THE HISTORY OF THE NOBLE CASTILIAN.

I should be ungrateful, as well as unwise, did I longer resist the desire

you express to know the particulars of that destiny which hath driven me

to this miserable disguise, and rendered me in all considerations the

most wretched of men. I have felt your friendship, am confident of your

honour, and though my misfortunes are such as can never be repaired,

because I am utterly cut off from hope, which is the wretch's last

comfort, yet I may, by your means, be enabled to bear them with some

degree of fortitude and resignation.

Know then, my name is not Ali; neither am I of Persian extraction. I had

once the honour to own myself a Castilian, and was, under the appellation

of Don Diego de Zelos, respected as the head of one of the most ancient

families of that kingdom. Judge, then, how severe that distress must be,

which compels a Spaniard to renounce his country, his honours, and his

name. My youth was not spent in inglorious ease, neither did it waste

unheeded in the rolls of fame. Before I had attained the age of

nineteen, I was twice wounded in battle. I once fortunately recovered

the standard of the regiment to which I belonged, after it had been

seized by the enemy; and, at another occasion, made shift to save the

life of my colonel, when he lay at the mercy of an enraged barbarian.

He that thinks I recapitulate these particulars out of ostentation, does

wrong to the unhappy Don Diego de Zelos, who, in having performed these

little acts of gallantry, thinks he has done nothing, but simply approved

himself worthy of being called a Castilian. I mean only to do justice to

my own character, and to make you acquainted with one of the most

remarkable incidents of my life. It was my fate, during my third

campaign, to command a troop of horse in the regiment of Don Gonzales

Orgullo, between whom and my father a family feud had long been

maintained with great enmity; and that gentleman did not leave me without

reason to believe he rejoiced at the opportunity of exercising his

resentment upon his adversary's son; for he withheld from me that

countenance which my fellow-officers enjoyed, and found means to subject

me to divers mortifications, of which I was not at liberty to complain.

These I bore in silence for some time, as part of my probation in the

character of a soldier; resolved, nevertheless, to employ my interest at

court for a removal into another corps, and to take some future

opportunity of explaining my sentiments to Don Gonzales upon the

injustice of his behaviour.

While I animated myself with these sentiments against the discouragements

I underwent, and the hard duty to which I was daily exposed, it was our

fate to be concerned in the battle of Saragossa, where our regiment was

so severely handled by the English infantry, that it was forced to give

ground with the loss of one half of its officers and men. Don Gonzales,

who acted as brigadier in another wing, being informed of our fate, and

dreading the disgrace of his corps, which had never turned back to the

enemy, put spurs to his horse, and, riding across the field at full

speed, rallied our broken squadrons, and led us back to the charge with

such intrepidity of behaviour, as did not fail to inspire us all with

uncommon courage and alacrity. For my own part, I thought myself doubly

interested to distinguish my valour, not only on account of my own glory,

but likewise on the supposition, that, as I was acting under the eye of

Gonzales, my conduct would be narrowly observed.

I therefore exerted myself with unusual vigour, and as he began the

attack with the remains of my troop, fought close by his side during the

rest of the engagement. I even acquired his applause in the very heat of

battle. When his hat was struck off, and his horse fell under him, I

accommodated and remounted him upon my own, and, having seized for my own

use another that belonged to a common trooper, attended this stern

commander as before, and seconded him in all his repeated efforts; but it

was impossible to withstand the numbers and impetuosity of the foe, and

Don Gonzales having had the mortification to see his regiment cut in

pieces, and the greatest part of the army routed, was fain to yield to

the fortune of the day; yet he retired as became a man of honour and a

Castilian; that is, he marched off with great deliberation in the rear of

the Spanish troops, and frequently faced about to check the pursuit of

the enemy. Indeed, this exercise of his courage had well-nigh cost him

his life; for, in one of those wheelings, he was left almost alone, and a

small party of the Portuguese horse had actually cut off our

communication with the retreating forces of Spain.

In this dilemma, we had no other chance of saving our lives and liberty,

than that of opening a passage sword in hand; and this was what Gonzales

instantly resolved to attempt. We accordingly recommended our souls to

God, and, charging the line abreast of one another, bore down all

opposition, and were in a fair way of accomplishing our retreat without

further danger; but the gallant Orgullo, in crossing a ditch, had the

misfortune to be thrown from his horse, and was almost the same instant

overtaken by one of the Portuguese dragoons, whose sword was already

suspended over his head, as he lay half stunned with his fall; when I

rode up, discharged a pistol in the ruffian's brain, and, seating my

colonel on his horse, had the good fortune to conduct him to a place of

safety.

Here he was provided with such accommodation as his case required; for he

had been wounded in the battle, and dangerously bruised by his fall, and,

when all the necessary steps were taken towards his recovery, I desired

to know if he had any further commands for his service, being resolved to

join the army without delay. I thought proper to communicate this

question by message, because he had not spoke one word to me during our

retreat, notwithstanding the good office he had received at my hands; a

reserve which I attributed to his pride, and resented accordingly. He no

sooner understood my intention, than he desired to see me in his

apartment, and, as near as I can remember, spoke to this effect:--

"Were your father Don Alonzo alive, I should now, in consequence of your

behaviour, banish every suggestion of resentment, and solicit his

friendship with great sincerity. Yes, Don Diego, your virtue hath

triumphed over that enmity I bore your house, and I upbraid myself with

the ungenerous treatment you have suffered under my command. But it is

not enough for me to withdraw that rigour which it was unjust to

exercise, and would be wicked to maintain. I must likewise atone for the

injuries you have sustained, and make some suitable acknowledgment for

that life which I have twice to-day owed to your valour and generosity.

Whatever interest I have at court shall be employed in your behalf; and I

have other designs in your favour, which shall be disclosed in due

season. Meanwhile, I desire you will still add one obligation to the

debt which I have already incurred, and carry this billet in person to my

Estifania, who, from the news of this fatal overthrow must be in despair

upon my account."

So saying, he presented a letter, directed to his lady, which I received

in a transport of joy, with expressions suitable to the occasion, and

immediately set out for his country house, which happened to be about

thirty leagues from the spot. This expedition was equally glorious and

interesting; for my thoughts upon the road were engrossed by the hope of

seeing Don Orgullo's daughter and heiress Antonia, who was reported to be

a young lady of great beauty, and the most amiable accomplishments.

However ridiculous it may seem for a man to conceive a passion for an

object which he hath never beheld, certain it is, my sentiments were so

much prepossessed by the fame of her qualifications, that I must have

fallen a victim to her charms, had they been much less powerful than they

were. Notwithstanding the fatigues I had undergone in the field, I

closed not an eye until I arrived at the gate of Gonzales, being

determined to precede the report of the battle, that Madame d'Orgullo

might not be alarmed for the life of her husband.

I declared my errand, and was introduced into a saloon, where I had not

waited above three minutes, when my colonel's lady appeared, and in great

confusion received the letter, exclaiming, "Heaven grant that Don

Gonzales be well!" In reading the contents, she underwent a variety of

agitations; but, when she had perused the whole, her countenance regained

its serenity, and, regarding me with an air of ineffable complacency,

"Don Diego," said she, "while I lament the national calamity, in the

defeat of our army, I at the same time feel the most sincere pleasure on

seeing you upon this occasion, and, according to the directions of my

dear lord, bid you heartily welcome to this house, as his preserver and

friend. I was not unacquainted with your character before this last

triumph of your virtue, and have often prayed to Heaven for some lucky

determination of that fatal quarrel which raged so long between the

family of Gonzales and your father's house. My prayers have been heard,

the long-wished-for reconciliation is now effected, and I hope nothing

will ever intervene to disturb this happy union."

To this polite and affectionate declaration, I made such a reply as

became a young man, whose heart overflowed with joy and benevolence, and

desired to know how soon her answer to my commander would be ready, that

I might gratify his impatience with all possible despatch. After having

thanked me for this fresh proof of my attachment, she begged I would

retire into a chamber, and repose myself from the uncommon fatigues I

must have undergone; but, finding I persisted in the resolution of

returning to Don Gonzales, without allowing myself the least benefit of

sleep, she left me engaged in conversation with an uncle of Don Gonzales,

who lodged in the house, and gave orders that a collation should be

prepared in another apartment, while she retired to her closet, and wrote

a letter to her husband.

In less than an hour from my first arrival, I was introduced into a most

elegant dining-room, where a magnificent entertainment was served up, and

where we were joined by Donna Estifania, and her beautiful daughter the

fair Antonia, who, advancing with the most amiable sweetness, thanked me

in very warm expressions of acknowledgment, for the generosity of my

conduct towards her father. I had been ravished with her first

appearance, which far exceeded my imagination, and my faculties were so

disordered by this address, that I answered her compliment with the most

awkward confusion. But this disorder did not turn to my prejudice in the

opinion of that lovely creature, who has often told me in the sequel,

that she gave herself credit for that perplexity in my behaviour, and

that I never appeared more worthy of her regard and affection than at

that juncture, when my dress was discomposed, and my whole person

disfigured by the toils and duty of the preceding day; for this very

dishabille presented itself to her reflection as the immediate effect of

that very merit by which I was entitled to her esteem.

Wretch that I am! to survive the loss of such an excellent woman,

endeared to my remembrance by the most tender offices of wedlock, happily

exercised for the space of five-and-twenty years! Forgive these tears;

they are not the drops of weakness, but remorse. Not to trouble you with

idle particulars, suffice it is to say, I was favoured with such marks of

distinction by Madame d'Orgullo, that she thought it incumbent upon her

to let me know she had not overacted her hospitality, and, while we sat

at table, accosted me in these words: "You will not be surprised, Don

Diego, at my expressions of regard, which I own are unusual from a

Spanish lady to a young cavalier like you, when I communicate the

contents of this letter from Don Gonzales." So saying, she put the

billet into my hand, and I read these words, or words to this effect:--

"AMIABLE ESTIFANIA,--You will understand that I am as well as a person

can possibly be who hath this day lived to see the army of his king

defeated. If you would know the particulars of this unfortunate action,

your curiosity will be gratified by the bearer, Don Diego de Zelos, to

whose virtue and bravery I am twice indebted for my life. I therefore

desire you will receive him with that respect and gratitude which you

shall think due for such an obligation; and, in entertaining him, dismiss

that reserve which often disgraces the Spanish hospitality. In a word,

let your own virtue and beneficence conduct you upon this occasion, and

let my Antonia's endeavours be joined with your own in doing honour to

the preserver of her father! Adieu."

Such a testimonial could not fail of being very agreeable to a young

soldier, who by this time had begun to indulge the transporting hope of

being happy in the arms of the adorable Antonia. I professed myself

extremely happy in having met with an opportunity of acquiring such a

degree of my colonel's esteem, entertained them with a detail of his

personal prowess in the battle, and answered all their questions with

that moderation which every man ought to preserve in speaking of his own

behaviour. Our repast being ended, I took my leave of the ladies, and at

parting received a letter from Donna Estifania to her husband, together

with a ring of great value, which she begged I would accept, as a token

of her esteem. Thus loaded with honour and caresses, I set out on my

return for the quarters of Don Gonzales, who could scarce credit his own

eyes when I delivered his lady's billet; for he thought it impossible to

perform such a journey in so short a time.

When he had glanced over the paper, "Don Diego," said he, "by your short

stay one would imagine you had met with indifferent reception at my

house. I hope Estifania has not been deficient in her duty?" I answered

this question, by assuring him my entertainment had been so agreeable in

all respects, that nothing but my duty to him could have induced me to

give it up so soon. He then turned the conversation upon Antonia, and

hinted his intention of giving her in marriage to a young cavalier, for

whom he had a particular friendship. I was so much affected by this

insinuation, which seemed at once to blast all my hopes of love and

happiness, that the blood forsook my face; I was seized with an universal

trepidation, and even obliged to retire, on pretence of being suddenly

taken ill.

Though Gonzales seemed to impute this disorder to fatigue and want of

rest, he in his heart ascribed it to the true cause; and, after having

sounded my sentiments to his own satisfaction, blessed me with a

declaration, importing, that I was the person upon whom he had pitched

for a son-in-law. I will not trouble you with a repetition of what

passed on this interesting occasion, but proceed to observe, that his

intention in my favour was far from being disagreeable to his lady; and

that, in a little time, I had the good fortune to espouse the charming

Antonia, who submitted to the will of her father without reluctance.

Soon after this happy event, I was, by the influence of Don Gonzales,

joined to my own interest, promoted to the command of a regiment, and

served with honour during the remaining part of the war. After the

treaty of Utrecht, I was employed in reducing the Catalans to their

allegiance; and, in an action with those obstinate rebels had the

misfortune to lose my father-in-law, who by that time was preferred to

the rank of a major-general. The virtuous Estifania did not long survive

this melancholy accident; and the loss of these indulgent parents made

such a deep impression upon the tender heart of my Antonia, that I took

the first opportunity of removing her from a place in which every object

served to cherish her grief, to a pleasant villa near the city of

Seville, which I purchased on account of its agreeable situation. That I

might the more perfectly enjoy the possession of my amiable partner, who

could no longer brook the thoughts of another separation, peace was no

sooner re-established than I obtained leave to resign my commission, and

I wholly devoted myself to the joys of a domestic life.

Heaven seemed to smile upon our union, by blessing us with a son, whom,

however, it was pleased to recall in his infancy, to our unspeakable

grief and mortification; but our mutual chagrin was afterwards alleviated

by the birth of a daughter, who seemed born with every accomplishment to

excite the love and admiration of mankind. Why did nature debase such a

masterpiece with the mixture of an alloy, which hath involved herself and

her whole family in perdition? But the ways of Providence are

unsearchable. She hath paid the debt of her degeneracy; peace be with

her soul! The honour of my family is vindicated; though by a sacrifice

which hath robbed me of everything else that is valuable in life, and

ruined my peace past all redemption. Yes, my friend, all the tortures

that human tyranny can inflict would be ease, tranquillity, and delight,

to the unspeakable pangs and horrors I have felt.

But, to return from this digression.--Serafina, which was the name of

that little darling, as she grew up, not only disclosed all the natural

graces of external beauty, but likewise manifested the most engaging

sweetness of disposition, and a capacity for acquiring with ease all the

accomplishments of her sex. It is impossible to convey any adequate idea

of a parent's raptures in the contemplation of such a fair blossom. She

was the only pledge of our love, she was presumptive heiress to a large

fortune, and likely to be the sole representative of two noble Castilian

families. She was the delight of all who saw her, and a theme of praise

for every tongue. You are not to suppose that the education of such a

child was neglected. Indeed, it wholly engrossed the attention of me and

my Antonia, and her proficiency rewarded our care. Before she had

attained the age of fifteen, she was mistress of every elegant

qualification, natural and acquired. Her person was, by that time, the

confessed pattern of beauty. Her voice was enchantingly sweet, and she

touched the lute with the most ravishing dexterity. Heaven and earth!

how did my breast dilate with joy at the thoughts of having given birth

to such perfection! how did my heart gush with paternal fondness,

whenever I beheld this ornament of my name! and what scenes of endearing

transport have I enjoyed with my Antonia, in mutual congratulation upon

our parental happiness!

Serafina, accomplished as she was, could not fail to make conquests among

the Spanish cavaliers, who are famous for sensibility in love. Indeed,

she never appeared without a numerous train of admirers; and though we

had bred her up in that freedom of conversation and intercourse which

holds a middle space between the French licence and Spanish restraint,

she was now so much exposed to the addresses of promiscuous gallantry,

that we found it necessary to retrench the liberty of our house, and

behave to our male visitants with great reserve and circumspection, that

our honour and peace might run no risk from the youth and inexperience of

our daughter.

This caution produced overtures from a great many young gentlemen of rank

and distinction, who courted my alliance, by demanding Serafina in

marriage; and from the number I had actually selected one person, who was

in all respects worthy the possession of such an inestimable prize. His

name was Don Manuel de Mendoza. His birth was noble, and his character

dignified with repeated acts of generosity and virtue. Yet, before I

would signify to him my approbation of his suit, I resolved to inform

myself whether or not the heart of Serafina was totally unengaged, and

indifferent to any other object, that I might not lay a tyrannical

restraint upon her inclinations. The result of my inquiry was a full

conviction of her having hitherto been deaf to the voice of love; and

this piece of information, together with my own sentiments in his favour,

I communicated to Don Manuel, who heard these tidings with transports of

gratitude and joy. He was immediately favoured with opportunities of

acquiring the affection of my daughter, and his endeavours were at first

received with such respectful civility, as might have been easily warmed

into a mutual passion, had not the evil genius of our family interposed.

O my friend! how shall I describe the depravity of that unhappy virgin's

sentiments! how recount the particulars of my own dishonour! I that am

descended from a long line of illustrious Castilians, who never received

an injury they did not revenge, but washed away every blemish in their

fame with the blood of those who attempted to stain it! In that

circumstance I have imitated the example of my glorious progenitors, and

that consideration alone hath supported me against all the assaults of

despair.

As I grudged no pains and expense in perfecting the education of

Serafina, my doors were open to every person who made an extraordinary

figure in the profession of those amusing sciences in which she

delighted. The house of Don Diego de Zelos was a little academy for

painting, poetry, and music; and Heaven decreed that it should fall a

sacrifice to its regard for these fatal and delusive arts. Among other

preceptors, it was her fate to be under the instruction of a cursed

German, who, though his profession was drawing, understood the elements

and theory of music, possessed a large fund of learning and taste, and

was a person remarkable for his agreeable conversation. This traitor,

who like you had lost one eye, I not only admitted into my house for the

improvement of my daughter, but even distinguished with particular marks

of confidence and favour, little thinking he had either inclination or

capacity to debauch the sentiments of my child. I was rejoiced beyond

measure to see with what alacrity she received his lessons, with what

avidity she listened to his discourse, which was always equally moral,

instructing, and entertaining.

Antonia seemed to vie with me in expressions of regard for this

accomplished stranger, whom she could not help supposing to be a person

of rank and family, reduced to his present situation by some unfortunate

vicissitude of fate. I was disposed to concur with this opinion, and

actually conjured him to make me his confidant, with such protestations

as left him no room to doubt my honour and beneficence; but he still

persisted in declaring himself the son of an obscure mechanic in Bohemia;

an origin to which surely no man would pretend who had the least claim to

nobility of birth. While I was thus undeceived in my conjecture touching

his birth and quality, I was confirmed in an opinion of his integrity and

moderation, and looked upon him as a man of honour, in despite of the

lowness of his pedigree. Nevertheless, he was at bottom a most

perfidious wretch, and all this modesty and self-denial were the effects

of the most villanous dissimulation, a cloak under which he, unsuspected,

robbed me of my honour and my peace.

Not to trouble you with particulars, the recital of which would tear my

heart-strings with indignation and remorse, I shall only observe, that,

by the power of his infernal insinuation, he fascinated the heart of

Serafina, brought over Antonia herself to the interests of his passion,

and at once detached them both from their duty and religion. Heaven and

earth! how dangerous, how irresistible is the power of infatuation!

While I remained in the midst of this blind security, waiting for the

nuptials of my daughter, and indulging myself with the vain prospect of

her approaching felicity, Antonia found means to protract the

negotiations of the marriage, by representing that it would be a pity to

deprive Serafina of the opportunity she then had of profiting by the

German's instructions; and, upon that account, I prevailed upon Don

Manuel to bridle the impatience of his love.

During this interval, as I one evening enjoyed the cool air in my own

garden, I was accosted by an old duenna, who had been my nurse and lived

in the family since the time of my childhood.--"My duty," said she, "will

no longer permit me to wink in silence at the wrongs I see you daily

suffer. Dismiss that German from your house without delay, if you

respect the glory of your name, and the rights of our holy religion; the

stranger is an abominable heretic; and, grant Heaven! he may not have

already poisoned the minds of those you hold most dear." I had been

extremely alarmed at the beginning of this address; but, finding the

imputation limited to the article of religion, in which, thank God, I am

no bigot, I recovered my serenity of disposition, thanked the old woman

for her zeal, commended her piety, and encouraged her to persevere in

making observations on such subjects as should concern my honour and my

quiet.

We live in such a world of wickedness and fraud, that a man cannot be too

vigilant in his own defence: had I employed such spies from the

beginning, I should in all probability have been at this day in

possession of every comfort that renders life agreeable. The duenna,

thus authorised, employed her sagacity with such success, that I had

reason to suspect the German of a design upon the heart of Serafina; but,

as the presumptions did not amount to conviction, I contented myself with

exiling him from my house, under the pretext of having discovered that he

was an enemy to the Catholic church; and forthwith appointed a day for

the celebration of my daughter's marriage with Don Manuel de Mendoza. I

could easily perceive a cloud of melancholy overspread the faces of

Serafina and her mother, when I declared these my resolutions; but, as

they made no objection to what I proposed, I did not at that time enter

into an explanation of the true motives that influenced my conduct. Both

parties were probably afraid of such expostulation.

Meanwhile, preparations were made for the espousals of Serafina; and,

notwithstanding the anxiety I had undergone, on account of her connexion

with the German, I began to think that her duty, her glory, had triumphed

over all such low-born considerations, if ever they had been entertained;

because she, and even Antonia, seemed to expect the ceremony with

resignation, though the features of both still retained evident marks of

concern, which I willingly imputed to the mutual prospect of their

separation. This, however, was but a faithless calm, that soon, ah! too

soon, brought forth a tempest which hath wrecked my hopes.

Two days before the appointed union of Don Manuel and Serafina, I was

informed by the duenna, that, while she accompanied Antonia's

waiting-maid at church, she had seen her receive a billet from an old

woman, who, kneeling at her side, had conveyed it in such a mysterious

manner, as awakened the duenna's apprehensions about her young lady; she

had therefore hastened home to communicate this piece of intelligence,

that I might have an opportunity of examining the messenger before she

could have time to deposit her trust. I could not help shivering with

fearful presages upon this occasion, and even abhorring the person to

whose duty and zeal I was beholden for the intelligence, even while I

endeavoured to persuade myself that the inquiry would end in the

detection of some paltry intrigue between the maid and her own gallant.

I intercepted her in returning from church, and, commanding her to follow

me to a convenient place, extorted from her, by dint of threats, the

fatal letter, which I read to this effect:--

"The whole business of my life, O divine Serafina! will be to repay that

affection I have been so happy as to engage. With what transport then

shall I obey your summons, in performing that enterprise, which will

rescue you from the bed of a detested rival, and put myself in full

possession of a jewel which I value infinitely more than life! Yes,

adorable creature! I have provided everything for our escape, and at

midnight will attend you in your own apartment, from whence you shall be

conveyed into a land of liberty and peace, where you will, unmolested,

enjoy the purity of that religion you have espoused, and in full security

bless the arms of your ever faithful, ORLANDO."

Were you a fond parent, a tender husband, and a noble Castilian, I should

not need to mention the unutterable horrors that took possession of my

bosom, when I perused this accursed letter, by which I learned the

apostasy, disobedience, and degeneracy of my idolised Serafina, who had

overthrown and destroyed the whole plan of felicity which I had erected,

and blasted all the glories of my name; and when the wretched messenger,

terrified by my menaces and agitation, confessed that Antonia herself was

privy to the guilt of her daughter, whom she had solemnly betrothed to

that vile German, in the sight of Heaven, and that by her connivance this

plebeian intended, that very night, to bereave me of my child, I was for

some moments stupefied with grief and amazement, that gave way to an

ecstasy of rage, which had well-nigh terminated in despair and

distraction.

I now tremble, and my head grows giddy with the remembrance of that

dreadful occasion. Behold how the drops trickle down my forehead; this

agony is a fierce and familiar visitant; I shall banish it anon. I

summoned my pride, my resentment, to my assistance; these are the

cordials that support me against all other reflections; those were the

auxiliaries that enabled me, in the day of trial, to perform that

sacrifice which my honour demanded, in a strain so loud as to drown the

cries of nature, love, and compassion. Yes, they espoused that glory

which humanity would have betrayed, and my revenge was noble, though

unnatural.

My scheme was soon laid, my resolution soon taken; I privately confined

the wretch who had been the industrious slave of this infamous

conspiracy, that she might take no step to frustrate or interrupt the

execution of my design. Then repairing to the house of an apothecary who

was devoted to my service, communicated my intention, which he durst not

condemn, and could not reveal, without breaking the oath of secrecy I had

imposed; and he furnished me with two vials of poison for the dismal

catastrophe I had planned. Thus provided, I, on pretence of sudden

business at Seville, carefully avoided the dear, the wretched pair, whom

I had devoted to death, that my heart might not relent, by means of those

tender ideas which the sight of them would have infallibly inspired; and,

when daylight vanished, took my station near that part of the house

through which the villain must have entered on his hellish purpose.

There I stood, in a state of horrid expectation, my soul ravaged with the

different passions that assailed it, until the fatal moment arrived; when

I perceived the traitor approach the window of a lower apartment, which

led into that of Serafina, and gently lifting the casement, which was

purposely left unsecured, insinuated half of his body into the house.

Then rushing upon him, in a transport of fury, I plunged my sword into

his heart, crying, "Villain! receive the reward of thy treachery and

presumption."

The steel was so well aimed as to render a repetition of the stroke

unnecessary; he uttered one groan, and fell breathless at my feet.

Exulting with this first success of my revenge, I penetrated into the

chamber where the robber of my peace was expected by the unhappy Serafina

and her mother, who, seeing me enter with a most savage aspect, and a

sword reeking with the vengeance I had taken, seemed almost petrified

with fear. "Behold," said I, "the blood of that base plebeian, who made

an attempt upon the honour of my house; your conspiracy against the

unfortunate Don Diego de Zelos is now discovered; that presumptuous

slave, the favoured Orlando, is now no more."

Scarce had I pronounced these words, when a loud scream was uttered by

both the unhappy victims. "If Orlando is slain," cried the infatuated

Serafina, "what have I to do with life? O my dear lord! my husband, and

my lover! how are our promised joys at once cut off! here, strike, my

father! complete your barbarous sacrifice! the spirit of the murdered

Orlando still hovers for his wife." These frantic exclamations, in which

she was joined by Antonia, kept up the fury of my resentment, which by

meekness and submission might have been weakened and rendered

ineffectual. "Yes, hapless wretches," I replied, "ye shall enjoy your

wish: the honour of my name requires that both shall die; yet I will not

mangle the breast of Antonia, on which I have so often reposed; I will

not shed the blood of Zelos, nor disfigure the beauteous form of

Serafina, on which I have so often gazed with wonder and unspeakable

delight. Here is an elixir, to which I trust the consummation of my

revenge."

So saying, I emptied the vials into separate cups, and, presenting one in

each hand, the miserable, the fair offenders instantly received the

destined draughts, which they drank without hesitation; then praying to

heaven for the wretched Don Diego, sunk upon the same couch, and expired

without a groan. O well-contrived beverage! O happy composition, by

which all the miseries of life are so easily cured!

Such was the fate of Antonia and Serafina; these hands were the

instruments that deprived them of life, these eyes beheld them the

richest prize that death had ever won. Powers supreme! does Don Diego

live to make this recapitulation? I have done my duty; but ah! I am

haunted by the furies of remorse; I am tortured with the incessant stings

of remembrance and regret; even now the images of my wife and daughter

present themselves to my imagination. All the scenes of happiness I have

enjoyed as a lover, husband, and parent, all the endearing hopes I have

cherished, now pass in review before me, embittering the circumstances of

my inexpressible woe; and I consider myself as a solitary outcast from

all the comforts of society. But, enough of these unmanly complaints;

the yearnings of nature are too importunate.

Having completed my vengeance, I retired into my closet, and, furnishing

myself with some ready money and jewels of considerable value, went into

the stable, saddled my favourite steed, which I instantly mounted, and,

before the tumults of my breast subsided, found myself at the town of St.

Lucar. There I learned from inquiry, that there was a Dutch bark in the

harbour ready to sail; upon which I addressed myself to the master, who,

for a suitable gratification, was prevailed upon to weigh anchor that

same night; so that, embarking without delay, I soon bid eternal adieu to

my native country. It was not from reason and reflection that I took

these measures for my personal safety; but, in consequence of an

involuntary instinct, that seems to operate in the animal machine, while

the faculty of thinking is suspended.

To what a dreadful reckoning was I called, when reason resumed her

function! You may believe me, my friend, when I assure you, that I

should not have outlived those tragedies I acted, had I not been

restrained from doing violence upon myself by certain considerations,

which no man of honour ought to set aside. I could not bear the thought

of falling ingloriously by the hand of an executioner, and entailing

disgrace upon a family that knew no stain; and I was deterred from

putting an end to my own misery, by the apprehension of posthumous

censure, which would have represented me as a desponding wretch, utterly

destitute of that patience, fortitude, and resignation, which are the

characteristics of a true Castilian. I was also influenced by religious

motives that suggested to me the necessity of living to atone, by my

sufferings and sorrow, for the guilt I had incurred in complying with a

savage punctilio, which is, I fear, displeasing in the sight of Heaven.

These were the reasons that opposed my entrance into that peaceful

harbour which death presented to my view; and they were soon reinforced

by another principle that sanctioned my determination to continue at the

servile oar of life. In consequence of unfavourable winds, our vessel

for some days made small progress in her voyage to Holland, and near the

coast of Gallicia we were joined by an English ship from Vigo, the master

of which gave us to understand, that before he set sail, a courier had

arrived from Madrid at that place, with orders for the corregidore to

prevent the escape of any native Spaniard by sea from any port within his

district; and to use his utmost endeavours to apprehend the person of Don

Diego de Zelos, who was suspected of treasonable practices against the

state. Such an order, with a minute description of my person, was at the

same time despatched to all the seaports and frontier places in Spain.

You may easily suppose how I, who was already overwhelmed with distress,

could bear this aggravation of misfortune and disgrace: I, who had always

maintained the reputation of loyalty, which was acquired at the hazard of

my life, and the expense of my blood. To deal candidly, I must own, that

this intelligence roused me from a lethargy of grief which had begun to

overpower my faculties. I immediately imputed this dishonourable charge

to the evil offices of some villain, who had basely taken the advantage

of my deplorable situation, and I was inflamed, inspirited with the

desire of vindicating my fame, and revenging the injury. Thus animated,

I resolved to disguise myself effectually from the observation of those

spies which every nation finds its account in employing in foreign

countries; I purchased this habit from the Dutch navigator, in whose

house I kept myself concealed, after our arrival at Amsterdam, until my

beard was grown to a sufficient length to favour my design, and then

appeared as a Persian dealer in jewels. As I could gain no satisfactory

information touching myself in this country, had no purpose to pursue,

and was extremely miserable among a people, who, being mercenary and

unsocial, were very ill adapted to alleviate the horrors of my condition,

I gratified my landlord for his important services, with the best part of

my effects; and having, by his means, procured a certificate from the

magistracy, repaired to Rotterdam, from whence I set out in a travelling

carriage for Antwerp, on my way to this capital; hoping, with a

succession of different objects, to mitigate the anguish of my mind, and

by the most industrious inquiry, to learn such particulars of that false

impeachment, as would enable me to take measures for my own

justification, as well as for projecting a plan of revenge against the

vile perfidious author.

This, I imagined, would be no difficult task, considering the friendship

and intercourse subsisting between the Spanish and French nations, and

the communicative disposition for which the Parisians are renowned; but I

have found myself egregiously deceived in my expectation. The officers

of police in this city are so inquisitive and vigilant that the most

minute action of a stranger is scrutinised with great severity; and,

although the inhabitants are very frank in discoursing on indifferent

subjects, they are at the same time extremely cautious in avoiding all

conversation that turns upon state occurrences and maxims of government.

In a word, the peculiarity of my appearance subjects me so much to

particular observation, that I have hitherto thought proper to devour my

griefs in silence, and even to bear the want of almost every convenience,

rather than hazard a premature discovery, by offering my jewels to sale.

In this emergency I have been so far fortunate as to become acquainted

with you, whom I look upon as a man of honour and humanity. Indeed, I

was at first sight prepossessed in your favour, for, notwithstanding the

mistakes which men daily commit in judging from appearances, there is

something in the physiognomy of a stranger from which one cannot help

forming an opinion of his character and disposition. For once, my

penetration hath not failed me; your behaviour justifies my decision; you

have treated me with that sympathy and respect which none but the

generous will pay to the unfortunate. I have trusted you accordingly. I

have put my life, my honour, in your power; and I must beg leave to

depend upon your friendship, for obtaining that satisfaction for which

alone I seek to live. Your employment engages you in the gay world; you

daily mingle with the societies of men; the domestics of the Spanish

ambassador will not shun your acquaintance; you may frequent the

coffee-houses to which they resort; and, in the course of these

occasions, unsuspected inform yourself of that mysterious charge which

lies heavy on the fame of the unfortunate Don Diego. I must likewise

implore your assistance in converting my jewels into money, that I may

breathe independent of man, until Heaven shall permit me to finish this

weary pilgrimage of life.