The rogue: or The life of Guzman de Alfarache. VVritten in Spanish by Matheo Aleman, seruant to his Catholike Maiestie, and borne in Seuill

THE ARGVMENT.

The Story continues of these two illustrious Louers, Ozmin and Daraxa; wherein is declared her sorrow, and his griefe, with diuers other accidents; and how for to comfort and cheere vp Daraxa, there was a Tourneyment, or Iusting perfor∣med by many Knights, & Gentlemen of worth, wherein Ozmin bore away the bell, and had the glory of the day: yet all this could not make Daraxa merry.

THis day Daraxa had (as you haue seene) her pleasures interrupted, her ioyes intermixed with griefes, her delights false, and her con∣tents vnsauoury: For scarce had arriued the comfort which she tooke in seeing that which she most desired, but on the sudden it was ouer-taken

with feare of danger: it did likewise torment her, to thinke with her selfe, that she knew not how, nor vpon what occasion to see him once againe, nor how she might feed her fill, satisfying the hunger of her eyes, on the delicate food of her sweet desire. And because Pleasure appeares not, where Sorrow is in place, it could not be discerned in her countenance, whether these Feasts had giuen her that contentment, for which they were intended: As well for this, as for that these Gallants were somewhat more heated then before, bee∣ing set on fire with that beautifull fayrenesse, and fayre beauty of Daraxa, de∣sirous more then euer to entertayne her with pleasures, and that fitting occa∣sion might be offered to come againe to the sight of her; in this their pride of heart, and heat of blood, they ordayned a Tourney, wherein Don Rodrigo was to be the Challenger.

And some few nights after, the Challenge was publisht with great store of musicall Instruments, and bright-burning Torches, that all the streetes, toge∣ther with the great Place, seemed to be all on a flame: in this solemne manner they set vp the Challenge, where it might best be seene and read of all that pas∣sed by.

There was a place for Tourneyment neere vnto the Gate, which they call the gate of Cordoua, adioyning to the wall, (which I haue sometimes seene and well knowne, though now decayed) where the Knights and Gentlemen went to exercise Armes, and to proue their Lances: there Don Alonso de Zun∣niga, being but a new beginner, did likewise practise amongst the rest, desi∣rous to shew himselfe in this Tourney, for the great affection which hee bare to Daraxa. He was afraid he should rather lose then get honour in this Tour∣neyment, nor did he sticke in all Companies publikely to say as much; not be∣cause he wanted eyther strength, or courage; but because in all things what∣soeuer, Vse makes masteries: for they that haue onely the bare Theoricke, and naked speculation of things, be they neuer so skilfull in this their contempla∣tiue knowledge, they erre in their ayme, be they neuer so confident in their vnder-takings. And in this, of all other he was most vnwilling to erre, the thought whereof did much afflict him, yet made him with-all more carefull how to behaue himselfe in the businesse.

Ozmin on the other side desired to haue as few enemies as hee could, and because he might not Tourney, nor thought it possible to be admitted into the number, he would faine haue some-body to enter the Lists, that might ouer-throw Don Rodrigo's pride; for that he was more ielous of him, then of all the rest: more to effect this his purpose, then any mind that he had therein to do his Master seruice, he spake thus vnto him:

Sir, if you be pleased to grant me free liberty of speech, I may haply deliuer that vnto you, which may be of some profit vnto you in this so honourable an occasion. Don Alonso dreaming of nothing lesse, then that he vvould treat with him touching such Gentleman-like exercises as these, but rather suppo∣sing that he would entertaine him with some discourse touching his Loue, sayd vnto him; You are too slow in vnfolding your selfe, considering the haste I haue to heare thee, and the longing desire which I haue to know what it is thou wilt say vnto me.

Sir, (quoth he) I find, that of force you must bee present at this famous Tourneyment, the noyse whereof, as it hath filled euery mans eare, so it is now all their talke: nor do I wonder, that where the reward of a glorious name lyes at stake, men go on fearefully, out of their great desire that they haue to gaine it. I that am your poore creature, will doe you the best seruice I can, by instructing and enabling you in that vvhich you are desirous to at∣tayne vnto in the exercise of Horsemanship, and the vse of Armes, and that in a short time; no way doubting but my instructions shall bring foorth good fruits of what I promise. Let not this seeme strange vnto you, nor let my

youth scandall my skill; for I must tell you, they beeing things whereunto I haue euen beene bred, they are familiar vnto mee, and I dare boldly boast my knowledge in them. Don Alonso was much ioyed in hearing him, and giuing him many thankes for this his voluntary offer of his loue and seruice: he told him; If thou performest what thou speakest, thou shalt bind me much vnto thee. Ozmin made answere; He that promiseth that, which he cannot per∣forme, is as wide of his word, as he is from the worke; and meanes nothing but deceit; but he that stands in those tearmes, as I doe now, where trickes cannot serue the turne, he must of force, (vnlesse he bee a foole) accomplish more in deeds, then he promiseth in his vvords.

Take order, Sir, that Armes be prouided for your owne person, and mine, and then you shall quickly know, that by how much the slower I haue beene in my offer, by so much the sooner I will bring it to effect: freeing my selfe from this debt, but not from that obligation which I haue to serue you. Don Alonso presently gaue order to haue all things necessary prouided, and when they vvere fitted for the purpose, they went foorth to a place a part, where that day, those that followed till the determined time of the Tourneying, they spent their time in the exercises which that solemne Feast required. So that in a very short time, Alonso learn'd to keepe his seate so sure, as if hee had beene lockt to his Saddle, bearing his Lance with so gracefull a carriage, and cowching it in his wrest with so comely a diportment, as if he had many yeeres beene practised in the Feates of Armes: vvhereupon vvere very good helpes, his cleane proportion of body, accompanied with a smart and nymble kinde of strength, which gaue no small gracefull successe to his per∣formance.

From his dexterity in vaulting on his horse, passing lightly from one Saddle to another, from his directions in his teaching, and from the shape, propor∣tion, fashion of his body, from his behauiour, besides the garbe of Ozmins language, Don Alonço began to thinke with himselfe, that it was impossible this mans name should be Ambrosio, much lesse a Labourer, vnlesse perhaps he laboured with his wretched Fortunes, whereof hee seemed to make shew. He discouered by his actions the liuely splendour of some principall person nobly descended, who by some various successe of Fortune, wandred vp and downe in this disguise: and not being able to contayne himselfe in quiet, till he were rid of this doubt, taking him one day aside, hee spake thus in secret vnto him:

Ambrosio, it is not long that you haue serued me, but in this short time you haue beene with me, you haue bound me much vnto you: your vertues, and your noble kind of carriage speake what you are; and therefore it is in vayne to seeke any longer to conceale your selfe: vnder the course vayle of these base and vile clothes, and vnder this poore habit, which thou now wea∣rest, lyes hid a nobler office, and a nobler name, (like Iewels lap't vp in lea∣ther-Cases.) I now know by manifest signes which I haue noted and obser∣ued in thee, that thou doest, (or to speake more properly) hast deceiued me: for, that a poore Labourer, whose person you are willing to represent, should be so generall (especially being so young) in all kind of knowledge, but more particularly in the exercise of Armes and Horsemanship, is a thing almost (let me call in that word againe, and say) beyond beliefe. I haue seene in thee, and plainely perceyued, that vnder these hard clods of earth, and muddy shels, is inclosed the finest gold, and the purest orientall Pearles the vvorld can afford. What I am, it is already well knowne vnto thee; what thou art, I am yet to seeke; howbeit (as I say) the causes are knowne by their effects, and that thou canst not any longer conceale thy selfe from me. I sweare vnto thee by the faith which I haue in Iesus Christ, and by the Order of Knight-hood which I professe and maintaine, to be thy both faithfull and secret friend, keeping that

vnder the Locke of Silence, which thou shalt deposite in my bosome, assi∣sting thee in all that I am able, both in my purse and person. Giue mee an ac∣count of thy fortune, that I may in some sort cancell the debt, wherein I stand bound vnto thee for those reall courtesies, vvhich I haue receiued from thee. Hereunto Ozmin thus replyde:

So strongly (Sir) haue you coniur'd me; so squiz'd the Grapes in the vvine∣presse, that you must of force wring that from my Soule, which with any o∣ther strayning in the world, saue by these the Presses of your Gentleman-like proceeding, were impossible to be drawne from me. Complying therefore with that which you cōmand me, putting assured confidence as well in your person, as your promise, I shall giue you to vnderstand, that I am a Gentle∣man; my natiue Soyle Saragoça in Aragon; my name Iayme Uiues, which I borrowed from my father; for so likewise vvas he called. It is not many yeres since, that following an occasion, (it being the nature of young-men to bee in action) I fell into the Moores hands, and was made a slaue, by a subtill kind of trechery, and false play of certaine fained friends; which, whether it were oc∣casioned through their enuy, or my misfortune, is too large a tale to tell you. It shall suffice that I deliuer vnto you, that being in their power, they sold me to a Renegado, one that had renounced his Christianity; who, how he did vse me, it is inough to haue nam'd his condition. He led me along with him, till he had brought me to Granada, where a Gentleman bought mee, called Zegri, one of the principallest persons in that City. This man had a sonne of the same yeeres with my selfe, vvhose name was Ozmin, who because he was the very picture of my selfe, as well in age, as in stature, feature, fauour, con∣dition, and all things else whatsoeuer: for that I did so truly resemble him, he was the more desirous to buy me, and to vse me the better, that it might breed the greater fastnesse and friendship betweene vs. I taught him all I could or knew, according as my selfe had learned of my friends at home in mine owne Country, which was the more perfected in mee by the frequent practice of such like exercises, being of that common vse with vs, as nothing more. From whence I reaped no small benefit; for, by conuersing with my Masters sonne, my knowledge was thereby increased, which otherwise I might haply haue forgot: and experience teacheth vs, That men by tea∣ching, come to learne. Hence grew to be refined both in the sonne and father, that affection which they bore vnto me; trusting me with their persons and wealth; so much did they rely vpon my truth and honesty.

This young Gentleman was a Suitour to Daraxa, daughter to the Alcalde de Baça; (my Mistresse, whom you so much adore:) the marriage was treated of, and vpon the point to take effect; for the Articles of agreement were al∣ready drawne, and no doubt the match ere this had beene concluded, had not the warres hindred it, and the present siege that was then layd vnto it, wher∣by they were forced to deferre it till some fitter time.

Baça was shortly after yeelded vp, by occasion whereof, this intended Marriage hung in suspence. And because I was then Dominus Fac-totum, and the onely man in fauour and trust with them, I went and came with presents, and other inter-changeable kindnesses, from the one City to the other: it be∣ing my good fortune to be in Baça at that time, when it was rendred vp; and so I recouered my liberty, together with many other Captiues. I would faine haue returned home to mine owne Countrey, but I wanted money: In the end I had notice, that a Kinsman of mine was abiding in this City. Two things did concurre to draw me hither; the desire I had to see this place, (be∣ing so noble and magnificent a City) and the supplying of my wants, the bet∣ter to performe my Iourney. I continued here a great while, without finding him, that I sought for: for hearing no newes of him, but such as were vncer∣taine, it turned to my vtter vn-doing; by finding that which I did not seeke

for, as in such cases it commonly falleth out. I vvent wandring vp and downe the City, and hauing little money, and much care, it was my happe to meete with a rare piece of Nature, an admirable Beauty; (at least in my eye, how∣soeuer in other it might be otherwise) but that's all one, beeing that is onely faire, which most pleaseth. To her I deliuered vp all my faculties, leauing to my selfe not one of them to liue with me: I made now no more any recko∣ning of my selfe, nor possessed any thing which was not hers. This faire work∣manship is Donna Elvira, sister to Don Rodrigo, and daughter to Don Luys de Padilla, my old Master. And because counsell (as the saying is) springeth from necessity, seeing my selfe so wholly lost in her loue, and not finding any meanes to manifest my affection, together with the quality of my person, I held it my best course to write Letters vnto my father of the recouery of my liberty, and that I was indebted in a thousand double Ducats; and that he would be pleased to supply me with so much moneys for my reliefe. Which businesse succeeded well; for hauing sent me the whole Summe, and a seruant with a horse for my iourney, I put my selfe into good Cloathes, and fitted my selfe with all things necessary according to mine owne mind. The two or three first dayes I began to make that street my walke, giuing many a turne at all howers of the day, but could neuer haue the happinesse to see her. Now, from my continuall walking that way, I began by some suspicious people to be obserued, who seemed to haue a watchfull eye ouer me; wherefore, for the auoyding of Spyes, I with-drew my selfe from my wonted walke, and be∣tooke my selfe to a more retired course of life.

My seruant (to whom I imparted my Loue-businesses) thinking vpon some course for me, aduised me (as beeing elder and better experienced then my selfe) finding a certaine piece of Worke going forward in my Lords house, to suite my selfe like a day-Labourer, and to change my name, that I might not be knowne, and so ranke my selfe amongst the rest, that are hired to digge and carry away the rubbish from the Masons worke. I began to consider with my selfe, what might happen thereupon; but because Loue ouer comes all diffi∣culties, and Death is too weake an aduersary to withstand its force, all feare was layd aside, euery thing seemed easie vnto me, I put on a resolution to en∣tertaine his aduice, and so I did accordingly. At that time there befell mee an vn-expected accident, vvhich was this; When the Worke was finished, they receiu'd me into the house to be their Gardiner. Then, & neuer till then, was that happy day that I long looked for: my Moone was now come to her Full; and I was now climing to the height of my good fortune: for the very first day that I supplyde that place, and had but newly set foot within the gar∣den, I luckily met with Daraxa; she wondred to see me there, and I no lesse to behold her. We gaue an account each to other of our liues, relating our mutuall misfortunes; she recounting hers, and I mine; not sticking to tell her, how farre I was in loue with her friend, and in what fast Fetters she held my heart: intreating her withall, that since shee had such cleare knowledge both of my parents and selfe, and how nobly I was descended, she would bee pleased to fauour my pretension, and to worke so with her by her good in∣tercession, that I might come (by the holy Rite of Marriage) to enioy the fruit of my hopes. She promised she would, and did (I assure my selfe) all that in her lay to accomplish my desire. But because Fortune was euermore too too niggardly-handed towards mee, when these our tender loues (like young Plants) began to gather a little strength, and were in the way to shoot vp higher; the sprigs being rent off, the bud was blasted with a sharpe Easterly wind, and some malicious Worme lay gnawing at the root, till at last it wi∣thered to nothing, and was quite consumed: for I was on the sudden bani∣shed the house, not knowing why, nor wherefore; falling thus from the high∣est top of happinesse, to the lowest depth of misery. He that with the stroke

of a Launce kill'd the first Bull, hee that with the edge of his sword made the other fall dead at his foot, was my selfe. She saw me well inough, and knew me too, and was not a little glad of it, which I did plainely reade in her looks, and her eyes did expresse it to the life. And in this occasion (if it were possi∣ble) I would likewise striue to make some notable proofe for to please my Mi∣stris, who shall eternize my actions, by giuing the world to vnderstand who I am, and at what valuation I ought to be rated amongst the rest. My inabili∣ty to execute this my desire, makes me euen ready to burst with griefe; and if I could purchase it with my bloud, I would willingly let loose the Sluces of my veines to obtaine my wished end. Thus (Sir) you see, I haue freely laid open vnto you the whole successe of my loue, I haue giuen you a true account of it, there remaining nothing to my selfe in the reckoning, saue a grosse summe of disgraces. And with that word he stopt.

Don Alonso, who listned earnestly all this while vnto him, when his eares were let loose (for t'others tongue had tyde them to his mouth) threw his armes about his necke, clasping him close vnto him with streight imbrace∣ments: Whilst Ozmin in the meane while stroue to kisse his hands, but hee would not suffer him so to doe, saying; These hands and armes are to bee im∣ployed in thy seruice, that they may thereby deserue to gaine thine. It is no time now to vse compliments, nor to alter as yet the courses you haue hither∣to held, seeing your owne will is not in disposition to doe otherwise. As for the Tourneyment, let that neuer trouble your thoughts, for you shall enter in with the rest, and doubt you not of it, for it shall be so; therefore plucke vp your spirits, and set your heart at rest. Ozmin once more made offer to kisse his hands, humbling his knee on the ground. Don Alonso did the like, ma∣king many proffers of preuention: so forcibly did this new bond of friendship tye them each to other. Thus they past in large conuersation the rest of those dayes that remained, till the very time and houre, wherein the Tourneyment was to be performed.

I told you before, how that Don Rodrigo for his great arrogancie, was se∣cretly misliked by most of these Gallants. And therefore Don Alonso thought with himselfe that he had now met with that he desired. For Iayme Viues en∣tring into the Tourney, he was wel assured, that he would eclypse his honour, and beat downe his pride. Ozmin for his part likewise did desire it as much. And before the houre of arming was come, that he might see Daraxa enter the place, he walked vp and downe there a while, wondring to see it so richly adorned: the Hangings of Cloth of Gold and of Silke, were such and so many, as are vnable to be expressed; such variety was there in the colours; such cu∣riositie in the windowes; such beauty in the Ladies; such richnesse in their dressings, and their cloathes; such concourse of all sorts of Gallants, that all being put together, seemed to be one inestimable Iewell; and euery particu∣lar by it selfe, a precious Stone set therein. The Tilt-yard, which diuided the Place into two equall parts, ranne quite athwart the midst of it; and in a conuenient place was a Scaffold set vp for the Iudges, right ouer against the which were the windowes appointed for Daraxa and Donna Elvira, vvho vpon two white Palfreys, their furniture being blacke Veluet set with siluer Oes, and sutably frindged, entred well attended: Who after they had rounded the Place, tooke their Seates. Where Ozmin leauing her, hasted away, be∣cause anon after, the Challengers were to enter; who within a little space made their arriuall, wonderfull well set foorth, and in very good equipage. The Ho-boyes, the Trumpets, and other instruments of Musicke sounded without ceasing, till they were seated in their places. Afterwards entred the Defendants, and Don Alonso was one of the first; who hauing performed his three courses, and those singular well (that few did better) he presently re∣turned home.

Hauing before obtained licence for a Caualeere, a friend of his, whom hee expected from Xeres de la frontera, Ozmin in the meane while attending his comming. They came in both together to the place; and Alonso being his Padrino, presented him vnto them. The Moores Armes were all blacke, his Horse sutable, without any plume in his Helmet; instead whereof with great curiosity, he had made a Rose of Daraxa's Handkercher, which was an assu∣red token, whereby she might know him. He put himselfe in his posture, and as good lucke would haue it, he was to runne his first Launce against one of the Challengers Abettors: The signall was giuen, they made their Carreere, Ozmin hits his Aduersary on the Beuer, where hee brake his Launce; and gi∣uing him a counter-buffe with the Truncheon of his Staffe, he remoued him from his Saddle, and fell with that stroke to the ground ouer his horse crup∣per, but he had no other harme, saue what he suffered with the weight of his Armour. For the two last courses, Don Rodrigo put himselfe forth, who ligh∣ted with his first Launce on the left arme of the Moore, neere vnto the shoul∣der, remaining wounded by him in the pouldrons on the right side, where he brake his staffe in three pieces. With the last Don Rodrigo mist and Ozmin brake his neere the sight of his Helmet, where hee left behinde him a great splinter of his Launce; so that it was generally thought, that he had shrewd∣ly wounded him; but his Helmet defended him so well, that he had no great harme.

The Moore hauing broken his three Launces, went his way wonderfully ioyed with his Victory; but much more Don Alonso who had brought him as his Champion into the field, and could not finde any place large inough to in∣tertaine his ioy. They quitted the Place, and went home to his house to dis∣arme himselfe, suffering no man else to see his face. And putting on his or∣dinary apparell, he secretly went out at a posterne doore on the backside of the house, returning to behold his deare Daraxa, and to see that which passed in the Tilt-yard. Hee had gotten so neere vnto his Mistris, that they might in a manner haue shaken hands: they looked steadily each on other, but he euermore bare his eyes sadly, and with a heauy cheere; but she beyond all degrees of sadnesse, supposing that the cause of his sorrow might be, that she had not cheered him with some gracious cast of her eye. Nor could shee tell what to thinke, so much was she amazed, to see him Tilt in blacke both Horse and Armour, being it is a signe amongst them of euill lucke. All this put together, wrought in her a most deepe melancholly, and continued so ex∣tremely passionate therein, and was so surcharged with sorrow, that the sports being scarce ended, her heart trembling in her body, shee left her win∣dow, and hastned home. They which did accompany her, did much maruell that she went away no better pleased, seeming to take no contentment in what was done, and withall began to murmure and mutter amongst them∣selues, euery one suspecting that, which his owne malice did suggest vn∣to him.

Don Luys, like a wise Gentleman, as oft as he heard any reasoning there∣of, spake still in her excuse; the like he did with his sonnes that Euening, when he found them grumbling at her carriage, telling them that an afflicted soule weepes in the midst of mirth, and that there is not any thing that can minister matter of ioy and gladnes to man or woman, that is absent from those, whom they best affect. Good things are so much the more esteemed, by how much the more we inioy them with knowne persons, and our particular acquain∣tance.

Towards strangers, there may (no doubt) be many intertainments giuen to moue pleasure and delight; but (alas) they haue no feeling of them; their thoughts are otherwise taken vp, and in them the increase of sorrow is so much the more, by how much in others they see the greater ioy. I blame her

not for it, nor doe I thinke it a thing so strange; but rather imagine it to haue proceeded from her great prudence, then any dislike she had of our sports, and doe meerely attribute it to her graue and sober behauiour; whereas the con∣trary vvould haue argued too much lightnesse, and an vnsettled kind of car∣riage, which imputation, women that prize their vertue and goodnesse, study to auoid. Besides, she is farre from father and mother, and from her best-beloued; and (though free in her vsage) yet a Captiue in her condition, and that in a strange Country, not knowing how to remedy her selfe, nor when she shall finde the meanes. Let euery man examine his owne bosome, let him but make her case his owne, and then hee will tell mee another tale, and ingenuously confesse, that he should finde himselfe affected, iust as she is now. And in doing otherwise, is (as it is with him that is in health) to bid the sicke to eate and be well.

This discourse hauing past in secret amongst them, they treated afterwards in publike of the Zerezano, how brauely hee had behau'd himselfe that day; and how (albeit they desired much to know who he was) they could neuer get any more out of Don Alonso, then what he told them at first, and they beleeued it was true. Daraxa's melancholly increased dayly more & more, but the cause thereof none could guesse aright: they were all wide of the marke, none came neere the Butt: of all that shot their bolts; some fell too short, and some flew ouer. All did iudge amisse, inuenting in the meane time all the entertainments their wits could deuise to giue her content: but should they haue broken their braines in the study thereof, they had neuer been neerer their purpose: for she was as farre from being capable of the delights they deuised for her, as they were from entring within the Circle of her desires.