been condemn-
ed to Baldivia once before, and made his eſcape from
thence; and he did not doubt but he would get from
them again, if he had been carried there the fecond
time; and farther gave me fome hints that he might
deceive me in this undertaking.
I began to be in fome fear of having a knaviſh trick
played me, and would have recalled the veſſel if it had
nof been too late; but hoping for the beſt, I refolved
to cruize till the time appointed was expired.
I had clothed my two Indians, that were prefented
me by the governor of Buenos Ayres, in European habits
very handſom: and inftructed them in the English
tongue: they very readily learnt; I gave them all the
tender ufage imaginable, which they were obligingly
fenfible of; and I believe they would have facrificed their
lives to have ferved me. I found them very handy,
and docible, and very good-natured; which convinces
me, if mild methods were ufed with them, they might
be very eaſily brought to be friends to the Europeans
eſpecially the English. And I think it is a great pity
fuch a vaſt body of people fhould be ignorant of the Di-
vine Being that formed the univerfe. Though the Spa-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYE E.
£47
niards, it's true, fend Millionaries, among them to ins
culcate Chriſtianity, yet they generally negle& their
holy functions, and; ſtrive all they can to enrich them-
felves, by laying exorbitant taxes upon the poor In-
dians and I have been informed, that in fome parts
of America all the wealth they get is delivered to the
Miffion, referving to themſelves only what is needful,.
and that but from day to day. I had my two Indians.
made Chriſtians; one by the name of Robert, and the
other Jofeph; being mine and my father's names. And
I hope, in the fight of God, lay-baptifm will fuffice;
eſpecially when we had not the happineſs of the other
form. And it is not impoffible, if they lead good lives,.
they may find the road to heaven as well as if they had;
been chriftened in a church by an orthodox clergyman..
1 Was.
Three days before the time I expected my Spaniard:
back, we diſcovered two fail making up to us, which
made us prepare for an engagement; but we foon per-
ceived it was our prize, with another veffel. The Spa-
riard came on board, and informed me that he had been
fomething better than his word, for he believed that in.
money and in goods he had brought to the value of
to ooo dollars. He gave us the following account, by
Roberts. Laft time I was prisoner in Baldivia,
compelled to work for one Don Sancho Ramirez, a for-
did, covetous, jealous, malicious wretch, one that uſed
to deal in merchandiſe. It was his ufual method to
wait at a country-houfe near the fea, for the arrival of
the Real Situado fhip, (which was the fame I had taken)
and then go privately on board to deal with the mer-
chants. The knowledge of this made me undertake this
expedition, as well to get money, as to be revenged on
the old villain, for the ftripes he has often given me
without any provocation. When we arrived within.
half a league of the place, we perceived a bark riding at
anchor. I began to demur, as fearing we might be.
diſcovered, but at laft refolved to proceed, let what
would happen. The bark weighed and made towards
us, which occafioned another furprife; but my fears
were foon over, when I perceived Don Sancho upon
deck. He hailed us, and defired we would flacken fail,
148
45
THE ADVENTURES OF
that he might come on board. Accordingly we ran in-
to a ſmall creek, and came to an anchor. I did not ap-
pear at firſt, but let the other Spaniard that went with
us perfonate the captain, and inftructed him according-
ly. As foon as he came on board, he inquired for Don
Juan Villegro, (for that gentleman uled to command
the Real Situado) and was anſwered, that he was very
ill, and could not fail this voyage. Then he inquired
for the merchants, telling him, that the governor had
diſcovered his uſual practiſe of dealing first with them;
therefore he had contrived to meet us in one of his own
veffels, that was ready laden for Buenos Ayres, and only
ftaid for our arrival to fet fail. I was glad to hear of
that, becauſe I intended to make prize of it. The Spa-
niard invited him into the cabin, while I went on board
his bark with ten men armed, and iecured it, there
being but five men and a boy in it. The rest of the
crew were on fhore.
I cut her cable, and our own, and made out to fea
again. When we were under fail, I came on board,
and ſhewed myſelf to the old Don, and in a few words
made him underſtand his condition. I thought at first
we ſhould have been obliged to have buried him, for
he looked for a great while like one that was dead. But
I recovered him a little, by fhewing him the box that
contained his heart and foul, (I mean his money.) He
did his endeavour to fly at me to be revenged on me,
but he was held; but to give him a little more comfort,
I read over to him his bill of lading, and told him plain-
ly, I would not deal with him if his goods did not an-
fwer his bill. When he found he could do no good by
paffion, he told me he would give me half his money,
if I would reſtore him his ſhip and cargo. I was very
well as I was, I told him; and fince I got it all in my
poffeffion, I would have no more dealings with him,
only the odd ten pieces of eight more for his ranſom.
He was fo thunder-ftruck at this, that he did not fo
much as offer to open his mouth to ſpeak; but kept fo
long filent, that I fancying he would never ſpeak again
took him upon deck, that he might behold the lovely
proſpect of the water; for by this time we were out of
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 149
fight of land. His heart then began to melt, and he
fell down upon his knees, and begged he might have his
liberty, notwithſtanding we had robbed him. I was in
a very great paffion, and ordered him to molify the
word, and call it over reaching: which with much
chaftifement he did. But I told him, he was obliged to
make your honour one vifit, and accordingly I have
brought him to wait on you.
I must confefs, I could not help admiring the Spani-
ard's ingenuity, and yet I did not greatly reliſh the ac-
tion; for though it was lawful prize to us, yet I thought
it was downright robbery in him. However, I gave
him the thanks our intereſt required; and further told
him, by Roberts our interpreter, that he ſhould be very
well rewarded for his undertaking.
The old Spaniard was brought on board us, more
dead than alive; and underſtanding we were Engliſh,
he ſpoke to me in that language, and begged he might
be fet at liberty. I told him, he need not apprehend
any thing, for he fhould have his liberty and civil ufage.
He thanked me as well as his grief would give him leave,
and I invited him to dine with mẹ,, which he did accor.
dingly the fame day.
I ordered the cargo out of the bark, which was very
confiderable, and moſt of the provifion, becauſe I fear-
ed it would be what we ſhould want. The other veffel,
as belonging to the king of Spain, and one who could
pretty well bear that loss, I intended to keep for our-
felves. The bark I reſtored to Don Ramirez, with fe-
veral bales of goods that would prove of ſmall uſe to ús,
though of value to him; nay, I would very willingly
have given him all his goods and money too, if it had
not been for wronging my crew; for, as I faid, I look-
ed upon it as gained by fraud. However, I ventured to
give him back twenty thousand ryals, which did not a-
He returned mo
mount to mine and my owner's ſhare.
his acknowledgments, by giving me a very handſom
fing that they had not taken from him, and told me, he
ever thought the Engliſh generous enemies.
I caufed all the prifoners to be pus on board the bark,
and took my leave of them. They returned me abun-
$50
~TяY DAD VENTURES 8+
dance of thanks for my kind ufage; and vowell, if ever
fortune fhould fend any of our countrymen among them,
they ſhould fåre the better for my fake. I muſt own,
I was not diſpleaſed with their acknowledgments. A
man feels a fécret pleaſure within himſelf, when he has
done a humane action; when on the contrary, if a per-
fon has been guilty of balenefs, horror and remorte
gnaws his conſcience.
•
4
The day after I had parted with the prifoners, I fum-
moned all my men upon deck, and told them what the
Spaniard had done for them, and adviſed with them
what recompence I fhould make him.
We foon agreed
he fhould have five thousand pieces of eight, his compa-
nion five hundred, and the reft of them entered to a
fhare of the booty we had before taken. Accordingly I
fent for them, and told them what I intended. The
Spaniard returned me ſuitable thanks in French; for hè
had been informed I underſtood that language. Ifound
in his diſcourſe, a ready turn of wit and humour, and
of a perſon that had read mankind. He did not feem
to be above thirty years of age, of a free and open na-
ture, having nothing of the ftiff- formality of the Spa-
niard, though born at Sevil in Old Spain. I told him I
expected a fhort account of his life; he readily anſwered,
he fhould be proud to comply with my defires, but he
begged I would defer it for fome time, till he might be
little more uſed to my converfation; for, faid he,
failing, mine has been a very merry and odd fort of a
life, and therefore till I have more freedom, I fhall de-
fift, becauſe I fhall lofe the ſpirit in telling it.
We fteered our courfe towards Panama, depending
that our prifoners would ſpread the report of our going
back again for the north-fea. In thirty-fix degrees, and
forty-five minutes, we diſcovered a veffel iteering the
Laine courſe; I ordered the prize to chaſe her, and be
fore night ſhe took her. It was a bark laden with tal-
low and hides, bound for La Conception. 1 repented
the taking of her, for we foon found the was but a heavy
failor, and therefore could not keep company with us,
and it was not proper for us to let them depart.
Don Pedro Aquilio, which was the name of our intels
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYL F..
131
ligent Spaniard, told me, he would undertake to diſpofe
of the cargo and bark to a good advantage, if I could
tell how to diſpoſe of the men, which were but four,
that is three Indians and a Spaniard. The Indians were
very well pleafed to be received as fervants on board;
yet we allowed them half a ſhare in our future purchaſes.
The Spaniard we intended to detain en board till we
had made our cruiſing voyage, and then releaſe him.
So depending on Don Pedro's ingenuity, I let him go off
with the bark, with three Spaniards to affift him, hav-
ing his promile to return the next day. We were then
within five leagues of la Conception, and therefore re-
folved to rem un in that ſtation till his arrival, keeping
Mamelles de Biobio, or the dugs of Biobie (two rocks fo
called) in view.
The next day we perceived him coming with a ri
rogue, a ſmall Spaniſh boat with one fail,
He brought
me a handfom preſent of fruit, and enough beſides for
the whole crew. Well, faid he, I have made but an in-
different bargain; I have brought you but twenty thou-
fand pieces of eight: The old rogue of a governor would
not give any more. He told me that the governor of
la Conception ingroffed all the tallow and hides, and
forced the retailers to give him his own price; fo he
went boldly to him, and fold him bark and cargo.
Don Pedro adviſed us to cruiſe for the Manilla fhip,
which was daily expected. His advice was approved on
all hands, therefore orders were given to wood and wa、
ter the fhips for the voyage: and accordingly we made
for Juan Fernando. and arrived there the fifth of Sep-
tember 1695. It being a remarkable day with me, it
lives in my memory; for the lofs of my journal by an
odd accident, hinders my keeping a regular accotint.
We spent two days in wooding and watering, and kill.
ing goats, which are there in great plenty.
There are three iflands that bear the name of Juan
Fernando, the firſt diſcoverer, though there are no o-
ther inhabitants on them than goats. There's a noble
bay on the north fide of the iſland capable of containing
five hundred fail, where you anchor at fixteen fathom
water, a fandy bottom. We left it with a favourable
N
"THE ADVENTURES or
wind for our defign, and made farther up the coaſt Ja-
nuary the firſt; and it was feared we had miffed our
booty, for the Manilla ſhip generally arrives at Acapulco
about Chriſtmas; however we refolved to coaft about
for twenty days longer, and if we failed of her, to re-
turn into the north ſea, with a deſign to cruize down
the coaft.
We kept out of fight of land, for fear of being dif
covered.
We
On the fixth we perceived two fail, and accordingly
gave them chace.
Don Philip affured me it was the
Manilla fhip, and a guard-hip along with her.
called a council immediately; where it was refolved the
bark fhould attack the Manilla fhip, while ours was to
engage the man of war; And this was the reaſon Don
Pedro gave for it; that the Manilla fhip was fo very un-
wieldy, the bark could play round her, and being fo
ſmall, ſhe was out of the reach of their cannon, for they
could make no ufe but of thofe upon their upper deck.
The man of war feeing we gave them chace, flackened
her fail to Ray for us, imagining we ſhould both attack
Him, but he found himself miſtaken. Our Pink paſſed
him, without firing a gun; but as foon as ever we came
along fide, we gave him a broadſide, with a loud huzza,
He foon returned it, but we plyed him fo-cloſe, that
Ire began to make off; but we followed him elofe at the
heels, and coming under his ſtarboard quarter, gave him
another broad fide, which brought his main-maft by the
board; upon which he immediately ſtruck.
C
The fea being very fmooth, though a hand fom breeze
wind, we manned our long boat, and I went on
board with forty hands, well ärmed. When I came
upon deck, I ordered the Spaniards to be taken on
board, and fecured under harches; but I was much fur-
prized to find but fixteen men in the thip, befides eight
that were killed, and not one that appeared like an officer
among them. But we were foon informed, the cap-
zain had ordered one hundred and fifty of his men on
board the Manilla thip, as foon as they had difcovered
us in the morning, becauſe her crew were most of them
Ackly.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
153
We imagined our ſmall veffel muſt have warm work
on't, being not above thirty five hands in all. So we
reſolved immediately to cut of the rudder of the man of
war, and leave her; for having loſt her main-maſt, the
could not follow us to do us any damage; and fix of her
men were took on board us, who finding we were En-
glith feemed very willing to ferve us; and I promiſed
them their fhare in the booty, if we fucceeded. There
fix men were old Chriftians, as they called themſelves,
and they value themselves very much upon it, defpifing
the Creolians. We made all the fail we could after the
Manilla fhip, and foon overtook her; for our fmall
veffel had kept her very well in play, though the had
warm work on't, and her rigging was very much that-
tered, though they had not loft a fingle man, but the
was obliged to fall aftern to mend her tackle. I ordered
them to fend me twenty men on board, which I was
obliged to ly by for. I had brought all my guns to
bear on one fide, and did not fire one till I can e under
her ftern; and then I poured them into her, and tack-
ed about to charge again. I obſerved a boat buſy about
her ftern, but could Lot imagine what they were doing.
However I reſolved they that were in it thould find a
difficult matter to go on board again, but I was much
furpriſed to find it my own beat with Don Pedro in it,
who had taken the occafion in the fmoke of our firſt
broadfide to nail up the rudder, fo that the fhip could
not tack about. He made what hafte he could on board
the bark, which had now mended all her rigging, and
got under the ftern; and as faſt as the Manilla flip fer.t
men to clear her rudder, he prevented them with his
fmall-ſhot. In the mean time we ventured to come a
long fide of her, notwithſtanding her monftrous bulk,
and gave her fuch entertainment, that they called out
at laft for quarter, and ftruck their colours. I ordered
all the officers to come on board, which they did, I re-
ceived them all very civilly, and immediately after wenz
on board the prize. I was amazed at her vaft bulk. She
had ſeven decks, and built fo ftrong, that not one of
our fhot had gone through; yet they had above fixty
men kiled, through their ports, and other vacancies;
N 2
354
THE ADVENTURES OF
and what was very furpriſing, we had not one, and but
two wounded.
They had above one hundred men fick on board
them, ſo that the ship looked like an hoſpital. It was
very richly laden, and valued at 1800,000 dollars, and
upwards. We found but little money on board, be-
fides the plate belonging to the governor of Luconia,
one of the Philippine islands, who was coming home to
his own country, being a native of Mexico.
Though this was the richest prize that ever was taken,
yet we did not know well what to do with it. It would
be an impoffibility to work her into the north fea, or
back again to the Eaft-Indies, without farther help; for
we had more prifoners by two to one, than we had
failors on board; fo we once more adviſed with Don
Pedro, who counſelled us to fend to Acapulco, and have
the fhip and men ran fomed. We all thought it would
"be both difficult and dangerous. Don Pedro told us
there ſhould be neither, and he would undertake to do
it.
But however, as it was a thing of very great con-
f quence, we deſired he would tell us in what manner it
ſhould be done: Why as thus, faid he, I'll take the bark,
with the captain of the Spanish man of war, the quon-
dan governor, and one or two more of the beſt quality,
who thall make the cafe known to the city of Acapulco,
and no other way but by letter; for I will fuffer but ore
of them to go on fhore, and I'll take care to order it well
enough to give you notice, if they ſhould ſend any force
against us, though there is no danger they fhould. For,
added he, they have no man of war within two hundred
leagues of them, that which was taken being all they
had to guard their coaft. We were well fatisfied with
his reafons, and gave him leave to proceed as he thought
fit, and accordingly the next day he fat fail with thoſe
perfons mentioned along with him. And by the advice
of all, we followed him, being very well convinced by
the Spaniards themfelves, there was nothing of force to
be apprehended. I had fitted up the Spaniſh man of war
again, and reſolved to keep her, and difpofe of the bark.
Therefore, as foon as we came within fight of land, I
‹rdered every thing to be taken out of her, and put on
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY L E.
$38
board the Spaniard, who we found was a very good
failor.
The day following Don Pedro came on board, with
feveral merchants and perfons of quality, to treat about
the ranfom of the prize; and we agreed for 1200 000
dollars, after we had taken ſeveral bales of rich goods
out of her. The money was to be paid in tix days,
and we were to ſtay where we rode; for I did not much
care to truſt them too far.
In the mean time we fent all their fick and wounded
on fhore.
The bark we diſpoſed of for provifion, and
other neceffaries, and took the opportunity of waiting
for the money, to water our fhips. At the time appoint-
ed the money came, and we furrendered the fhip to tite
Spaniards. Now we agreed by joint confent to go
home, for we were all rich enough, and every one of
the crew thought fo; yet we refolved to touch at St Sal-
vador on the coaft of Brafil (and make our way through
the Magellan ftraits) as well to take in ſome refreſhment,
as to diſpoſe of the reſt of our goods, and careen our
veffels.
Accordingly we put our defign in execution, and
made the belt of our way for the ſtraits of Magellan,
and diſcovered thofe noted clouds, which are a ure
guide to failors, the third of May. We found the
weather extremely cold, and the mountains covered
with inow; but we were well provided with good li-
quors, and all convenient clothing. We anchored in
Port Famine; formerly called Knight's Bay, by the
Dutch in a voyage 1598, with a fleet of five fail; where
meeting with many troubles, and to eternize the me-
mory of the voyage, (it being the firſt the Dutch made
to thofe ftraits) the admiral knighted fix of the officers,
by the title of knights of the Furious Lion. The oaths
they received at the ceremoney were, never to do, mr
content to do any thing against their honours, or to
prejudice their prefent voyage, to expoſe their lives for
the ſervice of the commonwealth, and to do their ut-
moft in driving the Spaniards froin their golden world.
They were installed on fhore, with a fea green garter,
and a table built with their names engraved on it.
N 3
136
THE ADVENTURES OF.
We ſaw ſeveral of the inhabitants, who were eafily
prevailed upon to come on board us. But I could find
nothing extraordinary in their height, as is fabulouſly
reported. The talleſt I could fee among them did not
exceed fix foot. They are certainly a poor miſerable
people, but very harmleſs; and I am apt to believe all
former ftories of their monftrous height and cruelty to
be fables.
But
We got through the ftraits once more into the north
fea, and by degrees came into a warmer climate.
a terrible ſtorm overtook us, juſt as we were in fight of
Pepy's ifland, which drove us within fight of Port De-
fire, upon the continent; and therefore we thought it
the ſafeſt way to run into the bay, which accordingly
we did, and came to an anchor in ſeventeen fathom
water.
At the fouth fide of the port, lies Penguin ifland, fo
called from a multiplicity of thoſe birds reforting there.
Our men went on fhore, and in three hours time brought
on board five hundred of the fowls, and feveral thou-
fands of their eggs, which proved delicious food. They
are called Penguin, not from their fatnefs, as fome
Authors affirm, but from their whitenefs mixed with
black. They are about the bignefs of a goole, weigh-
ing between nine and fourteen ound ; and though
their chief diet is fiſh, yet they have no fiſhy taſte. Their
fkin is very thick, their bill is like that of a raven,
though not altogether fo crooked; their neck is fhort
and thick, and the reſt of their body reſembles a gooſe,
excepting the wings, which are only two ftumps.cover-
ed with feathers, which they make uſe of in ſwimming..
Their feet are black, like thoſe of afwan. They breed
in holes of the rocks, which are fo numerous, there is.
no walking hardly for fear of falling into them. When
they walk on fhore 'tis upright, with their wings hang-
ing, fo that they appear in that pofture like fmall pig-
mies. We ſtaid but two days here, and then ſteered
our courſe for Rio Janeiro, or the river of January, in-
tending to touch at St Sabaftian's firft, and if we did not
fucceed there, to fail to St Salvador. When we arriv..
ed there, the Portugueſe would not admit us to enter
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
857
the bay, but fired feveral guns from the forts laden with
fhot, to deter us from anchoring; we could not imagine
the meaning of it, but however we left them in that
humour and fteered for St Salvador, and in one and
twenty days we discovered Praya de Zumba, a place
very eaſily known from a number of white ſpots, which
appear like linen hung out to whiten or dry.
We paffed fort St Anthony, and faluted it with eleven
guns, which returned us an equal number, without the
charge of fhot, and came to an anchor within half a
league of the city; which we alfo faluted with eleven
guns, and received but ſeven in return.
لاسم
By advice of the officers, we fhared among the failors
a thoufand pieces of eight a man, which pleated them
exceedingly. The next day I went to wait on the go-
vernor, who received me very civilly, and defired I
would dine with him. We were very magnificently
ferved, and a band of Italian mufic played all the while.
After dinner I made my prefents, which he accepted of
very kindly, but when I came to treat about our com-
merce, he flatly denied me, telling me it was againſt
the king of Portugal's exprefs orders, to suffer any trad-
ing with foreigners. I begged his pardon if it was not
to be complied with. He would have returned my pre-
fent, but I preffed him to accept it in fo obliging a man-
ner, that he did; and told me in French, that fince he
faw my generofity, he would comply with me. He im-
mediately fent for feveral merchants, and took them
into his cloſet, where they ſtayed fome time.
they ca
came out again, the governor told me thofe gentle-
men would go on board, and view our commedities,
and if we could agree, he would be anfwerable for the
money. One of the perſons ſeemed to be of a more free
and open difpofition than the Portugueſe generally are.
(Though most of the inhabitants of St Salvador affect
the manners of the French.) We foon made an end of
our bargain, and my merry merchant would oblige me
to go afhore and fup with him that night. He reffed.
me to heartily, that I could not refule him; and ac-
cordingly I went with only my two Indian fervants,
who began to be understood in English.
When,
158
THE ADVENTURES OF
When we arrived at the merchant's houſe, I was fur-
prized to find it ſo magnificent. He led us into a hand-
fam fummer houfe in the garden, where he told me we
were to ſup; and, faid he, to convince you that you
are welcome, I'll bring my wife and daughter to keep
us company, which is reckoned as a thing extraordinary
among us. But, added he, I have been in England
and France, and I find the women are not the lefs honeft,
for having their liberty. I told him I thought conftraint
did but whet their inventions to gain their defires. Said
he, I am of your mind, therefore give them all the li-
berty they defire, and I can't find.I have had any reaſon
to repent it.
In a little time he uſhered in the two ladies, his wife
and daughter both very beautiful, and notwithſtanding
the heat of the climate, very fair. The wife feemed a-
bout five and thirty, the daughter about fixteen, and
they both ſpoke very good French. Cur converfation
was kept up with all the ſpirit I was capable of: I foon
diſcovered a great deal of wit in them both, and made
them my compliment in finding ladies ſo extraordinary
in fo remote a part of the world.
When we had tupped, the merchant (whoſe name was
Don Jaques) told me it was his cuſtom to provide beds
for his gueſts, as well as fupper: And after we had
walked a turn or two round the garden we all retired
to our ſeveral apartments.
The next morning we drank chocolate together, and
I invited Don Jaques, with his wife and daughter to
dine with me on board the next day, which he confent-
ed to. I now begged leave to be gone; but it being
very hot, he had provided me with a filk Palanquin :
which is a thing like a hammoc, with a canopy over it,
carried by two blacks, with each a reſt to hang it on
while they take breath. This is all the vehicle in ufe at
$t salvador, by reafon of the unevenness and fleepnets of
the fituation.
I prepared for them with all the magnificence I could
the next day. And when they faw the variety of dithes,
dreffed after the English manner, they were mightily
pleaſed; and, to add to their atisfaction, the mufic i
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
159
had on board played ſeveral elegant pieces, acompanied
with the trumpet I had got from on board the Spaniſh
prize, for notwithstanding his being trumpeter to the
garriſon of Baldivia, (yet he was better pleafed to be
where he was.) We drank the king of England, and
the king of Portugal's health ſeveral times, with the dif-
charge of our cannon: and when the time for their go-
ing on fhore came, I faſtened a ſmall preſent of ſeveral
forts of filk upon the wife and daughter. Don Jaques
perceived what I was about, and merrily faid, That is
not fair; we did not pay you for your company yeſter-
day, and yet I believe it was as valuable as that you re-
ceived to-day, at leaſt in my opinion; Ifhan't anfwer
for the ladies, ſaid he, they are both capable of ſpeaking
for themſelves. I received many compliments on all
hands: but not dealing much in them, I am very will-
ing to forget them.
In a day or two after Don Jaques came on board,
and told me the money for the goods was ready, but f
fhould not have it, unlefs 1 came mylelf to receive it.
I accordingly went with him, and he made me continue
there all night, where we had the converfation of the
ladies as beture.
When I was going away the next day, he told me he
ſhould foon find if any thing elſe befides money had the
power to bring me to fee him. I told him, to convince
him of that, I would come and dine with him the next
day; which accordingly I did. After dinner I expreff
ed a defire of ſeeing the moſt remarkable places in the
city, which he complied with, and ordered two Palan-
quins to carry us.
The city of St Salvador, the capital of Brazil is fi
tuated in the bay of All Saints, in 12 degrees 45 minutes.
fouthern latitude. It is divided into two towns, the up-
per and the lower. The ftreets are flraight, and pret-
ty broad, but moſt of them very steep; and all the
goods are hoifted in and out of the veffels by machines
for that purpoſe. It was formerly under the dominion
of the Spaniards, but taken from them by the Dutch in
1624, and pretty well fortified by them; yet notwith-
flanding that, the Spaniards retook it the next year.
160
THE ADVENTURES OF
could not learn how long the Portugueſe have poffeffed
it, but they all agree upwards of fifty years. They
have made it a regular fortified place, and very firong;
having five forts beſides the caſtle, and ftored with can-
non, and other ammunition, and fmall arns for ten
thouſand men.
This is the ufual feat of the viceroy of
Brafil; but when I was there it was without one, though
he was expected every day.
The cathederal is a magnificent pile of building, fine.
ly adorned, and painted after the modern manner. The
Jeſuits church is a noble ſtructure, all of European mar-
ble; with a fine organ, the pipes gilt. There are ma-
ny more fine churches, twenty in all, befides ſeveral
convents and monafteries.
This place is alfo the refidence of a bishop, who has
a handfom palace; and for the reverend the clergy, I
never faw fuch a number for the bignels of the place
any where, as Benedictines, Francifcans, Carmelites,
Auguftines, Capuchines, Dominicans, and Barefoot-
Friers; (though I think most of the people I faw there wore
no ftockings.) There are three nunneries, well ftored
with nuns, but not to be ſeen; nor hardly any woman
in the town, but common whores or black flaves; for
the Portugueſe lock up their wives and daughters as
carefully as they do their money, and would have none
look upon them but themſelves; except my friend Don
Jaques, which is fomething the more extraordinary.
It is a place of great trade to Guinea, and other parts,
and is accounted one of the riches cities in the king of
Portugal's dominions. By moderate account there may
be about 20,000 whites, (or I fhould fay Portugueſe,
for they are none of the whiteft,) and about treble that
number of flaves.
Don Jaques would make me take five days up in view-
ing the feveral parts of the city, and obliged me to be
at his houfe without going on board during that time.
Some part of the day we played at Ombre, a game migh
tily in vogue among the Spaniards and Portugueſe, and
a very entertaining game for three, invented by the
ealous Spaniards for that number, to prevent any clans
j
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
ior
deſtine doings between two. But alas! I believe there
are more opportuities gained than loſt by it.
We had provided every thing we wanted now, and
began to prepare for our departure.
Don Jaques was very forry to loſe me, he told me
and indeed it was with ſome regret I left him; for his
civility had drawn from me a friendſhip infenfibly. I
went to take leave of the governor, who made ne a
prefent of American ſweatmeats, and begged I would
dine with him, which I could not in good manners deny.
When dinner was over, Don Jaques was fo obligingly
preffing for me me to fup with him the last time, that I
could not refuſe; but I begged he would excuſe my ſtay-
ing all night, and he gave me his word he would not
prefs me.
I fent one of my Indians to order the boat to
fetch me at ten that evening.
When the time of my ffay was expired, I took my
leave of Don Jaques and the family, after having for-
ced him to accept of a gold watch, and the ladies à pre-
ſent of each a diamond ring, that I received from the
governor of Luconia, for my civility in returning him
his plate and jewels, when we took the Acapulco ſhip in
the South Sea.
Well, faid Don Jaques, I fee you will pay for your
board in fpite of my teeth. I had taken leave of the
wife and daughter before, who had left us in tears. I
must own I thought myſelf very much obliged for their
tenderness; and it drew fuch a deep melancholy upon
my face, with thoughts of my dear wife, that Don Jaques
imagined it was grief for parting with him and his fa-
mily. I did not take any pains to undeceive him. Well,
faid he, I fee a friendſhip may be contracted in a few
days, as well as love, efpecially where there is h
mony of fouls.
We had agreed to correſpond together, and I had un
dertaken to fend him fome European goods, if it pleaſed
God to guard me fafe to Europe. I had continued long-
er with Don Jaques than I had intended to do, there
fore, whatever violence I did myſelf, I took my leave.
Don Jaques tenderly embraced me, and was fo much
overwhelmed with grief, that I could not forbear fympa,
162
THE ADVENTURES OF
thizing with him: but I ordered his fervants, (whom I
had liberally rewarded for the trouble I gave to ſhut
the door, to prevent their maſter's going any farther.
I walked towards the port very melancholy, though
with fome precipitation; but was routed out of it by
one of my Indians crying, Maſter take a care,
take a
care! I turned about, and faw four Portuguefe purfu-
ing us. I made a ſtand, and drew my ſword, took my
cloke from my Indian, and put it acroſs my arm to de-
fend myſelf the better. They all four attacked me at
once but my Indians, whom I had ordered to wear
fwords on ſhore, feil upon them furiouſly, and diſpatch-
ed two of them immediately; and I had made a ſhift to
drop a third, though not without receiving feveral
wounds. The fourth ran for it; but my Indians being
as nimble footed as does, foon overtook him, and drag-
ged him down the hill by the hair of his head; while he
cried out all the while, Mifericordia! Mifericordia!
The noiſe we made had brought up my boat's crew,
yho were all armed with piſtols and cutlaffes; and the
guard coming in the mean time, and feeing my Indians
dragging the fugitive, fell upon us: but my crew and
Indians charged them fo furioufly, that they feon put
them to flight, though treble our number: though this
availed us but little, for the whole garrifon was coming
down upon us. I then ordered my crew to refit no
more, but fubmit to them; for as we were innocent I
did not much fear to come off clear.
+
The buſtle had roufed Don Jaques, and his fervants,
who were foon informed of the condition 1 was in, and
he came in good time to interpofe his authority; for
the Portugueſe began to be outragious. But the gover-
ner had fent a gentleman to bring us before him: and
accordingly I went accompanied by Don Jaques.
the wounds I had received bled fo much, that they were
obliged to carry me to Don Jaques's, and fend for a
furgeon. My hurts were not dangerous, but I was very
faint with lots of blood,
But
Don Jaques waited on the governor, and informed
him of the condition I was in; but the governor not
underſtanding who was the aggreffor, ordered a guard
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
163
My
of foldiers at the door of the houſe where I was.
boat's crew foon got on board and alarmed both the
ſhips, who immediately weighed and came clofs to
fhore, where they had prepared to fire upon the town,
if I was not releafed inftantly. I underſtanding the
matter, fent one to inform them, that the guard was
fet upon me to ſecure me from the inſults of the Portu-
gueſe, till the truth of the matter was diſcovered. This
would not ferve their turn, but a hundred of them,
with the officers and Don Pedro landed, all well armed
and vowed to wait the event on fhore. The governor
did me the honour of a vifit, and inquired into the cauſe;
and I informed him, as well as my weakneſs would per-
mit me. When they had examined the dead Portugueſe,
they found one of them was nephew to the deceafed
viceroy. Upon the difcovery of which the Portugue fe
began to be very much exafperated, and were hardly
reſtrained from rufhing into the houſe, and tearing ne
to pieces; for though they did not regard the nephew,
yet they had a great veneration for his deceaſed uncle,
who behaved himſelf with a great deal of candour in
his poſt, and the inhabitants mightily regretted his loſs.
The governor appeaſed their fury, by telling them I
fhould have no favour fhewn me if I were guilty, let the
confequence be what it would. And immediately a
court was fummoned to try me, though it was mid-
night, and I was carried there in a Palanquin, weak as
I was. But I was obliged to fend for my lieutenant,
and tell him there was no danger; and alfo ordered
him to ſend the crew on board again. When we´came
to the place of juftice, the governor ordered me a feat:
but the buſineſs was foon ended; for the Portuguſe we
had fecured, owned that his mafter had defigned to
murder me, becaule he was informed I was his rival in
the beautiful Donna Bianca, (which was the daughter
of Don Jaques.) I was very much fuprifed (as well as
Don Jaques) at this report, and we both declared it was
only a jealous fuggetion of the gentleman; which every
one came into: and the grounds he had for it, was my
often frequenting Don Jaques's houfe, upon the ſcore
of friendſhip only, and lodging there.
164:
OF
THE ADVENTURES
The governor handfomly difmift me, and told me,
he was very forry I had been detained from my affairs.
I returned, that I was as forry to be the cauſe of ſo un-
happy an accident, in a country where I had received
fo much civility.
upon
Don Jaques begged I would go back to his houſe, and
ftay till my wounds were well; but the governor took.
us afide, and ſaid to us in French, I know, Don Jaques,
'tis your friendship for the captain that makes you defire
his company; but, if I might adviſe you, I would have
him go on board the inftant; for though he is very
innocent as to the matter, yet I doubt fome of the de-
ceafed's friends or relations, which are numerous, not
having regard to justice, will contrive foine method to
diſpatch him out of the way: for most of the Portu-
guefe are jealous, malicious, and revengeful, and very
feldom look into the merits of the cauſe.
I thanked the governor for his kind caution; and
Don Jaques, hotwithſtanding his friendſhip, could not
but come into what he had faid. I therefore ordered my-
felf to be carried on board that moment. It being broad
day, the governor and his guard would accompany
me to the waterſide, but Don Jaques would go on board
with me. In the boat he told me he had ſome thoughts
of coming to refile in England, for, faid he, I have
enough, and therefore I will in two or three years more,
leave off traffic and live quiet in the world. But he
begged I would write to him as ſoon as I arrived in Eue
rope, and let him know the place I had choſe to live in ;
for, added he, let it be where, it will, if it is ever my
fortune to arrive fafe in Europe, I'll take another voy.
age only for the hopes of feeing you. I returned him
the acknowledgment due to fo much friendship, and we
parted with tears on both ſides.
#
As foon as I had got on board, the wind being fair,
When we were
we weighed and ſtood out of the bay.
out at ſea, a letter was brought me written in French,
the tranſlation of which is as follows.
I
SIR,
*
Was refolved to make trial of you before I ſuffered
heart to chooſe you for a friend; audl info will
Hy
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LF.
M65
convinced of the fincerity of your foul, that I will confide
in you a fecret dear to my repofe. I had an amour with
a beautiful tady before I was married that produced the
bearer of this letter. I have kept him concealed from my
family hitherto, but the perfon Itrafted with his educati-
on and this fecret, being dead, I feared I fhould find fome
difficulty to conceal him any longer here: therefore depend-
ing upon your good-nature and friendſhip, I have ventur-
ed to fend him to you, with fufficient to bear kis expences
in bis education, which I would have fuitable to the eftale
I have in my power to give him. I shall ever own this
obligation, and always think it my greatest happiness to
Subſcribe myſelf
me
Your fincere Friend and Servant,
Jaques de Ramirez.
I must own I was very much furpriſed at this epiſtle,
and could not imagine his reafons for concealing it from
I ordered the perſon that brought the letter to be
conducted in, and immediately entered my cabin one of
the beautifulleſt boys I had ever fet my eyes on. He
ſeemed about fifteen, his hair fair and long, curling
dewn his ſhoulders: in fert every feature ſo exact and
uniform, and fo innocent withal, that I was amazed.
At laft I took him by the hand and enbraced him, and
told him for his Father's fake he ſhould be as dear to me
as my own fon. But finding he did not anſwer me, for
I fpoke to him in English, I repeated the fame in French.
He returned me thanks, and faid he did not doubt but
he fhould find it ſo.
*
After fome time, he delivered me a casket, in which
were jewels to the value of five thousand pifioles, and a
little box which contained a thouſand moidores:
told him I would take as much care of them as if they
were my own.
Thele, Sir, faid the youth, are defigned to bear my
charges. Then ordering another box in, had it opened,
and told me what it contained was a prefent from his
father to me. When Bekamined it, I found fix filver
diſhes, and three dozen of plates of the fame metal ;
*
V 2
THÌ ADVENTURES OF
E
dozen of knives, forks, and ſpoons in gold, and half a
dozen of gold fweet-meat plates. In a larger box was
variety of all manner of conferves, and cordials; and
I was informed he had made ſmall preſents to every
officer in the ſhip, and to the common failors a week's
freſh provifion, with liquor in proportion. I was amazed
at his bounty, for his prefent to me was what a prince
might have received. I thought it was my duty to fhew
all the kindneſs I was capable of to the fon of fo generous
a father; therefore I ordered him a field bed in my ca-
bin: and his behaviour was fo engaging, that I felt as
much tenderness for him as if he had been my own
child; and having ſkill in furgery, I trufted him with
the management of my wounds; though I had a very
good ſhip ſurgeon, who fupplied him with what he
wanted. My hurts, which were not dangerous, foon
healed, and I recovered my ftrength again. I could
not prevail upon young Don Ferdinand, (Don Jaque's
fon) to go often upon deck. He ſaid he would rather
chooſe to ſtay in the cabin, where he had French books
of his own, and fome of mine to entertain him; for I
had taken my opportunity to procure feveral at St Sal-
vador, and among the reft a French and English gram-
mar and dictionary, which mightily pleaſed Don Ferdi-
nand, for he had a great defire to learn English; I gave
him all the helps I could; and he in return inſtructed
me in the Portugueſe language: ſo that in a ſhort time
we could difcourfe in either.
We had refolved to ſteer our courſe for the iſland of
Tercera, the capital of the Azores; and after fifty days
fail, we diſcovered the peak of one of the islands of A-
zores, which is called Pico, from the mountain. It is
in the reſemblance of a pyramid, and may be diſcovered
as many leagues off as the Pike of Teneriff; for we were
then by obſervation thirty leagues off from it, and yet
could fee it diftinctly.
In two days more we difcovered the iſland of St Mi-
chael. We were all pleaſed that we had entered that
part of the world we call Europe, the birth-place of
moſt of us; and what pleaſed us more was, that we had
made all our fortunes.
CAPAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
*67
-
Auguft the 19th, 1696, we anchored in the bay of
Angra, the capital of the Azores, in the ifland of Ter-
cera. I cannot give and great commendation of the
port, for I think it a very indifferent one. We did not.
defign to ſtay long, only to get fome water, and ſome
fresh provifions; for we were informed there was no
riding out a ftorm there.
We got in what we want-
ed with all the expedition we could, while the weather
was favourable.
The city is feated at the bottom of the bay, under
the brow of a hill called Monto de Brafil, or the Brafil
mountain; but for what reifon fo called, I could not
be informed. It is very well fortified, having two ſtrong
caftles, and eight batteries befides, with guns of thirty
pounds fhot: But it is very indifferently garriſoned,
having no more than two hundred men in pay, and
moft wretchedly ſupplied, having no clothing for three
years.
The town is very agreeable having a ftream of water
running quite through it, which drives feveral mills for
the uſe of the public; and almoſt in every quarter are
public fountains of excellent talted water. From this
place are brought the finest canary-birds, though leſs
than thoſe of the Canaries, yet they exceed them far iş
the excellency of their pipes.
Money is very fcarce here, and confequently every
thing cheap. I bought two months bifket for the fhips
much cheaper than in any port of Lurope. Corn is
their chief commodity, which they fend to Portugal:
but for any other trade, I believe the king of Portugal
gets but little advantage.
I was grown fuch a proficient in the Portugueſe
tongue, that I could make a fhift to be underſtood; and
by underſtanding that language, foon found a gate to
the Spanish tongue, by the help, of Don Pedro, who
had learned to fpeak English very fluently. We got ac-
quainted with one of the fathers of the Cordeliers, who
thewed us the churches, and other things of note in the
city. The cathedral is a very handfom building, and
well painted, which goes by the name of St Salvador;
and there is no danger of aiiffing that title, and St an-
0 3
163
THE ADVENTURES or
thony, every where among the Portugueſe. There's
no leſs than twenty, befides the cathedral; with four
monaſteries, and four convents, that have each their
chapel beautifully adorned. When we had got whất
refreſhments were wanting, we fet fail for the Straits,
intending to touch no whère, before we were got into
the Mediterranean; and becaufe we met with nothing
extraordinary in our voyage to Gibralter; I will, to
divert the reader, give him, (inftead of bearing of
coafts, changes of wind, and unexpected ſtorms,) the
life of my companion Don Pedro Aquilio; which he
related to us during the voyage, in the following man-
uer.
THE
LIF E
O F
Don PEDRO AQUILI O
MY
Y father refiding in France, when the commo-
tions were ingendring between the king and the
parliament, was made faſt to the intereſt of Cardinal de
Retz, by marrying one of his nieces of a very great
fortune: he had a hand in most of the fecret tranfactions
of thoſe times; and wading too deep in thoſe feas of
trouble, was obliged to retire to his native country.
He foreſeeing what would happen, took care of his af-
fairs accordingly, fold his eftate in France, and ſent
my mother to Sevil, the place of his birth, whither he
foon followed. The king of Spain having a very great
regard for him, gave him feveral offices of honour and
profit; and when I was born, I was fon to the firſt man
in the city. My father, by living fo long in France,
had contracted the manners of the French; and the
formality of the Spaniard ſeemed as ftrange to him, as
if he had been born in another climate. He had feverat
children, though none furvived but myſelf. When I
had years enough over my head to fear the prejudicė
of education, he took a refolution of fending me to the
college of the four nations in Paris, to complete my
ſtudies. And the first thing I learnt, was to ſhake off
all the cuftoms of Spain, which was foon done; for they
had taken but fmall impreffion in my mind, becaufe I
found my father was averfe to them. I contracted a
friendſhip with feveral young French noblemen of my
own age; for parity of years is the firſt ſtep to friend-
fhip.
When I had reached my fifteenth year, I began to
think of a miltreſs, to complete my ftudies. And, as I
found it was a method among my companions to fup
170
THE ADVENTURES or
The
plant each other in their famales without any animofity,
I fet myſelf fo willingly about it, that out of a dozen
Madonas, I made myself maſter of fix of them. This
occafioned many plots and contrivances to regain the
flying fair ones though I perceived moft money laid
out in preſents had a prevailing force with them. We
had our allowance paid quarterly, and getting all my
companions into gaming, I had the good fortune to
ftrip them all. They feemed to be a little uneaſy, in
loſing their miſtreffes and money too; and my telling
them, as I had got the females, I fhould have moſt oc-
cafion for money, fignified nothing, but they all begged
it as a great favour, that I would lend them half what
I had won, to be repaid the next quarter; which to ob-
lige them, I complied with, and to play we fell again;
but fortune changed her amiable looks from me, and I
foon loft all I had won, with my own ſhare too.
fickle dame favoured one of the company who would
not lend any of us a penny. This chagrin'd the reſt
very much.
But to prevent any more importunity, he
went away to his own chamber, leaving room in all our
pockets for the devil to dance a faraband, for we had
not one croſs to keep him out; and what was our
greatest mortification, the holidays were approaching,
that uſed to give us the opportunity of rambling into
the country.
The perfon that won our money happen-
ed to be the laſt that was added to our fociety; and
though he had not been long among us, we began to
be tired of him, as much from his odd humours, as his
effeminacy. I at laſt thought of a project to be reveng-
ed on him, and it was very much approved by the reſt
of my companions. The holidays being come, we de-
figned for our country rendezvous; but he that bore
the purſe would not go with us, without we could pro-
duce every one fo much money. This put us to our
ſhifts again: But my man, who was an arch wag, beg-
ged I would accept of what he had; for I had been fo
Jucky as to have paid him his wages before my lofs. I
accepted of his offer, and took from him ten Louis
d'Ors: We contrived it fo well, that they were fhewn
to old Sir Snip, from every perſon of our fociety. Welk
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
171
ſaid he, fixty Louis d'Ors will do our business; but whọ
ſhould be the purſe-bearer was what we cavilled at; and
not caring to truft any of us, (and we reſolved not to
truſt him) he pitched upon my man to be caſh keeper
for us all. And accordingly he put down in his pocket-
book, fo much money in bank, received of fuch and
fuch perfons, when in reality he had but twenty Louis
d'Ors.
•
When we had contrived every thing, we took horſe,
and rode fix leagues that evening, to the place where
we defigned to put in execution our project. We had
agreed to pay every night the expences of the day, and
have it ſet down in my man's book. But when he was
called for, (as we had concerted) no man was to be
found. There was ftrange enquiry made to no pur-
poſe; and we all agreed he had taken the opportunity
to rob us, and run away with our money.
All that we
had to do was to beg of Snip to diſcharge the houſe.
But he declared he had not half a piftole in his pocket:
which we knew very well, for he had fewed all the reft
into his wafteccat. Since it falls out fo unluckily, faid
I, don't let us make known our wants to the houſe, but
go to reſt, and confult to morrow. I lay with Snip, for
fear he ſhould take it into his head to ſneak off. In the
night, when I found he was faſt aſleep, I bundled up
all his clothes, and threw them out of the window to my
man that waited for them.
When morning came, I defired him to riſe, that we
might get all together to confult; but no clothes were
to found. He began to ftorm and fwear, but all to no
purpoſe; for not one of his oaths would bring back a
rag of his clothes. He told us in his ravings, that he
had loft fo much money, fewed up in his waftecoat. We
upbraided him for his covetoufnefs, in not letting us
fhare with him; but it did not fignify any thing. He
threatened to go to the Preveft, and have the landlord
fecured; and would have done it, if he had not been
naked.
After raving to no purpoſe, he was obliged to go to
bed, to avoid catching cold. He aſked us what he
THE ADVENTURES or
Thould do in his condition, but all the advice we gave
him brought him ne confolation.
He was very tall, and large made, and we uſed to
call him in ridicule the Infant. He propoſed to fell his
horſe to clothe him; but being fo much out of ſize,
there was not any thing to be had ready made that
would fit him : This was fill worſe and worſe; and
though the horſe was fold for twenty piftoles, we con-
trived it fo, that my landlord feized the money for his
reckoning. This put hiin almoſt beſide himſelf, and he
was ready to expire with vexation.
I
I pretended to be much concerned at this ufage, while
the rest of our company laughed at his misfortue.
feemed to be very angry with them; and told them I
would do my endeavour to remedy every thing. I made
them acquainted, that I had jult called to mind a per-
fon, a friend of mine that lived in the town. much of
the Infant's fize, and I would go to borrow a fuit of
clothes for him. He feemed very much rejoiced at this;
for he reſolved, as foon as ever he was dreffed, to take
up the landlord, and iwear the robbery againſt him.
I went as he ſuppoſed about his clothes; and after
ftaying fone time below, I went up with a bundle, and
feemed very much concerned that I could not facceed.
I told the Infant, the gentleman was gone to Lyons a-
bout buſineſs of concern, and had carried all his clothes
with him. But I had brought him a maſquerade habit
that he had left behind him.
He expreſſed ſome fatisfaction at the fight of it, that
he fhould not be confined to lie in bed. But, faid he,
if it were not only for the name of clothes, a man might
as well go naked, for there's no ſtirring abroad in this
drefs.
It was the habit of a fatyr, that we had made on pur-
poſe for the occaſion, before we left Paris. When we
had equipped him, it was as much as † could do to keep
my countenance at the figure he made; and he ſeemed
very much diffatisfied with it, but however he wore it
för the conveniènéy of not lying in bed.
When we wère at dinner, we had many contrivances
to get away, but none feaſible.
CANTAI ROBERT BO Y-L E.
172
I told them at last I had thought of a design would;
certainly do our buſineſs, and make up our loffes, if the
Infant would confent to it. He readily replied, he
would ſtick at nothing to do that. Why then, ſaid I,
If you'll fuffer yourſelf to be ſhown in that habit, as a
monſter newly arrived, I'll answer for the fucceſs of it.
After much talk, he agreed to do it, on this provifo,
that his face fhould be diſguiſed. I told him I would:
ſtep to my friend's houſe. for the maſk that was made
to the habit. I returned and gave it to him, and he
was foon fatisfied with the project.
Notwithſtanding the butle we made, none of the
houfe (but the landlord) knew any thing of the matter,
and the next day it was given out about the town, that
a monſter was to be thown in the afternoon. We had
procured a chain, and other materials to carry on the
joke; and when the time came to how away, we had
fuch a concourſe of people to ſee our monster (it being:
in the holidays) that our profit gave us fome fatisfaction.
For when the time of fhowing was over, our money
amounted to three and twenty piftoles; and the monſter
behaved himſelf fo well with our inftructions, that he
gave a general content.
We had taken care he ſhould appear fo fierce, that
none ſhould approach near enough to diſcover the de
ceit. We had a great deal of diverfion at the ignorant
people's fuggeftions. One country fellow afked how old:
he was? I told him four years, three months and five
days: Lord bless me, (cried he out) why, by that time,
he comes to be twenty, no houfe will be able to hold him.
·
In fine, we showed him fo long, that our money;
mounted to upwards of one hundred pounds, which,
pleaſed our Infant ſo well, that he defired to continue a
monſter all the time of the holidays. But we refolved,
to carry the joke no farther tho' we did not tell him ſo.
We left the Infant chained to the pot of the window
as ufual, went down to my landlord, and gave him in-
ftructions how to behave himſelf. We took care to fa-
tisfy him well for the trouble he had been at.
We all rid away to the next village, and putting up
our horſes returned on foot, one by one, back again to
174
THE ADVENTURES OF
the inn; and ſtole up stairs unperceived by any one but
the landlord. The Infant, finding we ftaid longer than
ordinary, began to make a great noiſe; which my land-
lord hearing, he ſent up one of his fervants, that knew
nothing of the ſecret; when the Infant faw him come
in, he made feveral figns to him; but as the fellow
knew nothing of the jeft, he did not much like the ac-
tion of the Infant, but ran down to his maſter frighted
out of his wits.
We had made peep-holes in the next room, where we
colud perceive every action of the Infant's; but he was
fo very much enraged, that he fat down biting his nails
for vexation; for he began to perceive the trick we had
put upon him. After fitting melancholy fome time, he
rofe up and endeavoured to undo the chains; but as
they were tied cloſe behind, and made faſt to a ſtaple in
the wall, all his efforts proved vain. All our care was
to contain from laughing, which was a very hard taſk.
When he found he could not free himſelf, rage entirely
poffeffed him; and the noiſe he made with ſtamping,
and rattling his chains, brought up ſeveral of the fer-
vants armed, who opened the door cautiously; but not-
withſtanding their valour, ran away as foon as they per-
ceived his menacing action; and tumbling over one
another, took the thorteſt way down ſtairs.
When we thought he had mortification enough, we
ſent my landlord in to him with a good horſewhip, and
a letter in his hand. As foon as he had got within the
door, he ſpoke after this manner, in a landlord like tone.
I was pretty well affured at the beginning, that thou
wert a rank cheat; but now I am convinced of it, I will
chaſtiſe thee firſt, and reaſon with thee afterwards, like
other criminal judges, puniſh firſt, and inquire into the
demerits of the caufe afterwards, that juftice may not
wait for any body.
Thefe words were followed with ſome ſmart ſtrokes,
and the dialogue foon began to be in much confufion ;
for between the roaring of the Infant, the bawling of my
landlord, and the macking of the whip, it was a conti-
nual jargon of noiſe: and we were obliged all of us to
own, that our hot executed his coinmiflion to a hair,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
175
When he had a little recovered himſelf, he began tò
reaſon with his patient, who, that he might the better
hear him, laid himſelf down on his pallet to condole his
afflicted body. But their queſtions being very long, and
the anſwers but fhort, confifting of two monofyl-
lables, Ay, or No, I will not trouble you with the rela-
tion.
After their dialogue was over, he gave him the letter,
which diſcovered our deſign upon him. He was thun-
derftruck at our combination; and uttered fuch impre-
cations of revenge, that my landlord was obliged to
anſwer him with his whip, which foon reduced him to
reafon.
We began to be tired with our Infant, and ſo put an
end to our diverfion, and his torture, by fending him
clothes; though fome of our company would have had
him gone to Paris in that trim.
In a few days after the frolic was over, he commen-
ced a fuit of law againſt us all, for a robbery; but the
judges finding it only a trick of mirth, fined every one
of the defendants fix livres apiece, and every one to pay
his own cofts. This but enraged the Infant the more,
and he began to meditate a more pernicious revenge;
for now he appeared the ridicule of the whole city,
and he could never ftir without a train of boys at his
heels.
The firſt inftance of it was as follows; My fervant
having fome intrigue on his hands, had made bold with
my clothes to carry it on; and coming home pretty
late, was ſhot through the back with a piſtol-ball, juſt
as he was entering the College Gates. Though it was
well meant, the poor fellow efcaped with life, yet he lay
dangerouſly ill for feveral days. He could give no ac-
count of the affair at all not having feen the perſon that
wounded him. But the accident made me very uneafy,
for I was convinced the favour was meant to me. This
made me cautious how I ventured out of the college;
for it was eafy to imagine it was a proof of the Infant
refentment, who had left the college upon the lo's of
Lis trial.
I began now to repent our confederacy against him,
P
176
THE ADVENTURES
and wrote him a note to affure him of my contrition,
with my fhare of the money we had taken from him,
He received the caſh, and fent me word he heartily
forgave me. Imagining him fincere, I ventured into
the city, and foon frequented my old rendezvous; but
I had fo much regard for myſelf as to get to college be-
times.
One night as I was going home, four men in vizor
maſks ruſhed out from behind a wall of a houſe that
was building; they all fired upon me, and ran away as
ſoon as they had diſcharged their pieces. I muſt con-
feſs, at firſt, fear made me imagine myſelf no man of
this world: but by degrees getting over my apprehen-
fion, I found I had not got any hurt. This accident
to me ſeemed prodigious; for they were all four fo near
me, that feveral grains of powder ftuck in my face.
But, I was brought out of my labyrinth of thought,
when I received the following letter the next morning.
SIR,
I own
one
Muft own myſelf one of those unfortunate men, that,
for want of better employment, receive money as the
price of blood. Though this I can fay with a clear con-
jeience, I never have yet put my trade in practice. Yefter
y morning I was fent for to the boufe of Monfieur Gom-
berville, commonly called the Infant, who employed me to
take away your life; and, that he would be fure of the
execution, made one of the four that fired upon you last
night; but as I had the ordering of our arms, I took care
nothing fhould be put in them that was hurtful. The
acquaintance I had with your noble father, made me the
more cautious concerning his fon. I beg in juſtice to me
you would keep your chamber, and cauſe it to be reported
that you are dangerously wounded. I need not caution you
to be careful of yourself, for the Infant's malice fens to
me implacable. We never have any words made of theſe
things, because we know how to revenge aurfelves there-
fore let no one elſe know the contents of this, and be thank-
ful for your life from
Jaques Marriot,
*
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
177
When I had read the letter, I ordered my fervant ta
bring the bearer before me; where I foon found, by
his manner of talking, that a little money would be
very acceptable to the fender; and therefore I fent him
ten piſtoles, with my humble fervice, giving him to
know that I would exactly comply with the contents.
I began now feriouſly to think on the danger I had
inconfiderately drawn upon myself, for an innocent
frolic; and that it would be but ill trufting to the
Infant's refentment. I gave out that I was dangerouſly
wounded; and the better to carry it on, I got a furgeon
(a friend of mine) to vifit me frequently.
When I had kept my chamber long enough for the
time of my cure, I ventured abroad, but never without
four or five of my friends for a guard, and came home
in very good time.
During my confinement I received letters of condole-
ment from ſeveral of my miſtreffes, and, when they
heard of my recovery, as many of reproach for not
coming to vifit them as uſual. One in particular, and
my favourite fair, was very preffing for a meeting; and
her chief reaſon was to pay her with my prefence for
the affronts fhe had fuftained from the infant upon my
I fent her word I would not fail waiting on
her the Sunday following after dufk. Accordingly when
the time came, I ftole out without any of the college
marks on, and arrived ſafe at my Madona's.
account.
After fupper, and two or three bottles of Hermitage,
we went to bed: and when we had made ourſelves as
merry as we could in the dark, I addreſſed myſelf to
feep. But notwithstanding my willingness to receive the
gentle god, he ſtill flew from me, and ſeveral hours paf-
fed without clofing my eyes.
About midnight I thought I heard whifpers in the
next room, which very much alarmed me: but my fears
were trebly increafed, when looking through a chink of
the door, I diſcovered the Infant, and four other fel-
fows with mafks in their hands ſpreading faw-dufſt on
the floor, and on the table lay ſeveral facks.
I foon imagined what their preparations meant, there-
Pa
178
OF
THE ADVENTURES
fore confulted my fafety as well as I could, in the con
fuſion of my thoughts.
In
I went always well armed fince the laſt rencounter,
having two brace of piſtols in my pockets, a good cut-
ting ſword, and a ftilletto. But I was confounded when
fearching for my clothes where I had laid them, none
could be found. I now began to think of death ſeri-
ouſly, and beg pardon fincerely of God for all my fins;
for I knew it would be madneſs to think of eſcaping,
naked as I was, without any thing for my defence.
the chaos of my thoughts I remembered a cloſet which
had a window that looked into the Seine; and though
it was three ſtories from the river, yet, as I could ſwim,
I thought it better to truft providence by leaping into
the water, than thofe cut throats. I ftole foftly to the
window, but to my great confternation found it too faſt
for me to open; but by good fortune in groping about,
I found my clothes. I put them on with a great deal
of precipitation, and having prepared my arms, refolv
ed not to die alone.
钏
​I waited ſome time before the chamber door open-
ed. When it was opened, I could perceive them com-
ing in with maſks on, and the foremoſt with a dark lan-
thorn. I did not think it fit to wait till they ſhould dif-
cover I was not in the bed, but ruſhed on the firſt, and
fhot him dead on the ſpot; and in two feconds of a mi-
nute, dispatched two more, one with my fword, and
the other with one of my piftols; and had made as
quick work with the other two, but they fell on their
knees, and begged for mercy; which I granted, on
condition that one fhould tie the other, which was readi-
ly complied with; when that was done I bound the o-
ther myſelf, and coming to fecure my falſe miſtreſs,
found her expiring in the bed. She had breath enough
left to tell me, he had been caught in her own trap;
for defigning to poifon me in the wine I drank, the fer-
vant had miſtaken the bottle, and given it to her.
I aſked her the reafon of her hatred to me, being, as
1 remembered, guilty of no fault. She told me, the
Infant had informed her that I was falſe to her, which
converted her love to the moſt implacable hatred. I
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
179
•
muft own, this woman was miſtreſs of my heart, and [
had feveral proofs of her fincerity; but fhe was of a
temper compoſed of fire and fury. She further told me,
that I had raiſed her rage to that height, that she was
refolved to put an end to my life herfelf, not caring to
truſt Ker revenge to any hands but her own.
She begged I would forgive her, and immediately ex-
pired. I examined my two intended murderers, and
found they were fervants to the Infant, and compell-
ed to what they did; therefore I refolved to pardon
them.
I thought once of going to the provoſt, and give hiar
a particular account of the action; but one of the fel-
lows informed me, he was a near relation of the Infant's
and had a very great love for him, which made me ap
prehend his paffion would overcome his juftice. There-
fore I refolved the next morning to fet out for Spain,
which I put in practice before day, and gave my man
orders to follow me.
I left Paris with this reflection, that from the mean-
eft triffing accident often dreadful effects followed; and
a woman once provoked was the moſt dangerous enemy
a man could have.
fa-
I met with nothing extraordinary in my voyage to Ca
les; but when I arrived at Sevil, I was informed my
ther, who was governor of that city, was at his country-
houſe about fix leagues off.
Though I was very much fatigued with my journey,
I refolved to wait on him that night. I hired a muis
(for 1 had my fervants clothes on) and fet out. Bug
my beaft being none of the beft, tired with me about a
league before I came to the villa where my father re-
fided.
I left him in the adjacent village, and purfued my
journey on foot. As I was willing to get to my father's
houfe, I made all the fpeed I could. And though it
was very dark, I knew the way perfectly.
I overtook two men in a narrow lane, that called to
me, afking why I had ftayed fo long, and where was
Don Lewis.
I fancied there was fomething of villany going for
P 3
180
ME ADVENTURES.or
ward by the name of Don Lewis, being he was an in-
veterate enemy of my father's. I did not answer him
immediately, which brought them upon me; they ſoon
found their mistake. They aſked me where I was going
at that time of night; I told them I was going to Sara-
goza, to my friends, for I had ferved a gentleman in
Cadiz, that had diſcharged me for getting his maid with
child; and was obliged to walk all night, being I had
not any money to pay for a lodging: I anſwered a great
many other queſtions, with the ſame truth and ſimpli-
city. And after talking fome time, two more came up
to us, and aſked the others who they had got with
them. They went all together, and after a little talk,
one that ſeemed to be the ſuperior, came up to me, and
told me, if I would make one of their enterpriſe that
night, he would not only reward me well, but take me
into his fervice; but if I refuſed after he had diſcloſed
it to me, they would murder me immediately.
I told him I would ſtick at nothing to get bread.
Why then, faid Sir Gravity, my name is Don Lewis: I
have a mortal hatred to Ferdinand Aquilio, governor
of Sevil. I have waited many years for my revenge,
but never could get an opportunity to execute it till
now. He has received one of my fervants into his
houſe as a domeſtic, who this night will open the door
to us, where I fhall quench my hatred of him with his
blood; and further, to dispatch all fear of refiftance, I
can affure you there are but two more fervants in the
houfe, whom my fellow has made drunk, which fhail
be ordered fo, as if they had murdered their maſter.
ነ
It was well for me that darkneſs covered the hemi-
sphere, or the old devil could have difcovered the con-
fufion in my countenance.. But notwithſtanding my
confternation, I told him I ſhould be proud to ſerve him
in this or any other adventure. Gramercy, ſaid the
old one, and here's fomething to encourage thee, (clap-
ping a handful of dollars into my hand).
I'll leave you to guess the confufion of my thoughts
at this declaration, and I was cafting about in my mind.
how I should prevent this intended villany.
When we arrived at my father's, we found the treach
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
181
erous villain waiting for his maſter. As foon as ever he
faw us, he cried foftly to Don Lewis, I am glad your
honour is come; but Don Ferdinand is in his clofet,
and does not intend to go to bed to-night, becauſe he
is to be at Sevil early in the morning, and he has ſhut
his cloſet-door. Why then, faid Don Lewis, we'l
break it open. But, returned the fervant, he has arms
always ready in his cloſet, and I fear the enterpriſe will
be a little difficult, for he's a tough old blade.
Upon this account a ſmall paufe enfued, which gave
me leiſure to think, and to the old one I uttered my
thoughts.
Sir faid I, fubmit this buſineſs to me, and I'll inform
you how I defign to execute it. Your fervant fhall ac-
company me to the door of his cloſet, and knock, and
as ſoon as ever he opens it, I'll give a good account of
the old gentleman.
Thou counſelleft well, replied the old Don, and I'll
reward thee accordingly when the work is done. And
1 fhall deſerve it, thought I to myfelf, if my intention.
fucceeds.
Upon this refolve, we went into the houſe, and the
fellow conducted me up ftairs very foftly. The clofet
was at the end of a large room, the door of which I
bolted on the infide with one hand, and plunged my
poiniard to the heart of the fellow with the other, who
dropped dead at my feet. At the noiſe he made in fall.
ing, my father cried out who's there? and rufhed out
of his cloſet, with a piftol in his hand. I replied, 'Tis
I, your fon.
You may imagine the furpriſe my father was in at
this fudden appearance, and to fee one of his fervants
weltering in his blood, and dead before me. Sir, faid
I, banith your furprife, and go with me into your
cloſet, where I will inform you of this fudden and un-
looked for appearance; and muſt farther add, that the
hand of providence, by me, has faved you from death.
My father followed me into his fludy, without ſpeak-
ing: where I declared, in as few words as the time
would permit, all that had befallen me that night; and
wę foon came to a reſolution what to do.
182
THE ADVENTURES or
We took each of us a blunderbuſs with a brace of
piftols, went down the back flairs, and came in upon
them, a way they little expected. I came firſt into the
hall, as we had concerted.
As ſoon as the old wretch faw me, he cried, Well my
lad, haft thou diſpatched the villain! Yes Sir, faid I
and have dragged him down that you may behold what
I have done. When he heard that, he gave a leap for joy,
and came running forward to view the pleafing fight.
But words cannot expreſs his looks, when he ſaw my fa
ther confronting him with a blunderbufs in his hand.
He flood motionleſs, as if he had been turned to ftone.
The other three endeavoured to make their eſcape,
but I diſcharged my blunderbufs, and flopt two of them
with my hafty meffengers. The report of my piece
made Don Lewis fall down, as imagining himſelf flain :
the third perfon finding it impoffible to eſcape, became
defperate, and like a ftag at bay defied us. He pulled
out a ftilletto, and ran upon me like an angry lion, and
notwithſtanding I fhot him in the breaft with a brace of
balls, wounded me in three ſeveral places; I grappling
with him, we came down together upon the body of
Don Lewis, who with our weight began to cry out ; and
that moment had been the last of my life, if my father
had not ran to my affiftance, and with his fword nailed
my antagoniſt to the pavement.
The report of our fire-arms had wakened the two
drunken fervants of my father's, who came half fright-
ned out of their fenfes. By this time Don Lewis had
recovered himſelf, and feeing death before him, fell
down upon his knees, and implored my father's mercy.
Thou baſe man! replied my father, how canft thou
expect to live after thy barbarous attempt upon his life
that never wronged thee? He told him he did not ex-
Fect to be forgiven, only, to be allowed a prieſt, and
confeffion, and he would die with a hearty penitence for
Lis fins.
Wretch cried my father, thou mayeft fee how hea-
ven abhors thy fact, by blafting thy defign. This man
thou ſeeft before thee, whom thou didst employ in thy
black defign, is my own fon, whefe coming. hither was
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 183
like an angel fent from heaven to my affiftance. Ifee,
returned the Don, the ſeal of providence is upon you,
and I heartily repent the crime I intended to commit:
and if you will forgive me, and forget what is paft, I'll
efteem you as the faver of my life; and, to unite our
friendſhip, I'll match my daughter with a noble dowry
to this your fon, and may they ever live happy.
My father was too much a gentleman to murder in
cold blood, though he had fufficient excufe on his fide
if he had done it. On the other hand, his daughter
was a very great fortune, even beyond his hopes.
After ſome ſmall paufe, he made him this reply, Sir,
you know within yourſelf, that you have forfeited your
life by the law, in fo bafely attempting mine; but as I
can forgive any injury defigned me; if you perform
your first promife, I am refolved to forgive all that's
paſt. Sir, replied the other (trafported with joy) I am
fo much obliged to you for my life, that I will not ſtir
out of your houſe til I have figned articles of agree-
ment; and I muſt farther add, that nothing fets my
fhame more before my eyes than this your goodneſs.
My father begged he would take a particular care
how he gave way to hatred; which, by the way, not
only commenced in my father's getting the better of
him in a law fuit, and was heightened by the king's
conferring on him the honour of the government of
Sevil, which Don Lewis had fome hopes of.
We took care the next day to let the country know,
that thoſe fellows that were killed had attempted to rob
our houſe, but we having timely notice had prevented
them by their deaths.
The old gentleman was as good as his word, for ar-
ticles of agreement were drawn up between them, and
I had leave to viſit the lady when I thought fit. But I
was obliged to go back to Sevil, and put myself in an
equipage fuitable to the occafion, and Don Lewis fol-
lowed after with his daughter.
I muſt confefs I was charmed with her perfon at the
firſt interview; and the day was fixed for our nuptials,
which rejoiced the whole city of Sevil, that two of the
nobleſt houſes were going to bury in oblivion their long
camity.
184
THE ADVENTURES or
I took the privilege of an intended hufband in my
wifits to my defigned bride, and in her converfation
found fhe had no averfion for me, (at least I thought
fo), and I promifed myfelf the utmoft felicity in her en
joyment.
One morning, about a week before the intended wed.
ding. I came early to wait on her, but was informed
fhe was not come out of her chamber: therefore I rc-
ſolved to take a walk in the great piazza of the city, to
give her time to drefs herſelf; but as I was going out,
I obferved my miſtreſs's maid conferring with a country
fellow; the fight of me, I obſerved, gave the woman
ſome confufion. My heart told me I was concerned in
their interview, therefore I went to the corner of the
ſtreet, and waited till their dialogue was over; which
did not keep me long, for the fellow foon parted with
the woman, and went out of the gate that leads to
Cordova,
I had my man with me, whom I acquainted with my
fears, ordering him to dog the fellow, and get cut of
him, by fair means or foul, his buſineſs at Don Lewis's
houfe, and I would follow him on horſe back.
Away ran my man, and I foon got my horſe, and o-
vertook them about a league and a half from Sevil.
When my man got fight of me, I obferved he took
a little baſket from the countryman, and ran away over
the fields with it. I fancied by that he had fucceeded
in his commiffion, fo turned my horfe and followed him.
When I had overtaken him, we went behind a tuft
of trees a little out of the road, where he told me he
had made the fellow believe he was fent by Tereſa (the
name of the maid he was conferring with) to give him
notice that he would be purſued by a cavalier, and for-
ced to deliver what he had received from her, and per-
haps be in danger of lofing his life; and that he had
orders to confult with him for his fafety.
The countryman, being none of the wifeft, foon dif-
covered the whole affair to my man, and at fight of
me delivered the basket, to him, and ran to a public
houſe in the next village, to wait till he could get clear
●f me, where my man was to bring him his basket again
CAPTAIN ROBERT
BOYLE. 185
In the baſket were four melons, and in one of them we
found a letter very artificially put up, which I took out,
and with terror of mind read the contents, which were
as follows.
L
IFE of my life, and treaſure of my foul! I receiv-
ed yours, which gave me all the confolation my dif
confolate heart was capable of receiving. But the fatal
moment is approaching, when I must give up this body
to another perſon, but without a heart, which always
dwells with you; and be affured unless ill ufage force
it thence, fhall ever dwell in the manſion of your breaſt.
But, my foul, grieve not; for maugre my tyrant huf-
band, I will find time to fee the darling of my eyes, and
in the pleasure of thofe dear arms forget the dull embraces
of a husband. Let ten be the latest this evening, when
you shall find at the ufual place, with long expecting love,
your
ISABELLA,
I was thunderstruck at the reading of this letter, yet
bleft my providential ſtars that guided me to this black
fecret, before the prieſt had joined our hands, And
though a Spaniard, my refentment did not rife to jea-
loufy, but my fancy ran upon the enjoyment of this
falſe fair one, without the marriage chain. And what
prompted me the more to it, was, a poſtſcript to her
letter, wherein fhe bad him come in his uſual diſguiſe,
and in the dark. In order to the accompliſhment of my
defign.I went into a neighbouring houfe. and wrote the
following letter, which was put in the melon in the
room of the other.
I
My Love,
Have not time to write myſelf, I am ſo guarded by my
father; and my tyrant hushand that is to be, ſo that
I am obliged to employ Ferefa. Don't come to the ufual
place till you hear from me, which ſhall certainly be to-
merṛaw. Adieu, thou life and foul of
· ISABELLA.
186
THE ADVENTURES OF
Now all the hopes I had were, that the fellow knew
what diſguiſe this amorous ſpark wore, and where was
the place of rendezvous.
I left it all to my fervant, who had cunning enough
to outwit twenty of the countryman. After I had de-
livered him his commiffion, I went back to Sevil full of
hopes and fears; and in two hours my man arrived:
he gave me a deſcription of his converſe with the
countryman, (which was diverting enough) and how
happy they were in eſcaping my hands.
He informed me, the amorous gallant came diſguiſed
in the habit of a peaſant, and was admitted through
the back garden of Don Lewis's houfe by the maid, who
always attended the hour, and conveyed him to her
apartment in the dark; which was according to my
wiſh and by deſcription of the ſpark's perſon, we were
not unlike as to proportion or age, and darkneſs would
conceal the reſt.
I foon provided myſelf of the habit I was to wear,
and impatiently expected the coming hour, which came
at laft, though the intervening ones feemed the longeſt
of my life.
I did not wait long before I was admitted by the too
faithful confident. We went over the garden to a ſmall
room at the entrance of the houſe, where I foon diſco-
vered my falſe fair one, though in the dark. She was
undreſſed and difincumbered of every let to enjoyment.
I found, by her eager kiſſes and embraces, there was no
parleying required; ſo I e'en fell too and fed very hear-
tily: my partner in pleaſure ſeemed to like what was
prepared for her; and, before we parted gave me to
underſtand I had done wonders, and much beyond her
expectation.
When we had dallied away about four hours in our
feafting, the maid came to tell me it was time to part,
which we did, after ſnatching another morfel.
I went immediately home, was foon in bed, and had
no want of any provocative to fleep.
When I rofe in the morning, I began to weigh ma-
turely the laſt night's adventure; but could come to no
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 187
reſolution as to the forming my behaviour to my falſe
miſtreſs: but I reſolved to be determined by hers.
I went to viſit her about noon, and found her more
than ordinary civil to me.
In fhort, I was ſo charmed with the fight of her, that
I refolved to give her another vifit in my diſguiſe the
fame night; and all I had to do was to be firſt at the
place.
When the time came, my conductress was ready as
before; but going foftly in the clap to the door a little
too haftily, and faſtened my coat in it: and to give me
the more uneaſineſs, fhe the fame moment dropt the key
out of her hand; and though I could fee where it lay,
yet I could not ftoop for it, becauſe my coat was fecur-
ed in the door.
After groping about ſome time, he took it up, and
opened the door to releaſe her priſoner: but on the ve-
ry inftant my rival appeared, and, finding hiinfelf there
before he came, rushed in, and faſted upon me.
The maid at the fight of two Sofia's clapt too the
door in a fright, and ran fcreaming away; fo we had
the happiness to be locked in the garden together. But
however, to make the beſt of a bad market, (as the
faying is,) I got my rival down, and belaboured him
with my filts; for as good fortune would have it, we had
neither of us any offenfive weapons.
The noife of the maid, and our buſtling, alarmed an
Engliſh maſtiff that was watchman to the houſe, who
without faying By your leave, had the impudence to
falten upon my rival by the arm, and worried him very
handiomly: But, notwithſtanding my reaſons to the
contrary. I tock pity of him, and by force of arms de-
froyed the dog: that is, I held him ſo faſt about the
throat with my hands, that his lait breath flew away in
a huff.
My difguifed fpark feeing himfelf fo unexpectedly re-
lieved, gave ine thanks for his fafety; and, as foon as
ever he ipoke (for we had been fullen before, neither of
us having opened our lips) I knew him by his tongue to
be one of my particular acquaintance.
Why how how, Don Juan! faid I, how came you
188
THE ADVENTURES OF
thus difguled! Nay, replied the Don, I ought to afk
you the fame thing. With feveral queftions and anſwers
we came to a right understanding. If I had known,
faid he, your pretentions here, I fhould never have
made any attempts to your prejudice. Come, come,
faid I, it's very well as it is. So we turned that to
mirth and ridicule, which perhaps others of our nation
would have turned to blood. Our next thing was to
make our eſcape, for the whole houfe was alarmed, and
coming upon us with their domeftic weapons, as pokers,
fpits, fire-fhovels, c. My companion led me to a
place of the garden, where the wall was fomething low-
er than any where elſe; and just as we had gained the
afcent, we perceived a man mounting from the other
fide; but my friend did him the favour to tumble him
down again; he quickly got up, and ran upon him moſt
furiously with his peinard, and gave him feveral ſtabs;
but my friend cloſed with him, wreſted his weapon from
him, and ſtabbed him to the heart.
As foon as he was fped, we made off; but did not go
far before my companion dropt down dead of his
wounds. I was very much grieved at the accident, but
made the best of my way home, for fear I fhould come
into trouble about it, if I was caught near the dead
bodies.
I went to bed, but very much perplexed in mind, and
had no reſt all night. But what was my grief in the
morning, when my fervant brought me word, my fa-
ther and Don Juan my friend were found murdered,
in the habits of peasants under Don Le wis's garden-
wall! The relation deprived me of the ufe of fpeech for
fome time, and my reaſon forfock me. I was more
than once going to put an end to my life, and had cer-
tainly done it if I had not been prevented by my faith-
ful fervant. But when my reaſon returned again, I be-
gan to think of the adventure with ſome calmness; for
though I had all the grief imaginable for the lofs of fo
good a father, yet I was of a temper not to grieve long
at any thing; and then the fortune I thought myself
mafter of, appeared ſo lovely to me, that it foon dried
p my tears.
CAPAIN ROBERT BOY L-E.
189
The city imagined my father came by his death
through Don Lewis's means, as remembering the ancient
enmity of the two houfes; and being found fo near his
houfe ftrengthened the opinion of every body; and f
was the only perfon fatisfied to the contrary.
The fervants that brought in my father's body gave
me feveral papers found in his pockets; among which
were two letters that partly let me into the truth of this
unhappy adventure. The firſt was to this purpoſe;
SIR,
You
OUR generofity has prevailed, and I can no longer
withstand your offers, (on the condition as you pro-
mife in your last, that you will break off the match be-
tween your fon and my lady.) You must provide yourſelf.
of a peafant's habit, and to morrow I will ſend you a note
to inftruct you farther.
Yours, &c.
The fecond was as follows.
BE at the of
TERESA.
E at the west end of the garden at one in the morn-
ing, and afcend a ladder of rope you will find.
there, and bring it over with you: near the corner you'll.
perceive an arbour, go in there, and wait till I come to
conduct you to your wishes. I'll take care nothing ſhall.
be in your way to interrupt your privacy; and be fure you
be careful of your tongue, for if you ſpeak, we ſhall be
both undone.
++
My thoughts were in the utmoſt confufion about the
unravelling of this fatal affair; and running over in
my imagination my paft converfations with my father,
I remembered in our laft, he told me, he thought it a
little of the fooneſt for me to marry; and that it would
be more for my intereft, to delay our nuptials; and:
perhaps, faid he, I may give you fufficient reaſons for.
the contrary.
Whatever his reafons were, I little
thought of the true one.
I fent a letter to the maid of my falfe miftrefs; but
Q 2
190
THE ADVENTURES OF
整
​the fearing ſhe ſhould be found out (as fhe really was)
abfconded.
Don Lewis fent to condole with me in my great lofs ;
but I could perceive it gave him fome fatisfaction, that
I was in actual poffeffion of that eſtate, which I had only
hopes of in the life of my father. His vifit was but
fhort, yet I thought it too long; for as I had no defign
of marrying the daughter, I was very willing to drop
my acquaintance with the father. Though I gave him
hopes, when decency would permit, I would not fail in
my addreffes to his daughter.
After the interment of my father, I began to examine
his affairs, and was not very well pleafed to find the beſt
part of his eſtate mortgaged for twelve years to ſeveral
perfons; and inſtead of ſeeing myself worth twenty
thouſand crowns a year, foon found I was not worth
the fixth part.
It was agreed, that my father was very profuſe in
his way of living, always keeping open houfe: yet it
was every body's opinion he did not expend half his in-
come.
I fometimes imagined there was fome underhand deal-
ing in the affair, but it was paft my finding out: I
therefore took an odd refolution, I determined with
myſelf to undergo a voluntary banishment, till the term
of years on the mortgage was expired.
I made a vifit to Don Lewis, and told him my re-
folves, and my reaſons for it, which he could not chooſe
but applaud; for it was eafy enough to perceive intereſt
was the jack he aimed at. He did not prefs me to fee
his daughter, nor I him; but after affurance of remem-
brancing on both fides, we parted.
I must own, my foul longed for another taſte of the
delicious banquet; and I hope you will excufe me when
I own to you, my paffion could not be called love; but
as I found it impracticable, I made myfelf as eafy as I
could.
In a few weeks I had finiſhed my affairs, and waited
for the failing of the Weſt India fleet, refolving for the
city of Mexico, where I had an uncle very rich, who
had often expreffed in his letters to my father, the great
defire he had to ſee me.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
I had raiſed out of the ruins of my father's fortune
fix thouſand crowns, without fo much as touching any
of his plate, or furniture; the care of thoſe things with
all my writings, I truſted to a near kinſman, fuperior
of a monaftery in the city.
One day, going about two leagues out of the town,
my horfe's girth broke, which obliged me to alight at
a fadler's to have it made good. The man alked me if
I would not take a walk in his garden while he
ing his work, which I accordingly did.
An-
At the end of the walk was a pretty arbour, and in
it fat a woman reading; who at the fight of me, gave
a great fhriek, and was for running out; but I stopped
her, and begging pardon for diſturbing her, told her I
would retire, and leave her alone. But upon finding it
was Tereſa, maid to my quondamn miſtreſs, I refolved
to ſtay with her, that I might know fomething of my
father's affair.
She appeared confounded at the fight of me as ima-
gining I had come on purpoſe to apprehend her, but I
foon undeceived her, and with a little foothing lan-
guage and a couple of piftoles, the difpofed herfelt to
give me all the information ſhe could.
Sir, faid fhe, I hope you will pardon me for what I
did, was purely by the influence of gold.
Your father declared to me, at firſt fight of my mi-
ftreſs, his heart and reafon for fook him; and often in-
formed me, if he could not enjoy her, he ſhould be o-
bliged to put an end to his mifery by death. I often
laid before him the injury he would do to you his fon,
but, he as often declared he would break off the match
between you; for he was well affured you had no very
violent inclination for her, and there were other women
in Sevil of as great a fortune as my miſtreſs, that would
be proud of his alliance.
The many rich preſents he made me, overcame my
honefty; and that unfortunate night that brought him
his death, was to have compleated his happiness. But,
faid fhe, (after fome paufe) I am very much at a loſs to
find out one thing. What's that, madam?' faid I,
Why, Sir, returned Madona, fince I know how matters
Q3
192
OF
THE ADVENTURES
ftand between you and my miſtreſs, I ſhall give you to
underſtand, that you were not the favoured lover ; and
that another gentleman revelled in thoſe delights, you
perhaps ought to have the whole poffeffion of; and that
was the reafon I was fo willing to comply with your
father, for I had intended to introduce him in the habit
of the faid gentleman, unknown to my miſtreſs, and
had provided a ſtory accordingly. For as foon as ever
the gentleman was gone, your father ſhould have taken
his place in the fame diſguiſe; and I intended to impofe
on my miſtreſs, that her lover was returned to take a-
nother farewel of her. And this cheat was eaſy to be
carried on, being they were obliged to filence, old Don
Lewis lodging in the next room. But what amazes me,
(as I was faying) opening the door to let my miſtreſs's
lover in, another in the fame diſguiſe rufhed in upon
me, which I am fure was not your father. I foon clear-
ed up this affair with her, and let her know how I had
fupplanted my rival.
She feemed very much furpriſed at the unravelling, of
this fecret, but was very glad ſhe had nothing to appre-
hend from my refentments; being that was the chief
cauſe of leaving her miftrefs, as imagining I fhould find
the letter fhe had fent him. And upon this fhe refolved
to go to her miſtreſs again, for fhe heard every day from
the family, and knew how matters ſtood; and that her
miſtreſs wanted her, that they might condole together
for the lofs of Don Juan her old ſpark. But ſhe declar-
ed, ſhe was not very forry for his lofs, for money came
very hard from him; and you know, Sir, faid ſhe, it is
our buſineſs to make hay while the fun fhines.
Madam, ſaid I, fince I know what you love beſt, if
you'll purſue my intrigue, twenty piftoles are at your
fervice. Indeed, Sir, returned m:adam, it muſt be ſome-
thing very extraordinary that I fhall refuſe for ſuch a
fum. Why then I'll let you into my plot, faid I; you
thall inform your miſtreſs Don Juan is not dead, as was
reported; but after a tedious and dangerous illneſs, was
recovered to a miracle, but concealed his revival, being
under fome apprehenfion of anfwering for the life of my
father.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLÉ.
193
Sir, faid fhe, I like your plot fo well that I'll anfwer
for the fucceſs on't, and I'll go about it inftantly, for;
I long to be fingering the gold. Why then, faid 1, you.
fhall finger it beforehand, and when the buſineſs is done,
I'll double the fum. She was mightily pleaſed with the
amendment to the bargain; and the third night after,
was concluded on for the time, when I was to attend as,
before.
I took leave of Terefa, and purfued my journey,
made merry with my friends, and returned.
At length the happy moment came, that I fo long
expected. My mercenary confident was ready; I enter-
ed, and once more took poffeffion of all my treaſure
and as I thought it would be the last time, was profufe
enough. My lady feemed very well pleafed with my
night's work, and in plain terms told me fo.
I had prepared a letter, in which I had diſcloſed e-
very thing. When our loving affair was over, ſhe aſk-
ed me foftly how I was engaged in that adventure. I
told her as foftly as I could, that I knew fhe would be
inquifitive, and talking being dangerous, I had brought
the account in writing, which I put into her hand, and
with ſome regret took my leave; for the next day was
intended for our imbarkation. As I walked over the
garden, I aſked Terefa, how long the amour had been
between Don Juan and her lady; the told me about two
years, and this was the commencement.
Don Juan, whofe country houſe lay about two leagues
from my maſter's, was fet upon by thieves, and danger-
oufly wounded; and there had loft his life, if Don Lewis
had not very fortunately for him come that way at-
tended, and drove off the thieves. Don Juan was fo
very much hurt, that it was not thought fafe to carry
him home; therefore my mafter ordered him to his.
houſe, where his wounds kept him a great while. When
he had recovered ftrength enough to walk, he uſually
employed his time in the garden, where my lady often
feeing him, fell defperately in love with him. She
made me the confident of her infant paffion, and I being
a very proper perion to be trufted with fuch fecrets,
adviſed her to let the Don fee her, which we contrived
thus.
194
THE ADVENTURES OF
She was to go into an arbour at the farther end of
the garden, (where I had obferved Don Juan fat every
day) and pretended to be afleep. She took all the care
that was neceffary in her drefs, and did as I directed
her. It fucceeded to her wiſh; for the Don, at fight
of her imaging her an earthly goddefs, kneeled and kiff-
ed her hand. She feemed to wake in a pretended fright,
but it was not long before they came to a right under-
ftanding.
That place was made the rendezvous of the lovers,
when opportunity would permit; but he recovering
(though he pretended a weakneſs for fome time) was
obliged to take leave of our houfe; though in the fa-
ther's abfence, they found opportunity to ſatisfy their
loves; and when they refided in town, he continued
his viſits in diſguiſe of the country man he uſed to ſend
to my lady with preſents of fruit, and by that means
they received letters from each other.
When ſhe had finiſhed her ſhort relation, I gave her
the twenty piſtoles I promiſed her and took my leave.
She feemed to be in fome confufion about managing it
with her miftrefs, for fhe would certainly find her out,
fhe faid, when fhe would be confirmed of Don Juan's
death; but the comforted herſelf with telling me, her
miſtreſs durft not difclofe it to any body, for fear of
betraying herſelf. But poor Terefa little thought her
miftrefs would find it out fo foon as the next morning
when ſhe had read my letter, that I put into her hand,
when with her. The next day, I ordered my equipage on
board our ſhip, which lay at Cadiz, and followed my-
ſelf; but the wind chopping about hindered our fetting
fail. I then repented the leaving my letter with my
miftrefs, for by the help of my money with Terefa, I
might have made another meal with her.
I did not think it Prudence to go on fhore, fearing
her resentments might form fome defigns on my life,
I therefore contented myfelf on board, till the wind
ſhould prove fair for failing, As I was reading in my
cabin one day alone, my fervant brought me a letter ;
The contents were thefe:
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LE.
195
Noble S IR,
U"
nderftanding you are bound for Mexico, the place of
my birth, I shall think it the greatest honour in
the world, if you pleafe to take me into your protection."
My father was a rich merchant of that city, who going to
another world, has left me a confiderable eftate in this.
Thoſe perfons who had the care of my education here, feem
to have defigns against my fortune; therefore I have made
my eſcape from them, but muſt return to my betrayers, if
you have not the goodness to be my guardian to Mexico,
where I fhall return the obligation you shall pleafe to lay
me under, in being my protector.
I aſked my man, Who brought the letter; and he
told me a young negro. I bid him bring him in. I
aſked him feveral queſtions, and found him ready with
his answers. He informed me, that his father, though
a negro, was a man of ſubſtance, and fent him in his
infancy to be educated in Sevil, and for the reft the let-
ter informed me.
I was mightily pleafed with the perfon of the black
gentleman, and treated him civilly, with affurance of
delivering him fafe to his friends at Mexico.
When we were alone he told me he had a farther fecret
to diſcover to me, if he was fare of not being interrupt-
ed. Upon hearing this I ordered my fervant on fhore
for fome neceffaries, and informed him, we need not
fear any interruption for fome hours.
After a long paufe, and cafting his eyes on the
ground, he began.
THIS veil of night would not hide my bluſhes, if I
were not convinced in your knowledge of my frailty.
But if you'll confider my youth, imate, and opportu-
nity, you'll allow few of my ex could withitand the
temptation. Be not furprised to find in this diſguife the
daughter of Don Lewis, who is fo far fubject to the ca-
price of love, as to difclfe to you the immoſt ſecret of
her heart.
The letter you left with me produced a contrary ef
fect than I believe you imagined; and inſtead of rage
196
THE ADVENTURES Or
and indignation taking poffeffion of my breaft, a fofter
paffion ſtole in, and I felt all the tenderneſs imaginable
for Don Pedro.
I expect nothing but ill ufage from you for my pat
conduct; but if you can believe there is any fincerity in
woman, after what I have been guilty of, I am aſſured
you may depend on what I fay, that no other object
fhall fhare my heart with you. I do not mean the tye
of wedlock, but if you will accept of me as I am, I'll
be as fubfervient to your commands, as your meaneſt
flave.
I was fo confounded between pleaſure and amaze-
ment, that I imagined all I heard and faw was a dream;
but being fweetly convinced of the reality, I ſaid all my
paffion could fuggeft in return, not giving myself time
to confider of the oddneſs of the accident: 'Twas fuf-
ficient I had in poffeffion all that was lovely in woman,
in my imagination; and I had no other thought, but
how to keep her from the knowledge of her father on
fhore, and the failors on board, for we did not know
when we ſhould ſet fail.
My miſtreſs told me, if he had not fucceeded with
me, fhe reſolved for a nunnery, but fince we were recon-
ciled, The had laid by all thoughts of the habit. She
made her escape from her father's without the affiſtance
or knowledge of any but Terefa. But what favoured
her eſcape was the abfence of her father for ten days in
the country; yet ſhe feared, when he came home a-
gain, he would fright Tereſa into confeffion, or by
promiſes get it out of her; for that fhe was mercenary
enough to fell any thing fhe had to the beſt bidder. To
prevent which, we agreed to drefs her in the habit of a
man, and let her wear her own complexion.
Accordingly we went both on fhore at Cadiz, and
foon equipt ourſelves with what we wanted, and on
board 1 brought my ſpark, as a relation of mine, that
had a mind to run his fortune with me. The next day
the wind proving very favourable, we fet fail and left
our apprehenfions behind us.
I was obliged to let my ſervant into the fecret, that I
might have it kept fo; well knowing if he had diſcover-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. Toy
ed it himself, it had not been a fecret long, though the
fellow was very faithful to any fecret that was truſted to
him.
We touched at the Madera iſlands, paffed the pike
of Teneriff, got over the line, ducked our men as uſual,
and met with no extraordinary accident; but in fifty
three days arrived fafe at the city of Sancta Domingo,
for St Dominic) the capital city of the iſland Hifpaniola.
I was very well pleafed to find fo delightful a place
as this was, after the fatigue of our voyage. My mif-
trefs and I took us a lodging at a good-natured Spani-
ard's, that treated us very well-for our money.
Here my lady told me, the felt the effects of our fa-
miliarity. I endeavoured to perfuade her I had no hand
in it: but ſhe inſiſted upon it that the deed was done by
me, and gave me fome proofs to believe it.
I was very concerned to find means to hide it from
the houfe; for fhe began to have thoſe qualms which
attend that natural distemper; and by the beauty of
her face, I feared her fex might foon be diſtinguiſhed,
I kept her from the fight of our fhip's crew in the
voyage, he always ftaying in the cabin; and it was
very dangerous to diſcover a fine woman in this part of
the world, becauſe there are few that are handſom.
I was upon thorns till our departure for Mexico; but
the fleet ftaying longer than I expected, I took a ram-
ble to the most noted places in the iſland; and fince I
underſtand by your ſtory you never were there, I'll give
you a fhort defcription of it.
Hifpaniola is feated from feventeen degrees to nine-
teen degrees latitude, in length about one hundred and
twenty leagues, and breadth (about the middle part)
fifty. The air much the fame for heat, as at Sevil in
Spain; the fruits delicious, and fome peculiar to the
place.
*
The capital city is St Domingo, which gives a de-
lightful prospect from the fields about it, being mixed
with pleafant gardens and rivers.
Here the governor of the iſland refides, and here are
kept all their offices, and courts of judicature, and it is
like wife the ftore houſe to the whole iſland.
There are two cities more, St Jago and Neuſtra Sen-
THE ADVENTURES OF
nora de alta Gracia; the laſt of which is to the fouth,
and is famous for the beſt chocolate in the world.
The cathedral of St Domingo is a handſom pile of
building, and the other churches are anſwerable to the
grandeur of the inhabitants, whofe very artifans are
wealthy.
The friers live as luxurious here as in any other part
of the world, and follow the ſteps of their brethren in
chooſing the nobleſt ſituations.
This ifland was diſcovered by Columbus in 'the year
1492, and kept in the hands of the Spaniards, ever
fince that time; while moſt of their other acquifitions
are fallen to the Engliſh, French, and Dutch.
Though the French have fome plantations in the
ifland at prefent, yet they were of their own acquiring,
and not taken from the Spaniards; and being chiefly
hunters and not very rich, the Spaniards make no at-
tempt upon them.
No iſland can boaft of more convenient ports than
this, and every port diſembogues fine rivers (itored with
palatable fiſh) into the fea; but then to qualify that
bleffing they are very much infeſted with alligators and
crocodiles. I faw one lying on the ſhore-fide like a log
of wood, and as a buffalo came there to drink, he
Yprung upon him, dragged him to the bottom, and
there devoured him; though they are eaſily to be a-
voided, from the aromatic ſmell that comes from their
ſkin.
I was much furpriſed to find in moft houfes ferpents
inſteads of cats. that were greater enemies to rats and
mice; but what was more pleafing, they were not the
leaſt offenſive, having no venom in them. But then,
they will often play the fox with the poultry, and de-
ſtroy many of them, unleſs narrowly watched.
The Scolopendria of the Greeks is found here, and
very large fcorpions; but by the Divine providence nei-
ther of them hurtful.
I fhall not trouble you with any farther account of
this iſland, because there is not any thing to be found
there, but what is upon the continent, unleſs ſome par-
ticular herbs; and as I am no botaniſt, I thall not take
any notice of them.
Captain. ROBERT BOYLE.
199
The time came at laſt for our embarking for Vera
Cruz, in order to go to Mexico, and I left St Domingo
with fome regret; as imagining I fhould not meet with
any other place in America ſo pleaſant.
During our voyage my miſtreſs was mightily dif-
ordered.
We embarked for Vera Cruz, where we arrived with-
out any accident; and having no buſineſs there, we
fet out by land for Mexico, and got fafe there. But
enquiring for my uncle, I was informed he was gone tỏ
refide at Lima the capital city of Peru. My concern
was the more, in that I feared I ſhould not meet with
proper accommodation at Mexico, for want of him, in
the affair of my miſtreſs; for her condition would not
bear the fatigue of another removal.
I was entertained in the houſe of a near friend of my
uncle's, and one who kept a correfpondence with him;
he was very civil to me, and of a freer difpofition than
generally the Spaniards are; but he had the fame vani-
ty as all the old Chriſtians have, who pride themſelves
very much upon it. I let him into the ſecret of my
lady, and her condition; and by the help of his wife
we made her reaffume her proper drefs. But we kept
her private.
The time of her delivery came, and the product
proved a lufty boy, who ftaid among us three weeks,
and then left us. I had no fcruples about being the fa-
ther, for it was plain enough to be feen, it being my
picture in miniature. My miſtreſs continued very weak
longer than the ufual time: and I being alone with her
one day, the told me the was under ſome apprehenfions
concerning our landlord, Don Manuel, who had made
her fecretly many large offers, and the nurſe was his
emiffary. I told her I had the fame propofals from his
wife; and though the woman was not difagreeable,
nay, might pafs for a beauty, where women were fo
fcarce, yet I could not find any tenderneſs for her in
my heart.
After many arguments between us, a thought came
into my head, which I hoped would produce foune
mirth among us. I defired my miftreſs to give Don
R
200
Tai ADVENTURES OF
Manuel ſome ſmall encouragement, and leave the reft
to me.
My landlord foon found an opportunity, through my
means, to ſee my miſtreſs. She followed my advice,
and tranſported the Don out of his fenfes; his joy was
not to he contained, he forgot the gravity of a Spani-
ard, and capered about like a French dancing maſter,
When I had learnt all their diſcourſe from my miſtreſs,
1 begged her to continue her good humour to him, and
promife him a meeting that day fe'en night in the fum-
mer houfe of the garden. She did as I directed.
·
In the mean time, I took my opportunity to confabu-
late with the wife, and gave her directions, the night
appointed, to go to the fame fummer houſe, but to a
void fpeech, being it was over the water, and men were
continually paffing to and fro. The good woman was
as much overjoyed as her huſband; and the better to
carry on my deſign, I gave it out that I was to go with
fome gentleman a hunting the buffalo for two or three
days. I defired my landlord (a title I had given him
out of mirth) to take care of my wife in my abſence. 1
teld my good landlady this was a contrivance of mine,
that we might not be fufpected.
My miſtreſs had made juſt the ſame agreement with
the Don, The time came, and the goodman and wo-
man were left to worry one another with their extraor
dinary paflion.
2.
The next day at dinner, (for me generally eat toge-
ther) Don Manuel caft many a fheep's-eye my wife
and his good lady at me.
The fame day, as I was reading in the garden, Ma-
dona came to me, and in bitter terms of reproach gave
me much ill language; and told me I had betrayed her
to her huſband bafely by giving him the ring, fhe gave
me laſt night. I found that he had made a prefent to
her huſband of a ring, taking him for me, and the had
obſerved it upon his finger. She made ſo many peeches
about it, that at laſt I was compelled to tell her the
whole truth, to get rid of her tiresome paffion, but I
foon repented of my declaration': for the flew upon me,
and with her nails played the cat with my face, and I
+
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 201
had much ado to difengage myſelf from her. So furi-
ous does a ditappointed paffion make a woman.
Her confounded temper made me refolve to leave Mex-
ico The hufband began to fufpect fomething of the
affair; but his imagination, that he had the company
of my wife in the fummer-houſe, curbed his relent-
ment.
The woman's rage was unfurmountable, and it was
not in my power to bring her to temper: therefore I
chofe to avoid her as much as poffible. As I was at
fupper with my niftrefs, fome few days after the acci
dent happened, ſhe told me, ſhe had received a prefent
of cordial-water from Don Manuel's wife. Now I had
not told her of Madona's refentment, becauſe I imagin-
ed it might make her uneafy: but as foon as I heard of
the prefent, fomething ftruck my mind there was ſome.
thing uncommon in it; I therefore defired my mistres
not to drink any of it. Lord, faid ſhe, my dear, I have
already, and defire you would tafle it too, for it is the
pleaſanteſt liquor I ever drank in my life.
I was mightily diſturbed at it, and in two hours dif-
covered the fatal effects.
My miſtreſs began to be very much out of order; and
notwithſtanding all the aid of the phyficians, the expir-
ed in my arms, and every body agreed fhe had been
poiſoned. I had, in my fury and ravings, declared to
Don Manuel the author of this black deed; and when
he went to enquire after her, was informed the went
out before night, and was ſuppoſed to have gone to the
town of St Jago, on the lake, to one of her relations.
Don Manuel ſent after her, but ſhe was not to be found.
He grieved at the lofs of my mifrefs, as much as I did;
and I dare avow, if he had found his wife, he would
have facrificed her to the Manes of my dear miſtreſs.
I was very much grieved for the loſs of my miſtreſs,
for I had reaſon to be convinced her paffion for me was
unfeigned. You may eaſily imagine, there was no ſtay.
ing for me in the houſe where this diſmal accident hap-
pened: but as I was preparing to be gone, the Corri-
gidor fent for me to appear before him, to give him
the beſt account I could of this action. I related to him
R 2
222
THE ADVENTURES OF
the whole truth, as I have told it you; only I declared
it was my wife I had loſt. Don Manuel was ſeized, and
put in prifon, notwithstanding I infifted upon his in-
nocency; but he proceeded in that manner, being it was
fuppofed he was acceffary to his wife's efcape. But a
few days after he was fecured, news was brought, that
his wife was found murdered in the woods, it was fup-
pofed by fome Indians, as fhe was endeavouring to make
her eſcape from the hands of justice.
Thus fhe met her reward for her barbarous murder
of a woman that never wronged her, though indeed
the favour was defigned for me.
A few days after this fatal accident, I heard of fome
merchants that defigned to cross the continent to the
South Sea with a good guard. I made acquaintance
with them, paid my quota to the charge, and fet out
along with them, leaving behind me the hateful city of
Mexico, where I had loft the only thing I efteened on
earth. And I muſt own to you, notwithſtanding my
philoſophy, I never thought of her for fome time with
out the utmoft heart-breaking. I have endeavoured in-
decd, by forcing my temper to mirth, to bury the rc-
membrance; and time, with good company, has
brought me fome affiitance; yet nevertheless, I do firm-
ly believe, no woman's charms will ever for the future
break my reſt; for I am fatisfied my late miſtreſs made
a hole quite through my heart.
But to purfue my difcourfe.
We ſet out, with a guard of fifty Spaniſh foldiers,
for fear of the Indians, who had made it their daily
practice to fet upon every bedy that went through the
country, if not too ftrong for them. I need not tell
you that Mexico is one of the finest cities in the world,
or that it lies upon a lake, and no other paffage to it
but over three broad cauſeways from different cities on
the land. But what is fomething extraordinary, one
part of the lake is brackifh, and noiſom, with no living
creature in it; and the other is freſh, wholefom, and
ftored with palatable fiſh. But as there are many exact
accounts of the continent of America, and its conqueſt
by my noble countryman Hernando Cortes, 1 fhall fay
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
203
no more of it; but I will take the liberty to add that
Cæfar and Alexander were but pigmy conquerors to
him; and every body will be of that opinion, if they
will give themſelves the trouble of reading his hiſtory.
We met with no Indians to oppofe our paffage, and
arrived at Segovia, an inland town invironed with rocks,
and but meanly built. Some of our company taid
there, and I was willing to ftay along with them to re-
freſh myſelf; for it's but indifferent travelling over rocky
mountains, and croffing rivers upon hurdles, that is
pieces of timber lafhed together with ropes; and it is
fometimes dangerous, though we we got over fafe with
our whole company.
I ſtaid fifteen days at Segovia, with fifteen of my
companions. I was very much furprized at the relation
of fome of the inhabitants of that place, who told me,
about two hundred of your countrymen the year before
(free-booters) in ſpite of all oppofition came from the
South-Sea to the North with a very great booty, defeat-
ed the Spaniards when ten to one, and poſted to all the
advantage in the world, feveral times. The people of
Segovia talk of them as fo many devils: and that they
were aided by the black gentleman, or it had been an
impoffibility to have gone through what they did. But
it must be confeffed, your countrymen defpife hazards,
and laugh at the greatest dangers.
After we had fufficiently retreshed ourselves, we took
our leave of Segovia, and pursued our journey to the
South-Sea, with a guard of Indians, fublervient to the
Spaniards. And I must own to you, there is not a peo-
ple in the world more true to their truất, than thof
federate Indians that own the dominion of Spain.
Our journey to St Fee, was pleaſant enough, through
a rich, level, plealant country, and we rode upon
mules, a beaſt of a fure foot; and our chief diverfion was
fhooting of monkies, that played us feveral comical
Dricks, running up the trees, and frequently did us the
favour to urine in our faces, and fometimes fomething
worſe,
+
When we arrived at St Fee, a ſmall town and port in
the South-Sea, we had the good fortue of meeting with
R 3
204
THE ADVENTURES OF
a veſſel ready to fet fail for Lima. We went immedi-
ately on board, and got clear of the fhore that evening.
We arrived at Lima after a voyage of twenty five
days; we landed at Calao, the port that all the fhips
of Spain anchor at, and one of the fineſt in the South-
Sea.
:
The town is built upon a point of land that runs into
the fea. It is very ftrongly fortified, and well garri-
foned. I fent my ſervant to my uncle at Lima, to ac-
quaint him that I was coming to wait on him the next
day but my fervant returned in four hours, with my
uncle's coach, who informed me, that he was impatient
till he faw me. My uncle was judge of the civil-courts,
and a man in very great power. He ſent his Major
Domo to wait, on me, with his excuſe, that he had come
himſelf, but that he was afflicted with the gout. I only
ftaid till I had put on other cloathes, and immediately
after went in the coach with Major Domo, and arrived
at my uncle's juſt within night. He was very well pleafed
to fee me, and careffed me in an extraordinary manner,
But I was fomething ſurpriſed to find that he had re-
folved for Spain within a month, there to end his days.
I told him the ftory of my father's unhappy fate,
only concealing his love to Donna Elvira. He was
very much ſhocked at the news, owning to me his chief
reafon of going to Spain, was to have the happiness of
living together. I then told him, I ſuppoſed, as that
could not be, that he would alter his refolution, and
think no more of his voyage: But he anſwered, moſt of
his effects were gone for Spain, two months before, and
that he must of neceffity follow.
I gave him to underſtand, that it was not in my pow-
er to wait upon him. He took a great deal of pains to
perſuade me to it, but when he found it was to no pur-
poſe, he told me fince I was not to be prevailed upon,
he would leave me maſter of a ſmall fortune in Lima.
During his ſtay, he introduced me to most of the best
fanilies in the city, and the viceroy was pleaſed to fbow
ine god countenance, and promiſed my uncle to pro-
vide for me.
bea the time came of his embarking for Spain, I
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
205
waited on him on board, where we took leave, though
not with dry eyes; and I have repented many times:
that I did not accompany him. But we muſt ſubmit to
fate; and what is alloted us by fortune will come.
*
He left me mafter of a well furniſhed houfe, and a
plantation whofe income would provide every thing ne
ceffity required in the middle ſtation of life, with a pro-
miſe that at his death I fhould inherit the remainder of
his eftate: for he was a ſingle man, and had no near-
er relation than myſelf.
I took all the pleaſure the place would afford; and
to ſay the truth there was no want of any thing at Lima,.
except the converſation of the famale fex; though I
muft freely confefs I did not always want that.
The viceroy proved very kind to me, but death taking,
him away fuddenly, I mightily grieved his lofs, as in-
deed I had reaſon; for the perfon that fucceeded him
proved the reverſe. He made a general remove of all
the officers the deceaſed had put in poſts, and among,
the reft I was one of the fufferers; and farther, upon
all occafions he made it his buſineſs to flight me; and
often affronted me fo grofly, that nothing but his digni-
ty ſkreened him from my refentment: and many other
people in power, (as the injudicious generally copy the
frailties of their fuperiors, and neglect their virtues)
treated me in the fame manner; but I was refolved not
to bear it..
One day as I was coming from my plantation upon
my mule, attended only with my old fervant, I met a
nephew of the viceroy's in his chaiſe, in a narrow road,
and not being willing to give way to him, we were
both at a ſtand; which fo enraged the choleric gentle-
man, that he flew out of his vehicle, and ran his ſpado
into the belly of my mule, which dropt down dead.
I did not want ſo much provocation to raiſe my cho-
ler, therefore I drew upon him, and left him in the
fame condition with my beaft, grovelling upon the
fand. He had ſeveral people that attended him, who:
ruſhed upon me and my man, overpowered us, and
dragged us immediately to the viceroy's palace; who,
being glad of any pretence to wreak his ill-nature upon
206
THE ADVENTURES or
me, condemned me to Baldivia for life, in fpite of the
interceffion of thoſe few friends I had.
It was in vain to complain of this damned trick of för-
tune; and the more to plague me, he left orders that I
fhould be diſpoſed of to Don Sancho Ramirez, a rela-
tion of his; the wretch that I have fufficiently revenged
myſelf of, and, in part, of the inhumane viceroy; for
they were partners in trade.
Ramirez ufed to put me upon the moſt flaviſh buſineſs,
but as I had money I uſually bought it off; for I re-
ceived yearly my ſmall eſtate from Lima, I mean from
my plantation, for the viceroy had feized all the reſt
of my moveables; and would have done this, but that
the honeſt Indian who had the occupying of it, inſiſted
on its being my uncle's.
This old hunks had a beautiful daughter, that I found
was in love with a colonel of the garriſon of Baldivia.
This colonel, notwithstanding my condition, was not
aſhamed of my acquaintance, and often told me the tor-
ments he endured for the young lady.
I aſked him if the lady knew of his paffion, he in-
formed me that he flattered himſelf with the return,
though they had never ſpoke to each other, but he had
received obliging glances from her fair eyes, from the
gallery which over-looked the court of guard.
I agreed that if he would write a letter, I'd pawn my
life ſhe ſhou'd have it, and an anſwer into the bargain,
if ſhe had any inclination to fend one. He embraced
me, and thanked me for my kind proffer, and wrote a
paffionate letter to the lady; which I accompanied with
another, to let her know I was devoted to her fervice
upon the colonel's account.
1
In two days I had an anſwer conveyed into a hollow
tree in the garden, as I had concerted in my note to
her, that waited upon the colonel's.
Theſe paper meffengers brought matters to bear, and
the kind lady refolved to venture herſelf with the co-
lonel.
We contrived a ladder of ropes long enough to reach
from her window to the terras on the court of guard;
and I conveyed a ſmall bundle of pack thread for her to
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 207
throw down, which we faſtened to the ladder of ropes,
and the lady with much difficulty pulled it up, and
faſtened it to an iron cheft which was in the room: But
as ſhe came trembling for fear down the ladder it drew
the cheft along the floor above, which awakened that
old devil her father. He immediately alarmed all the
ſervants, as well as flaves; but the captain had got ſafe
off with his miſtreſs.
When old hunks had fummoned us all together, he
went into the room to fee what the matter was; but
when he found his money ſafe, his diſtraction began to
abate. I must own, I wiſhed heartily we could have
cleared his money too, as well as his daughter. It was
fome time ere he miffed her, as having no notion of her
elopement; but when he found fhe was gene, his paffion
was unfurmountable; for the good lady had made
bold with writings of an eftate, that it feems were left
her by an old aunt; and I was very well pleaſed ſhe did
not go empty-handed to my colonel; for I take money
to be the finews of love as well as war.
The inraged Don ran up and down like a madman,
with about a dozen of us at his heels; and we approach-
ed the ditch of the caftle, which happened to be free
from water, being the tide was out, but pretty well
provided with mud, fome of his fervants imagined they
faw fomething lie on the mud. The old Don being very
peery, was ftooping down and gazing to be fatisfied;
and the devil prompting mé jult at the fame time, I
clapt my knee into his bum, and down fell the poor old
Don into the mud.
I was the firſt that cried out for help, yet I did not
make extraordinary hafte to affift him; but at last ropes
were brought, and after he had floundered about a
quarter of an hour, we lugged him up in a ſweet pickle.
By good luck, he did not mistrust that the favour
was defigned him, but purely accidental. I had an op-
portunity the next day to find out the lady and the hap-
py colonel, who had brought a commiffion from the
prieft to go to bed together. He was fo well pleaſed
with my fervice, that he promiſed to ranfom me from
Don Sancho, and did not doubt but he ſhould fucceed,
208
THE ADVENTURES OF
being the Don made money his fummum bonum. But
we were ſurpriſed at the refuſal, for he had ſuch a ſtrict
charge from the viceroy of Peru to hold me faft, that it
was more his intereft to keep me than part with me,
Nay this procial opened the old Don's eyes, for he faw
plainly I was at the bottom of his daughter's affair,
This fo enraged him that he ordered a great wooden
clog to be locked faſt to my leg, which I was obliged
to lug along with me.
This proceeding drove me almoft to defpair, and I
loft all hopes of ever procuring my liberty.
The colonel and his lady (who had recovered the for-
tune from Don Sancho) were very much grieved at my
ill ufage, and tried all manner of means for my liberty,
but to no purpoſe. I paffed three years in this un-
comfortable life, and had the pleafure to hear that my
implacable enemy, the viceroy of Peru, was fummoned
to Spain, upon the account of fome male-adminifiration.
At the hearing of this news my hope of freedom began
to revive, but it was foon clouded again; for the old
devil, Don Sancho, was refolved to keep me a martyr to
his own revenge; and I weathered out two years more
in my wretched confinement: though thanks to heaven,
nothing, depreſſed my ſpirits quite.
The colonel got an opportunity to tell me that there
was a veſſel in the road bound for Lima: and the cap.
tain being a very good friend of his, he had prevailed
with him to take me on board him, if it was poffible for
me to get out of hunk's clutches.
I made all the efforts imaginable, but to no purpoſe;
and I was once more in my imagination given up to
eternal Slavery.
The fame night, as I was endeavouring to compofe
my troubled thoughts, I heard a great noiſe in the
caſtle yard, and was very much ſurpriſed a while after
when I faw an officer and a file of foldiers came to ſeize
me as a plotter againſt the ſtate, and carried me to the
colonel's lodging. But my furprife was turned into joy,
when I found he had used this ftratagem to gain me my
freedom. I told him he had trebly paid the obligation
he was pleaſed to ſay he lay under to me, and I was re-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 209
folved not to accept of my liberty till I found what ftir
Don Sancho made about it: but the colonel reſolved me
that he had the means in his own hands to pacify him.
I went on board, and ſet fail the fame evening. We
had but an indifferent voyage, being involved in many
ftorms; yet at laſt we arrived fafe at Calao.
*
I fhall, if you think fit, give you a fhort defcription
of Baldivia, becaufe few foreigners are permitted to enter
their Port.
Baldivia, or Valdivia, takes its name from the firſt
founder, a Spaniard. The old town ftood a little high-
er than the new one, till it was deſtroyed by the Indi-
ans. For Peter Baldivia, and the reft of the Spaniards,
were fuch tyrants over the poor natives, that they took
heart, laid an ambuſh for them, and deftroyed them
every one. But in the new town they are fufficiently
guarded from their infults, or danger of a foreign e-
nemy; which have often attempted them to no purpofe.
This being reckoned the richest country for gold mines
in all America, nature has befriended them very much
in the ſtrength of the place; for there is fo large a fand-
bank in the mouth of the bay, that veffels are obliged
to come within five hundred yards of the ſhore (which
is guarded by a ftrong caftle) to avoid it. It is a diffi-
cult harbour to enter, but when you are once at anchor,
no wind on the whole compafs can hurt you, though it
blew a ſtorm; it is fo well ſheltered by the land on all
Sides of it.
The inhabitants are chiefly inade up of baniſhed per-
faris, who generally work in the mines for fo many
years; and the time expired, they have fo much land
of their own to cultivate; and moſt of them find the
means to be rich; but how honeftly I'll give you leave`
to judge. The country about it is very fruitful and
duces great quantities of apple-trees, fron which they
make very good cyder. But the juice of the grape is ve-
ry unconatable there, and thofe that do procure it muft
pay extravagantly for it.
pro-
This city, for it's no lefs, is eteemed the key to t'e
South-Sea,
The governor and officers are generally fent from Li-
210
THь A D VENTURES OF
ma, but the foldiers are compoſed of thoſe perſons that
are fent there for a puniſhment. And though few per-
fons chooſe to be ſent there, yet as few defire to leave
it when once they are ſettled.
Notwithstanding the people could make fhift to live
without religion, yet there are ſeven churches and three
monafteries; but they feem to be in a ruinated condi-
tion: And I don't doubt but an age or two hence, thoſe
that paſs that way may find them totally ruined.
As I ſaid, we arrived ſafe at the port of Calao. I was
refolved to remain incognito, till I had inquired into
the affairs of the city.
I took an occafion to fend to my Indian tenant, who
came to me, and was very well pleaſed to find me at
Jiberty.
I fent him to ſeveral of my friends, to acquaint them
what circumſtance I lay under, who foon informed the
viceroy of my misfortune, and he as readily complied
with my defire, allowing me the liberty I had enjoyed
before I was fent to Baldivia,
I once more made my appearance at Lima, renewed
my acquaintance, and began to divert myſelf as before.
By degrees I crept into the good graces of the viceroy.
who gave me a poft in the government, that brought
me a confiderable income, and with the eſteem of moft
people i paft on a whole year.
The viceroy, not liking his fituation, found the means
to be recalled to Spain: Yet recommending me to his
fucceffor, I remained in the fame flation he before had
given me; though I cannot brag of any more favours
beſtowed on me by my new fuperior; for he was a man
of an uncertain temper, proud and revengeful. He was
newly married to a very rich widow of Luna, who had
a very beautiful daughter, by report; for fhe was not
fuffered to take the liberties of the place.
I often had a great defire to ſee her face, for I had
obferved her veiled many times at church, which was
all the liberty fhe had. I was informed the was defigned
a wife for the fupreme Judge, though much again't her
inclination, being there was a diſparity of years, which
Captain ROBERT BO Y LE.
211
is certainly the greateſt bitter to the fweets of matrimo.
ny; but nothing is confulted now more than wealth.
I received a letter from my uncle at Sevil, wherein he
defired I would leave Lima, and come to Spain: And,
to induce me to it, he gave me the promiſe to make me
his heir. I muſt own I began to be pretty well tir'd of
this climate; and the time drawing on for the expira-
tion of my mortgage, I fet myſelf to prepare things ac-
cordingly.
I difpofed of my plantation to my faithful Indian, for
an under price, being I thought I was under many ob-
ligations to him. I refigned up my office in the vice-
roy's palace, indeed, becauſe I could not get leave to
diſpoſe of it.
I turned all my effects into gold-duft, and fent it be-
fore me to my uncle; and now I only waited for com-
pany to go over land to Vera Cruz, a port in the north
fea, where I ſhould have the convenience of embarking
for Spain.
I began now to think of fettling in the world and in-
deed it was almoſt time, for I had paſt my twenty-eight
year, and at that age the heat of youth fhould be pretty
well over; for if a man cannot fee his follies on this fide
thirty, he is in danger of being incorrigible all the days
of his life. Beſide, I had very good encouragement to
ftability, my own fortune, and the profpect of my
uncle's; who in all probability had not many years to
live, being in his eighty-third year.
Well then, as my itory is almoft off the ftage, I'll
throw you into the bargain a ſhort account of one place
more, for my cataſtrophe, and then to my epilogue for
detaining you fo long, and that fhall be the defcription
of Lima, as it is at prefent.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is feated about two
leagues from the fea port of Calao, in 12 degrees 6 mi-
notes of fouthern latitude, and 79 degrees 45 minutes
of weſtern longitude. It is built on a noble plain, with
hills at a didance,
Francis Pizarro was the founder in the year 1535,.
though it has changed its name fince his time from La
Ciudad de los Roges, or City of kings, to Lima, which
S
212
THE ADVENTURES or
is only a corruption of the Indian word Rimac, which
was the name of an Indian idol, formerly worſhipped in
that place.
This is the finest city (next to Mexico) in all America.
All the treets are in a direct line exactly meaſured out,
and much of the fame length and breadth, being fifty
yards wide.
In the heart of the city is the nobleft fquare my eyes
ever beheld, and in the midſt a fountain of braſs, a-
dorned with eight lions, continually fpouting water,
fupplied by the river of Lima, that runs through the
fkirts of the town, covered with a handfom ftone-bridge
that leads to the fuburbs. Within the fuburbs is a fine
public walk, beautified with orange-trees, and in the
evening is crouded with the beft company of the city.
Although this city is fo. beautiful, it was moftly de-
ftroyed by an earthquake in the year 1682.
There are
no less than fifty-feven churches and chapels (with thoſe
that are in the monafteries) in this city, and twenty-
four monaſteries for men, and twelve for women. The
cathedral is very magnificent, as are moſt of the other
churches, though chiefly built with wood from the first
ftory, by reafon of the earthquakes.
The viceroy of Peru has his refidence here, and is fo
powerful he hardly-owns the king his mafter to be his
fuperior. Here are likewife kept all the courts of juftice,
and from the high court there is no appeal. Among
the reft, they have fettled an Inquifition, which on my
conſcience, is worſe than that of Spain. Heaven keep
every body from it; for in this court the informant is a
witneſs, and the accufer is ever behind the curtaiu, and
to mend the matter, the witneſſes are never brought
face to face.
Jei
To compleat the grandeur of the place, there is an
archbishopric, and an univerfity of three well filled col-
leges: though the ftudents don't always follow learn-
ing, for I have found fome ignorant enough.
There are twelve hofpitals, and one of them for In-
dians.
This city is garrifoned with two thoufand horfe, and
fix thoufand foot; but very indifferent troops for fervice
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYL E.
213
againſt a foreign foe, being chiefly con pofed of Creoli-
ans and Indians. Thete Creolians (who are to named
from owing their birth to America) are moſt of them
proud, lazy and ignorant, and generally tyrants when-
ever they have power, though fharp enough as to trade,
and will over reach you if they can.
They are all inclined to venery, and will facrifice eve-
ry thing to gratify that vice. The women (who are
really very handiom) generally fit at home all day cross-
legged, and as mute as fifhes; but at night it is cuſto-
mary for them to haunt the ſtreets veiled, and will as
hardly be refuſed a favour, as the men with us on the
like occafions.
As I was fitting one evening in my lodging, difpatch-
ing fome letters for Spain, I heard fome body knock
foftly at my door. My fervant was gone aboard, and
therefore I role and opened it myſelf, but was furprized
to fee a lady veiled, who, without making any words,
came in and fat down on a couch. After the had re-
poſed herſelf ſome time, the unveiled, and diſcovered to
me one of the ſweeteſt faces I had ever feen. I was al-
moft turned into tone at the fight of fo much beauty,
and was ready to fall down to worſhip her as a divinity.
Said fhe, I come not here to be gazed at; I like you,
and if you can do the fame by me, I believe you will
not uſe me ill.
Madam, I replied, I know no other way to convince
you that I like you, but one.
With that I took her in-
to an alcove, where we foon came to a right under-
ſtanding. As foon as our fmall matter of buſineſs was
over, fhe defired to be difmiffed, yet with a promiſe to
give me another vifit the next evening; but, faid ſhe,
if you ſhould chance by any accident to fee me in any
other place, take your eyes from the object for fear of
danger; for thofe meffengers of the foul betray their
truft. I promiſed to obferve her directions, and left
her, but yet could not help my curiofity; for when the
was got down ftairs, I put on my cloke, followed her,
and obſerved ſhe went into the viceroy's palace. I was
convinced by the dreſs ſhe wore, that he was none of
62
214
THE ADVENTURES OF
}
the common fort; and much diverted I was at the ae-
cident.
The next day fhe did me the favour of another viſit,
when we paffed our time as pleaſantly as we could:
and my Incognita feemed very much pleafed with my
company.
After our toying was over, fhe told me fhe was afraid
of lofing me, for the had heard I defigned for Spain. I
informed her, nothing had power to ftop me, but the
paffion I had for her.
She at laſt diſcovered herſelf to me: fhe was daugh-
ter in-law to the viceroy: fhe told me that fhe had re-
ſpected me a great while, and had many diſputes with
her honour and love; but the former was forced to give
way to the letter. She likewife let me know of her ap-
proaching marriage, and added that the knowledge of
my perfon would make her averfion to her huſband the
ftronger. We had many meetings to the content of
us both; and fhe made me feveral prefents of jewels,
which I intend to keep for her fake, having preferved
them through all my fortunes. Our meetings now be-
gan to be leis frequent, being the wedding-day was
fixed, which gave me a great deal of uneafinefs.
divert my melancholy, I ufually took a walk in the
orange grove, where in my mufing fits I often ſtaid
longer than uſual.
J
To
As I was going home one evening, I heard the clafh-
ing of fwords at a diſtance, and immediately after ſaw a
perfon running towards me, who cried for the virgin
Mary's fake, if you are a gentleman, lend me your
fword, to defend myfelf againſt a villain who has offer-
ed me the vileſt indignity. I made him no anſwer, but
gave him my fword (for he looked like a man of quali-
ty) and followed him.
Juſt as I turned the corner I faw him engaged, and
his antagoniſt drop down dead.
The gentleman ſeeing that took to his heels.
The ſtreet being alarmed with the buſtle, as I came
near the body, I was feized as the murderer. What
ftrengthened their opinion, and I must confefs had but
an indifferent look, was my fword remaining in the body
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
415
of the deceaſed. All my afleverations of innocence fig
nified nothing: I was carried before the Corrigidore;
but having no witneſſes of my affaulting him, and one
fellow by good fortune proving I was not the perion
that engaged him firft, I was only once more concinned
to Baldivia. I curfed my hard itars a thousand times,
and the grief of parting from my mitrels was like to
rid me of my life; but time began to wear it off.
I was fecured in the caftle of the city till the veffel
was ready to fail.
While I was confined, in order to be tranſported to
Baldivia, a gentleman came into the prison, and beg
ged half an hour's converfation with me. I had been fo
liberal to the keeper with my money, and pretty jovial
in my humour, that I believe if I had aſked him tọ let
me go, he would not have denied me; fo that I beg:
ged the favour to admit the gentleman, and his ab-
fence, during our converfation. He obeyed me in bora,
and the gentleman entered my room; which, though
but mean, was the belt in the priſon.
"As ſoon as the gentleman had repoſed himſelf upon a
chair, (none of the belt) he asked me if I would pleaſe
to refreſh myself with any thing the place afforded; but
I anſwered in the negative, he inade half a dozen hums
and haws, and opened his mouth to utter fenfë,
Sir, ſaid he, you fee betore you the unhappy perfon
that is the occafion of your confinement.
I fhould not
be thus free with you, if I were not affured of your ge:
nerous good-nature. Once more I mult tell you, you
fee before you the unhapy man who is guilty of that
fact, you are to fuffer for. I am a gentleman by birth
and though I had not the good fortune to owe my firiť
being to old Spain, yet i have this for my confolation,
that my parents were born a Cordova there; but the
frowns of fortune driving them to this part of the
world, grew athamed of her ill looks, and greeted them
with fmiles of favour. In a few years, Plutus the Gad
of wealth made them a vifit, and took his leave of them
with a promite of his frequent return; and he proved as
good as his word, for in a little time fortune becaine a
S 3
416
THE ADVENTURES OF
neuter gender, that is, believing they did not want her
affiftance, they were no more her devotees.
Sir, faid I, the fooner you will pleaſe to come to
plain Spaniſh, the fooner I fhall be in the ready road to
your bufinefs.
Why then, faid he, not to keep you in fufpenfe, I am
the perſon that was obliged to you for your fword on
fuch a time, which proved the inftrument of my re-
venge on a bafe wretch, that deferved an eternity of
torments after this life, for wronging the beſt of wo-
men. And fince I find you love the ſhorteſt way, with-
out the tedious outward flouriſhes of rhetoric, I will in-
form you of my ſtory, with as much brevity as I am
capable of.
My mother died about feven years fince, and I may
very juftly fay the rest of my fathers life was a delirium;
but death taking pity of his griefs, came to his aid, and
about two years ago I was left maſter of a plentiful for-
tune.
As death is the end of all things, and age muft pay
its tribute to him, I ſhook of my grief for my father's
lofs; and in fix months after his deceaſe, fell in love
with a young lady of an incomparable beauty, at leaſt
in my eye. My fortune gave me eafy accefs to the fa-
ther of my fair, and when I had the happineſs of con-
verfing with the object of my wifhes, the did not ſeem
averſe to my paffion. Every thing concurring to my
defires, Hymen joined thofe bands whofe hearts were
united before.
For ſeveral days we revelled in the fweets of love;
and I may juſtly ſay, Poffeffion had not the power to
pall defire; each moment of enjoyment feemed new and
my utmoſt wiſh was centered in her breaſt: but the dire
fend, tormenting jealouſy, at laft crept in, and palled
my appetite to ardent love, the fatal bitter to our mu-
tual fweets.
I had a perfon that I called my friend, who fhared
the affluence of fortune with me: we had the fame defire
to love and hate: Í therefore thought I was but poorly
bleft till my friend faw the idol of my ſoul. But oh!
what pangs that fatal moment coſt me! his eyes receiv.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
217
ed the bane to all his peace, and in one moment renderà
ed up his heart. I gave him leave (for what could I re-
fuſe to fuch a friend?) to viſit my wife, when buſineſs
demanded my abfence. He often declared his paffion
to her, by plaintive fighs and languiſhing looks. When
my wife perceived he importuned her too far with his
love, the threatened to tell me of it; but in the mean
time he had acquainted me with what had paſſed between
him and my wife. Said he, My friend, I imagined
your wife was like other women, prone to change,
therefore in your abfence I counterfeited à paffion for
her, to fee whether ſhe had that regard fhe ought to
have for you, and I am pleated to find you have
made fo worthy a choice.
الم
I muft own to you I was mightily pleaſed with this
trial of my friend, as believing it fprang from his kind-
nefs to me, and I had much to do to reconcile my wife
to his viſits. She would often fay, I wifh your friend be
fincere in his profeffions to you; for my part, I greatly
doubt it.
In a little time after this accident, I perceived my
friend began to look very melancholy; I endeavoured to
fift the fecret from him, but to no manner of purpoſe
for fome time.
One day, as we were riding out to take the air to-
gether, he feemed more deeply plunged in forrow than
ufual. I told him I fhould not take him for my friend
any longer, if he did not let me into the caufe of his
diforder. At laft with much reluctance, he told me,
that the good opinion he had before conceived of my
wife was falfe, for he was well affured fhe was not true
to my bed.
You may imagine what a thunder-clap this muſt be
to me, from a friend who I was affured in myſelf would
not relate a falfhood. It was fome moments before I
could open my mouth; and all the time of my filence,
he feemed fo much grieved that he had declared the
fecret to me, that I had no doubt of the truth of it.
When my grief had given me liberty of fpeech, I
begged he would give me the foundation of his fulpici-
218
THE ADVENTURES or
on; but he defired to be excufed till he had certain proof
of her infidelity, which he did not doubt but he thould
foon have, though it was what he wished to be deceived
in; and farther added, he would not have me take any
notice of it, but carry it fair to her, as if nothing had
happened; for if you fhould, faid he, you will never
come to the truth of the matter.
I promiſed to comply with him, and went home: but
Heaven knows with what a heart.
I followed my friend's advice punctually, but yet
could not help fhowing the diſcontent of my mind in my
countenance. My wife was mightily concerned for my
melancholy, and was very preffing to know the caule;
and in a very tender manner feemed to be difquieted,
which I took all for art, and the cunning of her tex.
I muſt own to you, that fometimes I imagined my
friend had deceived me; but whenever we had an op-
portunity of converfing, he ftrengthened my jealoufy to
fuch a degree, that I began to wifh the cauſe of it no
longer in this world. And if it had not been for my re-
venging myſelf on the ſuppoſed partner of her guilt, I
had certainly taken methods to diſpatch her hence.
*
I had fome affairs to tranfact at Segovia every year;
and the time drawing on for my journey, my friend told
me, before my return 1 fhould have demonftrations of
her infidelity; for, faid he, your abfence will give her
the opportunity ſhe wants, and fhe'll be fure to take
hold of it.
It was a great while before I could be prevailed upon
by my friend, to undertake really this journey, but only
to feign as if I had, that I might be convinced of her
perfidy, and puniſh it myſelf; but my friend laid me
down fo many reaïons for it, that lat laft very unwilling-
ly agreed to go. But in the mean time, ſaid he, you
muft order that I may have admittance in your abfence,
that I may take my opportunity to obſerve all paffages.
Why, faid I, I never knew you debarred the liberty of
my houſe.
But you know, faid he, fince my falſe de-
claration of love to try your wife's virtue, ſhe has look-
ed upon me more like an enemy than a friend, as know-
ing I was not fincere in my paflion; for women, be
Captain ROBERT BO Y L E.
319
they ever fo vicious, yet they abhor the man that
doubts their virtue. Well then, faid I, if you will, we'll
fup together to night: and then I'll take an opportuni-
ty to leave directions with my faithleſs wife, to allow
the fame privileges in my abfence, as you now have.
Why then, returned my friend, don't you be furpriſed
at what I fhall fay to her.
you
We parted and went to prepare every thing for my
intended journey. When I was at dinner with my wife,
I gave her fome hints concerning my friend, and that
I defired he fhould have admittance in my abfence; I
obferved ſhe changed colour at my difcourfe, and feem-
ed to be in the utmoſt confufion, although I did not
feem to fee it.
After fome talk about indifferent matters, fhe told me,
if I thought fit, fhe intended to live private in my ab-
fence, and admit of no vifitors. For, Sir, faid fhe, the
world will be cenforious, and receiving vifits from a
man, when you are from home, it is not confiftent with
our Spaniſh cuſtoms. She found by my diſcourſe that I
was determined it ſhould be fo, wherefore the left off
arguing upon that fubject: but I could perceive all the
time we were together, my refolves fat very uneafy u-
pon her; and it was with much difficulty fhe restrained
Her forrow ftruck me to the heart, and it
was the greateſt ftruggle I ever went through to keep
temper: for I imagined all her grief was to have this
ſpy upon her actions.
her tears.
When night approached, my friend came according
to appointment, and during our fupper, I told my wife,
fhe was to look upon him as my only friend, and give
him the ſame admittance, as if it was myſelf, in every
thing he ſhould defire; well knowing (I told her) he
would afk nothing contrary to our ftrick amity.
Sir, faid my friend, I am very forry I can't comply
with your defires; for I have received letters from a near
relation at Fanama, and I am obliged to attend his nup-
tials, being he can't make proper marriage fettlements
without I am upon the ſpot, and I fear I fhall hardly re-
turn this fix weeks. I was at firft very much ſurpriſed
at this his fudden refolution, and was going to fay
#20
THE ADVENTURES
4
Comething upon it, till I obferved he winked at me. {
then began to remember what he ſaid to me in the
morning, that I fhould not take notice of what he ſaid.
But I obſerved, that the cloud upon my wife's face be-
gan to diſappear by degrees which feemed to me the
greatest proof of her infidelity. I was to provoked with
the imaginary wrong, that I could not help fhewing it
in words and actions; but yet I had ſo much reaion in
my madneſs (for paffion is no lefs) that I concealed the
real cauſe.
My wife feemed confounded at my incoherent anger,
having never ſeen my fury before; and when my friend
was gone, begged I would tell her the real caufe of my
uneafinefs, for he was well affured fome fecret cauſe
had ruffled my temper; but I perfifted in the obſtinacy
of not diſcovering it to her, and the next day pur:ued
my journey with a difmal idea of what was to come.
Thought had fo much impaired my ftrength, with its
violent workings, that I found it a difficult thing to fit
my horie; and when I came to my inn, at night, I was
carried to bed in a violent fever, and all night was in a
delirium. My fervants fent for a phyfician, who gave
me fomething to refift my malady; and while he was
with me, I uttered fome words in my ravings, that gave
him to underſtand my diſeaſe proceeded from the mind.
When I came to myfelf. I was fomething ſurpriſed to
hear him ſpeak to me after this manner.
Sir, I have fo long dealt with diſeaſes of moſt kinds,
that I have knowledge enough to percieve when they
proceed from an ill habit of body, or thoſe maladies of
the mind that flight all phyfic; and be not amazed
when I tell you, I have often cured the latter by whol-
fom advice. You are a young man, and perhaps may
have taken a wrong conception of things; if you will
be pleaſed to tell me your cafe, I'll give my advice with-
out a fee; and do not think me impertinent to defire,it,
I have ſeen more years than you. You may conceal your
name in your relation, and if my advice does not pleaſe
you, you are but juſt where you were: I fhall be as
faithful in keeping your fecret, as your confeffor.
You may be aſſured I was very much ſurpriſed at his
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LE
120
proceeding, and I eaſily perceived a fincerity in his dif-
courſe, that gained him my efteem; and I was refolved
to let him into my ſtory; which I did, as much as: Í
have to you.
After a pauſe, he ſaid I had juſt come up to his ima-
gination of my caſe; and now, Sir, faid he, I will pre-
ceed to my advice. Confider well what you are about;
you have confeffed, your friend owned to you he made
pretended love to your wife to try her virtue, and yet I
do not find he adviſed with you about it before he had
put his advice in practice. To give you my fentiments
of this matter, I believe your friend to be falfe to you,
and that he really is in love with your wife. The dif
treſs of your ſpouſe proceeded from her indignation to
him, and love to you. His telling you, after his at-
tempt upon her, was no more than to be firſt in the de-
claration, as imagining the would of courſe inform you
with it; her keeping it a fecret from-you was, not to
make you uneafy; and his declaring his iufpicion of her
virtue afterwards, was either to be revenged on her for
flighting his paffion, or to give him an opportunity in
your abſence to wrong your wife.
This, in fhort, I fancy will prove the whole truth.
Neither is this judgment hard to make, for I am apt to
believe any difintereſted perfon would make the fame
judgment; your paffion has blinded your reafon; yet
nevertheless, if you can give yourſelf time to think calm-
ly, I do not in the leaſt doubt but you'll be of my opi-
nion. This I am affured of, jealouſy is a certain figır of
love ;
and if you ſhould in the heat of paffion do, a rafh
deed, every moment of your life will prove a torment to-
you. Lovers eyes are often falfe, and too quick in falſe:
conftructions. Call reaſon to your affiſtance; that will
prove your beſt friend. Take fome time to think of my
advice and council; friends may as foon prove falſe as
wives, and you had better loſe the former than the latter.
All the while he was speaking, me thought I was liſt-
ening to an oracle; and at the end of his difcourſe, I
could not help blaming myſelf for my rath belief, 1 call-
ed over in my memory every particular of my wife's,
behaviour, and could not find any one action ſtart up,
320
THE ADVENTURES or
to give me that hard opinion I had rafhly conceived
againſt her.
I returned the phyfician of my mind, as well as bo-
dy, many thanks for his cordial advice; and would
have paid him in another coin, but I could not prevail
upon him to take a ſingle dollar. No, faid he, in ac-
cepting of your money, I fhall make it appear, that,
like lawyers, I pleaded for my fee. No, Sir, all the
recompence I ſhall afk of you, is only to let me know
the truth of every thing, when the cataſtrophe is over,
which I hope will not affect your wife: and if I might
throw in one word of advice more, if you find the
friend you have ſo much confided in to be falſe, ſhew
your reſentment by flighting him, and leave revenge to
heaven. I promiſed to follow his judicious advice in
every thing, and fo we parted with a very good regard
for each other.
I was refolved to proceed nó further on my journey,
but make the beſt of my way back again; and as I went
along confider of my behaviour, and let time alone for
proof. The reaſon I gave my fervants for returning,
was, that I had not ſtrength to purſue my journey;
which in reality was no fafhood, for I was weak enough
and I am convinced that diſorders of the mind weaken
the body more than habitual distempers. In part of
my journey back, I could not come to any refolution
how to behave; and therefore refolved to lie one night
more upon the road, to fee if my pillow would adviſe
me. When I arrived at my inn one of my fervants
told me Don Roderigo was juſt alighted. Hearing him
named, my blood ran a wild courte about my body,
and immediately it ſtruck to my mind fomething was
not right.
I aſked my fervant, if Roderigo had feen bim; he
told me no, and that he ſeemed diſguiſed, as if he did
not deſire to be known. This ſtrengthened my ſuſpi-
cion of ſome ill intended, or done already, and that he
was making his efcape. I ordered my ſervants not to
appear but when fupper was ready, I fent for my hoft
to bear me company, where, after fome trivial dif-
courſe, I asked him what guests he had in the houfe.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LE.
823
He made no fcruple in telling me; but when he came
to Don Roderigo, he declared he did not much like
him; for he ſeemed very willing to be private with two
of his fervants, and he had obferved them often whif
pering. They defign, faid he, to be going very early
in the morning, but I don't know which road they tra-
vel. I concealed my diſturbance of mind from my hoſt,
but refolved to be going as early as Don Roderigo; and
to be ſure of being early enough, I determined not to
go to bed, notwithitanding the weakneſs of my body
required repofe.
In the middle of the night, I heard people whiſper-
ing in the next room, and I could eaſily diſtinguiſh Ro.
derigo's voice: though I could gather little of their dif
courie, yet I could hear mine and my wife's name often
mentioned.
At break of day, I found they were preparing to bẹ
gone; and though I was pretty expeditious, yet they
were got out of the inn, before I could get on horſe-
back with my iervants. I was much vexed at it, yet
purſued my journey homeward. But I was very much
amazed, when about two leagues from Lima, I met my
wife in a coach with her maid, and two Indian fervants.
The fervants as foon as they ſaw me, were overjoyed,
and my wife could not open her mouth for ſome time.
I then began to relapſe into my former jealouſy, and
imagined he was following Don Roderigo.
At laſt ſhe opened her mouth with a great deal of joy,
Lord, my dear, faid fhe, is it you in reality, or are my
fenfes deceived? I asked her the reafon of her journey,
and her mighty furpriſe. Sir, answered fhe, that quef-
tion confounds me; have I not a letter from you to
come with all ſpeed imaginable. Here it is continued
The. I took the letter from her, and read the contents.
My DEAR,
Purfuing my journey, I had the misfortune to fall from
my horse, and break my arm, which prevents my
writing to you.
The accident is attended with a violent
fever, which I am told is very dangerous. I have refrain-
ed writing to you till now, as expecting fowze amendment;
T
224
THE ADVENTURES OF
but finding myſelf worſe, I beg you will come to me with
all the expedition imaginable, for fear you should never
fee me more alive,
Your affectionate Huſband.
There needed no fphinx to unriddle this enigma;
and I obſerved, by my wife's countenance, we both
knew the author of the letter. While we were confuf-
ed, the coachman that drove the coach was ſtealing a-
way: but my wife cried out to ſtop him, for that was
the meffenger that brought the letter to her; and far-
ther told her, he was to conduct her to ine, for the
coachman we had before was drowned; and that cir-
cumſtance deceived her more than any thing elſe: The
fellow alſo told her that I had prevailed with a gentle-
man in the neighbourhood where I lay hurt, to fend
him to drive the coach. I rid after the fellow and
brought him back, ordered him into the coach-box, and
forced him to drive out of the road to a neighbouring
village, where lived a gentleman of my acquaintance.
He very unwillingly complied with my commands; and
we kept very clofe to him to prevent his making away.
When we arrived at my friend's houſe, we fecured the
fellow in a ſtrong room, and I left two of my Indian
fervants to guard him. I made my friend acquainted
with the accident, and that this viſit was not intended,
but by meer chance. He gave me to know I was wel-
come, let what would bring me there,
I
When my wife and I with my friend were alone.
tenderly embraced her, and begged her pardon for my
unjuft fufpicions of her virtue, and related the whole
progreſs of my jealouſy, without omitting the leaſt cir-
cumftance. She gave thanks to heaven for the danger
fhe was faved from, and related to me the manner of
her being deceived by the fellow that brought the letter,
as follows.
The fifth day after you had left me, as I was mufing
in the garden, my maid told me a perfon had a letter
to deliver me from you. I began to tremble with time-
rous apprehenfion, and my whole frame felt violent dif-
orders. I ordered the bearer to be brought to me; and
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY LÉ. .
225
were.
when I had read the letter, grief locked up my tongue,
and I had not power to ſpeak for ſome time. When I
had recovered ſpeech, I aſked the fellow where you
Madam, ſaid he, he is at Don Florio's country-
houſe, (naming a friend of mine, that my wife had
heard me often mention) and knowing you had never a
coachman, my mafter fent me to conduct you to your
huſband. I would not fpend time in dreffing myſelf,
but juſt as I was, with my maid and the two Indians,
puriued our journey. I never once dreamed of any
treachery, though I always doubted your falſe friend;
but as he had never been to vifit me in your abſence, it
wiped away all fufpicious of him. I obſerved the coach-
man by his looks, and did not like the company of my
fervants, but I was too much concerned for you to think
of it much.
We congratulated one another again at our happy
deliverance, and admired the workings of divine provi-
dence, and the fecond caufe, my friendly phyſician.
My wife expreffed a great defire to fee him, to return
hian acknowledgments for his infpired advice, and in
the morning I promifed her to go to him, if we could
get any convenient carriage: for we were not very fond
of making uſe of the coachman that brought her out.
I deferred his examination till the next day, being too
much fatigued to do it then, though I had ordered he
ſhould want nothing but his liberty; for I confidered
him only as an inftrument to work his maſter's ends.
When I was up in the morning, I ordered him to be
brought before me; but after lome time, they brought
me word he had made his eſcape by creeping through
the ceiling of the room, and throwing down the ſhin-
gles; for it was a fingle apartment near the garden. I
was a little uneafy at his getting away, as well as my
wife, for fear his maſter ſhould make ſome attempt upon
us in the houſe where we were; it being a quarter of a
mile from the village, and the gentleman my friend had
but few fervants. Therefore it was thought the ſafeſt
courſe for us to go immediately to Lima. And as ſoon
as we could procure mules we ſet out, and reached that
city without moleftation.
T 2
216
THE ADVENTURES OF
I heard nothing of the faithlefs Roderigo for feveral
days, neither did I think it ſtrange; for I imagined, if
he had any ſhame left, he would not dare to appear pu-
blicly at Lima; but if he did, I had refolved to take
my friendly phyfician's advice, (which had proved fo
fucceſsful to me) to fhow my refentment in flighting
hin.
One night, as ſoft repofe had locked up our fenfes,
we were alarmed from our downy fleep, by a fearful cry
of fire, fire! I rofe, and ran into my wife's apartment
where the remained frighted almost to death; and as
people generally in the alarm of fire know not what
they do, ſhe ran to the chamber where the maids lay,
and dreffed herſelf in her fervant's clothes; the maid
being equally frighted, when the found the had no
clothes to put on, clapped on her miítrefs's which I had
brought after her, and was running down ftairs to free
herſelf from the danger. As fhe was going through
the hall, I obferved four men in maſks feized her, and
carried her off. I followed with my fword in my hand,
till one of the villanous company came behind me, and
run me through the back. My fervants, who came af-
ter me, bore me in faint with loss of blood; but by
good fortune the wound did not prove dangerous,
though well meant.
We could never come by the truth how the houfe was
fet on fire, though it was foon extinguiſhed; but we
were affured it muſt be by fome one of the domeftics. It
was eaſy to judge Don Roderige was the caufe on't, by
running away with the maid, as miſtaking her for my
wife, becauſe the had in the hurry put on her miſtreſs's
clothes and vail.
I was adviſed by my best friends to fummon him be-
fore the fupreme judge, for it was dangerous to let him
go on with impunity. But he would not obey the fum-
mons, therefore he was defigned to be out-lawed by due
courſe of law. But as that takes up ſeveral months, I
was obliged to keep a guard in my houfe; for I receiv-
ed ſeveral menacing letters frequently from him, either
thrown over the wall, or left ſo, that we could never
fecure any perſon that brought them. While our fuit
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
227
2
was going on, our new viceroy arrived, who proving
friend to Don Roderigo, a Noli profequi was iſſued out,
and I was obliged to ftand at the whole charge of the
law-fuit. This violent and unjuſt proceeding of the
viceroy's raiſed my gall to that degree, that I faid ma-
ny warm things againſt his adminiſtration, which came
to his knowledge; for there are generally poor fpirited
wretches in all governments, that have no other merit
than to improve tales, and feed the ears of their funeri-
ors with nauseous flattery and lies.
I was fent for to the viceroy, and examined concern-
ing theſe reports; and I fo far incenfed him with my
replies to his queſtions, that if I had not met with fome
friends that paliated the matter, I don't know how far
his refentment would have carried him. I was difmiffed
with my liberty, but with a multitude of menaces, if for
the future I ever gave my tongue another loofe; and I
foon found the effects of his refentment, by loſing a ſmal
place in the government; but as providence had put me
above wanting it, I was not much grieved at the lofs.
My wife begged me to remove from Lima, a place
where I had received fo many infults; and it was not
improbable but I might receive more; which proved
but too true.
In a few days after I had appeared before the viceroy,.
the maid that was forced away (by miflaking her for
my wife) came home, miferably ill-ufed, and brought
me a letter from the ungrateful Don Roderigo, which
you may read if you pleafe: upon that he took the let-
ter out of his pocket, and Ifound it as follows.
Declare myself your inveterate enemy, though I have no
juſt reaſon to be fo; you may be fure my enmity is
rooted for ever in my heart, and I shall have no reft in this
world till thou art out of it. I should not perhaps be fo
free in declaring my mind in writing, if I was not very
well affured, thy publishing it would do thee no good. I
have ſo much honour in me ftill, as to affure thee, I would
venture my life to hazard thine, and if I have ever the op-
portunity, I fhall put it to the hazard; therefore be well
guarded whenever thou appeareſt abroad. Mind. like mine
T 3
#28
THE ADVENTURE'S OF
äre never appeaſed. I always was a villain, but had fo
much tunning to hide it from the world till now this affair
has published it. And be affured I shall study every way
to compass my revenge, whilft I am
RODERIGO.
The infolence of this letter was not to be born, and I
was as impatient to meet him, as he could be to meet
with me; and I muſt own to you, I thirſted for his blood,
for his ufage was beyond the nature of man to bear. I
examined the poor girl of what ſhe knew of the wretch,
who informed me that they put her into a coach, and
carried her a league out of town; but when they found
their miſtake, the ufage the bore from them was infup-
portable, and the brute Roderigo told his fervants, if they
pleaſed to make ufe of her in the vileft manner, they
were welcome. The wretches that ferved fuch a villain,
muſt have very near the fame fentiments of honour and
honefty, or they would feek another mafter; they were
too forward to neglect fuch a cruelty, and four of them
by turns ravifhed her. Strangers to the nature of the
wretches, who are fuperiors in this part of the world,
would imagine fuch deeds fhould find punishment by
law: But alas! juftice has fled the place, and we may
expect more mercy from the worst of canibals, than is to
be found here.
The poor creature in a little time felt the farther ef-
fects of their cruelty; for they gave her a diſtemper
that ended her life.
Before her death fhe gave me knowledge of the place
where they led her; for they had not any caution in
their villanous proceeding, but as foon as they had
gratified their luft and cruelty, turned her out of doors.
I had no further need of any thing to whet my re-
venge; but I must own, the death of this unfortunate
poor creature added fue! to the fire. My wife was al-
moft diftra&td at the unhapy accident, and had no
other coniolation, but that the bad efcaped their cruel.
hands.
I did not acquaint her with my intention of feeking.
this villain, but I made it my only bufinels; I went to
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 229
the place the poor maid had directed me, where I had
information that he had left the place, and now refiḍ-
ed in Lima. I was very forry he had changed his ha-
bitation, becauſe I fhould find it a more difficult thing
to execute my refentment with fafety in Lima. But
however I ſent him the following letter.
HY ufage to me is not to be børn ; therefore if thou
haft that ſpirit, (which 1 much queſtion from thy
villany, for villains are always cowards) meet me in St
Juftin's-field to-morrow at fix in the morning; as I ima-
gine there is no fecond in thy villany, I shall expect thee
alone, and I hope thou wilt no fail to meet the injured
ALONZO DE CASTO.
I chofe St Juftin's field, for the conveniency of a
fmall public-houſe which over-looked it, where I went
before day, that I might difcover if he came alone; for
I had but little reaſon to expect fair play from ſuch a
villain. When the time came, I faw him go by the
houſe alone; I let him pafs by me, to fee if he was not
followed by any of his curfed crew; but finding none,
I hafted after him, into the middle of the field, and
called to him; he turned about, and with the image
of hell in his face, he cried, I thought your reſentment
would have brought you firft into the field: but as I
am here before you, it fpeaks me no coward, though
your vile fcrawl would intimate as much. Come, faid
I, no words, thy breath is poiſon to me, it will infect
the air; only this, Sir, faid he, as you had not named
any particular weapon, I have made bold to bring a
pair of piſtols with me, and to let you fee I have fome
honour, you ſhall take your choice. I gave him no an-
fwer, but took one, and we agreed to ftand at fuch a
diſtance. As I was going to fire, he cried out, Hold!
I will tell you one fecret more before we engage, and
that is this; your piftol is only charged with powder,
but mine with ball, which I put in fince you made the
choice; and now prepare for death, be affured this is
the laſt moment of thy life. I did not give myſelf time
to anſwer, but fired my piftol, and then hurled it at
230
T■■`ADVENTURES or
him, and had the good fortune to cut him in the face
with it; and in the confufion and Turpriſe his piſtol
went off without hurting me. Now, faid I, thou wretch!
we are once more on equal terms, and heaven, I hope,
will favour the juſteſt cauſe. We drew, and in a few
paffes I laid him for dead on the ground; though in the
encounter I had received a dangerous wound in the
breaſt. I went home, notwithſtanding my hurt, and
fent fecretly for a furgeon of my acquaintance, who
dreffed me, and told me I was in no danger.
My wife was very much grieved at the accident,
though fhe could not but be pleaſed at Roderigo's death:
-yet her fears increaſed, as imagining I ſhould ſuffer for
it by the violent temper of the viceroy: but her grief
began to blow over, when in feveral days after, no
enquiry was made, nor even any notice taken of his
death.
I was very much ſurpriſed at it, imagining I had
really killed him.
As foon as my wound was well, I went to the little
houſe to enquire if they knew any thing of the body;
(for the owner of the houſe was formerly my fervant,
and a man of much probity, who knew all my ftory:)
he informed me, that a little while after I paſt by his
houſe home again, five perſons ran that way, and com-
ing to the body feemed to mourn over it, and went the
road that leads to St Dominic; "a village about half a
mile from the place where we fought.”
I imagined they had buried him privately in that vil-
lage, and went home to acquaint my wife, who ſhared
my contentment.
I now went abroad as I was wont, and all the dif
courfe was of Don Roderigo's fudden difappearing.
Servants and all had left his houſe, but no one ſuſpected
any thing of his death. Some of my acquaintance told
me they imagined this to be fome trick of his, and that
he only lay dormant to meditate fome miſchief to me.
I feemed to come into their fears, but in my mind
flighted their advice, as imagining I had nothing to fear.
1 paft on a whole month without any danger at all;
but as I was going one day across the bridge to a ware
CAPAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
237
houfe I had in the ſuburbs, a fellow came up to me,
and privately asked me if I would be his chapman for
Come Eaft India goods. He told me a long ftory, that
he was obliged to make up a cargo and leave this part
of the world, for his credit began to fail, and if he did
not get away ſpeedily, his creditors would lay him up.
We went to a neighbouring tavern, where he read me
his bill of parcels. He told me he had been encouraged to
offer his goods to me, from the fairneſs of my character;
and was coming to wait on me when he had the good
fortune to meet me. The next day was agreed on for
me to go and view the goods, for I was not to pay for
them till they were brought to my warehouſe. Accord-
ingly, as appointed, I went to the houſe of the perfon,
in the Benedictine ſtreet. I was ſhown into a room till
the goods were brought; but as I was looking on ſome
paintings, five men rushed out of a cloſet in the room,
and feized me. They difarmed me, and took out eve-
ry thing that was in my pockets, went out, and locked
me in. You may imagine the furpriſe I was in, which
was very much encreafed when I faw my enemy Don
Roderigo enter the room. I in my confufion thought I
had ſeen a ghofit, for he looked very pale; but he foon
convinced me of the contrary. Aini have got you at
laft? faid he: I now will revenge myſelf at leilure; but
to complete my revenge, I have fent a token for your
wife, that I may ravifh her before thy face; and then
I'll deviſe tortures to rack every joint about thee.
gave me to know that he had fent my watch for a tok-
en, and that the would bring fuch a fum of money to
pay for the goods. The torment of my foul no tongue
can exprefs; and I am aſſured, if they had not taken my
fword from me, I had put an end to my wretched life,
1
He
The inhumane villain infulted me fe much, that I
ruſhed upon him, unarmed as I was, and had certainly
choaked him, if his wicked affiſtants had not dragged
me from him.
It is well, faid he, I have no other paffion but luft
reigning in my breaſt at this inftant; but when I have
fated my defires on thy wife, I'll then add another pang
for this ufage; but in the mean time I'll leave you to
TS2
THE ADVENTURES or
think of this matter alone, for I fancy you don't much
care for my company.
As foon as he had made an end of this fpeech, he
and his gang went out, and faſtened the door on the
other fide. I'll give you leave to imagine the confufion
of my thoughts. I remained fome time without mov-
ing; but accidentally cafting my eyes on the door I ob-
ferved there was a bar to fhut it on the infide. I im-
mediately barred it, and began to look about to ſee if
I could find any thing for my defence; but to my grief
could perceive nothing. I entered the cloſet, and fearch-
ed there, but to no purpoſe. Looking upon the floor
of the cloſet, I perceived one of the boards feemed to be
looſe: I effayed to pull it up, but wanted fome engine
to effect it. I at laſt thought of the bar of the door, ran
to it, and by main force wrenched it from the ftaple; for
I thought if it would not ferve ine to make my eſcape,
it would ferve me to defend myfelf: but I eafily forced
up the board, and with my bar beat down the ceiling
under me. I was refolved to explore the hidden place,
whatever was the confequence; for it would not be
worſe than to remain where I was. I therefore ventur-
ed lown, though fomething of a difficult defcent; for
the joists were fo close together, I had much ado to
force my body through; but at laft, with much diffi-
culty, I preffed through, and had a deſperate fall to the
ground.
1
I foon found I had got into a coopers cellar, for there
were ſeveral pipe-ftaves, and tools to work with. I feiz-
ed upon fome of them, and by force wrenched open the
cellar-door, which led me once more into the ſtreet be-
fore Don Roderigo's houſe. I did not give myſelf time
to confider, but ran towards the bridge to get to my
own houſe; but just as I entered the Cordeliers ſtreet, I
met my wife with her maid, and the wretch that had
decoyed me to the houfe. I ran upon him, ſeized him
by the throat, and flung him over the bridge, where
he met with the reward of his villainy. I had not power
of ſpeech to inform my wife of the accident, but made
figns for her to go home. By this time it was dark; and
the profligate villain Don Roderigo, fancying his curfed,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
235
emiſſary ſtaid too long, came out of his door which fa-
ced the bridge. As foon as I diſcovered him, I ran to-
wards him, and feized him: now villain, ſaid I, I will
not part with thee till thou haft rendered up thy ſoul to
hell. We both ftruggled, and I kept him down; but
the reſt of his company coming up to his affiſtance, I
quitted him; and running to fee if I could meet with
fome one armed, I had the good fortune to light on you.
As foon as I received your fword, I ran back, and juſt
met the villain as he was entering his door. I ran the
weapon into his very heart; and I believe you were a
better witneſs of his death than myſelf, being you were
found near the body.
As foon as I faw him fall, I made the beſt of my way
home, not immagining you would meet with any farther
damage than the lofs of your fword.
The darkneſs of the night, I fancy, concealed me from
the fervants that came to the affiſtance of their malter,
for I never once was fufpected; or perhaps if they did
know me, fear kept them from diſcovering me.
When I heard of your trial, I came myſelf into court,
and if you had been condemned, reſolved to have diſco-
vered the truth; but finding you were to be baniſhed to
Baldivia, I concealed the fact, imagining I had it in my
power to gain your freedom, by paying your ranſom;
which was the reafon I came now to wait npon you, to
offer you my ſervice in that or any thing elfe that lies in
my power. I returned him thanks for his offer; and
confidering his story, I told him I was glad I was in
fome fort an inftrument of his revenge. He would force
upon me a ring, and two hundred pieces of gold, and
begged he might be ranked in the nuinber of my friends.
He made me many vifits, and once brought his wife with
him. She was a very handfome woman, and ſeemed
to have a great deal of wit. She made me ſeveral ve-
ry handſome compliments in behalf of her huſband, and
begged I would accept of their pictures fet round with
fine oriential pearls.
He accompanied me on board when our veffel was to
fet fail, putting in the captain's hands freth provifion,
234
ADVENTURES
T:
and feveral forts of good liquor to comfort me in my
voyage
I had the happineſs to have pirates for my fellow fuf-
ferers; and the viceroy had given out, to take of all
cenfure from him, that I encouraged them in their
piracy.
We took our leaves, with proteſtations of a lafting
friendship; and I lived as merrily as I could, till the
day we had the good fortune to meet with you which
has not given me any reaſon to change my humour.
WE were mightily diverted with the relation of Doa
Pedro, and I found I was not deceived when I took him
for a man that underſtood the world.
We had now gained the ſtraits of Gibraltar; and had
entered the Mediterranean fea: But I must confefs I
could not ſee the African fhore, without numbers of
fighs for misfortunes pait; and I found my griefs re-
newed with the remembrance: and all the mitigation I
had was the affectionate concern from Don Ferdinand,
to whom I had told my whole ftory. We had not
made a day's fail in the Mediterranean, ere we perceived
two fail making towards us. I must own I had no de-
fire to engage being fo richly laden; and therefore,
by the advice of both ſhips company, made all the fail I
could to avoid them. But our veſſels being foul with
fo long a voyage, and never once cleaned during our
whole courſe, they gained upon us, do what we could.
When we found there was no getting from them with-
out fighting, we were as much determined on the other
hand to fight our fhips to the bottom of the ſea rather
than furrender. Having fixed this refolution, we pre-
pared for the engagement; and when we had got all
things in readinefs, we leffened our fails that they might
come up to us. I ordered every failor to load as many
arms as they could, and not to fire a gun till I gave
them orders; but as foon as ever they had fired the
great guns,- to diſcharge their fmall arms upon them.
I could not prevail upon Don Ferdinand to keep below,
though I faw fear ftrongly painted in his face. When
they came within piftol fhot of our fhip they hailed us,
CAPTAIN ROERT BOYLE.
235
and commanded us to trike immediately. We made
no other anſwer than with our guns and fmall arms.
which furprized them, and did them a great deal of da-
mage in their rigging; for cutting the topfail halliards
with our fhot, the topfail fell down upon the cap, and
hindred their ship's way very much; and I believe we
might have made our eſcape. But I perceived the Vil-
lars was hard put to it, (our Spaniſh man of war, whom
I had named the Villars in remembrance of that dear
one,) By this time we were prepared again, and I
ordered every man, as foon as they had diſcharged, to
ly flat upon their bellies till we had received the fire
of the enemy; which accordingly we did. They red
in upon us, but killed us not one man. Then our hands
roſe up together, and fired in our ſmall ſhot,
We had fo damaged their rigging with this broad-
fide, that we fell aftern till we were charged again: and
then I gave our men orders to fire into the body of the
fhip, and point their guns low on purpofe; which we
foon found had the defired effect: for they had feveral
fhots between wind and water, ſo that they were oblig-
ed to heel the thip on the ſtarboard fide, to prevent the
watter running in on the larboard. I feeing there was
not much to be feared from her, børe down to affilt the
Villars, becauſe fhe was over-matched. But when her
antagoniſt found my defign, and understood the condi-
tion of the other fhip, the made all the fail fhe could,
and fled for it, We did not think fit to follow her, but
ſent a boat on board, to enquire how it ſtood with them
in the Villars. They fent me word they had loſt eight
men, had three wounded, and were very much mauled
in their rigging, as well as their hull, and had received
a fhot between wind and water, and the fhip leaked very
much. I bad them fearch for the leak; but there was
no coming at it: therefore I ordered them to get out
as many of the goods as they could, and bring them
on board me, the weather proving very favourable,
they went to work as faft as they could.
Our men brought me word that the ſhip we had en-
gaged was finking. They fired feveral guns for affi t-
ance, and their confort being almost out of fight, I
Ա
236
THE ADVENTURES OF
bore down to help them all I could; but before we
could come to them fhe funk to the bottom. The men
had put out their long boat and barge, and were got in
them, and made towards us. As foon as they came
within hearing, they called out for Quarter, which I
promiſed them they fhould have. There were 123 of
them; and as their number exceeded ours, we were
obliged to confine them, for fear they fhould take it in
their heads to ſet upon us.
The captain was killed in the engagement, but the
lieutenant informed me they were two men of war, of
forty guns each, fet out from Barcelona to cruiſe upon
the coaſt; and manned each with two hundred men:
but the reſt of their crew were either killed, or being
wounded funk with the fhip. I did not think it proper
to carry them to Italy, for fear it thould prove prejudi-
cial to Don Antonio; and underſtanding that in re-
moving the goods on board the Villars, they found out
the leak and ſtopped it, I intended to put them on board
her, and give them the ſhip with their liberty; but firſt
I ordered out the guns and ammunition, and her goods,
leaving them nothing but provifion and water, which
they returned me many thanks for, and ſo we parted.
The next day there aroſe ſuch a ſtorm as we had never
felt before, and continued in the utmoſt violence for four-
teen days, ſo that now we were in danger of drowning;
and I believe moſt would have parted with their wealth
to have been ſafe on fhore. At laſt we difcovered land,
but were very much ſurpriſed to find it Candia, for now
we began to be in fear of the Turkiſh pirates. So we
refolved to ſteer for Zant as faſt as we could, and there
make dividend of our prize money and goods. And aç-
cordingly we arrived there fafely, Sept. 3. 1696.
This iſland of Zant belongs to the Venetians, there-
fore we were out of danger from the Turks. The town,
which bears the fame name with the iſland, is above a
mile in length, ſeated upon a beach of the bay. It is
built moſtly of ſtone, and has a noble look from the fea.
To the weſt of the town ſtands the caſtle, built on a
high and very ſteep hill, where most of the merchants
dwell, and is very near as big as the city below. It is
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
237
a biſhop's fee, and the governor is of the nobility of Ve-
nice. The chief commodities they deal in arẹ wine, oil..
and currants, which are eſteemed of the beſt growth.
They grow on vines like other grapes, and are gather-
ed in July, and then packed in hogtheads ready for the
merchants.
Our men being well pleafed they were out of danger,
and in a place where wine was to be bought cheap, traf-
ficked ſo much for that commodity, that moſt of them
fell into dangerous diſeaſes; therefore I refolved to leave
Zant, and make for Sapienza, an iſland with a good
harbour not inhabited, where they would not be un-
der the like temptation; ſo we came to an anchor there,
Sept. 8. I ordered twelve guns on fhore, and raiſed a
platform capable of defending us from the infults of an
enemy. In a pleaſant green we put up a large tent, and
other ſmaller by it, for the officers and failors: but I
having but one bed put up on fhore, Don Ferdinand
was forced to lie with me, though as I thought very
unwillingly. Our ſharing the ready money took as up
four days; I referved a fourth part to my owners, which
amounted to upwards of fixty thousand pounds; and a
twelfth part for myself, which, with what prefents and
other things that I had, amounted to the value of 50000
pound. Every failor from firft to laft fhared above
twelve hundred pound a piece; but when we came to
divide the goods, we knew not which way to go about
it'; fo with one common confent of the failors, I was
obliged to accept of them without paying one penny for
them
We ſet fail for Oftia the next day, after we had finiſh-
ed our dividend, and arrived there Nov. I.
after a
voyage of two years and feven months, and the richeſt
prize that ever came into any port of Italy. I fent a
letter to Don Antonia, to give him notice of my arrival
and advice to come and take care of his cargo. In two
days, he, Donna Ifabella, and her little fon came on
board in a pleaſure boat. I found they were in mourn-
ing, and I told them I was afraid to ask them who it
was; for they informed me that Ifabella's father had
been dead above two years, but they had refolved never
U 2
238
THE ADVENTURES OF
to wear any other colour, till they had feen me. Never
was a more tender meeting between friends, than be-
tween us; and I must confefs, for fome time all my
cares lay huſhed.
When I came to inform Don Antonio of the wealth
I had brought home, he ſtood amazed: for befides the
money which I told him of, the goods I had on board
exceeded in value the freight I went out with. I could
hardly prevail upon him to accept of fuch a fum of
money, till I informed him it was but barely his due,
and that I had very near as much to my own ſhare.
I preſented Don Ferdinand to Antonio and his lady,
who ſeemed very much pleaſed with him; and Don Pe-
dro, out of his free merry humour, told me, he hoped
I would not forget him, becauſe he was older, for he
thought he had more right to my friendship than Don
Ferdinand, being he was an older acqcaintance. I let
them into fome of his life and humour; they received
him very friendly; and we all went to Don Antonio's
Villa together.
After laying a week, I began to be tired with fo
much pleaſure, and therefore begged leave of Don An-
tonio to vifit Rome, only to fhew Don Ferdinand that
celebrated place. Don Antonio fent before to his palace
to prepare for our reception, and the next day we follow-
ed. We visited all the rarities, ancient and modern,
where we might fee the gandeur of the ancient Romans
by thofe ftupendous ruins ftill left. As Rome was for-
merly a nurſery of war and greatneſs, it is now a nur-
fery of arts, but chiefly painting, architecture, and
mufic. There have flouriſhed in one century Lanfra-
nio, Dominichino, Pietro du Cortona, the Poffine's,
Camaffei, Guercin da Cento, Chivoli, Andrea Sacchi,
the immortal Raphael, Hannibal Carache, Guido Reno,
Mutiano, and many more excellent in the art of paint-
ing. Then Palladio, Vitruvius, Scammozi, Pozza, and
many more famous for architecture. Then the divine
Corelli for mufic, whofe fweet compofitions will be al-
ways new; and we may ſay by him, as a great Engliſh
poet ſaid of our countryman Shakeſpear, that the for-
mer had pulled up the roots of mufic, as the letter of
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOY L E.
239
poetry, and tranfplanted them into their own gardens,
where all thoſe that follow muſt borrow a branch from
them.
I fhall not fay any thing more of Rome, nor of Naples,
where we went once more, upon Don Ferdinand's ac-
count. I would have perſuaded him to have begun his
ftudies at Rome, for I fuppofed him a Roman Catholic)
but he would not hear of it, and begged he might go
with me into England, which I promiſed him he ſhould.
Donna Ifabella had an orphan coufin that lived with
her, of a vaſt fortune, beatiful to a miracle; who hav-
ing feen Don Ferdinand, fell defperately in love with
him, but he did not feem to have the leaft regard for
her. Don Antonio diſcovered to me the fecret, and pi-
tying by experience his kinſwoman, defired I would for-
ward the match. But when Don Ferdinand underſtood
my defires, he fell upon his knees and begged I would
never mention it more for he had made a folemn refo-
lution never to marry my woman breathing. I preſſed
him all I could, and laid the folly of fuch a rath refolu-
tion before him ; but it was preaching to a tempeſt, and
all my arguments had no power upon him. On the o-
ther hand, the merry Don Pedro was as deep in love
with Donna Felicia, which was the name of the orphan
lady. But his manner of courtship was fo odd and out
of the way, that he cauſed more diverfion than we could
have imagined. If the went to bed, he would lay him-
felf down at her chamber door, and fing fongs all night;
that if ſhe had any inclination to have reited, he was
refolved ſhe ſhould not; and he would often ſay, he
intended to plague her into a compliance. If ſhe went
into the garden, he was ſure to follow her cloſe; or
even at church, he would often tell her, it was in vain
to pray for a bleffing from heaven, when ſhe was com-
mitting murder with every look. In ſhort he would of-
ten force a ſmile from the afflicted lady herielf.
I was ſtill endeavouring with Don Ferdinand to for-
get his rafh vow: but he defired me, in fuch moving
terms, not to entreat him further, that I refolved ne-
ver to trouble him any more upon that theme. Not-
withitanding which, I begged of Domnia ifabella to try
いる
​240
THE ADVENTURES OF
what the could do with him, for I imagined complai-
fance might work more upon him than friendfhip. She
fent for him into her chofet, and they remained together
feveral hours; and 1 was very much pleaſed the next
day to fee him walking in the garden, only with Don-
na Felicia. I did not think it proper to interrupt them;
but when I had an opportunity, I declared my fatisfac-
tion, and told him I eafily forgave his not complying
with me, and yielding to the perfuafion of Donna Ifa-
bella. He ſeemed in fome confufion at what I faid to
him, which I attributed to his denying me, and his con-
defcenfion to Donna Iſabella. But in a few days after
that, I was ſomething more furpriſed to ſee Don Pedro
eagerly addreffing Donna Felicia, and fhe regarding him
more favourably than ufual. Any my furpriſe was in-
creafed, when Donna Ifabella told me the nuptial day
was fixed between Don Pedro and Donna Felicia. I told
her I was very well pleaſed the lady had fo foon forgot
her violent paffion; but I added that the ftronger the
flame, the ſhorter the duration. If ſo, returned Donna
Iſabella, we may hope your paffion is buried long fince.
I told her, I did not love like others, for I was refolved
to carry mine with me to the grave. By what I have
formerly heard (returned Donna Iſabella) from you, as
well as my huſband, you have not the leaft glimpſe of
hopes. Madam, faid 1, that is the reafon I muft de-
fpair; for no other fire ſhall ever warm my breaſt, but
what was kindled there by my first flame. We had much
difcourfe upon the fame fubject, and Donna Iſabella
told me at laſt, I was a pattern for all faithful lovers.
When we were at Naples, I had provided goods and
conveniency of fending to St Salvador, according to
my promife given to Don Jaques: and the veffel being
to touch at Öſtia, was to ſend to me for my letters to
Don Jaques. I defired Don Ferdinand to write to his
father, but he begged to be excufed, for fear it ſhould
fall into the bands of his lady; and for the fame rea-
fon he begged I would be cautious how I mentioned him.
I told him he ſhould ſee what I had wrote before 1 fent
it; which was as follows,
}
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
241
SIR,
Know not how to make you acknowledgments fufficient
1 for the hours make you a conferrements
the manner of doing it ftamps a double value on the obliga-
tion. If there is no way to repay the mighty debt, yet I
fhall with the utmoft gratitude remember Don Jaques,
and his kind benefits. I have done myſelf the honour to
fend you thofe things you were defirous of the last time I
had the happiness of converfing with you: which I beg you
will accept, only for this reason, that you may ſee you ſhall
ever live in the remembrance of one, who shall think it
the best good fortune can befal him, to fubfcribe himſelf
Your fincere friend and fervant,
ROBERT BOYLE.
P. S. I also beg you to give my humble duty to your good
lady and virtuous daughter; and be affured whatever you
have given me in charge fhall have the fame regard, as if
an immortal ſpirit had defcended from above, and written
your commiffion in my heart. Whatever letters you are
pleafed to honour me with, direct for me at the palace of
Antonio de Alvares in Rome, who will take care to fend
them to me where-ever I am; for as yet I am undetermin-
ed where to fettle myſelf, but I have England in view.
I wrote this letter in the Portugueſe language, and
fhewed it to Don Ferdinand, who approved of what I
had written.
I had difpofed of the rest of my goods on board, and
the money amounted to upwards of fifteen thouſand
pound; but I could not prevail upon Don Antonio to
accept of one penny.
No, my dear friend faid he, you have already brought
me to the fortune .cf a nobleman; though it is not
worldly wealth I covet. I have all the earth contains
in the poffeffion of my adorable wife and even that,
my greateſt happineſs, is owing to you; and all the al-
lay of joy I have, is, that I cannot fee you as bleſt as I
242
THE ADVENTURES:
昙
​am. But, continued he, time that wears out all things,
will, I hope, cure this amorous fickneſs of your foul. I
lat him know my grief was as fixed as deſtiny, and I had
nothing elſe to do but to wing to the place where the
jay of my life.did once refide; with this only hope, that
the lively imagination of my lofs would put an end to
all my forrows, by finking me into the arms of death.
He was fo very much concerned for me that he could
not avoid fhedding tears; and uſed all the arguments
he could to perfuade me to refide in Italy. I told him
I had more reaſon to go for my native country than
what I had given him, and that was the education of
young Don Ferdinand, who begged to cultivate his
ftudies in England.
I turned all my money into bills of exchange, well
knowing the caſualties that attend travellers; and I in-
tended to go by land to Flanders with Don Ferdinand,
my two faithful Indians, and one fervant more.
All my Spaniſh failors that I had piked up by the
way, had by my confent their diſcharge, and were
gone to their feveral homes, in circumſtances beyond
their expectations; though they all declared, if I in-
tended another voyage, they would never forfake me.
Some of my Engliſh failors had married Italian women,
and fo defigned to fettle in Italy.
When I defired Don Antonio to take charge of the
fhip, he told me he had nothing to do with it, declaring
it was mine, and therefore defired I would make no
more words about it; for faid he, you don't know but
you may meet with fomething to change your mind,
and we may have the fatisfaction of feeing you once
more.
In a few days after this, the nuptials were celebrated
between Don Pedro and Donna Felicia, who defigned
for Spain (as foon as I left Italy) where he intended to
take up the mortgage of his eftate, the time being al-
moſt expired. I must own, the uncertainty of womens
tempers gave me much reflection: and I thought this
marriage was a very odd thing.
I now began to think of my journey; but first I order-
ed a goldſmith to make me every way the fame parcel
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 樓
​*
of plate as I received as a prefent from Don Jaques de
Ramirez, which I prefented to Donna Haballa, that the
might remember me. She gave me many thanks for it,
but feemed very unwilling to accept of it a great while.
I told her, as merrily as I could, if fhe-made any more
words about it, I would return her the fhip that bore
her name, and would be no longer under her command.
Well, faid fhe, I'll accept it: but as you allow me to
be your owner, I'll give you orders in writing, that you
muſt not break open till you come in fuch a latitude,
that is, a fortnight after you are fettled in England, I
promiſed to obey her punctually. The next day ſhe
gave me a ſealed paper, which, fhe told me, were the
orders ſhe mentioned.
1 had given my lieutenant charge of the fhip, with
directions to make for Bristol with all the expedition
practicable.
The next day, being Feb. 6, 1696, I took my, leave
of all my acquaintance; and notwithſtanding I am not
uſed to weep, could not forbear fhedding fome tears at
parting with fuch true friends as Don Antonio and his
lady had proved. I rode the first day overwhelmed with
melancholy, and not one thought of being poffeffed of
fuch a fortune, from nothing in fo fhort a time, ever
entered my breaſt. But ſeeing Don Ferdinand by his
countenance partake of my forrow, I was forced to ap-
pear much leſs melancholy, to oblige him to be fo too.
I would have fhewn him the rarities of Italy in our
travels, but he ſeemed very little inclined to curioſity:
and we arrived at Antwerp without any adventure.
We ſtaid ſome time there to recover the fatigue of our
journey, but more upon Don Ferdinand's account, being
he was fomething indifpofed, having never travelled on
horſeback ſo far before.
As we approached the town, he and my Indians were
ſurpriſed to ſee the manner of begging. The boys and
girls would run before you, and of a fudden ftop fhort,
ftand upon their heads, and clap their hands, faying
their prayers all the while.
The city of Antwerp is finely feated upon the river
Scheld; it is very well fortified, and upon the walls are
244
THE ADVENTURES OF
planted trees that give an agreeable fhade, and make
it pleaſant walking. The caftle, both ſtrong and beau-
tiful, was founded by the duke of Alva. The city in
bignefs may compare with Briſtol; their streets fpacious,
and houſes very magnificent. The church of Sancta
Maria, their cathedral, is a fuperb building; and of
that neatneſs, that the emperor Charles the fifth, of
Germany, would often ſay. "It was only fit to be kept
in a cafe." The infide is as glorious and neat as the
outfide. The paintings were performed by Sir Peter
Paul Reubens, an inhabitant of Antwerp, and are equal
to any thing that ever he did. The Jefuits church
alſo very beautiful, adorned with abundance of curious
marble pillars, and all the pannels painted by the fame
hand as the other. There are feveral more beautiful
churches and chapels; but as thefe mentioned are the
chief, we ſhall take no farther notice of them.
*
The third of April, (having pretty well recovered
our fatigue by a reſt of ten days) we fet out for Calais,
being the ſhortest cut to Dover, and arrived there April
the fixth, making ſhort ſtages.
From this place we might behold the white cliffs of
Dover. I muft own I had ſome ſecret fatisfaction in
viewing my native country; and the next day, early in
the morning we embarked, and reached the town by
noon, having a very favourable paffage. Here landing,
I had like to have loft one of my Indians. Slinging his
horfes into the boat, he would get upon the back of one
of them, thinking he would go out quietly. But juſt
upon the inſtant, a veſſel riding by the Peer fired a gun,
and frighted the horſe to ſuch a degree, that he plung-
ed into the ſea, and ſwam from the ſhore; and the Indi-
an being thrown off with the ſtart, bad his foot fo en-
tangled in the ftirrup, that (notwithſtanding his ſkill
in ſwimming) he muſt have inevitably periſhed, if the
other Indian, ſeeing the misfortune, had not plunged
in, and with a knife cut the string. He then took the
horſe by the bridle with one hand, and fwimming with
the other, brought him fafe to fhore.
Don Ferdinand not being over-pleafed with riding
on horfeback, we took the flying coach the next day,
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
245
and fafely arrived at London. I ordered my Engliſh
fervant and the two Indians, with our baggage, to make
two days of it; and gave them directions to wait at the
place where the coach inned, till I fent for them.
When we arrived at London, I did not care to go to
any of my acquaintance, but rather chofe to ly at a
Bagnio for a day or two; but I feat privately for my
uncle's clerk, that had endeavoured to prevent my be-
ing kidnapped by putting a letter in my pocket, men-
tioned in the beginning of this relation. He came to me
according to my defire, but was everjoyed and ſurpriſ
ed to ſee me, though he hardly knew me at firſt, for I
had not feat him my name.
He informed me that my uncle had been dead above
a year, and had left his eftate to his eldeſt fon, and his
buſineſs to his youngeſt and him: but they would of-
ten talk of me, not believing I was in the land of the
living; yet they had encreaſed my ſmall eſtate with their
utmoſt care, intending, if ever I came back again, to
reſtore it to me. I let him into my whole hiſtory, and
he was very much pleated to hear that I had gained
fuch a plentiful fortune. I got him to provide us con-
venient lodgings and private, for I did not intend to
go abroad much; and alſo to go to the inn to fetch my
fervants.
My two Indians ſpoke Engliſh very well, and J‍had
learnt them to write and read; and being in modern
habits, they were not much gazed at.
The time being expired that I was to look into my
commiffion, (as Donna Ifabella called it) I reſolved to
break it open, having fome curiofity. But it was gone
and notwithstanding all my fearch, I could not gain any
tidings of it. I could not imagine how I fhould lofe
that, and nothing elſe. I must own I was very uneafy,
fearing it might be fomething of importance I was to do
for Donna Iſabella; therefore I diſpatched a letter to
Italy to tell them of my fafe arrival, and my lois of the
packet, (and to fend me a freſh one) with directions
where to write to me.
While I ftaid in town I purchaſed an eſtate of 2000 1.
a year in Somerſetſhire, and yet had 25000/. left which
246
THE ADVENTURES OF
I employed in the publick funds. And now I had ſettled
my ettate, as well as the affairs of Don Ferdinand, I
was willing to forward him in his ſtudies, and propoſed
to fend him to Oxford with a tutor. But he ſtill begged
to ſtay a little longer with me.
I therefore took a refolution of going to Briſtol, only
with Don Ferdinand, and one fervant, with no other
bufinets than to fee the place where my loft treaſure
once lived.
When we were arrived, I enquired which was the
houte that Mr Villars, late merchant, formerly dwelt
in. We foon found it out, but were informed one cap-
tain Kendrick dwelt there. I was inquifitive to know
if there was any tidings of one Sufan, who was forɩner-
ly maid to Mrs Villars, daughter to the deceaſed mer-
chant; and at laſt got information that the lived at a
country-houfe near the fea-fide.
I went immediately away for the place, tho' near
thirty miles off, and late in the evening. Before we
had rid far, the fkies, became gloomy, and a violent
ftorm threatened us, which toon overtook us with fuch
fury, that we were forced to put into a little houſe out
of the road for fhelter, When we came within, we
could not fee any body in't but a little child, playing
with ſome toys it had before it; and all we could get
out of it, was, that Mamma would come by and by.
It was as lovely a child as ever I faw, and we were ſtill
admiring it, when a man and woman came in. They
were much amazed to find us there; but I begged their
pardon, and told them the form drove us in to take
fhelter.
The man told us we were very welcome to ſuch as
his houfe afforded, but he feared we fhould find but
poor accommodation. In fhort, the storm kept up in
its full force, and now it grew dark, and we were two
mile from any inn; and to add to our diſtreis, we werę
rangers to the road. The man feeing us to put to it,
ld us he had but two beds, but we thould be welcome
them. fuch as they were.
I told him I would gratify him for his trouble, and
thereupon gave him a guinea. He was very well pleaf-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
247
ed with my prefent, and began to fhew it in his looks,
as well as the woman. I gave him another, to provide
us fomething to eat, and to take care of the horſes. He
faid he had but bad ſtable-room, but if I pleafed he
would take my fervant and all the horſes, with one of
his own to bring them back again) and leave them at
an inn in the neighbouring village. 1 agreed to it; and
while he was gone I asked the good woman many quef-
tions about the child which we faw there, and foon
found it was none of their own, but a gentlewoman's a
ftranger to them, and one they had never ſeen but once.
Why, faid I, how are you paid for the keeping of it?
She feemed amazed at my queftion, and was fome time
before ſhe anſwered me; but at laft fhe faid fhe was al-
ways very well paid.
I finding the did not much care for talking upon that
fubject, changed the difcourfe. Soon after the man came
in, we went to fupper. I would have had Don Ferdi-
nand to have lain with me; but the man underſtanding
we ufually lay afunder, would give us both the beds,
and they would fit up. I aſked them where the child
lay; and they told us in a cradle. I began to be con-
cerned for the infant, though without giving any rea-
fon. When we had fupped, we went to be, and had
but little reſt; and when we roſe in the morning, (it
proving fair and pleafant) we refolved to walk to the
inn where our horfes were, with our hoſt for our guide.
When we arrived, I difmiffed him with another guinea;
and would have got immediately on horfeback, - but
Don Ferdinand was fo very much disordered that he
was not able to mount. I was very much concerned for
his indifpofition, and begged he would repofe himfeif
there, while I puríued my journey; with a promiſe to
return the next day, or fend my tervant for him. He
confented that it fhould be fo, and I fet forward.
Coming to a place where feveral roads met, I was
confounded to know the right, and therefore was fome
time at a fland, not knowing which to take: But-hear-
ing feveral voices in an adjacent barn, I made up to it
on foot, giving my horfe to my man. The nearer I
approached, the more noile they made; but I could not
X
248
THE ADVENTURES OF
underſtand them. This awakened my curiofity, and I
tole ſoftly to the barn, where I could obſerve through
a crevice (unfeen) upwards of twenty gipfies, fitting in
a huddle, with a child in the midſt ſtark naked, which
they were rubbing over with walnut ſhells; and every
time it cried they fet up that confuſed noiſe: but I
was very much furpriſed to find in that child the fea
tures of that I had ſeen the night before at my coun,
try landlord's. I beckoned my fervant to come near with
my horſes; being armed, I made to the barn door, and
forced it open. I aſked them, in an imperious manner,
what they were doing with that child; and farther af-
firmed they had ſtole it from fuch a place, giving them
to underſtand I had people coming to apprehend them,
Upon hearing this, they all took to their heels; and
ſome (I found) that had come there with crutches, ran
very nimbly away without them; but the child was left
behind. I now began to conſider with myſelf what I
had done; and that I had gotten a child, but did not
know what to do with it. They had rubbed the poor
thing all over with the green walnut fhells, that made
it look like one of their fraternity. By good fortune.
they had left his clothes behind them, as alfo fome rags,
which I ſuppoſe were to be put on inſtead of the others,
My man and I dreffed it as well as we could, and
aukwardly enough; but when we had finifhed (not-
withstanding my hafte) I refolved to go back again, and
enquire into this affair. When we came to the inn, I
gave the infant to the care of the woman of the houſe
til! my return; and underſtanding Don Ferdinand was
gone to reſt, I proceeded to my hoft's houſe without
diſturbing him. When we arrived there, I met the
woman at the door. Pray, faid 1 tọ her, good woman,
where's the child that I faw here laſt night? Where's
the child? The woman replied ſharply, why the child's
in his cradle afleep. Let me fee it faid I. No faid fhe,
I won't diſturb it for you, nor no one elſe. I told her
peremptorily I would fee it that inftant, in ſpite of her,
for I feared fome foul play, She finding me refolute,
and lighting from my horfe, faid, Well Sir, fince you
are fo defirous, I'll go and bring it to you.
When fac
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
249
was gone, I began to imgine myſelf miſlaken, and that
children might be very like, without being the fame;
but I knew a guinea would foon reconcile her to my
rudeneſs. I flaid waiting a confiderable time, taken up
with ſeveral thoughts, and not obſerving how long I
had waited, till my man told me the old woman was
long a coming. I began to call, and no body anſwer-
ing, I ordered him to go in, and fee for her. He came
out again, and told me the was not in the houſe, nor
any one elfe; but that he believed the had flipped out
of the back door, and got away through the garden.
I began to think there was fomething very extraordina-
ry in the adventure of the child, and refolved to be
ftrick in the examination. I entered the houſe myſelf,
and fearched, but to no purpoſe. I fent my man in the
mean time in purſuit of the woman. But he returned
without her. There was never a neighbouring houſe
to enquire, nearer than the village where I left the child,
So I had just got on horſe-back in order to go back,
when I perceived the man coming towards his own
houſe. I fpurred on to meet him, and he feenied much
concerned; I feized him by the collar, and told him, I
came to fecure him, for the murder of the child I faw
at his houſe laſt night. The man was in fuch a terrible
fright at what I faid, that he was more dead than alive.
Sure Sir, faid he, it can't be, it is not murdered. I bid
him produce it, or he fhould be tried for it. In fhort,
I frighted the poor fellow fo much, that he told me, if
I would have a little patience, he would tell me all
that he kucw concerning it (till crying I hope it is not
murdered.) I told him the child was ſafe. We went
back to his houfe, where after the fellow had a little
compofed himſelf, he made the following relation.
About three years ago a gentle woman came to my
wife, and make a bargain with her to keep this infant,
and by paying us handfomly, we imagined it belonged
*to fome perſon of diftinction; for we received ten pounds
every quarter, and that before it was due. The lady
would often take the child for a day or two, and return
it again. My wife, being a worldly woman, laid feve-
ral plots how to know the child's extraction, but to ne
X 2
250
THE ADVENTURES OF
purpofe; for by all circumſtances we believed the pa
rents did not care for owning it. One day my wife told
me the had a deſign in her head, but ſhe would not dif-
clofe it till fhe could be fure of fucceeding; and when
the lady came the next time to take the child away for
a day as ufual, my wife was in conference with her for
fome time. And when the was gone, ſhe told me that
the had prevailed upon the lady to pay her one hundred
pounds before hand, and that the brought her to it, by
telling her we ſhould make a purchaſe of the houſe we
live in. In fhort, my wife, (who wears the breeches)
made me conſent to carry on the deceit; and the next
day the lady brought the child, and the hundred pound,
and gave it my wife, without any thing under my
hand, and left us in a ſmall time after. When ſhe was
gone, my wife difcourfed me after this manner.
Huſband, we have now one hundred and fifty pounds
(for we had been very ſaving) beſides our goods, and
cattle, which will fetch us one hundered more. With
this money we may go into my country, (which was
the Iſle of Man) and live contentedly all our lives, with-
cut any fears of bad crops, and ill markets. Well, faid
I, but what will become of the child? I quickly found
by her expreffions that the refolved to murder it. I was
firuck with horror, at the propofition, and notwith-
tanding her violent temper, oppofed her in it; and
told her, upon no conditions would I confent to do ſo
barbarous a deed. I found her fo fixed upon the defign
of murder, that I was at laft, as the lighteft evil, obliged
tɔ conſent to her felling it to a company of gypfies; but
with the greatest reluctance in the world; which was
executed this morning. But we had difpofed of every
thing beforehand, with intention to have gone for Bri-
tol two days hence; for we were affured the lady would
not come again for fome time.
When he had done, I informed him how I came to
meet with the child. I then began to examine if he
did not know where the lady lived; and at laſt he con-
felled he dogged her to her houſe one day, fet on by
his wife, but would never difcuver it to her, for fear of
dher playing fene trick. I prevailed with him to ge
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE..
254
with me, and fhew me the houſe, with the promife of
a reward, and letting him go afterwards. We fet out
(after he had got a horſe) and in two hours arrived at
a pleaſant houfe, furrounded by a final river, and
almoſt covered with trees. I ftopped fome time to
view it, and through a little avenue faw two women
gathering flowers; one had her face turned toward
us, which the man faid was the woman that uſed to
come to fee the child, and that was the place the
carried it to. I ordered my man to take the horſes to
the next town, about half a mile off, and come to me
again. But I needed not have bid mine hoft to have
gone about his buſineſs; for he being fearful of the eveut
got away without our perceiving it.
When my man was gone, I walked about to view the
houſe, but I had loft fight of the women, and it began
to rain again. I ftood up for fhelter from the weather
under a large oak and had but just got there, when a
woman came out; of the gate, with her miſtre s's fervice,
to invite me in. I was very well pleaſed with the invi-
tation, and went into the houfe, where I was met by
the gentlewoman, a very handſome lady. She told me,
as I looked like a gentleman, the defired I would take
fhelter there till the ftorm was over. I returned her the
thanks her civility deferved, and we fat down, but were
immediately interrupted with ringing at the gate; and
I perceived, through a ſmall window, a gentleman in a
fcarlet cloke alight from his horfe, and go in quite
through the houfe. The lady begged my pardon, and
told me, fhe was obliged to keep another lady company,
while that perfon was there, but would wait on me as
foon as poffible again. As my curiofity had brought me
there, I had no thoughts of going away till I had fatif-
fied it in fome meaſure. I could hear the man's voice
very plain, who ſeemed to threaten a lady with a great
many hardships as to her fortune, if ſhe would not con-
fent to his love. The lady anſwered in ſo low a voicę,
fo
that I could not hear what fhe faid, but I found her
anſwers did but enrage him the more. They talked a
great while, and at laft they feemed to be filent.
hearing the door open, klepped back into the room
I
x 3
252
THE ADVENTURES OF
where the lady had left me. She came to me again, and
fat down. I hope, Sir, (faid fhe) you'll pardon my rude-
nefs, but I could not wait on you before. Madam, (I
replied) I ought to beg your pardon, for taking poffel-
fion of your houſe here, who am an utter ftranger to
you. We were interrupted in our compliments, by the
voice of a perſon that ſcreamed out murder! murder!
、
We both ran out, and fhe coming to the door where
the noiſe was, we found it fhut, and the voice ſtill cal·
ling out for help. I burft it open with my foot, and
with my fword in my hand, ran into the room, where
I found the gentleman that came in the cloke endea-
vouring to force a lady. I gave him a ftroke upon the
head, and bid him turn about and defend himſelf;
which he did with many bitter exclamations. But after
feveral paffes, I had the good fortune to diſarm him ;
and he having received ſeveral wounds, dropped down
with lofs of blood. The lady he had attempted, was
ftill in a ſwoon; and the buſtle had brought ſeveral wo-
men ſervants into the room, I retired into the cham-
ber I came from, but defired the lady to take ſome care
of the wretch, who deferved death; but I wished he
might furvive, to prevent farther trouble. She took
my advice, and fent to the next town for a furgeon,
who foon came, and my mañ along with him by acci-
dent. Perceiving
Perceiving his wounds were not dangerous, (for
I flood by while the furgeon dreffed him) and finding
the house in too much confufion to be better informed
concerning the child, I was about to take my leave.
But the lady I had ſo timely reſcued, having recovered
her fright, defired fhe might thank me for fo great a
providence. I was eafily perfuaded to ſtay, and imme-
diately a lady come into the room, But good God!
what tranſports did I feel, when in that lady I beheld
every feature of my dear Mrs Villars. Our eyes were
fixed upon each other, and the fight of me raiſed ſuch
a tumult of joy in her breaſt. that combating with her
unſettled heart, ſhe fell down in a ſwoon again. The
other lady at firft knew not the meaning of our diſor-
der: but when I called her my dear wife, and other
extravagant expreffions of my love, fhe foon gueffed the
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
253
truth, and ſeemed as much tranfported as we were.
Words would but wrong the fentiments we felt for each
other. Therefore let the reader, (if poffible) gueſs the
joy of two lovers meeting, after imagining each other
no longer in this world. We thought it was all a dream;
but at last being convinced of the reality, we fent pri-
vately for the parfon, and were tyed by the outward
ceremony of the church, whofe hearts had been di-
vinely united long before; and that night I took once
more poffeffion of what I valued above all the world
could give.
The next day I fent for Don Ferdinand to partake in
our joy, but was informed his indifpofition had encreaſ
ed upon him fo much, that it was dangerous to remove
him. This was fome allay to our joy, for I had a real
friendſhip for him. I told my dear wife the obligation
I had to his father. I now defired to know the particu-
lars of her wonderful eſcape, which the related to me
after the following manner.
You know, faid fhe, when we parted at Mequinez,
our hearts foreboded fomething would follow prejudi.
cial to our loves. I was not acquainted with Muftapha's
eſcape; if I had, it is very probable, I might have a-
voided the misfortune that befel me: but he got a veſſel
to carry him to Sallee, (as he informed me, when I was
their priſoner again) and by the way met with his maf-
ter Hamel; who wrote a letter to the governor of
Mammora, and fent Muſtapha with it, while he intend-
ed to wait near the coaft to guard us back. When
they had ſeized me, they hurried me away immediately
on board a veffel, and failed upon the inftant; and be-
fore night met with Hamét, where I was carried on
board. He upbraided me in terms, that gave me to
expect worſe treatment from him; but I told him,
rather than fubmit to his naufeous love, I would ſtarve
myſelf to death, if I could find no other means to rid
me of my life. The next day a form ariſing of a fud-
den, blew down one of their mafts, and drove them
back again, within fight of the port of Mammora; but
to avoid it, they ran beyond it, and the ſtorm continu-
ed. In the evening it began to abate, and he fteered
254
THE ADVENTURES OF
his courſe back again; but before it was dark a fhip ap-
peared in view. And notwithstanding he had loft feve-
ral men in a former engagement, he refolved to fet
upon this veffel: and it growing calm he got up to her
with rowing. The other veffel knowing what ſhe was,
began with us firft, and fired very brifkly.
The fight continued about an hour, as near as I could
guefs; for all my employment was to pray, that ſome
lucky fhot would end my life, which was fo burdenſom
to me. When the noiſe of the ordnance ceafed, I had
not curiofity enough to go to fee how affairs ſtood.
But judge my furprife and pleaſure, when I tell you the
firſt man that entered the cabin, was the mate that I
had made captain, as I mentioned to you in the relation
of my first misfortune.
How madam! cried he, is it you! thank heaven my
voyage is at an end. Come, madam, (continued he)
I'll carry you to one that thinks her life a burden till
you are fafe, as your danger is owing to her. I had
not power to return him an anfwer, or afk him who it
was he meant, I was fo confounded with thought. He
carried me on board of his own fhip, where he brought
Mrs Sufan to me. My heart was ſo full of joy, that
for a moment you had flipt out of my memory.
The fhip of Hamets was juft finking, for they had
fhot her between wind and water, and could not come
to ftop it. They had taken out as many of their goods
as the time would permit, and all the men that were
wounded, before fhe funk. I let them into your ſtory,
and the mutual affection we had; and in return the
captain gave me the following account of their getting
away from Sallee.
You know, madam, (faid he) the Moors were not
very ſtrict in ſearching us; and I had at the firſt fight of
them, (judging what they were) fecured all the mer-
chants money defigned for trade, as well as what I had
of my own, about my clothes, and in a great fur cap,
which I wore upon my head.
Hamet being fatisfied with you and what he found
befides, would not fell us for flaves, but gave us the li-
berty of walking about the town, with a fmall allow-
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
·ass
ance of provifion, till we could ſend a perſon to Eng-
land, for a thouſand pounds, which was the ranfom of
both fhip and men. In a little time, I became acquaint-
ed with one of the Jews of Sallee, whom I prevailed
upon by the force of money to buy the fhip, and pay for
our ranſom, which he did, without any one's concern
ing themſelves about it. We did all we could to find
you out, but to no purpoſe: ſo we were obliged to ſet
fail for England.
In our voyage home, Mrs Sufan informed me with
your ftory, not concealing even her own part in it;
and I found her fo fincere in her repentance, that I
could not help pitying her, which foon became a fofter
paffion; and when we arrived in England, the ceremony
of the church compleated my happineſs. We acquaint-
ed Mr Kendrick, your ladyship's guardian and ſteward,
with your misfortune; who, with the advice of us, fit-
ted out the ſhip in your name, with a fufficient quantity
of money for your ranfom, if it were poffible for us to
hear of you; and by meeting with you now, we have
compaſſed what we intended. I returned them many
thanks, (eſpecially Mrs Sufan, who would accompany
her huſband, in hopes to meet with me.) I defired
captain Morrice, (which is the name of Mrs Sufan's
huſband) to ſteer towards Mammora, but he told me it
was not fafe: for as there was a war proclaimed be-
tween France and England, the ambaſſador could not
anſwer for it if he did not make us a prize; and we were
further informed by one of the renegado prifoners, that
he was very well affured they were failed for France.
Upon this notice we directed our courfe, with this
hope, that you would foon arrive in England, and find
me out; for I remembred in the ftory of my misfor-
tunes, I gave you marks enough to let you know where
I was to be found. Before we made the English coaſt,
I found myſelf with child, and the very imagination
had like to have coſt me my life, for fear the father of
the unborn infant would not come time enough to ſave
my credit; for though I was well affured of your ho-
mour, yet I knew the cenfuring world would be apt vo
256
THE ADVENTURES OF
blame my conduct. I could hide nothing from the
faithful Suſan, who joined her fears with mine.
When we came into Briſtol channel, I confulted with
Suſan about my management, and`I at laſt_reſolved to
live private, till I could hear fome news of you. But
I was obliged to let Mr Kendrick my ſteward into the
knowledge of my arrival, though he was a ſtranger to
my condition.
I fent to London, in hopes of hearing fome news of
you; but having kept the name of your uncle a fecret
in your relation, our endeavours proved fruitleſs.
My melancholy increafed with my condition; and
for fear of a diſcovery, I went into Wales, with a rela-
tion of Mrs Sufan's, and was delivered of a boy, that
proved the greateſt comfort to my finking heart; for in
his face was every feature of his dear father. I brought
him back again here, and had him put to nurſe, as a
child to a relation of Mrs Sufan's, and had refolved but
this very day to have fent for him home, that I might
always have the fatisfaction of having him in my fight.
My fteward finding I was under a neceffity of living
private, began to talk to me of love; and often proceed-
ed fo far (after finding I diſdained his paffion) to tell
me, if I would not conſent to make him my huſband,
he would take care my eſtate ſhould come into his hands.
Though I could have foon broke his deſigns as to my
fortune, yet my folitary dwelling pleafed me fo well,
that I gave him good words, which did but more en-
courage his infolence, till it arrived to that pitch you ſo
happily delivered me from.
I foon found, by my wife's relation, that the infant I
had ſo marvelously faved was our own child. When
I related the accident of meeting with the child, my
wife expreffed fo much fear, terror, tenderness and joy,
that I thought the different paffions would have taken
away her understanding. By this we may learn, there
is a ruling providence that regulates every action of our
lives, when they tend to virtue.
Mr Kendrick, (the perſon that made the attempt up-
on my wife was foon informed of our happy meeting;
and his wounds mending every day, he begged we
CAPTAIN ROBERT B´O Y L E.
217
would favour him with a vifit, (which we complied
with) where he aſked pardon for all paft offences in fuch
a fincere manner, that we were eaſily prevailed upon to
forgive him.
He fent for all the books of accounts and writings
that belonged to my wife's eſtate, and delivered them
up to us.
He
The fame day captain Morrice arrived from France;
where he went by the defire of my wife, as her laſt hope,
to know if he could gain any intelligence of me.
was fo very diligent in his commiffion, that he got to
the ſpeech of Monfieur de St Olon, who informed him
of my purſuing the veſſel, and returning, and of my
voyage to Italy. I rewarded him by ſeveral handſom
preſents for his trouble, and found in all his actions,' a
downright blunt fincere honeſty, which drew me into a
friendſhip for him. I now began to think of Don Fer-
dinand's illneſs, and refolved to go with my wife to
make him a viſit; and my dear wife was fo impatient
* embrace the child, fhe would not let me ſtay to finith
affairs with Mr Kendrick.
m/
As we were upon our journey, we were met by a re-
lation of mine, fon to that barbarous uncle that had
kidnapped me. He was in the country when I arrived
at London. Notwithſtanding the injury I had fuffered
from his father, I could not help receiving him with the
utmoſt affection; for we were both of an age, and very
like as to our perfons, being brought up together till
the death of my father, which created a friendſhip for
each other.
He brought me a packet from Italy, and in it one in-
sloſed from Don Jaques, fent from St Salvador, I broke
open that firſt, which was as follows.
I Hope the diffance of climates has had no force upon
your friendſhip; mine here has ratker received an ad-
dition, though I am overwhelmed with a very great mif-
fortune. My daughter (in whom all my hopes centered)
is, I fear, intirely loft ; for the very day you left us, was
the last time my eyes beheld her. We bave fonie reaſon to
fear the relations of the perfon who died by your fword,
258
OF
THE ADVENTURES
have uſed fome clandeftine means; and perhaps have pri
vately murdered her, to be revenged on as for that acci-
dent, though of their own fecking. In short, I am weary
of the hateful place, and ſhall do my endeavour to ſeek re-
pofe in ſome other part of the world; and relying upon
your good natured friendſhip, I hope to have the honour ve-
ry fhortly after your receiving this, to embrace you in Eng-
land, for I am preparing to leave St Salvador with the
fooneft. I received your obliging letter, wed the bales of
goods, all in good condition. But there is ſomething dark
in it, or at leaſt my understanding can't reach this para-
graph; “and be aſſured, whatever you gave me in charge,
&c." I fent you nothing but what I hope you will accept
as your own; and I took that manner of leaving them
with you, knowing your generous temper would not have
been easily perfuaded to have accepted them; from one that
ſhall ever ſubſcribe himſelf,
Your fincere friend and fervant,
Jaques de Ramirez.
P. S. My wife (who is inconfolable) throws in her
love and fervice; and all the hopes he has left, is the ex-
pectation of telling you face to face, the grief ſhe lies un-
der at her fatal lofs, and to bring us farther in your debt,
we beg you will leave us fufficient directions among our
countrymen at your Exchange, where we may find you.
I was very much concerned at my friend's misfortune,´
efpecially in believing I was in fome fort the miftaken
cauſe of it I had informed my wife of the adventure
before, and the condoled with me; and the thoughts of
being fo near the fame diſtreſs in her own child, redou-
bled her grief. When we had given up fome time to
thoſe melancholy reflections, I broke open the following
letter from Don Antonio.
My dear Friend,
WE
E received yours with the utmoſt tranſports; but
1
as am an Italian, I ought to be jealous at the
joy my wife exprefed when ſte read it; and much more
when he now ceclares that fke will come to England, to
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
259
reproach you for the little care you took of her commiſſion.
She will (farther to increaſe my jealouſy) write you her
fentiments herfelf; but let her fay what he will there, I
am refolved to fleem you as the only friend that's dear to
ANTONIO DE ÁLVARES.
The other letter from Ifabella contained theſe words.
SIR,
I'L
'LL ſuſpend my reproaches till I fee you, (which I hope
will be foon.) I had no commiffion to be executed in
thoſe papers you loft, but that of having cleared the afper-
fion you caft on our fex of inconftancy, which you had fome
grounds for, in the fudden marriage of Don Pedro and
Donna Felicia, after her violent paffion for Don Ferdi-
nand. When I found the cause of her diftemper, I(as
having felt the keeneft dart of love) pitied her pain, and
therefore taxed Don Ferdinand often with his wearing an
chdurate heart in his bofom. I preſſed him ſo often, that
be defired to meet Donna Felicia and myſelf in my clofet.
We came according to appointment, where he spoke to this
effect: "Madam tax me no more with hardneſs of heart,
for if I had not a very tender one, I had never arrived
here; and to difcover my frailty at once, know I am a
woman;" And upon that uncovering her befom, gave us
evident tokens. We were both ſo very much furpriſed,
that ſhe went on with her diſcourſe; "I beg, ladies, you
will never open your mouth to my captain concerning this ;
for the moment I am fenfible he knows my weakneſs, fhall
be the laft of my life. But notwithstanding this injunct-
tion. I can't help informing you, in pity to her; and I
am well affured, (as your paffion is hopeless) you have hu-
manity enough not to deftroy one who dies for you; and
nothing in this world can equal my joy, if I find, when I
arrive, Don Ferdinand the wife to one who shall ever
have the friendship of
ISABELLA DE ALVARES.
What words can expreſs the amazement I feat the
reading this laſt letter! My thoughts were confounded
in reflexion, and a chaos of ideas poffeffed my brain. 1
Y
260
THE ADVENTURES .
was in
much confufion, that I thought of returning
home again, to confider of this ſtrange turn
Recol-
lected circumftances convinced me how blind I was in
not diſcovering it fooner. My foul was immediately
filled with the moſt tender pity; and I had not the uſe
of words to declare my fentiments to my wife and
coufin. Sometimes I would imagine it was all a fic-
tious dream: yet at laft I was not diſpleaſed, that I had
it in my power to reſtore to Don Jaques his long loſt
daughter. My wife was as much concerned as I was,
and my coufin could hardly believe it, I foon found that
ſhe had taken care the packet ſhould not fall into my
hands; and that convinced me the would not have her
diſguiſe diſcovered. The next day we reſolved to viſit
her, and form my reſolution from my obfervation.
When we arrived at the inn, we found her dreſſed
at a table, with paper, pens and ink before her, but
very weak. I prefented my wife and coufin to her. She
faluted them, and feemed mightily pleafed with my
good fortune, and was very much concerned her indif-
pofition would not admit of her waiting on me, to par-
take in my contentment. Her weakneſs was fo preva-
lent, that ſhe could hardly utter her words. She knew
nothing of receiving the packet from my coufin, but af
ter we had fat fome time, I gave her the letter from
her father; which, as ſoon as the had read, ſhe fell
backward upon the bed in a fwoon,
t
The noife we made at this accident brought ſeveral
people into the room; and among the relt my land,
lady, who it ſeems had fell defperately in love with her,
as imagining her to be a man. She made fuch aukward
complainings, that if our minds had been at eaſe, would
have produced much mirth; but among her actions,
fhe unbuttoned her clothes, to give her breath, and
foon diſcovered her miſtake in the object of her wiſhes.
When he found by her breaſts that the was a woman,
fhe ran down ſtairs with the utmoſt precipitation, and
left us alone to recover her. When we had brought her
to her fenfes again, the foon found that we had diſco
vered her fex; and the grief and ſhame at the accident
had like to have thrown her again into her fwooning
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE. 26L
It was fome time before we could bring her to herſelf;
but the found by my diſcourſe, that I underſtood the
whole fecret.
After a long pauſe, ſaid ſhe, I did not intend to let
my frailty be known to you till after my death; but
fince it is diſcovered, I beg you will have fomne regard
to my memory, and I fhall die contented. I begged her
not to talk of death, but live to comfort her grieved pa-
rents. It is too late, faid the to talk of any comfort,
for i have called my greatest friend, Death, to my aid,
who is juſt now arrived. Upon uttering theſe words, a
deadly palenefs poffeffed her face, and trembling feized
her limbs: fhe had juſt ſtrength enough to declare to
us that ſhe had taken a dofe of poiton, provided for the
occafion, bought of an apothecary of the town; and
that ſhe was just going to write a letter to me, but was
prevented by our fudden appearance, whofe contents
were only to fee her fecretly buried, and if poflible to
conceal her fex and ſtory from the world. She had
hardly made an end, before her ſpeech forfook her, and
life in all appearance fled the beauteous dwelling. My
wife was not preſent at this accident, her eager defire
having carried her to her child; but (he came in before
it was over. My coufin feemed more oppreffed with grief
than any of us, for love had taken full poſſeſſion of his
heart.
While forrow had locked up all our tongues, the
apothecary came in, in a ſtrange confufion; for the re-
port had foon difperfed itſelf all over that little village.
Sir, faid he to me, don't be concerned at the condition
you fee the gentleman in, for he is not dead, he has
only took a ſleeping potion. I partly gueffed his deſign,
when he applied to me for poifon; and the extraordi-
nary price he paid for it, convinced me it was for fome
finifter defign, and therefore I happily impofed upon him.
This news revived us all again, eſpecially my coufin,
who I thought would have gone diftracted for joy; and
to ſee his impatient watching for her life's return, (if
we may call it fo) only gave me further proof that one
look is fufficient to fix love for ever in the foul. The
apothecary, during this interval of life and death, pour-
Y 2
262
THE AVENTURES OF
ed cordials into her mouth to help the operation; and
at laſt ſhe opened her unwilling eyes, and gazed around
her as if he had been in the other world: but we ſoon
convinced her of the apothecary's deceit, at which the
feemed in the utmoſt confufion, and gave us to under-
ftand that life was forced upon her againſt her inclina-
tion, and ſhe would ſhake it off.
We gave her all the comfort we were capable of; and
my wife told her if ſhe talked any longer of death, it
was only that ſhe could not bear to ſee us happy. This
as it were rouſed her from her lethargy. Well then,
faidfhe, I will live, if it be only to convince you, that I
am pleafed to fee my captain bleffed; for fhe would al-
ways call me fo. After we had a little compofed her,
we left her with my coufin, to look after our child, who
was in the fame place; which had proved the ſecret
inflinct of nature; for at the firſt fight in the houſe of
bis unnatural nurſe, I could not help feeling a tender
regard for him. When we had fatisfied our inn, we
prevailed upon Donna Bianca (now no longer Ferdi
pand) to come into the coach with us, and we arrived
that evening at Briftol; where we took poffeffion of the
houſe (which Captain Kendrick had lived in) that be-
longed to my wife. We ſtaid ſome time there to ſettle
my wife's affairs, and as much to recover Donna Bian-
ça's indifpofition.
My cousin by his affiduity gained very much of her
eſteem. but ſhe freely declared the had no room in her
heart for love but notwithſtanding, with much impor-
tunity, we prevailed upon her to accept him for a huf-
band; and her eſleem ſoon came up to a more tender
paffion. As ſoon as the ceremony was over, we took a
journey to London to ſettle our affairs there, and pro-
vide for my expected gueſts.
One morning as we were purſuing our journey, com-
ing near the fkirts of a wood, we heard ſeveral groans,
which alarmed us; but we had too many people about
us armed, to fear any thing, we came out of the coach
to know the reaſon: where we found a woman weltring
in blood, being ſtabbed in ſeveral places with a fword.
When I came to take a nearer view, I found it was my
CAPTAIN ROBERT BO Y L E. 263
:
I
former mafter (the watchmaker's) wife. I could not
help having compaffion for any perion in that condition,
therefore ordered her to be taken up and put in the
coach. Donna Bianca opened her breaſt, and ſtopped
her wounds as well as the could, till we could get a fur-
geon that I had ordered to be ſent for. She Soon knew
me, and cried out, Sure heaven has fent you that know
my guilt to be witnefs of my repentance: the wrongs I
have done my huſband have purfued me to my grave.
When I had robbed him of all I could lay my hands
on, I made my eſcape to Ireland, changed my name,
and ſet up for a greater fortune than I really was.
had many fuitors, but heaven to puniſh me, made me
place my affections on a perſon that courted me for my
money and though I ſoon understood he had but very
little eſtate, yet love prevailed with me to make him
my huſband. He foon ſpent both his own and my
fortune, and by contracting many debts was forced to
fly for England; and finding no relief, took to the high-
way, where he has committed many robberies. He
lodged me in a neighbouring village; but our place of
meeting was generally in this wood, for fearof a dif-
covery. This morning he came, according to appoint-
ment, where he began his difcourfe after this manner.
I had no inclination for you when I firſt married you,
but now I utterly abhor you, therefore am reſolved to
part with you: but I have another reafon beſides my
hatred to you, which is this; I have it in my power to
marry an old woman, very rich; and therefore it is ne-
ceffary to fend you out of the world, for fear our mar-
riage ſhould come to her ears, and fpoil-my fortune.
He followed his difcourfe with thefe wounds which he
gave me, and rode into the wood, without my once of-
fering to open my mouth; for aftoniſhment had tied up
my tongue. I told her, I hoped Heaven had given her
all its puniſhment in this world. That's all the hope I
have, ſaid ſhe, and in my unfeigned repentance; for I
feel death approaching, We obferved the was juft ex-
piring; and before the furgeon came, ſhe gave up her
laft breath, calling upon heaven for mercy. I gave or-
ders for her funeral, and fent after her murderer, but
264
THE ADVENTURES OF
to no purpoſe But I heard he was taken for the high-
way, fometime after, and executed at Worceſter; where
he confeffed the murder of his wife. Thus we fee the
band of heaven, though flow in punishment, yet al-
ways overtakes the guilty. When I had given direc-
tions for her funeral, we pursued our journey, and ar-
rived fafe at London.
Don Antonio and his lady arrived firſt, in a private
capacity; not caring to make a fhow according to their
birth, to be taken notice of. And in a few days after
came Don Jaques and his lady, in a ſhip of their own,
in company with the Ifabella, which my lieutenant
commanded, that had ſprung a leak, which obliged her
to put into Lisbon to refit, where Don Jaques joyfully
met with her.
I had defired Donna Bianca once more to put on her
boy's clothes; for I intended agreeably to furpriſe her
parents.
I was obliged to take lodgings for Don Jaques's fa-
mily, they intended to take a convenient houfe in the
city. As foon as mutual careffes were over. grief again
took poffeffion of their fouls for the lofs of their child.
After condoling with them for fome time, I begged
them to hope for the beſt, and that it was poffible to
hear of her again. They thook their heads, and told
me that thought was long over, and they had no hope,
but in time to wear away their unhappy lofs.
I told them I had a kinẩman, as much as I could re-
member the features of their beautiful daughter, as like
her as a man could be like a woman. They expreffed a
great defire to fee him. I told them I had invited
him with another relation to fup with us on purpoſe.
We had taken care before that Donna Bianca fhould
ombre her face, and fpeak nothing but Engliſh, on pur-
poſe to carry on the deceit. 'Till the time of their
coming, we ſpent it in relating our accidents in the voy-
age. I told them how much I was furpriſed at the
likeneſs of my coufin to their daughter: for I had given
them to underſtand it was a relation I had never ſeen
before I left England: which was truth.
When the time I had appointed came, Donna Bianca
CAPTAIN ROBERT BOYLE.
285
and
my coufin entered. I prefented them to Don Ja-
ques and his wife, as my relations, and they faluted
them as utter ſtrangers. But when they faw and heard
Donna Bianca, they burſt into tears at the great reſem-
blance in both voice and features as they faid, to their
daughter. She carried it on as long as ſhe could,
fpeaking Engliſh all the while; but at laft their tears
prevailed fo much upon her tenderneſs, that fhe begged
leave to retire, but would return immediately. I made
an apology for my kinfman to Don Jaques and his wife,
and told them he would return in a very little time.
The space of their abfence was filled with fighs and
tears; and as I knew their grief would foon be over, I
never attempted to comfort them.
When they were ready, they fent a fervant to tell
me a gentleman wanted to ſpeak with me. I retired,
came in again immediately, and told them our com-
pany would be increaſed, for another relation and his
wife were juſt coming in to fup with us; and upon that
inftant my coufia entered, leading by the hand Donna
Bianca. They both ran and kneeled down before Don
Jaques and his wife. At the fight of their daughter,
the mother fell backward in the chair in a fwoon; and
Don Jaques was in ſuch a ſurpriſe that he could not open
his mouth, but expreſſed his joy by tears, kiffes, and
embraces; and his lady coming to herſelf, had like to
have ftifled her with her tranſports.
They did not aſkjany reaſonable queſtions till the tor-
rent of their joy was poured out.
After the firſt tran-
ſports were over, Donna Bianca told her own ſtory.
She ſaid, the firſt time I dined at their houſe in St Sal-
vador, Love flew into her heart; and knowing the mo-
deity due to her ſex, ſhe was refølved never to diſcover
it till the found the ſtate of mine: yet finding her paffion
daily increaſe, and underſtanding the day of my depar-
ture, ſhe procured fecretly the habit of a man, with all
other neceffaries, and conveyed herſelf on board in the
boat that carried the preſents her father had ſent me ;
and counterfeited the letter fhe gave me as from her fa-
ther. Every thing anſwered my wifh, faid fhe; but I
toon found my captain had no heart to beſtow. It is
266. THE ADVENTURES OF, &c.
needleſs to tell how many bitter fighs and tears that
knowledge coft me; but it is now buried in oblivion.
Then the proceeded to beg their pardon for her rafh
folly, as the called it and they were too much over-
joyed not to forgive her every thing; and they expreſt
a great deal of fatisfaction in that they could now call
me their relation. We lived in all the contentment im-
aginable, returning heaven our grateful thanks for its
bounteous mercy. And now I am ſettled, I'll take my
leave of my reader with this couplet of the poet :
O never let a virtuous mind deſpair,
For conftant hearts are love's peculiar care.
FINI S.