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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05dc29f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53081 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53081) diff --git a/old/53081-0.txt b/old/53081-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b931a41..0000000 --- a/old/53081-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6156 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The life and adventures of Guzman -D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, by Alain-René Le Sage - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The life and adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue (3 volumes) - -Author: Alain-René Le Sage - -Translator: John Henry Brady - -Release Date: September 18, 2016 [EBook #53081] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE D'ALFARACHE, VOL. 3/3 *** - - - - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - - - THE - LIFE AND ADVENTURES - OF - GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE, - OR - THE SPANISH ROGUE. - - TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH EDITION OF - MONS. LE SAGE. - - BY JOHN HENRY BRADY. - - SECOND EDITION, - CORRECTED AND CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED. - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - - VOL. III. - - LONDON: - PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, - BROWN, AND GREEN, PATERNOSTER-ROW. - - 1823. - - London: Printed by J. Nichols and Son, - 25, Parliament-street. - - - - -THE LIFE OF GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE. - - - - -CHAP. XXXV. - - _Guzman appears at the Grand Duke’s Court, where a Lady falls in - love with him._ - - -The Grand Duchess had lately been brought to bed of a Prince, or rather -she was just recovering from her accouchement; and there was an -entertainment every day at the palace, where all persons of distinction -of both sexes did not fail to resort. The Cavaliers who lodged in the -same hotel with me, and who were of the first class of nobility of the -country, being only come to Florence to join in those diversions, were -so much the more assiduous in their attendance, as by these means they -made their court to their Prince. My host inquired of me the first -evening of my stay, whether I would eat by myself or with those -gentlemen. I replied, that I would do myself the honour of supping with -them; and when the time came, I entered the room just as they were -seating themselves at table. I assumed an easy carriage, and affected -the man of consequence, of which I was quite capable, and after I had -saluted them politely, I seated myself at the upper end of the room in a -chair which was handed me by Sayavedra, who performed his part of the -ceremony to admiration. - -This bold step attracted the attention of all the company present, who, -wishing to know who I was, were uselessly employed in inquiring that -information of each other in a whisper. They were most impatient to hear -me speak, hoping to discover my nation by my accent. I was malicious -enough to keep them in doubt even on this point. In vain did they -endeavour to provoke me to speak by little attentions at table; I -answered all their civilities either by most gracious looks or by an -inclination of the head. Being obliged, however, to utter a few words, I -passed in their opinion for a Roman; but afterwards giving orders to -Sayavedra in Spanish, puzzled them as much as before. - -One of these gentlemen, more curious than the rest, rose from table in -order that he might go and interrogate the host as to who I was. In a -few moments he returned to his seat with a satisfied air, and whispered -something to those next him, and they to the others; and I was in a -short time recognised by the whole party as the nephew of the Spanish -Ambassador. - -As soon as supper was over, all the company, looking upon me as a young -nobleman, crowded round me, and one of them addressing me said: “Perhaps -I was not aware that there was almost every day a ball at court, on -account of the birth of the young prince, that there would be one held -that very evening, and that if I had the least wish to go, they would -have the pleasure of conducting me to the palace.” I replied, “that it -would be most ungracious in me to reject so polite an offer, though -indeed my travelling clothes formed some obstacle to the gratification -of my curiosity; but that nevertheless, as I was not known at Florence, -I would have the honour of accompanying the party to partake of an -amusement of which I was exceedingly fond.” All the party, except -myself, were very elegantly dressed; as to me I did nothing but change -my shirt, and adjust myself a little. Ill-dressed as I was, however, in -comparison with the others, you will hear what happened to me at the -ball. - -When we entered the saloon, the Duke and a large party were already -assembled there. His Highness fixed his eyes on me immediately; and this -somewhat disconcerted me. I thought that he was either displeased at the -plainness of my dress, or found something ridiculous in my person; and -what convinced me the more was, that he pointed me out to a courtier who -stood by him, and as I imagined desired him to ascertain who I was. I -was not wrong in my conjecture; the courtier, whom I did not lose sight -of, made his way through the crowd and accosted one of the gentlemen -whom I had accompanied, whispered something to him, received an answer -in the same manner, and then returned to the Grand Duke, to whom I saw -him give an account of his commission. All this appeared to me equivocal -enough, and I did not know what to think of it, when the same gentleman -who had been addressed by the courtier, approached and said to me: “You -are known, Signor Cavalier; the Grand Duke knows that you are a relation -of the Ambassador from Spain to Rome. I should advise you to go -immediately and salute the Prince; he looks at you continually, and -seems to wish that you should take that liberty.” - -I followed the gentleman’s advice, thinking that I could not do less; -and accordingly advanced towards the Grand Duke, who perceiving my -design, was so condescending as to advance half-way to meet me. I -commenced with a most profound bow, and addressing his Highness, told -him in Italian, in an easy but respectful manner, “that I had but just -arrived at Florence, and I trusted he would pardon my presumption for -having ventured even in a ball-room, to offer him my most humble -respects; but having been informed that it was his desire to know my -name, I had come to announce it to him myself.” “I know it already,” -answered the Prince, “and I am not a little surprised to hear a Spaniard -speak Italian as well as a native of Rome.” To this remark I answered in -Spanish, “that I had long resided in that city.” He replied, in the -Castilian language, “that he never heard any one of my countrymen -pronounce Italian so perfectly.” Then, turning the conversation on my -Uncle the Ambassador, he told me, “he was well acquainted with him from -having had many affairs of consequence between them, and that he should -be most proud to testify his respect for him in my person.” He then -invited me to frequent the Court, with a thousand other compliments, to -which I could make no other answer than by bowing almost down to the -ground. This was not all; the Grand Duchess came up at that moment, and -I had the honour of being presented to her by the Prince her husband, -who told her at the same time who I was; and I verily flatter myself -that I got out of this dilemma in better style than, perhaps, the real -nephew of the Spanish Ambassador would have done in my place. - -The ball then commenced, and I retired from where I stood, for fear of -incommoding the dancers. After three or four dances, a lady came up and -was introduced to me by the Duke’s desire. I affected to wish to decline -dancing, though in fact I was particularly desirous; and pleaded in -excuse, that I had not long alighted from horseback, as might be seen by -my frightful dishabille. The Prince who heard me, put an end to the -contest, by crying out that he was sure I could not refuse so lovely a -lady, even were I to dance in boots. At this desire I instantly obeyed, -and my dancing attracted the attention of the whole company. The Grand -Duchess especially, who preferred Terpsichore to all the other Muses, -was so much pleased, that she requested me to dance some of the newest -figures, in which I acquitted myself equally well. This exhilirated my -spirits to such a degree, that I made love to all the ladies in company. -I would tell you, moreover, friendly reader, were I not fearful of being -deemed conceited, that of all the women in Italy, the Florentines -understand genteel behaviour the best, and I was by no means badly -received among them. - -Among the rest there were three young ladies present, who were decidedly -the ornaments of the Ball. I never saw more perfect beauties. It would -have puzzled any honest man to have made his choice of one of them. I -soon decided, however, favour of a Brunette, who attracted me by a -certain _je ne sçai quoi_ which the others did not possess. I attached -myself to that lady only during the whole ball. - -One of the gentlemen who had brought me to the palace, perceiving my -_penchant_ for this Brunette, approached me; “Signor Don Guzman,” said -he with a smile, “how many lovers will you distract with jealousy this -night, if you continue your attentions to that lady, who is a rich -widow, and has a great number of admirers.” My vanity was flattered by -this information, which inspired me with the design of attempting the -conquest of a heart which was disputed by so many rivals. I hazarded -some soft speeches which were not ill-received, but while my favorable -progress inclined me to push my success, the Grand Duchess, who had not -danced since her confinement, took a fancy to do me the honour of -choosing me for her partner. In fact, foreseeing the consequences, I did -all in my power to avoid it: but she would take no denial. The Grand -Duke, though he approved of the great respect I paid the Princess by my -diffidence, gave me to understand by a nod, that he wished I would -comply with the desires of her Highness: so that there were no means of -escaping. I danced and performed even better than before: which pleased -the Duchess so much that she would not leave off dancing with me, until -the Prince was obliged to beg her to desist, lest so much exertion -should injure her health. - -Their Highnesses then retired, and I accompanied them to their -apartment, together with the Lords of the Court, and returned with an -air of impatience to the ball-room, when I found the pretty Brunette was -also about to retire. I made love to her with so much ardour, that I had -the pleasure to see that she quitted me with regret. As soon as she was -gone I returned to the Hotel, with the before-mentioned gentlemen who -had rejoined me. I was so taken up with the honour that had been -conferred on me that evening, that I said but little in answer to the -compliments they paid me on my talents for dancing. On our arrival at -the Hotel, we took leave of each other with great politeness, and -retired to our chambers. - -When I was alone with Sayavedra: “My friend,” said I, “my joy overpowers -me, I must ease my heart.” At the same time I recounted to him all that -had happened at the ball, where I had been so much distinguished, the -infinite praise bestowed on me by the Duchess, and my flattering -reception from the Duke. My confident cared for nothing but what was -solidly advantageous. Praises he looked on as smoke; but the account of -the widow charmed him. His eyes sparkled with joy when I mentioned her -to him, “Think nothing of the rest,” said he; “this may turn out to your -advantage, if you know how to profit by the favourable impression you -have made on that lady.” Sayavedra and I employed half the night in -building castles in the air on this subject, and in deliberating what -course we ought to take to bring the affair to a happy issue. It was -resolved in council that on the ensuing day we should procure the large -trunk we had spoken of before, and that I should purchase as splendid a -suit as my purse would afford, to enable me to sustain at Court the -character I had already assumed. - -This resolution was followed by my giving strict orders to Sayavedra to -be in the field early the next morning to put our plans in practice: -after which I went to bed. Not that I could close my eyes during the -whole night, for it was already day, when, by rocking myself so -incessantly with chimeras, I fell asleep for a short time. Sayavedra, -who had returned from executing his commissions, came into my room and -awoke me. He was followed by a Tailor, at whose shop he had found a suit -ready made, which had never been worn. The Tailor told me, that it had -been ordered by a young Nobleman, who had suddenly disappeared from -Court, after having lost a large sum of money by gaming, and that he -desired nothing better than to get rid of it at a fair price. I got up -directly and tried it on, and most fortunately it fitted me as well as -if it had been made for me. Nothing was wanting but to fix the price: -which we agreed on, after a dispute which would have lasted longer, if -the Tailor had not wanted money, and if I had not had an earnest longing -for the suit; to which he added some gold lace to correspond: which -completed it in the fashion of dress at Rome. - -I had no sooner paid and sent away the Tailor, than my host came up and -informed me that the Grand Duke had sent me, while I slept, a present of -wine, fruits, and sweetmeats. This was a compliment that this Prince was -in the habit of making to the illustrious foreigners who visited his -court. The landlord added that he would not disturb my repose to -acquaint me with it. I was not sorry that I had not seen the gentleman -whom the Duke had sent with this present, as I must have paid pretty -roundly for the carriage; and I could not be too frugal, considering how -much I should need money to enable me to make any appearance at Court. I -thought then that I should escape this expense, in which I was a little -mistaken. Scarcely had my host ordered the Prince’s fruit and wine to be -brought into my chamber, when his Highness’s gentleman was announced to -me. I was obliged to endure a common place harangue, which ended in -informing me that the Duchess hoped to see me in the afternoon. I made -upon that an abundance of compliments to this gentleman, and Sayavedra, -like a well-bred valet, attended him to the door to slip a few crowns -into his hand. I amused myself then by trying on the rest of our -purchases: such as silk stockings, a superfine hat, ribbons, gay shoes, -linen, gloves, and every other necessary article of dress. Seeing that -nothing was wanting, I began by shaving, combing, cleaning, and -powdering myself; then being dressed, and looking at myself continually -in a glass, I turned towards my confidant, to ask him if he thought -there was any thing wanting. He answered, that I looked so well, that he -was much mistaken if I did not that day distract all the men with -jealousy and all the women with love. I did not fail then to put on my -elegant gold chain, and fasten below it with a ribbon a miniature -portrait of my dear master which he had given me the day before my -departure. - -I was like another Narcissus, enchanted with myself; I wished myself -already at the palace, so desirous was I of showing myself off. I think -I should have gone without any refreshment, if Sayavedra had not -represented to me that it was necessary to take care of the inside, on -which the outside depended; and that starvation was not very likely to -improve my complexion. Though I had but little appetite, for I was -puffed out with my dress, and my stomach might be said to be as full of -wind as my head was; I suffered myself to be prevailed upon to eat a -little of what my confidant ordered into my chamber. I was so fearful of -soiling myself in eating, that I was quite uneasy until dinner was -finished. I tasted the Duke’s fruit, and drank a few glasses of verdee -which had accompanied the fruits. I found this wine most excellent, and -I did not doubt but it would enliven my conversation, if taken in -moderation. After this slight repast, I walked up and down my room -strutting about; I did nothing but question my squire as to my -appearance, and he assured me that I was a very mirror of cavaliers. -Satisfied with this testimony, to which my self-love very readily -assented, I repaired to the palace, attended by Sayavedra, who, to do me -credit, had also made a few purchases for himself at the expense of my -purse, which began now to look rather foolish after such copious -bleeding. - -I was received at the Duke’s palace with as many honours as could -possibly have been conferred on the Ambassador himself. The Prince first -complimented me on my good looks; he then began to speak of the -Ambassador, and communicated something to me in the hope that on my -return to Rome I should repeat it to his Excellence. He was completely a -man of the world, and never spoke but with some motive. I soon observed -that he was anxious to engage me to speak of the Ambassador’s private -affairs, but I was so completely on my guard against him, that though I -staid two hours, not a single indiscreet word escaped my lips. Finding -his hints and flattery of no avail, he at length desisted, for fear of -exciting suspicion in my mind, and proposed that I should pay my -respects to the Duchess. - -I was exceedingly glad to be dismissed from a conversation which began -to grow tiresome, and I went immediately to wait upon the Duchess, who, -after receiving me with great politeness, told me that she had been much -delighted with my dancing the preceding evening, and especially with the -two last dances, which she should very much like to learn. I replied -that my humble ability was entirely at her service, and undertook that -she should be perfect in both dances before the next ball-night. She -seemed to anticipate much pleasure in the general surprise she should -cause in dancing these new figures, and desired that I would not speak -of it to any one. - -A fine concert was to form the amusement of the court that evening, and -I did not fail to appear there in all my charms, after having taken a -slight repast at my inn. I need not tell you that my first care was to -see if my charming widow was among the crowd. It was not long before I -perceived her; her rich and superb dress, and superior charms to all -around, could not long be concealed. I advanced towards her with an -eagerness which seemed by no means to displease her, and we continued to -converse together and admire each other, reciprocally exchanging the -most tender looks for some time. All this was exceedingly pleasant, but -still I was uncertain of my fate; and thinking that I had no time to -lose, I determined to explain myself more clearly, now that I had an -opportunity of speaking to her without being overheard. “Madam,” said I, -in a voice timid but empassioned, “to what punishment would you condemn -an insolent who could dare to tell you that he loves you?” The lady -blushed a little at this question, but answered, “that it depended upon -who it might be, whether she could have resolution sufficient to wish -him to be punished at all.” “In what a pitiable situation then am I,” -replied I, “in being prevented by the respect I owe to their -Highnesses, from this moment throwing myself at your feet!” My charming -widow answered only with her eyes, and I was myself so transported with -joy, that being no longer able to speak, I remained silent for some -moments, leaving my sighs to do the office of my tongue. - -I had scarcely regained the power of speech, which my joy had deprived -me of, when the lady touching my elbow, said with a confused air: “We -are observed, the Duchess is watching us with an attention that -embarrasses me; I request that you will withdraw a little distance from -me.” I retired immediately, not without complaining of the Princess’s -cruelty in disturbing the sweetest moments of my life. I then glided -behind the Duchess’s chair, whence, as though I had been very attentive -to the concert, I cried out: “It must certainly be confessed, that -nothing can be better performed.” This was really true, for the Duke -had some of the best players and singers in Italy; but I had not heard -sufficient to be able to decide on their merits, and the Duchess, who -well knew it, said it satirically, “You have certainly been so extremely -attentive to the concert, that you may boldly decide. But there is some -excuse for you,” added she smiling, “the lady’s charms are much more -attractive to you than those of music.” Her Highness, observing that -this embarrassed me, changed her tone, and asked me what I seriously -thought of the voices and performers. I then took the liberty of stating -my real opinion; and if I did not answer like a master of the art, I at -least made it apparent that I was not altogether ignorant of music. - -In about an hour the concert was interrupted by a magnificent collation -by way of interlude. I took this opportunity to return to my divinity, -to whom I now publicly paid the most marked attention, in preference to -the other ladies present; and my rivals now no longer doubted that I was -the favoured lover. Whatever malice, however, they might on this account -nourish against me, they none of them dared think of being revenged on -me, which they were well convinced the Duke would make them repent of. -For my part I cared so little for their displeasure, that I thought of -nothing but of completing the conquest of my charmer. And love seemed -willing to furnish me with opportunity; for just at this moment, a -musician passing close by us, I called to him, and asked if he knew the -two or three new airs that had lately been so popular at Rome. “I -received them only this day,” answered he, “so that I have not yet had -leisure to study them.” The ladies then asked me if I knew them. I -replied in the affirmative; and no sooner did they signify that they -should like to hear them, than, without waiting like a professional man -to be further pressed, I began to hum them in a very faint voice, -pretending that I did not wish all the company to hear me. No sooner had -I begun, however, than I was surrounded by all the ladies and gentlemen -near me. My notes were not so very inaudible but that they reached the -Duchess’s ear, who, advancing towards me, requested particularly that I -would give my voice full scope. - -I must not forget one circumstance. Her Highness made signs to my widow -and some other ladies of rank near her, to join the party to partake of -the pleasure she anticipated. They advanced towards her directly; and -the Duchess, either out of malice or goodness, placed them in such a -manner that my mistress stared me full in the face. After which she -whispered to me with a smile: “You see I am willing to pay you in -advance for the favour you are about to grant me.” At these words I -bowed most obsequiously, and least she should continue thus to -tantalize me, I hastened to begin my song. - -Have a care friend Guzman, you will here be ready to tell me, or you -certainly are going to praise yourself again. I confess that I am on the -point of so doing, and since I have told you all my bad qualities, it is -but fair that I should be allowed to say what I can in my own praise. My -voice then was so much admired, that the saloon resounded with applause. -And this is not much to be wondered at. A man who at Rome had passed for -a good singer, was not very likely to fail at Florence. In short I -amused the assembly until the fête broke up, when the Duke and Duchess -withdrew to their own apartments, and I rejoined my widow, who was -evidently waiting only to take leave of me. I had just time to say a few -sweet words to her, which were repaid with usury, and to request -permission to pay my respects to her at her own house. This is usual at -Florence, and was most gracefully granted. The lady even appointed an -hour herself, than which she could not have paid me a greater -compliment. - - - - -CHAP. XXXVI. - -_Sequel and conclusion of this fine Intrigue._ - - -When I returned home, I thought myself obliged to give my counsellor -Sayavedra an account of my fortune that day; even to the minutest -particulars. After having listened to me with the greatest attention, he -said to me: “Every thing goes well, and I do not doubt but the lady will -fall into our snares.” “Friend,” said I, “a prudent man is always in -doubt about the event. - -“When I think of the excess of my good luck, when I consider all the -advantages of it, and please my imagination that in the course of two -days I have reached the very summit of my wishes, I fear that fortune -has hitherto flattered my sanguine expectation, but to spoil and -confound my rash undertaking by some sad disaster.” “True it is,” -replied my confidant, “that the promises of hope are often fallacious, -but yet sometimes they must be fulfilled.” - -I slept more soundly that night than the last, and as soon as I rose the -next day I sent the present of sweat-meats I had received from the Grand -Duke, except some fruits and a bottle of wine, to my beautiful Brunette, -thinking I could not make a better use of it. I added to it gloves, and -all sorts of ribbons, which I had ordered Sayavedra to choose and buy -for me. My present pleased the widow exceedingly, as well as the note I -sent with it, and to which I was told she would in the evening give me -an answer by word of mouth, at the lady’s house, who expected to see me. -Unluckily the hour appointed for that visit was nearly the same I had -promised to be at court to finish the lessons of the two dances which -the Duchess had began to learn with me. To conciliate matters, I -resolved to go somewhat sooner than I was expected to the Princess’s, in -the hope of thus being able still to keep my appointment with the lady -also. I was mistaken in my reckoning; her Highness, who had a great -desire to make herself perfect in those two dances, made me dance them -so often with her, that it was not possible for me to take my leave of -her for that happy assignation, the hour of which to my great sorrow was -already passed, and caused within me the most expressive signs of -impatience. - -The Duchess perceived it, notwithstanding all my endeavours to -dissimulate. “What is the matter,” said she, “there is something that -makes you uneasy. I see what it is, your widow makes you think the -rehearsal rather too long; is it not so?” I plainly confessed the truth, -and owned the cause of my uneasiness, thinking by that she would let me -go sooner, but she did not. On the contrary she ordered me to remain -with her; but, rather than lose my company, she sent for my lovely -widow, ordering the messenger to make my excuses, and taking all the -blame upon herself. Nothing could be more gracious; I returned her -Highness my thanks in the most grateful terms, and then recovering my -usual gaiety, I repaid so much kindness, by saying a thousand pleasant -sallies, which made my conversation very agreeable to the Princess. When -the amiable Brunette came, extremely pleased with the honour the Grand -Duchess had done her, her Highness told her that she had sent for her to -make amends for the pleasure she had been deprived of while she -detained me; then caressing the lady on my account, she said so many -obliging and tender things in my favour, that it put me in confusion. We -three then began a little ball, till the hour fixed for the great one, -which no sooner arrived than we entered the ball-room, and as long as it -lasted my mistress and I did nothing but exert ourselves to make our -court to her Highness, who was fond of seeing us dance together. From -that very night our mutual love became public; every one looked upon us -as a couple of happy lovers. My rivals alone thought otherwise. - -The next morning I paid my widow the visit I was to have made her the -day before. I found that lady in company with two of her friends, whom -out of decency she had desired to be there, but who knowing well our -mutual inclination, gave us opportunity to whisper our sentiments to one -another; I heard from the lovely mouth of my peerless brunette, that -from the very first minute she saw me, she had felt for me, what in vain -her other lovers had endeavoured to inspire her with. In a word, I might -without affectation think myself tenderly beloved. As there was no gala -at the palace that day, their Highnesses being gone to honour an -important wedding in the city with their presence, my visit lasted the -longer. How many empassioned expressions escaped me! how many tender and -obliging words did she favour me with! and how happy were we in each -other’s company! - -It was late when I returned home. I was completely in love, and my mind -so enraptured with fine ideas, that I could scarcely speak. Sayavedra -suffered me to remain sometime overcome by this charming intoxication; -but seeing that my interest required it should be removed: “My dear -master,” said he, “you indulge yourself too much with the fair prospect -of your amorous intrigues; you forget that we are in a town much -frequented by travellers. You may chance to meet here somebody returning -from Rome, and who may know you. Every minute you run the risk of being -discovered. Take my advice and come to the point; know soon from your -mistress, how far your lucky stars will carry you, and lose no more time -like a whining lover.” - -The prudence of my confidant restored me to my senses, and the next day -I resolved to call upon my widow, fully determined to ask her consent to -our marriage. I was afraid of spoiling all by being too hasty, and it -was but with a trembling voice I entreated her to complete my happiness. -Far, however, from opposing the impatient desire I evinced to become her -husband; she confessed ingenuously that her intentions being similar to -mine, she had not the least wish for delay. “See my relations in the -first place,” she continued; “ask their approbation, and after you have -paid them that compliment, my consent shall not be wanting.” I threw -myself at her feet in an extacy of love and joy, and taking her hand -without any resistance on her part, I kissed it with rapture. I then -entreated her to seal her promise by accepting of a small ring that I -had on my finger. It was a pretty diamond, and extremely well set. She -consented to it, and suffered me to put it on her finger, on condition -that I should receive one from her in return. After this we talked as -freely together as if we were already married. Indeed I believe I might -have that very day attained the summit of my felicity, if I had been -more bold; but besides that I was extremely fearful of giving offence, -by betraying any guilty desires, I was too much in love, and had too -much esteem for her, to be capable of such rashness. - -When I returned from the house of my enamoured widow, and informed -Sayavedra of the result of my last conversation with her, shewing him -the token of the promise she had given me, a tear of joy sparkled in his -eye. “Cheer up,” cried he, “the wind blows fair; you sail before it; -proceed and enter the port. Do not fail to-morrow to visit your dear -widow’s relations, for I am fully persuaded they will give their -consent.” There was no need to encourage me to it. My mistress had told -me their names, and described their characters, that I might the better -know how to address myself to each of them in particular. Two of them I -knew already, who were about the same age as myself, and I made no doubt -of securing them in my interest. But there were some grave, phlegmatic -greybeards among them, of whom I was afraid. However I saw them all that -very morning. The two young sparks said presently that they consented -with all their hearts, if my addresses were agreeable to their cousin. -The uncles were not so easily prevailed upon. They said it was a family -affair; that they would have a meeting soon, and would let me know in a -day or two what had been resolved. Nothing was more prudent than this -proceeding, and whatever sorrow such delay occasioned me, I could find -no pretence to complain. - -I went after dinner to my mistress to give her an account of all these -visits. She told me it was enough; she expected the answer I met with, -and that we might in the mean time regulate all the marriage ceremonies -and the wedding concerns, to have it performed with all the splendour -suitable to persons of our quality; as there was no doubt that their -Highnesses would honour us with their company. After three days waiting, -two of my future spouse’s relations called upon me with an answer in the -name of the rest, saying they all approved of the honour I designed -their family, in entering into an alliance with their kinswoman, yet -they could wish of me, for the greater decency of the thing, that I -would condescend to engage my uncle the Ambassador to testify his -consent by a line to the Grand Duke, and a note out of courtesy to the -family to ask their approbation. I was sadly vexed at these conditions, -but collecting all my spirits to conceal the disorder I was in, I -replied with unparalleled assurance, that if that was all that prevented -our marriage, they should be soon satisfied. I promised to get from the -Ambassador not only general, but particular letters to every one of the -relations. As to the Grand Duke, I told them I expected every post a -letter from my uncle to His Highness, to desire his protection in the -affair of my marriage, having written to the Ambassador about it -already. The gentlemen were mightily pleased with this answer, and took -leave of me, fully relying upon the performance of my promise. - -Thus had I brought a pretty load upon my shoulders with these letters, -and the recommendation of the Ambassador. Had I attempted by a letter to -beg of him to make my fortune, in owning me for his nephew, God knows -how his Eminence would have caused me to be treated by the Grand Duke at -Florence, and in what fine style he would have recommended me. Therefore -I was by no means whatever inclined to adopt such a plan; I rather -preferred, and indeed it was the only resource left to me, to make the -last effort, by prevailing upon my mistress to marry me instantly. I -flew to her house as soon as her old relations had left me; accosted her -with a sad countenance, and related what had passed between us, and how -I saw myself doomed to die with impatience. “This delay,” said my widow, -“will not be so dreadful as you may think.” “Excuse me, Madam,” said I, -with the greatest emotion, “I may easily obtain from the Ambassador to -write in my favour to the Grand Duke, and to your relations; I may -venture to say that he will give this proof of his regard for his -nephew. But allow me to tell you, his temper is the cause of my fear. He -has too much prudence and delicacy not to get information first about -your family, and even about yourself, dear Madam, if I may venture the -word, for fear it might be only the amour of a young man. Such an -inquiry will require time that will appear an eternity to me, and almost -maddens me to think of.” I then expressed my sentiments on the subject, -in a manner which I cannot now detail; for when a lover speaks from the -dictates of his heart, he expresses himself at the time much more -pathetically than he can afterwards describe to another. - -All I now remember is, that my lovely widow was moved at my -representation of the sufferings I should endure by so long a delay; and -being perhaps no less impatient than I was to bend to the yoke of -matrimony, she replied, to comfort me, that she did not depend entirely -on her relations; that what she had done was for decency’s sake, and out -of respect to them. “I only desire three days respite,” she continued, -“to get the consent of such of my relations as are the best disposed to -it, and if unluckily they all oppose my design, we may be married -privately, and leave them and Monsieur Ambassador to settle their -business together afterwards by themselves.” It was not possible for me -to hear words more kind, and my whole frame was in a rapture. In a word -I shewed myself so sensible of her goodness to me, that I threw her into -great disorder, and the lady would have willingly spared me the three -days to hasten my felicity. - -Who would have supposed that a day so agreeable would have been followed -by the most fatal of my life! The next morning I rose to go to the -Church called _Annunciata_, one of the finest in the city, to hear Mass. -Hither all the fashionable people of both sexes used to resort. I met -there one of my mistress’s young relations, who was inclined to the -match. I accosted him, and we insensibly fell into a conversation upon -my intended marriage with his cousin. Whilst I was talking with him, a -beggar, whom I had already sent away twice without deigning to look at -him, returned a third time to the charge to ask alms. Earnestly engaged -as I was, in conversation so interesting, I grew impatient, and struck -him in the face with my glove. “You rogue of a beggar, will you not let -me be in quiet for you?” The poor man, who expected quite a different -sort of treatment from me, gave me this answer: “Oh, Mr. Guzman, if you -had been treated thus when you were a beggar like me, you would not have -set up for a great Lord as you do now.” This man’s voice and words, -which I heard and knew distinctly, struck me to the heart; I turned my -head about, and remembered he was one of my dear comrades at Rome, when -I was one of their fraternity. I changed colour in an instant, I -blushed, and looked on him with eyes sparkling with rage and choler. But -so far from being dismayed at it, he laughed, and made mouths and -grimaces at me, and muttered something as he retired. All the gentlemen -that were round us, and especially one of my rivals who had heard in -what manner the beggar had spoken to me, and observed that I was out of -countenance at the sight of him, were quite surprised. My rival who had -more interest than any to know the bottom of this adventure, followed -the beggar to the Church door, where he stood to ask alms. He took him -aside, and after having slipped a few pieces of money into his hand, -asked him if he knew me, and how he dared venture to talk to me as he -had done. The poor man, resenting yet the blow I had given him, and -burning with anger against me, told him the whole history of my life, -from the time of my coming to Rome, to my leaving the Ambassador of -Spain. - -This gentleman who had the greatest pretence of any of my rivals to the -hand of my mistress, rejoiced to hear such a singular piece of news, and -quite delighted with the information, he gave the beggar more pence, and -bade him come to his house after dinner, for a coat he meant to give -him; he also advised him to keep him out of the way for fear of me, who -might perhaps revenge the affront he had offered me in the very sight of -the church. As for him, he went up again to the widow’s kinsman, and -seeing that he was alone, for in the confusion I was in, I had thought -proper to leave him, he accosted him, and burning with impatience to -speak of me, he could not help giving him the information the beggar had -treated him with. The lady’s kinsman, somewhat disconcerted, only -answered that he could not believe a word of what the beggar had said, -who to all appearance took me for the wrong person. - -The two gentlemen then separated; the kinsman with some suspicion that I -was not what I appeared to be, and my rival triumphing in having made a -discovery which was likely to rid him of his most dangerous opponent. It -was half past eleven, and consequently there was a great deal of company -at the palace, it being the time when His Highness sat down to dinner. -My rival soon appeared, and mixing among the company whom he thought -most jealous of the favours I enjoyed with their Highnesses, told them -as a secret all he knew of me, praying them, however, not to divulge -the adventure, under a strict charge of secrecy, on purpose, no doubt, -that they should be the more eager to tell it, as in effect it happened; -for in less than a quarter of an hour’s time, it came to the duke’s -ears. This prince only laughed at it at first, and when he heard it was -reported by one of my rivals, he took it for a tale invented by a -jealous lover incited to it by despair; yet with his usual prudence, and -as the Grand Duchess had behaved so kindly towards me, he was extremely -anxious to know the truth of it. He commanded the beggar to be brought -secretly before him to court, in order that he might hear him himself. -He was obeyed; the poor man came, and the duke from behind the hangings -heard the whole history without being seen. When the prince had listened -attentively to the noble recital of these rare adventures, he commanded -the beggar to be put in prison, where, however, he should be well used; -with an order that nobody should see or speak to him till he was -entirely satisfied on the subject. - -If all this while I was not quite easy, at least I had not the slightest -suspicion of what was in agitation concerning me. It is true that the -cruel accident of the morning had caused me considerable concern; but I -expected that by giving a sum of money to the beggar, I should have -induced him to leave Florence, or at least obliged him to hold his -tongue. I even returned to Church as soon as Mass was over, in the hope -of finding him; but as he was not there I put off speaking to him till -the next day. As for what he had said to me, I was resolved to turn it -into a joke, if any one happened to speak about it, pretending that it -was an insolent rascal that had abused me for using him a little -scurvily. At last I had almost forgotten it, and went to court as I used -to do after dinner. I desired to see the duke, but I was told he was -engaged on particular private business. I then went to the apartments of -the duchess, who they said would see nobody, being a little indisposed, -and that there would not be any assembly that night. All this appeared -quite natural to me, and well enough pleased that I should have all the -afternoon and evening to pass with my widow, I flew to her house. There -I found the door crowded with her old relations’ footmen. I concluded -there was a meeting of them on occasion of our marriage; so I let them -alone, imagining my presence would disturb them. I made no stay there, -and not knowing what to do with myself, I went straight home, to wait -till the conference broke up. There I remained two hours, after which I -sent my faithful confidant to my mistress, to hear from her the event of -it. Sayavedra was told she was gone out. He went there again an hour -after, but the answer was, she could neither see nor speak to any one. - -Now indeed a dreadful scene opened before my eyes, and my heart became a -prey to sorrow and vexation. My faithful squire endeavoured to comfort -me, but all his reasonings and consolation could not banish from my mind -the dismal thought that fear inspired me with. I went to bed without my -supper, and the next morning got up, having taken no rest during the -night. I was just going to send a note to my widow, to desire the favour -of her to let me know when I should come and see her, when my host -brought me word that two gentlemen of my acquaintance wanted to speak -with me upon business of some importance. I ordered that they should be -introduced. These gentlemen entered with a sedate and serious -countenance, and one of them addressing me said: “We are come out of -pure friendship to inform you that there runs a very odd report of you -at court and in the city. It is said that far from being a man of -quality, you have acted mean and different figures at Rome. In a word -you have been the Ambassador’s domestic, and not his kinsman, as you -pretend to be. We know not if the Grand Duke has heard of it yet: -however, we would advise you as friends not to go to court, but to -procure the Ambassador’s attestations in your favour as fast as you can, -and prove the falsity of reports so much to your dishonour.” - -When this gentleman had concluded his speech, so mortifying to me, I was -thunderstruck, and ready to swoon away; my speech failed me when I began -to make an apology. I answered, however, that I could not have believed -my enemies could have carried their slander so far; but before the end -of the day, I would take post and go to Rome myself, to obtain authentic -attestations more than enough to confound the malicious plan of jealous -rivals. The two gentlemen approved of my resolution, and withdrew to -make their report to the Grand Duke; for it was by his order that they -had come to me, though they had pretended it was purely of themselves, -and out of kindness to me. They were no sooner gone than my trusty -friend entered the chamber, and guessing by my looks the afflicting news -I had to relate, felt the greatest grief when I told him what was the -matter. However, far from being cast down as I was by this misfortune, -he bore up against it, and with a firmness that astonished me. “Now -master,” said he, “you must shew yourself a man of courage and -stedfastness. Can you be surprised after having acted so delicate a part -as you have done in the eyes of all the world, that some mischance -should happen that gives a sad and gloomy turn to the plot of the play? -for my part I always expected it; but after all our fall is not so great -but we may rise again; thanks to your lucky stars, the free country is -left open before you; let us make use of our time, and immediately leave -Florence and the Duke’s territories, and betake ourselves elsewhere, to -comment at leisure on this change of fortune.” - -This prudent reasoning restored me by degrees to my senses, and upon -reflection I could not help thinking that I had deserved to be treated -with more rigour than I had been. I told Sayavedra that his advice was -too good not to be followed, and if we could set out post within an -hour, it would be most desirable. “Nothing is so easy,” answered he; -“your horse is sold, we are not without cash, and have only therefore to -hire post horses, and begin our journey. Depend on me for providing -every thing for our departure.” “Well,” replied I, “my friend, do what -you think proper. Alas!” I continued, with a deep sigh, “could I but -once more see my beloved widow I should part contented!” I expected -Sayavedra would have opposed my desire, but on the contrary he assured -me that he would procure me that satisfaction before we were ready to -mount our horses. - -While I was engaged in expressing to my confidant my satisfaction in -having met with a man so entirely devoted to my interest, my landlord -came and told me a young woman desired to speak with me. At first I -trembled for fear, for the least thing alarmed me, in the situation I -was in. However I recovered myself when I found this young woman was one -of my mistress’s waiting maids, who brought me a note from my widow, -containing these few words, “_I expect you at my Cousin’s to inform you -of circumstances of the utmost importance: farewell!_” I desired the -maid to tell her mistress I would call upon her immediately, and as soon -as she was gone, turning to Sayavedra: “See,” cried I, “what I wished -for is come to pass. I fear it will be painful to me to endure the -conversation of a lady I am so much in love with, and whom I shall never -see again. Be that as it may, however, I must see her, though I die for -it.” I charged Sayavedra accordingly, to settle every thing for me. -“Make not yourself uneasy,” said he, “about any thing, and you may -expect that in an hour and a half at the most, I shall be with the post -horses near about the house you are going to.” - -Every thing being settled with Sayavedra, I hastened to my mistress. I -found her in a dishabille, which betrayed more of disorder than of -negligence; she looked dejected and pale; her eyes were still moist with -weeping; in a word she was so altered, that she was not like the same -person. On my part I was no less confused than herself. As soon as her -cousin perceived me enter the room, she withdrew. - -Now that my mistress found herself alone with me, she raised her eyes -full of tears towards me and said, “Have you heard all the frightful -scandal that is reported of you in Florence?” “Yes,” said I, “I have -been informed what horrid slander my enemies have circulated against me, -and in an hour’s time I take horse to return to Rome, and in five or six -days I shall bring back such authentic proofs of the falsehood of their -calumnies as to confound them.” These words somewhat relieved her. She -then told me the substance of her relations’ conference held at her -house; all that the beggar had said; the terrible stories he had told of -me to all that asked him any thing about me; and concluded by -reprobating the curiosity of the Grand Duke who could condescend to -listen to so wretched a fellow himself. - -I suffered the lady to talk as long as she chose, without interrupting -her; for I was so confused, that I could not immediately make any -answer to the purpose. I shrugged up my shoulders, raised my hands and -eyes to heaven, groaned, and made a thousand gestures, which persuaded -her much more of the falsity of these reports, than all the powers of -human eloquence. “Do not suffer yourself to be afflicted immoderately,” -said she with tenderness; “I have loved your person though your rank was -unknown to me, and were you not what I think you are, I feel that I -should still love you. Perhaps I should not have taken notice of the -charms that I have observed in you, had I looked upon you at first as a -person of low condition: my pride and my birth would not have suffered -me to cast my eyes on such a one; but having once seen those charms I -can never forget them.” Her generosity and tenderness had so powerful an -effect on me, that I fell down in a swoon. She thought I was dying, and -it was with the greatest difficulty that she had strength enough to -call her cousin, who had much ado to manage us both, and was obliged to -call in the assistance of one of the waiting women. A minute after these -two persons had succeeded in restoring me to my senses, I was told that -my valet was in the ante-chamber and my horses ready. It was then that I -found what it was to love, and felt the pangs of parting with the -beloved object. Never was there a more tender and moving farewell. - -I was so little myself, and so full of sorrow when I left the house of -her cousin, that I did not see Sayavedra who stood directly before my -eyes, but passed by without speaking to him; he followed me, and -observing I was almost distracted, spoke not a word, but led me where -the horses waited for us. I mounted immediately, and galloped the whole -of the first stage without speaking a word: but at the second my squire -asked me if I had any object in travelling the road to Rome. I answered -that I wished it to appear that I was going to that city, but at the -next stage we would stop, and consult what was best to be done. - - - - -CHAP. XXXVII. - - _Guzman takes the road to Bologna, in the hope of there meeting - with and prosecuting Alexander Bentivoglio, who had robbed him._ - - -When we came to the first stage, we stopped to take some refreshment and -rest, which I stood very much in need of, having partaken of neither for -the last twenty-four hours. After that we began to consult together. - -“I think,” said I to Sayavedra, “that we ought without delay to go to -Bologna. I have some idea that we shall there meet Alexander -Bentivoglio, and if it be our good luck to find him, I do not doubt but -by composition, or a law suit, I shall get part of my property again.” -My confidant confirmed me in my opinion, by saying; “let us hire horses -then, and set off to Bologna; but give me leave, if you please, to -remind you of the danger I shall run in appearing in that town. I am -fully of opinion as well as you that Alexander is there, and if -unluckily for me, he should see me there, he will be anxious to know -what brought me to Bologna, and as sure as he discovers that we came -together, he will suspect your design and either run away himself, or -get me assassinated. This is not all,” added he; “I cannot be of any use -to you in the business, without running the risk of my own neck; since I -must suffer myself to be committed to prison; and once confined, shall -never get out again, except by a special dispensation from heaven.” - -I approved of Sayavedra’s reasons, and we agreed that he should not -appear in the streets of Bologna, but keep as closely concealed as he -could in the inn where we should take up our lodging, and not meddle in -the law-suit, in case I should institute any. After all, I did not -imagine his testimony would be necessary to help me to get my thief -compelled to restore at least part of my property. My confidant, pleased -with this agreement, professed himself quite ready to follow me. We set -off immediately on common hacks, and the next day towards evening we -reached Bologna. We alighted at an inn, where I found some strangers -brought to that town by their several occupations. I supped with them, -and retired pretty early into a neat little room which Sayavedra had -bespoke for me. I slept very little, all my thoughts being taken up -about that rogue Alexander, and I rose early in the morning to inquire -at once if he was not in the country. I went out by myself, and walked -for a quarter of an hour about the streets. As I was passing before the -great church, I cast my eyes upon five or six young fellows who were at -the door, and I observed one among them whose coat impressed me with a -strong suspicion that he was the man I was looking for. I at first -mistrusted my eyes, but after a long examination, I knew for certainty -that it was the coat which a Neapolitan officer had made me a present -of, to whom I had been serviceable in speaking to my Lord Ambassador in -his behalf. - -I was so enraged at seeing this rascal bedecked in my finery, that it -was with some difficulty I could restrain myself from running him -through with my sword; but as his good luck would have it, or perhaps -mine rather, my more reasonable thoughts prevented me. “Softly,” said I -to myself, “be not too hasty: let the gaol-bird live, and he may then -possibly pay his debts; but if you kill him you will certainly be as -much the sufferer as he. Besides those young fellows that are standing -by him will of course take his part; and even if they should not -interfere, remember that he has the reputation of a bully, and you may -not have fair play. At all events, instead of plaintiff, you would -become defendant.” Having thus fully convinced myself of the folly of -exposing myself by such an action, which would have made my journey -fruitless at least, if not fatal; I returned to the inn, and asked my -landlord if he could recommend me an experienced lawyer. He answered in -the affirmative, and immediately sent for one who lived in the -neighbourhood, and who, considering his profession, was a tolerably -honest man. I first inquired of this gentleman, whether he knew one -Alexander Bentivoglio, son of a solicitor of the same name? He replied, -“that there were very few who did not know both father and son.” I then -asked, “if he was any relation or friend to them?” “No, thank God!” -answered he with some haste; “I should be very sorry to have any such -relations or friends.” - -After these two questions, which I thought prudent and necessary, I told -him the particulars of the loss of my trunks. He listened to me with the -utmost _sang-froid_, and did not seem in the least surprised. He even -owned to me, that in Bologna, they were quite used to hear such -adventures of master Alexander, who frequently played similar games. I -am by no means certain, however, continued he, even though you commence -an action against him, that you will be at all the better for it. You -will have to deal with a formidable opponent in his father, who has put -himself above the laws by the wickedness of his disposition, and -rendered himself terrible to all the inhabitants of this city, who dread -him as much as fire. The best advice I can give you, is to have a -conversation with this father of his, who, perhaps, may rather choose to -come to terms with you, than suffer such a piece of villainy to be made -public. This is the only probable way to recover any part of the -property you have lost. I answered, “that I was of the same opinion; -for, besides the dislike I had for law-suits, I considered that I should -not get much by prosecuting a thief, and particularly one who happened -to be the son of a man of such a character. I therefore requested him to -call upon the father himself; but, as I found he did not wish to have -any thing to do in an affair disagreeable to counsellor Bentivoglio, I -promised him a good reward for his trouble in case of success.” He could -not stand against this promise, and at once found resolution enough to -go to Alexander’s father. - -My Solicitor soon returned, but his looks showed that his answer was -not satisfactory, and I could easily perceive, that his trouble had -been in vain. He told me, that the haughty lawyer had used him very ill; -that so far from agreeing to any terms of accommodation, he said that he -felt his honour wounded, and was so offended at such a proposal, that he -insisted that I was the thief, and his son the person who had been -robbed, and ended his discourse with the most violent threats against -me. I resolved then, since I was compelled to do it, to implore the help -of justice. The Solicitor, good man, prayed to be excused; for his -undertaking the cause would be the ruin of himself and family, the -father of my adversary having threatened to send them all to the -hospital, if he knew that either directly or indirectly he gave me the -least assistance. “Recommend me then, at least,” said I, “to some able -lawyer.” He was in doubt whether he would even oblige me so far as this, -so great was his dread of the Bentivoglio’s; but observing that I -pulled some money out of my pocket to pay him for his trouble, he named -a counsellor of great experience and probity; and what was more, a -secret enemy of my adversary’s, but he desired me not to mention who had -directed me to him. - -I went accordingly to this gentleman, told him my case, and how I had -been robbed at Sienna. As soon as I had finished, he said, the whole -city of Bologna was already informed of this adventure. Alexander -returned home laden with clothes, which, it was reported he had won of a -young Spaniard at Rome, but it was well understood at what game he must -have played to get them. “Do not lose time, added he; carry on the -business briskly; I do not doubt that justice will be done to you, in -spite of all the exertion of old Bentivoglio to the contrary.” I -replied, “that I depended entirely on his integrity and capacity, -putting myself and my cause into his hands, not doubting that he would -act in the business so that I should have no occasion to repent of -having come to Bologna.” He assured me, that he would do his best; and -that I had only to take a walk in the town, and call upon him three -hours after; which I did. When I returned, I found my declaration ready -drawn, with a true recital of the case, arranged much to my -satisfaction. - -We went together and gave it to the magistrate called _El Oydor del -Torron_[A]. The more I observed my lawyer, the more was I convinced that -he went regularly to work, as much to maintain my rights as to vex his -brother lawyer Bentivoglio; but whether this latter had been aware of my -design, or that he was an intimate of the auditor or register, no sooner -was my declaration against Alexander delivered in, than he had a hint -of it, and another was presented against me before the same magistrate, -in the name of the lawyer Bentivoglio, setting forth that I had defamed -his son, requiring damages for the injury done his reputation, and -further that I should have corporal punishment. My lawyer said that was -nothing; “if Bentivoglio,” said he, “has no more skill to show us than -this, we have not much to fear; we shall be able to answer him when the -auditor has answered our petition,” which he soon did. But in what -manner, good heaven? by ordering that within three days at the furthest, -I should produce my evidence of the robbery of which I accused Signor -Alexander Bentivoglio. - - [A] The Auditor of the Tower, or Judge in criminal cases. - -Had I dispatched a man express to Sienna for a copy of the allegations -mentioned in my declaration, I could not have had an answer in so short -a time. - -The auditor could not be ignorant of this, since in my petition I had -expressly declared that it was from Sienna that I expected my strongest -proofs. My lawyer remonstrated in a second petition, that it was against -custom to prescribe a fixed time to the plaintiff. By this he hoped at -least to maintain a longer time, but he was again disappointed. Not -being able now to doubt any longer the connexion that subsisted between -the auditor and the honest man I had to contend with, he said to me with -the utmost confusion, and blushing at the horrible injustice I met with -in his own country; “I have no other advice to give you but to quit this -town; it is not safe for you to remain here; I see but too well the -wicked trick they have served you; you will only spend your time and -money here to no purpose, and I am not sure that you will even get off -at so cheap a rate. In one word you are a stranger: and I blush to -confess that every thing is thought lawful here against foreigners.” - -“Is it possible?” said I, in a tone expressive enough of my -indignation; “sure we are not at present in a country of barbarians.” -“Yes, worse than barbarians,” said he, “for among them, justice is -administered according to the law of nature, but here we have no law at -all. I repeat it again,” continued he, “my advice is, that you tarry no -longer in a part of the world where the chief magistrates are so little -scrupulous as to make the guilty pass for innocent, and treat the -innocent as guilty.” I promised my lawyer that the very next day I would -follow his advice. I thanked him for the pains and trouble he had been -at, and pulled out my purse to recompense him, but he declined taking -any thing from me. “You have lost enough already,” said he, “if I were -to take any fee from you, I should deserve, I think, to be considered as -one of those whom you have to complain of. Besides, I wish, that in -quitting the city of Bologna, you may be convinced that though rogues -are abundant, yet there are a few men of honour to be found in it.” - -I returned to my lodging, mightily pleased with the frank proceeding of -my lawyer, and found Sayavedra in no small fear, lest I should sacrifice -him to recover my goods. Undoubtedly, if I had produced him in Court, it -would at once have defeated the arts of old Bentivoglio; but it never -entered into my heart to be guilty of such a piece of treachery. I had -forgiven him, and since that time he had served me so faithfully, that -he left me no occasion to remember what he had done. I told him that our -law-suit was finished, though no judgment had been given upon it; that -we had but to seek our fortune elsewhere, and that, as I intended to set -out for Milan the next day very early in the morning, he had nothing to -do but to hire post-horses, and prepare every thing for our journey. I -had scarcely finished giving these orders to Sayavedra, when there -entered the inn a great number of bailiffs and bailiffs’ followers,--a -trade the devil would not be of. They made no more ado, but took me by -the collar and hauled me off to prison. I asked for what I was -committed, and what I had done to merit such usage? I was answered I -should know in good time; which I did indeed, and found that it was for -the crime of having been robbed, and that I should be very lucky if I -got out of prison by being sent to the galleys. That Counsellor -Bentivoglio, in order to punish me for my insolence in bringing an -action against his son, and presenting petitions that were looked upon -as defamatory libels against the nobility of his family, and more -particularly against Signor Alexander, whose morals and good manners -were so well known in the city of Bologna, had obtained from the justice -of the Auditor a warrant to arrest me, until I should be adjudged a -punishment suitable to my rashness. - -This notable accusation took up a whole sheet of paper, and all the -while I read it I raised my hands and eyes towards Heaven with looks of -astonishment, to the great amusement of the jailor and his companions, -who laughed heartily in their sleeves at me. I remained two or three -days without seeing any body but the keeper and his men, who wantonly -insulted me, and made me their laughing-stock. This place appeared to me -to be the true picture of Hell. I should have been starved had I not had -money, and as it was, I paid for what I had at least three times its -value. In addition to this, I was obliged to keep on terms with the -jailor, who, out of an excess of civility, constantly visited me at my -meals, eat up half of what I had paid for, and afterwards had the -impudence to say he did not honour any other prisoner so much as to give -him his company. - -Sayavedra, who, for the reasons I have before mentioned, dared not -appear in the town to solicit for me, employed my landlord, who, moved -with compassion to see me so ill used, went to my lawyer to prevail upon -him not to give me up to the wickedness of my enemies. This counsellor, -like a charitable and generous man, indignant at the tyranny that was -exercised, in contempt of the laws, against a helpless stranger, again -espoused my cause, to get me out of the clutches of these robbers; and, -to avoid an ignominious sentence, he advised me to consent to an -accommodation proposed to me by the adverse party, and which I shall not -fail here to mention. They made me sign a paper containing in substance -a recantation of my charge against Signor Bentivoglio, and a -declaration, drawn up in excellent form, that I knew this same Signor to -be a very honest gentleman, of a moral life and irreproachable honour, -begging his pardon for having accused him of so foul an action, and -stating that what I had done was at the instigation of some enemies of -his, having myself no manner of cause of complaint against him. - -These were the honourable means they found to accommodate the parties. I -had no sooner signed this declaration against my honour and my -conscience than I was discharged; and, in truth, what would not I have -written? What would not a man say or do to get out of prison? Those who -know what it is to live in such a place will excuse me for having -proclaimed a thief to be an honest man for the sake of my liberty. I -repaired immediately to my inn, where I found Sayavedra in a most -disconsolate state of mind, much doubting whether the application of my -solicitor, and the scandalous reports in the town concerning my -imprisonment, would prevail so far as to extricate me from confinement. -This dear confidant was overjoyed to see me, whom he did not in the -least expect. The gentlemen who lodged at the inn were just going to sit -down to dinner. As soon as they saw me enter, they all embraced me, and -wished me joy of my enlargement, telling me how much they had been -concerned at my misfortune. During dinner the whole discourse ran upon -my judges, and Heaven knows they did not spare them. For my part I spoke -of them with a great deal of prudence, for fear of some new accident. - - - - -CHAP. XXXVIII. - - _Guzman, being out of Prison, prepares to set off to Milan, but an - opportunity offers of getting money, and he delays his journey._ - - -Dinner being over, I ordered Sayavedra to hire horses for Milan, whither -I intended to proceed the next day; for, after what had happened to me -at Bologna, that place had now become more unpleasant and dangerous to -me than Florence. Whilst my squire was gone to execute this commission, -I called upon my lawyer again, and offered him my purse, but, still -carrying on his generosity, he declined it, telling me that all he -wished of me was to be persuaded that he regretted nothing so much as -his inability to obtain me justice. I replied, that I felt as much -obliged to him as if he had obtained for me a restitution of all I had -lost; and we parted with the most sincere protestations of service and -friendship. - -Having returned to the inn, and finding myself at a loss how to employ -my time, I amused myself by looking over three gentlemen who were at -cards. I seated myself at the side of one of them, and observed his -game; and, by a whim common enough to the human mind, felt myself -insensibly more concerned in his behalf than for the two others. When he -lost I felt sorry, and when he won I was as glad as if I was entitled to -a share of his gains. Fortune was for a long time doubtful between the -three players, though the money flew about among them in plenty. They -had each at least thirty pistoles before them, and played for large -stakes. The one whom I felt interested for seemed to know the least of -the game, and was consequently soon the loser, when the company grew -warm, and the bets began to run high, I longed mightily to advise; and -though I knew that would not be fair, I could scarcely resist when I -perceived that he had lost almost all his money. At length he lost the -last farthing; after which he rose and left the room, telling the -company he would procure more money, and should expect his revenge after -supper. By what I afterwards learnt, this young man had just arrived at -Bologna, to take his degrees in the civil law, for which purpose his -friends had supplied him with sixty pistoles, which he had thus quickly -got rid of, without having obtained even his doctor’s cap. One of the -two gentlemen who had so completely emptied his pockets was one of his -fellow-students, a nobleman of Bologna, and the other had the appearance -of a French officer. This latter was somewhat older than his comrades, -and the most skilful of the three. The French are no fools at gaming, -though they sometimes meet with persons of other nations who trim them -in their turns. - -I withdrew to my own room, so much the more sorry that my doctor _in -fieri_ had lost, as I feared I had brought him ill-luck. Prepossessed -with this ridiculous idea, I reproached myself in having stood by him -all the game, and considered myself as the cause of his ruin. Then -recollecting myself, and blushing at my foolish sensibility: what an -egregious fool I am, thought I, thus to torment myself about what does -not in the least concern me. Have I not troubles enough of my own, but I -must grieve for other people’s losses? While my mind was occupied with -these thoughts, I heard the young man enter his own room which was only -divided from mine by a thin partition. He had just returned from the -town without having been able to get any more money, and, more enraged -against those who had refused to lend him any than those who had -stripped him of his last farthing, “What misery!” cried he; “is it -possible that in a town like Bologna, an honest man cannot find means of -borrowing thirty pistoles? sure the inhabitants must be Turks instead of -Christians;--indeed I can scarcely believe but the Turks would have -humanity enough to relieve me in such an emergency!” Thus saying, he -sighed most bitterly and stalked up and down the room for a considerable -time; then relapsing into his passion, he roared like a bull, struck -the table with his fist, and bestowed all the curses he could think of -on the inhabitants of Bologna. At length, tired of raving and swearing, -he threw himself upon the bed, continuing his lamentations in a more -plaintive tone. - -In vain did I endeavour to harden my heart, for I felt, in spite of -myself, much afflicted at his misfortune. At this moment my confidant -entered my chamber, and told me that after considerable difficulty, he -had been so fortunate as to find return horses to Milan. “Speak low my -friend,” said I, in a whisper. “My neighbor is so distressed at the loss -of his money, that he has excited my pity, and I will confess to you -that I have some idea of avenging his cause.” “How can you effect that?” -said Sayavedra. “By taking his place this evening, and playing in his -stead, to be sure,” answered I. “It must be neck or nothing--full -pockets or empty all of a sudden. At all events, it is very certain that -the small sum we have now left will not carry us far. Thirty pistoles, -which is the utmost we have, will go such a little way with travellers -who do not condescend to walk, and who live like noblemen at inns, that -it appears to me we cannot hesitate a moment. What think you, Sayavedra, -what do you advise? Tell me not that I am going to occupy the place of -one whose ill-luck may be contagious, as I am no superstitious player, -and besides shall be quite a match for my opponents.” - -My confidant replied, “that he always approved of whatever I thought -proper to do; but that since I condescended to consult him, he would -recommend me not to trust too much to chance, but to take measures to -ensure good fortune.” “What measures?” said I, pretending to be quite a -novice in the business. “Are you ignorant then,” said he, “that when -people play for the sake of whining, it is common to make use of every -means without ceremony to strip our neighbour’s pockets? Honest folks -now-a-days do this without the slightest scruple of conscience. Be -assured, that what I tell you is true, and be not a greater fool than -others; I will assist you as far as the little knowledge I have in these -matters will avail.” I was overjoyed at this proposal of Sayavedra’s; -and more particularly as he volunteered his services on this occasion; -for up to this moment I had kept up at least the _appearance_ of honesty -with him, which is absolutely necessary if one expects to be faithfully -served. - -I now, however, told him that, as he well knew, I could have no other -object than that of gain, and that if he was acquainted with an -infallible mode of always playing with success, I should be glad to -learn it of him; and that if even there were a little spice of knavery -in it, it were surely pardonable in the present deplorable condition of -my finances. He was charmed in his turn at my apparent readiness to -submit to his instructions. “I need only give you one lesson,” said he, -“to enable you to get all the money at the table. I shall watch my -opportunities to take a turn round the room, either to snuff the -candles, or to bring you a glass of wine; meantime I shall see what -cards your adversaries hold, which I can easily communicate to you by -signs agreed upon between us.” Sayavedra having thus instructed me, I -agreed with him that I should be a fool indeed were I lose with such an -assistant. We agreed then upon our signs, and my preceptor did not fail -to perceive that he had a very apt scholar in me. - -About supper time I repaired to the parlour, where the two fortunate -players were already in waiting. My neighbour, the young lawyer, soon -arrived, and we all sat down to table. During the whole of the repast, -this young gentleman, melancholy as he was at heart, used every effort -to appear gay, talked a great deal, drank the healths of all present, -and affected the utmost good humour. After supper his two opponents -proposed cards, and as they were taking their seats, the young lawyer -said: “Gentlemen, I trust you will not object to play with me for thirty -pistoles on my honour, having to-morrow a very considerable sum to -receive.” At these words the Frenchman pulled a long face, and said -nothing; and his companion declared at once, that he played with no one -upon credit: that he had taken an oath to that effect, having always -remarked that it brought him ill-luck. “Very well, gentlemen,” replied -the other, “have but a little patience, and I will run to a merchant -whom I was not so fortunate as to find at home in the morning, who will -in a moment lend me whatever I want. The two gentlemen answered that he -would be sure to find them in the parlour if he returned before -midnight.” - -It was now my turn to speak; addressing myself therefore to the two -gentlemen who remained, I suggested, that if agreeable to them I should -not object to make a third hand until the return of their comrade: that -I would instantly give up my place to him should he rejoin the party, as -having determined to leave that place very early the next morning, I -could not have the pleasure of their company long. The gentlemen, who -judged from my physiognomy that I could have but little knowledge of the -game, answered, with joy, that they should esteem it an honour. While -they were preparing the cards, I called to Sayavedra to bring me some -money. He threw our whole stock, which was about thirty pistoles, on the -table with a careless air, telling me he would go up stairs and get more -if I thought I should require it. I replied that it was quite -sufficient, for that I should think of retiring to bed when that was -lost. - -We were soon in a proper train. Sayavedra seated himself in a chair near -the fire-place, and remained there by my orders to be in readiness to -wait upon us. Being rather lucky in the onset, I soon got a hundred -crowns in my pocket, without the least chicanery. This looks well, -thought I, and if unfortunately for me he should return with his purse -replenished, I shall not have occupied his seat for nothing. My good -luck seemed to vex my adversaries exceedingly, who, fearing lest I -should retire to bed, as I continually kept threatening to do, in order -to irritate them the more, proposed to double the stakes. I made no -objection, and a moment after, seeing that now was the time, I called to -Sayavedra, “Wake up you lazy dog,” said I, “have you nothing to do but -to sleep there? give me a glass of wine directly.” He rose up with the -most innocent air possible, pretended to be but half awake, and in -pouring out a glass of wine, enabled me by his signals to pocket fifteen -of my opponents’ pistoles in a twinkling. My fund was now considerably -increased; but to keep up the plan we had agreed upon, I allowed them to -win some of this back again, though I might easily have added to my -gains. - -To say the truth, with my own knowledge of the tricks of the game, I -might easily have emptied the purses of these gentlemen, who were by no -means good players. It must, however, be confessed that I won their -money much quicker with Sayavedra’s assistance, especially when it was -not my turn to shuffle the cards. At last, I found myself master of all -the money that had been spread upon the table, and said, “Gentlemen, it -is very late; you know that I have a right to retire: nevertheless, that -you may not think that I wish to carry off your money, and take an undue -advantage, let us play again to-morrow, and I will not set off as I -intended, though I have already hired horses for that purpose.” Nothing -being more capable of consoling losers than the hope of having their -revenge, they pressed me no longer to continue the game that night, and -we accordingly separated, each taking the way to his own room, they -fearing that I should break my word, and I fully determined to keep it. - -Joy of having won so much money, and the agitation of my spirits caused -by the game, prevented me for a long time from tasting the sweets of -sleep. Happily, however, nothing but agreeable images occupied my -thoughts. It was very different with my unfortunate neighbour, who had -returned from the city without having been able to raise any money, and, -not daring to shew his face in the parlour, had sneaked to bed full of -rage and shame. I heard him sigh most bitterly, and tossing himself in -bed from one side to the other. I was delighted in having avenged his -cause to my own profit; but what is strange, felt no longer any -compassion for him, as though he was less to be pitied because I had got -his money. So true it is that we commiserate the misfortunes which we do -not cause, but are insensible to those which are advantageous to -ourselves. - -The next morning my two gaming friends were particularly anxious to -ascertain of the servants whether I was gone or not, and were much -pleased when they learnt that I had really postponed my departure. They -were afraid that I should escape them, while on the other hand nothing -was less in my thoughts than to leave them without making myself master -of the remainder of their money; but to increase their anxiety, I did -not make my appearance in the parlour until dinner time. Without -appearing to take any notice of them, I soon perceived, even during our -meal, how eager they were to return to the attack with me; meantime I -affected a coldness and indolence, the better to persuade them that it -was purely out of complaisance that I was willing to give them their -revenge. - -No sooner was dinner over than cards were brought in, and my two -champions, to shew that they were well provided for the contest, drew -out a long purse each, well stored with good pistoles and Spanish -doubloons, which they threw on the table, saying, “Behold, signor -cavalier, what you will no doubt carry off to-morrow with you.” Little -did they think how truly they said this! We took our places then, and -the game commenced. It was my intention to lose at this point, so that I -had no occasion for Sayavedra. It being by no means my intention that -they should win much of me, I manoeuvred it so well that I lost but -about forty crowns after dinner, when the Frenchman proposed to play -higher. “No,” said I, “we have played now for a long time; let us -therefore rest a little, and we shall then be better able to devote a -part of the night to this religious pastime.” - -The hope they entertained of treating me still worse, or rather of -ruining me, enabled them to keep up their patience until after supper. -On my side my intentions towards them were not a whit more charitable, -which I soon made appear when we set to again. Fortune was at first -rather adverse, but with my own skill and the assistance of my faithful -squire, I soon obliged her to declare herself for me, and my gentlemen -soon lost all their doubloons, which were transferred from their purses -into mine. After which, leaving the game to go to their chambers, they -told me that if I should be in the humour to give them another game the -next day, they should not be afraid of me. I answered that I should like -nothing better, and that they would find me always ready to accommodate -them. - -I then retired to my own chamber with my confidant, who immediately -prepared to undress me, but I prevented him. “It is no time now to enjoy -rest,” said I; “it is too late to enjoy the comfort of reposing between -two sheets at this inn. I intend to depart hence without beat of drum as -soon as possible.” Sayavedra reminded me that I had first promised the -gentlemen to play another game with them. “I have not forgotten,” -replied I, “that I made such a promise; but I am not such a fool as to -think of keeping it. Imagine to yourself the dangers I should expose -myself to, by remaining any longer in this city. If it was in the power -of the thieves to get me imprisoned, after having themselves robbed me, -what may I not reasonably fear from honest folks who have real cause to -accuse me of roguery? We have already won above six hundred crowns. Let -us be content, therefore, and betake ourselves to a place of safety as -soon as possible. Have you not hired horses?” “Undoubtedly,” answered -he, “I have paid their master for their day’s work, and they will be in -waiting for us by break of day.” “So much the better,” replied I, “for I -shall not consider my purse in safety till I am at least ten good -leagues from this place.” My confidant left me to enjoy a few minutes’ -rest, well pleased to hear that we were possessed of so considerable a -booty, and flattering himself with the sweet hope of having some part of -it for his share. He was not, however, without some anxiety on this -point when he recalled to mind the history of my trunks, which he feared -was too recent a transaction to have so soon escaped my memory. - -As soon as he heard the least noise in the house, and imagined the -servants were stirring, he returned to my chamber, where he found me -quite ready for starting. In fact, I had not so much as reclined upon -the bed the whole night, but was most agreeably occupied in counting my -treasure, putting the gold on one side, and the silver on the other, and -in packing up as expeditiously as possible our little property. We soon -settled with the landlord, and gained the spot where our horses were in -waiting. The city gates were scarcely opened before we found ourselves -in the country. Never was so lovely a morning. At any other time I -should have admired its charms, but in the agitated state of my spirits -the beauty of the day was very indifferent to me. My object was to get -over the ground, imagining every moment that the hounds of justice would -be up with me, and re-conduct me to the prisons of Bologna, there to -compel me to restore the money I had so dexterously possessed myself of. -I turned round every moment to see if any one was following us, and when -I perceived a gentleman behind trotting faster than we were, my heart -beat, my colour changed, and I did not recover myself until he fairly -passed us on the road. So true is it, that every criminal carries about -with him his own punishment. - -I became by degrees more tranquil, and when we had travelled about four -leagues, felt but little fear remaining. Breaking the silence which both -my companion and I had kept till that moment: “Are you not tired, -Sayavedra,” said I, “of thus travelling like two Carthusian friars? For -my part, I feel quite absorbed in idle meditation. Let us talk. Tell me -some story which may enliven us.” “Signor Don Guzman,” said he, “you -will, I am sure, be ready to allow that it much better becomes him who -has plenty of money in his pocket to tell merry stories, than him who -has not a sous wherewith to bless himself.” “I understand you, my -friend,” answered I, smiling; “but I assure you, that at dinner time we -will come to a reckoning, and I trust you will not have cause to be -dissatisfied.” “How you catch at every joke I pass,” replied he, -laughing aloud; “I protest that I had not such a thought, knowing full -well that in serving you I have done but my duty, for which I am amply -paid in the pleasure of having assisted you in fleecing those two gulls -of their doubloons.” The disinterestedness which Sayavedra assumed, -whether real or false, pleased me exceedingly; and it being by no means -my intention to baulk him of the remuneration due to him for his signs, -I made him a present of twenty pistoles, as soon as we arrived at a -little inn where we stopped to dine. - - - - -CHAP. XXXIX. - - _Sayavedra, to amuse Guzman on the road, relates to him the history - of his life._ - - -We remounted our horses, after having made a much better meal than we -expected on entering so inconsiderable an inn; and, far from preserving -the silence we had kept up all the morning, we conversed on various -subjects. Amongst the rest I chanced to ask Sayavedra how he first -became an adventurer. He answered, that the only way to satisfy my -curiosity was to relate to me the history of his life. I assured him, -that it would afford me great pleasure to hear his adventures, and, -without any more ceremony, he began in these terms: - -“Though I told you at Rome that I was born at Seville, it was not the -truth. Valencia was in reality my native place, where perhaps may be -found more rogues than in any other city in Spain; because it is a place -which abounds with good things, and rich countries seldom produce honest -men. My father was certainly only a commoner, but of that sort of -citizens who pretend to hold up their heads with the nobility. Having -lost his wife whom he loved tenderly, he took it so much to heart, that -he did not long survive her. He left two sons; and these two sons, of -whom I was the younger, sold all his property, which was but trifling, -and divided its produce equally. After which my brother asked me what -plans I had in my head. I confessed to him candidly, that my ruling -passion was to travel. And mine also, said he. I have always taken -pleasure in any accounts of foreign countries, and long extremely to see -how people live who were not born in Spain. Both led on thus by the -force of our stars, or rather, perhaps by our own evil propensities, we -set off together one fine morning from Valencia, each with a small -parcel under his arm. - -“We had not travelled above a league, when my brother said to me: a -thought has just entered my head. We are about to abandon ourselves to -fortune, and as we cannot know in what manner she may treat us, we may -hereafter find ourselves in situations where our greatest pain may be -that we are known, and that our real names may be covered with infamy. -To prevent this misfortune, let us change them. I approved of this idea, -and we soon found ourselves fresh names. My brother took that of Mateo -Lujan, and as I recollected that the most illustrious in Seville was -that of Sayavedra, I assumed that name, which I have passed by ever -since. Being decked out with these fine titles then,” continued he, “we -began to think of the route we should take. I had declared my wish to -pass into Italy, and my brother testified the same desire; but changing -his mind all of a sudden, he took it into his head to go to France. The -dispute ran so high between us on the subject, that on arriving at cross -roads, one of which led to Saragossa and the other to Barcelona, my -brother took the former, and I the latter, wishing each other every sort -of happiness and prosperity. After this fraternal separation, I repaired -to Barcelona, intending, as well as a great many other persons who were -waiting there with the same design, to take my passage by the galleys. -They did not arrive, however, until above a month after; during which -time I dressed handsomely, sought the best company, and young Signor -Sayavedra was extremely well received every where. He gamed, gave -entertainments, and did not fail to devote some portion of his time to -love. In short I made so merry during this interval, that when the -galleys arrived, and my debts were paid, I embarked with six pistoles -only in my pocket. We arrived safely at Genoa, where, finding a vessel -on the point of sailing for Naples, I would not lose so good an -opportunity, and the wind being extremely favourable, we made but a -short voyage of it. - -“If on the one hand I was now rejoiced to find myself in the city, which -of all others I had wished to be in, how mortified was I on the other -when I considered the condition of my purse, which was as empty as any -hermit’s. Doubtless, thought I, Naples is a place where pleasures -abound: but they are as dear here as elsewhere, and a man without money -in his pocket will cut but a very ridiculous figure. I knew well that I -must be industrious, and accordingly addressed myself to certain other -gentlemen who lived by their wits. I apprised them of my desire and -necessity to become one of their brethren. My roguish air prepossessed -them instantly in my favour, and after a short examination which I was -obliged to undergo, I was pronounced to be fully qualified to be one of -their company. I was no sooner enrolled, than they made me commence my -operations in their way of business. By their own confession I acquitted -myself as if the principles were innate with me; and accordingly I was -soon employed in all sorts of thieving, that is to say, in cutting -purses, picking locks, stealing cloaks in the darkness of the night; in -short a hundred such-like exercises, which are but A, B, C, to old -practitioners in the science, but have a wonderful tendency to raise an -honest man step by step to the gallows. - -“But without vanity, my abilities were of too superior a kind to confine -myself to these little tricks, and I certainly performed two or three -which were considered master-pieces. I must relate one of them to you. -The Lord High Constable’s house was the rendezvous of every person of -quality, who assembled there of an evening to play. I had already been -once in this house while the game had been going on, and had observed -every thing with a curious eye. I had particularly noticed that on each -of the tables there stood two handsome silver candlesticks with wax -lights, and I determined to think of some expedient by which I could -possess myself of a pair of them. With this view I bought a pair of -pewter ones of about the same height, with two wax candles in them. I -managed to get these very conveniently into my pocket, and one evening -having dressed myself so that I might pass for a boy belonging to one of -the gentlemen of the party, I stole to the high Constable’s house, and -posted myself at the door of a small room where two young gentlemen only -were at play. I perceived with pleasure that all the pages of the house -were engaged in the other rooms, which appeared to be full of company. -My two players continued engaged together for a long time, and their -candles being almost burnt out seemed to require fresh ones. I seized -this favourable moment, and drawing from my pocket my pewter -candlesticks, I lighted my wax candles by the lamp on the staircase, and -entered the room in which the two gentlemen were with a most respectful -bow, and with my two candlesticks in my hand. These I placed boldly on -the table in the place of the two silver ones, which I carried off under -my cloak after having extinguished them. I then ran as fast as my legs -would carry me to our captain, who was the receiver-general of our -stolen goods, a very grave personage, and who passed in the city as a -very honest man. He acted both as a protector and a lawyer towards us -when we happened to be caught in a trap: and out of gratitude we gave -him a fifth part of the produce of all the thefts we committed. - -“Another time I performed a still more desperate trick. I happened to be -passing one morning before a house which appeared to be the residence of -some man of opulence, and which turned out afterwards to be really the -case. The door being open I walked in. I entered two or three rooms on -the same floor, without meeting any one, and I perceived, on the table -of the last, a complete new lady’s dress of the finest velvet. I -deposited this without ceremony under my cloak, and in two jumps was in -the hall again; but unfortunately I found the master of the house at the -door, who seeing me come out with a large parcel under my arm, stopped -me short, and enquired in a voice of thunder what I had got under my -cloak. Most people in my situation would have been quite confounded; but -I, on the contrary, without being in the least at a nonplus, answered -him immediately, that it was his lady’s velvet robe which I was carrying -home in order to set the collar to rights and alter one of the sleeves. -So much the better, replied he, but you must bring it back as soon as -possible, for my wife will want it this afternoon, to visit a lady of -quality of her acquaintance. I assured him that I would not fail, and -thus saying, shot from him as swift as a roebuck. - -“This adventure soon spread itself in the town; and even the next day I -heard that the gentleman, after having spoken to me, immediately entered -his house, where he heard his wife and two or three of the servants -making as much noise as if they were in a tavern; that the mistress was -crying out most vehemently: where is my velvet robe? it was here not one -minute ago: you shall pay me for it:----that the servants having seen -no one either enter or leave the house, protested that it must have -been the devil who had carried it off; and that at last the husband -quieted this uproar, by telling them what had really become of it. I was -given to understand also, that the officers of justice had been informed -of it; that my person had been very accurately described to them, and -they were actually every where in search for me, the gentleman whom I -had robbed being himself a notary. During all this time, my booty was in -safety at our protector’s house, where the whole company laughed -heartily at their fruitless exertions to find me. Nevertheless this -trick, which I played with as much good luck as dexterity, had -consequences which do not occupy a very agreeable place in my memory. -Thus it happened: - -“Happening one day to be taking a stroll out of the city, near a pretty -large rivulet, I observed some very fine linen on the banks, which a -laundress had just washed and spread out upon the grass. Such -opportunities as these always tempted me; and I could not resist my -extreme desire of making myself master of some part of this linen; the -more especially as I really was in want of some. I only waited, -therefore, for the moment when I could make the attempt without being -perceived, and that moment at length arriving, I performed the exploit -with such rapidity, that to possess myself of some of the very best of -the linen, and take the way back to the town, was done in the twinkling -of an eye. Though the old washerwoman had not observed the action at the -moment, it so happened that she just afterwards turned her head to look -at her linen. Astonished to perceive a reduction of at least two-thirds -she looked quickly around her, and seeing nobody but me, she thought -rightly enough that I must be the thief, and accordingly, leaving the -remainder of her linen to take its chance, she ran after me, crying out: -_stop thief! stop thief!_ in a voice which made the country resound. In -this embarrassment, what could I do? I let the parcel slip gently from -under my cloak upon the ground, hoping that the laundress satisfied with -having her property, would pursue me no further; but, whether she -thought that I had more about me, or was bent upon my ruin, she followed -me up to the city gates, where the sentry stopped me, asking what was -the matter. The washerwoman was soon up with us, and began immediately -by cuffing me, saying that I had stolen the whole of her linen. I was -then searched all over, and as my cloak and the under part of my arm -were wet through, it was easy enough to guess that I had got rid of the -bundle, in order to deny that I had robbed my accuser. Nothing more was -necessary to entitle me to a lodging in one of the palaces of justice. - -“I communicated my imprisonment to our lawyer, who came to me -immediately. I told him the circumstances, and he repaired to a -criminal judge. They had a long conversation together, which ended with -the promise that I should be set at liberty that very day. He brought me -the good news, and I prepared to leave the place. The order was already -made out, the gaoler satisfied, and I had one foot out of prison, when -by the malice of the devil, my friend the notary, who had been so -actively in search for me, and who happened to have a little business -there, presented himself before me. He stared me full in the face, and -recognizing me immediately, he flew in a passion, gave me a violent blow -with his fist, which made me reel back into the prison again, and told -the gaoler to lock me in, for that I had robbed him, and he would -certainly get me committed. Our lawyer, who was present, exerted all his -flowers of rhetoric to appease him. He even went so far as to promise -the value of the robe; but the cursed notary, preferring the pleasure -of being revenged on me, to that of recovering his property, was -inexorable: the consequences of which were that I was honoured with a -hearty whipping, and banished the kingdom. - -“After this disgrace, which I bore as patiently as I could, my captain, -by way of consolation, offered me a letter of recommendation to a friend -of his, the chief of a banditti who inhabited a retreat in the Roman -mountains, which, not knowing what better I could do, I accepted of. The -chief had no sooner read my letter than he gave me a most gracious -reception. He introduced me to the cavaliers of his company, than whom I -never saw more savage looking animals. It is true, that having left at -Naples comrades so perfectly civilized, it was impossible but these -mountaineers must have appeared to me wild and unsociable. Nevertheless, -as one must always follow the fashion, I by degrees became accustomed -to them, notwithstanding the terrible life they led. We made some good -hits, and I found myself in a short time with a purse well stocked. No -sooner was this the case than I determined on leaving these honest -folks. With this view, I requested leave of our chief for two months, -under pretence of having some business at Rome. This was readily granted -me, on my taking oath that I would return at the expiration of that -time. This oath I certainly submitted to, but fully determined to forget -it as soon as I got to Rome. - -“I had pictured to myself that in so fine a city, I should find -opportunities to exercise my talents at every step I took. When, -however, I had been there long enough to study the genius of the -inhabitants, they appeared to me to be so cunning themselves, that I -stood no chance among them. I made a few hits, but of such a nature as -would do me no credit to repeat. In the last of these I narrowly -escaped detection. This caused me to leave Rome suddenly, whence I -thought proper to make the tour of Italy, that I might know it well, and -I spent all my money in this wandering life. At length, being at -Bologna, chance made me acquainted with Alexander Bentivoglio, who -received me into his little troop. This man seems born for his -profession. His custom is to leave his native place from time to time, -and travel through the different towns in search of dupes; and after he -has made any good stroke, he returns to Bologna, where he is always sure -to be safe, as though nothing had happened. I occasionally accompanied -him in these trips, and I was at Rome on his business, the day on which -your lordship was persecuted by the mob. I called upon you at the -Ambassador’s--you had the imprudence to display all your property and -expose all your affairs to me--I reported this to captain Alexander, -who immediately planned the trick we played you. This action, continued -he, is always present to my mind; and my extreme sorrow on this account -will be constantly nourished by your excessive kindness to me.” - -Sayavedra here concluded his history. After which his various adventures -formed the topic of our conversation on the road towards Milan, where we -arrived both fresh and merry, and similarly well-disposed to possess -ourselves of the property of others. - - - - -CHAP. XL. - - _Of the daring enterprize which Guzman and Sayavedra formed - together in the city of Milan._ - - -We passed the first three days in walking about the streets, examining -the different articles with which the shops were decked out, without -thinking as yet of turning our genius to advantage. Happy times for the -citizens of Milan! - -As we were strolling as usual one morning, a young man, tolerably well -dressed, accosted Sayavedra who was behind me. I always walked first, -and did not perceive him until I had got about a hundred paces on. I -then looked attentively at this young man who had stopped my confidant, -and there was something mettlesome and cunning in his appearance which -I did not like. Oh, oh! thought I, who can this chap be; what business -can they have together? This is what I must know; but how can I possibly -learn? Were I to call Sayavedra, and ask him the subject of this -conversation, he would not fail to frame a lie in an instant, and I -should not be a bit the wiser. All I can do then is to keep quiet, let -them go on their own way, betray no suspicion of Sayavedra, but keep a -sharp eye over him. - -Their conversation lasted above a quarter of an hour; after which, the -young man took his leave of my confidant, who rejoined me with a -thoughtful air, which by no means dissipated my suspicions. I was in -hopes that he would have explained the rencontre to me; but he said not -a word about it, still remaining in a reverie. I kept silence also until -after dinner, when finding myself alone with him, and being able no -longer to contain myself: “Mr. Sayavedra,” said I, smiling, “may I -presume to ask who that young man might be with whom you had so serious -a conversation this morning? I think I have seen him at Rome. Is not his -name Mendocia?” “No Sir,” replied he, “he is named Aguilera, and I -assure you very appropriately so called; for he shews himself a true -eagle whenever he has occasion to use his claws. He is a good companion, -has a tolerable share of wit, and is very clever in many respects. We -have known each other for a long time, have travelled in company, and -have suffered a great deal together. His head is at present full of a -scheme, which, if it succeed, will make his fortune. He proposed to me -to be a party to it, offering me half the profits. I told him that I -would undertake nothing, without first apprising you of it. I even went -so far as to add that you were so extremely kind to me, that I felt -assured you would not refuse us your advice in an affair of such -consequence.” “No,” said I, “undoubtedly I would not: on the contrary, -my friend, I am well disposed to assist you both. Let me know what is -the subject in debate.” “Sir,” replied he, “Aguilera is to call here -this afternoon, when you can speak to him yourself. He will disclose his -whole project to you, and if there be any alteration required in his -plan, you can adjust it to perfection.” - -He had no sooner said these words, than he was informed that a young man -wished to speak with him. We had no doubt but this was Aguilera, for we -knew no one else at Milan. Sayavedra ran to meet him; and after having -prepared him for the conversation we should have together, he introduced -him to me. We saluted each other with much politeness. Aguilera was a -well looking young man, and appeared to me to possess good sense. He -confirmed every thing my confidant had told me, and related to me in an -agreeable manner several of their exploits together. He then informed -me, that having come to Milan in the hope of making some good hit, he -had found means to introduce himself to the service of a rich banker, -with whom he had lived about six months as his clerk: that he had by his -assiduity and fidelity entirely gained the confidence of his patron, -waiting patiently until he found a good opportunity of robbing him: that -such a one now presented itself; but, that he had occasion for a second -to avail himself of it, and that in meeting Sayavedra, he looked upon -him as a man sent from heaven for that express purpose, being well -acquainted with his abilities that way. I asked him, “if there would be -any difficulty in the execution of his design.” “Not a great deal,” -replied he, “but you shall judge for yourself. The banker has within -these few days deposited in his strong box a large shamois leather -purse, containing one thousand good pistoles. It is my intention to take -possession of these on Sunday morning, while my patron is at mass, and -to join Sayavedra at a certain place, where he shall have two horses in -waiting. We shall be off in an instant, and ride our hacks so vigorously -that we shall be far enough from the city, before the banker can -discover the copious bleeding his strong box shall have sustained.” - -After having listened to Aguilera very attentively, I told him that his -undertaking was of a much more delicate nature than he himself seemed to -imagine: that, being known in the town as the confidential clerk of the -banker, he might meet some person on the road, who, surprised to see him -travelling on a post horse, would naturally suspect him of some roguery, -and immediately communicate his suspicions to his master: that the -banker on his return from mass would perhaps immediately discover that -he had been robbed; that this report would soon spread itself about the -town, and that it would soon be ascertained that Aguilera had set off -with post horses: the consequence of which would be, that his patron -would have him pursued by certain persons well mounted, whom it might be -rather difficult to escape. I urged many other objections, which -convinced him that his plan was but ill-conceived. He confessed this, -but told me at the same time, that he should nevertheless execute it, as -he saw no better way. I have to do, continued he, with a man who never -leaves his house, except on Sundays to hear mass, and then immediately -on his return shuts himself up as before in the room in which he keeps -his papers and money. - -“It matters nothing,” replied I, “be he never so vigilant, ’twill be -easy enough to get this same shamois leather purse into our hands, -without exposing yourself to the danger you are willing to rashly to -incur. In good faith, gentlemen, if you know no better than this, you -are as yet but apprentices to your trade. I will shew you a genius -superior to that of many besides you. I will take upon myself, if it so -please you, the charge of conducting this enterprise, and without -implicating you in any misfortune that may happen to me in consequence; -even though fortune be adverse to me, I will answer for the thousand -pistoles, provided they remain in the strong box eight days longer.” -Sayavedra and his friend laughed heartily at this speech, at which they -were almost as much delighted as if the pistoles were already in their -hands. They thanked me for the offer, and readily left the conducting of -this affair to me; well persuaded, particularly Sayavedra, that I should -not talk in this strain without being well assured of the event. “Give -yourselves no further trouble about it then, gentlemen,” added I, “you -shall see that one who has been a page five or six years is somewhat -wiser than a Roman bandit.” This hit at Sayavedra redoubled their mirth, -and we were all very merry together. I then proceeded to question this -confidential clerk of the banker’s more particularly. - -“By what means,” said I, “did you intend to get the purse out of the -strong box; you have not the key of it?” “Certainly not,” replied he, -“for my patron will trust it to nobody. He occasionally gives it to me -when I happen to be with him in his private room, and some person -happens to come in, when he is himself engaged, for the payment of a -bill. He throws me the key to take out a bag of which he tells me the -number, and while I am counting the money, he keeps one eye on what he -is writing and the other on me.” “This being the case,” continued I, “it -would be very difficult to take an impression of the key.” “Much less -so, perhaps, than you imagine,” answered Aguilera. “I have, God be -praised, a pretty dexterous hand, and will undertake to bring you the -impression of it; and also, if you think proper, that of the press, in -which the banker locks up his account-books and his daily cash.” At -these words, which delighted me, I told him that if he could procure -both the impressions, we should be much more sure of success. - -I did not forget to ascertain the situation of the room; the manner in -which the bags were tied up; their marks; in fact every particular that -I considered necessary, of which I wrote down a circumstantial account. -I then sent Aguilera home to his master, telling him that I would give -him timely notice of the part he would have to play. After his -departure, I told my confidant that I had put his friend to a difficult -trial, and that I doubted much whether he would procure the impressions -of the keys. But Sayavedra, who had a better opinion of his talents, -thought otherwise, and he was certainly right. Within two days after -Aguilera kept his word, and informed me, also, where I might find a -locksmith who would make me two false keys, provided I paid him -handsomely. “I have but one more question to ask you,” said I, “at what -hour is your master to be seen? for bankers are generally particular.” -Aguilera answered, “that the best time was between ten o’clock and -noon.” “Good,” said I, “return home then, and remember well what I now -tell you: I shall not fail to be at the banker’s house by ten o’clock -to-morrow morning; arrange it so that you be with him at that time, and -be sure you lose not a word of my conversation with him, in order that -you may be brought forward as a witness, if necessary.” - -Every thing being so far arranged, I carried the impressions to the -honest locksmith I had been recommended to, and whom I found in reality -the man for my business. He promised to make me two keys immediately -for two pistoles, one of which I paid him in advance. On my return to my -inn, I espied in a shop window a very neat sort of jewel box, which -after having carefully examined, I bought. Sayavedra who accompanied me, -appeared somewhat surprised at this purchase. I could not resist -laughing at his astonishment: “Friend,” said I, “be assured that this -little casket will not be without its use.” “I do not doubt it,” -answered he smiling; “you have not made a fool’s bargain. You doubtless -know the use you intend to put it to, and I leave that as well as every -thing else to your superior judgment.” - -I went the next morning at ten precisely to the banker’s counting-house. -Aguilera was there, and two or three gentlemen on business. I bowed to -the master on entering the room, and addressing him in a loud voice, -told him that I was come to Milan with the intention of making some -purchases previously to my marriage: that I had brought a considerable -sum of money which I should be glad to place in safety, and that instead -of leaving it at my inn where there were all sorts of people, I had -thought it much better to trust it to a man like him, whose probity I -had heard much commended: I added, that I had a short voyage to take to -Venice which would oblige me to have a credit from his house. The -banker, greedy of gain, made me a thousand offers of service, -accompanied by the most profound bows, and asked me the amount of the -sum I wished to deposit in his hands. I answered, about twelve thousand -franks of gold, and a small bag of silver specie, which I would send him -in about an hour. He replied that my time was his: then reaching down -his day-book from the press, he enquired my name, which I gave him as -Don Juan Osorio. This he immediately wrote down, with the date of the -day and month, the better to ensure my keeping my word. - -After this, having no further business with him at that time, I took my -leave, after a thousand mutual compliments, entreating him not to leave -his house until my return. I reached home well satisfied with the happy -commencement of my scheme. Sayavedra, who was waiting for me, with the -more impatience, as he was more interested in the business than I was, -was not a little astonished, when I informed him what I had just done. -“But, sir,” said he, “pray where do you intend to get these twelve -thousand franks which you have promised to carry to the banker’s? I am -at a loss to know this.” “That need not give you the least uneasiness,” -answered I, “he has them already. I know well enough that this is Hebrew -to you, but I have my reasons. Press me no more on this point at -present, but tell me whether your friend Aguilera reckons among his -talents that of being able to forge writing.” “Forge!” cried he with -transport, “he can counterfeit any one’s hand; it is his fort. Would to -heaven that I had only the money he has touched by such means! if he had -not excelled in that art, he would still have been at Rome; but he was -obliged to decamp thence somewhat abruptly, for fear of falling into the -hands of a brute of a merchant, who, having discovered that he had -forged his signature, was in pursuit of him.” “This being the case,” -replied I, “our enterprise must infallibly succeed.” - -The reliance that Sayavedra placed in my skill, prevented his doubting -the success I assured him of, though he knew nothing of my plans. All -that vexed him was, that I had allotted no part in the performance to -him, of which he complained to me, asking if he was to be dumb in the -comedy. “Never fear,” said I, “I have reserved a character for you, -which you will perform to admiration.” At the same time I ordered him to -take under his arm the casket I had purchased and filled with lumps of -lead. In addition to this I loaded him with a bag of money, bound round -with red ribbon, and stained with ink in the middle, because, as well as -I could remember, there was one exactly similar to it in the strong box. -We left our chamber together, as if with the intention of carrying all -this to the banker’s. Having got into the street, I said to my -confidant, return for one moment into the kitchen, under pretence of -asking our landlord what hour we shall dine, and what he intends for our -dinner. In short, take care that his wife and he cannot fail to observe -the casket with curiosity and attention. It is very essential to us that -they should both take particular notice of it before you rejoin me. - -No man in the world could be better adapted than Sayavedra, to acquit -himself well on such a commission. He went into the kitchen, where, -after having asked the landlord the question I had desired him, he -displayed without ceremony the casket and bag of money. The landlord and -landlady immediately fixed their eyes on them: the casket, especially, -was so much admired by the wife, that she could not resist requesting to -be allowed to examine it more closely. Her husband did the same, and -exclaimed, “Good God, how heavy it is!” “It may well be so,” said -Sayavedra, “since it is full of gold coin, to the amount of twelve -thousand franks, which we are now going to deposit in a banker’s hands.” -“At a banker’s!” cried the landlord abruptly, “though they contained -above a hundred thousand franks, both that casket and bag would be as -much in safety at my house as at the richest banker’s in the town.” The -landlady, as ticklish as her husband on points of honour, added: “Yes, -we have occasionally deposits of value left with us; and, thank God and -the Virgin Mary, we have always taken good care of them.” “I doubt it -not in the least,” replied Sayavedra. “Were you not considered honest -people, my master would never have come to lodge with you with so much -money. Think not then that he has a bad opinion of your house; but, the -fact is, that he is on the point of setting out for Venice, and having -occasion for a letter of credit to that city, we are in fairness bound -to leave these twelve thousand franks with the banker who will supply -him with one.” - -“That alters the case,” replied the host, appeased; “I have nothing more -to say to it. What is the banker’s name?” “Plati,” replied my confidant. -“Plague on him,” continued the landlord, “he is as rich as Croesus, -but a very Jew. He will make you pay handsomely for your confidence, I -can tell you. If you had only said one word to me, I could have -recommended you to a much more reasonable house.” “It is too late now,” -said Sayavedra; “my master has already agreed with this banker. But -think not,” continued he, “that I can gossip much longer with you, for -my master is waiting for me. I merely came into the kitchen to ascertain -whether we should have time to settle our business before dinner.” The -landlord begged that we would not hurry ourselves, and hoped that we -should always find him ready to accommodate us in any way while in his -house. - -My confidant having repeated this conversation to me, we took a walk -together quite out of the town. We returned after some time to the inn, -where Sayavedra, by my desire, entered without being observed, and -replaced both the casket and bag in my chamber. The table was not yet -laid, the landlord, out of respect to me, having kept back the dinner, -which was served up immediately he was told of my arrival. Having dined, -I retired into my chamber and sent for the landlord, who immediately -came up, begging to know in what he could serve me. I have a complaint -to make against you, said I; how could you think me capable of -suspecting so honourable a man as you? To convince you of the injustice -you do me, I entreat you to take care of this purse containing a hundred -pistoles, until my departure for Venice. So saying, I drew from my -pocket a perfumed purse containing that sum exactly. He was so sensible -of this mark of confidence, that he could scarcely restrain his joy. - -In the evening the banker’s clerk stole from his master to join us: -“Well, Aguilera,” said I, “your patron was doubtless very much surprised -at not having seen me again this morning.” “In truth he was,” replied -he: “after having waited above an hour expecting you, he began to fear -that you would return no more. As he cannot be ignorant of his bad -repute at Milan, he thinks that some person has been charitable enough -to caution you against him, and I could perceive that he was extremely -mortified.” “Did the three gentlemen who were with him when I called -this morning, stay long after I was gone?” said I. “No,” answered -Aguilera, “nor did any one else drop in during the whole of the -morning.” I was much pleased at this circumstance, and assured my -companions, that in three or four days, at latest, we should bring this -piece to a finale. The banker’s confidential gentleman, overjoyed with -this prospect, wished me good night; but before we parted I desired that -he would not call again at the inn, representing the consequences to -him, and arranging between us that every day at a certain hour he should -repair to a certain place, where Sayavedra should meet him and bring -instructions from me. - -My false keys were brought home two days after this. Aguilera, who was -soon informed of this, told his friend he should have an opportunity of -making use of them on the following Sunday after dinner, while the -banker was amusing himself, as was his custom, at a game of chess, with -one of his neighbours. I then let Sayavedra completely into the secret, -in order that he might the better give his friend his instructions; and, -on the Saturday evening I despatched him to the rendezvous, entrusting -to his care the two false keys, and the casket, in which I put ten -quadruples, thirty Roman crowns, and some slips of manuscript, instead -of the lead which it before contained. As for the bag of money, I begged -leave to keep that at home, having besmeared it with ink, and tied it up -with red ribbon, merely that it might be exhibited to our landlord and -his wife in that state, that they might testify to having seen it; so I -had only put the lead into the casket to make it heavy, and to make -these good folks believe that it was full of gold. - -As soon as my confidant saw Aguilera, he said to him: “now my friend, -listen to me with the utmost attention, and be particular in remembering -what I tell you. Take these keys, and to-morrow, when you open the -strong box, take out the shamois leather purse which is in it, and empty -it into this casket; but be sure you take thirty pistoles out of the -thousand you will find there, and substitute these ten quadruples in -their place. You will not fail also to put this manuscript in, which -contains a specification of the sum, and declares that it is the -property of Don Juan Osorio, which is the name my master has assumed in -this affair. This other slip of paper,” continued he, “you must thrust -into the bag in which you say there are three hundred and thirty -crowns, and which is stained with ink, and tied up with a red ribbon. -You will at the same time extract from this bag thirty of these crowns, -and slip in these thirty Roman crowns in their stead. I have but one -thing now to tell, and which is most important of all; that is, to open -the press in which your patron keeps his account books, and write in his -journal the words you will find on this third paper, taking good care to -let it be under the name of Don Juan Osorio, which you will find there -entered, and also to imitate with your utmost dexterity the hand-writing -of Signor Plati. Signor Don Guzman, my master,” added he, “requires -nothing more of you but what will be the easiest part of the -performance, namely: that on Monday, at the wind up of the scheme, you -affect to be a most zealous servant, call him all the vile names you can -think of, and even strike him to make the scene more natural.” - -Aguilera here interrupted his friend. “Enough,” said he; “I see plainly -the whole of the project, and that the master you serve is indeed a -thorough-bred thief. You may assure him that I shall do every thing he -has prescribed for me, and it shall not be my fault if his plans be -defeated.” Sayavedra thereupon delivered up to him the casket with the -three papers, the ten quadruples, and thirty Roman crowns, which -Aguilera carried home and hid, until the time came to make use of them. - - - - -CHAP. XLI. - -_What was the success of this stratagem._ - - -I did not pass the Sunday without some uneasiness, fearing lest some -untoward circumstance might defeat our enterprise; but my confidant -having been to the usual place of rendezvous in the evening, returned -full of joy to announce to me that every thing had been executed as I -desired, and that Aguilera was preparing himself to play his part well -the next day. This news restored my spirits, and I waited patiently for -the hour when I should appear before the banker. - -No sooner had it arrived, than I repaired to his house; he was alone in -his counting-house. After saluting him very politely, I told him I had -called to request that he would return me what I had brought him a few -days before. He inquired with astonishment what I had brought him. -“Zounds!” said I, “why the gold and silver specie which I deposited in -your hands.” “What gold and silver,” answered he. “Oh, oh!” replied I, -“what you affect to joke? Upon my soul, this is not bad.” “Much more of -a joke,” rejoined he, “that you should expect me to refund what has -never been given to me.” “Let us have no more jesting, however,” said I, -“on matters of business, which, I assure you, is by no means to my -taste.” “Surely,” said he, “it must be you that jest: I recollect well -enough that a few days since you called upon me, and promised that -within an hour you would bring me twelve thousand franks; but you -forfeited your word.” “Rather,” answered I, “confess that you have lost -your memory. I protest that I delivered that sum into your own hands, -and will not quit this house until it be refunded in the very same coins -in which I paid it to you.” “Go about your business,” replied he, “or I -shall grow impatient with your nonsense. I neither know any thing of -you, nor have I ever had any thing that belongs to you. Go and get your -money from those to whom you entrusted it.” - -As the banker and I began now every moment to assume a higher tone, all -the passers-by stopped to listen to our conversation, very anxious to -know the subject of our dispute. That they might not be long in suspense -I cried aloud, “Oh, traitor and infamous thief! may the justice of God -and man unite to punish you! When I entrusted you with my money you -received me most obsequiously, but now I am come to reclaim it you -affect not to know who I am, and with the most bare-faced effrontery -deny the deposit! Cause the money to be counted out to me on this table -instantly, or I will tear your soul out!” The banker on his side called -me all the names I deserved, until from abusing each other we insensibly -came to action, and he endeavoured to push me out of the room by his -shoulders; but I repulsed him with such a blow as laid him sprawling on -the floor. Aguilera then rushed upon me with a furious air, and gave me -a few fisticuffs, which I returned in such sort, that several of the -spectators entered to separate us. The confidential clerk finding -himself restrained from rejoining me, pretended to struggle with those -who held him, like a madman; while on my side, with my eyes glittering -and my mouth foaming with rage, I defied him to approach me. - -The affray had already lasted an hour, when the Bargello, by chance, or -perhaps from some one’s having told him what was going on, made his -appearance. The first thing he did was to ask the subject of our -quarrel, and the struggle now was which of us should speak first. He -desired us both to hold our tongues; then having informed himself which -of us was the complainant, he desired me to speak first, after which he -would hear what my adversary had to say. At these words a profound -silence succeeded, and every one present listened attentively. “Six days -since,” said I, “I came into this counting-house, and requested this -same Signor Plati to allow me to deposit in his hands a considerable sum -of money which I had brought to Milan with me, and which I did not think -sufficiently secure at the inn where I lodge. He answered with much -politeness that I had only to send him the money, and he would take care -of it as long as I thought proper. I accordingly returned home -immediately, and returned an hour after with my servant, who carried in -a gilt casket a thousand pistoles in gold, and in a bag stained with -ink and tied with a red ribbon three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty -of which were Roman. The banker counted and weighed the coin, which he -put with their specification in the casket and bag again, and then -locked them altogether in his strong box.” - -Up to this moment the banker, not having dared to interrupt me, although -in the fury that possessed him he could with difficulty restrain, had -contented himself by raising his hands and eyes towards Heaven to -witness my imposture: but his patience now entirely forsook him, and he -could hold out no longer. “You see before you,” cried he, “one of the -most bare-faced liars on the face of the earth. Should there be found in -my house a casket such as that he mentions, I shall be content to -forfeit my life and every thing I possess in the world.” “And if what I -have told you be not true,” cried I, in my turn, “I will consent that -the banker enjoy my property in peace, and that my ears be cut off like -a traitor and audacious thief who dares demand what does not belong to -him. It is a very easy matter,” continued I, “to discover the truth. -Nothing remains but to open the strong box, where you will find my -casket and bag, with the accounts which will inform you that the money -belongs to me. Give orders, Signor Bargello, give orders immediately, I -beseech you, that this old rogue show you his account books, where you -will see what he himself wrote the day he received the money.” “You are -right,” replied the Bargello, “and further conversation would be -superfluous. Come, Signor Plati, if this gentleman gave you the specie, -there will of course be an entry in your books.” “Undoubtedly,” answered -the banker; “but I have no fear of your finding it, and if there should -be any mention made of twelve thousand franks which this stranger -assures you he entrusted to me, I will confess that he tells the truth, -and that I am the impostor.” At the same time he told his clerk to reach -him down the large account book out of his press. Aguilera had no sooner -handed this to him, than I cried out: “No, no, thou knave! this is not -the book that will bear witness against thee, it was a smaller but -longer one.” Aguilera then said to his master, “He must surely mean our -journal.” “Let it be the journal then,” replied the banker; “bring -forward all the books in the house.” Aguilera then produced the journal, -and asked me if that was the one I meant. I replied that it was. The -Bargello immediately began to look it over, and finding in it what our -colleague had written by my order, he read the following words in a loud -voice: - -“_This day, the 13th of February 1586, Don Juan Osorio remitted me nine -hundred and sixty pistoles in gold coin, Spanish and Italian, and ten -quadruples, which make together the sum of one thousand pistoles, and -which will be found in my strong box in a gilt casket. Moreover, I -received from the said Don Juan the same day, a bag tied with red -ribbon, in which are three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty of which -are Roman._” - -The company had no sooner heard this entry read than they all began to -murmur against Signor Plati, thus giving me a decided advantage over -him. Fortunately also for me, the banker did not pass in the town for an -over-scrupulous man; so that every one readily believed the possibility -of his having played me the roguish trick of which I accused him. The -Bargello made him read these words, and asked him if he had not written -them. The citizen, confounded by so extraordinary a circumstance, -answered in an agitation which almost deprived him of the power of -speech, “that he had written the first words, but not the remainder.” -“How so,” replied the officer of justice, “it appears to be all in the -same hand-writing.” “I cannot deny that,” rejoined the banker, “but, -nevertheless it is not all my writing.” “It will avail you nothing to -deny it in this manner,” said the Bargello; “you must prove its -falsity.” - -A fresh scene now contributed to convince the standers-by that I had not -complained without cause. A voice of thunder resounded through the -house, and a man with his kitchen apron and a large carving knife at his -side made his appearance. This was mine host, whom Sayavedra had been in -search of, and who, hearing that the banker denied having received the -money, was furiously exasperated against him. “Why,” cried he as he -entered, “do they not hang this arch Jew? Why not fire his house, and -burn him with all his race?” Then perceiving the officer of justice, -“can you allow,” said he, in a respectful and more moderate tone, “that -a cavalier should be robbed, ruined, and struck, with impunity, for -having trusted his property to a thief. This good gentleman lodges at my -house, and I most solemnly assure you, that I have seen and handled the -casket, as well as the bag which he has unfortunately confided to this -banker, who is already but too well known at Milan for what he really -is.” - -Signor Plati, thunderstruck as he was, said what he could in his own -defence; but his feeble voice, which was scarcely audible at two paces -from him, stood no chance with that of my landlord, which could be -distinctly heard from one end of the street to the other. The people, -therefore, who generally give the palm in such cases to him who makes -the most noise, no longer doubting the justice of my complaint, cried -aloud, that the banker should be compelled instantly to refund. The -Bargello, addressing himself to the accused, represented to him, “that -it was in vain to resist in retaining money which did not belong to him; -that he would be compelled to make restitution, and that it was his duty -to search his house for the casket and bag. Give me,” added he, “the key -of your strong box; let us begin by visiting that, as your accuser -affirms it is there you have deposited them.” Plati being apprehensive -of pillage during this uproar could not make up his mind to deliver the -key; upon which the general cry was to lead him to prison. “We will do -better than that,” said the officer, “if he obey not this instant, I -will have the strong box forced open.” - -The unfortunate banker seeing that all resistance was useless, drew from -his pocket the key, and delivered it into the hands of the officer, who, -after having chosen four citizens out of those present, to be witness of -the intended ceremony, opened the strong box before them and Plati, who -almost fainted away when the gilt casket and bag were drawn forth. The -Bargello then turning to this poor devil, “friend,” said he, “did you -not say you would forfeit your life and property if this casket were -found in your house? what if we take you at your word? Good heavens! -what a trustworthy banker.” Thus saying, he shut down the strong box, -and held up the casket in one hand and the bag in the other. The company -present no sooner saw them, than they began, especially mine host, to -load the banker with curses and revilings. The officer, in order to sift -the thing to the bottom, determined to open the casket. He asked me if I -had the key. I drew it from my pocket, and handed it to him. The first -thing that presented itself to his view, was the specification in these -terms: “_This Casket contains nine hundred and sixty pistoles in gold, -and ten quadruples; the whole making one thousand pistoles, and -belonging to Don Juan Osorio._” The quadruples were in a parcel by -themselves. These he shewed to the banker, and then proceeded to open -the bag in which were found the thirty Roman crowns and the others with -a similar account. - -The cries of the company redoubled at sight of the sums exactly as I had -stated them, and every one pressed the Bargello to give me up the casket -and bag; which the officer would immediately have acceded to, if I had -not declared that I would not receive my money except at the hands of -justice, since we were in a city where, thank God, upright judges were -to be found. The banker, being once more called upon to say what he had -to allege against such positive proof, answered, more dead than alive, -and not knowing what to think of an adventure which appeared so natural; -“that it was all magic to him, and that the devil must assuredly have -had a hand in it.” “If you have no better argument than that to bring -forward,” said the officer to him, “you have every chance of losing your -cause, and being punished severely to boot.” Thus saying, he left the -casket and bag in the custody of a rich merchant in the neighbourhood, -and went to make his report to the Judges, who cited Signor Plati and me -to appear before them the next morning. The banker was himself so ill -that he found it impossible to attend, and contented himself by sending -his wife and clerk with some of his friends. As for me, I appeared -boldly accompanied by Sayavedra, my landlord and landlady, all three of -whom were interrogated alternately, and asserted a great deal, -especially the two last, more than they had either seen or heard. The -judges heard Aguilera and his mistress in their turns, who confessed -that not having been in the counting-house the whole of the day on which -I stated that I had brought the money, they could not conscientiously -swear that I had not been there. - -Upon all these depositions the magistrates condemned my adversary to -restore my gold and silver, and pay all costs, prohibiting him from ever -practising the profession of banker again in Milan. The Bargello, in -execution of this sentence, conducted me to the merchant with whom he -had left the casket and bag, and having restored them to me, I returned -triumphantly to my inn. When I arrived there, I was not a little time -occupied in receiving congratulations on my success. The landlord and -his wife among the rest could not moderate their joy. To testify my -gratitude I made them some trifling presents, and all their servants had -reason to praise my generous disposition. - - - - -CHAP. XLII. - - _What share of the booty Guzman gives to his associates, and the - resolution he takes of leaving Milan._ - - -As soon as I was safely in possession of a sum of money so honestly -acquired, I could have wished myself far enough from Milan; but as too -precipitate a departure might have raised suspicions against me, I -resolved to defer it for a few days. Sayavedra was so overjoyed at our -good fortune, that he scarcely knew whether he was awake or dreaming. -Then thinking of the stratagem I had invented, he extolled me above all -the rogues in the world. “I did not give you credit for such a genius,” -said he, “though I confess I had an excellent opinion of your abilities -before; but I see clearly now that I am a long way behind you.” “Friend -Sayavedra,” said I, “there is nothing very extraordinary in the scheme. -What will be most worthy of praise is how to avoid the possibility of -danger by flight: for,” added I, smiling, “than to walk into a -gentleman’s house, the door of which stands open, steal a velvet robe -from thence, and afterwards to receive a hundred lashes for one’s pains, -nothing can be more easy.” - -We passed the remainder of the day at the inn, and when night came on -went out together to meet Aguilera at the rendezvous. As soon as he saw -us approach, he began to laugh most heartily, and we followed his -example. He then complimented me on my address, after which I proceeded -to divide the booty. I drew from my pocket a purse containing three -hundred pistoles which I gave to him, telling him that I intended the -same sum for Sayavedra, and that I should keep the remainder myself, it -being but fair that he who had done the most work should be the best -paid. My two associates assured me they were perfectly well satisfied. -This business being ended, and having nothing else to detain us, we bade -Aguilera adieu, and returned home, where I employed myself after supper -in counting my money. How overjoyed was I at finding myself in -possession of upwards of seven thousand franks, independent of those I -had won at Bologna. I had never been so rich before, and I thought no -longer of having been robbed at Sienna. - -As I was walking out the next day I chanced to espy in a shop window a -gilt chain so well wrought that I mistook it for gold. I went in and -asked its weight. The shop-keeper answered with a smile that all was not -gold that glittered; but that if I wished to purchase this chain I -should have it cheap. Being tempted by this offer, I gave him what he -asked, and carried it off with me. Sayavedra, who was with me, could -not restrain his laughter at my fine bargain, and when we had left the -shop, said to me, “Signor Don Juan Osorio, if I mistake not, means to -make this chain more expensive to some other person that it has been to -him?” “That is by no means impossible,” replied I, and with that -praiseworthy intention I immediately carried it to a skilful goldsmith, -who in a few days made me a chain of gold so exactly similar to mine, -that it was difficult to distinguish the one from the other. - -At length I left Milan, carrying with me these two articles of -jewellery, as well as all the feathers I had plucked out of Signor -Plati’s wings. I gave out at the inn, previously to my departure, that I -was going to Venice; but instead of following that route, I took that to -Pavia. I stopped some time at this latter place, in order to make -preparations for my second journey to Genoa, which I had resolved upon -making if ever I found myself in a condition to appear before my -relations without making them blush. After some consideration I -determined to act the part of a Spanish Abbot returning from Rome. To -this effect I purchased some fine cloth, with which one of the most -famous tailors in Pavia made me a cassock and long cloak. To these I -added some black morocco shoes and silk stockings, and the rest of my -dress to correspond with that of a prelate. I desired Sayavedra to -provide himself with two large baggage trunks, and when all was ready I -set out in a litter conducted by a muleteer, with my squire on -horseback, a new valet on foot, and another muleteer who led a mule -laden with my goods. In this grand equipage was Genoa revisited by that -same Guzman whom it had seen six or seven years before in a situation -miserable enough. - - - - -CHAP. XLIII. - - _Of Guzman’s arrival at Genoa, and the gracious reception he met - with from his relations when they learnt who he was._ - - -We went to lodge at the White Cross, which at that time was the best inn -in the place. It was already night, but as my squire had gone before us -to prepare the landlord to receive an Abbot of the first rank, I found -the house all in a bustle when I arrived. Some of the servants were at -the doors with flambeaux, and after Sayavedra had assisted me in -alighting from the litter, the master conducted me to the best apartment -in the house, from which a gentleman much more worthy to occupy it had -been turned out to make room for me. - -The inn was at that time full of people of consequence, most of whom -were not a little curious to know who I was, and my new valet, well -instructed by Sayavedra, told all who questioned him that I was the -Abbot Don Juan de Guzman, son of a noble Genoese who had married at -Seville. I did not quit my chamber the first day, thinking it better to -affect the Abbot of consequence fatigued with his journey from Rome, and -to get every thing in readiness to shew myself at Genoa the next morning -in the character of a prelate. While I was employed in decorating myself -with this view, my faithful squire, who was assisting me, could not -refrain from saying, “I fear my dear master grows suspicious of me, -since he has not yet deigned to communicate the plan he has in -contemplation.” “No, my friend,” replied I, “thou hast always had my -confidence. If during our stay at Pavia I procured this new dress -without telling you my reasons, it was merely because it was not at -that time necessary that you should know them. But I will now satisfy -your curiosity; for so far from wishing to conceal my project from you, -I cannot execute it without your assistance. - -“I have already told you at Milan that my father, a noble Genoese, -married at Seville a lady of the house of Guzman, whence I took my name. -I have even related to you the history of my life at large; but I -believe I never once mentioned that adventure to you which has been the -cause of my forming the enterprise I am about to discover to you. You -must know that about seven years since I set out from Toledo in -tolerable good plight to visit my relations here in Italy; but I took so -little care of my money on the road, that I arrived at Genoa in a most -miserable condition. This did not, however, deter me from presenting -myself before several members of the family, and among others one of my -worthy uncles, who received me so ill, or rather caused me to be -treated so cruelly, that I swore to be revenged on him if fortune ever -afforded me the opportunity. This oath I intend to keep now that it is -in my power; but the only vengeance that I am desirous of taking on my -relations is to rob them. With this view I have assumed the dress which -so much surprises you. Besides that it inspires respect; it appears to -me more calculated than any other to disguise my features from those who -saw me before; the alteration that time has made in them not being so -great but that I should be in fear of being recognized. Let us prepare -then, my dear Sayavedra, to play off some of our best tricks in our -family, to which I am incited not only by a just resentment, but by -interest also.” My confidant made answer, that I had only to give my -commands, and he would not fail to follow my instructions. We consulted -together what was best to be done, and proceeded as follows. - -The second morning after my arrival I dressed myself out in my cassock -and long cloak, and when I looked in the glass I scarcely knew myself. -Without any vanity I did not look amiss. If I had not possessed the -talent which I did to imitate all sorts of persons, I had seen at Rome -so many fine models of Abbots of consequence, that I could not possibly -have failed. I soon made myself master of some of their best airs: I -learnt how to draw my chin down to my neck with good effect; to assume a -grave and austere carriage; hold up my cassock and cloak just high -enough to exhibit one leg which was not ill-made, with the silk stocking -and handsome shoe; to carry my hat in a manner equally genteel and -modest; to look at people with a peculiarly absent air, and to modulate -properly the tones of my voice in speaking to them. I possessed this -knowledge perfectly well in theory, and now was the time that I should -shew the city that I was as able to practise it. My major-domo -Sayavedra followed with my lackey, both very appropriately equipped. I -was stared at with the curiosity that a stranger generally excites, and -many made most profound bows to me, or rather to my fine dress; for one -is treated in the world according to the appearance one makes. Let even -Cicero present himself ill-dressed, and he would pass for a college -servant at the highest. - -I continued walking for above an hour, acknowledging the respectful -civilities I received like an Abbot who was accustomed to them. After -which I returned to the inn, where the landlord immediately informed me -that dinner was ready, and asked if I had any objection to some persons -of quality dining at the same table. I answered that it would afford me -pleasure. Having descended into the dining room, four gentlemen arrived -immediately and saluted me with respect. I returned the compliment very -politely, and dinner being served up, I took the seat of honour, and -then requested the gentlemen to seat themselves at table. The -conversation was at first serious on my account. I remarked this, and -enlivened it myself, and to let these gentlemen see that I was not the -devil, though dressed in black, I related two or three jocular stories, -which soon excited the rest to follow my example. - -They were usually in the habit of amusing themselves at play after -dinner, and sometimes also after supper. They played high, but very -honourably. I passed an hour in looking over them, after which I -retired. They would have been much pleased if I had taken a fancy to -play with them, thinking me a rich Abbot rather than a skilful gamester, -though they ought to have known that there are a good many keen hands -even among the clergy. I did not choose to satisfy their desire so soon, -whatever longing I had for it. On the contrary, I professed a -repugnance for play, and it was not until we became more familiar -together, that I could be brought to join them, and then I pretended to -yield to their pressing entreaties out of pure complaisance. I played -only a short time, and for very small stakes, without employing -Sayavedra, or exerting my own skill. Thus what I lost was a mere trifle, -and I never pocketed what I won. Sometimes I left it to pay for the -cards, and at others distributed it among the servants. This conduct -acquired me the reputation of generosity, whence it happened that -whatever person chanced to drop in after dinner to look at us playing, -generally crowded round me in the hope of receiving some ducats. - -One day, having won about forty pistoles, I took up five and twenty of -them, and left the remainder for those who stood about me. Then turning -towards a captain of a galley, who was among the interlopers, I said to -him in a low voice, slipping the money which I held in my hand into -his: “You have been too long in Spain to be ignorant that a gentleman -who has looked over the game and taken an interest in the fortune of any -particular player, never refuses any little token of gratitude that may -be offered him on that account.” He appeared somewhat confused by this -behaviour; but there are times in this life, as is said, when one -pistole is worth a thousand. My officer’s pocket was just at this time -so completely drained, that the pleasure of seeing this sudden shower of -gold, overcame his shame. In spite of his poverty however, I doubt -whether he was more sensible of the benefit than of the manner in which -it was conferred. I completely gained his heart. This he made several -attempts to assure me of, but I interrupted him by engaging him to talk -of his own pursuits. I even requested him to do me the honour to dine -and sup with me occasionally, for he did not usually dine at our inn; -and in taking leave of him I requested his friendship. - -This captain was a man of merit, of good understanding, and agreeable -person, and as he was known to be a very honest man, he was received in -the best companies, where he made as good an appearance as his limited -income as a captain of a galley would permit. He was fond of gaming; and -though extremely unlucky at it, he could never restrain himself while a -crown remained in his pocket. In addition to this he was much addicted -to women, which alone would have been sufficient to have ruined him had -he been ever so rich. He called himself Favello, a name which a lady -whom he had formerly loved had bestowed on him, and which he had ever -since gone by, in remembrance of her. He told me the history of his life -a few days after, which I could not hear without sighing, so forcibly -did it recall to my mind my amour at Florence. The good qualities of -this captain, however, were not the only cause of all my politeness to -him; for I knew that the galleys would soon sail for Barcelona, and -intending as I did to profit by this opportunity of returning to Spain, -after having robbed my honest relations, the friendship of Captain -Favello was likely to be too useful to me, to neglect to acquire it. - -No sooner was I up the next morning, than he called to tender his -services, and to invite me to take a sail with him on the water: which I -gladly accepted. I was conducted after dinner to his galley, where I was -received with all the honors that the Pope or the Doge of Genoa could -have expected. We left the harbour to admire the fine pleasure-houses -along the sea shore, which form a most charming spectacle. Our officer, -who was a Genoese by extraction, and spoke freely whatever he thought, -did not content himself with naming the proprietors, but added their -characters also. Among those whom he spared the least, he chanced to -mention one of my relations. I began to laugh: “Softly, Mr. Captain,” -said I, “I ask quarter for this last gentleman, for you know that I am -one of his family.” “Of his family?” cried he, with surprise mingled -with confusion, “How can that be?” “I will tell you,” replied I; “my -father was a noble Genoese, but having become a bankrupt to a large -amount, was obliged to pass over into Spain. He settled at Seville, -where he established his affairs by marrying a lady of the house of -Guzman, which name I bear preferably to my own, for two reasons; first, -to secure to myself a succession which might otherwise have escaped me; -and, secondly, because being at least as much the son of my mother as my -father, I thought myself entitled to make choice of which ever of their -two names would confer most honour on me.” - -“You perhaps imagine,” said Favello, “that you are speaking of -circumstances with which I am not at all acquainted; but you are -mistaken. I am particularly intimate with two of your cousins, who have -more than once conversed with me respecting your father. They have told -me that he was a shrewd intelligent man: that he was taken prisoner by -an Algerine Corsair, and that after having recovered his liberty through -the love which a lady at Algiers conceived for him, he went to Seville -in search of his correspondent, where he captivated a lady of quality -and married her. You are then the son of that illustrious house?” “At -your service,” replied I, smiling again. “Know then,” continued he, -“that Signor Don Bertrand, your father’s eldest brother, is full of -years, still unmarried, and one of the richest nobles in Genoa.” “You -tell me what I was ignorant of,” said I; “for I have never seen him, and -my mother never had any correspondence with him.” “I am surprised,” -said he, “that you have not already made yourself known to him. Your -relations are certainly of great consequence in this country, and I know -not what should prevent your seeing them.” “What would you have me do?” -answered I; “would you have me announce my name before people who do not -know me, and who will naturally be apt to discredit what a man says who -has only his own word as a security. No no, I stand in no need of their -acquaintance, for I want nothing of them. Let us remain as we are. -Though they should know that I am here, as a stranger, it is not for me -to make the first advances.” “You are right,” said Favello, “but allow -me to call and apprise them to-morrow morning of your arrival. I am -persuaded that I shall no sooner have informed them than they will -behave with proper attention towards you.” “You are a man of prudence -and good understanding,” replied I, to the captain, “and may therefore -do what you think best. Only recollect to put no restraint on their -inclinations, for it is by no means my wish to intrude myself on their -acquaintance.” - -While we were conversing in this manner, Favello had a very handsome -collation of the best fruits and sweetmeats served up, which he had -prepared on purpose for me, and on which he must have expended the -greater part of the pistoles I had presented him with. We still -continued to talk together, and the officer, who was perfectly well -acquainted with my uncle and cousins, told me so many particulars -relating to them, that I soon knew almost as much of their affairs as my -own. Night coming on obliged us to re-enter the harbour, where we left -the galley, and I took the captain home with me to my inn, where we -supped with the gentlemen who lodged there. After supper these -gentlemen invited me to play a game with him, saying they had not -forgotten the forty pistoles I had won of them the preceding day, and -that it was but just I should give them their revenge. I consented; and -feeling myself in good cue for playing, I said to Favello: “At least Mr. -Captain, you will recollect we go halves this time.” He replied with a -smile, that he thought me so lucky, that he should be proud to be my -partner. Fortune favoured me from the very commencement to the end of -the game. I won a hundred pistoles, which I divided with the captain. -This was the more agreeable to him as it did not hurt his pride. Thus I -gained his friendship by degrees, so that he could not possibly refuse -me the favour I expected of him. - -He did not fail to keep his promise of going the next day to my -relations to announce to them the arrival of the Abbot Don Guzman at -Genoa. You will readily imagine that he gave them a fine account of my -person, merit, and generosity, for in the afternoon of the same day they -called at the inn, completely dressed out for the occasion. My -major-domo, to whom I had given my instructions, met them at the door, -and conducted them to my apartment where I received them with a grave -face, but with much civility. At first there came only two, both -children of a senator who had been dead five or six years, and who was -one of my father’s brothers. A third next made his appearance, the son -of a sister of my father’s, still living. They loaded me with -compliments, and made an offer of their house, credit, and purse, -because Sayavedra had given them to understand that I wanted neither. If -nothing else could convince them that I was a very rich abbot, what they -observed in my apartment was sufficient to impress them with that -opinion of me. I had taken care to spread negligently on the table my -gold chain, various other jewels, and the Milan casket with the lid -open, in which their sharp eyes doubtless espied part of the pistoles it -contained. - -My uncle, who was the chief of the family, came last. It was -particularly to him that I owed a grudge. He supported himself on a -large stick, and seemed to walk with difficulty. I could no longer -discern that venerable appearance, which had pleased me so much when I -first saw him; on the contrary, my blood seemed to curdle at the sight -of this malicious old ape, who, with his assistant sham devils had -amused himself so cruelly at my expence. In spite of these painful -recollections, however, I failed not to receive him more graciously than -my cousins, who, shortly after taking their leave, left us alone -together. The old gentleman began by assuring me of his extreme joy at -the sight of the son of a brother who had ever been dear to him; then -surveying me from head to foot, he declared that I was very like my -father, and that he felt proud of a connexion so likely to do honour to -the family. He then complained that I had not ventured to take up my -lodging with him, where I should have found apartments more suitable -than any at an inn, for a man of my rank and character. I thanked him -very politely, and told him that my cousins also had made an offer of -their house, but that I had declined such an accommodation, being very -unwilling to inconvenience any of my relatives during the short stay I -should make at Genoa, whither I had come merely to ascertain the -condition of the family, as much for my own satisfaction, as for that of -my mother, who had desired to be kindly remembered. - -These last words presented an opportunity to Don Bertrand to make -inquiries respecting my mother and her children. I replied that I was -her only son, and it had almost escaped me that I had two fathers; but -I restrained my tongue in time, and praised my mother up to the skies. -My uncle, impatient to relate to me what I knew quite as well as him, -interrupted my eulogium, saying: “I must tell you, my dear nephew, an -adventure which happened to us six or seven years ago. A little rascal -made his appearance in Genoa half naked. He ran about the streets -telling all those who were fools enough to listen to him, that he was -the son of your father; and this young beggar, who could not be mistaken -for any thing but what he was, flattered himself that some of our family -would be weak enough to believe him on his word, and humane enough to -have compassion on his misery. I threw myself in his way with the -intention of being revenged on him for the discredit he brought upon the -family, and I was fortunate enough to meet him. I allured him into my -house by soft words, and by promising that I would the next day -introduce him to a gentleman who would not fail to be of service to him. -When I got him home, I put some questions to him, which soon convinced -me that he was a little scape grace. I accordingly determined that he -should be punished for his presumption, and perceiving that he was dying -with hunger, I sent him to bed without any supper in a magnificent -chamber, where I caused him to be tormented all night long by certain -devils in masks, who tossed him in a blanket to his heart’s content.” - -In relating this story to me the old rascal laughed with all his might, -and it was with the greatest difficulty that I could restrain the rage I -felt. I however, managed to dissemble, and forcing a sort of grin, I -agreed with him that the adventure was comical enough. “All that I -regret,” continued my uncle, “is, that he disappeared the next morning, -and is still at large. Could I have secured him, it was my intention to -have inflicted a much severer punishment on him for his presumption, in -daring to assert that he bore any affinity to our family.” After this -declaration I changed the subject, and a quarter of an hour after the -old gentleman took his leave, and I accompanied him to the street door, -paying him all the respect due to my father’s elder brother. - - - - -CHAP. XLIV. - - _Guzman gives a grand entertainment to his relations, and makes - them pay pretty handsomely for it._ - - -After dinner I desired Sayavedra to go out and purchase four good trunks -of the same size. While he was gone on this commission, Favello called -upon me, to give me an account of the conversations he had with my -relations respecting me, and he assured me all the family were charmed -with my person, especially Signor Don Bertrand my uncle. This good old -man, continued he, says that he almost fancied that it was his dear -brother he saw and heard speak, so much was he struck with your -resemblance to your father; that he regretted to find that you had -embraced the ecclesiastical life, and should propose to you to throw off -your cassock and marry one of your nieces on the mother’s side; and that -though this young lady had no property of her own, it was his intention -to provide well for her, she being his particular favourite. In -conclusion, the Captain protested to me, that my uncle had conceived a -great regard for me. All this, however, did not in the least deter me in -my intentions towards him. - -I went to return the visit the next morning, first to Don Bertrand, who, -in the conversation which we had together, took occasion to observe, -that he thought that an only son, as I was, ought rather to think of -keeping up the family name than to consecrate myself to a state of life -which deprived the family of one of its best branches. I might have -answered, that he, having always been a bachelor, had himself wronged -the family quite as much as if he also had embraced the ecclesiastical -life. He then named the lady whom he had selected for my wife. To amuse -him, I pretended not to be much averse to his wishes, and made an end of -my visit by requesting his company to dine with me the next day. He -pressed hard to be excused on account of his great age; but when I -represented to him that none but relations would be of the party except -Captain Favello, the common friend of the family, he allowed himself to -be prevailed on, and promised to come, that I might be convinced, as he -was pleased to say, of the great regard he felt for a nephew whom -Heaven had sent him. After this I visited my cousins, one after another, -and they all promised to join the party. Nothing was now necessary but -to prepare a magnificent dinner for them. My landlord told me to leave -this to him, and he would undertake that my guests should be handsomely -provided for. - -My major-domo, who returned home while I was speaking to the landlord, -told me that he had purchased four trunks as I desired. I looked at -them, and was well pleased. He asked me what I intended to do with them. -I told he had only to follow me, and he would soon know. I ordered him -to take our casket under his arm, and conducted him to the shop of one -of the richest goldsmiths in Genoa, whom I requested to lend me for -about twenty-four hours a rich service of silver plates and dishes, in -consideration of an honest profit, and depositing the value of the plate -in his hands. The goldsmith agreed to the proposal; we agreed as to the -sum I should pay him for the loan: and, choosing the service I liked -best, I deposited nine thousand franks with the goldsmith by way of -security. After which, I desired Sayavedra to fetch the two trunks, put -the plate in them himself, and have them carried home; which he did -accordingly. - -All my relations assembled at my lodgings the next day. My landlord, who -piqued himself on being an excellent cook, gave us a specimen of his -ability in the difficult art of making ragouts, which he served up in so -delicious a style, that my cousins, and even my uncle, confessed that -they had never eaten better. If they had not expected such excellent -fare, how much more were they surprised when they saw the sideboard set -out with elegant plate, and the plates and dishes of the same metal. -They could not help observing, that a traveller ran great risk in -carrying such a service of plate about with him, and particularly in -Italy, where thieves so plentifully abound. The good Don Bertrand, who -had made the same reflections at sight of the display of silver, -applauded their opinion. “It is your own fault, my nephew,” cried he; -“you might easily have avoided living at an inn in a city where you have -so many relations. I grant you that this is the best inn in Genoa; but -that signifies nothing. You are yet young, and I, having had more -experience, would caution you against trusting to the goodness of the -locks or padlocks on your trunks, because either the landlord, landlady, -their children, or servants, always keep two or three keys to every room -in their house. If you believe me in this respect,” continued he, “since -you refuse to take up your residence at my house, you will at least send -your plate and jewels thither, where they would be in safety until your -departure, were there a million of gold.” - -I thanked my uncle for his obliging anxiety; and pretending that I had -no fear of being robbed, I told him, that when I set out for Rome, I had -taken the precaution of leaving my most valuable effects in the hands of -our Ambassador, and that in respect to the plate, although it was -troublesome to a traveller, I was not sorry that I had brought it with -me, as in case of necessity I could sell it much more easily than -jewels. All the family seemed to acquiesce in this reason; and as I -mentioned the Ambassador, my cousins began to speak of that minister. -They said that they had seen him as he passed through Genoa on his road -to Rome. Upon which, to convince them that I stood well with his -Excellence, I shewed them the portrait he had presented me with. This -was quite sufficient to persuade them of the Ambassador’s great esteem -and friendship for me. - -Don Bertrand, still harping upon the danger of keeping my plate at an -inn, returned once more to the charge, and I was obliged to quiet his -apprehensions by promising that I would have it all packed in the two -trunks in which I told him I usually locked it up, and send it to his -house immediately after dinner. We changed the subject, and began to -converse on my intended marriage. My uncle, addressing himself to me, -said, that I ought to think seriously of marrying in my youth, and not -to defer it to a more advanced age, to have the agonies of leaving -orphan children behind me. He then represented to me all the -disagreeables of an ecclesiastical life, and concluded his harangue by -enlarging on the perfections of the young lady whom he wished me to -marry. She is my niece by the mother’s side, added he; of noble blood, -and of ample beauty to make up for the deficiency of her fortune; -besides which, she has a mother who will cherish as the apple of her -eye, both you and your children. - -As the old buck seemed so determined on this marriage, I thought it more -prudent not to profess myself averse to his wishes. “You are so -persuasive,” said I, “my dear uncle, that you have already destroyed my -taste for an ecclesiastical life; and I feel convinced that I shall be -perfectly happy in receiving a wife from your hands. Permit me, however, -to represent to you, that I already enjoy a benefice of ten thousand -crowns a year, and am in daily expectation of fifteen thousand, which -some relations of my mother, who have great influence at court, have -given me hopes of. It will be most gratifying for me, should I attain my -wishes, to have those two handsome presentations to bestow on the -children of my cousins.” They all approved highly of my resolution, and -gave me a thousand thanks in anticipation of the honour I intended them. -Towards the end of the repast, Don Bertrand asked Captain Favello if he -had received any orders for his departure. “Yes,” answered he, “and we -must set sail in three days for Barcelona. We are already very busy in -shipping our goods.” I was overjoyed at this news, which informed me -that I had no time to lose. As soon as dinner was over, I ordered my -major-domo aloud, to lock up my plate and casket, and carry them himself -to my uncle’s house. The room was cleared in less than an hour, and in -the presence of my relations, whilst I kept up the conversation with -them. I insisted on accompanying my uncle, where I had the satisfaction -of seeing, not the two trunks full of my plate, but two similar ones -that we had filled the evening before with bags of sand of nearly the -same weight, and which Sayavedra had very dexterously exchanged. - -It was not possible to have made a better beginning: I continued as -successfully. Captain Favello returned at night to the inn; he told me -that he regretted the precipitate departure of the galleys, which would -so soon deprive him of my agreeable society. “It is by no means -certain,” said I, “that we shall so soon separate. We may possibly be -longer together than you imagine.” He reflected a moment on what I said, -and then asked me if I had really any idea of returning to Spain. “Yes,” -answered I; “for know, that it was not so much the pleasure of seeing my -relations that brought me to Genoa as the desire to be revenged for an -affront offered me by a Genoese who was my rival at Rome. This I tell -you,” added I, “having found you to be a man of prudence and discretion, -in whom I may confide.” Nothing further was necessary to engage Favello -in my service. “Tell me the name,” said he, with enthusiasm, “of the -rascal who has insulted you, and I ask but four and twenty hours to -fully satisfy your vengeance.” “Captain,” replied I, “I am much indebted -to you for taking up my cause so warmly; and were I in want of an -avenger I could not have a better champion than yourself. But you judge -ill of me if you think that I want either strength or courage to avenge -myself. I know where my gentleman lodges, and my blow is sure. All that -I have to request of you is, to allow my baggage to be conveyed -privately on board your galley, on the eve previous to her sailing. I -have more reasons than one for wishing that even my relations may be -ignorant of my departure, and entreat you therefore to keep it secret.” - -“As to that,” replied the officer, “depend upon me.” Then alluding again -to my affair of honour, “you cannot imagine,” continued he, “how -mortified I feel, that my services should be refused in the only -opportunity that I may have of testifying my zeal for you!” He said this -with such apparent concern, that I embraced and endeavoured to console -him by saying, “that he would have many opportunities in the course of -our voyage of manifesting his friendship towards me.” With similar -mutual expressions of friendship towards each other, we parted. The -first thing I did the next morning was, to send back all the plate to -the goldsmiths by my men, who brought me in return my pistoles which -were there in pledge. Scarcely had I deposited them in safety again, -when one of my cousins called upon me to say that my uncle Don Bertrand -expected me to dine with him the next day. I did not fail to accept of -this invitation, and found the whole family assembled when I arrived at -his house. We sat down to table in good spirits, and our conversation -was lively. Before dinner was over, my major-domo, as I had previously -desired him, entered the parlour, and coming up to me with a note in his -hand, “Colonel Don Antonio,” said he, “has just been to inquire for you -at the inn, and not finding you there, has charged me to deliver this -letter.” I opened it without ceremony, and took great pains to read it -so loud that my uncle, who sat very near me, might hear every word. It -ran thus: - - “I am to be married the day after to-morrow, and I shall fully - expect the pleasure of your company on the occasion. I shall never - forgive you if you refuse to join us. In addition to this, I have - another favour to beg of you: you have often shown me some - excellent jewels of your mother’s; I beseech you to lend them to - me. My mistress has not dared to bring her own to this country with - her. We request them for two days only, and promise to take great - care of them. I flatter myself that you will confer this obligation - on your friend, - - DON ANTONIO DE MENDOZA.” - - - -After having read this letter, I assumed a troubled and mortified air; -and having reflected for some time, I said to Sayavedra: “You do not, of -course, know the purport of this epistle. Don Antonio requests the loan -of my jewels, to decorate his intended wife on the day of their -marriage. You well know,” continued I, “that I left all my diamonds at -the Ambassador’s at Rome. Lose no time then in informing the Colonel, -that I am much vexed that it is not in my power to oblige him.” “I fear, -Sir,” replied the major-domo, “he will think it a mere evasion, and that -you refuse him.” “He will do me great injustice by such a thought,” -replied I; “sooner, therefore, than risk the possibility of such an -idea, I would hire some jewels. I should imagine that if I place good -security in the hands of some jeweller, he would be glad for a very -trifling consideration to lend me what I want for two or three days.” -“Who can doubt that,” said my uncle? “But why,” continued he, “need you -be at the expence of hiring what you may have for nothing? Do you -suppose that we have not as fine jewels as you can procure elsewhere; -and are we not disposed to oblige you in any way? Your relations will -take pleasure in obliging this or any friend of yours.” “Mendoza is -certainly one of my best friends,” cried I; “he is a man of quality, who -was very serviceable to me at Rome, and to whom I am indebted for my -introduction to the Spanish Ambassador. The Colonel, whose regiment is -at Milan, has won the heart of a rich widow in that city, who, in -opposition to the wishes of some of her relations, has consented to -espouse him. They are come hither, therefore, to solemnize their -marriage. He is a man of the nicest honour, to whom I should not be -under the slightest apprehensions in lending jewels to the value of -100,000 franks.” “Be he what he may,” interrupted Don Bertrand, “since -he has expressed a wish to see his wife decorated with diamonds, he -shall have that satisfaction.” - -Overjoyed that he bit the hook so greedily, I told him with transport: -“Really, my dear uncle, you are too generous, and I ought to be -apprehensive of intruding too much upon your goodness.” “No compliments, -my dear nephew,” replied he, with precipitation; “I will lend you my -diamonds with all my heart. To convince you, I will this moment go and -choose some of the finest for your use.” Thus saying, he rose from table -and went to his closet, whence he returned, and put into my hands a case -containing jewels to the amount of from 7 to 8,000 franks. My three -cousins seeing the old gentleman treat me in this kind manner did not -wish to be thought less generous than he. They all promised to lend me -some, and sure enough they brought me the next morning jewels to nearly -the same amount. The most avaricious of the three came last, and in the -course of a very long chat contrived to turn the conversation upon my -benefice. He gave me to understand that if I was so well off as to wish -to dispose of it, and would be inclined to resign it in favour of one of -his own children, in preference to either of his cousins, a present of a -hundred pistoles should accompany his thanks. I made answer, “that his -eldest son having the advantage over all the other children in respect -to age, certainly appeared to me the most proper to succeed to my -benefice; but that having obtained it for nothing, I should resign it on -the same terms, not being a man to make such sort of bargains.” I -perceived plainly that this answer did not by any means displease him. - -Just at this moment Sayavedra entered the room, having under his arm a -small casket containing my gold chain: “Do you still wish,” said he, -“that I should go where you desired me?” “You ought to have been there -and back again ere this,” replied I. “Recollect only, before you apply -to a goldsmith, to make inquiry in the neighbourhood as to his -respectability. You will then get my chain weighed, and return to tell -me its exact weight.” Though my cousin had already seen this chain, he -requested to look at it again, and admired extremely both the -workmanship and the fineness of the gold. Then, turning to Sayavedra, -“My friend,” said he, “tell my servant, whom you will find below, to -accompany you to a goldsmith’s who lives hard by, and who will tell you -conscientiously the value of the chain.” “My squire was soon back.” I -inquired “how much the goldsmith valued it at.” “Six hundred and -fifty-five crowns,” answered Sayavedra. “Well then,” said I, “just -return and request the loan of six hundred upon it, which I will repay -him in three days, with whatever he may demand for interest.” “Honest -man as he is,” said my cousin, “he will make no scruple of taking three -per cent, for three days as well as for six months, saying that it -makes no difference to him. I regret much,” continued he, “that I do not -happen at this moment to have sufficient ready money at hand myself; but -I know a man of probity who will be satisfied with only two per cent.” - -This man of probity was no other than himself, who, notwithstanding that -he hoped to obtain a good benefice for nothing, rejoiced at the -opportunity of depriving the goldsmith of this little profit. I failed -not to assure this good cousin that he would much oblige me by getting -it done for me. “Not that I am in great distress for money,” said I, “as -you may see. At the same time I drew from my pocket two large purses -full of pistoles, which I showed to him. It is merely by way of -precaution that I wish to put my chain in pledge; for as we shall play -very high at the wedding of my friend the colonel, I do not like to be -at all short of money.” My cousin assured me, “that in two hours at -furthest, the six hundred crowns should be at my service.” Then taking -the casket out of Sayavedra’s hand, I opened it for an instant, just -that my cousin might see that the chain was in it, and after having shut -it again, delivered it to his servant, who returned in about an hour -with the six hundred crowns. - -Unfortunately for my worthy cousin, my major-domo, in bringing the -casket back from the goldsmith’s under his cloak, had dexterously drawn -out the gold chain, and substituted a brass one in its stead. - -Favello came to sup with me at night. He told me it was time for me to -strike my blow, for that I must sleep on board the next night, as the -galleys were to sail before day-break the following morning. “’Tis -well,” answered I; “my business shall be settled in less than four and -twenty hours’ time, and I will not fail to be on board by to-morrow -evening. If you will assist me by sending some of your people about -midnight for my boxes, my departure will be more secret.” The captain -promised this, and took his leave of me shortly after. We passed almost -the whole of the next day in getting every thing in readiness for our -departure. We packed up our best effects in our two largest boxes, and -filled with rags the counterparts of those which my honoured uncle kept -in his closet for me with such pious care. A quarter of an hour before -midnight, four of captain Favello’s men conveyed our two largest boxes -on board, leaving our two others to satisfy my landlord, whom I desired -Sayavedra to tell not to be anxious on my account, for that I was going -to sup at a friend’s, where I might very likely pass the whole night at -play. We at length got safe on board our captain’s galley. He had been -rather uneasy at my being so late, and asked me the first thing, how my -affair of honour had terminated. “My revenge is satisfied to my heart’s -content,” replied I. “I rejoice at it extremely,” said he; “for I must -acknowledge that I was beginning to be a little anxious for your safety, -the result of such an enterprise being always uncertain.” - -Favello had caused a little chamber to be fitted up for me, into which -he conducted me, and where I found my two boxes, and a table covered -with delicate meats. We sat down, and after partaking of a good supper, -lay down to take some repose. But our several cares kept us both awake. -For my part I was all night terribly alarmed lest some cursed contrary -wind should detain us in port, and afford my relations sufficient time -to gain information of my flight, and to obtain an order from the senate -to have me arrested. My fears, however, were groundless. At day-break I -heard a noise which announced to me that the galleys were on the point -of departure. I looked through a hole in my chamber, and perceived with -joy that the whole crew had begun to ply their oars. We were soon out of -port; then taking advantage of the wind which was directly in our -favour, we spread our sails and were soon out of sight. - - - - -CHAP. XLV. - - _Guzman, after having robbed his relations, and re-embarked for - Spain, is in imminent danger of perishing at sea, and has the - misfortune to lose Sayavedra._ - - -We had already doubled Cape Noli, when the captain informed me that if -the wind did not change for three days, we should have a most agreeable -voyage. We watered at Monaco, and the next morning, having put to sea -again with a favourable breeze, we reached the Isles of Hieres, where we -passed the night. The third day we anchored at Chateau d’If, in sight of -Marseilles, and the day following at Roses. - -I was congratulating myself on so fortunate a voyage, when my joy was -interrupted by word being brought me that Sayavedra had the -sea-sickness, and felt extremely ill. I ran to see him immediately, and -found that he had a very violent fever upon him. I was much afflicted at -it, but consoled myself with the idea that we should soon reach -Barcelona, where he should have every attention paid to him. The morning -of the fifth day dawned very differently to the preceding ones; the -clouds seemed lowering, and there was scarcely a breath of air stirring. -We still hoped, however, by dint of hard rowing, to sleep that night at -Barcelona. But we found our mistake two hours after. So furious a storm -arose, that our destruction appeared inevitable. In vain did we attempt -to make to land; the oar became quite useless, and we were obliged to -keep out to sea the whole of that night. What a night of horror was it -for us! Sometimes the sea raised its waves to the clouds, and at others, -opening its bosom, presented to our eyes the awful abyss by which we -were surrounded. - -Who in the midst of such a scene can attempt to paint the consternation -so evidently depicted on every countenance on board, and the various -indications of fear created by the dread of approaching death? Some -invoked the Saints most honoured in their own country; others offered -vows; some on their knees were addressing the most fervent prayers to -heaven in private, whilst others confessed their sins aloud, and -implored pardon of the Deity. Some few, though death was apparently -before their eyes, were still inquiring of the pilot whether all hopes -were at an end. He answered, that there was nothing to fear, and they -seemed as willing to trust this liar, as a father, who, seeing his only -son dying, eagerly gives credit to the quack who assures him of his -speedy recovery. For my part, like another Jonas, I was buried in a -profound reverie all this while, and believing myself the cause of this -dreadful storm, said within myself: Wretch, now wilt thou meet with the -punishment due to thee for having robbed thy relations. Of what service -will their gold be to thee? The sea will in a short time swallow up both -thyself and thy ill-gotten riches. For thyself, thou hast well deserved -it, and those only are to be pitied, who have been so unfortunate as to -embark in the company of a scoundrel who has incurred the vengeance of -heaven. - -With this impression, I awaited death with resignation. It was not so -near at hand, however, as we all imagined. The weather suddenly -changed, hope succeeded despair, and joy desolation. That night proved -fatal only to the unfortunate Sayavedra. This faithful follower, whose -brain was already turned by his fever, the violence of which was -increasing every moment, lost his reason entirely when he heard the -cries and lamentations which the fear of shipwreck excited in the -galley. My footman watched him that night, but dropping asleep from -fatigue, Sayavedra got up in one of his fits, which gave him new -strength, and threw himself from the side of the poop into the sea. The -soldier who was on guard heard something fall into the sea, and informed -the pilot of it. This made a great noise on board, and every one was -anxious to ascertain what it could be; and after half an hour’s search, -Sayavedra was found to be missing. No possible grief could be greater -than mine when I first learned this distressing news. No one has ever -wept more bitterly for a brother than I did for my dear Sayavedra. I was -inconsolable at his loss, and truly I had good reason to regret him. The -joy of all on board the next morning at finding the sea as calm as it -had been boisterous the preceding day, had but little effect on my -spirits, now that death had deprived me of my faithful servant and -companion. - -We entered the port of Barcelona towards noon. I had already prepared -Favello not to expect I should make a long stay in that city, having -told him after the storm, that I had made a vow to visit our Lady of -Montserrat the moment I landed, and that from thence I intended to -proceed to my mother’s at Andalusia. He could not oppose so pious an -intention; and besides, not being able to leave his galley that day, he -told me sadly, as I was taking leave of him, that in all probability we -should never see each other again, unless I intended to stay the whole -of the next day in Barcelona. He then inquired where I should take up my -lodging; I named an inn which I knew, fully resolved, however, never to -go near it. Sensible of the great proofs of friendship I had received at -his hands, I embraced him tenderly at parting, and presenting him with a -ring worth a hundred pistoles, requested he would wear it for my sake. -He accepted it with tears in his eyes, fearing it was the last farewell, -and on my side, feeling myself too much affected, I hastened away, to -spare him the pain of reading in my looks the cause of our separation. - -My first care when I arrived at the inn where I caused my trunks to be -carried, was to have three good mules bought for my use. You may be sure -I paid dear for them; but this signified but little in my present -situation. In addition to the twenty-five thousand franks which I now -possessed, four thousand more had fallen to me by the death of my -companion in fortune. I hired also a muleteer who was well acquainted -with the roads, and we left the city the following morning as soon as -the gates were open. My impatience to leave Barcelona as soon as -possible may easily be conceived; a felucca might have arrived there, -with orders from my relations to arrest me. It was incumbent on me -therefore to be active. To so prudent a fear I added the precaution of -avoiding all the high roads, telling my followers, that as my sole -object in travelling was my own pleasure, it was my wish to reach the -Ebro as fast as possible; that, as I rode along its banks, I might be -gratified with a view of the charming landscapes on both sides of it. - - - - -CHAP. XLVI. - - _Guzman, on his journey to Saragossa, makes acquaintance and falls - in love with a young Widow. Progress and conclusion of this new - passion._ - - -I steered clear of the high roads, for the reasons I have already told -you, and spurring on my mule through all the byeways towards the Ebro, -intending to coast it from thence to Saragossa, I travelled with as much -speed as fear. In three days we reached the banks of the river. My mind -became now more at ease; and I began to believe myself beyond the reach -of pursuit, and to congratulate myself on my riches, without reflecting -that I was travelling through a country in which there were as many -robbers as in Italy. I had taken the precaution, however, to purchase -two firelocks in Barcelona, with which I armed my footman and the -muleteer. In addition to this, I concealed my jewels about me so -cautiously, that no one could perceive them without stripping me. - -I shall pass over in silence, friendly reader, the adventures I met with -on the banks of Ebro, which are not worthy to be related, and proceed to -make you acquainted with one which fortune prepared for me between -Ossera and Saragossa. Night surprised me near a fine abbey, which I took -for a castle, and which I approached in the hope of obtaining a lodging; -but finding that a wretched village lay under it, I changed my opinion. -We stopped before a paltry hovel, at which a sign was suspended, and, -knocking loudly at the door, demanded admission. Nobody answered us at -first, but at length a country fellow appeared at one of the windows. -This was the landlord, who, having surveyed me from top to toe by the -light of a lamp which he held in his hand, began to laugh, saying, “Do -not waste any further time here, Signor Cavalier, my house is not fit to -receive you; go to the abbey, where you will meet with a hearty welcome, -and be more suitably entertained.” I answered the peasant, that I would -follow his advice, and, as we were ignorant of the road, requested him -to conduct us to the convent, at the same time slipping a few reals into -his hand, to add more efficacy to my entreaty. - -The monastery stood on an eminence, so that we were nearly half an hour -ascending it by a very rough road, which to me, who was already much -fatigued, was very distressing. Nevertheless, as there is nothing so -good as to be entirely free from unpleasantry, so neither is there any -thing so bad but has something agreeable to recommend it. The -inn-keeper informed me that this was a convent for nuns, all of whom -were ladies of quality; that it was one of the richest in Spain, and -received all strangers that passed through the village with hospitality. -I felt, without knowing wherefore, that this report pleased me; either -from reviving my natural predilection for the fair sex, or from a -presentiment of what would happen to me. When we reached the great gate -we rang several times before any body from within made answer. At length -a voice asked us, through the wicket, what we wanted. The inn-keeper, -who was known to the porter, told him, “that we were looking for -lodging; that he could not entertain us himself, and had, consequently, -conducted us to the abbey.” The muleteer added, by my orders, “that an -asylum was requested, for one night only, for a foreign nobleman, who -had lost his way travelling to Saragossa.” - -The porter answered, “that the convent-gate was always shut at eight -o’clock, and that it was now nine; that, notwithstanding such was the -rule, he would go, from the consideration he naturally had for persons -of quality, and inform the lady abbess of my situation, and obey her -orders.” I was obliged to wait with patience at the gate for her answer. -The porter at length returned and informed us that the abbess could not -think of opening the gate at such an unseasonable hour to gentlemen -entirely unknown to her. This refusal vexed me extremely. I dismounted -from my mule, and advanced towards the wicket; and, speaking myself to -the porter, entreated him to return to the abbess, and tell her, on my -behalf, that if she knew the favour she would confer on me, in affording -me a retreat for that night, she would cease to be inexorable. The -porter told me, “it was to no purpose to persist in requesting what she -would never permit.” Not being able to influence the porter in my -favour by prayers, I offered a bribe, which he refused with disdain, and -shut the wicket in my face. I feared there was now no chance of sleeping -that night in the monastery, and, yielding to necessity, told my -servants to lead the three mules back again to the peasant’s; that, for -my own part, rather than be stived up in that wretched tavern, I felt -desirous to pass away a few hours where I was, in listening to the -murmuring of the Ebro. - -It was a lovely night. I strolled round the house, observing with an eye -of curiosity whatever I could discern by the light of the stars, which -shone extremely bright. I followed a sloping path which led me under a -balcony that commanded a view of the river. I sat down at the foot of a -tree opposite the balcony, which I considered attentively, supposing it -to be my lady abbess’s apartment. I could perceive a light, and shortly -after a confused noise of female voices struck my ear; then all of a -sudden a profound silence ensued, which was interrupted in its turn by a -Spanish song warbled by a very delicate voice. The singer seemed to -please her company exceedingly, and she was much applauded. Another lady -then sang an Italian air with which I was well acquainted, and was -equally complimented. So immoderate a desire then possessed me to amuse -the ladies with my melodious voice, that I could scarcely have the -patience to hear this song out. I was half inclined to sing the same -over again, for it was one of those for which I had been most applauded -at the Grand Duke’s concert at Florence. However, I was prudent enough -to spare the lady the mortification of the comparison; and having -remembered another air which had particularly pleased the Grand Duchess, -I chose that in its stead. - -Hoping thus agreeably to surprise these recluses by my fine voice, as -well as by the singularity of the adventure, I sang, and, when I had -finished the air, had the pleasure of hearing exclamations of -astonishment mingled with admiration. The glass-door of the balcony flew -open, and several ladies hurried forward in the hope of seeing who it -could be that sang so sweetly. I affected not to observe them, and, -after having paused a moment, began my air again. As soon as I ceased, I -could hear myself again applauded by the ladies, who, however, in the -hopes of being favoured with another, communicated their admiration only -in whispers. I perceived their design, and was malicious enough to -provoke them by remaining silent, without stirring from the spot. One of -the ladies, more impatient than the rest, then addressed me, saying, -“That one song from so charming a voice was but very insufficient for so -many ladies who were so passionately fond of music.” “’Tis too little,” -replied I in Italian, “for so many ladies, but far too much for a -pilgrim, to whom they have so cruelly refused shelter.” - -My answer excited great laughter, from which they supposed I was the -stranger who had requested to lodge in the abbey. “Signor Cavalier,” -cried one of them, “be not displeased at the refusal that was returned -you. It is a law established in this convent not to admit any strange -gentleman after eight o’clock in the evening; but your charming voice -has had such influence, that the lady abbess consents, for once, to -dispense with the regulation, and, unless you are so true a -knight-errant as to prefer passing the night on the banks of this river, -has just given order to open the gates to you.” I made answer, “that I -was rejoiced to learn that to obtain shelter from my lady abbess it was -only necessary to set my request to music.” This little trait of -raillery excited their laughter afresh, more especially as it was the -lady abbess herself to whom I was speaking. They were by no means -displeased with my apparent gaiety, and, as they wished to take a nearer -view of my figure, of which they could form but an indistinct idea where -I sat, they entreated me to walk in, telling me “that the lady abbess -would soon be reconciled to me.” - -At these words, to shew them that I desired nothing better than such an -invitation, I rose instantly, and bowing to the company in the most -respectful manner as I passed the balcony, I soon regained the -abbey-gate, where the porter met me, and, desiring me to follow him, -conducted me into a large and very elegant parlour. Here I was received -by the lady abbess and a secular lady; they were both seated on cushions -of violet-coloured damask, and six or seven nuns stood behind them. All -these ladies kept profoundly silent, and preserved an air of gravity -which would have disconcerted any other but myself; but I had so often -visited the grate at Rome, that I knew well what behaviour to adopt. I -accosted them, therefore, in a jocose manner, and some lucky sallies -which escaped me soon dissipated their affected gravity. I then -complained in so good-natured a manner of the law which forbids them to -admit strangers into the convent at night, that I soon succeeded in -amusing them. - -In the mean time a small table was laid out with some venison pasties, -wine, and sweetmeats. I needed no very pressing invitation to eat and -drink, for I acquitted myself like a hungry traveller as I was, not -forgetting, however, to whisper occasional compliments to the lady -abbess, as well as to the secular lady, whom I thought very handsome. -She had an air of youth and peculiar sprightliness, which rendered her -particularly engaging. Some of the nuns remarking that I admired her, -asked me if I did not think that their community had reason to be proud -of the acquisition of such a lady. This inspired me with a thousand -thoughts in her favour. I spoke nothing but Italian, and being dressed -also in the Italian fashion, I easily passed for one of that nation. -Such of the ladies as were acquainted with that language were so -condescending as not to speak to me in Spanish. When they perceived that -I had done eating, they contrived to turn the conversation on music, and -one and all entreated me to favour them with one of the newest Italian -airs. I consented willingly, and, animated by degrees, by the praises -bestowed on me at the end of each couplet, such a rage for singing -possessed me, that no sooner had I finished one song than I began -another. As to the company, and especially the secular lady, they were -so delighted to listen to me, that they seemed not to have the least -thought of retiring, though it was already after midnight. I really -believe that day would have surprised us in the parlour, had not the -abbess, for the sake of preserving the DECORUM of a monastic life, -thought proper to put an end to a pastime so contrary to their -established regulations, by reminding the ladies that they were imposing -on my good nature. “Our guest,” said she, “cannot but be fatigued; -besides, you ought to reserve some pleasure for to-morrow. He will not, -I trust, think of departing before we have had the pleasure of seeing -him again.” This was a polite way of desiring me to sing no more; so -that, wishing the company good night, I joined the porter, who was -waiting at the parlour-door to conduct me to the apartment that was -prepared for me. - -I was not a little astonished in entering to find my servants there, -whom they had been kind enough to send for, with my baggage, and who -had been entertained like myself. I found also that even my three mules -had not been forgotten, and that, thanks to their master’s fine voice, -they had had a good bellyful of provender in the convent stables. The -chamber in which I lay, occupied my attention for some time. There was -in the furniture, although plain, a certain air of simplicity far -superior to magnificence; and my bed could not have been better prepared -even for the Archbishop of Saragossa. Having got into it, I told my -servants to follow the porter to their beds. I then called the muleteer -to me, who was no fool, and charged him to be sure to ascertain who the -secular lady was whom I had seen with the Lady Abbess. He acquitted -himself well of this commission: “Sir,” said he, when I rose the next -morning, “I have questioned one of the footmen respecting the lady of -whom you wish to know, and he has told me every particular without -hesitation. She is a widow, as he says, very rich, and of one of the -best families in Saragossa. She has many admirers; and among others, a -nephew of the Lady Abbess, a young man of about two and twenty at most, -wonderfully well made, and extremely handsome. Unless, however, I am -much mistaken,” added he, “my mistress is but very indifferent to his -addresses; while on the contrary my Lady Abbess, who has a great -affection for this unlicked cub, is most anxious to promote the match. -This is all,” said the muleteer, “that I have learnt from the footman; -but the porter has just informed me that this young widow, who arrived -at the abbey only an hour or two before you, intends to return home this -afternoon.” - -At the word widow, I sighed deeply. It brought to my recollection my -fair one at Florence, and I at first imagined that I was sighing for -her; but to say the truth, I soon felt that my heart, less intent upon -the past than the present, was captivated by the charms of the widow of -Saragossa. I could no longer doubt it when I beheld her again in the -parlour, where the abbess, after mass was over, invited me. I appeared -there again with all the good humour of the preceding evening. There -were but three nuns with the abbess besides the object of my new -passion. The conversation soon became lively and facetious, and was by -no means damped by the arrival of several more of the most sprightly -nuns in the convent, who joined us soon after. My lovely widow, who -possessed a fund of wit, contributed her share, and I applauded, from -the bottom of my heart, every little repartee that escaped her lips. She -saw plainly that I was in admiration at every thing she said, and that I -distinguished her from the rest of the company, and she was evidently -not a little pleased by my attentions. - -In the midst of our laughter, a servant announced to the abbess that Don -Antonio de Miras was on the stairs, which seemed to please her -extremely; for this was her dear nephew whom she wished to see united to -the beautiful widow. His aunt had sent him word the evening before, that -Donna Lucia (for that was my charmer’s name) was at the abbey, and he -could not of course neglect so favourable an opportunity of waiting upon -a lady whom he aspired to marry. The portrait that the muleteer had -given me of this young gentleman, was by no means flattering, for I -never beheld a handsomer cavalier. No woman ever so vain of her beauty -but might have been proud to have had such a face. Add to which he was -of a handsome figure, and had every appearance of a man of quality. His -dress, which was extremely elegant, added also to his prepossessing -appearance. I should certainly have died with jealousy at sight of such -a rival, had I not been previously informed that he was by no means -eminently gifted with understanding. This thought helped to support me -against such formidable disadvantages, and an observation which I -afterwards made emboldened me at least to dispute with him the heart of -Donna Lucia; for I perceived that this lady, so far from testifying any -joy at his arrival, seemed to look upon him with an eye of indifference, -and replied very coldly to all his compliments. - -Don Antonio and I at first looked at each other like two young cocks; -but as it was my interest to be on good terms with him, I loaded him -with compliments, and in less than an hour we were the best friends in -the world. When dinner hour arrived, the abbess caused two tables to be -laid in the parlour, one without the grate for her nephew and myself, -and the other within for the ladies. Our repast, which was fit for the -first nobleman to sit down to, was seasoned with jests and anecdotes, -which amused us all exceedingly. More than half the afternoon was passed -away in the same agreeable manner. - -I talked, sang, laughed, and in short shewed that I could do any thing; -insomuch that the nuns, though accustomed to receive the visits of -gentlemen, assured me that they had never yet seen one possessing such a -fund of amusement. In the mean time the hour of separation drew nigh. It -was time for the fair widow to set off for Saragossa, if she hoped to -arrive there before night. She took leave, therefore, of the Lady Abbess -and the nuns, and ascended into her litter, which was in waiting for her -at the door. As it was my intention to accompany her, I had ordered my -equipage also to be in readiness. I vaulted nimbly on my mule, which cut -but a sorry figure by the side of Don Antonio’s hunter. Besides his -having one of the finest horses in Spain, this young gentleman was an -experienced horseman, and before we started made his horse pass through -a thousand manoeuvres with considerable grace. I was extremely -mortified that I could not by any means provoke my peaceable and stupid -mule to imitate him; my endeavours to make him caper a little, served -only to amuse the ladies who were observing us from the windows. - -The Don pranced on one side of the litter, and I trotted on the other, -for the sake of conversing with Donna Lucia on the road. We began, or -rather, I began to discourse with her, for young Miras took so little -part in the conversation, that he seldom went beyond a monosyllable, -contenting himself with showing off his elegant person on horse-back to -the best advantage. Knowing Don Antonio to be no great wit, I should -have been a greater simpleton than he, had I not availed myself of so -favourable an opportunity. Lucia asked me “if I intended to make a long -stay at Saragossa.” “That will depend on the pleasure in store for me at -that place,” replied I: “should my wishes be realized, I shall remain -there a considerable time.” A tender glance with which I accompanied -these words, spoke volumes. Lucia understood my meaning, and blushed -deeply; but her eyes informed me that she felt not offended, and I was -well pleased that I had hazarded this declaration, since it had not -proved disagreeable to her, nor excited the jealousy of Miras, to whom -it was a complete enigma. - -I was somewhat surprised that so young and lovely a person as Lucia, -should travel above a league from Saragossa, with a retinue consisting -only of a duenna, one lackey and a muleteer. I had yet to know the -privileges of widows in that country, where they enjoy unrestricted -freedom. Travelling with so feeble an escort they frequently expose -themselves to unexpected and unpleasant rencontres. Thus Donna Lucia, -though accompanied by two cavaliers and her own attendants, was somewhat -alarmed at a trifling adventure that befel us on our journey. We were -already half way to Saragossa, when we perceived at a distance a most -beautiful hunter, whose speed was equal to that of Bayarte or -Brigliador,[B] and who, galloping towards us, raised such a cloud of -dust that we could not at first distinguish who was the cavalier who -rode him; but no sooner could we discern him, than I fancied I saw the -furious Rolando before me, such fierceness was in his looks. - - [B] The names of two chargers famous in ancient romance; the former - belonged to Reynaldos de Montalvan, and the latter to Orlando - Furioso.--See the Octavo Edition of “Don Quixote, translated by - Jarvis,” vol. 2, page 329. _Trans._ - -When he came up within ten or twelve paces of us, he stopped short to -look at me. My foreign dress attracted his attention, and he seemed -still more surprised at the familiar manner in which I was conversing -with the fair widow. He was himself one of this lady’s suitors, and -flattered himself with great hopes of winning her, relying upon the -opinion he imagined all the world must have of his bravery, to ensure -him success over all his rivals. Seeing then Don Antonio on one side and -me on the other, he rode most furiously between Miras and the litter, so -that he almost overturned the one and dismounted the other. The lady was -much alarmed at this insolent action, and told this bully in a rage, -that the road was wide enough to allow of his passing, without presuming -to insult persons who deserved more respect. He apologized to Lucia in a -tone and manner more insolent than the action itself. - -Miras, at the first impulse of his resentment, clapped his hands upon -his pistol, but whether from the fear of missing his aim, or from an -excessive respect towards his mistress, he did not venture further in an -engagement, for which, by the bye, he felt no great inclination. I -pitied his awkward situation, and felt much disposed to take up his -quarrel, thinking that this swaggerer was but a braggadocio. I -reflected, however, that I might find myself mistaken; and seeing that -the party most interested was not very forward in resenting the affront, -I was wise enough to refrain from taking up his cudgels. All that I -could do for him was, to request him to come to my side, and yield my -place to him, which offer he accepted willingly, quite indifferent as to -Lucia’s opinion of his courage in being obliged thus to quit his post. -Our blustering companion called himself Don Lucio de Ribera. He had been -informed that the beautiful widow had slept at the monastery the -preceding night, and intended to return this day. Accordingly he rode -from the city to meet her, and offer his services to escort her home. - -No sooner did this fellow perceive that Don Antonio had resigned his -post, instead of thinking of maintaining it, than he took immediate -possession of it himself, and prepared to converse with the lady, who, -however, deceived his expectation; for, to mortify him, she answered not -a word to all he had to say. She deigned not even to look at him, -keeping her eyes and attention fixed on Miras and me. In this manner we -arrived at Saragossa, and conducted Donna Lucia to her house, where she -thanked me most politely for my attentions, adding, that she hoped that -the city had sufficient charms to detain me some time. She observed but -little ceremony towards the other two gentlemen, acknowledging their -civility with a slight bow only. I took no notice of the haughty Don -Lucio in parting, but paid a thousand compliments to Don Antonio, which -so much pleased him, that he insisted on accompanying me to the Angel, -a famous inn at the entrance of the town, and whither I had desired my -luggage to be conveyed. Here Miras took his leave of me, in terms which -convinced me that so far from suspecting me for a rival, he believed me -to be one of his best friends. - -I found my servant and muleteer at the inn, where they had engaged a -very commodious apartment for me, in which I supped alone. The landlord, -who was one of those inveterate jesters who abound with witticisms and -puns, joined me soon after, thinking I should be vastly entertained with -his company. He began the conversation by telling me all that was going -on in the town, the privileges of which he much extolled, not forgetting -to praise the spirit with which the inhabitants maintained those -privileges. I was not averse to listening to him, for in the midst of a -thousand impertinences, a most excellent stroke of wit would -occasionally escape him, as is often the case with babblers like him. -When I had finished my supper, however, he ceased worrying me any longer -with his nonsense, made his bow, and was about to retire. Stop friend, -said I, be kind enough to desire a tailor to call upon me to-morrow -morning; I have some work to give him. The entrusting mine host with -this commission, furnished him with a new topic for conversation, and he -took occasion to enlarge upon the knavery of tailors in general, abusing -them as other people usually do. Nevertheless, after having railed at -them most vehemently as a body, he finished by assuring me, that he knew -one who knew how to behave himself to his customers, without cabbaging -an inch of their cloth, and who, he doubted not, would please me. - -He was as good as his word; for as soon as I was up the next morning, -he introduced a tailor, who appeared to be by no means extravagant, and -who understood his business well. I gave orders for a Spanish habit, in -the fashion I wished it to be made, and he promised he would send it -home in three days, made in so fashionable a style as could not fail to -attract the admiration of every one. In the mean time, I wore the -Italian suit I had purchased at Florence, in which I cut a tolerable -good figure on the Corso, which is the place of resort for all the -fashionables at Saragossa, and where I was at least not ashamed to -appear as one of Donna Lucia’s suitors; but as soon as I made my -appearance amongst them in my new dress, I completely eclipsed them all, -not only from its elegance, but from the fine jewels with which I -thought proper to deck myself out. I was soon looked upon as the -favoured lover of the lady, whose attention I certainly attracted; for, -whether I accompanied her in her walks, or chanced to pass under her -balcony, she evidently distinguished me in preference to all my rivals. -The haughty Don Lucio could not conceal his envy of my happiness, and -darted the most furious looks at me. With the others I lived on -tolerable good terms, especially with Miras, who scarcely ever left me, -and procured me all the pleasure he could, by introducing me into the -most distinguished families in the city. - -Thus I found myself esteemed and honoured at Saragossa, where I was as -much in Lucia’s favour as I had been in that of my Florence widow, when -one morning, my servant announced to me, that there was a gentleman at -my chamber-door who wanted to speak to me. Being still in bed, and -thinking that it must be one of Don Antonio’s friends, I desired that he -might be admitted, and was not a little surprised at sight of the person -who had thus announced himself, who was a huge ugly looking fellow whom -I had never seen before. He wore mustachios turned up, a high crowned -hat which nearly reached the ceiling, and a very long sword, the hilt of -which he was very careful in holding up, that it might not dangle on the -floor; thus, shrugging up his shoulders, he walked with so heavy a foot, -that the chamber shook at every step he took. - -You will naturally expect that after so grand an entrance, he would -address himself to me in a corresponding style; but no such thing; he -was content to strut up and down my chamber, eyeing me from time to time -in a most threatening manner. I soon grew tired of this dumb scene, so -that jumping up on a sudden, I seized my pistols, and demanded what -business he had there. This action seemed to bring him to his senses. -“Do you know,” said he, with an agitated voice, “the brave Don Lucio de -Ribera, the flower and boast of Arragon?” I replied, “that I knew him -merely by sight, and that it was but of little consequence whether I -knew him or not.” “I am come,” continued he, presenting me a letter, “to -find you on his behalf. This letter will explain the rest.” I took the -note very calmly, for I perceived plainly that the bearer was more -frightened than myself, and having opened it, read these words: - -“Be you an Italian or a Spaniard, your presumption is unpardonable in -coming into this country to dispute our ladies’ hearts with us: but as -you appear to be a foreigner, we are willing to excuse your extreme -rashness, on condition that you leave Saragossa within four and twenty -hours. Should your evil genius induce you to despise our resentment, be -prepared to encounter Don Lucio de Ribera, whom no one has hitherto been -able to vanquish, but whom you must overcome before you can offer any -pretensions to Donna Lucia.” - -Knowing the letter before I opened it to be from Don Lucio, I guessed -that it must be a challenge, or something approaching it; so that I was -not in the least astonished at its contents. “Sir,” said I to the -messenger, “tell your employer on this occasion, that whether Italian or -Spaniard, I have two daggers very much at his service, and that I am -ready to fight him in my shirt, to prevent the possibility of foul play. -No coats of mail for me; the really brave never make use of them in -single combat. Let Don Lucio agree to these articles, and he shall find -that I am ready to brave any danger to deserve the heart of Lucia. This -is my answer.” “Give it me in writing,” replied the bearer of the -letter, “that the regular Don Lucio may be convinced of my having -delivered his message like a man of honour.” To satisfy this valiant -messenger, I took the trouble of committing to paper the same words that -I had just told him aloud, and he left me, promising to return in the -afternoon, to fix the hour and the spot on which we should fight. After -this rascal had left the room, I congratulated myself exceedingly that I -had acquitted myself so manfully on this occasion, for though I had not -the slightest inclination to fight, it was not the less necessary to -assume the bravo, which has got many a man out of a scrape in similar -cases, and which indeed was the only way in which I could receive so -boisterous a gentleman. Let the worst come to the worst, however, -thought I, my mules being always ready, I can at any time make a -retreat. It is true that the idea of leaving Lucia would have caused me -some pain, but I was not yet so much in love with her, as to hesitate -between the possession of her and the preservation of my own sweet -person. - -Still this affair caused no inconsiderable anxiety, and I was most -intently musing upon it, when mine host entered the room without my -perceiving him, to ask whether I was ready for dinner, and seeing me -look into my pocket handkerchief after having made use of it, roared out -most lustily: “Take care of yourself, Sir, or you are undone!” I -shuddered at these words, for my head was so full of the last scene, -that I thought nothing less than that Don Lucio was on his way up stairs -with the intention of assassinating me; but seeing my landlord laugh at -my alarm, I recovered myself a little, and gave him to understand that I -did not much admire such jokes; this only caused him to laugh the more -at my expence. “How came you then,” said he, “to look into your -handkerchief after having blown your nose? Know you not that you have -thereby incurred a penalty for having broken the laws established -against such ridiculous customs?” Knowing the fellow to be an original -who meant no offence, I joined him in the laugh, and asked what the -forfeit was. “No stipulated sum,” replied he, “but I dare say I can let -you off for a real.” This I paid most willingly, though I would rather -have paid twenty times the sum to have dispensed with the fright he had -caused me. “In return for this,” continued he, “I receive you from this -moment as one of our fraternity, and promise to give you a licence, by -virtue of which you may in future commit the like fooleries at your -pleasure; and since your real has produced you the honour of a place -amongst us, it is but fair that I should amuse you after dinner by the -perusal of the list of such habits as will entitle any one to a place in -our brotherhood.” - -No sooner had I dined, than he entered the room again, with a long -tablet carefully sealed with yellow wax, containing the names of the -elders and governors of the fraternity. The following pages contained -all the fooleries that would entitle a person to be admitted into Fool’s -College. I shall quote five or six of these instances, which will -suffice to give you an idea of the rest. Preamble: “We declare quite -worthy to be admitted into our College, all those who may be addicted to -the following habits:” - -_1st. He who talks to himself either in his room or in the street._ - -_2d. He who in playing at bowls, runs after his own bowl with divers -contortions, hoping to make it roll to the exact spot he wishes._ - -_3d. All those who take up their cards one by one, thinking by that -means to ensure themselves all the court cards in the pack._ - -_4th. Those who inquire the hour of the day while the clock is striking -exactly before them._ - -_5th. Those who, having sent a servant on an errand, plant themselves at -the window, thinking thereby to hasten his return._ - -_6th. All those who after having blown their noses, examine their -handkerchiefs most attentively, as though they expected to find pearls -in them, &c. &c. &c._ - -I amused myself a great part of the afternoon in reading this budget of -extravagances, expecting every moment to hear again from Don Lucio, and -was just growing weary of staying so long within doors, when Don Antonio -and some friends of his called upon me. They began, by telling me that -they were come to offer me their services in the affair of honour that I -had on hand, adding that the whole town knew that Don Lucio had sent me -a challenge, and that duelling being prohibited, that Cavalier was -already arrested. From this circumstance it was pretty clear to me that -Don Antonio and his friends were of that description of persons, who are -ever most eager to proffer their assistance, when they know that all -danger is over. I accordingly related as much to my own advantage as -possible, the full particulars of what had passed that morning between -me and Don Lucio’s messenger; upon which Don Antonio represented to me -that I might also be arrested, and invited me to retire to his house. -This I did not fail to accede to, for I dreaded any thing like -imprisonment for more reasons than one. I passed the remainder of the -day at that gentleman’s house, but not intending to sleep there, I left -him about ten o’clock at night to return to my inn. - -On my way home I met two ladies, attended by a footman who carried a -large lantern, by the light of which, I soon distinguished that they -were extremely handsome. I therefore accosted them in the most polite -manner, and they answered my civilities with considerable vivacity; and, -judging from my appearance and dress that I should be an easy prey, they -ogled me in such a manner that I could not resist accompanying them -farther than I intended; but having come to the corner of a street, -they stopped all of a sudden, and one of them said: “Come no farther, I -beg. Sir; we are only going to visit a sick lady who resides a few doors -up this street. If you have time to wait, we shall be walking home again -in about a quarter of an hour, and you may not repent of having met us. -You shall hear a song, and the lute played to admiration.” Thus saying, -they escaped from me, leaving me so fully persuaded they would keep -their promise, that I was fool enough to wait in the street until near -midnight. By that time, however, I was but too well convinced that I had -been duped, sharp and cunning as I thought myself; and must further -confess, to my confusion, that I had not even saved my purse from the -dexterity of these accomplished damsels. - -Being obliged, on my way to my lodging, to pass the house of my fair -widow, I could not refuse myself the pleasure of gazing on it for some -time, and I fancied that I perceived a man at the door. I imagined at -first that this must be Don Lucio, knowing that he was in the habit of -stationing himself near that spot every night, and this thought was -accompanied by an emotion mingled with fear and jealousy. Recollecting, -however, that he was in prison, I reflected that it could not be him; I -grew confident, and, incited by jealousy, advanced towards the object -that created it, and who, apparently, more afraid than myself, -disappeared at my approach. Having reached the door, I heard the -deafened creakings of a bolt, whence I concluded that some one was -opening it as quietly as possible. I was not mistaken in my conjecture, -for in a moment after, the door was half opened, so as to admit a man. -Curiosity to know the bottom of this affair, in which I believed myself -to be more interested than I really was, prompted me to slip in as -quietly as possible. I immediately felt a hand held out to conduct me, -for there was not a glimpse of light in the passage. I thought from the -first, that the person mistook me, and could no longer doubt it, when -being led into a back parlour, I was rather roughly regaled with a most -fervent embrace, seasoned with the fragrant and delightful smell of -pepper, garlic and saffron, which convinced me that this transported -lover, who was so profuse of her favours, could be no other than the -cook. In the midst of her transports, however, she began to suspect, -from touching my clothes and face, that I could not be the favoured -swain whom she expected; and at length being convinced of her mistake, -she suddenly let go her hold of me, and thought to escape; but I held -her fast by the petticoat. She exerted all her strength to disengage -herself, and I was as determined to detain her, until at length we both -fell down with a tremendous crash. This noise awoke two footmen, who lay -in an adjoining closet. They jumped instantly out of bed, thinking they -heard thieves, and each arming himself with a sword, crept softly with a -lamp into the parlour, where they found us stretched at our length on -the floor. - -They recognised me immediately, and surprised to see a gentleman who -aspired to the hand of their mistress contending with so much violence -for the good graces of a kitchen wench, who had never even tempted -themselves, they burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, to my utter -confusion. The insolence of the creature herself was surprising: she -accused me of a deliberate design to violate her honour, and asserted -that I had secreted myself in the house with that view. Without waiting -to justify myself, I picked up my hat, which had been knocked off my -head by a violent box on the ears, and addressing myself to the servant -who carried the lamp, desired him to light me to the street door, which -he did, grinning all the way in such a manner, that I was almost -tempted to knock him down. I soon reached my inn, cruelly mortified at -so disgraceful and pitiful an adventure, not doubting that the story -would be all over the town the next day, and that I should be the common -talk of all the inhabitants. This idea, which afflicted me more than you -can possibly imagine, made me resolve to stay no longer in Saragossa -than was absolutely necessary to make preparations for my departure. My -equipage was ready, therefore, at break of day, and my mules as though -they partook of their master’s impatience to leave a place where he -could not again make his appearance without shame, commenced their -journey with a speed and seeming anxiety which pleased me exceedingly. - - - - -CHAP. XLVII. - - _Guzman departs for Madrid, where he engages in a new gallantry, - the_ CONCLUSION _of which does not prove so agreeable as the_ - COMMENCEMENT. - - -I took the road to Madrid, and six days after my departure from -Saragossa, I arrived at Alcala de Henares, a town, the situation of -which is delightful, and which the beauty of its buildings renders -comparable with the most flourishing capitols in the world. In addition -to this, the _belles lettres_ were cultivated there to perfection. I -should certainly have taken up my abode there, had I not been foolishly -desirous to visit St. James’s once more, where I had formerly acted so -miserable a part. - -I stopped but eight days at Alcala, and then proceeded towards Madrid. -That celebrated city saw arrive, with three mules in his train, two of -which were laden with valuable property, that same Guzman who had -formerly carried a basket in its market-place. I hesitated for some time -as to where I should take up my lodging; but recollecting that in my -time the best inn was in Toledo-street, I determined to alight there. I -found it strangely changed. The landlord was dead, and his widow, though -a shrewd active woman, who had more than one string to her bow, could -not support its reputation on the same footing. It was certainly much -fallen off; but the extreme civility with which they treated me, whom -they looked upon as a rich young nobleman, prevented me from leaving -them. - -My next care was, to make special inquiries about my old friend the -three-bagged apothecary; and though I did not much fear that I could be -recognised, I must confess that I felt a secret joy when I learnt that -he had taken his departure for that country whither his drugs had -despatched so many of his patients before him. Ten years, however, had -now elapsed since I left Madrid, and, besides that, I was much altered -in person; who the devil could have recognized poor Guzman in the finery -with which he was now disguised? I took great pleasure in shewing myself -off in my best suits, particularly in the one I had purchased at -Saragossa. I exhibited myself in them by turns, in the morning at the -different churches, and in the evening at the prado. - -One night having returned home rather late to bed, as I crossed a -corridor which led to my chamber, I heard the voice of a young lady -accompanying a harp. I stopped to listen to this little concert, for it -was very near my own room, and felt an extreme curiosity to know who -were the fair performers. My landlady, who was going to send some -sweetmeats and biscuits to refresh the singer, happened to pass by just -at this moment, and told me that they were two ladies of Guadalaxara, -who were but just arrived at her house, to solicit a law-suit at Madrid -for a large sum of money. I gave her to understand that I had an extreme -desire to hear them nearer, and that she would confer an obligation on -me which I should remember all my life, if she could procure me -admittance into their company. She replied that she would do all she -could in my favour, but that she dared not promise me, for the mother -was a very reserved sort of woman, who led a very retired life with her -daughter, who was very pretty, and whom she never trusted out of her -sight. This only made me the more anxious to see her. My landlady -assured me that she would do all in her power. With this assurance, I -allowed her to enter the apartment where the ladies were, and I walked -up and down the corridor, expecting their answer; which was, that the -ladies hoped I would excuse their declining at so late an hour to -receive a visit from a gentleman with whom they were not acquainted. - -I pretended to be very much afflicted at this refusal, which upon the -whole vexed me indeed; so that my good landlady, who appeared on her -side as much concerned as I was, went into the ladies’ apartment to try -again what could be done, and at last she returned to let me know that -the ladies consented to grant me an interview, on condition that I would -only stay a quarter of an hour with them. I desired no more; sure that -once admitted, the condition as to time would not be strictly observed. -I presented myself then with the air of a man of quality, first to the -mother, whom I saluted with great respect, then to the daughter, and -they both received me as it became persons who knew the world. They -were both so neatly dressed, considering they were just come off a -journey, that I was quite astonished. The mother appeared to me very -handsome, though there was in her looks something bold and shy. As for -the daughter, she had a soft and expressive countenance, and appeared to -me a young lady about seventeen or eighteen years old. I remarked in -their room two large silver candlesticks on a table, and two toilets -elegantly set out. I saw also three large travelling trunks, and a -lackey in a very rich livery attended them with the most profound -respect. I had not the least doubt, therefore, that they must be of one -of the first families of Guadalaxara, so that I began my compliments by -apologizing for the liberty I had taken: and the better to justify my -impatience, added that I had been so enchanted with their concert, that -I could not resist the desire of expressing my satisfaction. The mother -replied to my compliment with much wit and modesty. Our conversation -naturally ran upon music, and I soon let them see clearly enough that I -understood that science; then entreating them to renew their concert, I -even offered to sing with them. - -The ladies, curious to hear me, agreed to it; so the mother took up the -harp, and the young lady began to sing an air I knew. I endeavoured to -display the full power of my voice, and it produced the same effect here -as at Florence, or at the Abbey near Saragossa, and the ladies seemed -transported with pleasure; they forgot the condition of a quarter of an -hour, for it had already struck twelve, and none of us thought of -retiring. The mother, however, as decency required she should give me -notice of it, at length did it in the most obliging manner, adding how -happy they should be to pass some more agreeable moments with me, during -their stay at Madrid. I then took my leave, and let the young lady see -by my looks that I was not insensible to her charms; and indeed it was -more true than I thought, for during all the night sleep did not close -my eyelids. - -The next morning my hostess, who usually drank a dish of chocolate every -day with me, came into my room smiling, and said: “I have just left the -apartment of your fair neighbours, and you cannot conceive how much -pleased they are with you. Besides that they find your person altogether -pleasing, they are also delighted with your agreeable and cheerful -conversation, and if you are inclined to carry it on, I have not the -least doubt of your success; the mother and daughter are equally pleased -with you.” I swallowed these sweet words as if they had been honey, and -pleased to have in so short a time made so lively an impression, I -answered, that I was equally satisfied with them; that the mother -appeared to me to be still very attractive, but as for the daughter, no -woman was to be compared with her, and I was willing to undertake her -conquest, if any well-disposed person would help me in the attempt. “I -understand you,” replied the hostess; “you wish me to render you that -service. I have no objection; but how shall we begin the business?” “I -will this evening,” said I, “prevail on the ladies to take a walk, and -order an elegant repast for them, in some house.” “Not for the world,” -cried out my hostess; “that would affront the mother, who would soon see -into your design, and break off your acquaintance altogether. Let us do -something better,” continued she; after having paused a little, “this -entertainment must be given in my name. I will have the collation -prepared according to your desire, in a garden that I have on the banks -of the Mançanares, where I will invite the ladies to pass the evening; -you will come and surprise us, as if chance only had brought you -thither, and we shall be more to ourselves in that place than in any -other.” I approved of the idea, and my hostess took upon herself the -charge of inviting the mother to the entertainment. - -My confidante went immediately to make the proposal to the ladies, with -whom she remained nearly an hour, by which I judged that she had trouble -enough to persuade them to accept of it: and indeed, when she returned -she told me that the mother had been very hard to be prevailed upon, and -that she had for a long time despaired of inducing her to accept my -invitation. “All that I require of you is to behave so that nothing -appear to have been concerted between us. When you come to the garden, -pretend to be astonished to meet us there. In a word, let your coming -seem purely accidental.” I answered, that she might be sure I would -spoil nothing, and we then agreed how things should be managed to render -the entertainment as agreeable as possible. - -We succeeded. The entertainment was like that of a young lover who was -desirous to please, and the guests received it as if ignorant of any bad -motive. We were extremely well amused. As the mother had not her harp -with her, her daughter and I were obliged to sing without music, -sometimes together, and sometimes alternately, exchanging slily the most -tender looks; mine with the view of expressing my passion, and hers to -increase it. Night insensibly surprised us in the garden, and whilst the -hostess, out of complaisance for me, held the mother in conversation, I -courted the daughter, who did not seem to listen with indifference to my -empassioned declaration: at last, being obliged to return to town, I -waited on the ladies to their lodgings, where, as a special favour, they -granted me half an hour’s conversation, after which I took my leave, as -much in love, as I thought, with my new mistress, as I had been with any -other before. - -The next day I sent the young lady a most pathetic billet-doux by my -hostess, but she returned no answer; to have received it, however, -unknown to her mother, was a favour of itself. I wrote another, which I -gently put into her own hand in the evening when the ladies were again -treated at my expence. This time I had an answer; very short indeed, for -there were but two lines of no real import, but in which I fancied I -discovered an infinite deal of wit. Thus they made me dispute every inch -of ground to increase my desires, or, to tell the truth, all the parts -were so well acted in this intrigue, by my good hostess, that she knew -how to manage each party to her own advantage, just as she pleased. -However, I became every day more and more intimate with my fair -neighbour. I scarcely ever stirred out of the house, so charmed was I -with her company. The mother often went out, as she said, to make -interest respecting her law-suit, and when that happened, my officious -confidante gave me notice of it, and without ceremony would conduct me -to the daughter, with whom I staid while she was at her toilet; and lest -the facility of enjoying such favourable opportunities should lessen the -charms of them, she would every now and then disturb us by false alarms -of the mother’s return. - -When my landlady thought I was completely in love, she proposed to me to -marry Donna Helena de Melida, which was the young lady’s name. This -proposal put me upon my guard against my worthy hostess, and I now began -to see into the plot which had been laid against me. She had hitherto -represented the lady to be too rich, and of too high a rank for me to -encourage any hope that she would consent to give her hand to an -adventurer. My landlady from this time became suspected by me, and to -rid myself at once of her importunities, I told her in plain terms that -I was engaged in another quarter. No sooner had I expressed myself in -this manner, than the ladies changed their batteries. Hitherto they had -constantly refused the presents I had ventured to send them by mine -hostess; but they now adopted a plan entirely different, resolving to -fleece the bird while they had it in their power, and they did in -reality pluck many good feathers out of my plumage. In proportion, -however, as I acted with generosity towards her, the less my fair Helena -became reserved; so that after several familiar and interesting -tête-à-têtes, my passion began to subside, and from that time nothing -else passed between us but an interchange of civility and politeness. - -A new incident completed my cure. One morning I saw coming out of the -Dominican’s Church a lady of a majestic deportment and richly dressed, -whom I took for a woman of quality; and as she passed near me, though I -dared not bow to her, I shewed her so much respect, that she took notice -of it, and viewed me with so much attention, that I thought myself -highly honoured; in Spain even the look that a lady bestows on a man -being considered a favour. My curiosity induced me to inquire who she -was, and I accordingly followed her. She observed me, but walked on at a -slow pace. She was followed by two duennas and a valet, which confirmed -me in the opinion that I had of her being a lady of quality. When she -was in the middle of the broad street, she stopped before a magnificent -house and went in. I had not the least doubt that she lived there, and -after some inquiries I learnt that she was the daughter of Signor Don -Andrea, who assumed the title of Don in quality of the Court Banker, and -that this young lady had the reputation of being very virtuous. - -I could not get this adventure out of my head the whole of the morning; -towards evening I walked up and down before the banker’s window again, -and my trouble was not lost. I had a full view of the banker, who was -conversing with his daughter on a balcony, who appeared to be a very -personable man. As for the lady I cannot say that she was a perfect -beauty, but she had an agreeable air and easy manners, which pleased me -extremely, and prepossessed me in favour of her mind. If I had been -charmed in the morning, how much more so was I in the evening. I -returned home quite in love with her, and resolved to get acquainted -with her father the very next day; which I accomplished in the manner I -am about to relate to you. Since my arrival at Madrid, I had the -precaution to have my diamonds all new set, for fear my relations should -give advice to their correspondents, and cause me to be arrested. I had -even run a great risk in showing them to the jeweller. I carried these -to the amount of ten or twelve thousand franks to the banker, telling -him at the same time, that I had others at home of more considerable -value. He looked at them with an eager eye, valued them at twelve -thousand franks, and offered to pay me that sum in six months, if I -would allow him to sell them for me. - -As I had no other intention but to begin a train of business with him, I -accepted of his offer, and even refused his note of hand for the value -of the jewels, telling him that I knew too well what reputation he had -in the world to require of him any other security than his own word. We -then agreed that he should pay me in three months six thousand franks, -and the other six thousand in three months after. My way of dealing -charmed him so much, that he thanked me for the confidence I placed in -him, and made me many protestations of service. He then shewed me all -over his house, which was richly furnished. I observed equipages for -him and his daughter, with a great number of servants. All these objects -dazzled my eyes so much, that I was easily inclined to look upon him as -one of the richest bankers in Spain. - -If all that was offered to my sight tended to confirm me in this -opinion, his discourse was still more calculated to mislead me. He told -me that he transacted business to the amount of two or three millions of -franks every day. That the court always made use of him, and of his -purse, to remit considerable sums to foreign countries; that he had -access to the ministers when he pleased; that the greatest lords were -his friends, and that but few of them who had not dealings with him. - -This statement was not altogether without foundation. He had formerly -lived upon such a footing with the great, but by dealing with, and -trusting those great men rather too extensively, he had run himself so -far in debt, that he only supported himself by his wits, which were -such, at any rate, that he kept up his credit. My jewels were a great -help to him in his embarrassment; for he was just at this time extremely -straightened for a considerable sum of money, and raised half by them; -having seized the opportunity of the marriage of the Duke of Medina -Sidonia’s daughter to dispose of them advantageously. As I could then -only judge of his circumstances by appearances, I considered myself very -happy in having made an acquaintance with him; and even secretly blamed -myself for having conceived so bold an idea as that of aspiring to the -hand of his only daughter, who appeared to be a match worthy of a -prince. - -Don Andrea, on his side, was not without surprise at my mode of -proceeding. He therefore sent a trusty person to inquire my character -from my landlady, and in what style I was living at Madrid. From all -sides, however, he obtained favourable reports of me; for though no one -was acquainted with my family, I might easily pass for a man of quality, -as far as my mode of living, manners, and conversation, would impress -such a belief. After such good accounts of me, he concluded that I was -the man heaven had intended for his son-in-law. He mentioned it to his -daughter who told him that I had followed her from the Dominican’s -church to her house; that I continually passed under the windows; in a -word, that by all my actions I had given her to understand that I had -conceived a passion for her. The father had too much experience not to -believe the same thing, and the confidence I had placed in him by giving -him my diamonds without a note, could only be the effect of my love for -his daughter. They both rejoiced at it in their private conversations, -and concluding that I was richer than a Jew, they resolved to manage it -so well as not to miss so fair an opportunity of advancing themselves -again in the world. - -Accordingly the banker came to visit me at the hotel; I expected him, -and I took care to set out in my room all my jewels, which had a great -effect upon him. He was especially struck with my gold chain, the -workmanship of which he praised much, and offered to sell it for me at a -third more than it cost; I took him at his word and let him have it, as -I had done with the diamonds, without a note. His joy was extreme; he -made me a thousand protestations of friendship, and beginning already to -act the part of a father-in-law, gave me advice how to put out my ready -money to the best advantage. A few days after, he brought me the sum he -had promised me for my gold chain. This increased the confidence I had -placed in him, and induced me to acknowledge his trouble by a present -suitable for a young lady, which I sent to his daughter, after he had -granted me leave to do so. This present having been received favourably, -made me bold enough to discover my passion after the custom of the -country, that is to say by signs and looks, and it seemed she did not -disapprove of it. - -As for the father, whom I saw every day, I talked with him of nothing -else but trade and business, waiting for the first good opportunity to -declare my sentiments. This new amour cooled me very much with respect -to my last intrigue. My neighbours perceived but too well the -alteration, for there was an end to feasts and presents. I seldom -stopped at home, and when I returned in the evening I went directly to -bed, or when I could not avoid the conversation of the ladies, it was so -cold, that they soon guessed I had shaken off their yoke. Helena, -finding that her kindness to me, far from increasing my ardour, had -diminished it, shed tears out of spite. She held a grand consultation -with her mother and the hostess, on my change, which they did not fail -to attribute to some new intrigue; they resolved to try my generosity, -and if they had no occasion to be satisfied with me, to have recourse to -some of their tricks to be avenged for my inconstancy. An opportunity -soon offered for the execution of their design. Two young lords who had -plenty of ready money came to live at the hotel; they asked me to play -with them, and at two or three sittings I won two hundred and fifty -pistoles of them. The ladies were no sooner informed of this, than they -prevailed upon me to take a walk with them, which I could not refuse, -and in coming back we passed before a shop where they sold silks and -gold stuffs. Our landlady, who was with us, was very anxious that I -should go in and buy a new gown for Donna Helena, saying that I had won -enough to make her that little present. I suffered the hostess to talk -as much as she pleased, and laughing at her entreaties, I baffled the -expectation of the ladies, who fully expected to have completely drained -my purse. This last action sufficiently convinced them that I was no -longer in their snares. - -I wanted my money for a better use, for in my rambles about the town I -had seen a house newly built; I asked Don Andrea’s advice, and he -approved of it, and even managed it so that I made a very good bargain. -It cost me only three thousand ducats, which I paid down before him with -as much sang froid as if I had a hundred thousand crowns in my coffers. -You may imagine what an effect it had on my future father-in-law, who, -though a man of rather keen understanding, had not the least doubt that -he had met with a good son-in-law, and that it remained only for him to -allure me cunningly into the snare. I furnished my house elegantly, and -prepared to occupy it. The day that I intended to sleep in it, thinking -that I could not, without rudeness, dispense with taking the last -farewell of my neighbours, I paid them a visit accordingly, and paid -them many compliments, which they received with much politeness, and so -much good humour, that I was quite surprised; then addressing the -hostess, I thanked her for all the attention she had shewn me, which I -told her I should remember to the last moment of my life. She answered -all my civilities in the most flattering manner, and very obligingly -requested the honour of my company to dine with her before my departure. -As I knew her to be a woman of very indifferent character, and wished to -part amicably, I readily agreed to her request. - -I accordingly dined with my hostess, who had provided for me three -dishes which she knew I was very fond of; but she kept me for a fourth, -which was not at all to my liking. This was brought to me in the -persons of an Alguazil and six of his followers, who entered the room -with a warrant to apprehend me. At this sight I was thrown into such -confusion, that I had not the least doubt I was ruined. All my relations -presented themselves to my remembrance, for I expected every moment some -persons employed by them would find me out, not so much as dreaming that -any other person in Madrid could have any cause of action against me. I -rose from the table in a dreadful disorder; I knew not what to do: I -attempted the door, but was stopped by three of the fellows; then I went -to the window in order to escape that way, but here the three others -prevented me. The Alguazil, who was one of the most rational of the -brotherhood, observing the confusion I was in, came up to me smiling, -and gently said to me: “Signor Cavalier, cheer up, there is no need of -being so much alarmed; this business is but a trifle, and you will -clear yourself for a few pistoles. Look,” said he again, giving me the -warrant, “read, and you will see that you have taken alarm without -cause.” These words, which appeared to me to come from a fellow, who, -well informed of my tricks, only amused himself by bantering me, did not -much lessen my fear. I sat down, however, and running over the warrant -in as collected a manner as I was able, I read the name of Donna Helena -de Melida; I then took breath a little, and turning to the Alguazil: -“What does it mean?” said I; “What! is it in the name of that lady I am -arrested? what have I done to her?” “She pretends,” answered he, -smiling, “that you have obtained by force, what her virtue had first -refused to your desires.” - -“What do I hear?” cried I, quite surprised. “Has Helena impudence enough -to affirm that I am guilty of such a crime?” “Why not,” replied the -Alguazil; “she may have some design in accusing you of it. True she -will be obliged to prove it, and you will be allowed to defend yourself, -but what is the most disagreeable of it,” added he, “is, that by the -duty of my function, I must carry you to prison.” By this time I had -recollected myself, and I read the warrant over again; and after -considering what I should do, I rose and took the Alguazil aside: “Sir,” -said I, “I believe you to be a man of honour; consider, I pray, the -unjust persecution I am suffering. I declare to you, that far from -having used violent means to attain my happiness, the fair Helena has -not been backward in promoting it: if you knew how much money I have -spent”.... “I have not the least doubt of it,” said he; “I know this -wench of old, as well as the roguish tricks of her mother. They have -both lived here at Madrid these ten years, where they have no other -trade but to ensnare young foreigners. You are the third they have -served the very same trick you complain of, and between ourselves I -believe you will not be able to get clear without a sum of money.” “I -think as you do,” said I; “there can be no other means to hush it up -quickly, and without noise; I entrust you,” I added, slipping privately -a diamond ring, worth twelve or fifteen pistoles into his hand, “to -accommodate matters.” He put the ring on his finger, and, with the tone -of an Alguazil, he answered: “I will go and see the ladies, and if they -refuse to desist in their action against you, I will threaten them with -keeping an eye over their conduct, which will not fail to make them -listen to reason.” - -After these words he left me in the room with his men, who, dazzling my -eyes with the points of their spikes, kept me in awe till his return. If -the hostess, who I had good reason to suspect had been the inventor of -this piece of roguery, had been present then, I should have eased my -mind by calling her all the names she deserved; but to avoid my -reproaches, she had taken flight at the sight of the blood-hounds of -justice. I was not altogether without uneasiness about the conferences -held in the apartments of my adversaries. I could not place sufficient -confidence in the fidelity of my agent to believe him more in my -interest than in that of the ladies. However, he acted fairly on the -occasion, obliging them to be contented with a hundred pistoles, of -which he had twenty for his own share. I thanked my stars that I had got -off so cheaply; I left the inn never to return to it, and repaired to my -own house, very happy that the adventure had been hushed up with so -little noise. - - - - -CHAP. XLVIII. - - _Guzman pays his addresses to the Banker’s Daughter, and marries - her: consequences of this marriage._ - - -As soon as I had got rid of Helena, her mother and the hostess, I -devoted myself entirely to my new amour, and thought of nothing else but -to become the son-in-law of Don Andrea, who, on his side, fearing that I -should embark in some new intrigue, had no less impatience to give me -his daughter than I to obtain her. I went the very next day to the -Banker’s house, who kept me to dinner, towards the end of which my -intended bride appeared, as if by chance; I rose immediately to pay my -respects to her, and express the agreeable surprise her presence -excited in me. She returned my compliments with a modest air, and would -have retired, but her father prevented her. Eugenia, said he to her, -stay with us; this gentleman is my friend, and I am happy to let him -have a proof of it by giving you leave to converse with him. I did not -fail to thank him for so great a favour, with which I was quite -delighted, and more so indeed than I really appeared to be. - -I then entered into conversation with Eugenia, and to increase my joy, -Don Andrea, under pretence of writing some letters, retired to a corner -of the drawing room, to leave us more to ourselves. - -If he acted in this manner to afford me the opportunity of a delightful -conversation, he did not favour a fool, for I availed myself of this -interview, not knowing when I should have a more favourable one, to -declare my passion. I called forth all my genius, which served me well -enough on the occasion, and the lady enchanted me by the delicacy of -her replies; in the mean time, the father still pretending to be very -busy, now and then asked pardon for being no better company; I returned -him compliment for compliment, and following my point, still courted the -daughter in a low voice, as if afraid of disturbing him in his reading. -We had been three hours together, when the Banker thinking proper to put -an end to our conversation, came and joined us, and Eugenia after having -made a curtesy disappeared. - -I now felt so much esteem, or rather was so much in love with this lady, -that I could not forbear breaking out in praise of her; and speaking -from the fullness of my heart, I told Don Andrea, that no one could -possibly be more sensible of his daughter’s merit than I was. The old -fox listened to me very attentively, and to encourage me to explain -myself more clearly, he held a long discourse on the necessity of -persons of my age marrying, to avoid an infinite number of precipices -to which they are daily exposed, and on the importance of the choice of -a wife, since it commonly decided the happiness or misery of her -husband. He then proceeded to assure me of the good opinion he had -conceived of me; telling me that I had won his heart by my ingenuous -manners and the confidence I had placed in him; and that I might rely -that there was nothing that lay in his power which he would not do to -convince me of it. I was not much behind hand with him in professions. I -opened my whole heart to him, and protested that he might make me the -happiest of men in giving me Eugenia. He considered for some time, or -appeared to do so, to persuade me that I set his friendship at too great -a trial; however, before we parted, I knew what I had to expect. He -embraced me tenderly when I left him, and told me he had certain views -of establishing his daughter more advantageously, but that he had given -them all up to shew me how dear I was to him. At these words, I took one -of his hands, and kissed it with a transport that proved more fully than -all I could have said, the gratitude of my heart. - -From this time the banker called me his son. He managed all my affairs; -the six thousand franks which he had engaged to pay me in three months, -he now advanced immediately, to assist me in furnishing my house, and he -bought for me, at a cheap rate, several elegant pieces of furniture, -which a person in want of money was obliged to sell. In a word, I dined -every day with my future father-in-law. I saw his daughter every day, -and enjoyed all the privileges of a son-in-law; except that one only, -which the title of a husband could give a right to. One thing alone -surprised me, which was, that in all the conversations I had as yet had -with Don Andrea, he had never uttered a word about any portion. I -attempted to sound him on this subject, but he gave me to understand -that his intention was not to part with much ready money on the -wedding-day. “You will receive only ten thousand franks down,” said he, -“but you may rely on the sum of fifty thousand after my death.” I -thought ten thousand franks but a paltry portion for the daughter of a -man whom I had thought so rich; nevertheless, considering that tradesmen -do not like to lessen their capitals, I was obliged to be contented. - -I now earnestly entreated Don Andrea not to let me languish in the -expectation of being in reality his son-in-law. He yielded to my -solicitations, and our nuptials were celebrated with great pomp. My -father-in-law paid me the ten thousand franks, as had been agreed, and I -soon found employment for them. I made my bride a present of all the -jewels I had left, bought her most superb dresses; kept up incessant -rejoicing in my new house for the first fortnight; provided women and -footmen to attend her. In a word, I set up a way of living which would -soon have ruined me, had I not by my own industry supplied the means to -meet this increased expenditure. The banker, it is true, promised -mountains of gold, if fortune would but smile on his speculations. He -was a man of vast designs and projects, and his son-in-law being -something of the same turn of mind, we thought of no less than -monopolizing in a very short time the whole business of the kingdom. -Unluckily, however, for the success of our enterprises, his sole -reliance was on my purse, and mine on his; and the illusion soon -vanished, when we found ourselves obliged to communicate the state of -our affairs to each other. The eyes of both of us were opened without -recrimination, for, in fact, we had nothing to reproach each other with; -on the contrary, our mutual confidence had the effect of making our -union more close; and being now known to each other for what we really -were, like robbers we swore to be faithful. - -Our partnership at first made a great noise, owing to the mysterious -tone with which Don Andrea told every body that he had chosen for his -son-in-law a man who was possessed of immense riches. It was soon spread -about, and every one was for dealing with us, and came to us in -preference to other bankers; and we might by our credit only have -increased every day the favourable opinion they had of our wealth, if we -had been contented to have associated with tradesmen, and no doubt we -should have made a considerable fortune; but the uncommon weak -partiality that my father-in-law always had for people of the Court, put -a check to our success. What he received with one hand was squandered -with the other. If a Marquis, a Count, or a Knight of San Jago, were -civil to him, they were sure to obtain any loan of money, and knowing -his vanity, they would not fail to lavish upon him the most flattering -compliments. - -If a minister looked favourably on him, the very next day he would send -him some rich present to no purpose whatever. He always had his head -filled with chimerical projects which he would put in execution, and if -I happened to shew him the folly of them, he laughed at me, and treated -me with contempt, as a man who had not common sense, and was quite a -novice in the business of the great world. - -However, with all his experience, our best substance was soon spent, our -stock grew low, and we were reduced to make use of every means to renew -and uphold our credit. What engines did we not set to work for that -purpose? we bought and sold any thing; we received pawns; we lent money -at usurious interest; in short there was no sort of commerce which we -were not engaged in; besides what I knew already, my industry, improved -by exercising it, helped me to new expedients for the good of our -society. However, I must own that I was but a mere beginner compared to -my father-in-law. Our gains were great, and would have been sufficient -to have maintained us agreeably; and if we had understood how to live -with economy, we should not have been obliged to make use of some sorry -shifts, which in spite of all our skill we were sometimes compelled to -resort to. In addition to this, our domestic expenses were most profuse. -If Don Andrea was fond of luxury and good living, his daughter was not -behind hand with him; there was nothing too rich or too fine for her; we -kept as magnificent a table as any nobleman, more servants than we -conveniently wanted, and our house was continually full of relations and -friends whom we entertained and treated with the greatest profusion. - -This bustle did not less please my humour than that of my wife, and -while our affairs went on well, I did not in the least oppose it. I got -tired, however, in two or three years after my marriage, when I -perceived that through bad management, and some unforeseen accidents, -our fortune began to diminish apace. Frightened at the prospect of -distress, I ventured to remonstrate gently with Eugenia; God knows how I -was treated by her! I complained to Don Andrea, who reproved her; and -the whole family blamed her for her behaviour; but even my softest -words, the reproaches of her father, and the entreaties of her friends, -did but exasperate her the more against me: in a word, she declared to -me that she did not mean to have the least reform in her family. After -this decree, which the temper of my wife made quite absolute, I wisely -resolved not to contradict her any more, but endeavour to fortify myself -with more patience for the future. - -It was, however, with extreme grief, that I saw melting away, like snow, -all the money I had brought with me from Italy; and I could not think of -the consequences of my marriage without sighing bitterly for having been -so deprived of sense as to marry at all. Sometimes, to excuse myself for -having acted so foolishly, I recalled to mind the rich figure that Don -Andrea made when I became his son-in-law; and who could have imagined -that I should find my ruin in an establishment that appeared to possess -the means of the most solid fortune? When I observed that there was no -longer any hope of being able to live on the same footing, I applied to -my father-in-law for advice in my embarrassment. - -It was on this occasion that he showed me how skilful he was in all the -tricks of business. “The truth is,” said he, “you must do here, what I -have done myself in similar cases; which is to save the little that -remains to you at the cost of others:” then without the least delay, he -counterfeited letters of transfer, and false contracts, and I do not -know how many similar deeds, all equally worthy of a public reward, if -proper justice could always be administered to all honest folks that -make use of them. He did not stop here; for in order to establish my -credit, which was now become necessary to him, he made me purchase an -estate of five hundred ducats a year, which his brother possessed; when -I say purchase, I mean only in appearance, for we were not able, both -together, to muster a sufficient sum to shew the Notary, that he might -witness the payment of the purchase-money. It cost me, however, but -fifty crowns to borrow this sum for one day, and thus the sale was -apparently completed. At the same time I gave the seller a deed, by -which I formally declared that the said estate did not belong to me, but -was as much his as ever, to whom I abandoned the enjoyment of it, -having no manner of claim. I was well pleased with these shuffling -tricks, because they were advantageous to me. Besides, I knew that they -were commonly practised in all trading cities. - -Thanks to my father-in-law, I had now secured something to myself, let -fortune be as contrary as it pleased; and being able to trade again upon -the faith of this new estate, I went on in my usual courses. -Unfortunately this state of things could not last long. People who have -been cheated are sure to be undeceived at last: besides, my wife’s -always spending more than I gained, was sufficient of itself to ruin me, -and I could not hold out against it any longer. Don Andrea was still -lucky enough to get himself out of the scrape. As for me, I could no -longer keep out of the clutches of a cursed Alguazil, who arrested me on -the part of my creditors, and led me to prison; but they found -themselves overreached when they set about seizing my effects, and -learned that they were secretly made over. I was not so unconscionable -as to wish them to lose all; so I paid each a tenth part of what was -due, promising to liquidate the remainder in ten years. I was set at -liberty again on these terms. - -The proud Eugenia was so extremely mortified at my imprisonment and -bankruptcy, the shame of which she thought would fall on her only, that -she could not be consoled, and died very shortly after; and as she left -no child, I found myself under the obligation of refunding her dowry, -which under my present circumstances, could not fail to destroy my every -project. To tell the truth, therefore, the tears I shed at her death -were not the effect of the loss of my wife, but of regret for my money -which she had so foolishly squandered, and for her’s which I had to -return to her father. Notwithstanding which I did not fail to act the -good husband, and ordered her funeral so superb, that my creditors -murmured at it. Though I had now become a widower, I did not cease to -live on good terms with Don Andrea. Besides that I could not have gained -any thing by tricking him, he was the only man who was in possession of -all my secrets, and I had still occasion for his assistance. I -submitted, therefore, very patiently to all he required of me, and he -was so much pleased with my conduct towards him, that he behaved in an -equally handsome manner towards me. - - - - -CHAP. XLIX. - - _Guzman, after the death of his Wife, wishes to embrace the - Ecclesiastical life, and with that view repairs to Alcala de - Henarés to study. The fruits of his studies._ - - -After having rendered the last duties to my wife, and her dowry to her -father, I still remained in my own house, which was now all that was my -own; and even this was completely stripped, with the exception of one -room, which Don Andrea, out of compassion, had furnished for me with a -few articles of trifling value. Here I was occupied in making -reflections on the past, and in devising means for my future -subsistence. - -What now can I possibly do? said I to myself. I fear I shall find no -more Apothecaries, no Banker like that at Milan, no more relations to -trust their jewels to my care. What then is to become of me? O -Sayavedra, my dear confidant, how do I now miss you! Why can you not be -witness of my troubles when I stand so much in need of your address and -advice? Were you now present, we could together devise some scheme for -my relief; but, alas, I have lost you! I ought no longer to rely on your -assistance, which, perhaps, at this moment, you repent sorely having -ever afforded me. - -This last thought affected me exceedingly, and I felt so disgusted with -the world that I resolved to quit it. I must, said I, turn my thoughts -to the church. In that asylum I may possibly find that solid happiness -which I have hitherto sought for in vain. How many knaves have made -their fortune in this way? why, therefore, should I not try my luck? I -may become a good preacher; and the pulpit is the road to bishoprics. -Let the worst come to the worst, with the money I may get for my house I -may be able to purchase some chance benefice; and even should I be so -unfortunate as not to meet with one, I can only put my money out at -interest; and if the dividends be not sufficient for me to lead an -agreeable life, I must make up for it by becoming chaplain to some rich -nunnery. Though I already know more Latin than is necessary to fill a -place of that description, yet will I, nevertheless, go to Alcala, and -take one course of philosophy, and another of theology, that I may be -the more worthy of it. And if the condition of a scholar should appear -to me too arduous for a man of my age, I can but at last have recourse -to the good fathers of the order of St. Francis, who, when they have -once heard me sing, would receive me among them, though I could not -read a word. - -Thus you see, friendly reader, that persons of wit are never at a loss. -A fine resource, truly! you will answer; to embrace an Ecclesiastical -life with the sole view of enjoying every terrestrial comfort, is not -seeking a very canonical vocation. Agreed, I will not contend with -casuists on this point: but will candidly confess that I consulted -custom more than the Canons, and that, in thinking of becoming priest, I -studied nothing but my own convenience. I communicated my intentions to -my father-in-law, wishing to persuade him that they were the effect of a -thousand moral reflections I had made on the uncertainty of all earthly -blessings; or rather that I was inspired by heaven. As this banker was -not much better than myself, he applauded my resolution, which, he said, -he could not sufficiently praise, were it only for the sake of escaping -my creditors. - -It now only remained for me to sell my house, which I very soon did. I -met with a purchaser who gave me almost as much as it had cost me, the -quarter of the town having been much built upon since I bought it. As -soon as I had completed this sale, I carried the money to the bank. It -could bring me in but very little, but in addition to its being there in -safety, I could draw it out again whenever I pleased. After having thus -disposed of my property, procured a proper dress for a student who -aspired to sacred orders, which consisted of a long cloak and cassock, -and after having bid adieu to Don Andrea and my best friends, I set out -for the town of Alcala, where I arrived a few days before the opening of -the colleges. I was at first doubtful where I should take up my lodging; -whether to enter myself in a college, or hire an apartment and board in -the town. I had been accustomed to enjoy entire liberty at my own house, -to live according to my own fancy, to eat what I pleased, without being -subject to stipulated hours, which I must conform to in a boarding -house, where I should dine and sup with the students, the majority of -whom were mere children. On the other hand, when I considered the -expense of an establishment of my own; of keeping a servant who might be -addicted to thieving, gallantry, or wine, or perhaps all three together; -not to mention other inconveniences which are attached to the life of a -young man completely his own master, I decided at last that I would -enter myself at one of the boarding houses, and accordingly agreed with -one which I thought would be most suitable to my age. - -I was not long without acquaintances. I was fortunate enough to meet -with some students of about my own age. With these I associated; for I -was ashamed to keep company with the younger ones. I began by applying -myself to the study of philosophy, in which, as I united indefatigable -perseverance with a natural happy genius, I soon made great progress, -and at the end of two years was considered one of the first students in -the university. After having gone through my course of philosophy, I -took my degrees as Master of Arts, in which I got the second place, -though I well deserved the first. This injustice was winked at in favour -of the son of one of our most celebrated professors. I did not murmur at -it; on the contrary, I felt more pride in hearing it said by every body -that I had been unfairly passed over, than I should have felt if justice -had been done to me. I next commenced upon Theology, and continuing to -study with the same ardour, it soon became mere amusement to me, and I -felt, or, at least, fancied that I grew wiser every day. - -Although I made it a point of honour never to miss a single lesson, and -was, consequently, much engaged in my scholastic duties, yet I had still -some time for pleasure. As I had been long accustomed to good cheer, and -fared but badly at the boarding-house, I generally gave a little -entertainment twice or thrice a week, by which I acquired the reputation -of a rich and generous man; and what will more surprise you, during -almost four years that I lived in this manner, I formed no sort of -acquaintance with females, even the most modest. I scarcely knew whether -there were any lovely women in the town; in fact, I carefully shunned -every opportunity of hearing any thing about them. I took great credit -to myself for being thus upon my guard against the fair sex; for I knew -by experience how dangerous it was for me, and had the resolution during -almost the whole course of my studies to avoid that rock: happy indeed, -had I completely finished them without at last splitting upon it! - -I was now on the point of passing as Bachelor in Divinity; and I was -obliged in the first place to take orders, which are only bestowed on -persons who possess some cure, chapel, or other living, I was greatly at -a loss what to do; for since I had studied at the University I had -consumed the better half of my resources. In this dilemma I bethought -myself of applying again to the father of expedients, Don Andrea. I had -taken care to keep up a correspondence with him, in which I had rendered -him an exact account of my success in my studies, which he had always -professed himself extremely pleased at. I now wrote and informed him of -my present difficulty, and entreated his advice. He answered that he was -much pleased to have it in his power to oblige me; that he would with -that view make over my wife’s portion to me as if to found some chapel, -and that in the deed it should be stipulated, that I should cause a mass -to be said every day for the soul of the defunct. But at the same time, -I was to declare by another deed, that this property was not a farthing -of it my own, and that I would put Don Andrea in possession of it -whenever he thought proper. A false conveyance of this description, made -for religious purposes, so far from appearing to me to infringe the -decrees of the holy councils, did not raise the slightest scruple in my -conscience. I grant you I was a man not to be over nice in the business, -any more than my father-in-law, who I verily believe had never in his -life transacted business less deviating than this from the -Ecclesiastical Canons. Be that as it may, however, not being able to do -otherwise, this was the gate at which I now fully intended to enter the -sanctuary of the ministers of religion. - -In the mean time, until I could receive orders, I began to avoid all -sorts of company; and to live more regularly in frequenting places of -worship. One day when the weather was extremely fine for walking, I -quitted the town on a pilgrimage to St. Mary of the valley, an agreeable -hermitage, situate about a mile distant. On my way I overtook a great -concourse of people on their journey to the same spot, and the Chapel of -the Saint was so crowded when I arrived, that there was scarcely room to -kneel down in it. A lady, who sat two or three paces from me, observing -my embarrassment, retired somewhat further back, as if by that action to -make room for me next to her. I was extremely surprised at this polite -attention from a female with whom I was not acquainted, and who, I -thought, could not know me; and in spite of my affected gravity, I could -not help fixing my eyes on her elegant figure, doubting not, from her -dress and demeanour that she was a lady of some consequence. - -She carefully concealed her face from me, darting, however, an -occasional glance at me with one eye, which pierced my very soul. I took -possession of the vacant place near her, and wishing to testify my -gratitude in some compliment I said in a whisper: “How dangerous is this -politeness!” “I can scarcely think that you can be afraid of it,” said -she in the same tone. I dared not reply for fear of being overheard by -the ladies who sat by her, and seemed to be of her party. I looked at -them all attentively, and in one of them I recognized the widow of one -Dr. Gracia, a physician, a lady already in years, and who kept a -boarding house in the town. I knew that she had three daughters who were -called the three Graces, as well on account of the name of their father, -as of their lovely persons. I had now no doubt that the lady whom I had -just spoken to, must be one of these three celebrated sisters; and as -report boasted particularly of the beauty and wit of the eldest, I could -not help wishing that it might be her; a wish, however, which I could -not entertain without considerable alarm for my heart. With the -reputation of being extremely pretty, these young ladies had not the -character of being Vestals. This was not much to be wondered at, Doctor -Gracia having left his affairs in such a state as obliged his widow to -take in boarders for a livelihood. If slander does not even spare young -ladies brought up with the utmost severity, how could it possibly -respect our three Graces, who were eternally surrounded with gallants? -their father had been a man of pleasure, and had caused them to be -instructed in music and other accomplishments; more intent upon fitting -them for society, than forming their minds to virtue. I was perfectly -well acquainted with all this; and they on their side knew well who I -was. They had heard that I was well versed in music, that I had plenty -of money, and a peculiar talent in spending it. These excellent -qualities, which they admired in a man, made them extremely desirous to -scrape acquaintance with me, and to induce me to increase the number of -their boarders. This proposal had before been made to me, but I had -rejected it, for fear of involving myself in some fresh intrigue. I had -even made oath to avoid every snare that love might lay for me, and I -did not expect, that in the holy place where I now stood, I should break -this oath. Nevertheless, I felt a sort of agitation which so much -resembled the first emotions of a growing passion, that I was alarmed at -it. “Guzman,” said I to myself, “make not a fool of yourself here. What -God did you come to worship in this church? Let not your heart be taken -by surprise. Can you wish to lose the fruits of so many years study?” - -While my reason thus contended with my weakness, the ladies having -finished their prayers, rose to leave the church. There were seven or -eight of them, all of the same party. They passed by where I sat, and I -rose to bow to them. The one whom I had so particularly noticed, and who -was in reality the eldest of the three sisters, managed very adroitly, -under pretence of adjusting her veil, to afford me a view of her -beautiful face. I was so struck with it, that it was with the greatest -difficulty I could restrain myself from following her. An impulse, -however, which heaven only could have bestowed upon me, held me back -from so powerful and dangerous an attraction. I dropped down on my knees -again, to continue or rather to begin my prayer, for I had as yet been -so absorbed in other thoughts that I had forgotten the duty which -brought me to church. I could not, however, divest my mind of the image -of the enchantress who occupied it; and more agitated than a vessel -without sail or compass in the middle of the ocean, I yielded to the -different emotions which possessed my heart. - -My extreme uneasiness not permitting me to remain any longer in the -chapel, I left it, not to trace the steps of the beauty who had made so -much impression on me; on the contrary, my wish was to avoid her, and -fearing that I should meet her in the road that led to the city, I took -another route, and turned my steps towards the river, in the hope that -while I walked along its banks, I should insensibly lose all -recollection of this redoubtable personage, whom my philosophy had not -been able to withstand. And perhaps I should have become tranquil after -a little reflection, but my stars willed it otherwise. A voice which I -heard at the distance of ten or twelve paces from me, caused me to turn -my head towards the spot from whence it came, and the very first thing -that struck my eyes was that same Donna Maria Gracia, whose charms I -was so assiduously shunning. She was seated on the grass and singing, -while her sisters and the other ladies in company were preparing an -elegant collation. - -At this sight, I was no longer master of myself, but advanced and -saluted them: “You must agree, ladies,” said I, “that fate is most -propitious to me to day, since it has been its will that I should meet -you every where; but to complete my happiness I should be seated by your -side.” Donna Maria replied with a smile, “that it was my own fault only -if I were not; and that it was but just that so many fair shepherdesses -should have at least one shepherd to protect them from the wolves.” This -answer delighted me, and I quickly joined the party, abandoning myself -to all my natural gaiety. The mother and the daughter seemed to vie with -each other in politeness towards me. I thought that I had never spent -many such agreeable moments, and regretted exceedingly that I had -declined the opportunity of associating with so charming a family. The -other ladies were also very gracious; and I told them more than once, -that I thought all the loveliness in Alcala was in my presence. This -compliment, as you may suppose, did not in the least offend them; and to -shew me that there was some justice in my remark, they prepared after -the collation to entertain me with a concert. Two of the ladies played -guitars which they had brought with them, and Donna Maria, and the -others who had voices, accompanied them. A guitar was then presented to -me, and I was entreated to play some airs to dance to, which I did with -much less pleasure than I felt in seeing the ladies trip to it in the -meadow like so many nymphs of Diana. - -The eldest sister was the dancer I took most notice of. An air of -peculiar nobleness and grace distinguished her from her companions. It -is not surprising then that a man who took fire so easily as I did, -could not resist such fine qualities. In truth I was so enamoured of -Donna Maria, that I saw nobody but her. When she left off dancing, I -seated myself at her feet, and presenting her with a guitar, entreated -that she would play and sing to it. This request she was willing to -comply with, on condition that I would accompany her. She had heard my -voice praised, she said, and she longed to hear it herself. As I had no -less a longing to gratify her desire, I was easily prevailed on, and -acquitted myself, as I need not tell you, very much to the satisfaction -of the party assembled. - -In this manner we continued to amuse ourselves until night, when the -widow Gracia sounded a retreat, and we began to file off towards the -town, Donna Maria and I walking last. It were useless to tell you that -our conversation turned upon love. We were both too intent upon it, to -talk upon any other subject, and accordingly made a reciprocal -declaration, and from that day perceived clearly that we were made for -each other. As the other ladies in company had not so agreeable a -conversation together as we had, they walked rather faster, and Donna -Maria wishing to overtake them, either by chance or intentionally, made -a false step, and must inevitably have fallen, had I not caught her in -my arms. In raising her up I was bold enough to snatch a kiss. No sooner -had I taken this liberty, than fearful that I had offended, I began to -make excuses to the fair one, who, so far from resenting my boldness, -told me in a lively manner, that I had done well in paying myself for -the service I had rendered her, which she might otherwise have been -ungrateful enough to have forgotten. - -When we arrived at the widow’s house, she gave me an invitation to walk -in, which I willingly accepted of. I partook of some refreshments, and -prolonged my visit till decency compelled me to take my leave. Before I -retired, however, I obtained the widow’s permission to call occasionally -to assure her of my respect. I then bade adieu to Donna Maria, and was -so transported with love, that instead of returning homewards, I took -the way to the University, and only recognized my error in time to -prevent my knocking at the gates. You will easily conceive that I slept -but little that night, after having passed the day in the manner I have -related. - -The following day, I went as usual to the schools of the University, -where my distraction was such, that when I left them I scarcely knew -what subject had been treated of. After dinner I could not resist the -pleasure of visiting Donna Maria, to whom I listened much more -attentively than I had done to the Professor in the morning, and who -detached me so completely from the University, that I soon ceased to go -there at all. I renounced the orders I had been so anxious to obtain; -changed my ecclesiastical for a most magnificent secular habit, and -after having paid my landlord, became a boarder at the widow Gracia’s; -or rather to speak without disguise, I gave myself up to the demon which -possessed me. Every person of sense who was acquainted with me, pitied -my blindness, and even the Rector of the University had the kindness to -remonstrate with me on my change of conduct; but these friendly -endeavours were of no avail. Fate would have it that I should persevere -to my own ruin; or rather, perhaps, heaven could no longer behold such a -subject a minister of the church. - - - - -CHAP. L. - - _Guzman marries again at Alcala, and shortly after returns to live - at Madrid with his new wife._ - - -I lived most delightfully with my new landladies; they endeavoured to -anticipate my every desire: in short, I was the master of the house. -This life lasted for about three months, at the expiration of which time -I began to talk of marriage. We soon came to terms; and, by way of -making a greater fool of myself, I expended a considerable sum of money -in wedding clothes. One would have thought that I had cart-loads of -money; though, to say the truth, I was almost at my last shift. - -My mother-in-law, who was a good sort of woman, very easily led away by -finery, seeing the fine show I made, thought that I was of course -possessed of considerable property, and that the fortune of her whole -family was made by obtaining me for a son-in-law. As it was necessary -that a young man should be employed, she proposed to me to apply myself -to physic, telling me that it was a very lucrative profession, and that -if her husband had been more assiduous in it, he might have left his -widow and children much better off than they were. To induce me to -follow her advice, she offered me all Doctor Gracia’s books and -memoranda, not doubting, as she said, that with such assistance, and my -excellent understanding, I should soon become an excellent physician. To -gratify her wishes, I was complaisant enough to study for about six -months under some of the most famous professors of medicine; but their -lessons were not at all to my taste, and I soon became disgusted with a -study which at the best could only maintain me in my old age. I -pretended, therefore, that I had received letters from one of my -friends, offering me a lucrative post at Madrid, in which I could not -fail to grow rich in a very few years. I imparted this news to my -mother-in-law, who, believing it to be true, was the first to recommend -me to accept the situation, much as she really regretted the loss of my -society. - -The aversion I felt for the study of medicine was not the only reason -for my wishing to leave Alcala. My finances were now at a very low ebb, -and I did not wish to expose my poverty in a place where I had hitherto -been considered in easy circumstances. In addition to this, I must -inform you, that Donna Maria, since her marriage, had thought proper to -renew an intercourse with certain students whose tender attentions she -had formerly encouraged. This was the more provoking to me, as she -could expect no grateful acknowledgments from such gallants but -serenades and boxes of sweetmeats. I was by no means satisfied with such -empty profits; for it appeared to me, that a husband who kindly -condescended to shut his eyes to his wife’s gallantries, deserved at -least that abundance should reign in his house. I resolved, therefore, -to leave a place where my wife had formed such bad acquaintances, and to -establish ourselves, at Madrid, where much better were to be met with. - -Being quite prepared for the journey, we bade adieu to our friends and -family, and set off in a genteel equipage for that city, so justly -called the refuge for the destitute, Madrid. I had entirely broken with -my father-in-law, Don Andrea, on the occasion of my second marriage, -which I had contracted contrary to his advice. I thought no more of him; -and as to my creditors, as I had still two years before me, I troubled -myself but little on that head, nothing doubting, that before they -could legally annoy me again, I should either make some lucky hit, or my -wife’s beauty would enable us to form, far enough out of their reach, a -solid establishment. - -A poor devil of a merchant from Alicant was the first who fell into our -snares. Unfortunately for him, he had joined us on our route, and having -seen Donna Maria, conceived a violent love for her. We clearly perceived -this, when having arrived at Madrid, he compelled us, as it were, to -stop at the inn where he lodged; and he assured us we should find every -thing most comfortable. “The landlady,” said he, “is one of the best -women in the world. She has most excellent apartments, and a most famous -cook.” There was no resisting the earnestness of his entreaties, which -sufficiently betrayed the goodness of his intentions. We were, -therefore, easily persuaded, and were conducted to the inn, where we -were exceedingly well received by the landlady, who appeared to us to be -really respectable, and very much the friend of the merchant. She -allotted to us one of the best apartments in the house, and tendered her -services most obsequiously on any occasion that we might require them. - -Our travelling companion requested that we would leave to him the care -of providing a good supper for us; in which office he acquitted himself -like a rich man who wished only to please. He spared nothing during the -meal to gain my good graces. He paid much more attention to me than to -my wife, perhaps imagining that I was the most likely to oppose his -design. After supper, I inquired what was to pay, and was answered that -every thing was settled. I was overjoyed; but to let him see that I knew -how to treat as well as he did, I invited him to dine with me the next -day, and in the mean time sent orders to the cook to prepare an -excellent dinner for three persons. It is true, that I fully intended he -should pay for it; and, accordingly, no sooner was dinner over, than I -went out under pretence of having some important business at the court -end of the town, requesting him to excuse me, and to be so kind as to -keep my wife company in my absence. This exactly suited him as well as -me. Donna Maria, although sufficiently adorned by her natural beauty, -had passed the whole morning in adding to it all the charms that could -be borrowed of art, so that she appeared indeed more lovely than usual. -She proposed to play to pass the time, and won a hundred ducats of our -visitor, which he was obliged to lose to her out of gallantry. - -This was nothing to what followed; for beginning to be more liberal in -proportion as he became deeper in love, he put himself to a frightful -expense. He presented my wife with several magnificent dresses, and a -quantity of jewels. He conducted her sometimes to the promenade, -sometimes to the theatres, and treated her and me every day in the most -profuse manner. All this generosity on his part, you will say, could not -be for nothing. I believe so as well as you. Donna Maria was naturally -of too grateful a disposition not to make some return for such -attentions. But I cared little or nothing about that. The husband of a -coquette, when he is in indigence, and finds his account in allowing his -wife to flirt, ought at least to be complaisant. The only fools are -those gallants who purchase so dearly of him favours of which he is -surfeited. As for me, I soon found myself by my prudent behaviour in a -most enviable situation. We soon left our lodgings, and took a whole -house to ourselves to live at greater liberty, ornamenting it with the -most elegant furniture, which Signor Diego (for that was the merchant’s -name) had the kindness to pay for. What a joyful life did we there -lead! good cheer, love, and indeed every pleasure were ours. - -The merchant could not be better satisfied than he was with his lot, and -we were equally so with ours. Concord and peace reigned in our little -abode, when a young German nobleman, handsome, well made, and with a -grand equipage, chanced to see my wife at the playhouse with Signor -Diego, and thought her so handsome, that he was most anxious to know who -she was. Her superb dress and noble air impressed him with the idea that -she was a lady of quality, while, on the other hand, the looks and dress -of the merchant were by no means prepossessing. He knew not what to -think of such a couple. At first he took Diego to be an attendant upon -the lady; but the familiarity with which he treated her made him think -at last that he must be her husband. To ascertain the truth, he caused -her to be followed after the play by a clever valet, who returned with a -faithful account of her situation; and the German, from his report, -doubted not that he should soon be able to supplant the ugly merchant in -her good graces. - -To bring this about, he had a private conference with our late landlady, -whom, by dint of presents, he soon gained over to his interests. This -woman, from whom we had parted on good terms, was in the habit of -calling upon us occasionally. One day, in a private conversation with -Donna Maria, she drew so flattering a portrait of the German, that she -engaged her to take a walk with her, unknown to Diego, where that young -gentleman met her as though by chance. In addition to his fine figure -and natural beauty, his manners were agreeable and insinuating. My wife -took a fancy to him at first sight, and he did not, therefore, long -languish. The proofs of gratitude of this gallant were not like those of -Don Diego; but purses of a hundred doubloons each, valuable diamonds, -superb tapestry, and rich plate. As soon as we found that this young -nobleman was so prodigal of his riches towards us, we attached ourselves -to him, and began to neglect our citizen of Alicant most outrageously. -Donna Maria even favoured his rival in his presence. - -Signor Diego was not deficient in pride. He was one of those rich -merchants who look upon themselves as persons of quality. Not being -willing to suffer that any one should be preferred to him after what he -had done for us, he began to murmur. From murmurs he proceeded to -reproaches, and from reproaches to threats. His passion excited my -anger, and I told him that I chose to be master of my own house, and -begged he would give himself no airs. He had not expected that I should -have assumed so high a tone; and judging from that circumstance, that -instead of my having been his dupe, he had been mine all the while, he -wisely resolved to withdraw, which he did, bursting with rage and -spite, instead of returning a thousand thanks to Heaven for having -delivered him from such dangerous blood-suckers. - -The German gentleman, far from diminishing our household expenses, -increased them daily. He loaded us with presents, and we began to give -ourselves great airs. I had three footmen, and my wife two female -attendants. We lived as if our property was doomed to last all our -lives. It was not, however, very far from its termination. Our gallant -foolishly thought fit to boast of his good fortune to a friend, a young -Count of the Court, and to bring him with him to visit us. As soon as -this latter saw Donna Maria, he became his friend’s rival. This was of -little consequence. The lady would have had wit enough to have pleased -them both; but the Count wishing that two or three other of his -fashionable friends should partake of his amusements, introduced them -also to our house, where these youths altogether turned the house -almost out of windows; nothing was to be heard but laughing and singing, -from morning till night: and nothing could be done but gaming and -drinking. And as these youngsters’ pockets were not always well stored, -they borrowed and cheated; and though all this property generally fell -into our hands, it went as lightly as it came. - -So irregular a life could not fail to draw some misfortune upon us. Two -of these young gentlemen, already irritated by jealousy, had a trifling -dispute at play one night, upon which they immediately drew their -swords. They fought; and before they could be separated, one of them -received a mortal wound. The parents of the wounded gentleman, having -learnt that this accident happened at my house, which they considered a -resort for the disorderly, caused me to be arrested in my bed one -morning by a large body of constables, who, after having possessed -themselves of the principal part of my property, led me to prison. - -This sudden intrusion of justice awoke my wife in rather a disagreeable -manner, who rose and dressed herself speedily, in order to intercede -with one of the principal judges, a person respectable as well from his -venerable appearance as his advanced age. She threw herself at his feet -with tears in her eyes, and implored his support with the most affecting -language. The old man, notwithstanding his years, was less interested by -the entreaties of his fair petitioner than by the charms of her person. -He raised her up, and introduced her into his closet, that, as he said, -her audience might not be interrupted; and while she related the affair -to him, the old satyr, who scarcely listened to a word she said, dried -her tears with his handkerchief with one hand, while he placed the other -trembling on her bosom. In short, he gave her hopes that the unlucky -adventure which had happened to me would have no ill consequences, and -immediately sent orders to the gaoler to treat me well; for he was a -magistrate of great authority, and might have released me immediately -had he been so inclined, but he wanted a few more audiences with my -wife. He appointed her to wait upon him the next day at the same hour. -This she did, and was immediately shewn into his closet again, where she -found him full dressed, combed, perfumed, and his beard neatly trimmed -for the occasion. The success of this second visit was a promise that I -should the next day be set at liberty; and my wife was obliged to call -upon him again, to receive from his own hands the warrant for my -release. - -I thought myself very lucky in having got over this affair in so short a -time, though it had cost me almost half I was worth. I flattered myself -that, with so powerful a protector as my wife had now made, we might in -future do any thing we pleased with impunity. Immediately after dinner -I repaired to the judge’s house, where I thanked him for his great -goodness. He received me very politely, and invited me to pay him a -visit occasionally. I pretended to be extremely sensible of this honour, -and, on taking leave, besought a continuance of his protection. He -assured me that I might rely upon it; and, the better to convince me, he -honoured us with a visit that very evening. We received him in such a -manner, that if he had been Prime Minister of Spain he could not have -had more respect shewn him. As he told us that he liked music, my wife -and I formed a little concert for his amusement. We afterwards regaled -him with fruits and sweetmeats, which he repaid the next day by a -handsome present to my wife. - -This superannuated gallant accustomed himself by degrees to spend every -evening in a house where he was so well entertained. At last he began -to find my presence troublesome to him, and to get me out of the way, he -told me, one day that I was dining with him, that ’twas a pity a man of -sense and learning as I was should pass his youth away in idleness; that -he would think of some post that would suit me, in which I should be -simple indeed if I did not speedily grow rich. I assured him that my -idleness was quite contrary to my inclinations, and that he would most -sensibly oblige me if he would procure me an useful occupation, in which -I trusted I could acquit myself to his satisfaction. The next day he -paid me another visit, and put into my hands a commission to be one of -the Receivers of King’s Taxes, signifying to me, at the same time, that -it would be necessary for me to repair to the precinct to which I was -appointed without delay. Although I had but little inclination to this -employment, I accepted it, and returned my benefactor as many thanks as -if he had raised me to one of the first posts in the kingdom. My wife -was scarcely better pleased at it than I was, but we resolved in secret -to make trial, whether, during my absence, our amorous grey-beard would -be sufficiently generous to recompense us for the loss of the German -gentleman. - -I accordingly took leave of Donna Maria, leaving the field open to her -old Adonis. I arrived at the department to which I was appointed, -entered upon my new charge, and began to exercise it; but, alas! I soon -found that, without robbing, extortion, and all sorts of violence upon -the poor country people, I should be reduced to worse straits than ever. -In short, I did not like the business, for I could not help thinking -that a robber on the highway was an honester profession. Accordingly I -had determined, at the expiration of the first three months, to be -requested to be recalled. That time, however, had not elapsed before my -patron wrote to me of his own accord to return to Madrid. This letter -caused me more joy than I had felt when he so charitably released me -from prison. I gave up my post with all my heart, and returned to my -patron, very curious to learn how he could have grown tired of my -absence. I went to see him the first thing on my arrival, and he began -immediately to complain of Donna Maria’s coquettish inclinations. “Your -wife,” said he, “has one very great fault, which is, that she loves none -but young sparks. In vain have I represented to her that the many -visitors of this description that she receives must infallibly ruin her; -she will not break off such connexions: in short she is incorrigible. My -sole reason,” continued he, “for recalling you, was to inform you of her -indiscretion, and to caution you to keep a better check upon her -conduct, lest, in the event of any second accident happening at your -house, you may not always be able to find powerful and disinterested -protectors.” I understood his meaning perfectly, and promised the old -man that my wife should be more guarded in her future conduct; after -which, I went home, well assured that my wife would tell the story in -quite a different way; as in fact she did: for no sooner had I mentioned -his name, than she began to declaim against him as an avaricious old -curmudgeon, who had made her none but the most insignificant presents -ever since my departure. - -I entered into her resentment, and permitted more young men than ever to -frequent our house; which the old magistrate having remarked, he -reproached me for having broken my word with him, and, as though he had -made my fortune, he accused me of making him an ungrateful return for -all the benefits he had conferred on me. At length we lost all patience, -and, to get rid at once of so troublesome a visitor, I ordered the -servants to say we were not at home whenever he called. - -No sooner did he perceive that we were determined to release ourselves -from his tyranny than his love was converted into hatred, and in his -passion he caused us to be condemned to leave Madrid in three days, -under pain of imprisonment for the remainder of our lives. He thought -that by this he would undoubtedly have reduced us to implore his mercy, -and do just as he pleased; but he was much mistaken, for no sooner was -this unjust sentence made known to us than we guessed from whence it -came, and resolved to obey it, my wife choosing rather to travel all -over the world than have any thing more to do with this old rascal, and -I beginning to be apprehensive that my creditors would shortly be -calling upon me for the remainder of my composition money. - - - - -CHAP. LI. - - _Guzman and his wife, having been obliged to leave Madrid for their - exemplary and moral mode of life, proceed to Seville, where Guzman - finds his Mother._ - - -The first day we were fully employed in converting all our effects into -ready money. On the second we hired four mules to carry us and our -baggage, and departed from Madrid on the morning of the third, according -to the sentence. - -We took the road to Seville, not only to gratify my great desire to -revisit my native country, but to please Donna Maria, who burned with -impatience to try the effect of her charms upon the rich merchants who, -I had told her, were continually arriving from Peru, laden with gold -and jewels. She doubted not that she should fill her coffers at their -expense. Notwithstanding our good intentions towards these gentlemen, -however, we travelled very slowly for fear of fatigue; and I own that I -felt a secret pleasure in surveying the country through which I had -formerly passed, although it recalled to my remembrance the sad -adventures of my youth. I passed the inn where I had been a servant; and -at the sight of Cantillana I fancied I still smelt those excellent -ragouts of mules with which I had formerly been regaled; and I did not -forget the cudgelling which had been so liberally bestowed on me and the -muleteer by the two officers of the Holy Brotherhood. I arrived and -dined at that charming inn where they made omelets of pullets. I told my -wife this story, and she laughed at it heartily. At last I reached the -hermitage, where I lay the first night after I left Seville, and, -transported with the recollection, I addressed the Saint in these -terms: “Oh great St. Lazarus,” cried I, “when I left the steps of thy -chapel ’twas with tears in my eyes, on foot, alone, and poor, but -innocent; and now thou seest me return, married, and in good condition, -and well mounted; but how innocent, Heaven and thou know!” - -It was quite night when we arrived at Seville, so that we were obliged -to take up our quarters at the first inn we came to; but the next -morning I rose betimes and took lodgings in St. Batholomew-street, -whither I had my baggage conveyed. The next thing I did was to ask after -my mother, but I could hear no news of her until some months afterwards, -when Donna Maria being on a visit to a lady with whom she had made an -acquaintance, heard her name mentioned by mere chance, and was much -astonished to learn that she lived very near us with a young lady who -passed for her daughter. No sooner had I ascertained my mother’s -residence than I flew to it, found her at home, and we embraced with -sincere affection. - -We related to each other in a few words the adventures that had happened -to us both since our parting, each of us, however, concealing whatever -we thought fit. She was very anxious, for example, to persuade me that -she had brought up the young lady who lived with her, out of pure -charity, having been attached to her from her earliest infancy. I -pretended to believe her word implicitly, though I entertained -considerable doubt whether she had not other views which she did not -choose to confess. After a long conversation, I introduced Donna Maria -to her. My mother received her very kindly, and embraced her in an -affectionate manner not very common in a mother-in-law. - -To celebrate our reunion, my mother invited us to several -entertainments, which we returned; and as I had occasion for an old -mouser like her to instruct my wife in the coquetries of the ladies of -Seville, where the modes of gallantry differed from those at Alcala and -Madrid, I proposed to her to come and live with us, representing to her -how much more agreeably she might pass her time. She answered “that she -could not make up her mind to desert her adopted daughter, and that she -feared also she should not be able to agree long with my wife.” I -endeavoured to remove the first obstacle, by consenting to receive the -young lady into my family also. “You cannot think of it, my son,” said -my mother. “You must know but little of women, if you think that two -lively young ladies like Petronilla and Donna Maria, can live even one -month together, without quarrelling themselves, and indeed setting the -whole house in an uproar.” - -I succeeded, however, in conquering the repugnance that my mother felt -to grant my request. It is true, that she yielded at last upon my -assurance that she would always find in my wife a daughter submissive to -her wishes. At last she came alone to reside with us, choosing rather to -leave Petronilla to herself, than to be the cause of dissensions in my -family. At the beginning, all went on smoothly, and the only contention -was, who should be the most complaisant. Each seemed to endeavour to -anticipate the desire of the other. They addressed each other -affectionately, and if this good understanding had but lasted, we could -not have failed in making our fortune; but unfortunately, before the -expiration of three months every thing changed, and these same ladies, -who had hitherto agreed so well, now began to pursue a different -conduct. My mother wished to govern despotically, which my wife would -not submit to. They were constantly disputing and quarrelling, and peace -was entirely banished the house. Sometimes I endeavoured to reconcile -them, and to act as umpire, but this only brought upon me the fury of -her whom I decided against. What made matters worse, was, that the ships -which were expected from India, did not come in that year. Money became -scarce, and consequently the profits of my wife’s gallantries were but -trifling, in comparison with the daily expense of our establishment. -Donna Maria was not one who could listen to economy, and no clothes or -ornaments were good enough for her. The natural consequence of all this -was, that as our funds diminished, so in proportion our vexations -increased. We had placed great reliance upon the merchants from Peru, -who never came at all; and my wife, to whom I had given a grand idea of -the opulence and generosity of these merchants, reproached me as if I -had been the cause of their delay. In short every thing fell upon me. - -As good luck would have it, I happened to become acquainted with an -Italian, captain of a Neapolitan galley, who by order of the Court had -come to Malaga to carry the Bishop of that city to Naples; but that -prelate not being ready to embark, he had come to Seville in the hopes -of meeting with merchandize to freight his vessel for Italy. I met him -by chance one day at a merchant’s house, and was delighted in having -found a man who spoke Italian as well as myself. He was on his side -equally pleased, and we became very intimate. I invited him to my house, -and introduced him to my wife, who did not fail to charm him. He made me -some trifling presents, which would have been more considerable if his -affairs would have permitted him to remain any longer at Seville: but as -he could not make the bishop wait for him, and could not bear the idea -of parting from my wife, he found means to conciliate his love with his -duty, by persuading her to desert me, and fly with him into Italy. -After all, I believe that he did not find it a very difficult matter to -prevail upon her, for she had been long out of humour with me, and hated -my mother more and more every day; so that we had not an hour’s quiet -for her. However that might be, I cared but little about it; and, -indeed, thought myself happy and rich in having got rid of her, -notwithstanding she had taken her jewels and every thing of value about -the house with her; in which the captain had very honestly assisted her, -before I had the least suspicion of their intentions. - - - - -CHAP. LII. - - _Guzman, after his wife’s elopement, resides for some time with his - mother; but at length enters into the service of a lady of - quality._ - - -I was prudent enough to keep this affair secret, knowing that all the -scandal of it would be reflected upon me. I sold what remained of my -property, which consisted only of some of the worst of the furniture and -moveables, which my wife had condescended to leave behind, and employed -the money in making merry with my friends. My mother accommodated -herself as long as she could to the life I led, but at last growing -tired of it, she returned to the house where she had left Petronilla, -telling me that she could now live more at her ease with her, than she -could expect to do with me. I offered no opposition to her plans, and we -parted again in perfect good will towards each other. - -You will not be surprised that a continued train of expenditure without -any income, soon reduced me to my original condition of life; but an -adventurer, in whatever state it may please fortune to place him, should -always find resources in his wits. Mine did not now abandon me. I learnt -one day that there resided in the town a rich widow, whose husband had -been Governor of a city in the West Indies, and died there, leaving his -lady in great affluence. This widow, who affected great devotion, had no -children, but several relations of consequence; and was at this time in -search of a man, to whom she could confide the management of her -affairs, well knowing that places of this description are not always -filled by men of probity. - -This post was a great temptation to me, and I resolved to spare nothing -to obtain it, knowing that my fortune was made if I could succeed. After -having tormented my brains for some time to invent some stratagem to -attain my ends, I learnt that her Father Confessor was a Dominican -Friar, who had an absolute dominion over all her wishes, and that he -must be gained over to my interest. To this end, I bought a purse, and -put eight pistoles, and twenty ducats of gold in it, to which I added a -ring of trifling value, and a gold seal which my mother had presented to -my wife the first day she saw her. After which I laid by my sword, and -put on a very plain suit of clothes. In this state I repaired to the -Convent of the Dominicans, where I asked leave to speak to the Reverend -Father before mentioned, who was a very favourite preacher, and had -converted many. I was taken for one of his penitents, and was conducted -immediately to his chamber, which I entered with an hypocritical -countenance, as if afraid to cast my eyes on so sacred a person, and in -a low and soft voice: “Most Reverend Father,” said I; “I have just -picked up this purse which appears to be full of gold and silver coins, -and although I am but a poor man, I know that I have no right to keep -it. I have therefore taken the liberty of asking for you, that I might -place it in the hands of your Reverence to dispose of it as you may -think fit.” - -The good father, charmed with so heroic an action in a person whose -wants might have excused his appropriating it to himself, surveyed me -from head to foot, and commended my disinterested and religious -behaviour. He could not sufficiently extol me; and feeling, at the same -time, a desire to render me some service, as a recompense for my virtue, -he asked me a few questions as to my situation in life, and talents, -that he might know what I was capable of. “Reverend Father,” said I, “I -have now been at Seville for some time, entirely out of employment. I -was Receiver of Taxes at Madrid; but finding myself inclined to spend my -own money to assist rather than persecute the poor, I was compelled to -resign that situation; from which I became steward to a nobleman, whose -affairs were in great confusion. These might soon have been settled; but -in proportion as I arranged them, he involved them afresh, so that after -having served him four years with the utmost zeal and fidelity, I was -obliged to leave him as much a beggar as when I first entered his -service, and without even having received my wages.” - -The Confessor listened to me with great attention; and surprised at -hearing a man, whose dress did not much prepossess him in favour of his -education, speak in such good terms, he asked me if I had ever studied. -I told him that I had studied most assiduously with the intention of -entering the church; but, that after having seriously reflected on a -vocation which required so many virtues which I did not possess, I had -given up such an idea. He was curious to ascertain how far I had gone in -Theology; and as all my lessons were still fresh in my memory, I -answered his questions in a manner which astonished him. My interview -with him lasted two hours, and he was so well pleased with me, that he -assured me of his friendship; and, in taking leave, told me, that on the -Sunday following he would advertise the purse I had found, in his -church, and that if I would call upon him on the Tuesday following, he -hoped he might by that time hear of some place to suit me. - -After having left his Reverence I repaired to my mother’s. “I have -lost,” said I, “the purse you gave me, in which were your ring and -casket, together with eight pistoles and twenty crowns in gold of my -own. Happily, however, it has fallen into the hands of a Dominican -Father, who will advertise it in his church on Sunday. You must -therefore go there, and claim it as your property, as I do not wish to -appear before his Reverence for certain reasons which I will afterwards -explain.” After a little more instruction, the good woman did not fail -to repair on the day fixed to the Dominican’s Church, where she heard -the father publish the purse as he had promised, not forgetting to -bestow the greatest eulogiums on the honesty of the poor man who had -found it, and delivered it to him. My mother, who knew as well as I did -the contents of the purse, had but little difficulty in getting it -restored her, after leaving two pistoles with his Reverence as a reward -for the honesty of the person who found it. - -My purse then was restored to me with the loss of two pistoles only. -Tuesday had no sooner arrived, than I waited upon the Dominican again, -who received me very kindly: “My son,” said he, “a good old woman who -has claimed the purse which you found, has left two pistoles with me in -charge for you.” I affected to be scrupulous of receiving this present, -as I had only done what was my duty, for which I did not deserve or -desire to be remunerated: but the good father told me that he thought I -well deserved it, and obliged me to accept of it; which, as you will -suppose, I no longer refused, purely in obedience to his commands. - -He then informed me that he had some better news to communicate; which -was, that he had obtained for me the situation as steward in the family -of one of the principal ladies in Seville. “You cannot but be happy in -this family,” said he, “for the remainder of your days, if you perform -your duty conscientiously, for which I entertain so good an opinion of -you, that I have passed my word.” At words like these, so flattering to -such a rogue, I prostrated myself at his reverence’s feet, and embraced -his knees with transport. He assisted me to rise, and assured me of his -protection. Then charging me with a letter to the lady, who proved to be -the widow before mentioned, he told me that he had already prepared her -to receive me. - -I went immediately to pay my respects to my new mistress, and it was not -difficult to perceive, by the reception I met with, that the Friar had -told wonders of me. She addressed me, not as a man who was to be her -servant, but as one of whom she already entertained the highest opinion. -The good Father had also taken care to fix my salary and perquisites. -She asked me if I was satisfied. I answered with a modest air, “that it -was more than I deserved, but that I would endeavour to render myself -worthy of her bounty by my care and fidelity in her service.” My person -and conversation pleased her infinitely, and she desired me to consider -myself in her service from that moment. Accordingly I had my trunk -carried in that evening, in which was all I possessed. - -A very handsome room was assigned me, and I remarked with pleasure, that -the other servants looked upon me as their superior, and as one whom -their lady would have respect paid to. All her private papers were -entrusted to me, and I applied myself so assiduously in discharge of my -trust, that I despatched as much business in fifteen days, as my -mistress expected would have taken up six months. Overjoyed at the -acquisition of so expeditious an accountant, she never saw the -Dominican, but she praised me exceedingly; which afforded the good -Father great pleasure, who really thought me a young man of integrity -and virtue. - -I was frequently obliged to consult my lady on affairs which could not -be settled without her approbation, and these interviews sometimes -lasted for some hours. On these occasions I always behaved myself with -so much respect, softness, and insinuation, that I perceived I was daily -gaining ground in her good will. At first she had fixed certain times -for me to speak with her on domestic affairs; which were in the morning -at her toilet, and in the evening after supper. This did not last long; -for she would come into my room after dinner, under some pretence or -other, and spend hours with me in discourse which had no relation to -business. Her fondness for me increased daily, and I could not but -foresee the happiness she designed me. I affected for a long time not to -understand her kind intentions; but flesh is flesh: and she having -condescended to make advances at least half way, I could not forbear -meeting her the other half. She excused her frailty by saying she -designed to marry me privately, and I abandoned myself entirely to my -good fortune, from which I should undoubtedly have reaped considerable -advantage, had I been prudent enough to maintain my ground. - - - - -CHAP. LIII. - - _How Guzman suddenly loses his Mistress’s favour, and is condemned - to the galleys._ - - -No sooner had I found in any part of my life that I might swim in deep -water, than I was drowned. Finding that I was now beloved by my -mistress, and looked upon by the servants as one whose favour was of -consequence, I began to act quite a different character in the family, -and set myself up to be absolute lord of all. I bought the most -expensive clothes; spent money like a gentleman; and to crown all, took -an under steward to look after the business of the house. Madam herself -was not a wit more prudent, and consulting her love rather than her -reason, approved of every thing I did. - -This was by no means the case with her relations, who, as they had an -eye to the succession, observed her steps most vigilantly. They had -conceived no great liking for me when I first entered the service, being -rather suspicious, and not without reason, of the very devout air I -assumed; but when they learnt that I carried all before me in the -family, they began to reflect seriously upon it. They knew who I was, -and not thinking that I was married, became very apprehensive lest the -too tender widow should eventually take me into the place of the defunct -governor, if she had not already done so; especially when they -recollected that she had some years before contracted marriage -clandestinely with one of my predecessors, who, fortunately for the -lady’s heirs, had thought proper to die shortly afterwards. This made -them very uneasy, and they had many meetings among themselves to -deliberate upon the most efficacious mode of ridding themselves of so -formidable a rival in the lady’s favour. All their endeavours, however, -would have been ineffectual, had I not ruined myself in my mistress’s -opinion by my imprudent conduct. - -The tender connexion I had formed with the lovesick lady became daily -less lively on my part; for, to say the truth, she was far from -possessing qualities calculated long to attach the inclinations of a -gallant man. Unfortunately also for our amours, I had cast my eyes on a -young girl in the house, a pretty merry wench of about sixteen or -seventeen years of age. A man who had money unlimited at his command, -and the entire government of the family, was not a conquest to be -despised by a waiting-maid; so that I soon lured her to my purpose, and -we concerted measures so well, that we kept our correspondence secret -for a considerable time. There were, however, other women in the house, -and it was not possible, therefore, that we could remain long -undiscovered. Celia, which was the damsel’s name, soon began to dress -herself out in the jewels and ornaments I had given her, and to boast of -her money. Her companions, in consequence, became jealous of her, and -informed their mistress, who ordered them to watch her, and neglect -nothing to ascertain the source of all this finery. These directions -were punctually obeyed; and it was soon discovered that Celia had -nocturnal conversations with me for three or four hours in my chamber. -This news struck like a dagger to the lady’s heart, for she had hitherto -been confident of my fidelity. She could not think me guilty of such -perfidy, and determined to be thoroughly convinced herself before she -satisfied her vengeance. - -I lay in a chamber which communicated with my mistress’s by a closet in -which there was a private door covered with tapestry. In addition to -this, there was an opening which I knew nothing of, directly against my -bed’s-head; so that a person listening might easily hear whatever was -said in my chamber, particularly when I was in bed. In this spot the -widow placed herself one night, and listening attentively to my -conversation with Celia, she overheard us distinctly speaking of -herself; and though we had frequently before amused ourselves at her -expence, yet, as the devil would have it, we had never before spoken so -ill of her. We communicated to each other without reserve the various -frailties and natural defects we had observed in her, and, in short, -pulled her to pieces from head to foot. You will readily imagine the -lady’s rage at hearing herself painted in such glowing colours. She was -at first tempted to enter my chamber and vent her fury on us -immediately; but after a little reflection, she very wisely thought it -more prudent to retire, and meditate her revenge more privately, than to -make all the servants in the house laugh at her expense. - -No sooner had day arrived than she sent for her nearest relation, to -tell him that I was a complete rogue; that I had not been content with -robbing her and putting all her affairs into disorder, but had -dishonoured her house; in short, that she was determined no longer to -overlook my knaveries, and only wished that I might be punished -according to my deserts. She could not possibly have selected a more -fit person to promote her wishes in this respect than this relation of -her’s, who, hoping one day or other to be her heir, had more interest -than any one to remove me from the testatrix. He was, therefore, highly -delighted at so favourable an opportunity, and made haste to profit by -it, lest the lady should change her mind. He knew her well, and saw -plainly that she only acted this part out of some jealous pique; and -accordingly exerted himself with such effect that in less than two hours -he obtained a warrant against me, so that before I had risen from my -bed, an Alguazil entered my chamber, and led me off to prison. - -I was at first inclined to consider this as a token of remembrance, -either from my relations at Genoa, or my creditors at Madrid; and it, -was upwards two hours before I learnt the real cause of my imprisonment. -At first I did but laugh at it, flattering myself that my mistress -loved me too well to leave me to the severity of the laws: and I -expected every moment to receive a message that she was no longer -irritated against me, and had obtained my pardon. Buoyed up with this -hope, I bore without impatience or complaint those fetters which I felt -convinced love would shortly break for me; and I considered myself more -like a lover punished for infidelity, than a steward imprisoned for -robbing his mistress. I was, however, most grievously mistaken, for I -was required forthwith to render an account of my administration, which -had lasted two years. I now began to grow uneasy, for the manner in -which I had dissipated the widow’s money to my own purposes left so -large a balance between the receipts and expenditure, that I would have -defied any steward in the most noble family to have filled up the gap. -It was in vain for me to puzzle my brain; for, to make the best of it, I -was four thousand crowns short. To complete my ruin, the honest man -whom I had employed as under-steward, while I thought of nothing but my -pleasure, no sooner saw me thrown into gaol, than, to save himself from -the same fate, which he knew he equally well deserved, he made off with -all the ready money he could lay his fingers on. Being answerable for -this man’s behaviour, the whole was laid at my door. How then was it -possible for me to escape with impunity? I had neither money nor credit; -while, on the contrary, my prosecutors were so powerful, that I could -entertain no hope of leaving prison, except _to serve the King upon the -seas_. - -I was so convinced of this, that I made an attempt to escape from -prison, in the disguise of a woman, and had already penetrated as far as -the outer gate, when a cursed one-eyed door-keeper recognized me. I -carried a dagger in my breast, which I drew out to intimidate him; but -he roared out for help, which soon arrived, and I was led back to a -dark dungeon, which I was not permitted to leave until I was conducted -to the galleys, to which I was condemned for the remainder of my life. - - - - -CHAP. LIV. - - _Guzman is conveyed to Port St. Mary with other honest folks like - himself. His adventures on the way, and on board the galleys._ - - -The chain composed of twenty-six young galley-slaves, all decorated with -the collar peculiar to the order, being ready to march, we set out for -Port St. Mary where the galleys then lay. We were divided into four -bands, and chained one to another, and our conductor, escorted by twenty -guards, led us along by small days journies. We lay the first night at -_Cabeças_, a village about nine miles from Seville. The next morning, -having started again at break of day, we fell in with a lad driving -pigs. This unfortunate youth, instead of driving his beasts out of our -way, was imprudent enough to allow them to pass between our bands; the -consequence of which was, that he lost half of them. In vain did he -complain to our conductor, and entreat him to interpose his authority, -to oblige us to make restitution; the conductor, who hoped to eat his -share, turned a deaf ear to his prayers, and we passed on with our -prize, as proud of the exploit, and as joyful as though we had recovered -our liberty. - -When we arrived at the inn where we stopped to dine, I made a present of -my pig to the conductor, who accepted it willingly, and with many -thanks. He then asked the people of the house if they could dress it -nicely for him; but it was easily to perceive from their answers that -they were but little accustomed to cooking. Upon which I told him, that -if he would permit my chains to be taken off for one hour only, I would -undertake to cook for him, and doubted not that I should give him -satisfaction. He did not hesitate to grant this request, and I provided -every thing in such good order for him, that he afterwards used me much -more kindly than the other prisoners. - -Before we left, I had another opportunity of shewing my skill at the -inn, where two merchants happened to come in to dine. Finding themselves -in such honest company, they became extremely uneasy for their property. -One of them seemed determined not to leave any thing that belonged to -him out of his sight, and, accordingly, placed his wallet under the -table, keeping his foot upon it. I felt a great itch to be a match for -this cunning gentleman, and accordingly slipped very gently under the -table, and cutting his wallet open with a sharp knife, I drew out two -parcels, which I handed over in charge to one of my companions; named -Soto, with whom I had become acquainted in prison. When we had left the -inn, and had walked about a mile, I requested Soto to give me the -parcels, that we might see what our booty consisted of, and divide it. -Soto replied that he did not know what I alluded to. I thought at first -that he was joking, but that was very far from his thoughts, and he -persisted with oaths that he had received nothing of me. When I found he -was in earnest, I reproached him with his ingratitude and perfidy; but -he only laughed at my reproaches and threats, and kept quiet possession -of the parcels. His behaviour quite enraged me, and I resolved to be -revenged on him, by explaining the whole affair to the conductor, -choosing rather that he should profit by the theft, than such an -ungrateful and impudent rascal. This resolution I put into execution at -night when we reached the inn where we were to sleep. - -I had no sooner related the story to the conductor, than he called Soto -before him, and asked him for the two parcels. The rascal answered that -he had got nothing of the sort, and that I must be a great rogue to make -such an accusation. “You will not give them up with a good grace then!” -replied the conductor. “Very well, my friend, we will treat you then as -you deserve.” At the same time he ordered the guards to flog him until -he confessed. Soto turned pale with fear at this cruel order; and out of -regard to his skin, shortly afterwards confessed that the two parcels -were concealed in the belly of the pig he had stolen. Here they were -found; and when they were opened, it appeared they were full of beads -and bracelets of coral adorned with gold, of excellent workmanship. Our -conductor, like a man who understood his calling, thrust them all into -his own pocket without ceremony, promising me a handsome reward, which, -however, I have been expecting to this day; which proves clearly that -this description of persons profit by the evil actions of rogues, though -they do not participate in their punishment. From that day Soto and I -swore eternal hatred to each other. - -We pursued our route, and on our arrival at Port St. Mary, we found that -six galleys were careening to put to sea. We were confined a few days in -prison, after which we were divided into six bands. I was so unfortunate -as to be condemned to live in the same galley with Soto. We were carried -aboard our galley. I was seated over against the main-mast, and Soto on -the master’s bench; so that we seemed doomed to be near each other. The -King’s coat was then given us, a red waistcoat, two pair of drawers, two -shirts, a red cap, and a sea gown. After which a barber performed the -operation of shaving our chins and heads. I regretted the loss of my -hair exceedingly, which was long and beautiful. But it was of little -consequence; I was now a complete galley-slave, which I should have been -long before if I had had my deserts. - -As the Commissary is an officer who possesses great authority over the -galley-slaves, and which he usually exercises with brutality, my first -endeavour was to gain his friendship. He ate and slept very near my -seat, and I was always very officious to serve him whenever an -opportunity presented itself. I was always the first to anticipate his -wants, and testify my extreme desire to be useful to him. All these -attentions did not go long unrewarded. I soon perceived that he regarded -me with a more favourable eye than the rest. This was a great -consolation to me; and to render myself still more worthy of his favour, -I redoubled my endeavours to please him: in which I succeeded so well, -that he at length never employed any other to assist him, and made me -leave my seat to provide his meals for him, having been particularly -well pleased with some ragouts I had already made for him. I was not a -little proud of this honour, which, in fact, exempted me from my duty as -galley-slave. - -Our galley was ordered to Cadiz, to take aboard some masts, yards, and -ship’s tackling. Here a young lord, who was related to our captain, and -a Knight of the Order of St. James’s, came with his baggage on board our -galley, intending to make his first expedition. He wore, as was -customary in those days, a gold chain; but he had not been a week on -board before he lost this. In vain was every exertion made to discover -the thief; the chain was not to be found. Upon which the captain -recommended his kinsman to take one of the slaves into his service, who -should have the care of his chamber, and be responsible for every thing, -on pain of being handsomely flogged if any thing were lost. The Knight -approved highly of this advice, and the only question now was, which of -the slaves should have the honour of serving him. He had heard a good -account of my address and capacity, and wished exceedingly to have me. -Accordingly, the captain called the commissary before him, and asked him -if he was satisfied with my behaviour. The commissary, not knowing the -drift of this question, enlarged upon my merit, and spoke so highly in -my praise, that the Knight from that moment resolved to select me. I was -immediately sent for; he liked my looks, and I was enrolled in his -service, to the great regret of the commissary. - -Behold me now become a valet-de-chambre to a Knight of St. James. That I -might be able to serve him the more commodiously, the first favour he -obtained for me was, that I should only be obliged to wear a link on my -foot; after which, all his clothes, linen, jewels, and other valuables -were told out to me, and given in charge to me, with the recommendation -that it would be to my own interest to be faithful and vigilant. I put -every thing in such order, that I could see the whole at one view. The -servants were expressly forbidden to enter the chamber without my -permission, when their master was not in it. This regulation saved me a -great deal of trouble in watching these sparks, who were as well versed -in legerdemain tricks as any of the slaves on board the galley. - -I applied myself assiduously to study the humour and disposition of the -Knight, and it was not long ere I was beloved by him, and even esteemed, -galley-slave as I was. He felt pleasure in conversing with me, and I -appeared to him to possess such good sense, that he sometimes consulted -me on the most important occasions. One day he entered his chamber with -a thoughtful and melancholy countenance. “My friend,” said he, “one of -my uncles has written me a letter which has put me exceedingly out of -humour, in which he urges me, if I wish to be heir to all his property, -to marry. He has himself grown idle at the Court, without having dared -to take that yoke upon himself, which he wishes me to submit to. I know -not what answer to make; for I have no inclination at present for -matrimony.” “Sir,” replied I, jesting, “were I in your place, I would -write word back, that nothing could please me more than to comply with -his wishes, provided it were with one of his daughters.” My master -laughed most heartily at this advice, which was only meant by me as a -joke, and declared that he would write those very words, which he -doubted not would rid him of any further importunity. - - - - -CHAP. LV. - - _Guzman finds himself in the most cruel situation of his life; but - it pleases Heaven suddenly to put an end to his troubles, and he - recovers his liberty._ - - -I had every reason to be content with the life I led in the service of -the young Knight, who kept so good a table that I had frequent -opportunities of treating my comrades; in which I should not have -forgotten Soto, notwithstanding what had passed between us; but this -rascal, who had never forgiven me, took great pains to nourish my hatred -by constantly speaking ill of me before my master’s servants as well as -those of the Captain. These servants, who none of them liked me, -listened to him with pleasure, and did not fail to report every thing to -their patrons; and, among other slanders, that I was only waiting for an -opportunity to make some good hit, and that, sooner or later, the Knight -would know me for the rogue I really was. - -Although imputations coming from such a source ought not to have been -looked upon without suspicion, they did not entirely fail in making some -impression on my master’s mind; and I soon perceived, notwithstanding -the implicit confidence he pretended to place in me, that he kept a -strict watch over all my actions. On my side, without taking notice of -his unjust suspicions, I continued to serve him with fidelity, keeping -my eyes always open to any snares my enemies might lay for me. In spite -of all my vigilance, however, I fell a prey to Soto’s malice, who -instigated one of the Knight’s servants to steal a piece of plate out of -his master’s cabin and hide it under my bed between two boards. I soon -missed it, and told my master of the loss in a manner which ought to -have convinced him that I was not the thief. But I was not believed, and -it was at last found where it had been concealed. The Captain, thinking -that I had stolen it, in spite of all I could allege in my defence, -condemned me to receive fifty lashes; but my master begged me off, on -condition that if any thing were again lost, I should have no mercy. - -Finding, by this adventure, that I had secret enemies, who were -determined to ruin me, I humbly prayed the Captain and my master to take -another in my place, and permit me to return to my oar, rather than be -exposed to such another misfortune. My master misinterpreted my -intentions; and, thinking that I was more desirous of returning to the -Commissary’s than of continuing in his service, he determined to keep me -whether I would or no. Patience, therefore, was my only remedy, and I -stood as much on my guard as I could night and day; yet, watchful as I -was, I could not escape. My master having returned from the town one -night, sent for me to assist in undressing him. I gave him his gown and -nightcap; and while I carried his sword and gloves from one cabin to -another, some rascal stole the hat-band. I never could find out how this -trick had been executed; but when I was brushing the hat the next -morning, I discovered that the band was missing. At this sight I turned -as pale as death; looked for it every where, but all in vain; there were -thieves on board that galley at least my match. - -Nothing was left for me to do but to implore the Knight’s mercy; but -when I related my new misfortune to him, as well as the malignity of my -enemies, to which I attributed it, he laughed in my face. “Mr. Guzman,” -said he, with a sneer, “I am well persuaded that you are a person of the -greatest integrity, although you have not that reputation on board this -galley; and I have been told, more than once, of my boldness in having -trusted you. Once more, I think you an honest man, and am, therefore, -sorry to tell you, that if you do not forthwith produce my hat-band, you -must be delivered over to the Under-commissary, who will, doubtless, -treat you according to your deserts. This you may rely upon, -notwithstanding your protestations of fidelity.” - -This was the Knight’s answer, and the Captain came up at that moment. As -soon as he knew what was the matter, and found that I persisted in -denying that I had taken the hat-band, he flew in such a passion, and -beat me so cruelly, that I fell down half dead. To increase my misery, I -was driven from the poop and sent to the last seat on the prow, the most -uneasy seat of all, and that in which the slaves work hardest. In -addition to this, the Commissary had orders not to spare me, under pain -of the Captain’s displeasure. This officer, however, really pitied me, -and, notwithstanding the orders he had received to treat me with rigour, -allowed me to rest for a full month, seeing that I was quite incapable -of hard labour. - -I regained my strength by degrees; and no sooner had I re-commenced my -duty at the oar than Heaven, satisfied with the hardships I had already -undergone, took compassion on me, and released me from my pitiable -situation. Soto, who had a devilish design in his head, which he could -not execute without my assistance, my seat being near the powder-room, -became extremely desirous to be reconciled with me. With this view he -availed himself of the mediation of a Turk, who had the liberty of going -fore and aft as he pleased in the galley; not doubting that I longed in -my heart to be revenged for the cruel treatment I had met with, and -that I loved liberty as well as others. He entreated me, through the -Turk, to forget the past, and restore him my friendship, which he -confessed he had justly forfeited. I pretended to be very desirous to be -reconciled to him; upon which the Turk addressed me in these terms: - -“Soto has charged me to communicate to you a project which he has formed -to deliver us all. It is concerted, that as soon as we reach the coast -of Barbary, which we are fast approaching, we are to rise, cut the -throats of the officers and soldiers, beginning with the Captain, -proclaim _Liberty_ to the rest of the galley-slaves, who will -immediately assist us, render ourselves masters of the galley, and seek -an asylum amongst the Turks. This enterprise has been in contemplation,” -continued he, “upwards of two months. We have a sufficient quantity of -arms concealed, all our measures are taken, and we have resolved to -save ourselves, Turks as well as Christians, or perish in the attempt. -All that is required of you is to blow up the powder-room at a signal -given. This is our plot; and after the cruel treatment you have -experienced from the Captain, we have thought that you would not refuse -to join us.” I replied to the Turk, that he might depend there was -nothing I was not capable of undertaking to be revenged on the Captain, -and that he might assure the conspirators that I would do what was -expected of me. This, however, was very far from my intention. When the -day approached that the plot was to be put in execution, I requested a -soldier who came near my seat to tell the Captain that I had a secret of -the greatest importance to reveal to him. “But,” added I, “tell him to -send for me immediately; his life depends upon his compliance.” The -Captain considered this as a trick of mine to reconcile myself to him, -and regain my post in his kinsman’s service; and though he did -condescend to hear what I had to say, he resolved to make me suffer for -it, if I was only trifling with him. He sent for me, however, and I -discovered all I knew; told him where the arms lay concealed; and named -the principal inventors of the plot, at the head of which I did not -forget to rank my friend Soto. - -The Captain, perceiving now that it was no trifling matter, resolved to -proceed with caution, and ordering all the soldiers to their arms, -commanded a search to be made, and found a vast quantity of fire-arms -and other weapons in the place I had pointed out. He then caused the -ringleaders of the conspiracy to be seized, who, being put to the -torture, confessed all. Soto and one of his comrades were condemned to -be drawn in quarters by four galleys, and the rest were decimated, of -whom five were hung, and the others had their noses cut off. Soto, -before he died, owned that it was by his contrivance the piece of plate -and hat-band had been taken out of the Knight’s cabin, and that I was -innocent of it. The Captain commended me highly for my zeal and -fidelity, after the unjust usage I had met with; asked my pardon -publicly; ordered my irons to be struck off; gave me the liberty of the -galley; and he and all the officers signed a letter setting forth the -considerable service I had rendered the King in saving the galley and so -many lives; which was transmitted to Court to procure an order from his -Majesty for my enlargement. It were needless to state with what a -grateful heart I returned thanks to Heaven for such a revolution in my -prospects, promising to amend, and live better for the future. - -Thus, friendly Reader, I have given you an account of the principal -adventures of my life. What followed after the King was graciously -pleased to grant me my liberty, you may expect to hear, should I live -long enough to tell you. - - THE END. - - - - London: Printed by John Nichols and Son, - 25, Parliament-street. - - * * * * * - - _Just published_ - - By LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, BROWN, - and GREEN, Paternoster Row. - - In one vol. 12mo. price 3_s._ 6_d._ boards. - - A - CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL - - DISSERTATION - - ON THE - - NAMES OF PERSONS. - - BY JOHN HENRY BRADY. - - “In hoc est hoax, - Et quiz et joax. - With gravity for graver folks.” - - -“This little volume will amply repay the attention of the curious, and -we recommend it to general perusal.”--_Gentlemen’s Magazine_, _June, 1, -1822_. - -“We recommend Mr. Brady’s Dissertation to the notice of our readers. It -will serve as a text book, and furnish copious hints for many an amusing -chapter of conversational pleasantry.”--_General Weekly Register_, -_April, 1822_. - -“This is an amusing little trifle.”--_Gazette of Fashion._ - -“This is an ingenious and playful little work.”--_Literary Chronicle._ - - * * * * * - - _Literary Notices of the First Edition of_ - - THE - - LIFE AND ADVENTURES - - OF - - GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE, - - OR - - THE SPANISH ROGUE. - - -“We congratulate the public upon the addition which Mr. Brady has made -to their literary amusements. This is one of the most amusing books we -know; and the Translator has preserved the simplicity as well as the -spirit of the original.”--_European Magazine._ - -“This translation is executed with considerable spirit and great -fidelity.”--_Monthly Magazine._ - -“The Translator has produced a very entertaining version of the -adventures of that prototype of adventurers the Chevalier -Guzman.”--_Literary Gazette._ - -“This is a very splendid translation of the adventures of an -incorrigible rogue and vagabond.”--_Literary Chronicle._ - -“The work before us exposes with exquisite satire the tricks of beggars; -and many will read with pleasure the repeated villanies of the roguish -adventurer, because they are united with much dry humour and keen -remark.” - -“Mr. Brady’s translation is animated and good.”--_Gentleman’s Magazine._ - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The life and adventures of Guzman -D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, by Alain-René Le Sage - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE D'ALFARACHE, VOL. 3/3 *** - -***** This file should be named 53081-0.txt or 53081-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/0/8/53081/ - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The life and adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue (3 volumes) - -Author: Alain-René Le Sage - -Translator: John Henry Brady - -Release Date: September 18, 2016 [EBook #53081] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE D'ALFARACHE, VOL. 3/3 *** - - - - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="319" height="500" alt="" title="" /> -</div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td class="c"><a href="#CHAP_XXXV">CHAP. XXXV., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XXXVI">XXXVI., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XXXVII">XXXVII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XXXVIII">XXXVIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XXXIX">XXXIX., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XL">XL., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLI">XLI., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLII">XLII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLIII">XLIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLIV">XLIV., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLV">XLV., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLVI">XLVI., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLVII">XLVII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLVIII">XLVIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_XLIX">XLIX., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_L">L., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_LI">LI., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_LII">LII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_LIII">LIII., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_LIV">LIV., </a> -<a href="#CHAP_LV">LV.</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<h1><small><small>THE</small></small><br /> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_i" id="page_i"></a><small><small>{i}</small></small></span> - -<small>LIFE AND ADVENTURES</small><br /> - -<small><small>OF</small></small><br /> - -GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE,<br /> - -<small><small>OR</small></small><br /> - -<small>THE SPANISH ROGUE.</small></h1> - -<p class="c">———<br /> -<small>TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH EDITION OF</small><br /> - -MONS. LE SAGE.<br /> -———<br /> -BY JOHN HENRY BRADY.<br /> -———<br /> -SECOND EDITION,<br /> - -<small>CORRECTED AND CONSIDERABLY IMPROVED.</small><br /> -———<br /> -IN THREE VOLUMES.<br /> -VOL. III.<br /> -———<br /> -LONDON:<br /> - -PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME,<br /> -BROWN, AND GREEN, PATERNOSTER-ROW.<br /> -—<br /> -1823.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_ii" id="page_ii"></a>{ii}</span></p> -<hr /> -<p class="c">London: Printed by J. Nichols and Son,<br /> -25, Parliament-street. -</p> - -<h1><small><small><small>THE</small></small><br /> - -LIFE<br /> - -<small><small>OF</small></small><br /> - -GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE.</small></h1> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_001" id="page_001"></a>{1}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XXXV" id="CHAP_XXXV"></a>CHAP. XXXV.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman appears at the Grand Duke’s Court, where a Lady falls in -love with him.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> Grand Duchess had lately been brought to bed of a Prince, or rather -she was just recovering from her accouchement; and there was an -entertainment every day at the palace, where all persons of distinction -of both sexes did not fail to resort. The Cavaliers who lodged in the -same hotel with me, and who were of the first class of nobility of the -country, being only come to Florence to join in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a>{2}</span> those diversions, were -so much the more assiduous in their attendance, as by these means they -made their court to their Prince. My host inquired of me the first -evening of my stay, whether I would eat by myself or with those -gentlemen. I replied, that I would do myself the honour of supping with -them; and when the time came, I entered the room just as they were -seating themselves at table. I assumed an easy carriage, and affected -the man of consequence, of which I was quite capable, and after I had -saluted them politely, I seated myself at the upper end of the room in a -chair which was handed me by Sayavedra, who performed his part of the -ceremony to admiration.</p> - -<p>This bold step attracted the attention of all the company present, who, -wishing to know who I was, were uselessly employed in inquiring that -information of each other in a whisper. They were most impatient to hear -me speak, hoping<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span> to discover my nation by my accent. I was malicious -enough to keep them in doubt even on this point. In vain did they -endeavour to provoke me to speak by little attentions at table; I -answered all their civilities either by most gracious looks or by an -inclination of the head. Being obliged, however, to utter a few words, I -passed in their opinion for a Roman; but afterwards giving orders to -Sayavedra in Spanish, puzzled them as much as before.</p> - -<p>One of these gentlemen, more curious than the rest, rose from table in -order that he might go and interrogate the host as to who I was. In a -few moments he returned to his seat with a satisfied air, and whispered -something to those next him, and they to the others; and I was in a -short time recognised by the whole party as the nephew of the Spanish -Ambassador.</p> - -<p>As soon as supper was over, all the company, looking upon me as a young<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a>{4}</span> -nobleman, crowded round me, and one of them addressing me said: “Perhaps -I was not aware that there was almost every day a ball at court, on -account of the birth of the young prince, that there would be one held -that very evening, and that if I had the least wish to go, they would -have the pleasure of conducting me to the palace.” I replied, “that it -would be most ungracious in me to reject so polite an offer, though -indeed my travelling clothes formed some obstacle to the gratification -of my curiosity; but that nevertheless, as I was not known at Florence, -I would have the honour of accompanying the party to partake of an -amusement of which I was exceedingly fond.” All the party, except -myself, were very elegantly dressed; as to me I did nothing but change -my shirt, and adjust myself a little. Ill-dressed as I was, however, in -comparison with the others, you will hear what happened to me at the -ball.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span></p> - -<p>When we entered the saloon, the Duke and a large party were already -assembled there. His Highness fixed his eyes on me immediately; and this -somewhat disconcerted me. I thought that he was either displeased at the -plainness of my dress, or found something ridiculous in my person; and -what convinced me the more was, that he pointed me out to a courtier who -stood by him, and as I imagined desired him to ascertain who I was. I -was not wrong in my conjecture; the courtier, whom I did not lose sight -of, made his way through the crowd and accosted one of the gentlemen -whom I had accompanied, whispered something to him, received an answer -in the same manner, and then returned to the Grand Duke, to whom I saw -him give an account of his commission. All this appeared to me equivocal -enough, and I did not know what to think of it, when the same gentleman -who had been addressed by the courtier, approached and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a>{6}</span> said to me: “You -are known, Signor Cavalier; the Grand Duke knows that you are a relation -of the Ambassador from Spain to Rome. I should advise you to go -immediately and salute the Prince; he looks at you continually, and -seems to wish that you should take that liberty.”</p> - -<p>I followed the gentleman’s advice, thinking that I could not do less; -and accordingly advanced towards the Grand Duke, who perceiving my -design, was so condescending as to advance half-way to meet me. I -commenced with a most profound bow, and addressing his Highness, told -him in Italian, in an easy but respectful manner, “that I had but just -arrived at Florence, and I trusted he would pardon my presumption for -having ventured even in a ball-room, to offer him my most humble -respects; but having been informed that it was his desire to know my -name, I had come to announce it to him myself.” “I know it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a>{7}</span> already,” -answered the Prince, “and I am not a little surprised to hear a Spaniard -speak Italian as well as a native of Rome.” To this remark I answered in -Spanish, “that I had long resided in that city.” He replied, in the -Castilian language, “that he never heard any one of my countrymen -pronounce Italian so perfectly.” Then, turning the conversation on my -Uncle the Ambassador, he told me, “he was well acquainted with him from -having had many affairs of consequence between them, and that he should -be most proud to testify his respect for him in my person.” He then -invited me to frequent the Court, with a thousand other compliments, to -which I could make no other answer than by bowing almost down to the -ground. This was not all; the Grand Duchess came up at that moment, and -I had the honour of being presented to her by the Prince her husband, -who told her at the same time who I was; and I verily flatter myself<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a>{8}</span> -that I got out of this dilemma in better style than, perhaps, the real -nephew of the Spanish Ambassador would have done in my place.</p> - -<p>The ball then commenced, and I retired from where I stood, for fear of -incommoding the dancers. After three or four dances, a lady came up and -was introduced to me by the Duke’s desire. I affected to wish to decline -dancing, though in fact I was particularly desirous; and pleaded in -excuse, that I had not long alighted from horseback, as might be seen by -my frightful dishabille. The Prince who heard me, put an end to the -contest, by crying out that he was sure I could not refuse so lovely a -lady, even were I to dance in boots. At this desire I instantly obeyed, -and my dancing attracted the attention of the whole company. The Grand -Duchess especially, who preferred Terpsichore to all the other Muses, -was so much pleased, that she requested me to dance some of the newest<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a>{9}</span> -figures, in which I acquitted myself equally well. This exhilirated my -spirits to such a degree, that I made love to all the ladies in company. -I would tell you, moreover, friendly reader, were I not fearful of being -deemed conceited, that of all the women in Italy, the Florentines -understand genteel behaviour the best, and I was by no means badly -received among them.</p> - -<p>Among the rest there were three young ladies present, who were decidedly -the ornaments of the Ball. I never saw more perfect beauties. It would -have puzzled any honest man to have made his choice of one of them. I -soon decided, however, favour of a Brunette, who attracted me by a -certain <i>je ne sçai quoi</i> which the others did not possess. I attached -myself to that lady only during the whole ball.</p> - -<p>One of the gentlemen who had brought me to the palace, perceiving my -<i>penchant</i> for this Brunette, approached me;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a>{10}</span> “Signor Don Guzman,” said -he with a smile, “how many lovers will you distract with jealousy this -night, if you continue your attentions to that lady, who is a rich -widow, and has a great number of admirers.” My vanity was flattered by -this information, which inspired me with the design of attempting the -conquest of a heart which was disputed by so many rivals. I hazarded -some soft speeches which were not ill-received, but while my favorable -progress inclined me to push my success, the Grand Duchess, who had not -danced since her confinement, took a fancy to do me the honour of -choosing me for her partner. In fact, foreseeing the consequences, I did -all in my power to avoid it: but she would take no denial. The Grand -Duke, though he approved of the great respect I paid the Princess by my -diffidence, gave me to understand by a nod, that he wished I would -comply with the desires of her Highness: so that there were no<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a>{11}</span> means of -escaping. I danced and performed even better than before: which pleased -the Duchess so much that she would not leave off dancing with me, until -the Prince was obliged to beg her to desist, lest so much exertion -should injure her health.</p> - -<p>Their Highnesses then retired, and I accompanied them to their -apartment, together with the Lords of the Court, and returned with an -air of impatience to the ball-room, when I found the pretty Brunette was -also about to retire. I made love to her with so much ardour, that I had -the pleasure to see that she quitted me with regret. As soon as she was -gone I returned to the Hotel, with the before-mentioned gentlemen who -had rejoined me. I was so taken up with the honour that had been -conferred on me that evening, that I said but little in answer to the -compliments they paid me on my talents for dancing. On our arrival at -the Hotel, we took leave of each<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a>{12}</span> other with great politeness, and -retired to our chambers.</p> - -<p>When I was alone with Sayavedra: “My friend,” said I, “my joy overpowers -me, I must ease my heart.” At the same time I recounted to him all that -had happened at the ball, where I had been so much distinguished, the -infinite praise bestowed on me by the Duchess, and my flattering -reception from the Duke. My confident cared for nothing but what was -solidly advantageous. Praises he looked on as smoke; but the account of -the widow charmed him. His eyes sparkled with joy when I mentioned her -to him, “Think nothing of the rest,” said he; “this may turn out to your -advantage, if you know how to profit by the favourable impression you -have made on that lady.” Sayavedra and I employed half the night in -building castles in the air on this subject, and in deliberating what -course we ought to take to bring the affair to a happy issue.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a>{13}</span> It was -resolved in council that on the ensuing day we should procure the large -trunk we had spoken of before, and that I should purchase as splendid a -suit as my purse would afford, to enable me to sustain at Court the -character I had already assumed.</p> - -<p>This resolution was followed by my giving strict orders to Sayavedra to -be in the field early the next morning to put our plans in practice: -after which I went to bed. Not that I could close my eyes during the -whole night, for it was already day, when, by rocking myself so -incessantly with chimeras, I fell asleep for a short time. Sayavedra, -who had returned from executing his commissions, came into my room and -awoke me. He was followed by a Tailor, at whose shop he had found a suit -ready made, which had never been worn. The Tailor told me, that it had -been ordered by a young Nobleman, who had suddenly disappeared from -Court, after having lost a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a>{14}</span> large sum of money by gaming, and that he -desired nothing better than to get rid of it at a fair price. I got up -directly and tried it on, and most fortunately it fitted me as well as -if it had been made for me. Nothing was wanting but to fix the price: -which we agreed on, after a dispute which would have lasted longer, if -the Tailor had not wanted money, and if I had not had an earnest longing -for the suit; to which he added some gold lace to correspond: which -completed it in the fashion of dress at Rome.</p> - -<p>I had no sooner paid and sent away the Tailor, than my host came up and -informed me that the Grand Duke had sent me, while I slept, a present of -wine, fruits, and sweetmeats. This was a compliment that this Prince was -in the habit of making to the illustrious foreigners who visited his -court. The landlord added that he would not disturb my repose to -acquaint me with it. I was not sorry that I had not seen the gentleman<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a>{15}</span> -whom the Duke had sent with this present, as I must have paid pretty -roundly for the carriage; and I could not be too frugal, considering how -much I should need money to enable me to make any appearance at Court. I -thought then that I should escape this expense, in which I was a little -mistaken. Scarcely had my host ordered the Prince’s fruit and wine to be -brought into my chamber, when his Highness’s gentleman was announced to -me. I was obliged to endure a common place harangue, which ended in -informing me that the Duchess hoped to see me in the afternoon. I made -upon that an abundance of compliments to this gentleman, and Sayavedra, -like a well-bred valet, attended him to the door to slip a few crowns -into his hand. I amused myself then by trying on the rest of our -purchases: such as silk stockings, a superfine hat, ribbons, gay shoes, -linen, gloves, and every other necessary article of dress. Seeing that<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a>{16}</span> -nothing was wanting, I began by shaving, combing, cleaning, and -powdering myself; then being dressed, and looking at myself continually -in a glass, I turned towards my confidant, to ask him if he thought -there was any thing wanting. He answered, that I looked so well, that he -was much mistaken if I did not that day distract all the men with -jealousy and all the women with love. I did not fail then to put on my -elegant gold chain, and fasten below it with a ribbon a miniature -portrait of my dear master which he had given me the day before my -departure.</p> - -<p>I was like another Narcissus, enchanted with myself; I wished myself -already at the palace, so desirous was I of showing myself off. I think -I should have gone without any refreshment, if Sayavedra had not -represented to me that it was necessary to take care of the inside, on -which the outside depended; and that starvation was not very likely to -improve<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a>{17}</span> my complexion. Though I had but little appetite, for I was -puffed out with my dress, and my stomach might be said to be as full of -wind as my head was; I suffered myself to be prevailed upon to eat a -little of what my confidant ordered into my chamber. I was so fearful of -soiling myself in eating, that I was quite uneasy until dinner was -finished. I tasted the Duke’s fruit, and drank a few glasses of verdee -which had accompanied the fruits. I found this wine most excellent, and -I did not doubt but it would enliven my conversation, if taken in -moderation. After this slight repast, I walked up and down my room -strutting about; I did nothing but question my squire as to my -appearance, and he assured me that I was a very mirror of cavaliers. -Satisfied with this testimony, to which my self-love very readily -assented, I repaired to the palace, attended by Sayavedra, who, to do me -credit, had also made a few purchases for himself at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a>{18}</span> expense of my -purse, which began now to look rather foolish after such copious -bleeding.</p> - -<p>I was received at the Duke’s palace with as many honours as could -possibly have been conferred on the Ambassador himself. The Prince first -complimented me on my good looks; he then began to speak of the -Ambassador, and communicated something to me in the hope that on my -return to Rome I should repeat it to his Excellence. He was completely a -man of the world, and never spoke but with some motive. I soon observed -that he was anxious to engage me to speak of the Ambassador’s private -affairs, but I was so completely on my guard against him, that though I -staid two hours, not a single indiscreet word escaped my lips. Finding -his hints and flattery of no avail, he at length desisted, for fear of -exciting suspicion in my mind, and proposed that I should pay my -respects to the Duchess.</p> - -<p>I was exceedingly glad to be dismissed<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a>{19}</span> from a conversation which began -to grow tiresome, and I went immediately to wait upon the Duchess, who, -after receiving me with great politeness, told me that she had been much -delighted with my dancing the preceding evening, and especially with the -two last dances, which she should very much like to learn. I replied -that my humble ability was entirely at her service, and undertook that -she should be perfect in both dances before the next ball-night. She -seemed to anticipate much pleasure in the general surprise she should -cause in dancing these new figures, and desired that I would not speak -of it to any one.</p> - -<p>A fine concert was to form the amusement of the court that evening, and -I did not fail to appear there in all my charms, after having taken a -slight repast at my inn. I need not tell you that my first care was to -see if my charming widow was among the crowd. It was not long before I -perceived her;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a>{20}</span> her rich and superb dress, and superior charms to all -around, could not long be concealed. I advanced towards her with an -eagerness which seemed by no means to displease her, and we continued to -converse together and admire each other, reciprocally exchanging the -most tender looks for some time. All this was exceedingly pleasant, but -still I was uncertain of my fate; and thinking that I had no time to -lose, I determined to explain myself more clearly, now that I had an -opportunity of speaking to her without being overheard. “Madam,” said I, -in a voice timid but empassioned, “to what punishment would you condemn -an insolent who could dare to tell you that he loves you?” The lady -blushed a little at this question, but answered, “that it depended upon -who it might be, whether she could have resolution sufficient to wish -him to be punished at all.” “In what a pitiable situation then am I,” -replied I, “in being prevented by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a>{21}</span> respect I owe to their -Highnesses, from this moment throwing myself at your feet!” My charming -widow answered only with her eyes, and I was myself so transported with -joy, that being no longer able to speak, I remained silent for some -moments, leaving my sighs to do the office of my tongue.</p> - -<p>I had scarcely regained the power of speech, which my joy had deprived -me of, when the lady touching my elbow, said with a confused air: “We -are observed, the Duchess is watching us with an attention that -embarrasses me; I request that you will withdraw a little distance from -me.” I retired immediately, not without complaining of the Princess’s -cruelty in disturbing the sweetest moments of my life. I then glided -behind the Duchess’s chair, whence, as though I had been very attentive -to the concert, I cried out: “It must certainly be confessed, that -nothing can be better performed.” This was really true, for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a>{22}</span> Duke -had some of the best players and singers in Italy; but I had not heard -sufficient to be able to decide on their merits, and the Duchess, who -well knew it, said it satirically, “You have certainly been so extremely -attentive to the concert, that you may boldly decide. But there is some -excuse for you,” added she smiling, “the lady’s charms are much more -attractive to you than those of music.” Her Highness, observing that -this embarrassed me, changed her tone, and asked me what I seriously -thought of the voices and performers. I then took the liberty of stating -my real opinion; and if I did not answer like a master of the art, I at -least made it apparent that I was not altogether ignorant of music.</p> - -<p>In about an hour the concert was interrupted by a magnificent collation -by way of interlude. I took this opportunity to return to my divinity, -to whom I now publicly paid the most marked attention,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a>{23}</span> in preference to -the other ladies present; and my rivals now no longer doubted that I was -the favoured lover. Whatever malice, however, they might on this account -nourish against me, they none of them dared think of being revenged on -me, which they were well convinced the Duke would make them repent of. -For my part I cared so little for their displeasure, that I thought of -nothing but of completing the conquest of my charmer. And love seemed -willing to furnish me with opportunity; for just at this moment, a -musician passing close by us, I called to him, and asked if he knew the -two or three new airs that had lately been so popular at Rome. “I -received them only this day,” answered he, “so that I have not yet had -leisure to study them.” The ladies then asked me if I knew them. I -replied in the affirmative; and no sooner did they signify that they -should like to hear them, than, without waiting like a professional<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a>{24}</span> man -to be further pressed, I began to hum them in a very faint voice, -pretending that I did not wish all the company to hear me. No sooner had -I begun, however, than I was surrounded by all the ladies and gentlemen -near me. My notes were not so very inaudible but that they reached the -Duchess’s ear, who, advancing towards me, requested particularly that I -would give my voice full scope.</p> - -<p>I must not forget one circumstance. Her Highness made signs to my widow -and some other ladies of rank near her, to join the party to partake of -the pleasure she anticipated. They advanced towards her directly; and -the Duchess, either out of malice or goodness, placed them in such a -manner that my mistress stared me full in the face. After which she -whispered to me with a smile: “You see I am willing to pay you in -advance for the favour you are about to grant me.” At these words I -bowed most obsequiously,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a>{25}</span> and least she should continue thus to -tantalize me, I hastened to begin my song.</p> - -<p>Have a care friend Guzman, you will here be ready to tell me, or you -certainly are going to praise yourself again. I confess that I am on the -point of so doing, and since I have told you all my bad qualities, it is -but fair that I should be allowed to say what I can in my own praise. My -voice then was so much admired, that the saloon resounded with applause. -And this is not much to be wondered at. A man who at Rome had passed for -a good singer, was not very likely to fail at Florence. In short I -amused the assembly until the fête broke up, when the Duke and Duchess -withdrew to their own apartments, and I rejoined my widow, who was -evidently waiting only to take leave of me. I had just time to say a few -sweet words to her, which were repaid with usury, and to request -permission to pay my respects<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a>{26}</span> to her at her own house. This is usual at -Florence, and was most gracefully granted. The lady even appointed an -hour herself, than which she could not have paid me a greater -compliment.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XXXVI" id="CHAP_XXXVI"></a>CHAP. XXXVI.<br /><br /> -<i>Sequel and conclusion of this fine Intrigue.</i></h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">WHEN</span> I returned home, I thought myself obliged to give my counsellor -Sayavedra an account of my fortune that day; even to the minutest -particulars. After having listened to me with the greatest attention, he -said to me: “Every thing goes well, and I do not doubt but the lady will -fall into our snares.” “Friend,” said I, “a prudent man is always in -doubt about the event.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a>{27}</span></p> - -<p>“When I think of the excess of my good luck, when I consider all the -advantages of it, and please my imagination that in the course of two -days I have reached the very summit of my wishes, I fear that fortune -has hitherto flattered my sanguine expectation, but to spoil and -confound my rash undertaking by some sad disaster.” “True it is,” -replied my confidant, “that the promises of hope are often fallacious, -but yet sometimes they must be fulfilled.”</p> - -<p>I slept more soundly that night than the last, and as soon as I rose the -next day I sent the present of sweat-meats I had received from the Grand -Duke, except some fruits and a bottle of wine, to my beautiful Brunette, -thinking I could not make a better use of it. I added to it gloves, and -all sorts of ribbons, which I had ordered Sayavedra to choose and buy -for me. My present pleased the widow exceedingly, as well as the note I -sent with it, and to which I was told<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a>{28}</span> she would in the evening give me -an answer by word of mouth, at the lady’s house, who expected to see me. -Unluckily the hour appointed for that visit was nearly the same I had -promised to be at court to finish the lessons of the two dances which -the Duchess had began to learn with me. To conciliate matters, I -resolved to go somewhat sooner than I was expected to the Princess’s, in -the hope of thus being able still to keep my appointment with the lady -also. I was mistaken in my reckoning; her Highness, who had a great -desire to make herself perfect in those two dances, made me dance them -so often with her, that it was not possible for me to take my leave of -her for that happy assignation, the hour of which to my great sorrow was -already passed, and caused within me the most expressive signs of -impatience.</p> - -<p>The Duchess perceived it, notwithstanding all my endeavours to -dissimulate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a>{29}</span> “What is the matter,” said she, “there is something that -makes you uneasy. I see what it is, your widow makes you think the -rehearsal rather too long; is it not so?” I plainly confessed the truth, -and owned the cause of my uneasiness, thinking by that she would let me -go sooner, but she did not. On the contrary she ordered me to remain -with her; but, rather than lose my company, she sent for my lovely -widow, ordering the messenger to make my excuses, and taking all the -blame upon herself. Nothing could be more gracious; I returned her -Highness my thanks in the most grateful terms, and then recovering my -usual gaiety, I repaid so much kindness, by saying a thousand pleasant -sallies, which made my conversation very agreeable to the Princess. When -the amiable Brunette came, extremely pleased with the honour the Grand -Duchess had done her, her Highness told her that she had sent for her to -make amends for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a>{30}</span> pleasure she had been deprived of while she -detained me; then caressing the lady on my account, she said so many -obliging and tender things in my favour, that it put me in confusion. We -three then began a little ball, till the hour fixed for the great one, -which no sooner arrived than we entered the ball-room, and as long as it -lasted my mistress and I did nothing but exert ourselves to make our -court to her Highness, who was fond of seeing us dance together. From -that very night our mutual love became public; every one looked upon us -as a couple of happy lovers. My rivals alone thought otherwise.</p> - -<p>The next morning I paid my widow the visit I was to have made her the -day before. I found that lady in company with two of her friends, whom -out of decency she had desired to be there, but who knowing well our -mutual inclination, gave us opportunity to whisper our sentiments to one -another; I heard from<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_031" id="page_031"></a>{31}</span> the lovely mouth of my peerless brunette, that -from the very first minute she saw me, she had felt for me, what in vain -her other lovers had endeavoured to inspire her with. In a word, I might -without affectation think myself tenderly beloved. As there was no gala -at the palace that day, their Highnesses being gone to honour an -important wedding in the city with their presence, my visit lasted the -longer. How many empassioned expressions escaped me! how many tender and -obliging words did she favour me with! and how happy were we in each -other’s company!</p> - -<p>It was late when I returned home. I was completely in love, and my mind -so enraptured with fine ideas, that I could scarcely speak. Sayavedra -suffered me to remain sometime overcome by this charming intoxication; -but seeing that my interest required it should be removed: “My dear -master,” said he, “you indulge yourself too much with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a>{32}</span> the fair prospect -of your amorous intrigues; you forget that we are in a town much -frequented by travellers. You may chance to meet here somebody returning -from Rome, and who may know you. Every minute you run the risk of being -discovered. Take my advice and come to the point; know soon from your -mistress, how far your lucky stars will carry you, and lose no more time -like a whining lover.”</p> - -<p>The prudence of my confidant restored me to my senses, and the next day -I resolved to call upon my widow, fully determined to ask her consent to -our marriage. I was afraid of spoiling all by being too hasty, and it -was but with a trembling voice I entreated her to complete my happiness. -Far, however, from opposing the impatient desire I evinced to become her -husband; she confessed ingenuously that her intentions being similar to -mine, she had not the least wish for delay. “See my relations<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a>{33}</span> in the -first place,” she continued; “ask their approbation, and after you have -paid them that compliment, my consent shall not be wanting.” I threw -myself at her feet in an extacy of love and joy, and taking her hand -without any resistance on her part, I kissed it with rapture. I then -entreated her to seal her promise by accepting of a small ring that I -had on my finger. It was a pretty diamond, and extremely well set. She -consented to it, and suffered me to put it on her finger, on condition -that I should receive one from her in return. After this we talked as -freely together as if we were already married. Indeed I believe I might -have that very day attained the summit of my felicity, if I had been -more bold; but besides that I was extremely fearful of giving offence, -by betraying any guilty desires, I was too much in love, and had too -much esteem for her, to be capable of such rashness.</p> - -<p>When I returned from the house of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a>{34}</span> my enamoured widow, and informed -Sayavedra of the result of my last conversation with her, shewing him -the token of the promise she had given me, a tear of joy sparkled in his -eye. “Cheer up,” cried he, “the wind blows fair; you sail before it; -proceed and enter the port. Do not fail to-morrow to visit your dear -widow’s relations, for I am fully persuaded they will give their -consent.” There was no need to encourage me to it. My mistress had told -me their names, and described their characters, that I might the better -know how to address myself to each of them in particular. Two of them I -knew already, who were about the same age as myself, and I made no doubt -of securing them in my interest. But there were some grave, phlegmatic -greybeards among them, of whom I was afraid. However I saw them all that -very morning. The two young sparks said presently that they consented -with all their hearts, if my addresses were<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a>{35}</span> agreeable to their cousin. -The uncles were not so easily prevailed upon. They said it was a family -affair; that they would have a meeting soon, and would let me know in a -day or two what had been resolved. Nothing was more prudent than this -proceeding, and whatever sorrow such delay occasioned me, I could find -no pretence to complain.</p> - -<p>I went after dinner to my mistress to give her an account of all these -visits. She told me it was enough; she expected the answer I met with, -and that we might in the mean time regulate all the marriage ceremonies -and the wedding concerns, to have it performed with all the splendour -suitable to persons of our quality; as there was no doubt that their -Highnesses would honour us with their company. After three days waiting, -two of my future spouse’s relations called upon me with an answer in the -name of the rest, saying they all approved of the honour I designed -their family,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a>{36}</span> in entering into an alliance with their kinswoman, yet -they could wish of me, for the greater decency of the thing, that I -would condescend to engage my uncle the Ambassador to testify his -consent by a line to the Grand Duke, and a note out of courtesy to the -family to ask their approbation. I was sadly vexed at these conditions, -but collecting all my spirits to conceal the disorder I was in, I -replied with unparalleled assurance, that if that was all that prevented -our marriage, they should be soon satisfied. I promised to get from the -Ambassador not only general, but particular letters to every one of the -relations. As to the Grand Duke, I told them I expected every post a -letter from my uncle to His Highness, to desire his protection in the -affair of my marriage, having written to the Ambassador about it -already. The gentlemen were mightily pleased with this answer, and took -leave<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a>{37}</span> of me, fully relying upon the performance of my promise.</p> - -<p>Thus had I brought a pretty load upon my shoulders with these letters, -and the recommendation of the Ambassador. Had I attempted by a letter to -beg of him to make my fortune, in owning me for his nephew, God knows -how his Eminence would have caused me to be treated by the Grand Duke at -Florence, and in what fine style he would have recommended me. Therefore -I was by no means whatever inclined to adopt such a plan; I rather -preferred, and indeed it was the only resource left to me, to make the -last effort, by prevailing upon my mistress to marry me instantly. I -flew to her house as soon as her old relations had left me; accosted her -with a sad countenance, and related what had passed between us, and how -I saw myself doomed to die with impatience. “This delay,” said my widow, -“will not be so dreadful as you<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_038" id="page_038"></a>{38}</span> may think.” “Excuse me, Madam,” said I, -with the greatest emotion, “I may easily obtain from the Ambassador to -write in my favour to the Grand Duke, and to your relations; I may -venture to say that he will give this proof of his regard for his -nephew. But allow me to tell you, his temper is the cause of my fear. He -has too much prudence and delicacy not to get information first about -your family, and even about yourself, dear Madam, if I may venture the -word, for fear it might be only the amour of a young man. Such an -inquiry will require time that will appear an eternity to me, and almost -maddens me to think of.” I then expressed my sentiments on the subject, -in a manner which I cannot now detail; for when a lover speaks from the -dictates of his heart, he expresses himself at the time much more -pathetically than he can afterwards describe to another.</p> - -<p>All I now remember is, that my lovely<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a>{39}</span> widow was moved at my -representation of the sufferings I should endure by so long a delay; and -being perhaps no less impatient than I was to bend to the yoke of -matrimony, she replied, to comfort me, that she did not depend entirely -on her relations; that what she had done was for decency’s sake, and out -of respect to them. “I only desire three days respite,” she continued, -“to get the consent of such of my relations as are the best disposed to -it, and if unluckily they all oppose my design, we may be married -privately, and leave them and Monsieur Ambassador to settle their -business together afterwards by themselves.” It was not possible for me -to hear words more kind, and my whole frame was in a rapture. In a word -I shewed myself so sensible of her goodness to me, that I threw her into -great disorder, and the lady would have willingly spared me the three -days to hasten my felicity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a>{40}</span></p> - -<p>Who would have supposed that a day so agreeable would have been followed -by the most fatal of my life! The next morning I rose to go to the -Church called <i>Annunciata</i>, one of the finest in the city, to hear Mass. -Hither all the fashionable people of both sexes used to resort. I met -there one of my mistress’s young relations, who was inclined to the -match. I accosted him, and we insensibly fell into a conversation upon -my intended marriage with his cousin. Whilst I was talking with him, a -beggar, whom I had already sent away twice without deigning to look at -him, returned a third time to the charge to ask alms. Earnestly engaged -as I was, in conversation so interesting, I grew impatient, and struck -him in the face with my glove. “You rogue of a beggar, will you not let -me be in quiet for you?” The poor man, who expected quite a different -sort of treatment from me, gave me this answer: “Oh, Mr. Guzman,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a>{41}</span> if you -had been treated thus when you were a beggar like me, you would not have -set up for a great Lord as you do now.” This man’s voice and words, -which I heard and knew distinctly, struck me to the heart; I turned my -head about, and remembered he was one of my dear comrades at Rome, when -I was one of their fraternity. I changed colour in an instant, I -blushed, and looked on him with eyes sparkling with rage and choler. But -so far from being dismayed at it, he laughed, and made mouths and -grimaces at me, and muttered something as he retired. All the gentlemen -that were round us, and especially one of my rivals who had heard in -what manner the beggar had spoken to me, and observed that I was out of -countenance at the sight of him, were quite surprised. My rival who had -more interest than any to know the bottom of this adventure, followed -the beggar to the Church door, where he stood<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a>{42}</span> to ask alms. He took him -aside, and after having slipped a few pieces of money into his hand, -asked him if he knew me, and how he dared venture to talk to me as he -had done. The poor man, resenting yet the blow I had given him, and -burning with anger against me, told him the whole history of my life, -from the time of my coming to Rome, to my leaving the Ambassador of -Spain.</p> - -<p>This gentleman who had the greatest pretence of any of my rivals to the -hand of my mistress, rejoiced to hear such a singular piece of news, and -quite delighted with the information, he gave the beggar more pence, and -bade him come to his house after dinner, for a coat he meant to give -him; he also advised him to keep him out of the way for fear of me, who -might perhaps revenge the affront he had offered me in the very sight of -the church. As for him, he went up again to the widow’s kinsman, and -seeing that he was alone, for in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a>{43}</span> confusion I was in, I had thought -proper to leave him, he accosted him, and burning with impatience to -speak of me, he could not help giving him the information the beggar had -treated him with. The lady’s kinsman, somewhat disconcerted, only -answered that he could not believe a word of what the beggar had said, -who to all appearance took me for the wrong person.</p> - -<p>The two gentlemen then separated; the kinsman with some suspicion that I -was not what I appeared to be, and my rival triumphing in having made a -discovery which was likely to rid him of his most dangerous opponent. It -was half past eleven, and consequently there was a great deal of company -at the palace, it being the time when His Highness sat down to dinner. -My rival soon appeared, and mixing among the company whom he thought -most jealous of the favours I enjoyed with their Highnesses, told them -as a secret all he knew<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a>{44}</span> of me, praying them, however, not to divulge -the adventure, under a strict charge of secrecy, on purpose, no doubt, -that they should be the more eager to tell it, as in effect it happened; -for in less than a quarter of an hour’s time, it came to the duke’s -ears. This prince only laughed at it at first, and when he heard it was -reported by one of my rivals, he took it for a tale invented by a -jealous lover incited to it by despair; yet with his usual prudence, and -as the Grand Duchess had behaved so kindly towards me, he was extremely -anxious to know the truth of it. He commanded the beggar to be brought -secretly before him to court, in order that he might hear him himself. -He was obeyed; the poor man came, and the duke from behind the hangings -heard the whole history without being seen. When the prince had listened -attentively to the noble recital of these rare adventures, he commanded -the beggar to be put in prison,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a>{45}</span> where, however, he should be well used; -with an order that nobody should see or speak to him till he was -entirely satisfied on the subject.</p> - -<p>If all this while I was not quite easy, at least I had not the slightest -suspicion of what was in agitation concerning me. It is true that the -cruel accident of the morning had caused me considerable concern; but I -expected that by giving a sum of money to the beggar, I should have -induced him to leave Florence, or at least obliged him to hold his -tongue. I even returned to Church as soon as Mass was over, in the hope -of finding him; but as he was not there I put off speaking to him till -the next day. As for what he had said to me, I was resolved to turn it -into a joke, if any one happened to speak about it, pretending that it -was an insolent rascal that had abused me for using him a little -scurvily. At last I had almost forgotten it, and went to court as I used -to do after<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a>{46}</span> dinner. I desired to see the duke, but I was told he was -engaged on particular private business. I then went to the apartments of -the duchess, who they said would see nobody, being a little indisposed, -and that there would not be any assembly that night. All this appeared -quite natural to me, and well enough pleased that I should have all the -afternoon and evening to pass with my widow, I flew to her house. There -I found the door crowded with her old relations’ footmen. I concluded -there was a meeting of them on occasion of our marriage; so I let them -alone, imagining my presence would disturb them. I made no stay there, -and not knowing what to do with myself, I went straight home, to wait -till the conference broke up. There I remained two hours, after which I -sent my faithful confidant to my mistress, to hear from her the event of -it. Sayavedra was told she was gone out. He went there again an hour -after, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_047" id="page_047"></a>{47}</span> the answer was, she could neither see nor speak to any one.</p> - -<p>Now indeed a dreadful scene opened before my eyes, and my heart became a -prey to sorrow and vexation. My faithful squire endeavoured to comfort -me, but all his reasonings and consolation could not banish from my mind -the dismal thought that fear inspired me with. I went to bed without my -supper, and the next morning got up, having taken no rest during the -night. I was just going to send a note to my widow, to desire the favour -of her to let me know when I should come and see her, when my host -brought me word that two gentlemen of my acquaintance wanted to speak -with me upon business of some importance. I ordered that they should be -introduced. These gentlemen entered with a sedate and serious -countenance, and one of them addressing me said: “We are come out of -pure friendship to inform you that there runs<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_048" id="page_048"></a>{48}</span> a very odd report of you -at court and in the city. It is said that far from being a man of -quality, you have acted mean and different figures at Rome. In a word -you have been the Ambassador’s domestic, and not his kinsman, as you -pretend to be. We know not if the Grand Duke has heard of it yet: -however, we would advise you as friends not to go to court, but to -procure the Ambassador’s attestations in your favour as fast as you can, -and prove the falsity of reports so much to your dishonour.”</p> - -<p>When this gentleman had concluded his speech, so mortifying to me, I was -thunderstruck, and ready to swoon away; my speech failed me when I began -to make an apology. I answered, however, that I could not have believed -my enemies could have carried their slander so far; but before the end -of the day, I would take post and go to Rome myself, to obtain authentic -attestations more than enough to confound the malicious plan of jealous -rivals. The two<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_049" id="page_049"></a>{49}</span> gentlemen approved of my resolution, and withdrew to -make their report to the Grand Duke; for it was by his order that they -had come to me, though they had pretended it was purely of themselves, -and out of kindness to me. They were no sooner gone than my trusty -friend entered the chamber, and guessing by my looks the afflicting news -I had to relate, felt the greatest grief when I told him what was the -matter. However, far from being cast down as I was by this misfortune, -he bore up against it, and with a firmness that astonished me. “Now -master,” said he, “you must shew yourself a man of courage and -stedfastness. Can you be surprised after having acted so delicate a part -as you have done in the eyes of all the world, that some mischance -should happen that gives a sad and gloomy turn to the plot of the play? -for my part I always expected it; but after all our fall is not so great -but we may rise again;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a>{50}</span> thanks to your lucky stars, the free country is -left open before you; let us make use of our time, and immediately leave -Florence and the Duke’s territories, and betake ourselves elsewhere, to -comment at leisure on this change of fortune.”</p> - -<p>This prudent reasoning restored me by degrees to my senses, and upon -reflection I could not help thinking that I had deserved to be treated -with more rigour than I had been. I told Sayavedra that his advice was -too good not to be followed, and if we could set out post within an -hour, it would be most desirable. “Nothing is so easy,” answered he; -“your horse is sold, we are not without cash, and have only therefore to -hire post horses, and begin our journey. Depend on me for providing -every thing for our departure.” “Well,” replied I, “my friend, do what -you think proper. Alas!” I continued, with a deep sigh, “could I but -once more see my beloved<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_051" id="page_051"></a>{51}</span> widow I should part contented!” I expected -Sayavedra would have opposed my desire, but on the contrary he assured -me that he would procure me that satisfaction before we were ready to -mount our horses.</p> - -<p>While I was engaged in expressing to my confidant my satisfaction in -having met with a man so entirely devoted to my interest, my landlord -came and told me a young woman desired to speak with me. At first I -trembled for fear, for the least thing alarmed me, in the situation I -was in. However I recovered myself when I found this young woman was one -of my mistress’s waiting maids, who brought me a note from my widow, -containing these few words, “<i>I expect you at my Cousin’s to inform you -of circumstances of the utmost importance: farewell!</i>” I desired the -maid to tell her mistress I would call upon her immediately, and as soon -as she was gone, turning to Sayavedra: “See,” cried I,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a>{52}</span> “what I wished -for is come to pass. I fear it will be painful to me to endure the -conversation of a lady I am so much in love with, and whom I shall never -see again. Be that as it may, however, I must see her, though I die for -it.” I charged Sayavedra accordingly, to settle every thing for me. -“Make not yourself uneasy,” said he, “about any thing, and you may -expect that in an hour and a half at the most, I shall be with the post -horses near about the house you are going to.”</p> - -<p>Every thing being settled with Sayavedra, I hastened to my mistress. I -found her in a dishabille, which betrayed more of disorder than of -negligence; she looked dejected and pale; her eyes were still moist with -weeping; in a word she was so altered, that she was not like the same -person. On my part I was no less confused than herself. As soon as her -cousin perceived me enter the room, she withdrew.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a>{53}</span></p> - -<p>Now that my mistress found herself alone with me, she raised her eyes -full of tears towards me and said, “Have you heard all the frightful -scandal that is reported of you in Florence?” “Yes,” said I, “I have -been informed what horrid slander my enemies have circulated against me, -and in an hour’s time I take horse to return to Rome, and in five or six -days I shall bring back such authentic proofs of the falsehood of their -calumnies as to confound them.” These words somewhat relieved her. She -then told me the substance of her relations’ conference held at her -house; all that the beggar had said; the terrible stories he had told of -me to all that asked him any thing about me; and concluded by -reprobating the curiosity of the Grand Duke who could condescend to -listen to so wretched a fellow himself.</p> - -<p>I suffered the lady to talk as long as she chose, without interrupting -her; for I was so confused, that I could not immediately<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a>{54}</span> make any -answer to the purpose. I shrugged up my shoulders, raised my hands and -eyes to heaven, groaned, and made a thousand gestures, which persuaded -her much more of the falsity of these reports, than all the powers of -human eloquence. “Do not suffer yourself to be afflicted immoderately,” -said she with tenderness; “I have loved your person though your rank was -unknown to me, and were you not what I think you are, I feel that I -should still love you. Perhaps I should not have taken notice of the -charms that I have observed in you, had I looked upon you at first as a -person of low condition: my pride and my birth would not have suffered -me to cast my eyes on such a one; but having once seen those charms I -can never forget them.” Her generosity and tenderness had so powerful an -effect on me, that I fell down in a swoon. She thought I was dying, and -it was with the greatest difficulty that she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a>{55}</span> strength enough to -call her cousin, who had much ado to manage us both, and was obliged to -call in the assistance of one of the waiting women. A minute after these -two persons had succeeded in restoring me to my senses, I was told that -my valet was in the ante-chamber and my horses ready. It was then that I -found what it was to love, and felt the pangs of parting with the -beloved object. Never was there a more tender and moving farewell.</p> - -<p>I was so little myself, and so full of sorrow when I left the house of -her cousin, that I did not see Sayavedra who stood directly before my -eyes, but passed by without speaking to him; he followed me, and -observing I was almost distracted, spoke not a word, but led me where -the horses waited for us. I mounted immediately, and galloped the whole -of the first stage without speaking a word: but at the second my squire -asked me if I had any object in travelling the road to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a>{56}</span> Rome. I answered -that I wished it to appear that I was going to that city, but at the -next stage we would stop, and consult what was best to be done.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XXXVII" id="CHAP_XXXVII"></a>CHAP. XXXVII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman takes the road to Bologna, in the hope of there meeting -with and prosecuting Alexander Bentivoglio, who had robbed him.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">When</span> we came to the first stage, we stopped to take some refreshment and -rest, which I stood very much in need of, having partaken of neither for -the last twenty-four hours. After that we began to consult together.</p> - -<p>“I think,” said I to Sayavedra, “that<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a>{57}</span> we ought without delay to go to -Bologna. I have some idea that we shall there meet Alexander -Bentivoglio, and if it be our good luck to find him, I do not doubt but -by composition, or a law suit, I shall get part of my property again.” -My confidant confirmed me in my opinion, by saying; “let us hire horses -then, and set off to Bologna; but give me leave, if you please, to -remind you of the danger I shall run in appearing in that town. I am -fully of opinion as well as you that Alexander is there, and if -unluckily for me, he should see me there, he will be anxious to know -what brought me to Bologna, and as sure as he discovers that we came -together, he will suspect your design and either run away himself, or -get me assassinated. This is not all,” added he; “I cannot be of any use -to you in the business, without running the risk of my own neck; since I -must suffer myself to be committed to prison; and once confined,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a>{58}</span> shall -never get out again, except by a special dispensation from heaven.”</p> - -<p>I approved of Sayavedra’s reasons, and we agreed that he should not -appear in the streets of Bologna, but keep as closely concealed as he -could in the inn where we should take up our lodging, and not meddle in -the law-suit, in case I should institute any. After all, I did not -imagine his testimony would be necessary to help me to get my thief -compelled to restore at least part of my property. My confidant, pleased -with this agreement, professed himself quite ready to follow me. We set -off immediately on common hacks, and the next day towards evening we -reached Bologna. We alighted at an inn, where I found some strangers -brought to that town by their several occupations. I supped with them, -and retired pretty early into a neat little room which Sayavedra had -bespoke for me. I slept very little, all my thoughts being taken up -about that rogue Alexander,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a>{59}</span> and I rose early in the morning to inquire -at once if he was not in the country. I went out by myself, and walked -for a quarter of an hour about the streets. As I was passing before the -great church, I cast my eyes upon five or six young fellows who were at -the door, and I observed one among them whose coat impressed me with a -strong suspicion that he was the man I was looking for. I at first -mistrusted my eyes, but after a long examination, I knew for certainty -that it was the coat which a Neapolitan officer had made me a present -of, to whom I had been serviceable in speaking to my Lord Ambassador in -his behalf.</p> - -<p>I was so enraged at seeing this rascal bedecked in my finery, that it -was with some difficulty I could restrain myself from running him -through with my sword; but as his good luck would have it, or perhaps -mine rather, my more reasonable thoughts prevented me. “Softly,” said I -to myself, “be not too hasty: let<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a>{60}</span> the gaol-bird live, and he may then -possibly pay his debts; but if you kill him you will certainly be as -much the sufferer as he. Besides those young fellows that are standing -by him will of course take his part; and even if they should not -interfere, remember that he has the reputation of a bully, and you may -not have fair play. At all events, instead of plaintiff, you would -become defendant.” Having thus fully convinced myself of the folly of -exposing myself by such an action, which would have made my journey -fruitless at least, if not fatal; I returned to the inn, and asked my -landlord if he could recommend me an experienced lawyer. He answered in -the affirmative, and immediately sent for one who lived in the -neighbourhood, and who, considering his profession, was a tolerably -honest man. I first inquired of this gentleman, whether he knew one -Alexander Bentivoglio, son of a solicitor of the same name? He replied, -“that<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a>{61}</span> there were very few who did not know both father and son.” I then -asked, “if he was any relation or friend to them?” “No, thank God!” -answered he with some haste; “I should be very sorry to have any such -relations or friends.”</p> - -<p>After these two questions, which I thought prudent and necessary, I told -him the particulars of the loss of my trunks. He listened to me with the -utmost <i>sang-froid</i>, and did not seem in the least surprised. He even -owned to me, that in Bologna, they were quite used to hear such -adventures of master Alexander, who frequently played similar games. I -am by no means certain, however, continued he, even though you commence -an action against him, that you will be at all the better for it. You -will have to deal with a formidable opponent in his father, who has put -himself above the laws by the wickedness of his disposition, and -rendered himself terrible to all the inhabitants of this city, who dread -him<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a>{62}</span> as much as fire. The best advice I can give you, is to have a -conversation with this father of his, who, perhaps, may rather choose to -come to terms with you, than suffer such a piece of villainy to be made -public. This is the only probable way to recover any part of the -property you have lost. I answered, “that I was of the same opinion; -for, besides the dislike I had for law-suits, I considered that I should -not get much by prosecuting a thief, and particularly one who happened -to be the son of a man of such a character. I therefore requested him to -call upon the father himself; but, as I found he did not wish to have -any thing to do in an affair disagreeable to counsellor Bentivoglio, I -promised him a good reward for his trouble in case of success.” He could -not stand against this promise, and at once found resolution enough to -go to Alexander’s father.</p> - -<p>My Solicitor soon returned, but his looks showed that his answer was -not<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a>{63}</span> satisfactory, and I could easily perceive, that his trouble had -been in vain. He told me, that the haughty lawyer had used him very ill; -that so far from agreeing to any terms of accommodation, he said that he -felt his honour wounded, and was so offended at such a proposal, that he -insisted that I was the thief, and his son the person who had been -robbed, and ended his discourse with the most violent threats against -me. I resolved then, since I was compelled to do it, to implore the help -of justice. The Solicitor, good man, prayed to be excused; for his -undertaking the cause would be the ruin of himself and family, the -father of my adversary having threatened to send them all to the -hospital, if he knew that either directly or indirectly he gave me the -least assistance. “Recommend me then, at least,” said I, “to some able -lawyer.” He was in doubt whether he would even oblige me so far as this, -so great was his dread of the Bentivoglio’s;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a>{64}</span> but observing that I -pulled some money out of my pocket to pay him for his trouble, he named -a counsellor of great experience and probity; and what was more, a -secret enemy of my adversary’s, but he desired me not to mention who had -directed me to him.</p> - -<p>I went accordingly to this gentleman, told him my case, and how I had -been robbed at Sienna. As soon as I had finished, he said, the whole -city of Bologna was already informed of this adventure. Alexander -returned home laden with clothes, which, it was reported he had won of a -young Spaniard at Rome, but it was well understood at what game he must -have played to get them. “Do not lose time, added he; carry on the -business briskly; I do not doubt that justice will be done to you, in -spite of all the exertion of old Bentivoglio to the contrary.” I -replied, “that I depended entirely on his integrity and capacity, -putting myself and my cause into<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a>{65}</span> his hands, not doubting that he would -act in the business so that I should have no occasion to repent of -having come to Bologna.” He assured me, that he would do his best; and -that I had only to take a walk in the town, and call upon him three -hours after; which I did. When I returned, I found my declaration ready -drawn, with a true recital of the case, arranged much to my -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>We went together and gave it to the magistrate called <i>El Oydor del -Torron</i><a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>. The more I observed my lawyer, the more was I convinced that -he went regularly to work, as much to maintain my rights as to vex his -brother lawyer Bentivoglio; but whether this latter had been aware of my -design, or that he was an intimate of the auditor or register, no sooner -was my declaration against Alexander delivered in, than he had a hint<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a>{66}</span> -of it, and another was presented against me before the same magistrate, -in the name of the lawyer Bentivoglio, setting forth that I had defamed -his son, requiring damages for the injury done his reputation, and -further that I should have corporal punishment. My lawyer said that was -nothing; “if Bentivoglio,” said he, “has no more skill to show us than -this, we have not much to fear; we shall be able to answer him when the -auditor has answered our petition,” which he soon did. But in what -manner, good heaven? by ordering that within three days at the furthest, -I should produce my evidence of the robbery of which I accused Signor -Alexander Bentivoglio.</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The Auditor of the Tower, or Judge in criminal cases.</p> -</div> - -<p>Had I dispatched a man express to Sienna for a copy of the allegations -mentioned in my declaration, I could not have had an answer in so short -a time.</p> - -<p>The auditor could not be ignorant of this, since in my petition I had -expressly declared that it was from Sienna that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_067" id="page_067"></a>{67}</span> expected my strongest -proofs. My lawyer remonstrated in a second petition, that it was against -custom to prescribe a fixed time to the plaintiff. By this he hoped at -least to maintain a longer time, but he was again disappointed. Not -being able now to doubt any longer the connexion that subsisted between -the auditor and the honest man I had to contend with, he said to me with -the utmost confusion, and blushing at the horrible injustice I met with -in his own country; “I have no other advice to give you but to quit this -town; it is not safe for you to remain here; I see but too well the -wicked trick they have served you; you will only spend your time and -money here to no purpose, and I am not sure that you will even get off -at so cheap a rate. In one word you are a stranger: and I blush to -confess that every thing is thought lawful here against foreigners.”</p> - -<p>“Is it possible?” said I, in a tone expressive enough of my -indignation;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a>{68}</span> “sure we are not at present in a country of barbarians.” -“Yes, worse than barbarians,” said he, “for among them, justice is -administered according to the law of nature, but here we have no law at -all. I repeat it again,” continued he, “my advice is, that you tarry no -longer in a part of the world where the chief magistrates are so little -scrupulous as to make the guilty pass for innocent, and treat the -innocent as guilty.” I promised my lawyer that the very next day I would -follow his advice. I thanked him for the pains and trouble he had been -at, and pulled out my purse to recompense him, but he declined taking -any thing from me. “You have lost enough already,” said he, “if I were -to take any fee from you, I should deserve, I think, to be considered as -one of those whom you have to complain of. Besides, I wish, that in -quitting the city of Bologna, you may be convinced that though rogues -are abundant, yet there are a few men of honour to be found in it.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a>{69}</span></p> - -<p>I returned to my lodging, mightily pleased with the frank proceeding of -my lawyer, and found Sayavedra in no small fear, lest I should sacrifice -him to recover my goods. Undoubtedly, if I had produced him in Court, it -would at once have defeated the arts of old Bentivoglio; but it never -entered into my heart to be guilty of such a piece of treachery. I had -forgiven him, and since that time he had served me so faithfully, that -he left me no occasion to remember what he had done. I told him that our -law-suit was finished, though no judgment had been given upon it; that -we had but to seek our fortune elsewhere, and that, as I intended to set -out for Milan the next day very early in the morning, he had nothing to -do but to hire post-horses, and prepare every thing for our journey. I -had scarcely finished giving these orders to Sayavedra, when there -entered the inn a great number of bailiffs and bailiffs’ followers,—a -trade the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a>{70}</span> devil would not be of. They made no more ado, but took me by -the collar and hauled me off to prison. I asked for what I was -committed, and what I had done to merit such usage? I was answered I -should know in good time; which I did indeed, and found that it was for -the crime of having been robbed, and that I should be very lucky if I -got out of prison by being sent to the galleys. That Counsellor -Bentivoglio, in order to punish me for my insolence in bringing an -action against his son, and presenting petitions that were looked upon -as defamatory libels against the nobility of his family, and more -particularly against Signor Alexander, whose morals and good manners -were so well known in the city of Bologna, had obtained from the justice -of the Auditor a warrant to arrest me, until I should be adjudged a -punishment suitable to my rashness.</p> - -<p>This notable accusation took up a whole sheet of paper, and all the -while I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_071" id="page_071"></a>{71}</span> read it I raised my hands and eyes towards Heaven with looks of -astonishment, to the great amusement of the jailor and his companions, -who laughed heartily in their sleeves at me. I remained two or three -days without seeing any body but the keeper and his men, who wantonly -insulted me, and made me their laughing-stock. This place appeared to me -to be the true picture of Hell. I should have been starved had I not had -money, and as it was, I paid for what I had at least three times its -value. In addition to this, I was obliged to keep on terms with the -jailor, who, out of an excess of civility, constantly visited me at my -meals, eat up half of what I had paid for, and afterwards had the -impudence to say he did not honour any other prisoner so much as to give -him his company.</p> - -<p>Sayavedra, who, for the reasons I have before mentioned, dared not -appear in the town to solicit for me, employed my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a>{72}</span> landlord, who, moved -with compassion to see me so ill used, went to my lawyer to prevail upon -him not to give me up to the wickedness of my enemies. This counsellor, -like a charitable and generous man, indignant at the tyranny that was -exercised, in contempt of the laws, against a helpless stranger, again -espoused my cause, to get me out of the clutches of these robbers; and, -to avoid an ignominious sentence, he advised me to consent to an -accommodation proposed to me by the adverse party, and which I shall not -fail here to mention. They made me sign a paper containing in substance -a recantation of my charge against Signor Bentivoglio, and a -declaration, drawn up in excellent form, that I knew this same Signor to -be a very honest gentleman, of a moral life and irreproachable honour, -begging his pardon for having accused him of so foul an action, and -stating that what I had done was at the instigation of some enemies<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a>{73}</span> of -his, having myself no manner of cause of complaint against him.</p> - -<p>These were the honourable means they found to accommodate the parties. I -had no sooner signed this declaration against my honour and my -conscience than I was discharged; and, in truth, what would not I have -written? What would not a man say or do to get out of prison? Those who -know what it is to live in such a place will excuse me for having -proclaimed a thief to be an honest man for the sake of my liberty. I -repaired immediately to my inn, where I found Sayavedra in a most -disconsolate state of mind, much doubting whether the application of my -solicitor, and the scandalous reports in the town concerning my -imprisonment, would prevail so far as to extricate me from confinement. -This dear confidant was overjoyed to see me, whom he did not in the -least expect. The gentlemen who lodged at the inn were just going to sit -down to dinner.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a>{74}</span> As soon as they saw me enter, they all embraced me, and -wished me joy of my enlargement, telling me how much they had been -concerned at my misfortune. During dinner the whole discourse ran upon -my judges, and Heaven knows they did not spare them. For my part I spoke -of them with a great deal of prudence, for fear of some new accident.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XXXVIII" id="CHAP_XXXVIII"></a>CHAP. XXXVIII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman, being out of Prison, prepares to set off to Milan, but an -opportunity offers of getting money, and he delays his journey.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">Dinner</span> being over, I ordered Sayavedra to hire horses for Milan, whither -I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a>{75}</span> intended to proceed the next day; for, after what had happened to me -at Bologna, that place had now become more unpleasant and dangerous to -me than Florence. Whilst my squire was gone to execute this commission, -I called upon my lawyer again, and offered him my purse, but, still -carrying on his generosity, he declined it, telling me that all he -wished of me was to be persuaded that he regretted nothing so much as -his inability to obtain me justice. I replied, that I felt as much -obliged to him as if he had obtained for me a restitution of all I had -lost; and we parted with the most sincere protestations of service and -friendship.</p> - -<p>Having returned to the inn, and finding myself at a loss how to employ -my time, I amused myself by looking over three gentlemen who were at -cards. I seated myself at the side of one of them, and observed his -game; and, by a whim common enough to the human mind,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a>{76}</span> felt myself -insensibly more concerned in his behalf than for the two others. When he -lost I felt sorry, and when he won I was as glad as if I was entitled to -a share of his gains. Fortune was for a long time doubtful between the -three players, though the money flew about among them in plenty. They -had each at least thirty pistoles before them, and played for large -stakes. The one whom I felt interested for seemed to know the least of -the game, and was consequently soon the loser, when the company grew -warm, and the bets began to run high, I longed mightily to advise; and -though I knew that would not be fair, I could scarcely resist when I -perceived that he had lost almost all his money. At length he lost the -last farthing; after which he rose and left the room, telling the -company he would procure more money, and should expect his revenge after -supper. By what I afterwards learnt, this young man had just arrived at -Bologna, to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a>{77}</span> his degrees in the civil law, for which purpose his -friends had supplied him with sixty pistoles, which he had thus quickly -got rid of, without having obtained even his doctor’s cap. One of the -two gentlemen who had so completely emptied his pockets was one of his -fellow-students, a nobleman of Bologna, and the other had the appearance -of a French officer. This latter was somewhat older than his comrades, -and the most skilful of the three. The French are no fools at gaming, -though they sometimes meet with persons of other nations who trim them -in their turns.</p> - -<p>I withdrew to my own room, so much the more sorry that my doctor <i>in -fieri</i> had lost, as I feared I had brought him ill-luck. Prepossessed -with this ridiculous idea, I reproached myself in having stood by him -all the game, and considered myself as the cause of his ruin. Then -recollecting myself, and blushing at my foolish sensibility: what an -egregious<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a>{78}</span> fool I am, thought I, thus to torment myself about what does -not in the least concern me. Have I not troubles enough of my own, but I -must grieve for other people’s losses? While my mind was occupied with -these thoughts, I heard the young man enter his own room which was only -divided from mine by a thin partition. He had just returned from the -town without having been able to get any more money, and, more enraged -against those who had refused to lend him any than those who had -stripped him of his last farthing, “What misery!” cried he; “is it -possible that in a town like Bologna, an honest man cannot find means of -borrowing thirty pistoles? sure the inhabitants must be Turks instead of -Christians;—indeed I can scarcely believe but the Turks would have -humanity enough to relieve me in such an emergency!” Thus saying, he -sighed most bitterly and stalked up and down the room for a considerable -time;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a>{79}</span> then relapsing into his passion, he roared like a bull, struck -the table with his fist, and bestowed all the curses he could think of -on the inhabitants of Bologna. At length, tired of raving and swearing, -he threw himself upon the bed, continuing his lamentations in a more -plaintive tone.</p> - -<p>In vain did I endeavour to harden my heart, for I felt, in spite of -myself, much afflicted at his misfortune. At this moment my confidant -entered my chamber, and told me that after considerable difficulty, he -had been so fortunate as to find return horses to Milan. “Speak low my -friend,” said I, in a whisper. “My neighbor is so distressed at the loss -of his money, that he has excited my pity, and I will confess to you -that I have some idea of avenging his cause.” “How can you effect that?” -said Sayavedra. “By taking his place this evening, and playing in his -stead, to be sure,” answered I. “It must be neck<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a>{80}</span> or nothing—full -pockets or empty all of a sudden. At all events, it is very certain that -the small sum we have now left will not carry us far. Thirty pistoles, -which is the utmost we have, will go such a little way with travellers -who do not condescend to walk, and who live like noblemen at inns, that -it appears to me we cannot hesitate a moment. What think you, Sayavedra, -what do you advise? Tell me not that I am going to occupy the place of -one whose ill-luck may be contagious, as I am no superstitious player, -and besides shall be quite a match for my opponents.”</p> - -<p>My confidant replied, “that he always approved of whatever I thought -proper to do; but that since I condescended to consult him, he would -recommend me not to trust too much to chance, but to take measures to -ensure good fortune.” “What measures?” said I, pretending to be quite a -novice in the business. “Are you ignorant then,” said he, “that when<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a>{81}</span> -people play for the sake of whining, it is common to make use of every -means without ceremony to strip our neighbour’s pockets? Honest folks -now-a-days do this without the slightest scruple of conscience. Be -assured, that what I tell you is true, and be not a greater fool than -others; I will assist you as far as the little knowledge I have in these -matters will avail.” I was overjoyed at this proposal of Sayavedra’s; -and more particularly as he volunteered his services on this occasion; -for up to this moment I had kept up at least the <i>appearance</i> of honesty -with him, which is absolutely necessary if one expects to be faithfully -served.</p> - -<p>I now, however, told him that, as he well knew, I could have no other -object than that of gain, and that if he was acquainted with an -infallible mode of always playing with success, I should be glad to -learn it of him; and that if even there were a little spice of knavery -in it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a>{82}</span> it were surely pardonable in the present deplorable condition of -my finances. He was charmed in his turn at my apparent readiness to -submit to his instructions. “I need only give you one lesson,” said he, -“to enable you to get all the money at the table. I shall watch my -opportunities to take a turn round the room, either to snuff the -candles, or to bring you a glass of wine; meantime I shall see what -cards your adversaries hold, which I can easily communicate to you by -signs agreed upon between us.” Sayavedra having thus instructed me, I -agreed with him that I should be a fool indeed were I lose with such an -assistant. We agreed then upon our signs, and my preceptor did not fail -to perceive that he had a very apt scholar in me.</p> - -<p>About supper time I repaired to the parlour, where the two fortunate -players were already in waiting. My neighbour, the young lawyer, soon -arrived, and we<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a>{83}</span> all sat down to table. During the whole of the repast, -this young gentleman, melancholy as he was at heart, used every effort -to appear gay, talked a great deal, drank the healths of all present, -and affected the utmost good humour. After supper his two opponents -proposed cards, and as they were taking their seats, the young lawyer -said: “Gentlemen, I trust you will not object to play with me for thirty -pistoles on my honour, having to-morrow a very considerable sum to -receive.” At these words the Frenchman pulled a long face, and said -nothing; and his companion declared at once, that he played with no one -upon credit: that he had taken an oath to that effect, having always -remarked that it brought him ill-luck. “Very well, gentlemen,” replied -the other, “have but a little patience, and I will run to a merchant -whom I was not so fortunate as to find at home in the morning, who will -in a moment lend me whatever I want. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a>{84}</span> two gentlemen answered that he -would be sure to find them in the parlour if he returned before -midnight.”</p> - -<p>It was now my turn to speak; addressing myself therefore to the two -gentlemen who remained, I suggested, that if agreeable to them I should -not object to make a third hand until the return of their comrade: that -I would instantly give up my place to him should he rejoin the party, as -having determined to leave that place very early the next morning, I -could not have the pleasure of their company long. The gentlemen, who -judged from my physiognomy that I could have but little knowledge of the -game, answered, with joy, that they should esteem it an honour. While -they were preparing the cards, I called to Sayavedra to bring me some -money. He threw our whole stock, which was about thirty pistoles, on the -table with a careless air, telling me he would go up stairs and get more -if I thought I should require<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a>{85}</span> it. I replied that it was quite -sufficient, for that I should think of retiring to bed when that was -lost.</p> - -<p>We were soon in a proper train. Sayavedra seated himself in a chair near -the fire-place, and remained there by my orders to be in readiness to -wait upon us. Being rather lucky in the onset, I soon got a hundred -crowns in my pocket, without the least chicanery. This looks well, -thought I, and if unfortunately for me he should return with his purse -replenished, I shall not have occupied his seat for nothing. My good -luck seemed to vex my adversaries exceedingly, who, fearing lest I -should retire to bed, as I continually kept threatening to do, in order -to irritate them the more, proposed to double the stakes. I made no -objection, and a moment after, seeing that now was the time, I called to -Sayavedra, “Wake up you lazy dog,” said I, “have you nothing to do but -to sleep there? give me a glass of wine directly.” He<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a>{86}</span> rose up with the -most innocent air possible, pretended to be but half awake, and in -pouring out a glass of wine, enabled me by his signals to pocket fifteen -of my opponents’ pistoles in a twinkling. My fund was now considerably -increased; but to keep up the plan we had agreed upon, I allowed them to -win some of this back again, though I might easily have added to my -gains.</p> - -<p>To say the truth, with my own knowledge of the tricks of the game, I -might easily have emptied the purses of these gentlemen, who were by no -means good players. It must, however, be confessed that I won their -money much quicker with Sayavedra’s assistance, especially when it was -not my turn to shuffle the cards. At last, I found myself master of all -the money that had been spread upon the table, and said, “Gentlemen, it -is very late; you know that I have a right to retire: nevertheless, that -you may not think that I wish to carry off your money, and take an undue -advantage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a>{87}</span> let us play again to-morrow, and I will not set off as I -intended, though I have already hired horses for that purpose.” Nothing -being more capable of consoling losers than the hope of having their -revenge, they pressed me no longer to continue the game that night, and -we accordingly separated, each taking the way to his own room, they -fearing that I should break my word, and I fully determined to keep it.</p> - -<p>Joy of having won so much money, and the agitation of my spirits caused -by the game, prevented me for a long time from tasting the sweets of -sleep. Happily, however, nothing but agreeable images occupied my -thoughts. It was very different with my unfortunate neighbour, who had -returned from the city without having been able to raise any money, and, -not daring to shew his face in the parlour, had sneaked to bed full of -rage and shame. I heard him sigh most bitterly, and tossing himself in -bed from one side<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a>{88}</span> to the other. I was delighted in having avenged his -cause to my own profit; but what is strange, felt no longer any -compassion for him, as though he was less to be pitied because I had got -his money. So true it is that we commiserate the misfortunes which we do -not cause, but are insensible to those which are advantageous to -ourselves.</p> - -<p>The next morning my two gaming friends were particularly anxious to -ascertain of the servants whether I was gone or not, and were much -pleased when they learnt that I had really postponed my departure. They -were afraid that I should escape them, while on the other hand nothing -was less in my thoughts than to leave them without making myself master -of the remainder of their money; but to increase their anxiety, I did -not make my appearance in the parlour until dinner time. Without -appearing to take any notice of them, I soon perceived, even during our -meal, how<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_089" id="page_089"></a>{89}</span> eager they were to return to the attack with me; meantime I -affected a coldness and indolence, the better to persuade them that it -was purely out of complaisance that I was willing to give them their -revenge.</p> - -<p>No sooner was dinner over than cards were brought in, and my two -champions, to shew that they were well provided for the contest, drew -out a long purse each, well stored with good pistoles and Spanish -doubloons, which they threw on the table, saying, “Behold, signor -cavalier, what you will no doubt carry off to-morrow with you.” Little -did they think how truly they said this! We took our places then, and -the game commenced. It was my intention to lose at this point, so that I -had no occasion for Sayavedra. It being by no means my intention that -they should win much of me, I manœuvred it so well that I lost but -about forty crowns after dinner, when the Frenchman proposed to play -higher.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a>{90}</span> “No,” said I, “we have played now for a long time; let us -therefore rest a little, and we shall then be better able to devote a -part of the night to this religious pastime.”</p> - -<p>The hope they entertained of treating me still worse, or rather of -ruining me, enabled them to keep up their patience until after supper. -On my side my intentions towards them were not a whit more charitable, -which I soon made appear when we set to again. Fortune was at first -rather adverse, but with my own skill and the assistance of my faithful -squire, I soon obliged her to declare herself for me, and my gentlemen -soon lost all their doubloons, which were transferred from their purses -into mine. After which, leaving the game to go to their chambers, they -told me that if I should be in the humour to give them another game the -next day, they should not be afraid of me. I answered that I should like -nothing better, and that they would<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a>{91}</span> find me always ready to accommodate -them.</p> - -<p>I then retired to my own chamber with my confidant, who immediately -prepared to undress me, but I prevented him. “It is no time now to enjoy -rest,” said I; “it is too late to enjoy the comfort of reposing between -two sheets at this inn. I intend to depart hence without beat of drum as -soon as possible.” Sayavedra reminded me that I had first promised the -gentlemen to play another game with them. “I have not forgotten,” -replied I, “that I made such a promise; but I am not such a fool as to -think of keeping it. Imagine to yourself the dangers I should expose -myself to, by remaining any longer in this city. If it was in the power -of the thieves to get me imprisoned, after having themselves robbed me, -what may I not reasonably fear from honest folks who have real cause to -accuse me of roguery? We have already won above six hundred<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a>{92}</span> crowns. Let -us be content, therefore, and betake ourselves to a place of safety as -soon as possible. Have you not hired horses?” “Undoubtedly,” answered -he, “I have paid their master for their day’s work, and they will be in -waiting for us by break of day.” “So much the better,” replied I, “for I -shall not consider my purse in safety till I am at least ten good -leagues from this place.” My confidant left me to enjoy a few minutes’ -rest, well pleased to hear that we were possessed of so considerable a -booty, and flattering himself with the sweet hope of having some part of -it for his share. He was not, however, without some anxiety on this -point when he recalled to mind the history of my trunks, which he feared -was too recent a transaction to have so soon escaped my memory.</p> - -<p>As soon as he heard the least noise in the house, and imagined the -servants were stirring, he returned to my chamber, where he found me -quite ready for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a>{93}</span> starting. In fact, I had not so much as reclined upon -the bed the whole night, but was most agreeably occupied in counting my -treasure, putting the gold on one side, and the silver on the other, and -in packing up as expeditiously as possible our little property. We soon -settled with the landlord, and gained the spot where our horses were in -waiting. The city gates were scarcely opened before we found ourselves -in the country. Never was so lovely a morning. At any other time I -should have admired its charms, but in the agitated state of my spirits -the beauty of the day was very indifferent to me. My object was to get -over the ground, imagining every moment that the hounds of justice would -be up with me, and re-conduct me to the prisons of Bologna, there to -compel me to restore the money I had so dexterously possessed myself of. -I turned round every moment to see if any one was following us, and when -I perceived a gentleman<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a>{94}</span> behind trotting faster than we were, my heart -beat, my colour changed, and I did not recover myself until he fairly -passed us on the road. So true is it, that every criminal carries about -with him his own punishment.</p> - -<p>I became by degrees more tranquil, and when we had travelled about four -leagues, felt but little fear remaining. Breaking the silence which both -my companion and I had kept till that moment: “Are you not tired, -Sayavedra,” said I, “of thus travelling like two Carthusian friars? For -my part, I feel quite absorbed in idle meditation. Let us talk. Tell me -some story which may enliven us.” “Signor Don Guzman,” said he, “you -will, I am sure, be ready to allow that it much better becomes him who -has plenty of money in his pocket to tell merry stories, than him who -has not a sous wherewith to bless himself.” “I understand you, my -friend,” answered I, smiling; “but I assure you,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_095" id="page_095"></a>{95}</span> that at dinner time we -will come to a reckoning, and I trust you will not have cause to be -dissatisfied.” “How you catch at every joke I pass,” replied he, -laughing aloud; “I protest that I had not such a thought, knowing full -well that in serving you I have done but my duty, for which I am amply -paid in the pleasure of having assisted you in fleecing those two gulls -of their doubloons.” The disinterestedness which Sayavedra assumed, -whether real or false, pleased me exceedingly; and it being by no means -my intention to baulk him of the remuneration due to him for his signs, -I made him a present of twenty pistoles, as soon as we arrived at a -little inn where we stopped to dine.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a>{96}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XXXIX" id="CHAP_XXXIX"></a>CHAP. XXXIX.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Sayavedra, to amuse Guzman on the road, relates to him the history -of his life.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">We</span> remounted our horses, after having made a much better meal than we -expected on entering so inconsiderable an inn; and, far from preserving -the silence we had kept up all the morning, we conversed on various -subjects. Amongst the rest I chanced to ask Sayavedra how he first -became an adventurer. He answered, that the only way to satisfy my -curiosity was to relate to me the history of his life. I assured him, -that it would afford me great pleasure to hear his adventures, and, -without any more ceremony, he began in these terms:</p> - -<p>“Though I told you at Rome that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a>{97}</span> was born at Seville, it was not the -truth. Valencia was in reality my native place, where perhaps may be -found more rogues than in any other city in Spain; because it is a place -which abounds with good things, and rich countries seldom produce honest -men. My father was certainly only a commoner, but of that sort of -citizens who pretend to hold up their heads with the nobility. Having -lost his wife whom he loved tenderly, he took it so much to heart, that -he did not long survive her. He left two sons; and these two sons, of -whom I was the younger, sold all his property, which was but trifling, -and divided its produce equally. After which my brother asked me what -plans I had in my head. I confessed to him candidly, that my ruling -passion was to travel. And mine also, said he. I have always taken -pleasure in any accounts of foreign countries, and long extremely to see -how people live who were not born in Spain. Both<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_098" id="page_098"></a>{98}</span> led on thus by the -force of our stars, or rather, perhaps by our own evil propensities, we -set off together one fine morning from Valencia, each with a small -parcel under his arm.</p> - -<p>“We had not travelled above a league, when my brother said to me: a -thought has just entered my head. We are about to abandon ourselves to -fortune, and as we cannot know in what manner she may treat us, we may -hereafter find ourselves in situations where our greatest pain may be -that we are known, and that our real names may be covered with infamy. -To prevent this misfortune, let us change them. I approved of this idea, -and we soon found ourselves fresh names. My brother took that of Mateo -Lujan, and as I recollected that the most illustrious in Seville was -that of Sayavedra, I assumed that name, which I have passed by ever -since. Being decked out with these fine titles then,” continued he, “we -began to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a>{99}</span> think of the route we should take. I had declared my wish to -pass into Italy, and my brother testified the same desire; but changing -his mind all of a sudden, he took it into his head to go to France. The -dispute ran so high between us on the subject, that on arriving at cross -roads, one of which led to Saragossa and the other to Barcelona, my -brother took the former, and I the latter, wishing each other every sort -of happiness and prosperity. After this fraternal separation, I repaired -to Barcelona, intending, as well as a great many other persons who were -waiting there with the same design, to take my passage by the galleys. -They did not arrive, however, until above a month after; during which -time I dressed handsomely, sought the best company, and young Signor -Sayavedra was extremely well received every where. He gamed, gave -entertainments, and did not fail to devote some portion of his time to -love. In short I made so merry<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a>{100}</span> during this interval, that when the -galleys arrived, and my debts were paid, I embarked with six pistoles -only in my pocket. We arrived safely at Genoa, where, finding a vessel -on the point of sailing for Naples, I would not lose so good an -opportunity, and the wind being extremely favourable, we made but a -short voyage of it.</p> - -<p>“If on the one hand I was now rejoiced to find myself in the city, which -of all others I had wished to be in, how mortified was I on the other -when I considered the condition of my purse, which was as empty as any -hermit’s. Doubtless, thought I, Naples is a place where pleasures -abound: but they are as dear here as elsewhere, and a man without money -in his pocket will cut but a very ridiculous figure. I knew well that I -must be industrious, and accordingly addressed myself to certain other -gentlemen who lived by their wits. I apprised them of my desire and -necessity to become<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a>{101}</span> one of their brethren. My roguish air prepossessed -them instantly in my favour, and after a short examination which I was -obliged to undergo, I was pronounced to be fully qualified to be one of -their company. I was no sooner enrolled, than they made me commence my -operations in their way of business. By their own confession I acquitted -myself as if the principles were innate with me; and accordingly I was -soon employed in all sorts of thieving, that is to say, in cutting -purses, picking locks, stealing cloaks in the darkness of the night; in -short a hundred such-like exercises, which are but A, B, C, to old -practitioners in the science, but have a wonderful tendency to raise an -honest man step by step to the gallows.</p> - -<p>“But without vanity, my abilities were of too superior a kind to confine -myself to these little tricks, and I certainly performed two or three -which were considered master-pieces. I must relate one<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a>{102}</span> of them to you. -The Lord High Constable’s house was the rendezvous of every person of -quality, who assembled there of an evening to play. I had already been -once in this house while the game had been going on, and had observed -every thing with a curious eye. I had particularly noticed that on each -of the tables there stood two handsome silver candlesticks with wax -lights, and I determined to think of some expedient by which I could -possess myself of a pair of them. With this view I bought a pair of -pewter ones of about the same height, with two wax candles in them. I -managed to get these very conveniently into my pocket, and one evening -having dressed myself so that I might pass for a boy belonging to one of -the gentlemen of the party, I stole to the high Constable’s house, and -posted myself at the door of a small room where two young gentlemen only -were at play. I perceived with pleasure that all the pages<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a>{103}</span> of the house -were engaged in the other rooms, which appeared to be full of company. -My two players continued engaged together for a long time, and their -candles being almost burnt out seemed to require fresh ones. I seized -this favourable moment, and drawing from my pocket my pewter -candlesticks, I lighted my wax candles by the lamp on the staircase, and -entered the room in which the two gentlemen were with a most respectful -bow, and with my two candlesticks in my hand. These I placed boldly on -the table in the place of the two silver ones, which I carried off under -my cloak after having extinguished them. I then ran as fast as my legs -would carry me to our captain, who was the receiver-general of our -stolen goods, a very grave personage, and who passed in the city as a -very honest man. He acted both as a protector and a lawyer towards us -when we happened to be caught in a trap: and out of gratitude we gave -him a fifth part<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a>{104}</span> of the produce of all the thefts we committed.</p> - -<p>“Another time I performed a still more desperate trick. I happened to be -passing one morning before a house which appeared to be the residence of -some man of opulence, and which turned out afterwards to be really the -case. The door being open I walked in. I entered two or three rooms on -the same floor, without meeting any one, and I perceived, on the table -of the last, a complete new lady’s dress of the finest velvet. I -deposited this without ceremony under my cloak, and in two jumps was in -the hall again; but unfortunately I found the master of the house at the -door, who seeing me come out with a large parcel under my arm, stopped -me short, and enquired in a voice of thunder what I had got under my -cloak. Most people in my situation would have been quite confounded; but -I, on the contrary, without being in the least at a nonplus,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a>{105}</span> answered -him immediately, that it was his lady’s velvet robe which I was carrying -home in order to set the collar to rights and alter one of the sleeves. -So much the better, replied he, but you must bring it back as soon as -possible, for my wife will want it this afternoon, to visit a lady of -quality of her acquaintance. I assured him that I would not fail, and -thus saying, shot from him as swift as a roebuck.</p> - -<p>“This adventure soon spread itself in the town; and even the next day I -heard that the gentleman, after having spoken to me, immediately entered -his house, where he heard his wife and two or three of the servants -making as much noise as if they were in a tavern; that the mistress was -crying out most vehemently: where is my velvet robe? it was here not one -minute ago: you shall pay me for it:——that the servants having seen -no one either enter or leave the house, protested that it must have -been<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a>{106}</span> the devil who had carried it off; and that at last the husband -quieted this uproar, by telling them what had really become of it. I was -given to understand also, that the officers of justice had been informed -of it; that my person had been very accurately described to them, and -they were actually every where in search for me, the gentleman whom I -had robbed being himself a notary. During all this time, my booty was in -safety at our protector’s house, where the whole company laughed -heartily at their fruitless exertions to find me. Nevertheless this -trick, which I played with as much good luck as dexterity, had -consequences which do not occupy a very agreeable place in my memory. -Thus it happened:</p> - -<p>“Happening one day to be taking a stroll out of the city, near a pretty -large rivulet, I observed some very fine linen on the banks, which a -laundress had just washed and spread out upon the grass. Such -opportunities as these always<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a>{107}</span> tempted me; and I could not resist my -extreme desire of making myself master of some part of this linen; the -more especially as I really was in want of some. I only waited, -therefore, for the moment when I could make the attempt without being -perceived, and that moment at length arriving, I performed the exploit -with such rapidity, that to possess myself of some of the very best of -the linen, and take the way back to the town, was done in the twinkling -of an eye. Though the old washerwoman had not observed the action at the -moment, it so happened that she just afterwards turned her head to look -at her linen. Astonished to perceive a reduction of at least two-thirds -she looked quickly around her, and seeing nobody but me, she thought -rightly enough that I must be the thief, and accordingly, leaving the -remainder of her linen to take its chance, she ran after me, crying out: -<i>stop thief! stop thief!</i> in a voice which made the country resound.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a>{108}</span> In -this embarrassment, what could I do? I let the parcel slip gently from -under my cloak upon the ground, hoping that the laundress satisfied with -having her property, would pursue me no further; but, whether she -thought that I had more about me, or was bent upon my ruin, she followed -me up to the city gates, where the sentry stopped me, asking what was -the matter. The washerwoman was soon up with us, and began immediately -by cuffing me, saying that I had stolen the whole of her linen. I was -then searched all over, and as my cloak and the under part of my arm -were wet through, it was easy enough to guess that I had got rid of the -bundle, in order to deny that I had robbed my accuser. Nothing more was -necessary to entitle me to a lodging in one of the palaces of justice.</p> - -<p>“I communicated my imprisonment to our lawyer, who came to me -immediately. I told him the circumstances,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a>{109}</span> and he repaired to a -criminal judge. They had a long conversation together, which ended with -the promise that I should be set at liberty that very day. He brought me -the good news, and I prepared to leave the place. The order was already -made out, the gaoler satisfied, and I had one foot out of prison, when -by the malice of the devil, my friend the notary, who had been so -actively in search for me, and who happened to have a little business -there, presented himself before me. He stared me full in the face, and -recognizing me immediately, he flew in a passion, gave me a violent blow -with his fist, which made me reel back into the prison again, and told -the gaoler to lock me in, for that I had robbed him, and he would -certainly get me committed. Our lawyer, who was present, exerted all his -flowers of rhetoric to appease him. He even went so far as to promise -the value of the robe; but the cursed notary, preferring<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a>{110}</span> the pleasure -of being revenged on me, to that of recovering his property, was -inexorable: the consequences of which were that I was honoured with a -hearty whipping, and banished the kingdom.</p> - -<p>“After this disgrace, which I bore as patiently as I could, my captain, -by way of consolation, offered me a letter of recommendation to a friend -of his, the chief of a banditti who inhabited a retreat in the Roman -mountains, which, not knowing what better I could do, I accepted of. The -chief had no sooner read my letter than he gave me a most gracious -reception. He introduced me to the cavaliers of his company, than whom I -never saw more savage looking animals. It is true, that having left at -Naples comrades so perfectly civilized, it was impossible but these -mountaineers must have appeared to me wild and unsociable. Nevertheless, -as one must always follow the fashion, I by degrees<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a>{111}</span> became accustomed -to them, notwithstanding the terrible life they led. We made some good -hits, and I found myself in a short time with a purse well stocked. No -sooner was this the case than I determined on leaving these honest -folks. With this view, I requested leave of our chief for two months, -under pretence of having some business at Rome. This was readily granted -me, on my taking oath that I would return at the expiration of that -time. This oath I certainly submitted to, but fully determined to forget -it as soon as I got to Rome.</p> - -<p>“I had pictured to myself that in so fine a city, I should find -opportunities to exercise my talents at every step I took. When, -however, I had been there long enough to study the genius of the -inhabitants, they appeared to me to be so cunning themselves, that I -stood no chance among them. I made a few hits, but of such a nature as -would do<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a>{112}</span> me no credit to repeat. In the last of these I narrowly -escaped detection. This caused me to leave Rome suddenly, whence I -thought proper to make the tour of Italy, that I might know it well, and -I spent all my money in this wandering life. At length, being at -Bologna, chance made me acquainted with Alexander Bentivoglio, who -received me into his little troop. This man seems born for his -profession. His custom is to leave his native place from time to time, -and travel through the different towns in search of dupes; and after he -has made any good stroke, he returns to Bologna, where he is always sure -to be safe, as though nothing had happened. I occasionally accompanied -him in these trips, and I was at Rome on his business, the day on which -your lordship was persecuted by the mob. I called upon you at the -Ambassador’s—you had the imprudence to display all your property and -expose all your affairs to me—I reported<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a>{113}</span> this to captain Alexander, -who immediately planned the trick we played you. This action, continued -he, is always present to my mind; and my extreme sorrow on this account -will be constantly nourished by your excessive kindness to me.”</p> - -<p>Sayavedra here concluded his history. After which his various adventures -formed the topic of our conversation on the road towards Milan, where we -arrived both fresh and merry, and similarly well-disposed to possess -ourselves of the property of others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a>{114}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XL" id="CHAP_XL"></a>CHAP. XL.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Of the daring enterprize which Guzman and Sayavedra formed -together in the city of Milan.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">We</span> passed the first three days in walking about the streets, examining -the different articles with which the shops were decked out, without -thinking as yet of turning our genius to advantage. Happy times for the -citizens of Milan!</p> - -<p>As we were strolling as usual one morning, a young man, tolerably well -dressed, accosted Sayavedra who was behind me. I always walked first, -and did not perceive him until I had got about a hundred paces on. I -then looked attentively at this young man who had stopped my confidant, -and there was something mettlesome and cunning in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a>{115}</span> his appearance which -I did not like. Oh, oh! thought I, who can this chap be; what business -can they have together? This is what I must know; but how can I possibly -learn? Were I to call Sayavedra, and ask him the subject of this -conversation, he would not fail to frame a lie in an instant, and I -should not be a bit the wiser. All I can do then is to keep quiet, let -them go on their own way, betray no suspicion of Sayavedra, but keep a -sharp eye over him.</p> - -<p>Their conversation lasted above a quarter of an hour; after which, the -young man took his leave of my confidant, who rejoined me with a -thoughtful air, which by no means dissipated my suspicions. I was in -hopes that he would have explained the rencontre to me; but he said not -a word about it, still remaining in a reverie. I kept silence also until -after dinner, when finding myself alone with him, and being<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a>{116}</span> able no -longer to contain myself: “Mr. Sayavedra,” said I, smiling, “may I -presume to ask who that young man might be with whom you had so serious -a conversation this morning? I think I have seen him at Rome. Is not his -name Mendocia?” “No Sir,” replied he, “he is named Aguilera, and I -assure you very appropriately so called; for he shews himself a true -eagle whenever he has occasion to use his claws. He is a good companion, -has a tolerable share of wit, and is very clever in many respects. We -have known each other for a long time, have travelled in company, and -have suffered a great deal together. His head is at present full of a -scheme, which, if it succeed, will make his fortune. He proposed to me -to be a party to it, offering me half the profits. I told him that I -would undertake nothing, without first apprising you of it. I even went -so far as to add that you were so extremely kind to me, that I felt -assured<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>{117}</span> you would not refuse us your advice in an affair of such -consequence.” “No,” said I, “undoubtedly I would not: on the contrary, -my friend, I am well disposed to assist you both. Let me know what is -the subject in debate.” “Sir,” replied he, “Aguilera is to call here -this afternoon, when you can speak to him yourself. He will disclose his -whole project to you, and if there be any alteration required in his -plan, you can adjust it to perfection.”</p> - -<p>He had no sooner said these words, than he was informed that a young man -wished to speak with him. We had no doubt but this was Aguilera, for we -knew no one else at Milan. Sayavedra ran to meet him; and after having -prepared him for the conversation we should have together, he introduced -him to me. We saluted each other with much politeness. Aguilera was a -well looking young man, and appeared to me to possess good sense. He -confirmed every thing my confidant<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>{118}</span> had told me, and related to me in an -agreeable manner several of their exploits together. He then informed -me, that having come to Milan in the hope of making some good hit, he -had found means to introduce himself to the service of a rich banker, -with whom he had lived about six months as his clerk: that he had by his -assiduity and fidelity entirely gained the confidence of his patron, -waiting patiently until he found a good opportunity of robbing him: that -such a one now presented itself; but, that he had occasion for a second -to avail himself of it, and that in meeting Sayavedra, he looked upon -him as a man sent from heaven for that express purpose, being well -acquainted with his abilities that way. I asked him, “if there would be -any difficulty in the execution of his design.” “Not a great deal,” -replied he, “but you shall judge for yourself. The banker has within -these few days deposited in his strong box a large shamois<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span> leather -purse, containing one thousand good pistoles. It is my intention to take -possession of these on Sunday morning, while my patron is at mass, and -to join Sayavedra at a certain place, where he shall have two horses in -waiting. We shall be off in an instant, and ride our hacks so vigorously -that we shall be far enough from the city, before the banker can -discover the copious bleeding his strong box shall have sustained.”</p> - -<p>After having listened to Aguilera very attentively, I told him that his -undertaking was of a much more delicate nature than he himself seemed to -imagine: that, being known in the town as the confidential clerk of the -banker, he might meet some person on the road, who, surprised to see him -travelling on a post horse, would naturally suspect him of some roguery, -and immediately communicate his suspicions to his master: that the -banker on his return from mass would perhaps immediately discover that<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a>{120}</span> -he had been robbed; that this report would soon spread itself about the -town, and that it would soon be ascertained that Aguilera had set off -with post horses: the consequence of which would be, that his patron -would have him pursued by certain persons well mounted, whom it might be -rather difficult to escape. I urged many other objections, which -convinced him that his plan was but ill-conceived. He confessed this, -but told me at the same time, that he should nevertheless execute it, as -he saw no better way. I have to do, continued he, with a man who never -leaves his house, except on Sundays to hear mass, and then immediately -on his return shuts himself up as before in the room in which he keeps -his papers and money.</p> - -<p>“It matters nothing,” replied I, “be he never so vigilant, ’twill be -easy enough to get this same shamois leather purse into our hands, -without exposing yourself to the danger you are willing to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a>{121}</span> rashly to -incur. In good faith, gentlemen, if you know no better than this, you -are as yet but apprentices to your trade. I will shew you a genius -superior to that of many besides you. I will take upon myself, if it so -please you, the charge of conducting this enterprise, and without -implicating you in any misfortune that may happen to me in consequence; -even though fortune be adverse to me, I will answer for the thousand -pistoles, provided they remain in the strong box eight days longer.” -Sayavedra and his friend laughed heartily at this speech, at which they -were almost as much delighted as if the pistoles were already in their -hands. They thanked me for the offer, and readily left the conducting of -this affair to me; well persuaded, particularly Sayavedra, that I should -not talk in this strain without being well assured of the event. “Give -yourselves no further trouble about it then, gentlemen,” added I, “you -shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a>{122}</span> see that one who has been a page five or six years is somewhat -wiser than a Roman bandit.” This hit at Sayavedra redoubled their mirth, -and we were all very merry together. I then proceeded to question this -confidential clerk of the banker’s more particularly.</p> - -<p>“By what means,” said I, “did you intend to get the purse out of the -strong box; you have not the key of it?” “Certainly not,” replied he, -“for my patron will trust it to nobody. He occasionally gives it to me -when I happen to be with him in his private room, and some person -happens to come in, when he is himself engaged, for the payment of a -bill. He throws me the key to take out a bag of which he tells me the -number, and while I am counting the money, he keeps one eye on what he -is writing and the other on me.” “This being the case,” continued I, “it -would be very difficult to take an impression of the key.” “Much less -so, perhaps, than you imagine,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a>{123}</span>” answered Aguilera. “I have, God be -praised, a pretty dexterous hand, and will undertake to bring you the -impression of it; and also, if you think proper, that of the press, in -which the banker locks up his account-books and his daily cash.” At -these words, which delighted me, I told him that if he could procure -both the impressions, we should be much more sure of success.</p> - -<p>I did not forget to ascertain the situation of the room; the manner in -which the bags were tied up; their marks; in fact every particular that -I considered necessary, of which I wrote down a circumstantial account. -I then sent Aguilera home to his master, telling him that I would give -him timely notice of the part he would have to play. After his -departure, I told my confidant that I had put his friend to a difficult -trial, and that I doubted much whether he would procure the impressions -of the keys. But Sayavedra, who had a better opinion of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a>{124}</span> his talents, -thought otherwise, and he was certainly right. Within two days after -Aguilera kept his word, and informed me, also, where I might find a -locksmith who would make me two false keys, provided I paid him -handsomely. “I have but one more question to ask you,” said I, “at what -hour is your master to be seen? for bankers are generally particular.” -Aguilera answered, “that the best time was between ten o’clock and -noon.” “Good,” said I, “return home then, and remember well what I now -tell you: I shall not fail to be at the banker’s house by ten o’clock -to-morrow morning; arrange it so that you be with him at that time, and -be sure you lose not a word of my conversation with him, in order that -you may be brought forward as a witness, if necessary.”</p> - -<p>Every thing being so far arranged, I carried the impressions to the -honest locksmith I had been recommended to, and whom I found in reality -the man<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a>{125}</span> for my business. He promised to make me two keys immediately -for two pistoles, one of which I paid him in advance. On my return to my -inn, I espied in a shop window a very neat sort of jewel box, which -after having carefully examined, I bought. Sayavedra who accompanied me, -appeared somewhat surprised at this purchase. I could not resist -laughing at his astonishment: “Friend,” said I, “be assured that this -little casket will not be without its use.” “I do not doubt it,” -answered he smiling; “you have not made a fool’s bargain. You doubtless -know the use you intend to put it to, and I leave that as well as every -thing else to your superior judgment.”</p> - -<p>I went the next morning at ten precisely to the banker’s counting-house. -Aguilera was there, and two or three gentlemen on business. I bowed to -the master on entering the room, and addressing him in a loud voice, -told him<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a>{126}</span> that I was come to Milan with the intention of making some -purchases previously to my marriage: that I had brought a considerable -sum of money which I should be glad to place in safety, and that instead -of leaving it at my inn where there were all sorts of people, I had -thought it much better to trust it to a man like him, whose probity I -had heard much commended: I added, that I had a short voyage to take to -Venice which would oblige me to have a credit from his house. The -banker, greedy of gain, made me a thousand offers of service, -accompanied by the most profound bows, and asked me the amount of the -sum I wished to deposit in his hands. I answered, about twelve thousand -franks of gold, and a small bag of silver specie, which I would send him -in about an hour. He replied that my time was his: then reaching down -his day-book from the press, he enquired my name, which I gave him as -Don Juan Osorio. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a>{127}</span> he immediately wrote down, with the date of the -day and month, the better to ensure my keeping my word.</p> - -<p>After this, having no further business with him at that time, I took my -leave, after a thousand mutual compliments, entreating him not to leave -his house until my return. I reached home well satisfied with the happy -commencement of my scheme. Sayavedra, who was waiting for me, with the -more impatience, as he was more interested in the business than I was, -was not a little astonished, when I informed him what I had just done. -“But, sir,” said he, “pray where do you intend to get these twelve -thousand franks which you have promised to carry to the banker’s? I am -at a loss to know this.” “That need not give you the least uneasiness,” -answered I, “he has them already. I know well enough that this is Hebrew -to you, but I have my reasons. Press me no more on this point at -present, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a>{128}</span> tell me whether your friend Aguilera reckons among his -talents that of being able to forge writing.” “Forge!” cried he with -transport, “he can counterfeit any one’s hand; it is his fort. Would to -heaven that I had only the money he has touched by such means! if he had -not excelled in that art, he would still have been at Rome; but he was -obliged to decamp thence somewhat abruptly, for fear of falling into the -hands of a brute of a merchant, who, having discovered that he had -forged his signature, was in pursuit of him.” “This being the case,” -replied I, “our enterprise must infallibly succeed.”</p> - -<p>The reliance that Sayavedra placed in my skill, prevented his doubting -the success I assured him of, though he knew nothing of my plans. All -that vexed him was, that I had allotted no part in the performance to -him, of which he complained to me, asking if he was to be dumb in the -comedy. “Never fear,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a>{129}</span> said I, “I have reserved a character for you, -which you will perform to admiration.” At the same time I ordered him to -take under his arm the casket I had purchased and filled with lumps of -lead. In addition to this I loaded him with a bag of money, bound round -with red ribbon, and stained with ink in the middle, because, as well as -I could remember, there was one exactly similar to it in the strong box. -We left our chamber together, as if with the intention of carrying all -this to the banker’s. Having got into the street, I said to my -confidant, return for one moment into the kitchen, under pretence of -asking our landlord what hour we shall dine, and what he intends for our -dinner. In short, take care that his wife and he cannot fail to observe -the casket with curiosity and attention. It is very essential to us that -they should both take particular notice of it before you rejoin me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a>{130}</span></p> - -<p>No man in the world could be better adapted than Sayavedra, to acquit -himself well on such a commission. He went into the kitchen, where, -after having asked the landlord the question I had desired him, he -displayed without ceremony the casket and bag of money. The landlord and -landlady immediately fixed their eyes on them: the casket, especially, -was so much admired by the wife, that she could not resist requesting to -be allowed to examine it more closely. Her husband did the same, and -exclaimed, “Good God, how heavy it is!” “It may well be so,” said -Sayavedra, “since it is full of gold coin, to the amount of twelve -thousand franks, which we are now going to deposit in a banker’s hands.” -“At a banker’s!” cried the landlord abruptly, “though they contained -above a hundred thousand franks, both that casket and bag would be as -much in safety at my house as at the richest banker’s in the town.” The -landlady, as ticklish as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a>{131}</span> her husband on points of honour, added: “Yes, -we have occasionally deposits of value left with us; and, thank God and -the Virgin Mary, we have always taken good care of them.” “I doubt it -not in the least,” replied Sayavedra. “Were you not considered honest -people, my master would never have come to lodge with you with so much -money. Think not then that he has a bad opinion of your house; but, the -fact is, that he is on the point of setting out for Venice, and having -occasion for a letter of credit to that city, we are in fairness bound -to leave these twelve thousand franks with the banker who will supply -him with one.”</p> - -<p>“That alters the case,” replied the host, appeased; “I have nothing more -to say to it. What is the banker’s name?” “Plati,” replied my confidant. -“Plague on him,” continued the landlord, “he is as rich as Crœsus, -but a very Jew. He will make you pay handsomely<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a>{132}</span> for your confidence, I -can tell you. If you had only said one word to me, I could have -recommended you to a much more reasonable house.” “It is too late now,” -said Sayavedra; “my master has already agreed with this banker. But -think not,” continued he, “that I can gossip much longer with you, for -my master is waiting for me. I merely came into the kitchen to ascertain -whether we should have time to settle our business before dinner.” The -landlord begged that we would not hurry ourselves, and hoped that we -should always find him ready to accommodate us in any way while in his -house.</p> - -<p>My confidant having repeated this conversation to me, we took a walk -together quite out of the town. We returned after some time to the inn, -where Sayavedra, by my desire, entered without being observed, and -replaced both the casket and bag in my chamber. The table was not yet -laid, the landlord, out<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a>{133}</span> of respect to me, having kept back the dinner, -which was served up immediately he was told of my arrival. Having dined, -I retired into my chamber and sent for the landlord, who immediately -came up, begging to know in what he could serve me. I have a complaint -to make against you, said I; how could you think me capable of -suspecting so honourable a man as you? To convince you of the injustice -you do me, I entreat you to take care of this purse containing a hundred -pistoles, until my departure for Venice. So saying, I drew from my -pocket a perfumed purse containing that sum exactly. He was so sensible -of this mark of confidence, that he could scarcely restrain his joy.</p> - -<p>In the evening the banker’s clerk stole from his master to join us: -“Well, Aguilera,” said I, “your patron was doubtless very much surprised -at not having seen me again this morning.” “In truth he was,” replied -he: “after<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a>{134}</span> having waited above an hour expecting you, he began to fear -that you would return no more. As he cannot be ignorant of his bad -repute at Milan, he thinks that some person has been charitable enough -to caution you against him, and I could perceive that he was extremely -mortified.” “Did the three gentlemen who were with him when I called -this morning, stay long after I was gone?” said I. “No,” answered -Aguilera, “nor did any one else drop in during the whole of the -morning.” I was much pleased at this circumstance, and assured my -companions, that in three or four days, at latest, we should bring this -piece to a finale. The banker’s confidential gentleman, overjoyed with -this prospect, wished me good night; but before we parted I desired that -he would not call again at the inn, representing the consequences to -him, and arranging between us that every day at a certain hour he should -repair to a certain place,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a>{135}</span> where Sayavedra should meet him and bring -instructions from me.</p> - -<p>My false keys were brought home two days after this. Aguilera, who was -soon informed of this, told his friend he should have an opportunity of -making use of them on the following Sunday after dinner, while the -banker was amusing himself, as was his custom, at a game of chess, with -one of his neighbours. I then let Sayavedra completely into the secret, -in order that he might the better give his friend his instructions; and, -on the Saturday evening I despatched him to the rendezvous, entrusting -to his care the two false keys, and the casket, in which I put ten -quadruples, thirty Roman crowns, and some slips of manuscript, instead -of the lead which it before contained. As for the bag of money, I begged -leave to keep that at home, having besmeared it with ink, and tied it up -with red ribbon, merely that it might be exhibited to our<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a>{136}</span> landlord and -his wife in that state, that they might testify to having seen it; so I -had only put the lead into the casket to make it heavy, and to make -these good folks believe that it was full of gold.</p> - -<p>As soon as my confidant saw Aguilera, he said to him: “now my friend, -listen to me with the utmost attention, and be particular in remembering -what I tell you. Take these keys, and to-morrow, when you open the -strong box, take out the shamois leather purse which is in it, and empty -it into this casket; but be sure you take thirty pistoles out of the -thousand you will find there, and substitute these ten quadruples in -their place. You will not fail also to put this manuscript in, which -contains a specification of the sum, and declares that it is the -property of Don Juan Osorio, which is the name my master has assumed in -this affair. This other slip of paper,” continued he, “you must thrust -into the bag in which you say there are three<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a>{137}</span> hundred and thirty -crowns, and which is stained with ink, and tied up with a red ribbon. -You will at the same time extract from this bag thirty of these crowns, -and slip in these thirty Roman crowns in their stead. I have but one -thing now to tell, and which is most important of all; that is, to open -the press in which your patron keeps his account books, and write in his -journal the words you will find on this third paper, taking good care to -let it be under the name of Don Juan Osorio, which you will find there -entered, and also to imitate with your utmost dexterity the hand-writing -of Signor Plati. Signor Don Guzman, my master,” added he, “requires -nothing more of you but what will be the easiest part of the -performance, namely: that on Monday, at the wind up of the scheme, you -affect to be a most zealous servant, call him all the vile names you can -think of, and even strike him to make the scene more natural.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a>{138}</span></p> - -<p>Aguilera here interrupted his friend. “Enough,” said he; “I see plainly -the whole of the project, and that the master you serve is indeed a -thorough-bred thief. You may assure him that I shall do every thing he -has prescribed for me, and it shall not be my fault if his plans be -defeated.” Sayavedra thereupon delivered up to him the casket with the -three papers, the ten quadruples, and thirty Roman crowns, which -Aguilera carried home and hid, until the time came to make use of them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a>{139}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLI" id="CHAP_XLI"></a>CHAP. XLI.<br /><br /> -<i>What was the success of this stratagem.</i></h2> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I did</span> not pass the Sunday without some uneasiness, fearing lest some -untoward circumstance might defeat our enterprise; but my confidant -having been to the usual place of rendezvous in the evening, returned -full of joy to announce to me that every thing had been executed as I -desired, and that Aguilera was preparing himself to play his part well -the next day. This news restored my spirits, and I waited patiently for -the hour when I should appear before the banker.</p> - -<p>No sooner had it arrived, than I repaired to his house; he was alone in -his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a>{140}</span> counting-house. After saluting him very politely, I told him I had -called to request that he would return me what I had brought him a few -days before. He inquired with astonishment what I had brought him. -“Zounds!” said I, “why the gold and silver specie which I deposited in -your hands.” “What gold and silver,” answered he. “Oh, oh!” replied I, -“what you affect to joke? Upon my soul, this is not bad.” “Much more of -a joke,” rejoined he, “that you should expect me to refund what has -never been given to me.” “Let us have no more jesting, however,” said I, -“on matters of business, which, I assure you, is by no means to my -taste.” “Surely,” said he, “it must be you that jest: I recollect well -enough that a few days since you called upon me, and promised that -within an hour you would bring me twelve thousand franks; but you -forfeited your word.” “Rather,” answered I, “confess that you have lost -your memory. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a>{141}</span> protest that I delivered that sum into your own hands, -and will not quit this house until it be refunded in the very same coins -in which I paid it to you.” “Go about your business,” replied he, “or I -shall grow impatient with your nonsense. I neither know any thing of -you, nor have I ever had any thing that belongs to you. Go and get your -money from those to whom you entrusted it.”</p> - -<p>As the banker and I began now every moment to assume a higher tone, all -the passers-by stopped to listen to our conversation, very anxious to -know the subject of our dispute. That they might not be long in suspense -I cried aloud, “Oh, traitor and infamous thief! may the justice of God -and man unite to punish you! When I entrusted you with my money you -received me most obsequiously, but now I am come to reclaim it you -affect not to know who I am, and with the most bare-faced effrontery -deny<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a>{142}</span> the deposit! Cause the money to be counted out to me on this table -instantly, or I will tear your soul out!” The banker on his side called -me all the names I deserved, until from abusing each other we insensibly -came to action, and he endeavoured to push me out of the room by his -shoulders; but I repulsed him with such a blow as laid him sprawling on -the floor. Aguilera then rushed upon me with a furious air, and gave me -a few fisticuffs, which I returned in such sort, that several of the -spectators entered to separate us. The confidential clerk finding -himself restrained from rejoining me, pretended to struggle with those -who held him, like a madman; while on my side, with my eyes glittering -and my mouth foaming with rage, I defied him to approach me.</p> - -<p>The affray had already lasted an hour, when the Bargello, by chance, or -perhaps from some one’s having told him<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>{143}</span> what was going on, made his -appearance. The first thing he did was to ask the subject of our -quarrel, and the struggle now was which of us should speak first. He -desired us both to hold our tongues; then having informed himself which -of us was the complainant, he desired me to speak first, after which he -would hear what my adversary had to say. At these words a profound -silence succeeded, and every one present listened attentively. “Six days -since,” said I, “I came into this counting-house, and requested this -same Signor Plati to allow me to deposit in his hands a considerable sum -of money which I had brought to Milan with me, and which I did not think -sufficiently secure at the inn where I lodge. He answered with much -politeness that I had only to send him the money, and he would take care -of it as long as I thought proper. I accordingly returned home -immediately, and returned an hour after with my servant, who carried in -a gilt<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a>{144}</span> casket a thousand pistoles in gold, and in a bag stained with -ink and tied with a red ribbon three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty -of which were Roman. The banker counted and weighed the coin, which he -put with their specification in the casket and bag again, and then -locked them altogether in his strong box.”</p> - -<p>Up to this moment the banker, not having dared to interrupt me, although -in the fury that possessed him he could with difficulty restrain, had -contented himself by raising his hands and eyes towards Heaven to -witness my imposture: but his patience now entirely forsook him, and he -could hold out no longer. “You see before you,” cried he, “one of the -most bare-faced liars on the face of the earth. Should there be found in -my house a casket such as that he mentions, I shall be content to -forfeit my life and every thing I possess in the world.” “And if what I -have told you<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a>{145}</span> be not true,” cried I, in my turn, “I will consent that -the banker enjoy my property in peace, and that my ears be cut off like -a traitor and audacious thief who dares demand what does not belong to -him. It is a very easy matter,” continued I, “to discover the truth. -Nothing remains but to open the strong box, where you will find my -casket and bag, with the accounts which will inform you that the money -belongs to me. Give orders, Signor Bargello, give orders immediately, I -beseech you, that this old rogue show you his account books, where you -will see what he himself wrote the day he received the money.” “You are -right,” replied the Bargello, “and further conversation would be -superfluous. Come, Signor Plati, if this gentleman gave you the specie, -there will of course be an entry in your books.” “Undoubtedly,” answered -the banker; “but I have no fear of your finding it, and if there should -be any mention made<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a>{146}</span> of twelve thousand franks which this stranger -assures you he entrusted to me, I will confess that he tells the truth, -and that I am the impostor.” At the same time he told his clerk to reach -him down the large account book out of his press. Aguilera had no sooner -handed this to him, than I cried out: “No, no, thou knave! this is not -the book that will bear witness against thee, it was a smaller but -longer one.” Aguilera then said to his master, “He must surely mean our -journal.” “Let it be the journal then,” replied the banker; “bring -forward all the books in the house.” Aguilera then produced the journal, -and asked me if that was the one I meant. I replied that it was. The -Bargello immediately began to look it over, and finding in it what our -colleague had written by my order, he read the following words in a loud -voice:</p> - -<p>“<i>This day, the 13th of February 1586, Don Juan Osorio remitted me nine -hundred and sixty pistoles in gold coin, Spanish<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a>{147}</span> and Italian, and ten -quadruples, which make together the sum of one thousand pistoles, and -which will be found in my strong box in a gilt casket. Moreover, I -received from the said Don Juan the same day, a bag tied with red -ribbon, in which are three hundred and thirty crowns, thirty of which -are Roman.</i>”</p> - -<p>The company had no sooner heard this entry read than they all began to -murmur against Signor Plati, thus giving me a decided advantage over -him. Fortunately also for me, the banker did not pass in the town for an -over-scrupulous man; so that every one readily believed the possibility -of his having played me the roguish trick of which I accused him. The -Bargello made him read these words, and asked him if he had not written -them. The citizen, confounded by so extraordinary a circumstance, -answered in an agitation which almost deprived him of the power of -speech, “that he had written the first words, but not<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a>{148}</span> the remainder.” -“How so,” replied the officer of justice, “it appears to be all in the -same hand-writing.” “I cannot deny that,” rejoined the banker, “but, -nevertheless it is not all my writing.” “It will avail you nothing to -deny it in this manner,” said the Bargello; “you must prove its -falsity.”</p> - -<p>A fresh scene now contributed to convince the standers-by that I had not -complained without cause. A voice of thunder resounded through the -house, and a man with his kitchen apron and a large carving knife at his -side made his appearance. This was mine host, whom Sayavedra had been in -search of, and who, hearing that the banker denied having received the -money, was furiously exasperated against him. “Why,” cried he as he -entered, “do they not hang this arch Jew? Why not fire his house, and -burn him with all his race?” Then perceiving the officer of justice, -“can you allow,” said he, in a respectful and more<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>{149}</span> moderate tone, “that -a cavalier should be robbed, ruined, and struck, with impunity, for -having trusted his property to a thief. This good gentleman lodges at my -house, and I most solemnly assure you, that I have seen and handled the -casket, as well as the bag which he has unfortunately confided to this -banker, who is already but too well known at Milan for what he really -is.”</p> - -<p>Signor Plati, thunderstruck as he was, said what he could in his own -defence; but his feeble voice, which was scarcely audible at two paces -from him, stood no chance with that of my landlord, which could be -distinctly heard from one end of the street to the other. The people, -therefore, who generally give the palm in such cases to him who makes -the most noise, no longer doubting the justice of my complaint, cried -aloud, that the banker should be compelled instantly to refund. The -Bargello, addressing himself to the accused, represented to him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a>{150}</span> “that -it was in vain to resist in retaining money which did not belong to him; -that he would be compelled to make restitution, and that it was his duty -to search his house for the casket and bag. Give me,” added he, “the key -of your strong box; let us begin by visiting that, as your accuser -affirms it is there you have deposited them.” Plati being apprehensive -of pillage during this uproar could not make up his mind to deliver the -key; upon which the general cry was to lead him to prison. “We will do -better than that,” said the officer, “if he obey not this instant, I -will have the strong box forced open.”</p> - -<p>The unfortunate banker seeing that all resistance was useless, drew from -his pocket the key, and delivered it into the hands of the officer, who, -after having chosen four citizens out of those present, to be witness of -the intended ceremony, opened the strong box before them and Plati, who -almost fainted away when<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a>{151}</span> the gilt casket and bag were drawn forth. The -Bargello then turning to this poor devil, “friend,” said he, “did you -not say you would forfeit your life and property if this casket were -found in your house? what if we take you at your word? Good heavens! -what a trustworthy banker.” Thus saying, he shut down the strong box, -and held up the casket in one hand and the bag in the other. The company -present no sooner saw them, than they began, especially mine host, to -load the banker with curses and revilings. The officer, in order to sift -the thing to the bottom, determined to open the casket. He asked me if I -had the key. I drew it from my pocket, and handed it to him. The first -thing that presented itself to his view, was the specification in these -terms: “<i>This Casket contains nine hundred and sixty pistoles in gold, -and ten quadruples; the whole making one thousand pistoles, and -belonging to Don Juan<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a>{152}</span> Osorio.</i>” The quadruples were in a parcel by -themselves. These he shewed to the banker, and then proceeded to open -the bag in which were found the thirty Roman crowns and the others with -a similar account.</p> - -<p>The cries of the company redoubled at sight of the sums exactly as I had -stated them, and every one pressed the Bargello to give me up the casket -and bag; which the officer would immediately have acceded to, if I had -not declared that I would not receive my money except at the hands of -justice, since we were in a city where, thank God, upright judges were -to be found. The banker, being once more called upon to say what he had -to allege against such positive proof, answered, more dead than alive, -and not knowing what to think of an adventure which appeared so natural; -“that it was all magic to him, and that the devil must assuredly have -had a hand in it.” “If you have no better argument<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a>{153}</span> than that to bring -forward,” said the officer to him, “you have every chance of losing your -cause, and being punished severely to boot.” Thus saying, he left the -casket and bag in the custody of a rich merchant in the neighbourhood, -and went to make his report to the Judges, who cited Signor Plati and me -to appear before them the next morning. The banker was himself so ill -that he found it impossible to attend, and contented himself by sending -his wife and clerk with some of his friends. As for me, I appeared -boldly accompanied by Sayavedra, my landlord and landlady, all three of -whom were interrogated alternately, and asserted a great deal, -especially the two last, more than they had either seen or heard. The -judges heard Aguilera and his mistress in their turns, who confessed -that not having been in the counting-house the whole of the day on which -I stated that I had brought the money, they could not<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a>{154}</span> conscientiously -swear that I had not been there.</p> - -<p>Upon all these depositions the magistrates condemned my adversary to -restore my gold and silver, and pay all costs, prohibiting him from ever -practising the profession of banker again in Milan. The Bargello, in -execution of this sentence, conducted me to the merchant with whom he -had left the casket and bag, and having restored them to me, I returned -triumphantly to my inn. When I arrived there, I was not a little time -occupied in receiving congratulations on my success. The landlord and -his wife among the rest could not moderate their joy. To testify my -gratitude I made them some trifling presents, and all their servants had -reason to praise my generous disposition.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a>{155}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLII" id="CHAP_XLII"></a>CHAP. XLII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>What share of the booty Guzman gives to his associates, and the -resolution he takes of leaving Milan.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as I was safely in possession of a sum of money so honestly -acquired, I could have wished myself far enough from Milan; but as too -precipitate a departure might have raised suspicions against me, I -resolved to defer it for a few days. Sayavedra was so overjoyed at our -good fortune, that he scarcely knew whether he was awake or dreaming. -Then thinking of the stratagem I had invented, he extolled me above all -the rogues in the world. “I did not give you credit for such a genius,” -said he, “though I confess I had an excellent opinion of your abilities -before; but I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a>{156}</span> see clearly now that I am a long way behind you.” “Friend -Sayavedra,” said I, “there is nothing very extraordinary in the scheme. -What will be most worthy of praise is how to avoid the possibility of -danger by flight: for,” added I, smiling, “than to walk into a -gentleman’s house, the door of which stands open, steal a velvet robe -from thence, and afterwards to receive a hundred lashes for one’s pains, -nothing can be more easy.”</p> - -<p>We passed the remainder of the day at the inn, and when night came on -went out together to meet Aguilera at the rendezvous. As soon as he saw -us approach, he began to laugh most heartily, and we followed his -example. He then complimented me on my address, after which I proceeded -to divide the booty. I drew from my pocket a purse containing three -hundred pistoles which I gave to him, telling him that I intended the -same sum for Sayavedra, and that I should keep the remainder myself, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a>{157}</span> -being but fair that he who had done the most work should be the best -paid. My two associates assured me they were perfectly well satisfied. -This business being ended, and having nothing else to detain us, we bade -Aguilera adieu, and returned home, where I employed myself after supper -in counting my money. How overjoyed was I at finding myself in -possession of upwards of seven thousand franks, independent of those I -had won at Bologna. I had never been so rich before, and I thought no -longer of having been robbed at Sienna.</p> - -<p>As I was walking out the next day I chanced to espy in a shop window a -gilt chain so well wrought that I mistook it for gold. I went in and -asked its weight. The shop-keeper answered with a smile that all was not -gold that glittered; but that if I wished to purchase this chain I -should have it cheap. Being tempted by this offer, I gave him what he -asked, and carried it off with me. Sayavedra,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a>{158}</span> who was with me, could -not restrain his laughter at my fine bargain, and when we had left the -shop, said to me, “Signor Don Juan Osorio, if I mistake not, means to -make this chain more expensive to some other person that it has been to -him?” “That is by no means impossible,” replied I, and with that -praiseworthy intention I immediately carried it to a skilful goldsmith, -who in a few days made me a chain of gold so exactly similar to mine, -that it was difficult to distinguish the one from the other.</p> - -<p>At length I left Milan, carrying with me these two articles of -jewellery, as well as all the feathers I had plucked out of Signor -Plati’s wings. I gave out at the inn, previously to my departure, that I -was going to Venice; but instead of following that route, I took that to -Pavia. I stopped some time at this latter place, in order to make -preparations for my second journey to Genoa, which I had resolved upon -making if ever I found<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a>{159}</span> myself in a condition to appear before my -relations without making them blush. After some consideration I -determined to act the part of a Spanish Abbot returning from Rome. To -this effect I purchased some fine cloth, with which one of the most -famous tailors in Pavia made me a cassock and long cloak. To these I -added some black morocco shoes and silk stockings, and the rest of my -dress to correspond with that of a prelate. I desired Sayavedra to -provide himself with two large baggage trunks, and when all was ready I -set out in a litter conducted by a muleteer, with my squire on -horseback, a new valet on foot, and another muleteer who led a mule -laden with my goods. In this grand equipage was Genoa revisited by that -same Guzman whom it had seen six or seven years before in a situation -miserable enough.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a>{160}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLIII" id="CHAP_XLIII"></a>CHAP. XLIII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Of Guzman’s arrival at Genoa, and the gracious reception he met -with from his relations when they learnt who he was.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">We</span> went to lodge at the White Cross, which at that time was the best inn -in the place. It was already night, but as my squire had gone before us -to prepare the landlord to receive an Abbot of the first rank, I found -the house all in a bustle when I arrived. Some of the servants were at -the doors with flambeaux, and after Sayavedra had assisted me in -alighting from the litter, the master conducted me to the best apartment -in the house, from which a gentleman much more worthy to occupy it had -been turned out to make room for me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a>{161}</span></p> - -<p>The inn was at that time full of people of consequence, most of whom -were not a little curious to know who I was, and my new valet, well -instructed by Sayavedra, told all who questioned him that I was the -Abbot Don Juan de Guzman, son of a noble Genoese who had married at -Seville. I did not quit my chamber the first day, thinking it better to -affect the Abbot of consequence fatigued with his journey from Rome, and -to get every thing in readiness to shew myself at Genoa the next morning -in the character of a prelate. While I was employed in decorating myself -with this view, my faithful squire, who was assisting me, could not -refrain from saying, “I fear my dear master grows suspicious of me, -since he has not yet deigned to communicate the plan he has in -contemplation.” “No, my friend,” replied I, “thou hast always had my -confidence. If during our stay at Pavia I procured this new dress -without telling you my reasons, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a>{162}</span> was merely because it was not at -that time necessary that you should know them. But I will now satisfy -your curiosity; for so far from wishing to conceal my project from you, -I cannot execute it without your assistance.</p> - -<p>“I have already told you at Milan that my father, a noble Genoese, -married at Seville a lady of the house of Guzman, whence I took my name. -I have even related to you the history of my life at large; but I -believe I never once mentioned that adventure to you which has been the -cause of my forming the enterprise I am about to discover to you. You -must know that about seven years since I set out from Toledo in -tolerable good plight to visit my relations here in Italy; but I took so -little care of my money on the road, that I arrived at Genoa in a most -miserable condition. This did not, however, deter me from presenting -myself before several members of the family, and among others one of my -worthy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a>{163}</span> uncles, who received me so ill, or rather caused me to be -treated so cruelly, that I swore to be revenged on him if fortune ever -afforded me the opportunity. This oath I intend to keep now that it is -in my power; but the only vengeance that I am desirous of taking on my -relations is to rob them. With this view I have assumed the dress which -so much surprises you. Besides that it inspires respect; it appears to -me more calculated than any other to disguise my features from those who -saw me before; the alteration that time has made in them not being so -great but that I should be in fear of being recognized. Let us prepare -then, my dear Sayavedra, to play off some of our best tricks in our -family, to which I am incited not only by a just resentment, but by -interest also.” My confidant made answer, that I had only to give my -commands, and he would not fail to follow my instructions. We consulted -together what was best to be done, and proceeded as follows.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a>{164}</span></p> - -<p>The second morning after my arrival I dressed myself out in my cassock -and long cloak, and when I looked in the glass I scarcely knew myself. -Without any vanity I did not look amiss. If I had not possessed the -talent which I did to imitate all sorts of persons, I had seen at Rome -so many fine models of Abbots of consequence, that I could not possibly -have failed. I soon made myself master of some of their best airs: I -learnt how to draw my chin down to my neck with good effect; to assume a -grave and austere carriage; hold up my cassock and cloak just high -enough to exhibit one leg which was not ill-made, with the silk stocking -and handsome shoe; to carry my hat in a manner equally genteel and -modest; to look at people with a peculiarly absent air, and to modulate -properly the tones of my voice in speaking to them. I possessed this -knowledge perfectly well in theory, and now was the time that I should -shew<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a>{165}</span> the city that I was as able to practise it. My major-domo -Sayavedra followed with my lackey, both very appropriately equipped. I -was stared at with the curiosity that a stranger generally excites, and -many made most profound bows to me, or rather to my fine dress; for one -is treated in the world according to the appearance one makes. Let even -Cicero present himself ill-dressed, and he would pass for a college -servant at the highest.</p> - -<p>I continued walking for above an hour, acknowledging the respectful -civilities I received like an Abbot who was accustomed to them. After -which I returned to the inn, where the landlord immediately informed me -that dinner was ready, and asked if I had any objection to some persons -of quality dining at the same table. I answered that it would afford me -pleasure. Having descended into the dining room, four gentlemen arrived -immediately and saluted me with respect. I returned the compliment very<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a>{166}</span> -politely, and dinner being served up, I took the seat of honour, and -then requested the gentlemen to seat themselves at table. The -conversation was at first serious on my account. I remarked this, and -enlivened it myself, and to let these gentlemen see that I was not the -devil, though dressed in black, I related two or three jocular stories, -which soon excited the rest to follow my example.</p> - -<p>They were usually in the habit of amusing themselves at play after -dinner, and sometimes also after supper. They played high, but very -honourably. I passed an hour in looking over them, after which I -retired. They would have been much pleased if I had taken a fancy to -play with them, thinking me a rich Abbot rather than a skilful gamester, -though they ought to have known that there are a good many keen hands -even among the clergy. I did not choose to satisfy their desire so soon, -whatever longing I had for it. On the contrary,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a>{167}</span> I professed a -repugnance for play, and it was not until we became more familiar -together, that I could be brought to join them, and then I pretended to -yield to their pressing entreaties out of pure complaisance. I played -only a short time, and for very small stakes, without employing -Sayavedra, or exerting my own skill. Thus what I lost was a mere trifle, -and I never pocketed what I won. Sometimes I left it to pay for the -cards, and at others distributed it among the servants. This conduct -acquired me the reputation of generosity, whence it happened that -whatever person chanced to drop in after dinner to look at us playing, -generally crowded round me in the hope of receiving some ducats.</p> - -<p>One day, having won about forty pistoles, I took up five and twenty of -them, and left the remainder for those who stood about me. Then turning -towards a captain of a galley, who was among the interlopers, I said to -him in a low<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a>{168}</span> voice, slipping the money which I held in my hand into -his: “You have been too long in Spain to be ignorant that a gentleman -who has looked over the game and taken an interest in the fortune of any -particular player, never refuses any little token of gratitude that may -be offered him on that account.” He appeared somewhat confused by this -behaviour; but there are times in this life, as is said, when one -pistole is worth a thousand. My officer’s pocket was just at this time -so completely drained, that the pleasure of seeing this sudden shower of -gold, overcame his shame. In spite of his poverty however, I doubt -whether he was more sensible of the benefit than of the manner in which -it was conferred. I completely gained his heart. This he made several -attempts to assure me of, but I interrupted him by engaging him to talk -of his own pursuits. I even requested him to do me the honour to dine -and sup with me<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_169" id="page_169"></a>{169}</span> occasionally, for he did not usually dine at our inn; -and in taking leave of him I requested his friendship.</p> - -<p>This captain was a man of merit, of good understanding, and agreeable -person, and as he was known to be a very honest man, he was received in -the best companies, where he made as good an appearance as his limited -income as a captain of a galley would permit. He was fond of gaming; and -though extremely unlucky at it, he could never restrain himself while a -crown remained in his pocket. In addition to this he was much addicted -to women, which alone would have been sufficient to have ruined him had -he been ever so rich. He called himself Favello, a name which a lady -whom he had formerly loved had bestowed on him, and which he had ever -since gone by, in remembrance of her. He told me the history of his life -a few days after, which I could not hear without sighing, so forcibly -did it recall to my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_170" id="page_170"></a>{170}</span> mind my amour at Florence. The good qualities of -this captain, however, were not the only cause of all my politeness to -him; for I knew that the galleys would soon sail for Barcelona, and -intending as I did to profit by this opportunity of returning to Spain, -after having robbed my honest relations, the friendship of Captain -Favello was likely to be too useful to me, to neglect to acquire it.</p> - -<p>No sooner was I up the next morning, than he called to tender his -services, and to invite me to take a sail with him on the water: which I -gladly accepted. I was conducted after dinner to his galley, where I was -received with all the honors that the Pope or the Doge of Genoa could -have expected. We left the harbour to admire the fine pleasure-houses -along the sea shore, which form a most charming spectacle. Our officer, -who was a Genoese by extraction, and spoke freely whatever he thought, -did not content himself with naming the proprietors,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_171" id="page_171"></a>{171}</span> but added their -characters also. Among those whom he spared the least, he chanced to -mention one of my relations. I began to laugh: “Softly, Mr. Captain,” -said I, “I ask quarter for this last gentleman, for you know that I am -one of his family.” “Of his family?” cried he, with surprise mingled -with confusion, “How can that be?” “I will tell you,” replied I; “my -father was a noble Genoese, but having become a bankrupt to a large -amount, was obliged to pass over into Spain. He settled at Seville, -where he established his affairs by marrying a lady of the house of -Guzman, which name I bear preferably to my own, for two reasons; first, -to secure to myself a succession which might otherwise have escaped me; -and, secondly, because being at least as much the son of my mother as my -father, I thought myself entitled to make choice of which ever of their -two names would confer most honour on me.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_172" id="page_172"></a>{172}</span></p> - -<p>“You perhaps imagine,” said Favello, “that you are speaking of -circumstances with which I am not at all acquainted; but you are -mistaken. I am particularly intimate with two of your cousins, who have -more than once conversed with me respecting your father. They have told -me that he was a shrewd intelligent man: that he was taken prisoner by -an Algerine Corsair, and that after having recovered his liberty through -the love which a lady at Algiers conceived for him, he went to Seville -in search of his correspondent, where he captivated a lady of quality -and married her. You are then the son of that illustrious house?” “At -your service,” replied I, smiling again. “Know then,” continued he, -“that Signor Don Bertrand, your father’s eldest brother, is full of -years, still unmarried, and one of the richest nobles in Genoa.” “You -tell me what I was ignorant of,” said I; “for I have never seen him, and -my mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_173" id="page_173"></a>{173}</span> never had any correspondence with him.” “I am surprised,” -said he, “that you have not already made yourself known to him. Your -relations are certainly of great consequence in this country, and I know -not what should prevent your seeing them.” “What would you have me do?” -answered I; “would you have me announce my name before people who do not -know me, and who will naturally be apt to discredit what a man says who -has only his own word as a security. No no, I stand in no need of their -acquaintance, for I want nothing of them. Let us remain as we are. -Though they should know that I am here, as a stranger, it is not for me -to make the first advances.” “You are right,” said Favello, “but allow -me to call and apprise them to-morrow morning of your arrival. I am -persuaded that I shall no sooner have informed them than they will -behave with proper attention towards you.” “You are a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_174" id="page_174"></a>{174}</span> man of prudence -and good understanding,” replied I, to the captain, “and may therefore -do what you think best. Only recollect to put no restraint on their -inclinations, for it is by no means my wish to intrude myself on their -acquaintance.”</p> - -<p>While we were conversing in this manner, Favello had a very handsome -collation of the best fruits and sweetmeats served up, which he had -prepared on purpose for me, and on which he must have expended the -greater part of the pistoles I had presented him with. We still -continued to talk together, and the officer, who was perfectly well -acquainted with my uncle and cousins, told me so many particulars -relating to them, that I soon knew almost as much of their affairs as my -own. Night coming on obliged us to re-enter the harbour, where we left -the galley, and I took the captain home with me to my inn, where we -supped with the gentlemen<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_175" id="page_175"></a>{175}</span> who lodged there. After supper these -gentlemen invited me to play a game with him, saying they had not -forgotten the forty pistoles I had won of them the preceding day, and -that it was but just I should give them their revenge. I consented; and -feeling myself in good cue for playing, I said to Favello: “At least Mr. -Captain, you will recollect we go halves this time.” He replied with a -smile, that he thought me so lucky, that he should be proud to be my -partner. Fortune favoured me from the very commencement to the end of -the game. I won a hundred pistoles, which I divided with the captain. -This was the more agreeable to him as it did not hurt his pride. Thus I -gained his friendship by degrees, so that he could not possibly refuse -me the favour I expected of him.</p> - -<p>He did not fail to keep his promise of going the next day to my -relations to announce to them the arrival of the Abbot<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_176" id="page_176"></a>{176}</span> Don Guzman at -Genoa. You will readily imagine that he gave them a fine account of my -person, merit, and generosity, for in the afternoon of the same day they -called at the inn, completely dressed out for the occasion. My -major-domo, to whom I had given my instructions, met them at the door, -and conducted them to my apartment where I received them with a grave -face, but with much civility. At first there came only two, both -children of a senator who had been dead five or six years, and who was -one of my father’s brothers. A third next made his appearance, the son -of a sister of my father’s, still living. They loaded me with -compliments, and made an offer of their house, credit, and purse, -because Sayavedra had given them to understand that I wanted neither. If -nothing else could convince them that I was a very rich abbot, what they -observed in my apartment was sufficient to impress them with that -opinion of me. I had taken<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_177" id="page_177"></a>{177}</span> care to spread negligently on the table my -gold chain, various other jewels, and the Milan casket with the lid -open, in which their sharp eyes doubtless espied part of the pistoles it -contained.</p> - -<p>My uncle, who was the chief of the family, came last. It was -particularly to him that I owed a grudge. He supported himself on a -large stick, and seemed to walk with difficulty. I could no longer -discern that venerable appearance, which had pleased me so much when I -first saw him; on the contrary, my blood seemed to curdle at the sight -of this malicious old ape, who, with his assistant sham devils had -amused himself so cruelly at my expence. In spite of these painful -recollections, however, I failed not to receive him more graciously than -my cousins, who, shortly after taking their leave, left us alone -together. The old gentleman began by assuring me of his extreme joy at -the sight of the son of a brother who had ever been dear to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_178" id="page_178"></a>{178}</span> him; then -surveying me from head to foot, he declared that I was very like my -father, and that he felt proud of a connexion so likely to do honour to -the family. He then complained that I had not ventured to take up my -lodging with him, where I should have found apartments more suitable -than any at an inn, for a man of my rank and character. I thanked him -very politely, and told him that my cousins also had made an offer of -their house, but that I had declined such an accommodation, being very -unwilling to inconvenience any of my relatives during the short stay I -should make at Genoa, whither I had come merely to ascertain the -condition of the family, as much for my own satisfaction, as for that of -my mother, who had desired to be kindly remembered.</p> - -<p>These last words presented an opportunity to Don Bertrand to make -inquiries respecting my mother and her children. I replied that I was -her only son, and it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_179" id="page_179"></a>{179}</span> had almost escaped me that I had two fathers; but -I restrained my tongue in time, and praised my mother up to the skies. -My uncle, impatient to relate to me what I knew quite as well as him, -interrupted my eulogium, saying: “I must tell you, my dear nephew, an -adventure which happened to us six or seven years ago. A little rascal -made his appearance in Genoa half naked. He ran about the streets -telling all those who were fools enough to listen to him, that he was -the son of your father; and this young beggar, who could not be mistaken -for any thing but what he was, flattered himself that some of our family -would be weak enough to believe him on his word, and humane enough to -have compassion on his misery. I threw myself in his way with the -intention of being revenged on him for the discredit he brought upon the -family, and I was fortunate enough to meet him. I allured him into my -house by soft words, and by<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_180" id="page_180"></a>{180}</span> promising that I would the next day -introduce him to a gentleman who would not fail to be of service to him. -When I got him home, I put some questions to him, which soon convinced -me that he was a little scape grace. I accordingly determined that he -should be punished for his presumption, and perceiving that he was dying -with hunger, I sent him to bed without any supper in a magnificent -chamber, where I caused him to be tormented all night long by certain -devils in masks, who tossed him in a blanket to his heart’s content.”</p> - -<p>In relating this story to me the old rascal laughed with all his might, -and it was with the greatest difficulty that I could restrain the rage I -felt. I however, managed to dissemble, and forcing a sort of grin, I -agreed with him that the adventure was comical enough. “All that I -regret,” continued my uncle, “is, that he disappeared the next morning, -and is still at large. Could I have secured<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_181" id="page_181"></a>{181}</span> him, it was my intention to -have inflicted a much severer punishment on him for his presumption, in -daring to assert that he bore any affinity to our family.” After this -declaration I changed the subject, and a quarter of an hour after the -old gentleman took his leave, and I accompanied him to the street door, -paying him all the respect due to my father’s elder brother.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLIV" id="CHAP_XLIV"></a>CHAP. XLIV.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman gives a grand entertainment to his relations, and makes -them pay pretty handsomely for it.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">After</span> dinner I desired Sayavedra to go out and purchase four good trunks -of the same size. While he was gone on this commission, Favello called -upon me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_182" id="page_182"></a>{182}</span> to give me an account of the conversations he had with my -relations respecting me, and he assured me all the family were charmed -with my person, especially Signor Don Bertrand my uncle. This good old -man, continued he, says that he almost fancied that it was his dear -brother he saw and heard speak, so much was he struck with your -resemblance to your father; that he regretted to find that you had -embraced the ecclesiastical life, and should propose to you to throw off -your cassock and marry one of your nieces on the mother’s side; and that -though this young lady had no property of her own, it was his intention -to provide well for her, she being his particular favourite. In -conclusion, the Captain protested to me, that my uncle had conceived a -great regard for me. All this, however, did not in the least deter me in -my intentions towards him.</p> - -<p>I went to return the visit the next morning, first to Don Bertrand, who, -in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_183" id="page_183"></a>{183}</span> the conversation which we had together, took occasion to observe, -that he thought that an only son, as I was, ought rather to think of -keeping up the family name than to consecrate myself to a state of life -which deprived the family of one of its best branches. I might have -answered, that he, having always been a bachelor, had himself wronged -the family quite as much as if he also had embraced the ecclesiastical -life. He then named the lady whom he had selected for my wife. To amuse -him, I pretended not to be much averse to his wishes, and made an end of -my visit by requesting his company to dine with me the next day. He -pressed hard to be excused on account of his great age; but when I -represented to him that none but relations would be of the party except -Captain Favello, the common friend of the family, he allowed himself to -be prevailed on, and promised to come, that I might be convinced, as he -was pleased to say, of the great regard<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_184" id="page_184"></a>{184}</span> he felt for a nephew whom -Heaven had sent him. After this I visited my cousins, one after another, -and they all promised to join the party. Nothing was now necessary but -to prepare a magnificent dinner for them. My landlord told me to leave -this to him, and he would undertake that my guests should be handsomely -provided for.</p> - -<p>My major-domo, who returned home while I was speaking to the landlord, -told me that he had purchased four trunks as I desired. I looked at -them, and was well pleased. He asked me what I intended to do with them. -I told he had only to follow me, and he would soon know. I ordered him -to take our casket under his arm, and conducted him to the shop of one -of the richest goldsmiths in Genoa, whom I requested to lend me for -about twenty-four hours a rich service of silver plates and dishes, in -consideration of an honest profit, and depositing the value of the plate -in his hands. The goldsmith<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_185" id="page_185"></a>{185}</span> agreed to the proposal; we agreed as to the -sum I should pay him for the loan: and, choosing the service I liked -best, I deposited nine thousand franks with the goldsmith by way of -security. After which, I desired Sayavedra to fetch the two trunks, put -the plate in them himself, and have them carried home; which he did -accordingly.</p> - -<p>All my relations assembled at my lodgings the next day. My landlord, who -piqued himself on being an excellent cook, gave us a specimen of his -ability in the difficult art of making ragouts, which he served up in so -delicious a style, that my cousins, and even my uncle, confessed that -they had never eaten better. If they had not expected such excellent -fare, how much more were they surprised when they saw the sideboard set -out with elegant plate, and the plates and dishes of the same metal. -They could not help observing, that a traveller ran great risk in -carrying such a service<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_186" id="page_186"></a>{186}</span> of plate about with him, and particularly in -Italy, where thieves so plentifully abound. The good Don Bertrand, who -had made the same reflections at sight of the display of silver, -applauded their opinion. “It is your own fault, my nephew,” cried he; -“you might easily have avoided living at an inn in a city where you have -so many relations. I grant you that this is the best inn in Genoa; but -that signifies nothing. You are yet young, and I, having had more -experience, would caution you against trusting to the goodness of the -locks or padlocks on your trunks, because either the landlord, landlady, -their children, or servants, always keep two or three keys to every room -in their house. If you believe me in this respect,” continued he, “since -you refuse to take up your residence at my house, you will at least send -your plate and jewels thither, where they would be in safety until your -departure, were there a million of gold.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_187" id="page_187"></a>{187}</span></p> - -<p>I thanked my uncle for his obliging anxiety; and pretending that I had -no fear of being robbed, I told him, that when I set out for Rome, I had -taken the precaution of leaving my most valuable effects in the hands of -our Ambassador, and that in respect to the plate, although it was -troublesome to a traveller, I was not sorry that I had brought it with -me, as in case of necessity I could sell it much more easily than -jewels. All the family seemed to acquiesce in this reason; and as I -mentioned the Ambassador, my cousins began to speak of that minister. -They said that they had seen him as he passed through Genoa on his road -to Rome. Upon which, to convince them that I stood well with his -Excellence, I shewed them the portrait he had presented me with. This -was quite sufficient to persuade them of the Ambassador’s great esteem -and friendship for me.</p> - -<p>Don Bertrand, still harping upon the danger of keeping my plate at an -inn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_188" id="page_188"></a>{188}</span> returned once more to the charge, and I was obliged to quiet his -apprehensions by promising that I would have it all packed in the two -trunks in which I told him I usually locked it up, and send it to his -house immediately after dinner. We changed the subject, and began to -converse on my intended marriage. My uncle, addressing himself to me, -said, that I ought to think seriously of marrying in my youth, and not -to defer it to a more advanced age, to have the agonies of leaving -orphan children behind me. He then represented to me all the -disagreeables of an ecclesiastical life, and concluded his harangue by -enlarging on the perfections of the young lady whom he wished me to -marry. She is my niece by the mother’s side, added he; of noble blood, -and of ample beauty to make up for the deficiency of her fortune; -besides which, she has a mother who will cherish as the apple of her -eye, both you and your children.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_189" id="page_189"></a>{189}</span></p> - -<p>As the old buck seemed so determined on this marriage, I thought it more -prudent not to profess myself averse to his wishes. “You are so -persuasive,” said I, “my dear uncle, that you have already destroyed my -taste for an ecclesiastical life; and I feel convinced that I shall be -perfectly happy in receiving a wife from your hands. Permit me, however, -to represent to you, that I already enjoy a benefice of ten thousand -crowns a year, and am in daily expectation of fifteen thousand, which -some relations of my mother, who have great influence at court, have -given me hopes of. It will be most gratifying for me, should I attain my -wishes, to have those two handsome presentations to bestow on the -children of my cousins.” They all approved highly of my resolution, and -gave me a thousand thanks in anticipation of the honour I intended them. -Towards the end of the repast, Don Bertrand asked Captain Favello if he -had received any orders for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_190" id="page_190"></a>{190}</span> his departure. “Yes,” answered he, “and we -must set sail in three days for Barcelona. We are already very busy in -shipping our goods.” I was overjoyed at this news, which informed me -that I had no time to lose. As soon as dinner was over, I ordered my -major-domo aloud, to lock up my plate and casket, and carry them himself -to my uncle’s house. The room was cleared in less than an hour, and in -the presence of my relations, whilst I kept up the conversation with -them. I insisted on accompanying my uncle, where I had the satisfaction -of seeing, not the two trunks full of my plate, but two similar ones -that we had filled the evening before with bags of sand of nearly the -same weight, and which Sayavedra had very dexterously exchanged.</p> - -<p>It was not possible to have made a better beginning: I continued as -successfully. Captain Favello returned at night to the inn; he told me -that he regretted<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_191" id="page_191"></a>{191}</span> the precipitate departure of the galleys, which would -so soon deprive him of my agreeable society. “It is by no means -certain,” said I, “that we shall so soon separate. We may possibly be -longer together than you imagine.” He reflected a moment on what I said, -and then asked me if I had really any idea of returning to Spain. “Yes,” -answered I; “for know, that it was not so much the pleasure of seeing my -relations that brought me to Genoa as the desire to be revenged for an -affront offered me by a Genoese who was my rival at Rome. This I tell -you,” added I, “having found you to be a man of prudence and discretion, -in whom I may confide.” Nothing further was necessary to engage Favello -in my service. “Tell me the name,” said he, with enthusiasm, “of the -rascal who has insulted you, and I ask but four and twenty hours to -fully satisfy your vengeance.” “Captain,” replied I, “I am much indebted -to you for taking up<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_192" id="page_192"></a>{192}</span> my cause so warmly; and were I in want of an -avenger I could not have a better champion than yourself. But you judge -ill of me if you think that I want either strength or courage to avenge -myself. I know where my gentleman lodges, and my blow is sure. All that -I have to request of you is, to allow my baggage to be conveyed -privately on board your galley, on the eve previous to her sailing. I -have more reasons than one for wishing that even my relations may be -ignorant of my departure, and entreat you therefore to keep it secret.”</p> - -<p>“As to that,” replied the officer, “depend upon me.” Then alluding again -to my affair of honour, “you cannot imagine,” continued he, “how -mortified I feel, that my services should be refused in the only -opportunity that I may have of testifying my zeal for you!” He said this -with such apparent concern, that I embraced and endeavoured to console -him by saying, “that he would have<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_193" id="page_193"></a>{193}</span> many opportunities in the course of -our voyage of manifesting his friendship towards me.” With similar -mutual expressions of friendship towards each other, we parted. The -first thing I did the next morning was, to send back all the plate to -the goldsmiths by my men, who brought me in return my pistoles which -were there in pledge. Scarcely had I deposited them in safety again, -when one of my cousins called upon me to say that my uncle Don Bertrand -expected me to dine with him the next day. I did not fail to accept of -this invitation, and found the whole family assembled when I arrived at -his house. We sat down to table in good spirits, and our conversation -was lively. Before dinner was over, my major-domo, as I had previously -desired him, entered the parlour, and coming up to me with a note in his -hand, “Colonel Don Antonio,” said he, “has just been to inquire for you -at the inn, and not finding you there, has charged me to deliver<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_194" id="page_194"></a>{194}</span> this -letter.” I opened it without ceremony, and took great pains to read it -so loud that my uncle, who sat very near me, might hear every word. It -ran thus:</p> - -<p>“I am to be married the day after to-morrow, and I shall fully -expect the pleasure of your company on the occasion. I shall never -forgive you if you refuse to join us. In addition to this, I have -another favour to beg of you: you have often shown me some -excellent jewels of your mother’s; I beseech you to lend them to -me. My mistress has not dared to bring her own to this country with -her. We request them for two days only, and promise to take great -care of them. I flatter myself that you will confer this obligation -on your friend,</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Don Antonio de Mendoza</span>.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>After having read this letter, I assumed a troubled and mortified air; -and having reflected for some time, I said to Sayavedra: “You do not, of -course, know the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_195" id="page_195"></a>{195}</span> purport of this epistle. Don Antonio requests the loan -of my jewels, to decorate his intended wife on the day of their -marriage. You well know,” continued I, “that I left all my diamonds at -the Ambassador’s at Rome. Lose no time then in informing the Colonel, -that I am much vexed that it is not in my power to oblige him.” “I fear, -Sir,” replied the major-domo, “he will think it a mere evasion, and that -you refuse him.” “He will do me great injustice by such a thought,” -replied I; “sooner, therefore, than risk the possibility of such an -idea, I would hire some jewels. I should imagine that if I place good -security in the hands of some jeweller, he would be glad for a very -trifling consideration to lend me what I want for two or three days.” -“Who can doubt that,” said my uncle? “But why,” continued he, “need you -be at the expence of hiring what you may have for nothing? Do you -suppose that we have not as fine jewels as you can<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_196" id="page_196"></a>{196}</span> procure elsewhere; -and are we not disposed to oblige you in any way? Your relations will -take pleasure in obliging this or any friend of yours.” “Mendoza is -certainly one of my best friends,” cried I; “he is a man of quality, who -was very serviceable to me at Rome, and to whom I am indebted for my -introduction to the Spanish Ambassador. The Colonel, whose regiment is -at Milan, has won the heart of a rich widow in that city, who, in -opposition to the wishes of some of her relations, has consented to -espouse him. They are come hither, therefore, to solemnize their -marriage. He is a man of the nicest honour, to whom I should not be -under the slightest apprehensions in lending jewels to the value of -100,000 franks.” “Be he what he may,” interrupted Don Bertrand, “since -he has expressed a wish to see his wife decorated with diamonds, he -shall have that satisfaction.”</p> - -<p>Overjoyed that he bit the hook so<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_197" id="page_197"></a>{197}</span> greedily, I told him with transport: -“Really, my dear uncle, you are too generous, and I ought to be -apprehensive of intruding too much upon your goodness.” “No compliments, -my dear nephew,” replied he, with precipitation; “I will lend you my -diamonds with all my heart. To convince you, I will this moment go and -choose some of the finest for your use.” Thus saying, he rose from table -and went to his closet, whence he returned, and put into my hands a case -containing jewels to the amount of from 7 to 8,000 franks. My three -cousins seeing the old gentleman treat me in this kind manner did not -wish to be thought less generous than he. They all promised to lend me -some, and sure enough they brought me the next morning jewels to nearly -the same amount. The most avaricious of the three came last, and in the -course of a very long chat contrived to turn the conversation upon my -benefice. He gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_198" id="page_198"></a>{198}</span> me to understand that if I was so well off as to wish -to dispose of it, and would be inclined to resign it in favour of one of -his own children, in preference to either of his cousins, a present of a -hundred pistoles should accompany his thanks. I made answer, “that his -eldest son having the advantage over all the other children in respect -to age, certainly appeared to me the most proper to succeed to my -benefice; but that having obtained it for nothing, I should resign it on -the same terms, not being a man to make such sort of bargains.” I -perceived plainly that this answer did not by any means displease him.</p> - -<p>Just at this moment Sayavedra entered the room, having under his arm a -small casket containing my gold chain: “Do you still wish,” said he, -“that I should go where you desired me?” “You ought to have been there -and back again ere this,” replied I. “Recollect only, before you apply -to a goldsmith,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_199" id="page_199"></a>{199}</span> to make inquiry in the neighbourhood as to his -respectability. You will then get my chain weighed, and return to tell -me its exact weight.” Though my cousin had already seen this chain, he -requested to look at it again, and admired extremely both the -workmanship and the fineness of the gold. Then, turning to Sayavedra, -“My friend,” said he, “tell my servant, whom you will find below, to -accompany you to a goldsmith’s who lives hard by, and who will tell you -conscientiously the value of the chain.” “My squire was soon back.” I -inquired “how much the goldsmith valued it at.” “Six hundred and -fifty-five crowns,” answered Sayavedra. “Well then,” said I, “just -return and request the loan of six hundred upon it, which I will repay -him in three days, with whatever he may demand for interest.” “Honest -man as he is,” said my cousin, “he will make no scruple of taking three -per cent, for three days as well as for six months, saying that it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_200" id="page_200"></a>{200}</span> -makes no difference to him. I regret much,” continued he, “that I do not -happen at this moment to have sufficient ready money at hand myself; but -I know a man of probity who will be satisfied with only two per cent.”</p> - -<p>This man of probity was no other than himself, who, notwithstanding that -he hoped to obtain a good benefice for nothing, rejoiced at the -opportunity of depriving the goldsmith of this little profit. I failed -not to assure this good cousin that he would much oblige me by getting -it done for me. “Not that I am in great distress for money,” said I, “as -you may see. At the same time I drew from my pocket two large purses -full of pistoles, which I showed to him. It is merely by way of -precaution that I wish to put my chain in pledge; for as we shall play -very high at the wedding of my friend the colonel, I do not like to be -at all short of money.” My cousin assured me, “that in two hours at -furthest, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_201" id="page_201"></a>{201}</span> six hundred crowns should be at my service.” Then taking -the casket out of Sayavedra’s hand, I opened it for an instant, just -that my cousin might see that the chain was in it, and after having shut -it again, delivered it to his servant, who returned in about an hour -with the six hundred crowns.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for my worthy cousin, my major-domo, in bringing the -casket back from the goldsmith’s under his cloak, had dexterously drawn -out the gold chain, and substituted a brass one in its stead.</p> - -<p>Favello came to sup with me at night. He told me it was time for me to -strike my blow, for that I must sleep on board the next night, as the -galleys were to sail before day-break the following morning. “<span class="lftspc">’</span>Tis -well,” answered I; “my business shall be settled in less than four and -twenty hours’ time, and I will not fail to be on board by to-morrow -evening. If you will assist me by sending<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_202" id="page_202"></a>{202}</span> some of your people about -midnight for my boxes, my departure will be more secret.” The captain -promised this, and took his leave of me shortly after. We passed almost -the whole of the next day in getting every thing in readiness for our -departure. We packed up our best effects in our two largest boxes, and -filled with rags the counterparts of those which my honoured uncle kept -in his closet for me with such pious care. A quarter of an hour before -midnight, four of captain Favello’s men conveyed our two largest boxes -on board, leaving our two others to satisfy my landlord, whom I desired -Sayavedra to tell not to be anxious on my account, for that I was going -to sup at a friend’s, where I might very likely pass the whole night at -play. We at length got safe on board our captain’s galley. He had been -rather uneasy at my being so late, and asked me the first thing, how my -affair of honour had terminated. “My revenge is satisfied<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_203" id="page_203"></a>{203}</span> to my heart’s -content,” replied I. “I rejoice at it extremely,” said he; “for I must -acknowledge that I was beginning to be a little anxious for your safety, -the result of such an enterprise being always uncertain.”</p> - -<p>Favello had caused a little chamber to be fitted up for me, into which -he conducted me, and where I found my two boxes, and a table covered -with delicate meats. We sat down, and after partaking of a good supper, -lay down to take some repose. But our several cares kept us both awake. -For my part I was all night terribly alarmed lest some cursed contrary -wind should detain us in port, and afford my relations sufficient time -to gain information of my flight, and to obtain an order from the senate -to have me arrested. My fears, however, were groundless. At day-break I -heard a noise which announced to me that the galleys were on the point -of departure. I looked through a hole in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_204" id="page_204"></a>{204}</span> my chamber, and perceived with -joy that the whole crew had begun to ply their oars. We were soon out of -port; then taking advantage of the wind which was directly in our -favour, we spread our sails and were soon out of sight.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLV" id="CHAP_XLV"></a>CHAP. XLV.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman, after having robbed his relations, and re-embarked for -Spain, is in imminent danger of perishing at sea, and has the -misfortune to lose Sayavedra.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">We</span> had already doubled Cape Noli, when the captain informed me that if -the wind did not change for three days, we should have a most agreeable -voyage. We watered at Monaco, and the next<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_205" id="page_205"></a>{205}</span> morning, having put to sea -again with a favourable breeze, we reached the Isles of Hieres, where we -passed the night. The third day we anchored at Chateau d’If, in sight of -Marseilles, and the day following at Roses.</p> - -<p>I was congratulating myself on so fortunate a voyage, when my joy was -interrupted by word being brought me that Sayavedra had the -sea-sickness, and felt extremely ill. I ran to see him immediately, and -found that he had a very violent fever upon him. I was much afflicted at -it, but consoled myself with the idea that we should soon reach -Barcelona, where he should have every attention paid to him. The morning -of the fifth day dawned very differently to the preceding ones; the -clouds seemed lowering, and there was scarcely a breath of air stirring. -We still hoped, however, by dint of hard rowing, to sleep that night at -Barcelona. But we found our mistake two hours after. So furious<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_206" id="page_206"></a>{206}</span> a storm -arose, that our destruction appeared inevitable. In vain did we attempt -to make to land; the oar became quite useless, and we were obliged to -keep out to sea the whole of that night. What a night of horror was it -for us! Sometimes the sea raised its waves to the clouds, and at others, -opening its bosom, presented to our eyes the awful abyss by which we -were surrounded.</p> - -<p>Who in the midst of such a scene can attempt to paint the consternation -so evidently depicted on every countenance on board, and the various -indications of fear created by the dread of approaching death? Some -invoked the Saints most honoured in their own country; others offered -vows; some on their knees were addressing the most fervent prayers to -heaven in private, whilst others confessed their sins aloud, and -implored pardon of the Deity. Some few, though death was apparently -before their eyes, were still inquiring of the pilot whether<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_207" id="page_207"></a>{207}</span> all hopes -were at an end. He answered, that there was nothing to fear, and they -seemed as willing to trust this liar, as a father, who, seeing his only -son dying, eagerly gives credit to the quack who assures him of his -speedy recovery. For my part, like another Jonas, I was buried in a -profound reverie all this while, and believing myself the cause of this -dreadful storm, said within myself: Wretch, now wilt thou meet with the -punishment due to thee for having robbed thy relations. Of what service -will their gold be to thee? The sea will in a short time swallow up both -thyself and thy ill-gotten riches. For thyself, thou hast well deserved -it, and those only are to be pitied, who have been so unfortunate as to -embark in the company of a scoundrel who has incurred the vengeance of -heaven.</p> - -<p>With this impression, I awaited death with resignation. It was not so -near at hand, however, as we all imagined. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_208" id="page_208"></a>{208}</span> weather suddenly -changed, hope succeeded despair, and joy desolation. That night proved -fatal only to the unfortunate Sayavedra. This faithful follower, whose -brain was already turned by his fever, the violence of which was -increasing every moment, lost his reason entirely when he heard the -cries and lamentations which the fear of shipwreck excited in the -galley. My footman watched him that night, but dropping asleep from -fatigue, Sayavedra got up in one of his fits, which gave him new -strength, and threw himself from the side of the poop into the sea. The -soldier who was on guard heard something fall into the sea, and informed -the pilot of it. This made a great noise on board, and every one was -anxious to ascertain what it could be; and after half an hour’s search, -Sayavedra was found to be missing. No possible grief could be greater -than mine when I first learned this distressing news. No one has ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_209" id="page_209"></a>{209}</span> -wept more bitterly for a brother than I did for my dear Sayavedra. I was -inconsolable at his loss, and truly I had good reason to regret him. The -joy of all on board the next morning at finding the sea as calm as it -had been boisterous the preceding day, had but little effect on my -spirits, now that death had deprived me of my faithful servant and -companion.</p> - -<p>We entered the port of Barcelona towards noon. I had already prepared -Favello not to expect I should make a long stay in that city, having -told him after the storm, that I had made a vow to visit our Lady of -Montserrat the moment I landed, and that from thence I intended to -proceed to my mother’s at Andalusia. He could not oppose so pious an -intention; and besides, not being able to leave his galley that day, he -told me sadly, as I was taking leave of him, that in all probability we -should never see each other again, unless I intended to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_210" id="page_210"></a>{210}</span> stay the whole -of the next day in Barcelona. He then inquired where I should take up my -lodging; I named an inn which I knew, fully resolved, however, never to -go near it. Sensible of the great proofs of friendship I had received at -his hands, I embraced him tenderly at parting, and presenting him with a -ring worth a hundred pistoles, requested he would wear it for my sake. -He accepted it with tears in his eyes, fearing it was the last farewell, -and on my side, feeling myself too much affected, I hastened away, to -spare him the pain of reading in my looks the cause of our separation.</p> - -<p>My first care when I arrived at the inn where I caused my trunks to be -carried, was to have three good mules bought for my use. You may be sure -I paid dear for them; but this signified but little in my present -situation. In addition to the twenty-five thousand franks which I now -possessed, four<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_211" id="page_211"></a>{211}</span> thousand more had fallen to me by the death of my -companion in fortune. I hired also a muleteer who was well acquainted -with the roads, and we left the city the following morning as soon as -the gates were open. My impatience to leave Barcelona as soon as -possible may easily be conceived; a felucca might have arrived there, -with orders from my relations to arrest me. It was incumbent on me -therefore to be active. To so prudent a fear I added the precaution of -avoiding all the high roads, telling my followers, that as my sole -object in travelling was my own pleasure, it was my wish to reach the -Ebro as fast as possible; that, as I rode along its banks, I might be -gratified with a view of the charming landscapes on both sides of it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_212" id="page_212"></a>{212}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLVI" id="CHAP_XLVI"></a>CHAP. XLVI.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman, on his journey to Saragossa, makes acquaintance and falls -in love with a young Widow. Progress and conclusion of this new -passion.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I steered</span> clear of the high roads, for the reasons I have already told -you, and spurring on my mule through all the byeways towards the Ebro, -intending to coast it from thence to Saragossa, I travelled with as much -speed as fear. In three days we reached the banks of the river. My mind -became now more at ease; and I began to believe myself beyond the reach -of pursuit, and to congratulate myself on my riches, without reflecting -that I was travelling through a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_213" id="page_213"></a>{213}</span> country in which there were as many -robbers as in Italy. I had taken the precaution, however, to purchase -two firelocks in Barcelona, with which I armed my footman and the -muleteer. In addition to this, I concealed my jewels about me so -cautiously, that no one could perceive them without stripping me.</p> - -<p>I shall pass over in silence, friendly reader, the adventures I met with -on the banks of Ebro, which are not worthy to be related, and proceed to -make you acquainted with one which fortune prepared for me between -Ossera and Saragossa. Night surprised me near a fine abbey, which I took -for a castle, and which I approached in the hope of obtaining a lodging; -but finding that a wretched village lay under it, I changed my opinion. -We stopped before a paltry hovel, at which a sign was suspended, and, -knocking loudly at the door, demanded admission. Nobody answered us<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_214" id="page_214"></a>{214}</span> at -first, but at length a country fellow appeared at one of the windows. -This was the landlord, who, having surveyed me from top to toe by the -light of a lamp which he held in his hand, began to laugh, saying, “Do -not waste any further time here, Signor Cavalier, my house is not fit to -receive you; go to the abbey, where you will meet with a hearty welcome, -and be more suitably entertained.” I answered the peasant, that I would -follow his advice, and, as we were ignorant of the road, requested him -to conduct us to the convent, at the same time slipping a few reals into -his hand, to add more efficacy to my entreaty.</p> - -<p>The monastery stood on an eminence, so that we were nearly half an hour -ascending it by a very rough road, which to me, who was already much -fatigued, was very distressing. Nevertheless, as there is nothing so -good as to be entirely free from unpleasantry, so neither is there any -thing so bad but has something<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_215" id="page_215"></a>{215}</span> agreeable to recommend it. The -inn-keeper informed me that this was a convent for nuns, all of whom -were ladies of quality; that it was one of the richest in Spain, and -received all strangers that passed through the village with hospitality. -I felt, without knowing wherefore, that this report pleased me; either -from reviving my natural predilection for the fair sex, or from a -presentiment of what would happen to me. When we reached the great gate -we rang several times before any body from within made answer. At length -a voice asked us, through the wicket, what we wanted. The inn-keeper, -who was known to the porter, told him, “that we were looking for -lodging; that he could not entertain us himself, and had, consequently, -conducted us to the abbey.” The muleteer added, by my orders, “that an -asylum was requested, for one night only, for a foreign nobleman, who -had lost his way travelling to Saragossa.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_216" id="page_216"></a>{216}</span></p> - -<p>The porter answered, “that the convent-gate was always shut at eight -o’clock, and that it was now nine; that, notwithstanding such was the -rule, he would go, from the consideration he naturally had for persons -of quality, and inform the lady abbess of my situation, and obey her -orders.” I was obliged to wait with patience at the gate for her answer. -The porter at length returned and informed us that the abbess could not -think of opening the gate at such an unseasonable hour to gentlemen -entirely unknown to her. This refusal vexed me extremely. I dismounted -from my mule, and advanced towards the wicket; and, speaking myself to -the porter, entreated him to return to the abbess, and tell her, on my -behalf, that if she knew the favour she would confer on me, in affording -me a retreat for that night, she would cease to be inexorable. The -porter told me, “it was to no purpose to persist in requesting what she -would never permit.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_217" id="page_217"></a>{217}</span> Not being able to influence the porter in my -favour by prayers, I offered a bribe, which he refused with disdain, and -shut the wicket in my face. I feared there was now no chance of sleeping -that night in the monastery, and, yielding to necessity, told my -servants to lead the three mules back again to the peasant’s; that, for -my own part, rather than be stived up in that wretched tavern, I felt -desirous to pass away a few hours where I was, in listening to the -murmuring of the Ebro.</p> - -<p>It was a lovely night. I strolled round the house, observing with an eye -of curiosity whatever I could discern by the light of the stars, which -shone extremely bright. I followed a sloping path which led me under a -balcony that commanded a view of the river. I sat down at the foot of a -tree opposite the balcony, which I considered attentively, supposing it -to be my lady abbess’s apartment. I could perceive a light, and shortly -after<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_218" id="page_218"></a>{218}</span> a confused noise of female voices struck my ear; then all of a -sudden a profound silence ensued, which was interrupted in its turn by a -Spanish song warbled by a very delicate voice. The singer seemed to -please her company exceedingly, and she was much applauded. Another lady -then sang an Italian air with which I was well acquainted, and was -equally complimented. So immoderate a desire then possessed me to amuse -the ladies with my melodious voice, that I could scarcely have the -patience to hear this song out. I was half inclined to sing the same -over again, for it was one of those for which I had been most applauded -at the Grand Duke’s concert at Florence. However, I was prudent enough -to spare the lady the mortification of the comparison; and having -remembered another air which had particularly pleased the Grand Duchess, -I chose that in its stead.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_219" id="page_219"></a>{219}</span></p> - -<p>Hoping thus agreeably to surprise these recluses by my fine voice, as -well as by the singularity of the adventure, I sang, and, when I had -finished the air, had the pleasure of hearing exclamations of -astonishment mingled with admiration. The glass-door of the balcony flew -open, and several ladies hurried forward in the hope of seeing who it -could be that sang so sweetly. I affected not to observe them, and, -after having paused a moment, began my air again. As soon as I ceased, I -could hear myself again applauded by the ladies, who, however, in the -hopes of being favoured with another, communicated their admiration only -in whispers. I perceived their design, and was malicious enough to -provoke them by remaining silent, without stirring from the spot. One of -the ladies, more impatient than the rest, then addressed me, saying, -“That one song from so charming a voice was but very insufficient for so -many ladies who were<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_220" id="page_220"></a>{220}</span> so passionately fond of music.” “<span class="lftspc">’</span>Tis too little,” -replied I in Italian, “for so many ladies, but far too much for a -pilgrim, to whom they have so cruelly refused shelter.”</p> - -<p>My answer excited great laughter, from which they supposed I was the -stranger who had requested to lodge in the abbey. “Signor Cavalier,” -cried one of them, “be not displeased at the refusal that was returned -you. It is a law established in this convent not to admit any strange -gentleman after eight o’clock in the evening; but your charming voice -has had such influence, that the lady abbess consents, for once, to -dispense with the regulation, and, unless you are so true a -knight-errant as to prefer passing the night on the banks of this river, -has just given order to open the gates to you.” I made answer, “that I -was rejoiced to learn that to obtain shelter from my lady abbess it was -only necessary to set my request to music.” This<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_221" id="page_221"></a>{221}</span> little trait of -raillery excited their laughter afresh, more especially as it was the -lady abbess herself to whom I was speaking. They were by no means -displeased with my apparent gaiety, and, as they wished to take a nearer -view of my figure, of which they could form but an indistinct idea where -I sat, they entreated me to walk in, telling me “that the lady abbess -would soon be reconciled to me.”</p> - -<p>At these words, to shew them that I desired nothing better than such an -invitation, I rose instantly, and bowing to the company in the most -respectful manner as I passed the balcony, I soon regained the -abbey-gate, where the porter met me, and, desiring me to follow him, -conducted me into a large and very elegant parlour. Here I was received -by the lady abbess and a secular lady; they were both seated on cushions -of violet-coloured damask, and six or seven nuns stood behind them. All -these ladies<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_222" id="page_222"></a>{222}</span> kept profoundly silent, and preserved an air of gravity -which would have disconcerted any other but myself; but I had so often -visited the grate at Rome, that I knew well what behaviour to adopt. I -accosted them, therefore, in a jocose manner, and some lucky sallies -which escaped me soon dissipated their affected gravity. I then -complained in so good-natured a manner of the law which forbids them to -admit strangers into the convent at night, that I soon succeeded in -amusing them.</p> - -<p>In the mean time a small table was laid out with some venison pasties, -wine, and sweetmeats. I needed no very pressing invitation to eat and -drink, for I acquitted myself like a hungry traveller as I was, not -forgetting, however, to whisper occasional compliments to the lady -abbess, as well as to the secular lady, whom I thought very handsome. -She had an air of youth and peculiar sprightliness, which rendered her -particularly<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_223" id="page_223"></a>{223}</span> engaging. Some of the nuns remarking that I admired her, -asked me if I did not think that their community had reason to be proud -of the acquisition of such a lady. This inspired me with a thousand -thoughts in her favour. I spoke nothing but Italian, and being dressed -also in the Italian fashion, I easily passed for one of that nation. -Such of the ladies as were acquainted with that language were so -condescending as not to speak to me in Spanish. When they perceived that -I had done eating, they contrived to turn the conversation on music, and -one and all entreated me to favour them with one of the newest Italian -airs. I consented willingly, and, animated by degrees, by the praises -bestowed on me at the end of each couplet, such a rage for singing -possessed me, that no sooner had I finished one song than I began -another. As to the company, and especially the secular lady, they were -so delighted to listen to me, that they seemed not to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_224" id="page_224"></a>{224}</span> have the least -thought of retiring, though it was already after midnight. I really -believe that day would have surprised us in the parlour, had not the -abbess, for the sake of preserving the <small>DECORUM</small> of a monastic life, -thought proper to put an end to a pastime so contrary to their -established regulations, by reminding the ladies that they were imposing -on my good nature. “Our guest,” said she, “cannot but be fatigued; -besides, you ought to reserve some pleasure for to-morrow. He will not, -I trust, think of departing before we have had the pleasure of seeing -him again.” This was a polite way of desiring me to sing no more; so -that, wishing the company good night, I joined the porter, who was -waiting at the parlour-door to conduct me to the apartment that was -prepared for me.</p> - -<p>I was not a little astonished in entering to find my servants there, -whom they had been kind enough to send for, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_225" id="page_225"></a>{225}</span> my baggage, and who -had been entertained like myself. I found also that even my three mules -had not been forgotten, and that, thanks to their master’s fine voice, -they had had a good bellyful of provender in the convent stables. The -chamber in which I lay, occupied my attention for some time. There was -in the furniture, although plain, a certain air of simplicity far -superior to magnificence; and my bed could not have been better prepared -even for the Archbishop of Saragossa. Having got into it, I told my -servants to follow the porter to their beds. I then called the muleteer -to me, who was no fool, and charged him to be sure to ascertain who the -secular lady was whom I had seen with the Lady Abbess. He acquitted -himself well of this commission: “Sir,” said he, when I rose the next -morning, “I have questioned one of the footmen respecting the lady of -whom you wish to know, and he has told me<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_226" id="page_226"></a>{226}</span> every particular without -hesitation. She is a widow, as he says, very rich, and of one of the -best families in Saragossa. She has many admirers; and among others, a -nephew of the Lady Abbess, a young man of about two and twenty at most, -wonderfully well made, and extremely handsome. Unless, however, I am -much mistaken,” added he, “my mistress is but very indifferent to his -addresses; while on the contrary my Lady Abbess, who has a great -affection for this unlicked cub, is most anxious to promote the match. -This is all,” said the muleteer, “that I have learnt from the footman; -but the porter has just informed me that this young widow, who arrived -at the abbey only an hour or two before you, intends to return home this -afternoon.”</p> - -<p>At the word widow, I sighed deeply. It brought to my recollection my -fair one at Florence, and I at first imagined that I was sighing for -her; but to say the truth,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_227" id="page_227"></a>{227}</span> I soon felt that my heart, less intent upon -the past than the present, was captivated by the charms of the widow of -Saragossa. I could no longer doubt it when I beheld her again in the -parlour, where the abbess, after mass was over, invited me. I appeared -there again with all the good humour of the preceding evening. There -were but three nuns with the abbess besides the object of my new -passion. The conversation soon became lively and facetious, and was by -no means damped by the arrival of several more of the most sprightly -nuns in the convent, who joined us soon after. My lovely widow, who -possessed a fund of wit, contributed her share, and I applauded, from -the bottom of my heart, every little repartee that escaped her lips. She -saw plainly that I was in admiration at every thing she said, and that I -distinguished her from the rest of the company, and she was evidently -not a little pleased by my attentions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_228" id="page_228"></a>{228}</span></p> - -<p>In the midst of our laughter, a servant announced to the abbess that Don -Antonio de Miras was on the stairs, which seemed to please her -extremely; for this was her dear nephew whom she wished to see united to -the beautiful widow. His aunt had sent him word the evening before, that -Donna Lucia (for that was my charmer’s name) was at the abbey, and he -could not of course neglect so favourable an opportunity of waiting upon -a lady whom he aspired to marry. The portrait that the muleteer had -given me of this young gentleman, was by no means flattering, for I -never beheld a handsomer cavalier. No woman ever so vain of her beauty -but might have been proud to have had such a face. Add to which he was -of a handsome figure, and had every appearance of a man of quality. His -dress, which was extremely elegant, added also to his prepossessing -appearance. I should certainly have died with jealousy at sight<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_229" id="page_229"></a>{229}</span> of such -a rival, had I not been previously informed that he was by no means -eminently gifted with understanding. This thought helped to support me -against such formidable disadvantages, and an observation which I -afterwards made emboldened me at least to dispute with him the heart of -Donna Lucia; for I perceived that this lady, so far from testifying any -joy at his arrival, seemed to look upon him with an eye of indifference, -and replied very coldly to all his compliments.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio and I at first looked at each other like two young cocks; -but as it was my interest to be on good terms with him, I loaded him -with compliments, and in less than an hour we were the best friends in -the world. When dinner hour arrived, the abbess caused two tables to be -laid in the parlour, one without the grate for her nephew and myself, -and the other within for the ladies. Our repast, which was fit for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_230" id="page_230"></a>{230}</span> the -first nobleman to sit down to, was seasoned with jests and anecdotes, -which amused us all exceedingly. More than half the afternoon was passed -away in the same agreeable manner.</p> - -<p>I talked, sang, laughed, and in short shewed that I could do any thing; -insomuch that the nuns, though accustomed to receive the visits of -gentlemen, assured me that they had never yet seen one possessing such a -fund of amusement. In the mean time the hour of separation drew nigh. It -was time for the fair widow to set off for Saragossa, if she hoped to -arrive there before night. She took leave, therefore, of the Lady Abbess -and the nuns, and ascended into her litter, which was in waiting for her -at the door. As it was my intention to accompany her, I had ordered my -equipage also to be in readiness. I vaulted nimbly on my mule, which cut -but a sorry figure by the side of Don Antonio’s hunter. Besides his -having one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_231" id="page_231"></a>{231}</span> finest horses in Spain, this young gentleman was an -experienced horseman, and before we started made his horse pass through -a thousand manœuvres with considerable grace. I was extremely -mortified that I could not by any means provoke my peaceable and stupid -mule to imitate him; my endeavours to make him caper a little, served -only to amuse the ladies who were observing us from the windows.</p> - -<p>The Don pranced on one side of the litter, and I trotted on the other, -for the sake of conversing with Donna Lucia on the road. We began, or -rather, I began to discourse with her, for young Miras took so little -part in the conversation, that he seldom went beyond a monosyllable, -contenting himself with showing off his elegant person on horse-back to -the best advantage. Knowing Don Antonio to be no great wit, I should -have been a greater simpleton than he, had I not availed myself of so -favourable an opportunity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_232" id="page_232"></a>{232}</span> Lucia asked me “if I intended to make a long -stay at Saragossa.” “That will depend on the pleasure in store for me at -that place,” replied I: “should my wishes be realized, I shall remain -there a considerable time.” A tender glance with which I accompanied -these words, spoke volumes. Lucia understood my meaning, and blushed -deeply; but her eyes informed me that she felt not offended, and I was -well pleased that I had hazarded this declaration, since it had not -proved disagreeable to her, nor excited the jealousy of Miras, to whom -it was a complete enigma.</p> - -<p>I was somewhat surprised that so young and lovely a person as Lucia, -should travel above a league from Saragossa, with a retinue consisting -only of a duenna, one lackey and a muleteer. I had yet to know the -privileges of widows in that country, where they enjoy unrestricted -freedom. Travelling with so feeble an escort they frequently expose<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_233" id="page_233"></a>{233}</span> -themselves to unexpected and unpleasant rencontres. Thus Donna Lucia, -though accompanied by two cavaliers and her own attendants, was somewhat -alarmed at a trifling adventure that befel us on our journey. We were -already half way to Saragossa, when we perceived at a distance a most -beautiful hunter, whose speed was equal to that of Bayarte or -Brigliador,<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> and who, galloping towards us, raised such a cloud of -dust that we could not at first distinguish who was the cavalier who -rode him; but no sooner could we discern him, than I fancied I saw the -furious Rolando before me, such fierceness was in his looks.</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> The names of two chargers famous in ancient romance; the -former belonged to Reynaldos de Montalvan, and the latter to Orlando -Furioso.—See the Octavo Edition of “Don Quixote, translated by Jarvis,” -vol. 2, page 329. <i>Trans.</i></p></div> - -<p>When he came up within ten or twelve paces of us, he stopped short to -look at<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_234" id="page_234"></a>{234}</span> me. My foreign dress attracted his attention, and he seemed -still more surprised at the familiar manner in which I was conversing -with the fair widow. He was himself one of this lady’s suitors, and -flattered himself with great hopes of winning her, relying upon the -opinion he imagined all the world must have of his bravery, to ensure -him success over all his rivals. Seeing then Don Antonio on one side and -me on the other, he rode most furiously between Miras and the litter, so -that he almost overturned the one and dismounted the other. The lady was -much alarmed at this insolent action, and told this bully in a rage, -that the road was wide enough to allow of his passing, without presuming -to insult persons who deserved more respect. He apologized to Lucia in a -tone and manner more insolent than the action itself.</p> - -<p>Miras, at the first impulse of his resentment, clapped his hands upon -his pistol, but whether from the fear of missing<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_235" id="page_235"></a>{235}</span> his aim, or from an -excessive respect towards his mistress, he did not venture further in an -engagement, for which, by the bye, he felt no great inclination. I -pitied his awkward situation, and felt much disposed to take up his -quarrel, thinking that this swaggerer was but a braggadocio. I -reflected, however, that I might find myself mistaken; and seeing that -the party most interested was not very forward in resenting the affront, -I was wise enough to refrain from taking up his cudgels. All that I -could do for him was, to request him to come to my side, and yield my -place to him, which offer he accepted willingly, quite indifferent as to -Lucia’s opinion of his courage in being obliged thus to quit his post. -Our blustering companion called himself Don Lucio de Ribera. He had been -informed that the beautiful widow had slept at the monastery the -preceding night, and intended to return this day. Accordingly he rode -from the city to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_236" id="page_236"></a>{236}</span> meet her, and offer his services to escort her home.</p> - -<p>No sooner did this fellow perceive that Don Antonio had resigned his -post, instead of thinking of maintaining it, than he took immediate -possession of it himself, and prepared to converse with the lady, who, -however, deceived his expectation; for, to mortify him, she answered not -a word to all he had to say. She deigned not even to look at him, -keeping her eyes and attention fixed on Miras and me. In this manner we -arrived at Saragossa, and conducted Donna Lucia to her house, where she -thanked me most politely for my attentions, adding, that she hoped that -the city had sufficient charms to detain me some time. She observed but -little ceremony towards the other two gentlemen, acknowledging their -civility with a slight bow only. I took no notice of the haughty Don -Lucio in parting, but paid a thousand compliments to Don Antonio, which -so<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_237" id="page_237"></a>{237}</span> much pleased him, that he insisted on accompanying me to the Angel, -a famous inn at the entrance of the town, and whither I had desired my -luggage to be conveyed. Here Miras took his leave of me, in terms which -convinced me that so far from suspecting me for a rival, he believed me -to be one of his best friends.</p> - -<p>I found my servant and muleteer at the inn, where they had engaged a -very commodious apartment for me, in which I supped alone. The landlord, -who was one of those inveterate jesters who abound with witticisms and -puns, joined me soon after, thinking I should be vastly entertained with -his company. He began the conversation by telling me all that was going -on in the town, the privileges of which he much extolled, not forgetting -to praise the spirit with which the inhabitants maintained those -privileges. I was not averse to listening to him, for in the midst of a -thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_238" id="page_238"></a>{238}</span> impertinences, a most excellent stroke of wit would -occasionally escape him, as is often the case with babblers like him. -When I had finished my supper, however, he ceased worrying me any longer -with his nonsense, made his bow, and was about to retire. Stop friend, -said I, be kind enough to desire a tailor to call upon me to-morrow -morning; I have some work to give him. The entrusting mine host with -this commission, furnished him with a new topic for conversation, and he -took occasion to enlarge upon the knavery of tailors in general, abusing -them as other people usually do. Nevertheless, after having railed at -them most vehemently as a body, he finished by assuring me, that he knew -one who knew how to behave himself to his customers, without cabbaging -an inch of their cloth, and who, he doubted not, would please me.</p> - -<p>He was as good as his word; for as soon as I was up the next morning, -he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_239" id="page_239"></a>{239}</span> introduced a tailor, who appeared to be by no means extravagant, and -who understood his business well. I gave orders for a Spanish habit, in -the fashion I wished it to be made, and he promised he would send it -home in three days, made in so fashionable a style as could not fail to -attract the admiration of every one. In the mean time, I wore the -Italian suit I had purchased at Florence, in which I cut a tolerable -good figure on the Corso, which is the place of resort for all the -fashionables at Saragossa, and where I was at least not ashamed to -appear as one of Donna Lucia’s suitors; but as soon as I made my -appearance amongst them in my new dress, I completely eclipsed them all, -not only from its elegance, but from the fine jewels with which I -thought proper to deck myself out. I was soon looked upon as the -favoured lover of the lady, whose attention I certainly attracted; for, -whether I accompanied her in her walks, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_240" id="page_240"></a>{240}</span> chanced to pass under her -balcony, she evidently distinguished me in preference to all my rivals. -The haughty Don Lucio could not conceal his envy of my happiness, and -darted the most furious looks at me. With the others I lived on -tolerable good terms, especially with Miras, who scarcely ever left me, -and procured me all the pleasure he could, by introducing me into the -most distinguished families in the city.</p> - -<p>Thus I found myself esteemed and honoured at Saragossa, where I was as -much in Lucia’s favour as I had been in that of my Florence widow, when -one morning, my servant announced to me, that there was a gentleman at -my chamber-door who wanted to speak to me. Being still in bed, and -thinking that it must be one of Don Antonio’s friends, I desired that he -might be admitted, and was not a little surprised at sight of the person -who had thus announced himself, who was a huge ugly looking fellow<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_241" id="page_241"></a>{241}</span> whom -I had never seen before. He wore mustachios turned up, a high crowned -hat which nearly reached the ceiling, and a very long sword, the hilt of -which he was very careful in holding up, that it might not dangle on the -floor; thus, shrugging up his shoulders, he walked with so heavy a foot, -that the chamber shook at every step he took.</p> - -<p>You will naturally expect that after so grand an entrance, he would -address himself to me in a corresponding style; but no such thing; he -was content to strut up and down my chamber, eyeing me from time to time -in a most threatening manner. I soon grew tired of this dumb scene, so -that jumping up on a sudden, I seized my pistols, and demanded what -business he had there. This action seemed to bring him to his senses. -“Do you know,” said he, with an agitated voice, “the brave Don Lucio de -Ribera, the flower and boast of Arragon?” I replied, “that I knew him -merely by sight,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_242" id="page_242"></a>{242}</span> and that it was but of little consequence whether I -knew him or not.” “I am come,” continued he, presenting me a letter, “to -find you on his behalf. This letter will explain the rest.” I took the -note very calmly, for I perceived plainly that the bearer was more -frightened than myself, and having opened it, read these words:</p> - -<p>“Be you an Italian or a Spaniard, your presumption is unpardonable in -coming into this country to dispute our ladies’ hearts with us: but as -you appear to be a foreigner, we are willing to excuse your extreme -rashness, on condition that you leave Saragossa within four and twenty -hours. Should your evil genius induce you to despise our resentment, be -prepared to encounter Don Lucio de Ribera, whom no one has hitherto been -able to vanquish, but whom you must overcome before you can offer any -pretensions to Donna Lucia.”</p> - -<p>Knowing the letter before I opened it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_243" id="page_243"></a>{243}</span> to be from Don Lucio, I guessed -that it must be a challenge, or something approaching it; so that I was -not in the least astonished at its contents. “Sir,” said I to the -messenger, “tell your employer on this occasion, that whether Italian or -Spaniard, I have two daggers very much at his service, and that I am -ready to fight him in my shirt, to prevent the possibility of foul play. -No coats of mail for me; the really brave never make use of them in -single combat. Let Don Lucio agree to these articles, and he shall find -that I am ready to brave any danger to deserve the heart of Lucia. This -is my answer.” “Give it me in writing,” replied the bearer of the -letter, “that the regular Don Lucio may be convinced of my having -delivered his message like a man of honour.” To satisfy this valiant -messenger, I took the trouble of committing to paper the same words that -I had just told him aloud, and he left me, promising to return in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_244" id="page_244"></a>{244}</span> -afternoon, to fix the hour and the spot on which we should fight. After -this rascal had left the room, I congratulated myself exceedingly that I -had acquitted myself so manfully on this occasion, for though I had not -the slightest inclination to fight, it was not the less necessary to -assume the bravo, which has got many a man out of a scrape in similar -cases, and which indeed was the only way in which I could receive so -boisterous a gentleman. Let the worst come to the worst, however, -thought I, my mules being always ready, I can at any time make a -retreat. It is true that the idea of leaving Lucia would have caused me -some pain, but I was not yet so much in love with her, as to hesitate -between the possession of her and the preservation of my own sweet -person.</p> - -<p>Still this affair caused no inconsiderable anxiety, and I was most -intently musing upon it, when mine host entered the room without my -perceiving him, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_245" id="page_245"></a>{245}</span> ask whether I was ready for dinner, and seeing me -look into my pocket handkerchief after having made use of it, roared out -most lustily: “Take care of yourself, Sir, or you are undone!” I -shuddered at these words, for my head was so full of the last scene, -that I thought nothing less than that Don Lucio was on his way up stairs -with the intention of assassinating me; but seeing my landlord laugh at -my alarm, I recovered myself a little, and gave him to understand that I -did not much admire such jokes; this only caused him to laugh the more -at my expence. “How came you then,” said he, “to look into your -handkerchief after having blown your nose? Know you not that you have -thereby incurred a penalty for having broken the laws established -against such ridiculous customs?” Knowing the fellow to be an original -who meant no offence, I joined him in the laugh, and asked what the -forfeit was. “No stipulated sum,” replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_246" id="page_246"></a>{246}</span> he, “but I dare say I can let -you off for a real.” This I paid most willingly, though I would rather -have paid twenty times the sum to have dispensed with the fright he had -caused me. “In return for this,” continued he, “I receive you from this -moment as one of our fraternity, and promise to give you a licence, by -virtue of which you may in future commit the like fooleries at your -pleasure; and since your real has produced you the honour of a place -amongst us, it is but fair that I should amuse you after dinner by the -perusal of the list of such habits as will entitle any one to a place in -our brotherhood.”</p> - -<p>No sooner had I dined, than he entered the room again, with a long -tablet carefully sealed with yellow wax, containing the names of the -elders and governors of the fraternity. The following pages contained -all the fooleries that would entitle a person to be admitted into Fool’s -College. I shall quote five<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_247" id="page_247"></a>{247}</span> or six of these instances, which will -suffice to give you an idea of the rest. Preamble: “We declare quite -worthy to be admitted into our College, all those who may be addicted to -the following habits:”</p> - -<p><i>1st. He who talks to himself either in his room or in the street.</i></p> - -<p><i>2d. He who in playing at bowls, runs after his own bowl with divers -contortions, hoping to make it roll to the exact spot he wishes.</i></p> - -<p><i>3d. All those who take up their cards one by one, thinking by that -means to ensure themselves all the court cards in the pack.</i></p> - -<p><i>4th. Those who inquire the hour of the day while the clock is striking -exactly before them.</i></p> - -<p><i>5th. Those who, having sent a servant on an errand, plant themselves at -the window, thinking thereby to hasten his return.</i></p> - -<p><i>6th. All those who after having blown<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_248" id="page_248"></a>{248}</span> their noses, examine their -handkerchiefs most attentively, as though they expected to find pearls -in them, &c. &c. &c.</i></p> - -<p>I amused myself a great part of the afternoon in reading this budget of -extravagances, expecting every moment to hear again from Don Lucio, and -was just growing weary of staying so long within doors, when Don Antonio -and some friends of his called upon me. They began, by telling me that -they were come to offer me their services in the affair of honour that I -had on hand, adding that the whole town knew that Don Lucio had sent me -a challenge, and that duelling being prohibited, that Cavalier was -already arrested. From this circumstance it was pretty clear to me that -Don Antonio and his friends were of that description of persons, who are -ever most eager to proffer their assistance, when they know that all -danger is over. I accordingly related as much to my own advantage as -possible, the full<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_249" id="page_249"></a>{249}</span> particulars of what had passed that morning between -me and Don Lucio’s messenger; upon which Don Antonio represented to me -that I might also be arrested, and invited me to retire to his house. -This I did not fail to accede to, for I dreaded any thing like -imprisonment for more reasons than one. I passed the remainder of the -day at that gentleman’s house, but not intending to sleep there, I left -him about ten o’clock at night to return to my inn.</p> - -<p>On my way home I met two ladies, attended by a footman who carried a -large lantern, by the light of which, I soon distinguished that they -were extremely handsome. I therefore accosted them in the most polite -manner, and they answered my civilities with considerable vivacity; and, -judging from my appearance and dress that I should be an easy prey, they -ogled me in such a manner that I could not resist accompanying them -farther than I intended; but having<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_250" id="page_250"></a>{250}</span> come to the corner of a street, -they stopped all of a sudden, and one of them said: “Come no farther, I -beg. Sir; we are only going to visit a sick lady who resides a few doors -up this street. If you have time to wait, we shall be walking home again -in about a quarter of an hour, and you may not repent of having met us. -You shall hear a song, and the lute played to admiration.” Thus saying, -they escaped from me, leaving me so fully persuaded they would keep -their promise, that I was fool enough to wait in the street until near -midnight. By that time, however, I was but too well convinced that I had -been duped, sharp and cunning as I thought myself; and must further -confess, to my confusion, that I had not even saved my purse from the -dexterity of these accomplished damsels.</p> - -<p>Being obliged, on my way to my lodging, to pass the house of my fair -widow, I could not refuse myself the pleasure of gazing on it for some -time, and I fancied<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_251" id="page_251"></a>{251}</span> that I perceived a man at the door. I imagined at -first that this must be Don Lucio, knowing that he was in the habit of -stationing himself near that spot every night, and this thought was -accompanied by an emotion mingled with fear and jealousy. Recollecting, -however, that he was in prison, I reflected that it could not be him; I -grew confident, and, incited by jealousy, advanced towards the object -that created it, and who, apparently, more afraid than myself, -disappeared at my approach. Having reached the door, I heard the -deafened creakings of a bolt, whence I concluded that some one was -opening it as quietly as possible. I was not mistaken in my conjecture, -for in a moment after, the door was half opened, so as to admit a man. -Curiosity to know the bottom of this affair, in which I believed myself -to be more interested than I really was, prompted me to slip in as -quietly as possible. I immediately felt a hand held out to conduct<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_252" id="page_252"></a>{252}</span> me, -for there was not a glimpse of light in the passage. I thought from the -first, that the person mistook me, and could no longer doubt it, when -being led into a back parlour, I was rather roughly regaled with a most -fervent embrace, seasoned with the fragrant and delightful smell of -pepper, garlic and saffron, which convinced me that this transported -lover, who was so profuse of her favours, could be no other than the -cook. In the midst of her transports, however, she began to suspect, -from touching my clothes and face, that I could not be the favoured -swain whom she expected; and at length being convinced of her mistake, -she suddenly let go her hold of me, and thought to escape; but I held -her fast by the petticoat. She exerted all her strength to disengage -herself, and I was as determined to detain her, until at length we both -fell down with a tremendous crash. This noise awoke two footmen, who lay -in an adjoining closet. They jumped<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_253" id="page_253"></a>{253}</span> instantly out of bed, thinking they -heard thieves, and each arming himself with a sword, crept softly with a -lamp into the parlour, where they found us stretched at our length on -the floor.</p> - -<p>They recognised me immediately, and surprised to see a gentleman who -aspired to the hand of their mistress contending with so much violence -for the good graces of a kitchen wench, who had never even tempted -themselves, they burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, to my utter -confusion. The insolence of the creature herself was surprising: she -accused me of a deliberate design to violate her honour, and asserted -that I had secreted myself in the house with that view. Without waiting -to justify myself, I picked up my hat, which had been knocked off my -head by a violent box on the ears, and addressing myself to the servant -who carried the lamp, desired him to light me to the street door, which -he did, grinning all the way in such a manner,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_254" id="page_254"></a>{254}</span> that I was almost -tempted to knock him down. I soon reached my inn, cruelly mortified at -so disgraceful and pitiful an adventure, not doubting that the story -would be all over the town the next day, and that I should be the common -talk of all the inhabitants. This idea, which afflicted me more than you -can possibly imagine, made me resolve to stay no longer in Saragossa -than was absolutely necessary to make preparations for my departure. My -equipage was ready, therefore, at break of day, and my mules as though -they partook of their master’s impatience to leave a place where he -could not again make his appearance without shame, commenced their -journey with a speed and seeming anxiety which pleased me exceedingly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_255" id="page_255"></a>{255}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLVII" id="CHAP_XLVII"></a>CHAP. XLVII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman departs for Madrid, where he engages in a new gallantry, -the</i> <small>CONCLUSION</small> <i>of which does not prove so agreeable as the</i> -<small>COMMENCEMENT</small>.</p> - -<p>I took the road to Madrid, and six days after my departure from -Saragossa, I arrived at Alcala de Henares, a town, the situation of -which is delightful, and which the beauty of its buildings renders -comparable with the most flourishing capitols in the world. In addition -to this, the <i>belles lettres</i> were cultivated there to perfection. I -should certainly have taken up my abode there, had I not been foolishly -desirous to visit St. James’s once more, where I had formerly acted so -miserable a part.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_256" id="page_256"></a>{256}</span></p> - -<p>I stopped but eight days at Alcala, and then proceeded towards Madrid. -That celebrated city saw arrive, with three mules in his train, two of -which were laden with valuable property, that same Guzman who had -formerly carried a basket in its market-place. I hesitated for some time -as to where I should take up my lodging; but recollecting that in my -time the best inn was in Toledo-street, I determined to alight there. I -found it strangely changed. The landlord was dead, and his widow, though -a shrewd active woman, who had more than one string to her bow, could -not support its reputation on the same footing. It was certainly much -fallen off; but the extreme civility with which they treated me, whom -they looked upon as a rich young nobleman, prevented me from leaving -them.</p> - -<p>My next care was, to make special inquiries about my old friend the -three-bagged apothecary; and though I did<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_257" id="page_257"></a>{257}</span> not much fear that I could be -recognised, I must confess that I felt a secret joy when I learnt that -he had taken his departure for that country whither his drugs had -despatched so many of his patients before him. Ten years, however, had -now elapsed since I left Madrid, and, besides that, I was much altered -in person; who the devil could have recognized poor Guzman in the finery -with which he was now disguised? I took great pleasure in shewing myself -off in my best suits, particularly in the one I had purchased at -Saragossa. I exhibited myself in them by turns, in the morning at the -different churches, and in the evening at the prado.</p> - -<p>One night having returned home rather late to bed, as I crossed a -corridor which led to my chamber, I heard the voice of a young lady -accompanying a harp. I stopped to listen to this little concert, for it -was very near my own room, and felt an extreme curiosity to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_258" id="page_258"></a>{258}</span> know who -were the fair performers. My landlady, who was going to send some -sweetmeats and biscuits to refresh the singer, happened to pass by just -at this moment, and told me that they were two ladies of Guadalaxara, -who were but just arrived at her house, to solicit a law-suit at Madrid -for a large sum of money. I gave her to understand that I had an extreme -desire to hear them nearer, and that she would confer an obligation on -me which I should remember all my life, if she could procure me -admittance into their company. She replied that she would do all she -could in my favour, but that she dared not promise me, for the mother -was a very reserved sort of woman, who led a very retired life with her -daughter, who was very pretty, and whom she never trusted out of her -sight. This only made me the more anxious to see her. My landlady -assured me that she would do all in her power. With this assurance, I -allowed her to enter the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_259" id="page_259"></a>{259}</span> apartment where the ladies were, and I walked -up and down the corridor, expecting their answer; which was, that the -ladies hoped I would excuse their declining at so late an hour to -receive a visit from a gentleman with whom they were not acquainted.</p> - -<p>I pretended to be very much afflicted at this refusal, which upon the -whole vexed me indeed; so that my good landlady, who appeared on her -side as much concerned as I was, went into the ladies’ apartment to try -again what could be done, and at last she returned to let me know that -the ladies consented to grant me an interview, on condition that I would -only stay a quarter of an hour with them. I desired no more; sure that -once admitted, the condition as to time would not be strictly observed. -I presented myself then with the air of a man of quality, first to the -mother, whom I saluted with great respect, then to the daughter, and -they both received me as it became<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_260" id="page_260"></a>{260}</span> persons who knew the world. They -were both so neatly dressed, considering they were just come off a -journey, that I was quite astonished. The mother appeared to me very -handsome, though there was in her looks something bold and shy. As for -the daughter, she had a soft and expressive countenance, and appeared to -me a young lady about seventeen or eighteen years old. I remarked in -their room two large silver candlesticks on a table, and two toilets -elegantly set out. I saw also three large travelling trunks, and a -lackey in a very rich livery attended them with the most profound -respect. I had not the least doubt, therefore, that they must be of one -of the first families of Guadalaxara, so that I began my compliments by -apologizing for the liberty I had taken: and the better to justify my -impatience, added that I had been so enchanted with their concert, that -I could not resist the desire of expressing my satisfaction. The mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_261" id="page_261"></a>{261}</span> -replied to my compliment with much wit and modesty. Our conversation -naturally ran upon music, and I soon let them see clearly enough that I -understood that science; then entreating them to renew their concert, I -even offered to sing with them.</p> - -<p>The ladies, curious to hear me, agreed to it; so the mother took up the -harp, and the young lady began to sing an air I knew. I endeavoured to -display the full power of my voice, and it produced the same effect here -as at Florence, or at the Abbey near Saragossa, and the ladies seemed -transported with pleasure; they forgot the condition of a quarter of an -hour, for it had already struck twelve, and none of us thought of -retiring. The mother, however, as decency required she should give me -notice of it, at length did it in the most obliging manner, adding how -happy they should be to pass some more agreeable moments with me, during -their stay at Madrid. I then took<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_262" id="page_262"></a>{262}</span> my leave, and let the young lady see -by my looks that I was not insensible to her charms; and indeed it was -more true than I thought, for during all the night sleep did not close -my eyelids.</p> - -<p>The next morning my hostess, who usually drank a dish of chocolate every -day with me, came into my room smiling, and said: “I have just left the -apartment of your fair neighbours, and you cannot conceive how much -pleased they are with you. Besides that they find your person altogether -pleasing, they are also delighted with your agreeable and cheerful -conversation, and if you are inclined to carry it on, I have not the -least doubt of your success; the mother and daughter are equally pleased -with you.” I swallowed these sweet words as if they had been honey, and -pleased to have in so short a time made so lively an impression, I -answered, that I was equally satisfied with them; that the mother -appeared to me to be still very attractive, but as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_263" id="page_263"></a>{263}</span> for the daughter, no -woman was to be compared with her, and I was willing to undertake her -conquest, if any well-disposed person would help me in the attempt. “I -understand you,” replied the hostess; “you wish me to render you that -service. I have no objection; but how shall we begin the business?” “I -will this evening,” said I, “prevail on the ladies to take a walk, and -order an elegant repast for them, in some house.” “Not for the world,” -cried out my hostess; “that would affront the mother, who would soon see -into your design, and break off your acquaintance altogether. Let us do -something better,” continued she; after having paused a little, “this -entertainment must be given in my name. I will have the collation -prepared according to your desire, in a garden that I have on the banks -of the Mançanares, where I will invite the ladies to pass the evening; -you will come and surprise us, as if chance only had brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_264" id="page_264"></a>{264}</span> you -thither, and we shall be more to ourselves in that place than in any -other.” I approved of the idea, and my hostess took upon herself the -charge of inviting the mother to the entertainment.</p> - -<p>My confidante went immediately to make the proposal to the ladies, with -whom she remained nearly an hour, by which I judged that she had trouble -enough to persuade them to accept of it: and indeed, when she returned -she told me that the mother had been very hard to be prevailed upon, and -that she had for a long time despaired of inducing her to accept my -invitation. “All that I require of you is to behave so that nothing -appear to have been concerted between us. When you come to the garden, -pretend to be astonished to meet us there. In a word, let your coming -seem purely accidental.” I answered, that she might be sure I would -spoil nothing, and we then agreed how things should be managed to render -the entertainment as agreeable as possible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_265" id="page_265"></a>{265}</span></p> - -<p>We succeeded. The entertainment was like that of a young lover who was -desirous to please, and the guests received it as if ignorant of any bad -motive. We were extremely well amused. As the mother had not her harp -with her, her daughter and I were obliged to sing without music, -sometimes together, and sometimes alternately, exchanging slily the most -tender looks; mine with the view of expressing my passion, and hers to -increase it. Night insensibly surprised us in the garden, and whilst the -hostess, out of complaisance for me, held the mother in conversation, I -courted the daughter, who did not seem to listen with indifference to my -empassioned declaration: at last, being obliged to return to town, I -waited on the ladies to their lodgings, where, as a special favour, they -granted me half an hour’s conversation, after which I took my leave, as -much in love, as I thought, with my new mistress, as I had been with any -other before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_266" id="page_266"></a>{266}</span></p> - -<p>The next day I sent the young lady a most pathetic billet-doux by my -hostess, but she returned no answer; to have received it, however, -unknown to her mother, was a favour of itself. I wrote another, which I -gently put into her own hand in the evening when the ladies were again -treated at my expence. This time I had an answer; very short indeed, for -there were but two lines of no real import, but in which I fancied I -discovered an infinite deal of wit. Thus they made me dispute every inch -of ground to increase my desires, or, to tell the truth, all the parts -were so well acted in this intrigue, by my good hostess, that she knew -how to manage each party to her own advantage, just as she pleased. -However, I became every day more and more intimate with my fair -neighbour. I scarcely ever stirred out of the house, so charmed was I -with her company. The mother often went out, as she said, to make -interest respecting her<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_267" id="page_267"></a>{267}</span> law-suit, and when that happened, my officious -confidante gave me notice of it, and without ceremony would conduct me -to the daughter, with whom I staid while she was at her toilet; and lest -the facility of enjoying such favourable opportunities should lessen the -charms of them, she would every now and then disturb us by false alarms -of the mother’s return.</p> - -<p>When my landlady thought I was completely in love, she proposed to me to -marry Donna Helena de Melida, which was the young lady’s name. This -proposal put me upon my guard against my worthy hostess, and I now began -to see into the plot which had been laid against me. She had hitherto -represented the lady to be too rich, and of too high a rank for me to -encourage any hope that she would consent to give her hand to an -adventurer. My landlady from this time became suspected by me, and to -rid myself at once of her importunities,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_268" id="page_268"></a>{268}</span> I told her in plain terms that -I was engaged in another quarter. No sooner had I expressed myself in -this manner, than the ladies changed their batteries. Hitherto they had -constantly refused the presents I had ventured to send them by mine -hostess; but they now adopted a plan entirely different, resolving to -fleece the bird while they had it in their power, and they did in -reality pluck many good feathers out of my plumage. In proportion, -however, as I acted with generosity towards her, the less my fair Helena -became reserved; so that after several familiar and interesting -tête-à-têtes, my passion began to subside, and from that time nothing -else passed between us but an interchange of civility and politeness.</p> - -<p>A new incident completed my cure. One morning I saw coming out of the -Dominican’s Church a lady of a majestic deportment and richly dressed, -whom I took for a woman of quality; and as she<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_269" id="page_269"></a>{269}</span> passed near me, though I -dared not bow to her, I shewed her so much respect, that she took notice -of it, and viewed me with so much attention, that I thought myself -highly honoured; in Spain even the look that a lady bestows on a man -being considered a favour. My curiosity induced me to inquire who she -was, and I accordingly followed her. She observed me, but walked on at a -slow pace. She was followed by two duennas and a valet, which confirmed -me in the opinion that I had of her being a lady of quality. When she -was in the middle of the broad street, she stopped before a magnificent -house and went in. I had not the least doubt that she lived there, and -after some inquiries I learnt that she was the daughter of Signor Don -Andrea, who assumed the title of Don in quality of the Court Banker, and -that this young lady had the reputation of being very virtuous.</p> - -<p>I could not get this adventure out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_270" id="page_270"></a>{270}</span> my head the whole of the morning; -towards evening I walked up and down before the banker’s window again, -and my trouble was not lost. I had a full view of the banker, who was -conversing with his daughter on a balcony, who appeared to be a very -personable man. As for the lady I cannot say that she was a perfect -beauty, but she had an agreeable air and easy manners, which pleased me -extremely, and prepossessed me in favour of her mind. If I had been -charmed in the morning, how much more so was I in the evening. I -returned home quite in love with her, and resolved to get acquainted -with her father the very next day; which I accomplished in the manner I -am about to relate to you. Since my arrival at Madrid, I had the -precaution to have my diamonds all new set, for fear my relations should -give advice to their correspondents, and cause me to be arrested. I had -even run a great risk in showing them to the jeweller. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_271" id="page_271"></a>{271}</span> carried these -to the amount of ten or twelve thousand franks to the banker, telling -him at the same time, that I had others at home of more considerable -value. He looked at them with an eager eye, valued them at twelve -thousand franks, and offered to pay me that sum in six months, if I -would allow him to sell them for me.</p> - -<p>As I had no other intention but to begin a train of business with him, I -accepted of his offer, and even refused his note of hand for the value -of the jewels, telling him that I knew too well what reputation he had -in the world to require of him any other security than his own word. We -then agreed that he should pay me in three months six thousand franks, -and the other six thousand in three months after. My way of dealing -charmed him so much, that he thanked me for the confidence I placed in -him, and made me many protestations of service. He then shewed me all -over his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_272" id="page_272"></a>{272}</span> house, which was richly furnished. I observed equipages for -him and his daughter, with a great number of servants. All these objects -dazzled my eyes so much, that I was easily inclined to look upon him as -one of the richest bankers in Spain.</p> - -<p>If all that was offered to my sight tended to confirm me in this -opinion, his discourse was still more calculated to mislead me. He told -me that he transacted business to the amount of two or three millions of -franks every day. That the court always made use of him, and of his -purse, to remit considerable sums to foreign countries; that he had -access to the ministers when he pleased; that the greatest lords were -his friends, and that but few of them who had not dealings with him.</p> - -<p>This statement was not altogether without foundation. He had formerly -lived upon such a footing with the great, but by dealing with, and -trusting those<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_273" id="page_273"></a>{273}</span> great men rather too extensively, he had run himself so -far in debt, that he only supported himself by his wits, which were -such, at any rate, that he kept up his credit. My jewels were a great -help to him in his embarrassment; for he was just at this time extremely -straightened for a considerable sum of money, and raised half by them; -having seized the opportunity of the marriage of the Duke of Medina -Sidonia’s daughter to dispose of them advantageously. As I could then -only judge of his circumstances by appearances, I considered myself very -happy in having made an acquaintance with him; and even secretly blamed -myself for having conceived so bold an idea as that of aspiring to the -hand of his only daughter, who appeared to be a match worthy of a -prince.</p> - -<p>Don Andrea, on his side, was not without surprise at my mode of -proceeding. He therefore sent a trusty person to inquire my character -from my landlady,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_274" id="page_274"></a>{274}</span> and in what style I was living at Madrid. From all -sides, however, he obtained favourable reports of me; for though no one -was acquainted with my family, I might easily pass for a man of quality, -as far as my mode of living, manners, and conversation, would impress -such a belief. After such good accounts of me, he concluded that I was -the man heaven had intended for his son-in-law. He mentioned it to his -daughter who told him that I had followed her from the Dominican’s -church to her house; that I continually passed under the windows; in a -word, that by all my actions I had given her to understand that I had -conceived a passion for her. The father had too much experience not to -believe the same thing, and the confidence I had placed in him by giving -him my diamonds without a note, could only be the effect of my love for -his daughter. They both rejoiced at it in their private conversations, -and concluding<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_275" id="page_275"></a>{275}</span> that I was richer than a Jew, they resolved to manage it -so well as not to miss so fair an opportunity of advancing themselves -again in the world.</p> - -<p>Accordingly the banker came to visit me at the hotel; I expected him, -and I took care to set out in my room all my jewels, which had a great -effect upon him. He was especially struck with my gold chain, the -workmanship of which he praised much, and offered to sell it for me at a -third more than it cost; I took him at his word and let him have it, as -I had done with the diamonds, without a note. His joy was extreme; he -made me a thousand protestations of friendship, and beginning already to -act the part of a father-in-law, gave me advice how to put out my ready -money to the best advantage. A few days after, he brought me the sum he -had promised me for my gold chain. This increased the confidence I had -placed in him, and induced me to acknowledge his trouble<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_276" id="page_276"></a>{276}</span> by a present -suitable for a young lady, which I sent to his daughter, after he had -granted me leave to do so. This present having been received favourably, -made me bold enough to discover my passion after the custom of the -country, that is to say by signs and looks, and it seemed she did not -disapprove of it.</p> - -<p>As for the father, whom I saw every day, I talked with him of nothing -else but trade and business, waiting for the first good opportunity to -declare my sentiments. This new amour cooled me very much with respect -to my last intrigue. My neighbours perceived but too well the -alteration, for there was an end to feasts and presents. I seldom -stopped at home, and when I returned in the evening I went directly to -bed, or when I could not avoid the conversation of the ladies, it was so -cold, that they soon guessed I had shaken off their yoke. Helena, -finding that her kindness to me, far from increasing my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_277" id="page_277"></a>{277}</span> ardour, had -diminished it, shed tears out of spite. She held a grand consultation -with her mother and the hostess, on my change, which they did not fail -to attribute to some new intrigue; they resolved to try my generosity, -and if they had no occasion to be satisfied with me, to have recourse to -some of their tricks to be avenged for my inconstancy. An opportunity -soon offered for the execution of their design. Two young lords who had -plenty of ready money came to live at the hotel; they asked me to play -with them, and at two or three sittings I won two hundred and fifty -pistoles of them. The ladies were no sooner informed of this, than they -prevailed upon me to take a walk with them, which I could not refuse, -and in coming back we passed before a shop where they sold silks and -gold stuffs. Our landlady, who was with us, was very anxious that I -should go in and buy a new gown for Donna Helena, saying that I had won<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_278" id="page_278"></a>{278}</span> -enough to make her that little present. I suffered the hostess to talk -as much as she pleased, and laughing at her entreaties, I baffled the -expectation of the ladies, who fully expected to have completely drained -my purse. This last action sufficiently convinced them that I was no -longer in their snares.</p> - -<p>I wanted my money for a better use, for in my rambles about the town I -had seen a house newly built; I asked Don Andrea’s advice, and he -approved of it, and even managed it so that I made a very good bargain. -It cost me only three thousand ducats, which I paid down before him with -as much sang froid as if I had a hundred thousand crowns in my coffers. -You may imagine what an effect it had on my future father-in-law, who, -though a man of rather keen understanding, had not the least doubt that -he had met with a good son-in-law, and that it remained only for him to -allure me cunningly into the snare. I furnished my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_279" id="page_279"></a>{279}</span> house elegantly, and -prepared to occupy it. The day that I intended to sleep in it, thinking -that I could not, without rudeness, dispense with taking the last -farewell of my neighbours, I paid them a visit accordingly, and paid -them many compliments, which they received with much politeness, and so -much good humour, that I was quite surprised; then addressing the -hostess, I thanked her for all the attention she had shewn me, which I -told her I should remember to the last moment of my life. She answered -all my civilities in the most flattering manner, and very obligingly -requested the honour of my company to dine with her before my departure. -As I knew her to be a woman of very indifferent character, and wished to -part amicably, I readily agreed to her request.</p> - -<p>I accordingly dined with my hostess, who had provided for me three -dishes which she knew I was very fond of; but she kept me for a fourth, -which was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_280" id="page_280"></a>{280}</span> at all to my liking. This was brought to me in the -persons of an Alguazil and six of his followers, who entered the room -with a warrant to apprehend me. At this sight I was thrown into such -confusion, that I had not the least doubt I was ruined. All my relations -presented themselves to my remembrance, for I expected every moment some -persons employed by them would find me out, not so much as dreaming that -any other person in Madrid could have any cause of action against me. I -rose from the table in a dreadful disorder; I knew not what to do: I -attempted the door, but was stopped by three of the fellows; then I went -to the window in order to escape that way, but here the three others -prevented me. The Alguazil, who was one of the most rational of the -brotherhood, observing the confusion I was in, came up to me smiling, -and gently said to me: “Signor Cavalier, cheer up, there is no need of -being so much alarmed; this business<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_281" id="page_281"></a>{281}</span> is but a trifle, and you will -clear yourself for a few pistoles. Look,” said he again, giving me the -warrant, “read, and you will see that you have taken alarm without -cause.” These words, which appeared to me to come from a fellow, who, -well informed of my tricks, only amused himself by bantering me, did not -much lessen my fear. I sat down, however, and running over the warrant -in as collected a manner as I was able, I read the name of Donna Helena -de Melida; I then took breath a little, and turning to the Alguazil: -“What does it mean?” said I; “What! is it in the name of that lady I am -arrested? what have I done to her?” “She pretends,” answered he, -smiling, “that you have obtained by force, what her virtue had first -refused to your desires.”</p> - -<p>“What do I hear?” cried I, quite surprised. “Has Helena impudence enough -to affirm that I am guilty of such a crime?” “Why not,” replied the -Alguazil;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_282" id="page_282"></a>{282}</span> “she may have some design in accusing you of it. True she -will be obliged to prove it, and you will be allowed to defend yourself, -but what is the most disagreeable of it,” added he, “is, that by the -duty of my function, I must carry you to prison.” By this time I had -recollected myself, and I read the warrant over again; and after -considering what I should do, I rose and took the Alguazil aside: “Sir,” -said I, “I believe you to be a man of honour; consider, I pray, the -unjust persecution I am suffering. I declare to you, that far from -having used violent means to attain my happiness, the fair Helena has -not been backward in promoting it: if you knew how much money I have -spent”.... “I have not the least doubt of it,” said he; “I know this -wench of old, as well as the roguish tricks of her mother. They have -both lived here at Madrid these ten years, where they have no other -trade but to ensnare young foreigners. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_283" id="page_283"></a>{283}</span> are the third they have -served the very same trick you complain of, and between ourselves I -believe you will not be able to get clear without a sum of money.” “I -think as you do,” said I; “there can be no other means to hush it up -quickly, and without noise; I entrust you,” I added, slipping privately -a diamond ring, worth twelve or fifteen pistoles into his hand, “to -accommodate matters.” He put the ring on his finger, and, with the tone -of an Alguazil, he answered: “I will go and see the ladies, and if they -refuse to desist in their action against you, I will threaten them with -keeping an eye over their conduct, which will not fail to make them -listen to reason.”</p> - -<p>After these words he left me in the room with his men, who, dazzling my -eyes with the points of their spikes, kept me in awe till his return. If -the hostess, who I had good reason to suspect had been the inventor of -this piece of roguery, had been present then, I should have<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_284" id="page_284"></a>{284}</span> eased my -mind by calling her all the names she deserved; but to avoid my -reproaches, she had taken flight at the sight of the blood-hounds of -justice. I was not altogether without uneasiness about the conferences -held in the apartments of my adversaries. I could not place sufficient -confidence in the fidelity of my agent to believe him more in my -interest than in that of the ladies. However, he acted fairly on the -occasion, obliging them to be contented with a hundred pistoles, of -which he had twenty for his own share. I thanked my stars that I had got -off so cheaply; I left the inn never to return to it, and repaired to my -own house, very happy that the adventure had been hushed up with so -little noise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_285" id="page_285"></a>{285}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLVIII" id="CHAP_XLVIII"></a>CHAP. XLVIII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman pays his addresses to the Banker’s Daughter, and marries -her: consequences of this marriage.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as I had got rid of Helena, her mother and the hostess, I -devoted myself entirely to my new amour, and thought of nothing else but -to become the son-in-law of Don Andrea, who, on his side, fearing that I -should embark in some new intrigue, had no less impatience to give me -his daughter than I to obtain her. I went the very next day to the -Banker’s house, who kept me to dinner, towards the end of which my -intended bride appeared, as if by chance; I rose immediately to pay my -respects to her, and express the agreeable surprise<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_286" id="page_286"></a>{286}</span> her presence -excited in me. She returned my compliments with a modest air, and would -have retired, but her father prevented her. Eugenia, said he to her, -stay with us; this gentleman is my friend, and I am happy to let him -have a proof of it by giving you leave to converse with him. I did not -fail to thank him for so great a favour, with which I was quite -delighted, and more so indeed than I really appeared to be.</p> - -<p>I then entered into conversation with Eugenia, and to increase my joy, -Don Andrea, under pretence of writing some letters, retired to a corner -of the drawing room, to leave us more to ourselves.</p> - -<p>If he acted in this manner to afford me the opportunity of a delightful -conversation, he did not favour a fool, for I availed myself of this -interview, not knowing when I should have a more favourable one, to -declare my passion. I called forth all my genius, which served me well -enough on the occasion, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_287" id="page_287"></a>{287}</span> the lady enchanted me by the delicacy of -her replies; in the mean time, the father still pretending to be very -busy, now and then asked pardon for being no better company; I returned -him compliment for compliment, and following my point, still courted the -daughter in a low voice, as if afraid of disturbing him in his reading. -We had been three hours together, when the Banker thinking proper to put -an end to our conversation, came and joined us, and Eugenia after having -made a curtesy disappeared.</p> - -<p>I now felt so much esteem, or rather was so much in love with this lady, -that I could not forbear breaking out in praise of her; and speaking -from the fullness of my heart, I told Don Andrea, that no one could -possibly be more sensible of his daughter’s merit than I was. The old -fox listened to me very attentively, and to encourage me to explain -myself more clearly, he held a long discourse on the necessity of -persons of my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_288" id="page_288"></a>{288}</span> age marrying, to avoid an infinite number of precipices -to which they are daily exposed, and on the importance of the choice of -a wife, since it commonly decided the happiness or misery of her -husband. He then proceeded to assure me of the good opinion he had -conceived of me; telling me that I had won his heart by my ingenuous -manners and the confidence I had placed in him; and that I might rely -that there was nothing that lay in his power which he would not do to -convince me of it. I was not much behind hand with him in professions. I -opened my whole heart to him, and protested that he might make me the -happiest of men in giving me Eugenia. He considered for some time, or -appeared to do so, to persuade me that I set his friendship at too great -a trial; however, before we parted, I knew what I had to expect. He -embraced me tenderly when I left him, and told me he had certain views -of establishing his daughter more<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_289" id="page_289"></a>{289}</span> advantageously, but that he had given -them all up to shew me how dear I was to him. At these words, I took one -of his hands, and kissed it with a transport that proved more fully than -all I could have said, the gratitude of my heart.</p> - -<p>From this time the banker called me his son. He managed all my affairs; -the six thousand franks which he had engaged to pay me in three months, -he now advanced immediately, to assist me in furnishing my house, and he -bought for me, at a cheap rate, several elegant pieces of furniture, -which a person in want of money was obliged to sell. In a word, I dined -every day with my future father-in-law. I saw his daughter every day, -and enjoyed all the privileges of a son-in-law; except that one only, -which the title of a husband could give a right to. One thing alone -surprised me, which was, that in all the conversations I had as yet had -with Don Andrea, he had never uttered a word about any portion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_290" id="page_290"></a>{290}</span> I -attempted to sound him on this subject, but he gave me to understand -that his intention was not to part with much ready money on the -wedding-day. “You will receive only ten thousand franks down,” said he, -“but you may rely on the sum of fifty thousand after my death.” I -thought ten thousand franks but a paltry portion for the daughter of a -man whom I had thought so rich; nevertheless, considering that tradesmen -do not like to lessen their capitals, I was obliged to be contented.</p> - -<p>I now earnestly entreated Don Andrea not to let me languish in the -expectation of being in reality his son-in-law. He yielded to my -solicitations, and our nuptials were celebrated with great pomp. My -father-in-law paid me the ten thousand franks, as had been agreed, and I -soon found employment for them. I made my bride a present of all the -jewels I had left, bought her most superb dresses; kept up incessant -rejoicing in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_291" id="page_291"></a>{291}</span> new house for the first fortnight; provided women and -footmen to attend her. In a word, I set up a way of living which would -soon have ruined me, had I not by my own industry supplied the means to -meet this increased expenditure. The banker, it is true, promised -mountains of gold, if fortune would but smile on his speculations. He -was a man of vast designs and projects, and his son-in-law being -something of the same turn of mind, we thought of no less than -monopolizing in a very short time the whole business of the kingdom. -Unluckily, however, for the success of our enterprises, his sole -reliance was on my purse, and mine on his; and the illusion soon -vanished, when we found ourselves obliged to communicate the state of -our affairs to each other. The eyes of both of us were opened without -recrimination, for, in fact, we had nothing to reproach each other with; -on the contrary, our mutual confidence had the effect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_292" id="page_292"></a>{292}</span> making our -union more close; and being now known to each other for what we really -were, like robbers we swore to be faithful.</p> - -<p>Our partnership at first made a great noise, owing to the mysterious -tone with which Don Andrea told every body that he had chosen for his -son-in-law a man who was possessed of immense riches. It was soon spread -about, and every one was for dealing with us, and came to us in -preference to other bankers; and we might by our credit only have -increased every day the favourable opinion they had of our wealth, if we -had been contented to have associated with tradesmen, and no doubt we -should have made a considerable fortune; but the uncommon weak -partiality that my father-in-law always had for people of the Court, put -a check to our success. What he received with one hand was squandered -with the other. If a Marquis, a Count, or a Knight of San Jago, were -civil to him, they were sure to obtain<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_293" id="page_293"></a>{293}</span> any loan of money, and knowing -his vanity, they would not fail to lavish upon him the most flattering -compliments.</p> - -<p>If a minister looked favourably on him, the very next day he would send -him some rich present to no purpose whatever. He always had his head -filled with chimerical projects which he would put in execution, and if -I happened to shew him the folly of them, he laughed at me, and treated -me with contempt, as a man who had not common sense, and was quite a -novice in the business of the great world.</p> - -<p>However, with all his experience, our best substance was soon spent, our -stock grew low, and we were reduced to make use of every means to renew -and uphold our credit. What engines did we not set to work for that -purpose? we bought and sold any thing; we received pawns; we lent money -at usurious interest; in short there was no sort of commerce which we -were not engaged in; besides<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_294" id="page_294"></a>{294}</span> what I knew already, my industry, improved -by exercising it, helped me to new expedients for the good of our -society. However, I must own that I was but a mere beginner compared to -my father-in-law. Our gains were great, and would have been sufficient -to have maintained us agreeably; and if we had understood how to live -with economy, we should not have been obliged to make use of some sorry -shifts, which in spite of all our skill we were sometimes compelled to -resort to. In addition to this, our domestic expenses were most profuse. -If Don Andrea was fond of luxury and good living, his daughter was not -behind hand with him; there was nothing too rich or too fine for her; we -kept as magnificent a table as any nobleman, more servants than we -conveniently wanted, and our house was continually full of relations and -friends whom we entertained and treated with the greatest profusion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_295" id="page_295"></a>{295}</span></p> - -<p>This bustle did not less please my humour than that of my wife, and -while our affairs went on well, I did not in the least oppose it. I got -tired, however, in two or three years after my marriage, when I -perceived that through bad management, and some unforeseen accidents, -our fortune began to diminish apace. Frightened at the prospect of -distress, I ventured to remonstrate gently with Eugenia; God knows how I -was treated by her! I complained to Don Andrea, who reproved her; and -the whole family blamed her for her behaviour; but even my softest -words, the reproaches of her father, and the entreaties of her friends, -did but exasperate her the more against me: in a word, she declared to -me that she did not mean to have the least reform in her family. After -this decree, which the temper of my wife made quite absolute, I wisely -resolved not to contradict her any more, but endeavour to fortify myself -with more patience for the future.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_296" id="page_296"></a>{296}</span></p> - -<p>It was, however, with extreme grief, that I saw melting away, like snow, -all the money I had brought with me from Italy; and I could not think of -the consequences of my marriage without sighing bitterly for having been -so deprived of sense as to marry at all. Sometimes, to excuse myself for -having acted so foolishly, I recalled to mind the rich figure that Don -Andrea made when I became his son-in-law; and who could have imagined -that I should find my ruin in an establishment that appeared to possess -the means of the most solid fortune? When I observed that there was no -longer any hope of being able to live on the same footing, I applied to -my father-in-law for advice in my embarrassment.</p> - -<p>It was on this occasion that he showed me how skilful he was in all the -tricks of business. “The truth is,” said he, “you must do here, what I -have done myself in similar cases; which is to save the little that -remains to you at the cost<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_297" id="page_297"></a>{297}</span> of others:” then without the least delay, he -counterfeited letters of transfer, and false contracts, and I do not -know how many similar deeds, all equally worthy of a public reward, if -proper justice could always be administered to all honest folks that -make use of them. He did not stop here; for in order to establish my -credit, which was now become necessary to him, he made me purchase an -estate of five hundred ducats a year, which his brother possessed; when -I say purchase, I mean only in appearance, for we were not able, both -together, to muster a sufficient sum to shew the Notary, that he might -witness the payment of the purchase-money. It cost me, however, but -fifty crowns to borrow this sum for one day, and thus the sale was -apparently completed. At the same time I gave the seller a deed, by -which I formally declared that the said estate did not belong to me, but -was as much his as ever, to whom I abandoned the enjoyment<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_298" id="page_298"></a>{298}</span> of it, -having no manner of claim. I was well pleased with these shuffling -tricks, because they were advantageous to me. Besides, I knew that they -were commonly practised in all trading cities.</p> - -<p>Thanks to my father-in-law, I had now secured something to myself, let -fortune be as contrary as it pleased; and being able to trade again upon -the faith of this new estate, I went on in my usual courses. -Unfortunately this state of things could not last long. People who have -been cheated are sure to be undeceived at last: besides, my wife’s -always spending more than I gained, was sufficient of itself to ruin me, -and I could not hold out against it any longer. Don Andrea was still -lucky enough to get himself out of the scrape. As for me, I could no -longer keep out of the clutches of a cursed Alguazil, who arrested me on -the part of my creditors, and led me to prison; but they found -themselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_299" id="page_299"></a>{299}</span> overreached when they set about seizing my effects, and -learned that they were secretly made over. I was not so unconscionable -as to wish them to lose all; so I paid each a tenth part of what was -due, promising to liquidate the remainder in ten years. I was set at -liberty again on these terms.</p> - -<p>The proud Eugenia was so extremely mortified at my imprisonment and -bankruptcy, the shame of which she thought would fall on her only, that -she could not be consoled, and died very shortly after; and as she left -no child, I found myself under the obligation of refunding her dowry, -which under my present circumstances, could not fail to destroy my every -project. To tell the truth, therefore, the tears I shed at her death -were not the effect of the loss of my wife, but of regret for my money -which she had so foolishly squandered, and for her’s which I had to -return to her father. Notwithstanding which I did not fail to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_300" id="page_300"></a>{300}</span> act the -good husband, and ordered her funeral so superb, that my creditors -murmured at it. Though I had now become a widower, I did not cease to -live on good terms with Don Andrea. Besides that I could not have gained -any thing by tricking him, he was the only man who was in possession of -all my secrets, and I had still occasion for his assistance. I -submitted, therefore, very patiently to all he required of me, and he -was so much pleased with my conduct towards him, that he behaved in an -equally handsome manner towards me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_301" id="page_301"></a>{301}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_XLIX" id="CHAP_XLIX"></a>CHAP. XLIX.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman, after the death of his Wife, wishes to embrace the -Ecclesiastical life, and with that view repairs to Alcala de -Henarés to study. The fruits of his studies.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">After</span> having rendered the last duties to my wife, and her dowry to her -father, I still remained in my own house, which was now all that was my -own; and even this was completely stripped, with the exception of one -room, which Don Andrea, out of compassion, had furnished for me with a -few articles of trifling value. Here I was occupied in making -reflections on the past, and in devising means for my future -subsistence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_302" id="page_302"></a>{302}</span></p> - -<p>What now can I possibly do? said I to myself. I fear I shall find no -more Apothecaries, no Banker like that at Milan, no more relations to -trust their jewels to my care. What then is to become of me? O -Sayavedra, my dear confidant, how do I now miss you! Why can you not be -witness of my troubles when I stand so much in need of your address and -advice? Were you now present, we could together devise some scheme for -my relief; but, alas, I have lost you! I ought no longer to rely on your -assistance, which, perhaps, at this moment, you repent sorely having -ever afforded me.</p> - -<p>This last thought affected me exceedingly, and I felt so disgusted with -the world that I resolved to quit it. I must, said I, turn my thoughts -to the church. In that asylum I may possibly find that solid happiness -which I have hitherto sought for in vain. How many knaves have made -their fortune in this way?<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_303" id="page_303"></a>{303}</span> why, therefore, should I not try my luck? I -may become a good preacher; and the pulpit is the road to bishoprics. -Let the worst come to the worst, with the money I may get for my house I -may be able to purchase some chance benefice; and even should I be so -unfortunate as not to meet with one, I can only put my money out at -interest; and if the dividends be not sufficient for me to lead an -agreeable life, I must make up for it by becoming chaplain to some rich -nunnery. Though I already know more Latin than is necessary to fill a -place of that description, yet will I, nevertheless, go to Alcala, and -take one course of philosophy, and another of theology, that I may be -the more worthy of it. And if the condition of a scholar should appear -to me too arduous for a man of my age, I can but at last have recourse -to the good fathers of the order of St. Francis, who, when they have -once heard me<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_304" id="page_304"></a>{304}</span> sing, would receive me among them, though I could not -read a word.</p> - -<p>Thus you see, friendly reader, that persons of wit are never at a loss. -A fine resource, truly! you will answer; to embrace an Ecclesiastical -life with the sole view of enjoying every terrestrial comfort, is not -seeking a very canonical vocation. Agreed, I will not contend with -casuists on this point: but will candidly confess that I consulted -custom more than the Canons, and that, in thinking of becoming priest, I -studied nothing but my own convenience. I communicated my intentions to -my father-in-law, wishing to persuade him that they were the effect of a -thousand moral reflections I had made on the uncertainty of all earthly -blessings; or rather that I was inspired by heaven. As this banker was -not much better than myself, he applauded my resolution, which, he said, -he could not sufficiently praise, were it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_305" id="page_305"></a>{305}</span> only for the sake of escaping -my creditors.</p> - -<p>It now only remained for me to sell my house, which I very soon did. I -met with a purchaser who gave me almost as much as it had cost me, the -quarter of the town having been much built upon since I bought it. As -soon as I had completed this sale, I carried the money to the bank. It -could bring me in but very little, but in addition to its being there in -safety, I could draw it out again whenever I pleased. After having thus -disposed of my property, procured a proper dress for a student who -aspired to sacred orders, which consisted of a long cloak and cassock, -and after having bid adieu to Don Andrea and my best friends, I set out -for the town of Alcala, where I arrived a few days before the opening of -the colleges. I was at first doubtful where I should take up my lodging; -whether to enter myself in a college, or hire an apartment and board<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_306" id="page_306"></a>{306}</span> in -the town. I had been accustomed to enjoy entire liberty at my own house, -to live according to my own fancy, to eat what I pleased, without being -subject to stipulated hours, which I must conform to in a boarding -house, where I should dine and sup with the students, the majority of -whom were mere children. On the other hand, when I considered the -expense of an establishment of my own; of keeping a servant who might be -addicted to thieving, gallantry, or wine, or perhaps all three together; -not to mention other inconveniences which are attached to the life of a -young man completely his own master, I decided at last that I would -enter myself at one of the boarding houses, and accordingly agreed with -one which I thought would be most suitable to my age.</p> - -<p>I was not long without acquaintances. I was fortunate enough to meet -with some students of about my own age. With these I associated; for I -was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_307" id="page_307"></a>{307}</span> ashamed to keep company with the younger ones. I began by applying -myself to the study of philosophy, in which, as I united indefatigable -perseverance with a natural happy genius, I soon made great progress, -and at the end of two years was considered one of the first students in -the university. After having gone through my course of philosophy, I -took my degrees as Master of Arts, in which I got the second place, -though I well deserved the first. This injustice was winked at in favour -of the son of one of our most celebrated professors. I did not murmur at -it; on the contrary, I felt more pride in hearing it said by every body -that I had been unfairly passed over, than I should have felt if justice -had been done to me. I next commenced upon Theology, and continuing to -study with the same ardour, it soon became mere amusement to me, and I -felt, or, at least, fancied that I grew wiser every day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_308" id="page_308"></a>{308}</span></p> - -<p>Although I made it a point of honour never to miss a single lesson, and -was, consequently, much engaged in my scholastic duties, yet I had still -some time for pleasure. As I had been long accustomed to good cheer, and -fared but badly at the boarding-house, I generally gave a little -entertainment twice or thrice a week, by which I acquired the reputation -of a rich and generous man; and what will more surprise you, during -almost four years that I lived in this manner, I formed no sort of -acquaintance with females, even the most modest. I scarcely knew whether -there were any lovely women in the town; in fact, I carefully shunned -every opportunity of hearing any thing about them. I took great credit -to myself for being thus upon my guard against the fair sex; for I knew -by experience how dangerous it was for me, and had the resolution during -almost the whole course of my studies to avoid that rock: happy indeed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_309" id="page_309"></a>{309}</span> -had I completely finished them without at last splitting upon it!</p> - -<p>I was now on the point of passing as Bachelor in Divinity; and I was -obliged in the first place to take orders, which are only bestowed on -persons who possess some cure, chapel, or other living, I was greatly at -a loss what to do; for since I had studied at the University I had -consumed the better half of my resources. In this dilemma I bethought -myself of applying again to the father of expedients, Don Andrea. I had -taken care to keep up a correspondence with him, in which I had rendered -him an exact account of my success in my studies, which he had always -professed himself extremely pleased at. I now wrote and informed him of -my present difficulty, and entreated his advice. He answered that he was -much pleased to have it in his power to oblige me; that he would with -that view make over my wife’s portion to me as if to found some<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_310" id="page_310"></a>{310}</span> chapel, -and that in the deed it should be stipulated, that I should cause a mass -to be said every day for the soul of the defunct. But at the same time, -I was to declare by another deed, that this property was not a farthing -of it my own, and that I would put Don Andrea in possession of it -whenever he thought proper. A false conveyance of this description, made -for religious purposes, so far from appearing to me to infringe the -decrees of the holy councils, did not raise the slightest scruple in my -conscience. I grant you I was a man not to be over nice in the business, -any more than my father-in-law, who I verily believe had never in his -life transacted business less deviating than this from the -Ecclesiastical Canons. Be that as it may, however, not being able to do -otherwise, this was the gate at which I now fully intended to enter the -sanctuary of the ministers of religion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_311" id="page_311"></a>{311}</span></p> - -<p>In the mean time, until I could receive orders, I began to avoid all -sorts of company; and to live more regularly in frequenting places of -worship. One day when the weather was extremely fine for walking, I -quitted the town on a pilgrimage to St. Mary of the valley, an agreeable -hermitage, situate about a mile distant. On my way I overtook a great -concourse of people on their journey to the same spot, and the Chapel of -the Saint was so crowded when I arrived, that there was scarcely room to -kneel down in it. A lady, who sat two or three paces from me, observing -my embarrassment, retired somewhat further back, as if by that action to -make room for me next to her. I was extremely surprised at this polite -attention from a female with whom I was not acquainted, and who, I -thought, could not know me; and in spite of my affected gravity, I could -not help fixing my eyes on her elegant figure, doubting not, from her<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_312" id="page_312"></a>{312}</span> -dress and demeanour that she was a lady of some consequence.</p> - -<p>She carefully concealed her face from me, darting, however, an -occasional glance at me with one eye, which pierced my very soul. I took -possession of the vacant place near her, and wishing to testify my -gratitude in some compliment I said in a whisper: “How dangerous is this -politeness!” “I can scarcely think that you can be afraid of it,” said -she in the same tone. I dared not reply for fear of being overheard by -the ladies who sat by her, and seemed to be of her party. I looked at -them all attentively, and in one of them I recognized the widow of one -Dr. Gracia, a physician, a lady already in years, and who kept a -boarding house in the town. I knew that she had three daughters who were -called the three Graces, as well on account of the name of their father, -as of their lovely persons. I had now no doubt that the lady whom I had -just spoken to, must be one of these three<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_313" id="page_313"></a>{313}</span> celebrated sisters; and as -report boasted particularly of the beauty and wit of the eldest, I could -not help wishing that it might be her; a wish, however, which I could -not entertain without considerable alarm for my heart. With the -reputation of being extremely pretty, these young ladies had not the -character of being Vestals. This was not much to be wondered at, Doctor -Gracia having left his affairs in such a state as obliged his widow to -take in boarders for a livelihood. If slander does not even spare young -ladies brought up with the utmost severity, how could it possibly -respect our three Graces, who were eternally surrounded with gallants? -their father had been a man of pleasure, and had caused them to be -instructed in music and other accomplishments; more intent upon fitting -them for society, than forming their minds to virtue. I was perfectly -well acquainted with all this; and they on their side knew well who I -was.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_314" id="page_314"></a>{314}</span> They had heard that I was well versed in music, that I had plenty -of money, and a peculiar talent in spending it. These excellent -qualities, which they admired in a man, made them extremely desirous to -scrape acquaintance with me, and to induce me to increase the number of -their boarders. This proposal had before been made to me, but I had -rejected it, for fear of involving myself in some fresh intrigue. I had -even made oath to avoid every snare that love might lay for me, and I -did not expect, that in the holy place where I now stood, I should break -this oath. Nevertheless, I felt a sort of agitation which so much -resembled the first emotions of a growing passion, that I was alarmed at -it. “Guzman,” said I to myself, “make not a fool of yourself here. What -God did you come to worship in this church? Let not your heart be taken -by surprise. Can you wish to lose the fruits of so many years study?”</p> - -<p>While my reason thus contended with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_315" id="page_315"></a>{315}</span> my weakness, the ladies having -finished their prayers, rose to leave the church. There were seven or -eight of them, all of the same party. They passed by where I sat, and I -rose to bow to them. The one whom I had so particularly noticed, and who -was in reality the eldest of the three sisters, managed very adroitly, -under pretence of adjusting her veil, to afford me a view of her -beautiful face. I was so struck with it, that it was with the greatest -difficulty I could restrain myself from following her. An impulse, -however, which heaven only could have bestowed upon me, held me back -from so powerful and dangerous an attraction. I dropped down on my knees -again, to continue or rather to begin my prayer, for I had as yet been -so absorbed in other thoughts that I had forgotten the duty which -brought me to church. I could not, however, divest my mind of the image -of the enchantress who occupied it; and more agitated than a vessel<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_316" id="page_316"></a>{316}</span> -without sail or compass in the middle of the ocean, I yielded to the -different emotions which possessed my heart.</p> - -<p>My extreme uneasiness not permitting me to remain any longer in the -chapel, I left it, not to trace the steps of the beauty who had made so -much impression on me; on the contrary, my wish was to avoid her, and -fearing that I should meet her in the road that led to the city, I took -another route, and turned my steps towards the river, in the hope that -while I walked along its banks, I should insensibly lose all -recollection of this redoubtable personage, whom my philosophy had not -been able to withstand. And perhaps I should have become tranquil after -a little reflection, but my stars willed it otherwise. A voice which I -heard at the distance of ten or twelve paces from me, caused me to turn -my head towards the spot from whence it came, and the very first thing -that struck my eyes was that same Donna Maria Gracia,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_317" id="page_317"></a>{317}</span> whose charms I -was so assiduously shunning. She was seated on the grass and singing, -while her sisters and the other ladies in company were preparing an -elegant collation.</p> - -<p>At this sight, I was no longer master of myself, but advanced and -saluted them: “You must agree, ladies,” said I, “that fate is most -propitious to me to day, since it has been its will that I should meet -you every where; but to complete my happiness I should be seated by your -side.” Donna Maria replied with a smile, “that it was my own fault only -if I were not; and that it was but just that so many fair shepherdesses -should have at least one shepherd to protect them from the wolves.” This -answer delighted me, and I quickly joined the party, abandoning myself -to all my natural gaiety. The mother and the daughter seemed to vie with -each other in politeness towards me. I thought that I had never spent -many such agreeable<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_318" id="page_318"></a>{318}</span> moments, and regretted exceedingly that I had -declined the opportunity of associating with so charming a family. The -other ladies were also very gracious; and I told them more than once, -that I thought all the loveliness in Alcala was in my presence. This -compliment, as you may suppose, did not in the least offend them; and to -shew me that there was some justice in my remark, they prepared after -the collation to entertain me with a concert. Two of the ladies played -guitars which they had brought with them, and Donna Maria, and the -others who had voices, accompanied them. A guitar was then presented to -me, and I was entreated to play some airs to dance to, which I did with -much less pleasure than I felt in seeing the ladies trip to it in the -meadow like so many nymphs of Diana.</p> - -<p>The eldest sister was the dancer I took most notice of. An air of -peculiar nobleness and grace distinguished her<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_319" id="page_319"></a>{319}</span> from her companions. It -is not surprising then that a man who took fire so easily as I did, -could not resist such fine qualities. In truth I was so enamoured of -Donna Maria, that I saw nobody but her. When she left off dancing, I -seated myself at her feet, and presenting her with a guitar, entreated -that she would play and sing to it. This request she was willing to -comply with, on condition that I would accompany her. She had heard my -voice praised, she said, and she longed to hear it herself. As I had no -less a longing to gratify her desire, I was easily prevailed on, and -acquitted myself, as I need not tell you, very much to the satisfaction -of the party assembled.</p> - -<p>In this manner we continued to amuse ourselves until night, when the -widow Gracia sounded a retreat, and we began to file off towards the -town, Donna Maria and I walking last. It were useless to tell you that -our conversation turned upon love. We were both too intent<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_320" id="page_320"></a>{320}</span> upon it, to -talk upon any other subject, and accordingly made a reciprocal -declaration, and from that day perceived clearly that we were made for -each other. As the other ladies in company had not so agreeable a -conversation together as we had, they walked rather faster, and Donna -Maria wishing to overtake them, either by chance or intentionally, made -a false step, and must inevitably have fallen, had I not caught her in -my arms. In raising her up I was bold enough to snatch a kiss. No sooner -had I taken this liberty, than fearful that I had offended, I began to -make excuses to the fair one, who, so far from resenting my boldness, -told me in a lively manner, that I had done well in paying myself for -the service I had rendered her, which she might otherwise have been -ungrateful enough to have forgotten.</p> - -<p>When we arrived at the widow’s house, she gave me an invitation to walk -in,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_321" id="page_321"></a>{321}</span> which I willingly accepted of. I partook of some refreshments, and -prolonged my visit till decency compelled me to take my leave. Before I -retired, however, I obtained the widow’s permission to call occasionally -to assure her of my respect. I then bade adieu to Donna Maria, and was -so transported with love, that instead of returning homewards, I took -the way to the University, and only recognized my error in time to -prevent my knocking at the gates. You will easily conceive that I slept -but little that night, after having passed the day in the manner I have -related.</p> - -<p>The following day, I went as usual to the schools of the University, -where my distraction was such, that when I left them I scarcely knew -what subject had been treated of. After dinner I could not resist the -pleasure of visiting Donna Maria, to whom I listened much more -attentively than I had done to the Professor in the morning, and who -detached<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_322" id="page_322"></a>{322}</span> me so completely from the University, that I soon ceased to go -there at all. I renounced the orders I had been so anxious to obtain; -changed my ecclesiastical for a most magnificent secular habit, and -after having paid my landlord, became a boarder at the widow Gracia’s; -or rather to speak without disguise, I gave myself up to the demon which -possessed me. Every person of sense who was acquainted with me, pitied -my blindness, and even the Rector of the University had the kindness to -remonstrate with me on my change of conduct; but these friendly -endeavours were of no avail. Fate would have it that I should persevere -to my own ruin; or rather, perhaps, heaven could no longer behold such a -subject a minister of the church.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_323" id="page_323"></a>{323}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_L" id="CHAP_L"></a>CHAP. L.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman marries again at Alcala, and shortly after returns to live -at Madrid with his new wife.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I lived</span> most delightfully with my new landladies; they endeavoured to -anticipate my every desire: in short, I was the master of the house. -This life lasted for about three months, at the expiration of which time -I began to talk of marriage. We soon came to terms; and, by way of -making a greater fool of myself, I expended a considerable sum of money -in wedding clothes. One would have thought that I had cart-loads of -money; though, to say the truth, I was almost at my last shift.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_324" id="page_324"></a>{324}</span></p> - -<p>My mother-in-law, who was a good sort of woman, very easily led away by -finery, seeing the fine show I made, thought that I was of course -possessed of considerable property, and that the fortune of her whole -family was made by obtaining me for a son-in-law. As it was necessary -that a young man should be employed, she proposed to me to apply myself -to physic, telling me that it was a very lucrative profession, and that -if her husband had been more assiduous in it, he might have left his -widow and children much better off than they were. To induce me to -follow her advice, she offered me all Doctor Gracia’s books and -memoranda, not doubting, as she said, that with such assistance, and my -excellent understanding, I should soon become an excellent physician. To -gratify her wishes, I was complaisant enough to study for about six -months under some of the most famous professors of medicine; but their -lessons were not at all to my taste,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_325" id="page_325"></a>{325}</span> and I soon became disgusted with a -study which at the best could only maintain me in my old age. I -pretended, therefore, that I had received letters from one of my -friends, offering me a lucrative post at Madrid, in which I could not -fail to grow rich in a very few years. I imparted this news to my -mother-in-law, who, believing it to be true, was the first to recommend -me to accept the situation, much as she really regretted the loss of my -society.</p> - -<p>The aversion I felt for the study of medicine was not the only reason -for my wishing to leave Alcala. My finances were now at a very low ebb, -and I did not wish to expose my poverty in a place where I had hitherto -been considered in easy circumstances. In addition to this, I must -inform you, that Donna Maria, since her marriage, had thought proper to -renew an intercourse with certain students whose tender attentions she -had formerly encouraged. This was the more<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_326" id="page_326"></a>{326}</span> provoking to me, as she -could expect no grateful acknowledgments from such gallants but -serenades and boxes of sweetmeats. I was by no means satisfied with such -empty profits; for it appeared to me, that a husband who kindly -condescended to shut his eyes to his wife’s gallantries, deserved at -least that abundance should reign in his house. I resolved, therefore, -to leave a place where my wife had formed such bad acquaintances, and to -establish ourselves, at Madrid, where much better were to be met with.</p> - -<p>Being quite prepared for the journey, we bade adieu to our friends and -family, and set off in a genteel equipage for that city, so justly -called the refuge for the destitute, Madrid. I had entirely broken with -my father-in-law, Don Andrea, on the occasion of my second marriage, -which I had contracted contrary to his advice. I thought no more of him; -and as to my creditors, as I had still two years before me, I troubled -myself but little on<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_327" id="page_327"></a>{327}</span> that head, nothing doubting, that before they -could legally annoy me again, I should either make some lucky hit, or my -wife’s beauty would enable us to form, far enough out of their reach, a -solid establishment.</p> - -<p>A poor devil of a merchant from Alicant was the first who fell into our -snares. Unfortunately for him, he had joined us on our route, and having -seen Donna Maria, conceived a violent love for her. We clearly perceived -this, when having arrived at Madrid, he compelled us, as it were, to -stop at the inn where he lodged; and he assured us we should find every -thing most comfortable. “The landlady,” said he, “is one of the best -women in the world. She has most excellent apartments, and a most famous -cook.” There was no resisting the earnestness of his entreaties, which -sufficiently betrayed the goodness of his intentions. We were, -therefore, easily persuaded, and were conducted to the inn,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_328" id="page_328"></a>{328}</span> where we -were exceedingly well received by the landlady, who appeared to us to be -really respectable, and very much the friend of the merchant. She -allotted to us one of the best apartments in the house, and tendered her -services most obsequiously on any occasion that we might require them.</p> - -<p>Our travelling companion requested that we would leave to him the care -of providing a good supper for us; in which office he acquitted himself -like a rich man who wished only to please. He spared nothing during the -meal to gain my good graces. He paid much more attention to me than to -my wife, perhaps imagining that I was the most likely to oppose his -design. After supper, I inquired what was to pay, and was answered that -every thing was settled. I was overjoyed; but to let him see that I knew -how to treat as well as he did, I invited him to dine with me the next -day, and in the mean time sent orders to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_329" id="page_329"></a>{329}</span> the cook to prepare an -excellent dinner for three persons. It is true, that I fully intended he -should pay for it; and, accordingly, no sooner was dinner over, than I -went out under pretence of having some important business at the court -end of the town, requesting him to excuse me, and to be so kind as to -keep my wife company in my absence. This exactly suited him as well as -me. Donna Maria, although sufficiently adorned by her natural beauty, -had passed the whole morning in adding to it all the charms that could -be borrowed of art, so that she appeared indeed more lovely than usual. -She proposed to play to pass the time, and won a hundred ducats of our -visitor, which he was obliged to lose to her out of gallantry.</p> - -<p>This was nothing to what followed; for beginning to be more liberal in -proportion as he became deeper in love, he put himself to a frightful -expense. He presented my wife with several magnificent dresses, and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_330" id="page_330"></a>{330}</span> -quantity of jewels. He conducted her sometimes to the promenade, -sometimes to the theatres, and treated her and me every day in the most -profuse manner. All this generosity on his part, you will say, could not -be for nothing. I believe so as well as you. Donna Maria was naturally -of too grateful a disposition not to make some return for such -attentions. But I cared little or nothing about that. The husband of a -coquette, when he is in indigence, and finds his account in allowing his -wife to flirt, ought at least to be complaisant. The only fools are -those gallants who purchase so dearly of him favours of which he is -surfeited. As for me, I soon found myself by my prudent behaviour in a -most enviable situation. We soon left our lodgings, and took a whole -house to ourselves to live at greater liberty, ornamenting it with the -most elegant furniture, which Signor Diego (for that was the merchant’s -name) had the kindness to pay for. What a joyful life<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_331" id="page_331"></a>{331}</span> did we there -lead! good cheer, love, and indeed every pleasure were ours.</p> - -<p>The merchant could not be better satisfied than he was with his lot, and -we were equally so with ours. Concord and peace reigned in our little -abode, when a young German nobleman, handsome, well made, and with a -grand equipage, chanced to see my wife at the playhouse with Signor -Diego, and thought her so handsome, that he was most anxious to know who -she was. Her superb dress and noble air impressed him with the idea that -she was a lady of quality, while, on the other hand, the looks and dress -of the merchant were by no means prepossessing. He knew not what to -think of such a couple. At first he took Diego to be an attendant upon -the lady; but the familiarity with which he treated her made him think -at last that he must be her husband. To ascertain the truth, he caused -her to be followed after the play by a clever valet, who returned with a -faithful<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_332" id="page_332"></a>{332}</span> account of her situation; and the German, from his report, -doubted not that he should soon be able to supplant the ugly merchant in -her good graces.</p> - -<p>To bring this about, he had a private conference with our late landlady, -whom, by dint of presents, he soon gained over to his interests. This -woman, from whom we had parted on good terms, was in the habit of -calling upon us occasionally. One day, in a private conversation with -Donna Maria, she drew so flattering a portrait of the German, that she -engaged her to take a walk with her, unknown to Diego, where that young -gentleman met her as though by chance. In addition to his fine figure -and natural beauty, his manners were agreeable and insinuating. My wife -took a fancy to him at first sight, and he did not, therefore, long -languish. The proofs of gratitude of this gallant were not like those of -Don Diego; but purses of a hundred doubloons each, valuable diamonds, -superb tapestry, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_333" id="page_333"></a>{333}</span> rich plate. As soon as we found that this young -nobleman was so prodigal of his riches towards us, we attached ourselves -to him, and began to neglect our citizen of Alicant most outrageously. -Donna Maria even favoured his rival in his presence.</p> - -<p>Signor Diego was not deficient in pride. He was one of those rich -merchants who look upon themselves as persons of quality. Not being -willing to suffer that any one should be preferred to him after what he -had done for us, he began to murmur. From murmurs he proceeded to -reproaches, and from reproaches to threats. His passion excited my -anger, and I told him that I chose to be master of my own house, and -begged he would give himself no airs. He had not expected that I should -have assumed so high a tone; and judging from that circumstance, that -instead of my having been his dupe, he had been mine all the while, he -wisely resolved to withdraw,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_334" id="page_334"></a>{334}</span> which he did, bursting with rage and -spite, instead of returning a thousand thanks to Heaven for having -delivered him from such dangerous blood-suckers.</p> - -<p>The German gentleman, far from diminishing our household expenses, -increased them daily. He loaded us with presents, and we began to give -ourselves great airs. I had three footmen, and my wife two female -attendants. We lived as if our property was doomed to last all our -lives. It was not, however, very far from its termination. Our gallant -foolishly thought fit to boast of his good fortune to a friend, a young -Count of the Court, and to bring him with him to visit us. As soon as -this latter saw Donna Maria, he became his friend’s rival. This was of -little consequence. The lady would have had wit enough to have pleased -them both; but the Count wishing that two or three other of his -fashionable friends should partake of his amusements, introduced them -also to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_335" id="page_335"></a>{335}</span> our house, where these youths altogether turned the house -almost out of windows; nothing was to be heard but laughing and singing, -from morning till night: and nothing could be done but gaming and -drinking. And as these youngsters’ pockets were not always well stored, -they borrowed and cheated; and though all this property generally fell -into our hands, it went as lightly as it came.</p> - -<p>So irregular a life could not fail to draw some misfortune upon us. Two -of these young gentlemen, already irritated by jealousy, had a trifling -dispute at play one night, upon which they immediately drew their -swords. They fought; and before they could be separated, one of them -received a mortal wound. The parents of the wounded gentleman, having -learnt that this accident happened at my house, which they considered a -resort for the disorderly, caused me to be arrested in my bed one -morning by a large body of constables, who, after having possessed<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_336" id="page_336"></a>{336}</span> -themselves of the principal part of my property, led me to prison.</p> - -<p>This sudden intrusion of justice awoke my wife in rather a disagreeable -manner, who rose and dressed herself speedily, in order to intercede -with one of the principal judges, a person respectable as well from his -venerable appearance as his advanced age. She threw herself at his feet -with tears in her eyes, and implored his support with the most affecting -language. The old man, notwithstanding his years, was less interested by -the entreaties of his fair petitioner than by the charms of her person. -He raised her up, and introduced her into his closet, that, as he said, -her audience might not be interrupted; and while she related the affair -to him, the old satyr, who scarcely listened to a word she said, dried -her tears with his handkerchief with one hand, while he placed the other -trembling on her bosom. In short, he gave her hopes that the unlucky -adventure which had<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_337" id="page_337"></a>{337}</span> happened to me would have no ill consequences, and -immediately sent orders to the gaoler to treat me well; for he was a -magistrate of great authority, and might have released me immediately -had he been so inclined, but he wanted a few more audiences with my -wife. He appointed her to wait upon him the next day at the same hour. -This she did, and was immediately shewn into his closet again, where she -found him full dressed, combed, perfumed, and his beard neatly trimmed -for the occasion. The success of this second visit was a promise that I -should the next day be set at liberty; and my wife was obliged to call -upon him again, to receive from his own hands the warrant for my -release.</p> - -<p>I thought myself very lucky in having got over this affair in so short a -time, though it had cost me almost half I was worth. I flattered myself -that, with so powerful a protector as my wife had now made, we might in -future do any thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_338" id="page_338"></a>{338}</span> we pleased with impunity. Immediately after dinner -I repaired to the judge’s house, where I thanked him for his great -goodness. He received me very politely, and invited me to pay him a -visit occasionally. I pretended to be extremely sensible of this honour, -and, on taking leave, besought a continuance of his protection. He -assured me that I might rely upon it; and, the better to convince me, he -honoured us with a visit that very evening. We received him in such a -manner, that if he had been Prime Minister of Spain he could not have -had more respect shewn him. As he told us that he liked music, my wife -and I formed a little concert for his amusement. We afterwards regaled -him with fruits and sweetmeats, which he repaid the next day by a -handsome present to my wife.</p> - -<p>This superannuated gallant accustomed himself by degrees to spend every -evening in a house where he was so well<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_339" id="page_339"></a>{339}</span> entertained. At last he began -to find my presence troublesome to him, and to get me out of the way, he -told me, one day that I was dining with him, that ’twas a pity a man of -sense and learning as I was should pass his youth away in idleness; that -he would think of some post that would suit me, in which I should be -simple indeed if I did not speedily grow rich. I assured him that my -idleness was quite contrary to my inclinations, and that he would most -sensibly oblige me if he would procure me an useful occupation, in which -I trusted I could acquit myself to his satisfaction. The next day he -paid me another visit, and put into my hands a commission to be one of -the Receivers of King’s Taxes, signifying to me, at the same time, that -it would be necessary for me to repair to the precinct to which I was -appointed without delay. Although I had but little inclination to this -employment, I accepted it, and returned my benefactor as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_340" id="page_340"></a>{340}</span> many thanks as -if he had raised me to one of the first posts in the kingdom. My wife -was scarcely better pleased at it than I was, but we resolved in secret -to make trial, whether, during my absence, our amorous grey-beard would -be sufficiently generous to recompense us for the loss of the German -gentleman.</p> - -<p>I accordingly took leave of Donna Maria, leaving the field open to her -old Adonis. I arrived at the department to which I was appointed, -entered upon my new charge, and began to exercise it; but, alas! I soon -found that, without robbing, extortion, and all sorts of violence upon -the poor country people, I should be reduced to worse straits than ever. -In short, I did not like the business, for I could not help thinking -that a robber on the highway was an honester profession. Accordingly I -had determined, at the expiration of the first three months, to be -requested to be recalled. That time, however, had not elapsed before<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_341" id="page_341"></a>{341}</span> my -patron wrote to me of his own accord to return to Madrid. This letter -caused me more joy than I had felt when he so charitably released me -from prison. I gave up my post with all my heart, and returned to my -patron, very curious to learn how he could have grown tired of my -absence. I went to see him the first thing on my arrival, and he began -immediately to complain of Donna Maria’s coquettish inclinations. “Your -wife,” said he, “has one very great fault, which is, that she loves none -but young sparks. In vain have I represented to her that the many -visitors of this description that she receives must infallibly ruin her; -she will not break off such connexions: in short she is incorrigible. My -sole reason,” continued he, “for recalling you, was to inform you of her -indiscretion, and to caution you to keep a better check upon her -conduct, lest, in the event of any second accident happening at your -house, you may not always be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_342" id="page_342"></a>{342}</span> able to find powerful and disinterested -protectors.” I understood his meaning perfectly, and promised the old -man that my wife should be more guarded in her future conduct; after -which, I went home, well assured that my wife would tell the story in -quite a different way; as in fact she did: for no sooner had I mentioned -his name, than she began to declaim against him as an avaricious old -curmudgeon, who had made her none but the most insignificant presents -ever since my departure.</p> - -<p>I entered into her resentment, and permitted more young men than ever to -frequent our house; which the old magistrate having remarked, he -reproached me for having broken my word with him, and, as though he had -made my fortune, he accused me of making him an ungrateful return for -all the benefits he had conferred on me. At length we lost all patience, -and, to get rid at once of so troublesome a visitor, I ordered the -servants<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_343" id="page_343"></a>{343}</span> to say we were not at home whenever he called.</p> - -<p>No sooner did he perceive that we were determined to release ourselves -from his tyranny than his love was converted into hatred, and in his -passion he caused us to be condemned to leave Madrid in three days, -under pain of imprisonment for the remainder of our lives. He thought -that by this he would undoubtedly have reduced us to implore his mercy, -and do just as he pleased; but he was much mistaken, for no sooner was -this unjust sentence made known to us than we guessed from whence it -came, and resolved to obey it, my wife choosing rather to travel all -over the world than have any thing more to do with this old rascal, and -I beginning to be apprehensive that my creditors would shortly be -calling upon me for the remainder of my composition money.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_344" id="page_344"></a>{344}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_LI" id="CHAP_LI"></a>CHAP. LI.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman and his wife, having been obliged to leave Madrid for their -exemplary and moral mode of life, proceed to Seville, where Guzman -finds his Mother.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> first day we were fully employed in converting all our effects into -ready money. On the second we hired four mules to carry us and our -baggage, and departed from Madrid on the morning of the third, according -to the sentence.</p> - -<p>We took the road to Seville, not only to gratify my great desire to -revisit my native country, but to please Donna Maria, who burned with -impatience to try the effect of her charms upon the rich merchants who, -I had told her, were continually arriving from Peru,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_345" id="page_345"></a>{345}</span> laden with gold -and jewels. She doubted not that she should fill her coffers at their -expense. Notwithstanding our good intentions towards these gentlemen, -however, we travelled very slowly for fear of fatigue; and I own that I -felt a secret pleasure in surveying the country through which I had -formerly passed, although it recalled to my remembrance the sad -adventures of my youth. I passed the inn where I had been a servant; and -at the sight of Cantillana I fancied I still smelt those excellent -ragouts of mules with which I had formerly been regaled; and I did not -forget the cudgelling which had been so liberally bestowed on me and the -muleteer by the two officers of the Holy Brotherhood. I arrived and -dined at that charming inn where they made omelets of pullets. I told my -wife this story, and she laughed at it heartily. At last I reached the -hermitage, where I lay the first night after I left Seville, and, -transported<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_346" id="page_346"></a>{346}</span> with the recollection, I addressed the Saint in these -terms: “Oh great St. Lazarus,” cried I, “when I left the steps of thy -chapel ’twas with tears in my eyes, on foot, alone, and poor, but -innocent; and now thou seest me return, married, and in good condition, -and well mounted; but how innocent, Heaven and thou know!”</p> - -<p>It was quite night when we arrived at Seville, so that we were obliged -to take up our quarters at the first inn we came to; but the next -morning I rose betimes and took lodgings in St. Batholomew-street, -whither I had my baggage conveyed. The next thing I did was to ask after -my mother, but I could hear no news of her until some months afterwards, -when Donna Maria being on a visit to a lady with whom she had made an -acquaintance, heard her name mentioned by mere chance, and was much -astonished to learn that she lived very near us with a young lady who -passed for her daughter. No<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_347" id="page_347"></a>{347}</span> sooner had I ascertained my mother’s -residence than I flew to it, found her at home, and we embraced with -sincere affection.</p> - -<p>We related to each other in a few words the adventures that had happened -to us both since our parting, each of us, however, concealing whatever -we thought fit. She was very anxious, for example, to persuade me that -she had brought up the young lady who lived with her, out of pure -charity, having been attached to her from her earliest infancy. I -pretended to believe her word implicitly, though I entertained -considerable doubt whether she had not other views which she did not -choose to confess. After a long conversation, I introduced Donna Maria -to her. My mother received her very kindly, and embraced her in an -affectionate manner not very common in a mother-in-law.</p> - -<p>To celebrate our reunion, my mother invited us to several -entertainments, which we returned; and as I had occasion<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_348" id="page_348"></a>{348}</span> for an old -mouser like her to instruct my wife in the coquetries of the ladies of -Seville, where the modes of gallantry differed from those at Alcala and -Madrid, I proposed to her to come and live with us, representing to her -how much more agreeably she might pass her time. She answered “that she -could not make up her mind to desert her adopted daughter, and that she -feared also she should not be able to agree long with my wife.” I -endeavoured to remove the first obstacle, by consenting to receive the -young lady into my family also. “You cannot think of it, my son,” said -my mother. “You must know but little of women, if you think that two -lively young ladies like Petronilla and Donna Maria, can live even one -month together, without quarrelling themselves, and indeed setting the -whole house in an uproar.”</p> - -<p>I succeeded, however, in conquering the repugnance that my mother felt -to grant my request. It is true, that she<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_349" id="page_349"></a>{349}</span> yielded at last upon my -assurance that she would always find in my wife a daughter submissive to -her wishes. At last she came alone to reside with us, choosing rather to -leave Petronilla to herself, than to be the cause of dissensions in my -family. At the beginning, all went on smoothly, and the only contention -was, who should be the most complaisant. Each seemed to endeavour to -anticipate the desire of the other. They addressed each other -affectionately, and if this good understanding had but lasted, we could -not have failed in making our fortune; but unfortunately, before the -expiration of three months every thing changed, and these same ladies, -who had hitherto agreed so well, now began to pursue a different -conduct. My mother wished to govern despotically, which my wife would -not submit to. They were constantly disputing and quarrelling, and peace -was entirely banished the house. Sometimes I endeavoured<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_350" id="page_350"></a>{350}</span> to reconcile -them, and to act as umpire, but this only brought upon me the fury of -her whom I decided against. What made matters worse, was, that the ships -which were expected from India, did not come in that year. Money became -scarce, and consequently the profits of my wife’s gallantries were but -trifling, in comparison with the daily expense of our establishment. -Donna Maria was not one who could listen to economy, and no clothes or -ornaments were good enough for her. The natural consequence of all this -was, that as our funds diminished, so in proportion our vexations -increased. We had placed great reliance upon the merchants from Peru, -who never came at all; and my wife, to whom I had given a grand idea of -the opulence and generosity of these merchants, reproached me as if I -had been the cause of their delay. In short every thing fell upon me.</p> - -<p>As good luck would have it, I happened<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_351" id="page_351"></a>{351}</span> to become acquainted with an -Italian, captain of a Neapolitan galley, who by order of the Court had -come to Malaga to carry the Bishop of that city to Naples; but that -prelate not being ready to embark, he had come to Seville in the hopes -of meeting with merchandize to freight his vessel for Italy. I met him -by chance one day at a merchant’s house, and was delighted in having -found a man who spoke Italian as well as myself. He was on his side -equally pleased, and we became very intimate. I invited him to my house, -and introduced him to my wife, who did not fail to charm him. He made me -some trifling presents, which would have been more considerable if his -affairs would have permitted him to remain any longer at Seville: but as -he could not make the bishop wait for him, and could not bear the idea -of parting from my wife, he found means to conciliate his love with his -duty, by persuading her to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_352" id="page_352"></a>{352}</span> desert me, and fly with him into Italy. -After all, I believe that he did not find it a very difficult matter to -prevail upon her, for she had been long out of humour with me, and hated -my mother more and more every day; so that we had not an hour’s quiet -for her. However that might be, I cared but little about it; and, -indeed, thought myself happy and rich in having got rid of her, -notwithstanding she had taken her jewels and every thing of value about -the house with her; in which the captain had very honestly assisted her, -before I had the least suspicion of their intentions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_353" id="page_353"></a>{353}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_LII" id="CHAP_LII"></a>CHAP. LII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman, after his wife’s elopement, resides for some time with his -mother; but at length enters into the service of a lady of -quality.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I was</span> prudent enough to keep this affair secret, knowing that all the -scandal of it would be reflected upon me. I sold what remained of my -property, which consisted only of some of the worst of the furniture and -moveables, which my wife had condescended to leave behind, and employed -the money in making merry with my friends. My mother accommodated -herself as long as she could to the life I led, but at last growing -tired of it, she returned to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_354" id="page_354"></a>{354}</span> house where she had left Petronilla, -telling me that she could now live more at her ease with her, than she -could expect to do with me. I offered no opposition to her plans, and we -parted again in perfect good will towards each other.</p> - -<p>You will not be surprised that a continued train of expenditure without -any income, soon reduced me to my original condition of life; but an -adventurer, in whatever state it may please fortune to place him, should -always find resources in his wits. Mine did not now abandon me. I learnt -one day that there resided in the town a rich widow, whose husband had -been Governor of a city in the West Indies, and died there, leaving his -lady in great affluence. This widow, who affected great devotion, had no -children, but several relations of consequence; and was at this time in -search of a man, to whom she could confide the management of her -affairs, well<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_355" id="page_355"></a>{355}</span> knowing that places of this description are not always -filled by men of probity.</p> - -<p>This post was a great temptation to me, and I resolved to spare nothing -to obtain it, knowing that my fortune was made if I could succeed. After -having tormented my brains for some time to invent some stratagem to -attain my ends, I learnt that her Father Confessor was a Dominican -Friar, who had an absolute dominion over all her wishes, and that he -must be gained over to my interest. To this end, I bought a purse, and -put eight pistoles, and twenty ducats of gold in it, to which I added a -ring of trifling value, and a gold seal which my mother had presented to -my wife the first day she saw her. After which I laid by my sword, and -put on a very plain suit of clothes. In this state I repaired to the -Convent of the Dominicans, where I asked leave to speak to the Reverend -Father before mentioned, who was a very favourite preacher, and had -converted<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_356" id="page_356"></a>{356}</span> many. I was taken for one of his penitents, and was conducted -immediately to his chamber, which I entered with an hypocritical -countenance, as if afraid to cast my eyes on so sacred a person, and in -a low and soft voice: “Most Reverend Father,” said I; “I have just -picked up this purse which appears to be full of gold and silver coins, -and although I am but a poor man, I know that I have no right to keep -it. I have therefore taken the liberty of asking for you, that I might -place it in the hands of your Reverence to dispose of it as you may -think fit.”</p> - -<p>The good father, charmed with so heroic an action in a person whose -wants might have excused his appropriating it to himself, surveyed me -from head to foot, and commended my disinterested and religious -behaviour. He could not sufficiently extol me; and feeling, at the same -time, a desire to render me some service, as a recompense for my virtue, -he asked me<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_357" id="page_357"></a>{357}</span> a few questions as to my situation in life, and talents, -that he might know what I was capable of. “Reverend Father,” said I, “I -have now been at Seville for some time, entirely out of employment. I -was Receiver of Taxes at Madrid; but finding myself inclined to spend my -own money to assist rather than persecute the poor, I was compelled to -resign that situation; from which I became steward to a nobleman, whose -affairs were in great confusion. These might soon have been settled; but -in proportion as I arranged them, he involved them afresh, so that after -having served him four years with the utmost zeal and fidelity, I was -obliged to leave him as much a beggar as when I first entered his -service, and without even having received my wages.”</p> - -<p>The Confessor listened to me with great attention; and surprised at -hearing a man, whose dress did not much prepossess him in favour of his -education,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_358" id="page_358"></a>{358}</span> speak in such good terms, he asked me if I had ever studied. -I told him that I had studied most assiduously with the intention of -entering the church; but, that after having seriously reflected on a -vocation which required so many virtues which I did not possess, I had -given up such an idea. He was curious to ascertain how far I had gone in -Theology; and as all my lessons were still fresh in my memory, I -answered his questions in a manner which astonished him. My interview -with him lasted two hours, and he was so well pleased with me, that he -assured me of his friendship; and, in taking leave, told me, that on the -Sunday following he would advertise the purse I had found, in his -church, and that if I would call upon him on the Tuesday following, he -hoped he might by that time hear of some place to suit me.</p> - -<p>After having left his Reverence I repaired to my mother’s. “I have -lost,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_359" id="page_359"></a>{359}</span> said I, “the purse you gave me, in which were your ring and -casket, together with eight pistoles and twenty crowns in gold of my -own. Happily, however, it has fallen into the hands of a Dominican -Father, who will advertise it in his church on Sunday. You must -therefore go there, and claim it as your property, as I do not wish to -appear before his Reverence for certain reasons which I will afterwards -explain.” After a little more instruction, the good woman did not fail -to repair on the day fixed to the Dominican’s Church, where she heard -the father publish the purse as he had promised, not forgetting to -bestow the greatest eulogiums on the honesty of the poor man who had -found it, and delivered it to him. My mother, who knew as well as I did -the contents of the purse, had but little difficulty in getting it -restored her, after leaving two pistoles with his Reverence as a reward<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_360" id="page_360"></a>{360}</span> -for the honesty of the person who found it.</p> - -<p>My purse then was restored to me with the loss of two pistoles only. -Tuesday had no sooner arrived, than I waited upon the Dominican again, -who received me very kindly: “My son,” said he, “a good old woman who -has claimed the purse which you found, has left two pistoles with me in -charge for you.” I affected to be scrupulous of receiving this present, -as I had only done what was my duty, for which I did not deserve or -desire to be remunerated: but the good father told me that he thought I -well deserved it, and obliged me to accept of it; which, as you will -suppose, I no longer refused, purely in obedience to his commands.</p> - -<p>He then informed me that he had some better news to communicate; which -was, that he had obtained for me the situation as steward in the family -of one of the principal ladies in Seville. “You<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_361" id="page_361"></a>{361}</span> cannot but be happy in -this family,” said he, “for the remainder of your days, if you perform -your duty conscientiously, for which I entertain so good an opinion of -you, that I have passed my word.” At words like these, so flattering to -such a rogue, I prostrated myself at his reverence’s feet, and embraced -his knees with transport. He assisted me to rise, and assured me of his -protection. Then charging me with a letter to the lady, who proved to be -the widow before mentioned, he told me that he had already prepared her -to receive me.</p> - -<p>I went immediately to pay my respects to my new mistress, and it was not -difficult to perceive, by the reception I met with, that the Friar had -told wonders of me. She addressed me, not as a man who was to be her -servant, but as one of whom she already entertained the highest opinion. -The good Father had also taken care to fix my salary and perquisites. -She asked me if I was satisfied. I answered<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_362" id="page_362"></a>{362}</span> with a modest air, “that it -was more than I deserved, but that I would endeavour to render myself -worthy of her bounty by my care and fidelity in her service.” My person -and conversation pleased her infinitely, and she desired me to consider -myself in her service from that moment. Accordingly I had my trunk -carried in that evening, in which was all I possessed.</p> - -<p>A very handsome room was assigned me, and I remarked with pleasure, that -the other servants looked upon me as their superior, and as one whom -their lady would have respect paid to. All her private papers were -entrusted to me, and I applied myself so assiduously in discharge of my -trust, that I despatched as much business in fifteen days, as my -mistress expected would have taken up six months. Overjoyed at the -acquisition of so expeditious an accountant, she never saw the -Dominican, but she praised<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_363" id="page_363"></a>{363}</span> me exceedingly; which afforded the good -Father great pleasure, who really thought me a young man of integrity -and virtue.</p> - -<p>I was frequently obliged to consult my lady on affairs which could not -be settled without her approbation, and these interviews sometimes -lasted for some hours. On these occasions I always behaved myself with -so much respect, softness, and insinuation, that I perceived I was daily -gaining ground in her good will. At first she had fixed certain times -for me to speak with her on domestic affairs; which were in the morning -at her toilet, and in the evening after supper. This did not last long; -for she would come into my room after dinner, under some pretence or -other, and spend hours with me in discourse which had no relation to -business. Her fondness for me increased daily, and I could not but -foresee the happiness she designed me. I affected for a long time not to -understand her<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_364" id="page_364"></a>{364}</span> kind intentions; but flesh is flesh: and she having -condescended to make advances at least half way, I could not forbear -meeting her the other half. She excused her frailty by saying she -designed to marry me privately, and I abandoned myself entirely to my -good fortune, from which I should undoubtedly have reaped considerable -advantage, had I been prudent enough to maintain my ground.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_LIII" id="CHAP_LIII"></a>CHAP. LIII.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>How Guzman suddenly loses his Mistress’s favour, and is condemned -to the galleys.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">No</span> sooner had I found in any part of my life that I might swim in deep -water,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_365" id="page_365"></a>{365}</span> than I was drowned. Finding that I was now beloved by my -mistress, and looked upon by the servants as one whose favour was of -consequence, I began to act quite a different character in the family, -and set myself up to be absolute lord of all. I bought the most -expensive clothes; spent money like a gentleman; and to crown all, took -an under steward to look after the business of the house. Madam herself -was not a wit more prudent, and consulting her love rather than her -reason, approved of every thing I did.</p> - -<p>This was by no means the case with her relations, who, as they had an -eye to the succession, observed her steps most vigilantly. They had -conceived no great liking for me when I first entered the service, being -rather suspicious, and not without reason, of the very devout air I -assumed; but when they learnt that I carried all before me in the -family, they began to reflect seriously upon it. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_366" id="page_366"></a>{366}</span> knew who I was, -and not thinking that I was married, became very apprehensive lest the -too tender widow should eventually take me into the place of the defunct -governor, if she had not already done so; especially when they -recollected that she had some years before contracted marriage -clandestinely with one of my predecessors, who, fortunately for the -lady’s heirs, had thought proper to die shortly afterwards. This made -them very uneasy, and they had many meetings among themselves to -deliberate upon the most efficacious mode of ridding themselves of so -formidable a rival in the lady’s favour. All their endeavours, however, -would have been ineffectual, had I not ruined myself in my mistress’s -opinion by my imprudent conduct.</p> - -<p>The tender connexion I had formed with the lovesick lady became daily -less lively on my part; for, to say the truth, she was far from -possessing qualities calculated long to attach the inclinations of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_367" id="page_367"></a>{367}</span> a -gallant man. Unfortunately also for our amours, I had cast my eyes on a -young girl in the house, a pretty merry wench of about sixteen or -seventeen years of age. A man who had money unlimited at his command, -and the entire government of the family, was not a conquest to be -despised by a waiting-maid; so that I soon lured her to my purpose, and -we concerted measures so well, that we kept our correspondence secret -for a considerable time. There were, however, other women in the house, -and it was not possible, therefore, that we could remain long -undiscovered. Celia, which was the damsel’s name, soon began to dress -herself out in the jewels and ornaments I had given her, and to boast of -her money. Her companions, in consequence, became jealous of her, and -informed their mistress, who ordered them to watch her, and neglect -nothing to ascertain the source of all this finery. These directions -were punctually obeyed; and it was soon discovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_368" id="page_368"></a>{368}</span> that Celia had -nocturnal conversations with me for three or four hours in my chamber. -This news struck like a dagger to the lady’s heart, for she had hitherto -been confident of my fidelity. She could not think me guilty of such -perfidy, and determined to be thoroughly convinced herself before she -satisfied her vengeance.</p> - -<p>I lay in a chamber which communicated with my mistress’s by a closet in -which there was a private door covered with tapestry. In addition to -this, there was an opening which I knew nothing of, directly against my -bed’s-head; so that a person listening might easily hear whatever was -said in my chamber, particularly when I was in bed. In this spot the -widow placed herself one night, and listening attentively to my -conversation with Celia, she overheard us distinctly speaking of -herself; and though we had frequently before amused ourselves at her -expence, yet, as the devil would have it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_369" id="page_369"></a>{369}</span> we had never before spoken so -ill of her. We communicated to each other without reserve the various -frailties and natural defects we had observed in her, and, in short, -pulled her to pieces from head to foot. You will readily imagine the -lady’s rage at hearing herself painted in such glowing colours. She was -at first tempted to enter my chamber and vent her fury on us -immediately; but after a little reflection, she very wisely thought it -more prudent to retire, and meditate her revenge more privately, than to -make all the servants in the house laugh at her expense.</p> - -<p>No sooner had day arrived than she sent for her nearest relation, to -tell him that I was a complete rogue; that I had not been content with -robbing her and putting all her affairs into disorder, but had -dishonoured her house; in short, that she was determined no longer to -overlook my knaveries, and only wished that I might be punished -according to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_370" id="page_370"></a>{370}</span> my deserts. She could not possibly have selected a more -fit person to promote her wishes in this respect than this relation of -her’s, who, hoping one day or other to be her heir, had more interest -than any one to remove me from the testatrix. He was, therefore, highly -delighted at so favourable an opportunity, and made haste to profit by -it, lest the lady should change her mind. He knew her well, and saw -plainly that she only acted this part out of some jealous pique; and -accordingly exerted himself with such effect that in less than two hours -he obtained a warrant against me, so that before I had risen from my -bed, an Alguazil entered my chamber, and led me off to prison.</p> - -<p>I was at first inclined to consider this as a token of remembrance, -either from my relations at Genoa, or my creditors at Madrid; and it, -was upwards two hours before I learnt the real cause of my imprisonment. -At first I did but laugh at it, flattering myself that<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_371" id="page_371"></a>{371}</span> my mistress -loved me too well to leave me to the severity of the laws: and I -expected every moment to receive a message that she was no longer -irritated against me, and had obtained my pardon. Buoyed up with this -hope, I bore without impatience or complaint those fetters which I felt -convinced love would shortly break for me; and I considered myself more -like a lover punished for infidelity, than a steward imprisoned for -robbing his mistress. I was, however, most grievously mistaken, for I -was required forthwith to render an account of my administration, which -had lasted two years. I now began to grow uneasy, for the manner in -which I had dissipated the widow’s money to my own purposes left so -large a balance between the receipts and expenditure, that I would have -defied any steward in the most noble family to have filled up the gap. -It was in vain for me to puzzle my brain; for, to make the best of it, I -was four thousand crowns short.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_372" id="page_372"></a>{372}</span> To complete my ruin, the honest man -whom I had employed as under-steward, while I thought of nothing but my -pleasure, no sooner saw me thrown into gaol, than, to save himself from -the same fate, which he knew he equally well deserved, he made off with -all the ready money he could lay his fingers on. Being answerable for -this man’s behaviour, the whole was laid at my door. How then was it -possible for me to escape with impunity? I had neither money nor credit; -while, on the contrary, my prosecutors were so powerful, that I could -entertain no hope of leaving prison, except <i>to serve the King upon the -seas</i>.</p> - -<p>I was so convinced of this, that I made an attempt to escape from -prison, in the disguise of a woman, and had already penetrated as far as -the outer gate, when a cursed one-eyed door-keeper recognized me. I -carried a dagger in my breast, which I drew out to intimidate him; but -he roared out for help, which soon arrived,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_373" id="page_373"></a>{373}</span> and I was led back to a -dark dungeon, which I was not permitted to leave until I was conducted -to the galleys, to which I was condemned for the remainder of my life.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_LIV" id="CHAP_LIV"></a>CHAP. LIV.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman is conveyed to Port St. Mary with other honest folks like -himself. His adventures on the way, and on board the galleys.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> chain composed of twenty-six young galley-slaves, all decorated with -the collar peculiar to the order, being ready to march, we set out for -Port St. Mary where the galleys then lay. We were divided into four -bands, and chained one to another, and our conductor, escorted by twenty -guards, led us along by<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_374" id="page_374"></a>{374}</span> small days journies. We lay the first night at -<i>Cabeças</i>, a village about nine miles from Seville. The next morning, -having started again at break of day, we fell in with a lad driving -pigs. This unfortunate youth, instead of driving his beasts out of our -way, was imprudent enough to allow them to pass between our bands; the -consequence of which was, that he lost half of them. In vain did he -complain to our conductor, and entreat him to interpose his authority, -to oblige us to make restitution; the conductor, who hoped to eat his -share, turned a deaf ear to his prayers, and we passed on with our -prize, as proud of the exploit, and as joyful as though we had recovered -our liberty.</p> - -<p>When we arrived at the inn where we stopped to dine, I made a present of -my pig to the conductor, who accepted it willingly, and with many -thanks. He then asked the people of the house if they could dress it -nicely for him; but it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_375" id="page_375"></a>{375}</span> easily to perceive from their answers that -they were but little accustomed to cooking. Upon which I told him, that -if he would permit my chains to be taken off for one hour only, I would -undertake to cook for him, and doubted not that I should give him -satisfaction. He did not hesitate to grant this request, and I provided -every thing in such good order for him, that he afterwards used me much -more kindly than the other prisoners.</p> - -<p>Before we left, I had another opportunity of shewing my skill at the -inn, where two merchants happened to come in to dine. Finding themselves -in such honest company, they became extremely uneasy for their property. -One of them seemed determined not to leave any thing that belonged to -him out of his sight, and, accordingly, placed his wallet under the -table, keeping his foot upon it. I felt a great itch to be a match for -this cunning gentleman, and accordingly slipped very gently under the -table, and cutting<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_376" id="page_376"></a>{376}</span> his wallet open with a sharp knife, I drew out two -parcels, which I handed over in charge to one of my companions; named -Soto, with whom I had become acquainted in prison. When we had left the -inn, and had walked about a mile, I requested Soto to give me the -parcels, that we might see what our booty consisted of, and divide it. -Soto replied that he did not know what I alluded to. I thought at first -that he was joking, but that was very far from his thoughts, and he -persisted with oaths that he had received nothing of me. When I found he -was in earnest, I reproached him with his ingratitude and perfidy; but -he only laughed at my reproaches and threats, and kept quiet possession -of the parcels. His behaviour quite enraged me, and I resolved to be -revenged on him, by explaining the whole affair to the conductor, -choosing rather that he should profit by the theft, than such an -ungrateful and impudent rascal. This resolution I put<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_377" id="page_377"></a>{377}</span> into execution at -night when we reached the inn where we were to sleep.</p> - -<p>I had no sooner related the story to the conductor, than he called Soto -before him, and asked him for the two parcels. The rascal answered that -he had got nothing of the sort, and that I must be a great rogue to make -such an accusation. “You will not give them up with a good grace then!” -replied the conductor. “Very well, my friend, we will treat you then as -you deserve.” At the same time he ordered the guards to flog him until -he confessed. Soto turned pale with fear at this cruel order; and out of -regard to his skin, shortly afterwards confessed that the two parcels -were concealed in the belly of the pig he had stolen. Here they were -found; and when they were opened, it appeared they were full of beads -and bracelets of coral adorned with gold, of excellent workmanship. Our -conductor, like a man who understood his calling, thrust them all into -his own<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_378" id="page_378"></a>{378}</span> pocket without ceremony, promising me a handsome reward, which, -however, I have been expecting to this day; which proves clearly that -this description of persons profit by the evil actions of rogues, though -they do not participate in their punishment. From that day Soto and I -swore eternal hatred to each other.</p> - -<p>We pursued our route, and on our arrival at Port St. Mary, we found that -six galleys were careening to put to sea. We were confined a few days in -prison, after which we were divided into six bands. I was so unfortunate -as to be condemned to live in the same galley with Soto. We were carried -aboard our galley. I was seated over against the main-mast, and Soto on -the master’s bench; so that we seemed doomed to be near each other. The -King’s coat was then given us, a red waistcoat, two pair of drawers, two -shirts, a red cap, and a sea gown. After which a barber performed the -operation of shaving our chins and heads. I regretted<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_379" id="page_379"></a>{379}</span> the loss of my -hair exceedingly, which was long and beautiful. But it was of little -consequence; I was now a complete galley-slave, which I should have been -long before if I had had my deserts.</p> - -<p>As the Commissary is an officer who possesses great authority over the -galley-slaves, and which he usually exercises with brutality, my first -endeavour was to gain his friendship. He ate and slept very near my -seat, and I was always very officious to serve him whenever an -opportunity presented itself. I was always the first to anticipate his -wants, and testify my extreme desire to be useful to him. All these -attentions did not go long unrewarded. I soon perceived that he regarded -me with a more favourable eye than the rest. This was a great -consolation to me; and to render myself still more worthy of his favour, -I redoubled my endeavours to please him: in which I succeeded so well, -that he at length never employed any other to assist him, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_380" id="page_380"></a>{380}</span> made me -leave my seat to provide his meals for him, having been particularly -well pleased with some ragouts I had already made for him. I was not a -little proud of this honour, which, in fact, exempted me from my duty as -galley-slave.</p> - -<p>Our galley was ordered to Cadiz, to take aboard some masts, yards, and -ship’s tackling. Here a young lord, who was related to our captain, and -a Knight of the Order of St. James’s, came with his baggage on board our -galley, intending to make his first expedition. He wore, as was -customary in those days, a gold chain; but he had not been a week on -board before he lost this. In vain was every exertion made to discover -the thief; the chain was not to be found. Upon which the captain -recommended his kinsman to take one of the slaves into his service, who -should have the care of his chamber, and be responsible for every thing, -on pain of being handsomely flogged if any thing were lost. The Knight<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_381" id="page_381"></a>{381}</span> -approved highly of this advice, and the only question now was, which of -the slaves should have the honour of serving him. He had heard a good -account of my address and capacity, and wished exceedingly to have me. -Accordingly, the captain called the commissary before him, and asked him -if he was satisfied with my behaviour. The commissary, not knowing the -drift of this question, enlarged upon my merit, and spoke so highly in -my praise, that the Knight from that moment resolved to select me. I was -immediately sent for; he liked my looks, and I was enrolled in his -service, to the great regret of the commissary.</p> - -<p>Behold me now become a valet-de-chambre to a Knight of St. James. That I -might be able to serve him the more commodiously, the first favour he -obtained for me was, that I should only be obliged to wear a link on my -foot; after which, all his clothes, linen, jewels, and other valuables -were told out to me, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_382" id="page_382"></a>{382}</span> given in charge to me, with the recommendation -that it would be to my own interest to be faithful and vigilant. I put -every thing in such order, that I could see the whole at one view. The -servants were expressly forbidden to enter the chamber without my -permission, when their master was not in it. This regulation saved me a -great deal of trouble in watching these sparks, who were as well versed -in legerdemain tricks as any of the slaves on board the galley.</p> - -<p>I applied myself assiduously to study the humour and disposition of the -Knight, and it was not long ere I was beloved by him, and even esteemed, -galley-slave as I was. He felt pleasure in conversing with me, and I -appeared to him to possess such good sense, that he sometimes consulted -me on the most important occasions. One day he entered his chamber with -a thoughtful and melancholy countenance. “My friend,” said he, “one of -my uncles has written me a letter<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_383" id="page_383"></a>{383}</span> which has put me exceedingly out of -humour, in which he urges me, if I wish to be heir to all his property, -to marry. He has himself grown idle at the Court, without having dared -to take that yoke upon himself, which he wishes me to submit to. I know -not what answer to make; for I have no inclination at present for -matrimony.” “Sir,” replied I, jesting, “were I in your place, I would -write word back, that nothing could please me more than to comply with -his wishes, provided it were with one of his daughters.” My master -laughed most heartily at this advice, which was only meant by me as a -joke, and declared that he would write those very words, which he -doubted not would rid him of any further importunity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_384" id="page_384"></a>{384}</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><a name="CHAP_LV" id="CHAP_LV"></a>CHAP. LV.</h2> - -<p class="chead"><i>Guzman finds himself in the most cruel situation of his life; but -it pleases Heaven suddenly to put an end to his troubles, and he -recovers his liberty.</i></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">I had</span> every reason to be content with the life I led in the service of -the young Knight, who kept so good a table that I had frequent -opportunities of treating my comrades; in which I should not have -forgotten Soto, notwithstanding what had passed between us; but this -rascal, who had never forgiven me, took great pains to nourish my hatred -by constantly speaking ill of me before my master’s servants as well as -those of the Captain. These servants, who none of them<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_385" id="page_385"></a>{385}</span> liked me, -listened to him with pleasure, and did not fail to report every thing to -their patrons; and, among other slanders, that I was only waiting for an -opportunity to make some good hit, and that, sooner or later, the Knight -would know me for the rogue I really was.</p> - -<p>Although imputations coming from such a source ought not to have been -looked upon without suspicion, they did not entirely fail in making some -impression on my master’s mind; and I soon perceived, notwithstanding -the implicit confidence he pretended to place in me, that he kept a -strict watch over all my actions. On my side, without taking notice of -his unjust suspicions, I continued to serve him with fidelity, keeping -my eyes always open to any snares my enemies might lay for me. In spite -of all my vigilance, however, I fell a prey to Soto’s malice, who -instigated one of the Knight’s servants to steal a piece of plate out of -his master’s cabin and hide<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_386" id="page_386"></a>{386}</span> it under my bed between two boards. I soon -missed it, and told my master of the loss in a manner which ought to -have convinced him that I was not the thief. But I was not believed, and -it was at last found where it had been concealed. The Captain, thinking -that I had stolen it, in spite of all I could allege in my defence, -condemned me to receive fifty lashes; but my master begged me off, on -condition that if any thing were again lost, I should have no mercy.</p> - -<p>Finding, by this adventure, that I had secret enemies, who were -determined to ruin me, I humbly prayed the Captain and my master to take -another in my place, and permit me to return to my oar, rather than be -exposed to such another misfortune. My master misinterpreted my -intentions; and, thinking that I was more desirous of returning to the -Commissary’s than of continuing in his service, he determined to keep me -whether I would or no. Patience, therefore, was my only remedy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_387" id="page_387"></a>{387}</span> and I -stood as much on my guard as I could night and day; yet, watchful as I -was, I could not escape. My master having returned from the town one -night, sent for me to assist in undressing him. I gave him his gown and -nightcap; and while I carried his sword and gloves from one cabin to -another, some rascal stole the hat-band. I never could find out how this -trick had been executed; but when I was brushing the hat the next -morning, I discovered that the band was missing. At this sight I turned -as pale as death; looked for it every where, but all in vain; there were -thieves on board that galley at least my match.</p> - -<p>Nothing was left for me to do but to implore the Knight’s mercy; but -when I related my new misfortune to him, as well as the malignity of my -enemies, to which I attributed it, he laughed in my face. “Mr. Guzman,” -said he, with a sneer, “I am well persuaded that you are a person of the -greatest integrity, although<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_388" id="page_388"></a>{388}</span> you have not that reputation on board this -galley; and I have been told, more than once, of my boldness in having -trusted you. Once more, I think you an honest man, and am, therefore, -sorry to tell you, that if you do not forthwith produce my hat-band, you -must be delivered over to the Under-commissary, who will, doubtless, -treat you according to your deserts. This you may rely upon, -notwithstanding your protestations of fidelity.”</p> - -<p>This was the Knight’s answer, and the Captain came up at that moment. As -soon as he knew what was the matter, and found that I persisted in -denying that I had taken the hat-band, he flew in such a passion, and -beat me so cruelly, that I fell down half dead. To increase my misery, I -was driven from the poop and sent to the last seat on the prow, the most -uneasy seat of all, and that in which the slaves work hardest. In -addition to this, the Commissary had orders not to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_389" id="page_389"></a>{389}</span> spare me, under pain -of the Captain’s displeasure. This officer, however, really pitied me, -and, notwithstanding the orders he had received to treat me with rigour, -allowed me to rest for a full month, seeing that I was quite incapable -of hard labour.</p> - -<p>I regained my strength by degrees; and no sooner had I re-commenced my -duty at the oar than Heaven, satisfied with the hardships I had already -undergone, took compassion on me, and released me from my pitiable -situation. Soto, who had a devilish design in his head, which he could -not execute without my assistance, my seat being near the powder-room, -became extremely desirous to be reconciled with me. With this view he -availed himself of the mediation of a Turk, who had the liberty of going -fore and aft as he pleased in the galley; not doubting that I longed in -my heart to be revenged for the cruel<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_390" id="page_390"></a>{390}</span> treatment I had met with, and -that I loved liberty as well as others. He entreated me, through the -Turk, to forget the past, and restore him my friendship, which he -confessed he had justly forfeited. I pretended to be very desirous to be -reconciled to him; upon which the Turk addressed me in these terms:</p> - -<p>“Soto has charged me to communicate to you a project which he has formed -to deliver us all. It is concerted, that as soon as we reach the coast -of Barbary, which we are fast approaching, we are to rise, cut the -throats of the officers and soldiers, beginning with the Captain, -proclaim <i>Liberty</i> to the rest of the galley-slaves, who will -immediately assist us, render ourselves masters of the galley, and seek -an asylum amongst the Turks. This enterprise has been in contemplation,” -continued he, “upwards of two months. We have a sufficient quantity of -arms concealed, all our measures are<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_391" id="page_391"></a>{391}</span> taken, and we have resolved to -save ourselves, Turks as well as Christians, or perish in the attempt. -All that is required of you is to blow up the powder-room at a signal -given. This is our plot; and after the cruel treatment you have -experienced from the Captain, we have thought that you would not refuse -to join us.” I replied to the Turk, that he might depend there was -nothing I was not capable of undertaking to be revenged on the Captain, -and that he might assure the conspirators that I would do what was -expected of me. This, however, was very far from my intention. When the -day approached that the plot was to be put in execution, I requested a -soldier who came near my seat to tell the Captain that I had a secret of -the greatest importance to reveal to him. “But,” added I, “tell him to -send for me immediately; his life depends upon his compliance.” The -Captain<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_392" id="page_392"></a>{392}</span> considered this as a trick of mine to reconcile myself to him, -and regain my post in his kinsman’s service; and though he did -condescend to hear what I had to say, he resolved to make me suffer for -it, if I was only trifling with him. He sent for me, however, and I -discovered all I knew; told him where the arms lay concealed; and named -the principal inventors of the plot, at the head of which I did not -forget to rank my friend Soto.</p> - -<p>The Captain, perceiving now that it was no trifling matter, resolved to -proceed with caution, and ordering all the soldiers to their arms, -commanded a search to be made, and found a vast quantity of fire-arms -and other weapons in the place I had pointed out. He then caused the -ringleaders of the conspiracy to be seized, who, being put to the -torture, confessed all. Soto and one of his comrades were condemned to -be drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_393" id="page_393"></a>{393}</span> in quarters by four galleys, and the rest were decimated, of -whom five were hung, and the others had their noses cut off. Soto, -before he died, owned that it was by his contrivance the piece of plate -and hat-band had been taken out of the Knight’s cabin, and that I was -innocent of it. The Captain commended me highly for my zeal and -fidelity, after the unjust usage I had met with; asked my pardon -publicly; ordered my irons to be struck off; gave me the liberty of the -galley; and he and all the officers signed a letter setting forth the -considerable service I had rendered the King in saving the galley and so -many lives; which was transmitted to Court to procure an order from his -Majesty for my enlargement. It were needless to state with what a -grateful heart I returned thanks to Heaven for such a revolution in my -prospects, promising to amend, and live better for the future.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_394" id="page_394"></a>{394}</span></p> - -<p>Thus, friendly Reader, I have given you an account of the principal -adventures of my life. What followed after the King was graciously -pleased to grant me my liberty, you may expect to hear, should I live -long enough to tell you.</p> - -<p class="c"> -THE END.<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -London: Printed by John Nichols and Son,<br /> -25, Parliament-street.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_395" id="page_395"></a>{395}</span></p> - -<hr style="width: 45%;" /> - -<p class="c"> -<i>Just published</i><br /> -<br /> -By <span class="smcap">Longman</span>, <span class="smcap">Hurst</span>, <span class="smcap">Rees</span>, <span class="smcap">Orme</span>, <span class="smcap">Brown</span>,<br /> -and <span class="smcap">Green</span>, Paternoster Row.<br /> -<br /> -In one vol. 12mo. price 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> boards.<br /> -<br /> -A<br /> -CRITICAL AND ANALYTICAL<br /> -<br /> -<big>DISSERTATION</big><br /> -<br /> -ON THE<br /> -<br /> -<big>NAMES OF PERSONS.</big></p> - -<hr /> -<p class="c"> <br />BY JOHN HENRY BRADY. -</p> -<hr /> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">“In hoc est hoax,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Et quiz et joax.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">With gravity for graver folks.”<br /></span> -</div></div> -</div> - -<p>“This little volume will amply repay the attention of the curious, and -we recommend it to general perusal.”—<i>Gentlemen’s Magazine</i>, <i>June, 1, -1822</i>.</p> - -<p>“We recommend Mr. Brady’s Dissertation to the notice of our readers. It -will serve as a text book, and furnish copious hints for many an amusing -chapter of conversational pleasantry.”—<i>General Weekly Register</i>, -<i>April, 1822</i>.</p> - -<p>“This is an amusing little trifle.”—<i>Gazette of Fashion.</i></p> - -<p>“This is an ingenious and playful little work.”—<i>Literary Chronicle.</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_396" id="page_396"></a>{396}</span></p> - -<hr style="width: 45%;" /> - -<p class="c"> -<i>Literary Notices of the First Edition of</i><br /> -<br /> -THE<br /> -<br /> -LIFE AND ADVENTURES<br /> -<br /> -OF<br /> -<br /> -<big>GUZMAN D’ALFARACHE,</big><br /> -<br /> -OR<br /> -<br /> -THE SPANISH ROGUE.<br /> -</p> - -<hr /> - -<p>“We congratulate the public upon the addition which Mr. Brady has made -to their literary amusements. This is one of the most amusing books we -know; and the Translator has preserved the simplicity as well as the -spirit of the original.”—<i>European Magazine.</i></p> - -<p>“This translation is executed with considerable spirit and great -fidelity.”—<i>Monthly Magazine.</i></p> - -<p>“The Translator has produced a very entertaining version of the -adventures of that prototype of adventurers the Chevalier -Guzman.”—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>“This is a very splendid translation of the adventures of an -incorrigible rogue and vagabond.”—<i>Literary Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>“The work before us exposes with exquisite satire the tricks of beggars; -and many will read with pleasure the repeated villanies of the roguish -adventurer, because they are united with much dry humour and keen -remark.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Brady’s translation is animated and good.”—<i>Gentleman’s Magazine.</i></p> - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The life and adventures of Guzman -D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, by Alain-René Le Sage - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE D'ALFARACHE, VOL. 3/3 *** - -***** This file should be named 53081-h.htm or 53081-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/0/8/53081/ - -Produced by Josep Cols Canals, Chuck Greif and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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