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THE AMOURS OF ZEOKINIZUL, KING OF THE KOFIRANS.
Translated from the Arabic of the famous Traveller Krinelbol.
With a Key.
London:
Printed for G. Smith, near Temple-Bar. 1749.
[Price One Shilling and Sixpence.]
PREFACE.
_The Bookseller, who has taken upon him to print this little Work,
having absolutely insisted upon my introducing it with a _Preface,_
I was unwilling to refuse him so easy a Matter; and the rather as the
Omission might greatly prejudice it. He urged his Request, by saying,
that a _Preface_ was no less essential to a Book, than an _Exordium_ to
a Sermon. As few read the one, as listen to the other; however, if
either be wanting, the Performance is defective, and, is not so much as
thought worthy to be read in order to be censured. Nevertheless, what
can be said with Regard to a useless Discourse? Why, really, I think, it
is best to say nothing at all. This little Work places Truth in so just
a Light, that no Characters are wanting to point it out. But perhaps,
the real Truth may be amplified in it, and there may be Applications
made of it as false as injurious. This is what ought strongly to be
guarded against; and to this Purpose I sincerely declare, that I have
intermix'd nothing of my own in the Amours of _Zeokinizul:_ But, like a
faithful Translator, I have constantly kept close to _Krinelbol's_
Manuscript. I have related the Facts just as he himself says they were
told him by the _Kofiran_ Nobility. This sincere Protestation, is all
that I can do, In order to remove any Suspicion of Interpolations. The
_Arabian_ Manuscript is still in my Possession, and if desired, shall be
printed. But I own, with Concern, that it is quite beyond my Power, to
procure such a Number of Types as will be requisite to give this
Satisfaction; therefore, let those who are willing and equal to such an
Expence, set the Printer to work. I promise to deliver him the
Manuscript on Demand. I cannot help thinking, but that the Malice of the
World is at its highest Pitch. Formerly People were overjoy'd at the
Certainty of the Antipodes; and to hear that the Inhabitants of those
Climates came nearest to us in Industry, and the Love of Arts and
Sciences; and that the Sun approached to, and receded from them, as it
does with Regard to us. In fine, that their Temperature, their Seasons,
their Manners, and Inclinations, were the same as our own. Yet, in this
my Endeavour to verify such a Resemblance, by Proofs extracted from
their own History, demonstrating by notorious and certain Facts that
they think and act just like ourselves, I shall be branded for an
Imposture; or some, who affect to be more sharp-sighted, will suspect
that under fictitious Names, I have represented Persons for whom my
Heart is filled with the most respectful Sentiments. Let this suffice,
as the shorter a _Preface_ is the better it is liked._
THE AMOURS OF _ZEOKINIZUL_,
King of the Kofirans.
After all the Labours and Attention of our best Academicians to form
just Plans, and draw complete Maps of the whole Terraqueous Globe, there
are many large Empires and powerful Nations, which their Enquiries have
not reached; so that they are not only ignorant of their Position, but
even of their Existence. Of this Number are the vast Dominions of the
King of the _Kofirans_, of which hitherto we have had not the least
Idea; and which probably would ever have continued unknown to us had not
an _Arabic_ Manuscript of the famous Traveller _Krinelbol_ luckily
fallen into my Hands.
This illustrious Enquirer, of whom we have several Works, which
ostentatious Translators, on Account of their Excellency, have published
as their own, that he might not be misled by the various geographical
Descriptions of the Globe, determined to ground his Knowledge upon his
own Experience. With this rational View he left _Arabia Felix_, his
native Country, and travelled all over both _Asia_ and _Africa_. Always
careful to take an accurate View of every Thing which was worth being
seen or known, and making a judicious Collection of what was most
remarkable in the Customs and History of the Countries which he visited.
But a very small Part of his Collection has reached us. That we are so
unhappy as to have only mutilated and unsatisfactory Fragments of an
Author of such Veracity, and in such curious Matters, must be imputed to
the want of Printing in most of the eastern Nations, and the Ignorance
of this Traveller's Heirs.
An Acquaintance of mine, who is extremely fond of Travelling, thinking
it would be a very acceptable Present, brought me these Sheets from
_Ispahan_, where they cost him twelve _Tomans_, that is between twenty
and thirty Pounds Sterling. I have translated it without either
diminishing, augmenting, or altering it in any one Particular. Only,
for the Reader's Convenience, I have expressed the Names of Posts and
Dignities in our Language, which in the Original were in _Arabic_,
keeping to it in the Appellations of Persons and Nations, out of regard
to historical Exactness. I do not in the least claim any Thanks or
Acknowledgements for my Trouble; the several Works of this Nature which
I have published producing in me an habitual Pleasure of employing my
Pen, for the Instruction and Entertainment of polite Readers.
Possibly the whole Universe could not afford a more tranquil, happy
Kingdom than that of the _Kofirans_, would their Princes equitably sit
down contented with the Honours and Prerogatives with which they were
invested at their Institution, and not falsly imagine, that their
Grandeur and Glory consist in the Oppression of their Subjects; and
would they be watchful to entail the Harmony and due Subordination
betwixt the several Orders in their Government. Whereas for several
Centuries past, they have been labouring to erect an Arbitrary Power;
and the two last have taken large Steps towards this execrable End.
_Zeoteirizul_, the First of the Two, was Son to the greatest King that
ever govern'd the _Kofirans_. Being scarcely eight Years old when the
Crown devolv'd to him by his Father's Death, his Mother seiz'd the Reins
of Government. This Princess who was a _Neitilene_ by Birth, was related
to the King of _Jerebi_. Secret History relates that, prompted by her
Ambition, she entered into a private Treaty with her Relation, her
Husband's most inveterate Enemy, and contrived his Murder, which was
unfortunately executed, to the great Loss and Grief of all true
_Kofirans_. What aggravates the Guilt is, that this worthy Prince was
stabb'd on the very Day of her Coronation, at a Juncture when he was
giving this flagitious Wretch the highest Mark of his Affection.
No sooner was the Queen declared Regent of the Kingdom, but she bent all
her Endeavours to establish her Power by protracting the King's
Minority, as long as possible. She constantly amused the young Prince
with Toys and Triffles; she kept him in such Awe that he trembled at her
Appearance, and durst not refuse paying a blind Obedience to those whom
she had placed near him. But so short-sighted is human Artifice, that
what she imagined would be the Basis of her Power, was the very Thing
which overthrew it. A crafty _Mollak_ having insinuated himself into her
Confidence, made Use of it to gain that of the young King; and being too
sagacious a Politician not to foresee what he had to fear from this
enraged Woman, if he left her any Degree of Power or Opportunity of
hurting him, he compelled her to leave the Kingdom in a disgraceful
Manner; and by this successful Boldness, he became Master of the young
King, and the Depository of his Authority. His Pride, the general Vice
of his Order, made him take a Pleasure in humbling the Nobility. He
brought all Employments to depend upon the Court, and by this Means the
Persons of Quality to court the Minister's Favour, which effectually
exalted the Sovereign as much above them as he himself affected in all
Things to appear beneath him.
This Management soon brought upon him the Hatred of the whole Nation;
but notwithstanding such a declared and general Hatred, he was succeeded
by another _Mollak_. He had the same Views as his Predecessor, tho' he
acted on different Maxims. And the former having succeeded in reducing
the first Order nearer the second, he was for bringing them both to an
Equality, and raising the third to a Level with them, by making all
Employments and Dignities venial; and, without any Regard to Merit,
constantly bestowing them on the highest Bidder. Thus, as the same Posts
and Honours were equally attainable by the Citizen and Gentleman, there
was no material Distinction betwixt them. The Government which had
flourished as Monarchical, was become an absolute Despotism. And whereas
the King in all important Transactions, was dependant on the Assembly of
the States, who were look'd upon as the Defenders and Interpreters of
the Laws; both Laws and States were now only mere Phantoms, which he
could raise or annihilate at his Pleasure. It is true, that this has
made the King of the _Kofirans_ the most powerful Monarch in the
Universe; but perhaps, it also makes the People the most miserable;
tho' an abject Veneration for their Kings will not permit them to own
their Slavery, or lament their Grievances.
In order to the better Understanding of what I shall relate concerning
this Monarchy, it will not be an useless Digression to say something of
its Foundation, and gradual Increase to that Pitch of Glory to which it
was raised by the King who proceeded _Zeokinizul_.
I am apt to believe, that when the divine Missionary offered up Paradise
to Men, as the Reward of their Belief and Obedience, he drew his Idea
from the Country of the _Kofirans_. The many Rivers which intermix their
Streams, maintain a perpetual Verdure in the Meadows; the Soil produces
all Sorts of Corn, useful Herbs and Fruits; and is so well cultivated,
that there are no more Woods than are necessary for Fewel and other
Uses. Its exquisite Wines, are little inferior to those of _Ghinoer_;
if it has but few Gold or Silver Mines, the Defect is abundantly
compensated by those of Iron, Copper, Tin, and the valuable Quarries of
Porcelaine, which abound throughout almost all the Provinces of this
delicious Kingdom. The Women are sprightly, witty, and chearful. The
Men, brave, industrious, laborious and addicted to Learning. Its
Situation is so very advantageous, that it is reckoned one of Nature's
Master-pieces. Its steep and lofty Clefts towards the Sea, secure this
charming Country from the Invasions of the King of the Island _Alniob_.
Its Ports are numerous, but so well fortified, as to be of the greatest
Advantage to the _Kofirans_. Another Side of this Country has
inaccessible Mountains, as a Fence against the King of _Jerebi_, and the
_Kam_ of _Vosaïe_. The River _Nhir_ is its Barrier against the
formidable Power of the Emperor of the _Maregins_. And, lastly, many
Cities of almost impregnable Strength, seem to defy the Attacks of the
_Junes_ Provinces, and the _Bapasis_. Such is the Situation and Quality
of the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_, being also blessed with a temperate
Climate, and an healthful Air.
The People who are at present seated in this luxuriant Country, are not
its original Possessors. The first Colony settled here after the Deluge,
were so contented with the spontaneous Produce of its Fertility, that
they forbore to cultivate and improve it. This Moderation which, since
the Sin of _Sultan Adam_, has ceased to be a Virtue, so enervated their
Courage, that they became slothful and timorous. The _Manoris_, tho'
their own Country, wanted for nothing, envied the more fruitful
Possessions of their Neighbours, and invaded them Sword in Hand. The
_Goilaus_, who at that Time inhabited it, and whose Pleasures were
heightened by Liberty, made some Efforts to preserve that valuable
Blessing; but being not so vigorous as the Juncture required, they were
unsuccessful, and the Consequence of their Inactivity was Slavery. After
some Shews of Resistance, in which their Multitudes were easily defeated
by an handful of _Manoris_, they underwent the Fate of several other
Nations, whom this fierce People had reduced.
However, by an Intercourse with the _Manoris_, they became sensible of
their wretched and disgraceful Condition. After they had been conquer'd,
they learned the Art of War from their Conquerors; who, also in a short
Time, declined from the Love of Glory, and a martial Spirit, that they
were no longer formidable but by their Numbers. They grew intoxicated
with Luxury, and run into Extremes opposite to their original Ferosity,
so as to become more despicable than those they had conquered.
It was at this Time, that the _Nodais_, the _Guernonies_, the _Duesois_,
and the _Sokans_ issuing from the North of _Africa_, over-run their
finest Provinces. A Body of these Barbarians fell upon the Territories
of the _Goilaus_, and having forced them to share this delightful
Country, settled themselves there under the Name of _Kranfs_. These new
Conquerors were for some Time molested by the _Manoris_, but as Luxury
had brought their flourishing Empire to Decay, the _Kranfs_ forced them
to desist, and remained in quiet Possession of the _Goilaus_:
I shall omit the first rude Ages, when these Conquerors train'd up to
the Licentiousness of War, were under no Regulation or Law, and whose
Towns, like those of other Nations, were only a confused Assemblage of
Huts. It is true, that there were Kings among them from their first
Settlement, but the Men thus dignified, were in Reality only Generals
elected out of the Troops, and whose Prerogative was limited to Military
Affairs. These Chiefs, whose Savageness was rather augmented by the
Power with which they were invested, made no Scruple to dispatch a
neighbouring Competitor with the Sword or Poison, and their History is
full of unnatural Instances, of Brothers stabbing Brothers, Subjects
poisoning their Sovereigns to usurp their dangerous Stations.
The Religion of _Suesi_, which the fifth of their Kings embraced, tho'
its Maxims are far from countenancing Ambition and Murder, but entirely
adapted to the Welfare of Society; yet have been so perverted by the
Depravity of the _Faquirs_ and the _Imans_, as to be alledged in
Vindication of them, and have besides, set on Foot so many Cheats and
Errors, that the holy Books, _Bileb_ and _Liegnelau_ in their Purity, as
dictated by the divine Spirit to the Legislators, has been treated by
them with Contempt, as mutilated and inconsistent. In Defence of their
respective Notions, these People have engaged in furious Wars with each
other, and out of a Zeal for Religion, have assassinated several of
their Kings. The Times seem now more tranquil, and without any
Apprehension of such shocking Crimes. Their Faith is very different from
what it was, and the lower Sort of People, who alone adhere to the
Tenets of _Suesi_, are entirely recovered from that stupid Obedience
formerly paid to the _Pepa_, who, having made the World believe, that
the Keys of Paradise were in his Hands, required an implicit Compliance
with his Decrees, and be ready to second any Scheme of his Revenge or
Ambition, with their Lives and Fortunes.
The Destruction of the Empire of the _Kofirans_, seems morally
impossible in its present confirm'd State. It has hitherto withstood
several violent Shocks from the Kings of _Jerebi and Alniob_, and the
Emperor of the _Maregins_, who were all its professed Enemies.
Especially the King of _Alniob_, who, taking Advantage of the Frenzy of
one of its Sovereigns, made such a Progress, as to wrest the Sceptre out
of his Hands; but the great _Zokitarezoul_, having compelled him to
renounce even the very Title, has brought all the others into Subjection
so as to acknowledge his Superiority over all the Sovereigns of
_Africa_. It is to this illustrious Monarch, that the Kingdom of the
_Kofirans_ owes its unparalleled Riches and Grandeur. His Courage and
good Fortune have reduced all his Enemies, his Liberality and Wisdom has
established Commerce, his good Sense has civilized it, and his
Successors must attribute the ardent Loyalty and Love of the _Kofirans_
towards them, to the Plans and Labours of this Prince for the Happiness
and Glory of his Subjects. After having driven from the Throne of
_Jerebi_, a Family which had been an Enemy to his, placing one of his
Grandsons on it, he died covered with Glory, and left the Crown to his
great Grandson _Zeokinizul_, who is the particular Hero of this
History.
This young Prince being the only Remains of a numerous Royal Family, was
the Darling of the great _Zokitarezoul_, who apprehending that he might
fall a Victim to the same untimely Fate which had laid so many of his
Descendants in their Graves, was not wanting to secure him by all
possible Precautions. Being persuaded, that the People loved him too
well to suffer any Infractions of his last Disposals, he made a Will; in
which he deprived the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, his Nephew, whose Ambition he
dreaded, of the Regency, in Favour of the _Kam_ of _Meani_, his natural
Son. The _Kam_ of _Anserol_ was highly exasperated at the Injury done
him; but being the greatest Politician of his Time, he took Care that
nothing should escape him at such a Crisis, which might increase the
Suspicions, and consequently the Precautions of his Enemies. It was not
till after the Death of _Zokitarezoul_, that he asserted his Claim.
Attended by a Multitude of his Adherents, he went to the _Pemenralt_,
which is a Phantom of the antient States. There feigning to submit his
Destiny to the Arbitration of that illustrious Senate, he set forth, and
urged his Claim with such a persuasive Eloquence, that the whole
Assembly unanimously annulled a Will, which deprived him of an Honour
that was his incontestable Right, and of a Trust for which he was
unexceptionably qualified. This so enraged his Enemies, that they forged
the vilest Scandals, in order to render him odious. They gave out, that
after having poisoned the chief Persons of the royal Blood, his chief
Aim was to take off his Pupil. Under pretence of such an Apprehension,
they proposed that the Lady of the _Bassa_ of _Ourtavan_ should take
care of the King, and taste of every kind of Food which was brought to
his Table. And soon after they were not wanting to alarm the People with
Reports, that his Victuals had been several Times poisoned. The great
Men of the Kingdom, whose Abilities the Regent never consulted, as being
himself equal to all the Difficulties of Government, enter'd into a
League against him, under Pretence of Concern for _Zeokinizul_, whose
Life they declar'd was in Danger. But the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, who was
too vigilant to be surprized, soon discovered the Plot, and having
secur'd the Leaders, he quench'd the Rebellion in the Blood of its
Contrivers.
He did not give himself the Trouble of verbally refuting the Calumnies,
and Invectives, with which he was daily loaded, but took Care to
disprove them by his Conduct. The publick Finances had been quite
exhausted, during the last Years of the great _Zokitarezoul_, and he
took upon himself to restore them. It is true, that his Scheme ruined
some Families; but besides that their Number was but small, and their
Ruin rather owing to their inconsiderate Greediness, such a desperate
Distemper could not have been well removed by a softer Remedy.
No sooner was _Zeokinizul_ of Age, but the _Kam_ delivered up to him the
Government of the Kingdom, which by his Care and Munificence, was the
Abode of the polite Arts, of which he had declared himself the
Protector. Nay more, he induced the young King to chuse himself a
Consort; and thus he refuted the base Views which his Enemies had
fathered on him.
Scarce was this important Affair finished, when the _Kam_ of _Anserol_,
as if this World could afford no Addition to his Glory, died suddenly,
as he had always desired. His Enemies laid hold of this Circumstance, to
revile him, even in his Grave. They spread a Report, that his Intention
was to poison the King, by a Liquor which he was to drink along with
him, but that by a fortunate Mistake of the Cups, he had fallen the
Victim of his own Contrivance. The young King could not hear such
atrocious Insults without Horror. He threatened the severest Punishments
to any one who should dare to blacken the Character of this great
Prince, and he himself never mentioned his Name but with Words of the
highest Esteem, and the warmest Acknowledgment.
The joyful _Kofirans_ promised themselves, from the hopeful Inclinations
of _Zeokinizul_, a Reign no less happy than the preceding; but by a
Fatality, not uncommon amongst them, the young Monarch was so fond of an
old _Mollak_, formerly his Tutor, of a very insinuating but hypocritical
Humility, that he entirely remitted to him the whole Management of his
Kingdom. This old Wretch, whose predominate Passion was Avarice, loaded
the People with Taxes. And as a War would not allow him to embezzle at
will the public Treasures, he never would enter into one unless utterly
impossible to be avoided. And then, with so much Niggardliness, and so
little Conduct, that he became the Scorn both of the Generals and the
Officers of State. Happy if he could have saved those vast Sums, or have
expended them in a manner suitable to the Honour of the Prince, and the
unbounded Zeal of his Subjects. But they were all in a short Time
squandered away, among Foreigners, who made him their constant Dupe.
Indeed, the best Schemes miscarried thro' his Sordidness, and yet with
all these Faults, he maintain'd his Ascendency over the Prince, so that
no Courtier dared utter any Complaint against him.
_Zeokinizul_, whose whole Life was devoted to his Consort and his
Hunting, of both which he was equally fond, had only the Title and Pomp
of a King, for the _Mollak Jeflur_ had engrossed all the Authority, by
which Means he aggrandized his Family, promoted and enriched his
Creatures, and supplied the enormous Profusion of his Mistress the
Princess of _Ginarkan_, Spouse to a Prince of the Blood of _Vosaïe_.
His selfish Love of Peace, could not, however, hinder his being involved
in an unavoidable War.
_Sicidem_, grand _Kam_ of _Katenos_, among the Provinces of the
_Neitilanes_, dying without Issue, the Emperor of the _Maregins_ laid
Claim to his Succession. This Prince was already too powerful for the
King of the _Kofirans_ not to oppose this Addition to his Greatness. And
thus this ecclesiastical Statesman _Jeflur_, was brought under a
Necessity of employing his Master's Troops, in order to deprive him of
so rich an Inheritance. About this Time also, the Throne of _Goplone_,
of which his Father-in-Law had been dispossess'd, became vacant, and
_Zeokinizul_'s Honour required, that he should lay hold of this
Opportunity to restore him. After a fruitless Trial of all the peaceable
Ways of Bribery and Negotiation to compass his End, the _Mollak_ was at
last oblig'd to order the _Kofiran_ Troops to march. The first Body
marched towards the _Nhir_, to oppose the Emperor of the _Maregins_, the
second towards the Kingdom of _Goplone_, to impose upon them their
former Sovereign, and the third hastened into the Provinces of the
_Neitilanes_, to make sure of the Dominions of _Sicidem_.
As this War was carried on only in _Zeokinizul_'s Name, and he did not
personally act in it, I shall omit its various Events, in Order to come
the sooner to what immediately relates to this young King. After the
loss of two Battles, and a strong City taken by the _Kofirans_, the
Emperor of the _Maregins_ was very glad to accept of a Peace, upon such
Conditions as were alone detrimental to his Allies. As a Satisfaction to
_Zeokinizul_'s Father-in-law for his Kingdom, which he relinquish'd to
another, he was allowed to retain the Title of King, and was made
actual Sovereign of the Province of _Reinarol_, which after his Death,
was by the Treaty to be annexed to the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_, and
the _Kam_ in exchange for this Cession, was invested with the Dominions
of _Sicidem_. Tho' this was an advantageous Peace to the Conquerors, yet
it was very short of what they might reasonably have expected, or at
least, if _Zeokinizul_ was so moderate as to be contented with such
small Matters, it behov'd his Minister to insist upon more important and
honourable Terms. However, the Glory of his Arms, was the continual
Topic to him; and this Prince by hearing of the Exploits of his Soldiers
so frequently extoll'd, began to give Signs of a martial Disposition.
His Genius now display'd itself, and instead of reigning ingloriously
only by a Minister, he shewed, that he would be in all Respects the
King. His Courtiers, who had always with Reluctance paid Obedience to
the Order of the haughty _Mollak_, applauded this generous Resolution,
while the crafty _Jeflur_ had the Mortification to see, that his
Ministry was going to be overturned, by the very Thing which he fancied
would have prolonged it.
As this was a fatal Blow, so was he not wanting in his Endeavours to
ward it off. Accordingly he set all his Springs at Work, nor minded the
Guilt of any Measure if it had a promising Aspect. I question if an
Instance of such an hellish Contrivance, and so detestable a Scandal,
can be found in any History. A Man to whom a whole Kingdom had
committed its only Hope, a Man who had been chosen to rectify and refine
the Morals of its King, endeavours by all Means to corrupt them; and,
as a Return for the vast Favours received from him, he draws him in to
forfeit his Innocence, the Love of his Consort, and the Esteem of his
Subjects.
_Zeokinizul_, as has been said, was passionately fond of the Queen his
Spouse, which guarded him against those Irregularities which stain'd the
Memory of the preceding Kings of the _Kofirans_. Yet these People being
of a volatile and fickle Humour, could not think, that a settled Love
afforded any Pleasure, and were continually wishing that their Sovereign
would commence an Intrigue with some Court Beauty. This unbecoming Wish
was pretended to proceed from a Regard for the Welfare and Glory of the
Nation. What, says they, shall our King always be tutor'd by _Mollaks_?
What signifies this Peace, which is only owing to the Weakness and
Pusillanimity of this set of Men, for we are oppressed with Taxes as
much as if we were engaged in a War with all the Powers of _Africa_?
Why does not our King shew some Spirit, and give into an Intrigue? An
ambitious Mistress would break these scandalous Fetters, and when he is
once his own Master, instead of this enervating Idleness, he would soon
find such Work for our Forces, as would enhance our Reputation, and
enlarge his Dominions.
At this Rate the _Kofirans_ used to talk, and _Jeflur_ was no stranger
to it. But a clearer Insight into human Nature, made him conclude, that
tho' their Wishes were answered, it would be so far from producing the
desired Effect, that he laid it down as a Certainty, that a new Amour
would more and more indispose _Zeokinizul_ to State Affairs, and he
would quickly lay them aside as Embarasments, in order the more freely
to indulge his Passion. With this View, so far from censuring this
popular Desire, tho' it had neither Religion nor Laws on its Side, he
bent all his Thoughts to accomplish it.
It was not any Beauty in the Queen which had attach'd her Consort to
her. For tho' she had not been one third older than himself, there was
nothing in her Face to strike the Affections of a Prince constantly
encircled with numberless Beauties, and whose Love they would have
accounted the highest Honour. The exact Return which he made to her Duty
and Tenderness, entirely flowed from this Prince's generous and grateful
Temper, and from his good and religious Heart. He had such a delicate
Sense of conjugal Duty, that he never fail'd shewing his Displeasure to
any Courtiers, who presumed to expatiate on the Charms of some _Houris_
in his Capital, and once when _Kigenpi_, one of the _Methers_, or Lords
of his Bed-Chamber began to talk to him of a Person of incomparable
Beauty, he gave him no Answer, only asking him in a dry and scornful
Manner, whether she was handsomer than the Queen?
This Coldness rendered it no easy Matter for the _Mollak_ to alienate
the Affections of _Zeokinizul_ from the Queen. But what are Churchmen
uncapable of? He changed his Measures, and determined to make the Queen
an Instrument to remove from herself a Spouse who loved her most
tenderly. He managed it in the following Manner.
This Princess being born in a Country where the Religion of _Suesi_ is
directed by the _Pepa_, who stiles himself the Sovereign Arbitrator of
it, had imbibed a strong Prepossession for what in the Kingdom of the
_Kofirans_ is called Bigotry, or misplaced Devotion. The Customs and
religious Notions of this Nation, which were more free and rational than
in the Country of this Princess, had been a Constraint upon her
Inclination, without lessening her mistaken Austerity. It was on this
Side, that _Jeflur_ spread his Snares. He placed near the Queen a
_Dervise_, one of those sly finished Villains, who, being Masters of the
execrable Art of giving Sin an Appearance of Sanctity, instruct the
great ones, whose Favour they purchase at the most infamous Rate, how to
Sin without Guilt. This Traytor perform'd his Commission according to
_Jeflur_'s Desire. He was continually fomenting in the Heart of his over
pious Sovereign, the Excesses and fanatical Rants of his Order. He dwelt
on the inconceiveable Sweetness of an Intimacy with _Suesi_, who was
ever ready to communicate himself to such Souls as detach'd themselves
from sensual Pleasures. He magnified the great Merit of Fastings,
Prayers, and Austerities; and when he had rooted these Things in the
Heart of his credulous Proselyte, he proceeded to declare to her, that
Chastity was a Virtue absolutely necessary to merit the divine Favours;
strongly insisting, that this Chastity must be so refined and
abstracted, as not to be awed, or seduced by human Engagements. The
unhappy Queen, misled by the pathetic Discourse, and the feigned Piety
of the _Dervise_, greedily swallowed the Poison he was administring. She
passed whole Days and Nights in Prayer, and the Austerities of a false
Devotion, according to the Instructions of her infamous Director. Nor
was it long, before she attain'd the Height of that superstitious
Chastity which he required of her, and, imagining there was no stopping
in a Course which was to end so gloriously, she formed a Resolution,
in order to devote herself with the greater Fervour and Purity to the
heavenly Bridegroom which had been promised her, to separate herself
from the Embraces of a Spouse, to whom she was united by the most sacred
Ties, and endeared by the tenderest Affection.
The young King who had been extremely uneasy for some Days at this
misterious Behaviour, grew highly offended, when upon asking the Queen
to comply with his Affection, he was repulsed, under the Pretence of
imaginary Dispositions, from which she was known to be entirely free.
However, so far from taking the Denial, it only made him more urgent;
at which the Queen to free herself from what she call'd her Consort's
Importunities, sent him Word, and confirm'd it herself, that an
incurable Disorder had rendered her unfit for the conjugal Functions.
The Monarch was Thunderstruck at this. It threw him into such a
Melancholy, that he kept his Chamber for three Days. Even Hunting, which
had always been his favourite Diversion, seem'd to be banished from his
Thoughts. He never appeared in the Drawing-Room, and the most
distinguished Courtiers were oblig'd to put on a sorrowful Appearance
whenever they approached him. _Jeflur_ exulted at the Success of his
Scheme. He brib'd one of the Lords of the Bed-Chamber, whom the King
honoured with a particular Confidence, and having inform'd him what the
Arrow was which had pierced the King's Heart, he made him large Promises
if he could pluck it out.
_Kelirieu_, for so was this Lord called, readily embraced the Proposal,
and sought for an Opportunity of being alone with his Master. Nor was he
long without it. One Day as _Zeokinizul_ was negligently leaning upon a
_Sopha_, involv'd in melancholy Thoughts on the Alteration of his
Spouse, the Lord came towards him, throwing himself at his Feet.
Permit, said he, a faithful Subject, to presume to enquire into the
Secrets of your Highness. You know, Sire, my respectful Attachment to
your august Person. You also know, that your Glory and Satisfaction are
dearer to me than my very Life. Vouchsafe then, Sire, to disclose to me
the Cause of that Sorrow which incessantly preys upon you. Let the Heart
of a faithful Servant be the Depository of all your Disquietudes.
Possibly Means may be discover'd to mitigate them.--_Kelirieu_,
perceiving that his Discourse made no Impression upon the King, who
indeed continued in the same Posture, without seeming to give the least
Attention to it, proceeded thus. But, Sire, I see my Presumption offends
you. I have lost the Confidence of my Sovereign. It is enough, let your
Highness speak, and decide the Fate of a Subject, who is become hateful
to himself, by being hateful to you.
The Firmness with which _Kelirieu_ pronounced these last Words, roused
the King from his Lethargy. No, my dear Friend, said he, raising him up,
I still love you, and the only Reason why I do not impart my Sorrows to
you, is, because they are without Remedy, and you would only have the
Trouble of knowing them, without the Power of redressing them.--The
Queen.--Ah! enquire no farther? I must either forfeit my everlasting
Happiness, or lose the Esteem of my Subjects. But I am fully determined,
there is no room for Hesitation, for I am unalterably fixed in my
Choice. Withdraw, and leave me to strengthen my Resolutions.
_Kelirieu_ insisted no farther, but hastened to acquaint the _Mollak_,
that he had already search'd the King's Wound. And since, added he,
I have drawn out of his Heart the fatal Secret which was lodg'd in it,
I flatter myself, that in a short Time, I shall entirely complete the
Cure. 'Tis a good Step, replied _Jeflur_, to have comforted
_Zeokinizul_, but that is not enough. You must still induce him to
bestow his Heart upon the Person I shall name to you. Carry but this
Point, and I promise you a thousand _Tomans_ as the first Token of my
Acknowledgement.
The King, in the mean Time, felt some Relief from the Confidence which
he had placed in _Kelirieu_. He looked for him all the Remainder of the
Day. But this Artful Mediator found Means to avoid a private Meeting.
Nor did he appear before his Master till after some Days, and the King
was obliged to send for him, and demand his immediate Attendance. No
sooner were they alone, but the King said, did I not tell you, my dear
_Kelirieu_, that my Sufferings were past Remedy, and that you would only
have the Grief of hearing them without having the Power of relieving
them? Sire, interrupted the crafty Courtier, with a bashful Air, I know
a Remedy, but I dare not mention it, and yet it is the only one
practicable. Ah! said the King, eagerly embracing him, declare it, and
tho' I should refuse to make use of it, yet I shall always acknowledge
myself oblig'd to your Zeal for the Discovery. Sire, replied _Kelirieu_,
one Woman is the Cause of your Highness's Melancholy, and another Woman
must be the Remedy. How dost thou dare to offer me such infamous
Advice, answer'd _Zeokinizul_ in a Rage, when I have already told you,
that I had rather perish than lose the Esteem of my Subjects? Must I,
being the Interpreter, and Protector of the Laws, only make a Parade of
my Prerogative, by licentiously violating them?
I beseech your Highness to hear me, replied _Kelirieu_, not in the least
daunted at the King's Anger, I swear by your royal Head, that it was not
my Intention to offend you. But a too precipitate Construction of my
Advice has led you to resent it as base and criminal. But, Sire, can
your Highness harbour a Suspicion that _Kelirieu_ would offer to eclipse
your Glory? No, Heaven is my Witness, that I would rather die a thousand
Deaths. When I intimated to your Highness, that the Remedy of your
Sorrows was too be found only in the Conversation of Women, I meant no
other than what the Laws both human and divine admit of. And that as
Solitude only serves to augment your Grief, the entertaining Wit and
Sprightliness of the Fair Sex, in their Conversations, was the only
Antidote against your growing Affliction, in which a whole Nation
participates.
There may be Danger in such a Step, replied the King, when once a Woman
has charmed the Mind, she soon makes her Way to the Heart, and since the
Queen has been pleased to return me mine, which I had so affectionately
given her, I will be always upon my Guard to keep it free and
insensible.
And at the same Time he changed the Discourse, and soon after dismissed
his Confident, who was impatient till he had related his Progress to
_Jeflur_. The _Mollak_, embracing him a thousand Times, cried, thy
Services are inestimable, neither shall I be ungrateful. _Liamil_, Wife
to the _Bassa_ of the same Name, is she whom you are to propose to
_Zeokinizul_. _Kelirieu_ could not conceal his Surprise at her Name.
How, says he to the Minister, can you conceive that he is to be
captivated by a Person of her Age? Would your _Holiness_ but reflect on
the Nature of _Zeokinizul_'s Scruples. It must be some enchanting Beauty
which can transport him to commit an Infidelity which he accounts no
small Crime. And you are for seducing him by _Liamil_, who has as few
Charms as any Court Lady, and who, besides, is under conjugal
Engagements. How shocking will the Idea of this complicated Guilt appear
to the Prince, who cannot bear the Thoughts of a single Infidelity? Ah!
learned _Mollak_, you require of me what is beyond my Power, and out of
the Course of Nature. Furnish me with a proper Instrument, let the
Person to be recommended be young, gay, handsome, and artful, and then I
will be answerable for the Success.
Surely you must be very little acquainted with _Zeokinizul_, interrupted
the Minister, is it not apparent that this Prince, who has been used to
an antiquated Beauty, and was so excessively fond of her, will think
nothing lovely but as it resembles his Spouse? Besides, he will have no
Time to attend to the Suggestions of his Scruples. And _Liamil_'s small
Share of Beauty will prevent any Mistrust in him. I rely more upon her
Wit than on her personal Charms, in which she has few Equals, and that
is the Talent by which I suppose she shall commence the Intrigue;
Opportunity will forward it. Besides, do you think that I am so blind to
mine own Interest, as to provide _Zeokinizul_ with a young ambitious
Mistress, who will be for monopolizing the royal Favour, and never be
satisfied till she has grasp'd the Disposal of all Offices and Honours?
No, no, my dear _Kelirieu_, _Liamil_ is the Woman for the King, 'tis she
whom you must bring him to like, if you value my Friendship, and whose
Friendship can equal mine? Any other than she would give me too much
Umbrage for me to bear with it long. There is a Bill for a Thousand
_Tomans_, go and receive them at the Treasury. A thousand more shall
recompense your Success.
_Jeflur_ was quite void of true Liberality, but this Matter concerned
him too nearly to lose such a dexterous Manager, who had taken it into
his Hands, by an unseasonable Parsimony. _Kelirieu_ appear'd the next
Day at the King's Levee, who took him into his Closet, and renewing
their last Conversation; what a feeble Remedy, says he, do you propose
for my violent Agitations! Such Sufferings as mine require something
more than Words. I know a Person, replied _Kelirieu_, whose Conversation
is so charming, that I am sure your Highness upon a Tryal, will be so
delighted with it, that it would recover your former Chearfulness. The
King seeming to question it, the Lord flew away to the Queen's
Apartment, to tell _Liamil_, that the King had sent for her.
_Liamil_, full of Joy, as having already been instructed, made no less
Haste thither. But how was she surprised and mortified, when
_Zeokinizul_, having ask'd her what she wanted, view'd her for some Time
without speaking a Word more. Tho' she was prepared to act her Part, she
could not forbear blushing, tho' more out of Spite than Bashfulness. And
as she could not presume to speak first, after staying about a Quarter
of an Hour in the Apartment, she made a low Courtesy, and withdrew, full
of Confusion and Rancour.
The _Mollak_, who was waiting for her Return, used his utmost to appease
her. Believe me, says he to her, _Zeokinizul_ is smitten, only allow him
Time to get the better of some troublesome Scruples, and every Thing
will be according to our Desires. And indeed, she was scarce out of
Sight, but _Zeokinizul_ was sorry for the cold Reception he had given
her. He blamed himself for his Incivility; and, to make her some Amends,
he went to the Queen's Apartment. Now was the critical Instant, the
decisive Moment for this Princess. Could she have suspended her
excessive Devotion to receive the King her Husband in a becoming Manner,
there had been an End of all _Jeflur_'s Schemes, and _Kelirieu_'s
thousand _Tomans_ had been saved to the Treasury; but her sending him
Word, that she begg'd his Highness would suffer her to finish her
Devotion before she waited on him, gave him Time enough to talk to
_Liamil_, who did not fail of exerting all her Talents, which charm'd
the King to that Degree, that he thought _Kelirieu_ had not exceeded in
his high Enconiums, the Wit and agreeable Qualities of this Lady. And
under Pretence of being extremely taken with her Conversation, he
desired her Company in his Closet that very Evening.
_Jeflur_'s Exultations at hearing this News from _Liamil_, were beyond
all Description. He made her repeat the Oath, which she had at first
swore, never to require the Rights of the Favorite _Sultana_, but be
satisfied with the Honours of the Handkerchief. He drew her a Plan for
her Rule of Life, regulated her Behaviour to the Queen, and instructed
her in the King's Temper. In fine, he imitated the fond Mother, who,
upon her Daughters being soon to be delivered up to a Bridegroom,
prepares her for the Conflict, represents to her the Pleasures and
Sorrows attendant on the Marriage State, and instructs her how to
heighten the one, and alleviate the other. When he came to be alone,
he applauded his happy Choice, and really he never could have met with
a Person so fit for the Purpose, nor who would have submitted to his
Directions with less Ambition, and more Pliantness and Punctuality.
Besides, her singular Wit, _Liamil_ had a Serenity of Temper which
excited Love, though she was in her thirty sixth Year. The Minister
before this, was under no Apprehension that she would fail in her Aim at
_Zeokinizul_'s Heart. The artificial Charms with which she concealed the
Loss, or want of natural ones, the exquisite Neatness and Elegancy of
her Dress, with the Gracefulness of her Deportment, rendered the
Conquest certain. Besides, it was no Novelty for a _Kofiran_ King to
keep a Mistress older than himself, and some have been even known to
retain the Affections from Father to Son, to the third Generation.
_Liamil_ did not fail to keep so promising an Appointment. She found
_Zeokinizul_ expecting her, and tho' this Prince had prepared himself to
see her, he was as much disordered at the Sight of her, as he had been
in the Morning. _Liamil_ was oblig'd to furnish Talk, for _Zeokinizul_
went no further than a reserv'd Complaisance; and after being a full
Hour by themselves, upon the Prince's signifying that he would be alone,
she left him, having only receiv'd eight or ten Answers, and those
rather civil than gallant. Who can conceive the Anguish of _Liamil_,
when she return'd to _Jeflur_? Wretch that I am, cried she, throwing
herself upon a _Sopha_, here her Sighs stopp'd her Voice, that she could
not proceed. _Jeflur_ was struck with Amazement, and knew not what to
think of such Emotions. He dried her Tears, he inlarged his Promises,
and particularly vowed he would make her rich Amends for the Vexation
she suffered on his Account. Let me alone, said she, at last, was it
not enough to make me marry a Man whom I hate, but must you also draw me
to love one who slights me? Yes, the King, with whose Love you flatter'd
me, slights me; I am come directly from his Closet, where I was with him
above an Hour; and so far from making Love to me, that he did not say
the least soft Thing. Is not this Coldness? Is not this slighting? Is
this all that raises such a Storm in this poor Bosom, replied _Jeflur_?
Did not I forewarn you, that _Zeokinizul_'s deep Sense of his Duty,
would make him be greatly upon the Reserve with you? And that you would
think him insensible, tho' he was only immerst in Thought? Why did not
you intice him? Come, come, be easy, I will engage to procure you
another private Meeting; but take Care not to act the Prude again so
unseasonably. Ply him with every alluring Art, and even make Use of a
fond Violence to make him yield. He is not to be treated like common
Lovers. These Injunctions cannot be disagreeable to you. _Zeokinizul_ is
perfectly handsome, and in the Prime of Life. You love him, and
therefore must leave no Means untry'd to secure his.
_Liamil_ relish'd this judicious Lesson, and impatiently waited the
Performance of _Jeflur_'s Promise; and being resolv'd to make the utmost
Efforts to seduce _Zeokinizul_, she promised herself, that at the next
Meeting she should beat down all Resistance, and allure the King to
gratify her Desires. _Kelirieu_ soon brought it about, for the King
seeing nothing dangerous to his Freedom in _Liamil_, was easily
prevailed upon by the Entreaties of his Confident, to admit of another
Visit from her. Accordingly he sent her a Message to come in the Evening
to a certain Chamber in the Palace. It is easy to conceive how welcome
this Message was to her. She was there some Time before the King
appeared. The Apartment had but a dim Light; however, this rather
favoured than prejudiced _Liamil_, as her Wit was to kindle the first
Desires in _Zeokinizul_. Their Conversation must however, remain a
Secret, as neither of them has reveal'd it to any one. What is certain,
and also more important, is, that _Liamil_ so charm'd the King by her
lively Flights of Wit, heightened by an expressive Air, that he heard
her with more Pleasure than he had imagined, that the Inticements of
this Woman were too strong for his Virtue, and that at last, she
gradually drew him to a Couch, where he gave her the Pledges of his
Love, satisfied her longing Desires, and completed the _Mollak_'s
Stratagem.