Enquiries. He made himself sure, that the Husband of this young Person,
being one of those Set of Men, who Mind nothing but Riches, would not
only resign his conjugal Rights, but would even be brought to sollicit
his Spouse to resign herself up to the King's Embraces, and herein he
was not mistaken. But the Difficulty was to induce the Seller's Wife to
be a Party in such a scandalous Contract; for tho' she was of low
Extraction, she had an Elevation of Mind, a Purity of Virtue, which
would have done Honour to the highest. She could not indeed help being
inwardly pleased that she had tried her Charms with such Success upon
her Sovereign, and the dazzling Idea of beholding _Zeokinizul_ laying at
her Feet, all his Greatness and Power, her Husband made a _Bassa_ of the
second Rank, her Name exchanged for one of the most illustrious, were
Circumstances which the natural Desires in Women of shining even in the
smallest Matters, would not allow her to be insensible; yet this
Sensibility did not greatly hasten the Lover's Happiness; for, as her
Duty united her to a Husband, from whom her Inclinations alienated her,
she was for distinguishing herself from all that had gone before her,
and reducing the Monarch to go through the entire Play of Love. But such
a formal Method was insupportable to him, for being used to conquer upon
the very first Appearance of his Desire, his Heart was for some Time
distracted with strong Conflicts between Love and Resentment, without a
decisive Victory on either Side. Sometimes he looked upon the Resistance
of his new Mistress, as an insolent Affront to Majesty; at other Times
this same Resistance inflamed him the more, and he pleased himself with
the Thoughts of subduing that obstinate Virtue which she affected. All
_Kelirieu_'s Artifices were at an End, and when he was passionately
urg'd by the King, he was at a Loss for any farther Expedient. However,
in such a critical Juncture, he determined to make one last Effort, in
order to bring the beautiful _Vorompdap_ to his Lure, and if he fail'd,
to engage _Zeokinizul_ to forget her in the Arms of another, who knew
the true Value of a Monarch's Affections.
Being persuaded that every Woman who has once listened to a Lover,
cannot bear the Thoughts of losing him, but makes Use of every Art in
order to fix his Constancy, he waited upon her in Person, and said, with
an Air of Concern, At last, charming _Kismare_, your Rigour has
disgusted the _Sultan_, so as to make him give over his Addresses. Weary
of the Delays and Obstacles you was constantly raising against his
Passion, he has offered it to another, notwithstanding all my Endeavours
to secure him, by the highest Praises of your Charms, and making your
very Resistance, a Motive for his farther Pursuits. A Person, not indeed
of your perfect Beauty, but of a more indulgent Temper, captivates this
Monarch, and I apprehend, that her obliging and artful Behaviour to her
Lover, will for ever deprive you of a Heart which you might have kept
at your Devotion. _Kelirieu_, whilst he was speaking, did not fail to
observe the young _Vorompdap_'s Countenance, and had the Pleasure of
discerning the Vexation which she strove in vain to conceal. She was
some Time without returning an Answer, but after composing herself, and
putting a good Air upon the Confusion which the Thoughts of a Rival had
excited, I could never have imagined, said she, with an affected
Indifference, which, however, could not deceive the artful _Kelirieu_,
No, I never could have imagined, that after so many Marks and
Protestations of a sincere Affection, _Zeokinizul_, could have deceived
me in such a Manner. However, I am free from the Reproaches of a
criminal Uneasiness to gratify his Desires. Charming _Kismare_, replied
_Kelirieu_, had you shewed the Compliance which is due to a Monarch's
Love, I presume to swear by his Head, that he would never have proved
inconstant. But no Lover, and especially a King, will ever be satisfied
with an ideal Love. Kindness cherishes the Flame, but Unkindness
quenches it. But if you have still any Value for _Zeokinizul_'s Heart,
you still may avert the Blow which seems to trouble you. I, replied she,
smartly, I, troubled at the King's Alteration! very far from it. On the
contrary, I bless interposing Heaven, that it happened before Gratitude
had prevail'd upon me to make him a Sacrifice of my Person, and, what is
still dearer, my Virtue. Alas! added she, sheding some Tears, which
flowed in Spite of her, that fatal Instant was drawing near. If it be
so, replied _Kelirieu_, I pity you for having undesignedly lost an
Enjoyment so necessary to your own Repose. For, added he, softly, I can
discover through all your Affectations, that you really love the King.
Your Heart is wounded, and only with-held by airy and unseasonable
Scruples. Well, yes, answered she, I do love him. I do not endeavour to
conceal it from you. Good God! what Woman in my Place could forbear.
But, how can I commit such a publick Adultery. A publick Adultery,
replied _Kelirieu_, with a seeming Amazement, what Blockhead has put
such Fancies into your Head. But this Crime so justly condemned both by
divine and human Laws, consists in the Injury done to a Man, whose Wife
against his Will, or without his Knowledge, admits a Gallant to her
Embraces? But, lovely _Kismare_, how different is your Case! Will not
your Husband quit all Pretentions to your Person? Has he not releas'd
you from the Vow of being only his? Since his Consent could unite you to
him, shall his positive Order be of less Validity to separate you from
him, and unite you to another; and that upon such an important Occasion,
when Riches, Titles, and Power are to reward his Cession, and your
Acquiescence? Believe me, charming _Vorompdap_, our _Imans_ have adapted
our Religion to their own Views and Passions, without Regard to that
genuine and perfect Model, the Will of God. The Vow of Celibacy, upon
which they value themselves, as renouncing Marriage, would be an
insupportable Yoke to them, it would be soon shaken of, were it not for
their Hopes, which indeed are too often verified, of taking Advantage of
the Misunderstandings betwixt the Husband and Wife, whose Bands they are
taught to believe indissoluble. It is on this Account, that they are
constantly magnifying Conjugal Duties, and lay so much Stress on their
punctual Observation. Consider only what is done in other Nations,
no less wise and religious than ourselves. Divorces among them are
permitted, as frequently essential to the well being of Society. That
sacred Book the _Liegnelau_, cannot be supposed to contradict and
overthrow the _Bileb_, of which it is in a great Measure the
Accomplishment, and _Suesi_ whom you worship, being the Messenger of the
great God, would not offer to abrogate his Institutions. Thus the Point
is clear, and now look upon yourself as a Woman who is about forming a
second Contract, being legally, religiously, and honourably discharged
from the former. _Zeokinizul_ is equally at Liberty, for the State and
Temper of the Queen invalidate their Marriage. So, that only a few
Formalities are wanting for your Union with the King, and you know,
Formalities among the more understanding Part of the World, are often
dispensed with, as tiresome rather than necessary. The Consent of both
Parties has always been the only Point insisted on as essential.
These Proofs, which in the Mouth of a _Mollak_, would have been laugh'd
at, produced the designed Effect from _Kelirieu_. The young _Kismare_
was shaken, but not overthrown by them; she still insisted against
plunging herself into such shocking Scandal. This seemed a very slender
Objection to _Kelirieu_, who immediately replyed to it. Consider, says
he, the _Kams_ of _Meani_ and _Tesoulou_, do they bear any Marks of
their Mother's Scandal? Was a great Monarch's Love accounted a Disgrace
to a beautiful Lady? If you was acquainted with the first Ages of our
Monarchy, you would be satisfied, that they never made any Difference
between the Children of Love, and those born in lawful Marriage, as the
_Imans_ are pleased to call it. A King at your Feet, Courtiers waiting
respectfully on your Orders, a Nation's Treasure at your Disposal, can
there be Contempt and Scandal amid such Advantages? Do not alarm your
Mind with Monsters of your own forming, only for the Sake of opposing
them. Consent to make _Zeokinizul_ happy, and I will lay him at your
Feet, more deeply in Love than ever. These Representations made a strong
Impression upon the young Favourite, whom the Eloquence of her own Heart
had already half convinced. She still stood upon some Punctilio's; but
when _Kelirieu_, which was his last Resource, intimated to her the
Danger which might accrue to her Husband from her Obstinacy, this drew
from her an absolute Consent. This last Circumstance was certainly the
best adapted to fix her; for the new _Kismare_, like all the rest of his
Fraternity, was making the most of his Time in the Management of the
Finances, and relying on his Spouse's Favour, he was above taking proper
Precautions to conceal or palliate his Imbezzlements. _Kelirieu_ took
Care to fill _Vorompdap_ with Apprehensions, that _Zeokinizul_ would
infallibly call him to an Account, the most favourable Consequence
whereof, would be a Confiscation of all his Substance. It was then high
Time to come to a Resolution. Thus _Kelirieu_ happily completed his
Negotiation. And having appointed the Time and Place for the first
Interview, he hastened, flushed with Joy, to congratulate his Master on
this Victory, which was the more delightful, as it had been attended
with such a Train of Difficulties.
In the mean Time this new Intrigue, no more than the former, could not
diminish _Zeokinizul_'s strict Attention to the several Exigencies of
the State. His wise Orders had been so exactly executed throughout his
Empire, that his Armies were fit for Action even before the Spring. He
headed in Person the most considerable, which was destined for the
Conquest of the _Bapasis_, being still commanded by the brave _Vameric_,
whose prudent Conduct towards the End of the last Campaign had been
admired by his very Enemies. The Favourite followed the King as
_Lenertoula_ had done, whom she certainly equalled both in Love and
Honour. The Campaign was opened with the Siege of a Town which the great
_Zeokitarezul_ had fortified at a prodigious Expence, which, besides a
strong regular Wall and Outworks, had a Citadel which was accounted by
the Connoisseurs, a Master-piece of Fortification. It must have been
even an unsurmountable Barrier to the _Kofirans_, in case they reduced
the City. With this View their Attacks were carried on with all
imaginary Vigour. On the other Hand, this Place being as it were the Key
of the Country, the Keeping of it was of such Importance to the Enemies
of _Zeokinizul_, that they resolv'd to hazard every Thing in order to
its Relief. The King of _Alniob_, the Provinces _Junet_, and the Queen
of _Ghinoer_, Sovereign of the _Bapasis_, joined all their Forces, of
which the chief Command was conferr'd on the _Kam_ of _Lundamberk_,
youngest Son to the King of _Alniob_, a Prince of a martial Disposition,
and of the greatest Bravery. His Ardour for Glory made him long to
encounter the King of the _Kofirans_, and his only Son, a young Prince
of the greatest Expectations, who could forsake the Embraces of a
youthful Bride, to attend his Father, and learn the Art of War under
_Vameric_, in the midst of Fatigues and Dangers. The Impetuosity of the
_Kam_ of _Lundamberk_, would not allow him to conform to the wise
Counsels of the experienced Generals of his Army, who were for delaying
the Battle 'till he had got the Advantage of the Ground, as he was
inferiour to them in Numbers. He would not be ruled by their
Representations, but, led on by his evil Genius, he came and offered
Battle to _Zeokinizul_, whose Forces were already come out of their
Lines, and drawn up in order to receive him.
As these Sheets bear the Title of the Amours of _Zeokinizul_, I may
perhaps be censured for giving a Detail of a Battle which seems quite
foreign to this Work; but as it occasioned several Vexations to the
Favourite, and having been omitted by every other Writer, I believe the
Reader will not be displeased at my relating such Particulars as have
come to my Knowledge.
There was great Fault found with _Vameric_'s Dispositions. It was
reported, that he was so full of the Victory, that he took not the
least Care to secure a Retreat. Behind his Lines was a large River
call'd the _Tueska_, over which he had laid but one Bridge, which, in
Case of a Defeat, must infallibly have broken down with the Weight of
the flying Troops; the Consequence of which must have been their total
Destruction. All this is a known and undeniable Truth. But _Vameric_ was
acquainted with the Spirit of the Nation which he commanded. He knew
that they would not fly before all the Forces in the World, when they
were fighting in their King's Presence. Then, what Occasion was there
for Bridges to favour a Retreat, when every single Man was resolv'd to
die, or conquer? Besides in one Night's Time he had cast up three
Trenches, of which the two first were sufficient to defend them against
the first Attack of the Enemy, which is always the most violent. The
third would be an impenetrable Defence against their weak and broken
Forces. Another considerable Advantage was, the dividing the Army into
small Bodies, which must extremely harass the Enemy, as they must be
under a Necessity of attacking but one at a Time. Whatever Confidence
_Zeokinizul_ reposed in _Vameric_, he would share both in the Command
and Danger. This hazardous Circumstance threw the Favourite into
inexpressible Agonies. But neither her Tears nor her Intreaties, so
prevalent at all other Times, were unable to restrain the resolute
Monarch. He and his Son were present during the whole Action, and in so
much Danger, that several were killed near them. At last, Victory
declared itself in his Favour, and the young Prince of _Alniob_, tho' he
exerted the utmost Courage and was seconded with an intrepid Valour, by
his Soldiers, who loved him entirely, was obliged to retreat. But tho'
this young Lion was defeated, he still struck his Enemies with Terror,
for after such an Experience of his Valour, they apprehended that he
would next Day renew the Action, which he certainly would have done, had
it not been for the Opposition of his Generals.
_Zeokinizul_, after the Victory, applied himself to shew the Conquered
how highly he esteemed their Courage. It was ordered, that the same Care
should be taken of their wounded, as of his own Soldiers. The imprudent
and scandalous Report of some barbarous Orders issued by the Prince of
_Alniob_, in Case of his Success, made not the least Impression on this
magnanimous King, and all _Africa_ joined in owning that the _Kam_ of
_Lundamberk_ and his Allies, could not have a more worthy Conqueror than
_Zeokinizul_. The Congratulations of his dear _Kismare_ were still
wanting, to complete the Joy and Honours of this Victory. He hastened,
transported with Love, to lay his Laurels at her Feet, and tell her
that he was animated by her charming Idea, in the midst of all the
Horrors of the Battle. Here was a fresh and very worthy Motive to
increase her Tenderness towards him. But, who can know a Woman? This
Instant was to be the Period of it, or at least to put it to a severe
Trial.
A young Prisoner, one of the most illustrious of the Nobility of
_Alniob_, having desired Admittance to _Zeokinizul_, was introduced to
him in his Tent, where he was sitting with the Favourite. She was struck
at the Sight of him, as indeed there never was any Man fitter to make a
Woman unfaithful, and justify her Infidelity. His Mein and Air spoke the
Hero, and his Address to the Monarch declared, that his Sentiments were
answerable. "Sire, said he, all our Efforts have not hindered Victory
from declaring itself for you. Tho' I can no longer continue fighting
with my brave Fellow-Soldiers, I could wish not to remain among mine
Enemies. Your Highness is no Stranger to Love, and it is that which
calls me back to my own Country. Be pleased therefore, to grant me
Permission to return, which will not a little augment your Glory, that I
shall there appear in Chains instead of those Trophies which I hop'd to
have adorn'd my Return." The majestic Air with which this young
Warriour delivered himself, moved _Zeokinizul_, who immediately
answered, "You are at full Liberty to depart, and may Love do you more
Justice than Fortune." This Generosity of _Zeokinizul_, was planting a
Dagger in the Favourite's Heart, who had already conceived too great a
Passion for the Prisoner, to consent so readily to his Departure. Her
Passion hindered her from reflecting on the Consequences which might
flow from it, and turning towards the Monarch, she said, "Sire, let not
your extreme Generosity betray your Interest. When this young Warriour
is again among his Countrymen, he may engage them to come and attack you
a second Time. He has seen"---- "Be it so, Madam," interrupted
_Zeokinizul_, "I can never have too many Opportunities of making
Heroes." She blush'd at this Answer, and _Kelirieu_, who perceived it,
readily guessing that the Departure of this young Prisoner was not
agreeable to her Inclinations, laid hold of the Opportunity of
_Zeokinizul_'s going out to give some Orders, of offering her his
Service. "Madam, said he, if I am not mistaken, I apprehend this young
Prisoner has renewed in your Mind some painful Idea; be pleased to
disclose the Secret to me, you shall find I will prove a faithful
Servant, devoted to all your Views and Inclinations. Is it your Pleasure
that this Prisoner should go or Stay? I will find a Method of making
him consent to either, as you shall direct." "Ah, let him go replied
she, my dear _Kelirieu_, let him go, his Presence is so dangerous, that
any longer Stay would, I fear, make me become ungrateful and faithless
to my generous Prince. How charming he is! did you ever before see so
graceful a Person? How serene and noble is his Deportment, in the midst
of Misfortunes! However, possibly as a Prisoner, he may stand in need of
Money, go and offer him these two hundred Pieces of Gold, that he may
return to his Country in a Manner suitable to his Rank and Merit, and
bring me back an Account in what Manner he received them."
_Kelirieu_ was of such a restless Vivacity, that he could not be
contented without Intrigues, which made him eagerly apply himself to
forming another. Having found out the fortunate Prisoner, he put the
Purse into his Hands with these Words. "Virtue, my Lord, is equally
cherished by both Sexes among us, and as a Proof of it, here are two
hundred Pieces of Gold, which you are desired to accept of from a very
beautiful Lady." "I should be unworthy the least of her Thoughts,
replied the Prisoner, were I to refuse her Favour, which this Juncture
has render'd necessary. If her Name be not a Secret, I would beg the
Favour of you, my Lord, to introduce me, that I might pay my
Acknowledgements to this generous Lady." "She would, perhaps ask you for
something more, replied _Kelirieu_." "Ah, returned the Stranger, that is
not in my Power to grant. As I have not seen her, I can, without the
least Affront to her Beauty, preserve my Heart for the present dear
Possessour of it. Be pleased then, my Lord, to tell her, that I depart
full of the warmest Gratitude; and, since I am so fortunate as to have
the illustrious _Kam_ of _Kelirieu_ in my Interest, I beg him to be
assured, that upon my Return into my Country, as it is my highest Duty,
so it shall be my first Care, to make suitable Returns for his
Generosity to a Stranger, whom his polite Behaviour entirely frees from
the Meanness of receiving a Favour, which he would have refused from any
other Hand." _Kelirieu_, perceiving he entirely mistook his Intentions,
did not think proper to explain himself, and after taking his Leave, he
returned to make a Report to the Favourite of his unlucky Commission.
She was piqued at his Refusal, but making a Virtue of Necessity, she
endeavoured to efface the sudden Impression which he had made upon her
Heart. Fruitless Endeavours, his Idea was always present to her
Imagination. Neither Gratitude to the King, Diversions, nor Resentment,
could remove it, 'till by a most fortunate Accident, this haughty Rebel
became her Admirer, which soon terminated in the Gratification of her
Desires. But as the History of this Amour has no necessary Connection
with that which I am writing, I shall leave the several Incidents with
which it was attended, to be taken Notice of by some other Writer, only
observing, that this young _Alniobian_ returning some Years after, into
the Country of the _Kofirans_, it was his Fortune to be united for ever
to his generous Benefactress, whom the Death of her Husband, and
_Zeokinizul_'s Indifference, left at her own Disposal. This Prince
perceived some Alterations in the Favourite, which were at first
excused, under Pretence of some feign'd Indispositions, and the Monarch
was so easy as to take her Word without any farther Examination into the
Truth of her Excuses.
At the End of the Campaign, _Zeokinizul_ return'd to his Palace,
to exchange the Fatigues of War, for the Embraces of Love, and make
Preparations for new Conquests, if his Enemies should reject the Peace
which he had offered them, on such equitable Conditions as contained
nothing of the Haughtiness of a Conqueror. The King's Presence brought
back to the Court all the Pleasures and Diversions, of which there had
been no Appearance during his Expedition. There was nothing but Balls,
Feasts, and magnificent Parties of Pleasure. His Fondness would not
allow him at any Time to be long absent from his Favourite. He
endeavoured by every Token of Affection to convince her that she had
found the Means to fix his Heart unalterably, and this might have been
really the Case, had he been taken up continually with Affairs of the
War, so as to have had but a small Portion of Time for his Pleasures.
But this not being the Season for Military Operations allowed him too
much Time for Indulgence, and the Monarch's Heart was not to be fixed by
any single Passion. The beautiful _Vorompdap_ exerted herself to the
utmost, in order to prolong the Continuance of her Reign; but this was
the very Occasion of her Overthrow.