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.

Continuing the Story of the noble loues of these two disconsolate Louers, it is now recounted how Don Luys, for to cheere vp the gentle Daraxa, brought her to a pleasant Village, whither Ozmin repairing, was set vpon by a com∣pany of Clownes. And in the defence of himselfe he slewe foure of them out∣right, and wounded many others. For the which fact he was committed to pri∣son, and sentenced to death; together with the diuers and sundry accidents that insued thereupon; and how in the end hee was set at liberty. And how himselfe and Daraxa turning Christians, their happy Nuptials were solemn∣ly celebrated in the presence of the King and Queene of Spaine.

DON LVYS had a house in Axarafe, and other possessions belong∣ing thereunto, by the vert ue of his Mayorasgoship, in a little Village appertaining to Seuill. The season was temperate, beeing then about February, at which time the Fields seeme to put on their new apparell; thi∣ther they agreed to goe to make merry, and to recreate themselues for some few dayes, that they might not leaue this path vntroden, to see if by this meanes they could diuert her sorrowes. With this shee seemed somewhat pleased, and made shew of better cheerefulnes then before; supposing, if she went forth of the Citie, shee should finde some meanes or other, to see and speake with Ozmin. They made ready their Recamara, and all fitting proui∣sion for such a businesse: and it was good sport to behold the hurly burly and confused noise amongst them, as of him that had the charge of Gray-hounds, of that other, that was to goe along with the setting dogs, the Tumblers, and the Kennell of the hounds; of a third, that carried Hawkes a-field; of this man bearing the Owle, that his Peece on his shoulder; of some with Crosse∣bowes in their hands; othersome with Mules laden with Bedding, Hangings,

and other houshold-stuffe, and all of them trooping together, laughing and making themselues merry with the conceiued ioy of this Feast.

Don Alonso hauing notice hereof, comes me to Ozmin, and tels him that their Mistresses were gone abroad into the Country to take the ayre, and disport themselues, and that they were to remaine there some time: but when they would returne againe, that he knew not. This newes was nothing dis∣pleasing vnto them for two respects: the one, for that they might (hap∣pely) meet there with the fewer Competitors in the pursuit of their Loues; the other, that they might haue the better occasion not to be knowne. The nights were neither cleere, nor darke, nor cold, nor hot; but with a plea∣sant noise of stilnesse, and delicate darke clearenesse, heau'n and earth were both so ouer-spred, that the heart of man could not imagine a fitter night for the purpose.

These two louing friends, and friendly Louers, agreed to try their for∣tunes, and to see what prize they could make in the choise of two such rich Bottomes as these were, laden with so much Honour, Beauty, and Wealth, the greatest treasure the world can afford. They disguised themselues, appa∣relling their bodies with good honest Country cloathes, like plaine Husband∣men, and set forth about Sun-set vpon two hackney Iades; and when they came neere vnto the Village, some quarter of a League, or there-abouts, they alighted at a certaine Farme-house; to the end, that by marching thus on foot, the lesser notice might be taken of them. Which might then haue fell out very happily for them, if Fortune had not wheeled her selfe about, and turned her back towards them; for they arriued in very good time, euen then when their Ladies were in the Balcon intertaining discourse, wholly fitting themselues for conuersation, and mirth, as the company, or occasion should giue cause.

Don Alonso durst not draw too neere, for feare of frighting the game; and therefore intreated his Companion to make the winde-lase, and to negoti∣ate alone for them both; because he being beloued of Donna Eluira, and well knowne to Daraxa, he had no reason to hide himselfe from them. Ozmin then by degrees, (with a carefull kinde of carelesnesse) stole neerer and neerer, sing∣ing in a low Base as it were, humming betweene the teeth an Arabique song; which (to those that vnderstood the language) were cleere notes: But to those that knew it not, and were neglectfull thereof, it seemed no more then an or∣dinary La, La, La. Donna Elvira (hearkening vnto him) told Daraxa; Euen on these rude kinde of people God hath bestow'd his gifts, if they knew vvell how to vse them. Doe you not obserue that sauage fellow, what a sweet and well-tuned voice he hath; and how he rellisheth and ayreth his notes, and how merrily he chants it, as if his mother had brought him into the world with a prick-song? But this is in him as water that raines it selfe into the Sea without any profit. By this you see (said Daraxa) that all things are esteemed according to the subiect wherein they subsist. These country Clownes, if in their tender age they be not trans-planted into a political & Ciuill life: and if they be not remoued and changed from their barren, to better grounds, and wholly stript of that rugged bark, wherin they are born, it is a thousand to one if euer they come to be well behau'd. Whereas on the contrary, those that are Citizens, and naturally of a good disposition, are like the Vine, which if it continue a yeere vndrest and vntrim'd, it yeeldeth fruit notwithstanding, though it be but a little: but if you returne to prune and husband it aright, it acknowledgeth the good it hath receiued, and renders a very large and thankefull recompence. But this fellow that sings heere now, is such a knotty piece of Timber, such an arrant Clowne, that the best Carpenter in the world cannot with his Axe nor his Plainer, hewe him into fashion, or shaue him to any smoothnesse of ciuill carriage, but for euer remaine an vn∣profitable

blocke. It is a torment to me to heare this Turtle sing; if it please you, let vs go hence, for it is time to with-draw our selues, that we may take our rest.

The Louers well vnderstood one another; she the Song, and he her words; and to what end she spake them. The rest of the Ladies went their way, only Daraxa remained a little behind after the rest, and speaking to him in the Arabicke tongue, will'd him to stay there: where he stood waiting for her, and in the meane while, walked carelesly vp and downe, but still with an eye towards the Window, to see vvhen she should make her returne.

The baser sort of people, (by a secret kind of instinct) do euermore beare a naturall hatred to those that are Noble; as the Lyzard to the Snake, the Swan to the Eagle, the Cocke to the a 1.1 Phesant, the Crab to the Cuttle-fish, the Dol∣phin to the Whale, Oyle to Pitch, the Vine to the Cole-wort, and the like. And if you aske, (as desirous to know, vvhat is the naturall cause thereof,) I can shew you no other reason for it, more then that the Adamant drawes vn∣to it the Yron that the Marygold followes the Sunne, the Basiliske kills by Looking, and Swallow▪ wort helpes the Sight. For as some things naturally loue one another, so othersome hate and abhorre by a celestiall influence; the reason whereof mortall men haue not to this day beene able to reach vnto. And that things of diuers kinds haue this property, it is no vvonder, because they consist of differing compositions, dispositions, and inclinations in na∣ture: but that reasonable men, both t'one and t'other, molded of one and the same earth, of one flesh, of one blood, of one beginning, created-forme, and the selfe-same end, liuing vnder one selfe-same Law, beeing of one and the same Religion, and all of them in all and euery part, (as farre-foorth as they are men) so one selfe-same substance; that out of that Similiancy, man natu∣rally loues man: that yet (I say) there should be that contrariety and vnsauo∣rie taste; that this Raskallity, and base off-scumme of the earth, more hard then Flint, or the Gallician Nut, should persecute the Nobility with that ve∣hemencie as they do, is a matter to me of great admiration.

That night certaine young Lads of the Parish likewise walked abroad, and lighted by chance vpon these two Strangers: and at the very first incounter, without any cause or reason in the world; no occasion being giuen them, be∣gan to flocke together; and gathering themselues into a ring, beganne to cry amaine; A Woolfe, a Woolfe, the Woolfe is come: and throwing there∣withall little stones by hand-fuls on their heads, (as they had showred down from heauen) they shrewdly be-pelted their Pates: so that they were forced to flie, vnable to make any longer stay, their intertainment was so bad. And so they returned without any more ado, Ozmin being dis-appointed (which did much grieue him) of taking his leaue of his Mistresse. They went thither where their horses stood; and on them to the City, vvith purpose to returne late againe in the night that they might not bee discouered. But this fore∣cast stood them in little stead: for if Lightning and Thunder should haue fal∣len from heauen, and though they knew it should either burne or dash them in pieces, there was one Rogue amongst the rest, that would rather lose his life, then carry himselfe ciuilly towards them; and onely out of no other end but to do mischiefe and villany. Scarce had they the next night following set foot in the Village, but that a knot of these mad-caps being met together, and knowing them to be the very same whom they abused the night before, one with a Sling, another with a Yard, this man with a Bore-speare, that with a Batt, some with Staues, some with Spits, not sparing so much as the Peele and Maulkin of their Ouens, (as if they were to go out against a mad Dog) they ioyntly set vpon them: but they found them better prouided then they were the night before; for they had brought with them good Iackes of Male, and steele Murrians, and strong Bucklers. On the one side you might see stones,

Cudgels, and lowd showtes; and on the other, many strong blowes, and cut∣ting slashes with the sword; and on both such a tumult, and such a stirre, that with the noyse thereof, the vvhole Village seemed to be vp in armes; so like a little warre did this fierce fight appeare. Don Alonso, in crossing the street, was vn-awares with an vnluckie stone strooke on the brest, and fell to the ground, wanting strength to recouer himselfe to returne afresh to the fight. Wherefore as well as he could, he crawled vp, and with-drew himselfe aside, while Ozmin in the meane time draue them vp before him in the street, wor∣king them much harme: for some of them (and those not a few) were sore hurt, and three left dead in the place. The tumult increasing, all the whole Village came out at once, and stopt the passage, that he could not, though he would neuer so faine, haue fled from them. There was got now on the one side of him a Turfe-breaker, a sturdy stout Rogue, who vvith the Barre of a doore strooke him such a cruell blow on the shoulder, that he forc't him vpon his knees: but it did nothing benefit him, that he was the Alcalde's sonne; for before that he could come to double his blow vpon him, (which he was about to do) he gaue him such a slash, that he claue his head in twaine, as it had bin of a Kid or a Calfe, leauing him lying like a Tunny on the shore, hauing ren∣dred vp his life in satisfaction of his Roguery. So many charged him on euery side, and laid such load vpon him, that being vnable any longer to defend him∣selfe, he was taken by them.

Daraxa and Donna Elvira, saw & heard all that had past between them, (but with much sorrow to see such vnciuil out-rage) euen from the very first be∣ginning of the Fray, as also what a coyle they kept, when they had caught him thus aliue, and had him in their hold, and how they bound his hands behind him with a Cord, as if he had beene one of their fellow-rogues. All of them on all sides intreated him ill; one buffetted him, another puncht him, a third kickt him, throwing on him a thousand disgracefull affronts, vvherewith they sought to be reuenged on him for all the wrongs he did them, who (be∣fore he was their prisoner) durst not looke him in the face.

What a beastly and a shamefull thing was this, to vse a man thus, when he was not able to make resistance, his hands being bound to the peace? A thing neuer to be done by any, but such base Villaines, and dogged Clownes, which kind of coorse vsage is naturall and proper vnto them. But what becomes now of Daraxa? how does she brooke this misfortune? how is she able with∣out swouning, to see his person thus basely abused, who did so much loue and adore his shadow? on the one side to see him prisoner, on the other, to see some wounded, and some slaine, and her honour lying in the midst betweene them both? for she knew well enough, when the case should bee layd open, Don Luys of force could not but aske, what Ambrosio made there, and what occasion drew him thither.

In this confusion, necessity draue her to sit in councell with her selfe what course were best to be taken. To preuent therefore farther mischiefe, she de∣uised a Letter, which when she had sealed, she lockt it vp in a little Cabinet that she had, to the intent that when Don Luys should come vnto her, shee might make shew thereof for her owne discharge.

Now by this time the day began to appeare, and yet the people were not quieted. They had sent vnto the City to giue notice of what had happened, to the end that information might be taken how things had past, and to open the businesse. And when the Notary was come, they began to examine Wit∣nesses; whereof many (without being called) made their voluntary appea∣rance. For ill men, of themselues inuite themselues vnbidden, onely out of a desire to do that is ill: and of enemies, become friends, to condemne the in∣nocent. Some sware that Ozmin had sixe or seuen, besides himselfe in his com∣pany; others, that he was seene to come out of Don Luys his house, and that

some cryde out of the window, Kill them, kill them. Others, that the people of the Towne resting secure and quiet, they wilfully set vpon them; others, that they came and challenged them out of their houses; there not being one man amongst them all that sware a truth. God deliuer vs from such Clownes, for they are as stiffe as Oakes, and of the same toughnesse of nature, cruell, and hard-hearted: if you will haue any fruit from them, they must bee vsed like Akornes, beaten downe with Cudgels and dry blowes; for they will sooner suffer themselues to be pluckt vp by the rootes, though it be to the vtter ruine of themselues, and their estates, then to bow or stoope, bee it neuer so little. And if they be once minded to persecute a man, they will periure themselues a thousand times, though the matter in question be not worth a straw, onely out of an inclination to doe that which is euill. And the ill is so much the worse, that these wretches thinke, that they do God good seruice therein, and that their soules are saued by it: and it is a wonder, if they confesse their fault, and repent themselues of this their rancour and malicious poyson. The deaths and wounds receiued, were prou'd vpon him, and the poore Gentle∣man laden with yrons, and put in safe custody. Don Luys, as soone as he had notice hereof, hastened to the Village, his daughter informed him of the bu∣sinesse, acquainting him truly with all that had past: he inquired likewise of Daraxa, who told him the same tale, and that she had sent for Ambrosio to come thither, for to dispatch him thence with Letters for Granada, and be∣fore that he could get to speake with her, they had these two nights together beaten him with Cudgels, and pelted him with stones; so that, though her Letters were written, and lay ready for him, shee could not come to deliuer them into his hands. Don Luys desired her, that she would shew him the Letter, as well to see the contents thereof, as also for his owne discharge, she being by their Maiesties committed to his custody. Shee (though she seemed loth so to do) condescended at last to his request, and gaue him the Letter, how beit little intreaty would haue serued the turne; for she desired nothing more, then to haue him see what she had writt. And taking it from foorth her Cabinet, she sayd vnto him; I giue it vnto you, that you may perceiue my truth, and conceiue no ielousie, that I vvrite any thing vvorthy the hiding from you. Don Luys tooke the Letter, and going to reade it, found that it was vvritten in the Arabicke tongue, wherein he had no knowledge. Hee then made inquirie for one that could reade and interpret that Language; the Contents whereof were, that she signified vnto her father, vvhat a griefe it vvas vnto her, to liue thus diuided from him; and that she desired to be cer∣tified of his welfare; and if the desire she had to see him did not ouer-sway all other respects, she liu'd otherwise in as full content as any woman in the world, being more made of by Don Luys, then any of his owne children: And therefore besought him, that in acknowledgement of this his kindnesse, and courteous intertainment, he vvould be pleased to remember him with some Present worthy his desert.

And because in such like hurly-burlies as these, vvords multiply more and more, and together with the stirre, reports, gather-strength, and increase; and for that euery one canonizeth his owne presumption, according as hee is in loue vvith it, they began to murmure against Don Luys, and the people of his house. The Mustard was got vp already into their Noses, and their fingers began to itch; but he, like a vvise and discreet Gentleman, (as he was) thought fit for the present to dissemble the matter; and seeming to take little notice of their malicious proceeding, he remoued his vvhole houshold, and returned backe to the City.

Now, vvhilest these things thus succeeded, Granada had yeelded her selfe to the Conquerours, vpon such conditions as the Chronicles mention, and as by our fore-fathers hath beene reported vnto vs. Amongst those other No∣bles

that vvere found there at that time, were the two fellow-father-in∣lawes, Alboaçen father to Ozmin, and the Alcayde de Baça: both which besought to be baptized, desirous to become Christians: vvhich Ceremonie being performed, the Alcayde intreated their Maiesties hee might haue li∣cence to goe see his daughter Daraxa: vvhich being granted, they tolde him he should be aduised from them ere long, how and when it should be. Alboaçen thinking that his sonne was dead, or taken Captiue, vsed all dili∣gence to know what was become of him, but he could neuer get any inkling thereof. For the vvhich (as he had good reason so to be) he vvas wondrous sad, not onely as he was his onely child, but being also such a sonne, so well qualified as he was, and descended of such rich and noble Parents, the onely hope of their House. The Alcayde had no lesse feeling of it then he, as vvell for that he loued him as dearely, as if he had beene his owne; as also for the griefe Daraxa would conceiue, vvhen she should come to heare the tidings of this heauy newes. Their Maiesties on their part had dispatcht a messenger vnto Seuill with expresse command, that Don Luys should presently without delay repaire vnto them, and bring Daraxa along vvith him; vvith that re∣spect and good vsage, wher-withall they had put him in trust.

Vpon the receipt of these Letters, she (being acquainted what order was giuen) vvas at her vvits end, and ready to runne mad, because of force, vpon this occasion, she was to depart, grieuing thus to go away, before she should see an end of this businesse not knowing what would become of it; and sor∣rowing beyond measure that her dearest Loue should be left behind her in prison; and that now when he had most need of her helpe, she must in this his greatest extremity, be driuen to leaue him to shift for himselfe. Her thoughts were all in a confusion, her imagination vvas troubled and her heart (through the vveight of her griefes) as heauy as Lead, calling her selfe a thousand times more vnfortunate, then Misfortune it selfe, and of all other the most wretched woman.

She was resoluing to finish all at once, and together with her Loue, to lose her life, vvith a perplexed, but almost-settled mind, it was in her deliberation to haue acted a most cruell errour vpon her selfe, in token of that chaste and true loue vvhich she bare to Ozmin. But Daraxa, vvhose passion had not quite out-gone her iudgement, like a discreet Lady, (as she was) correcting her cruell determinations, taking vp her selfe when she was in the height of her speed, she resolued to trust her misfortunes in the hands of Fortune her enemy, expecting what-euer she vvould giue them; and being that the vtmost euill, was death, she vvould not despaire of the game till she saw the last man borne. But this resolution of sufferance could not stop a sea of teares, which burst with a swelling Tide from foorth her eyes. The standers by, supposed this to proceed out of her ouer-ioy, that she was to returne to her owne Country, but they were all deceiued, so that euery one spake to her, but none did comfort her. Don Rodrigo came to take his leaue of her, who with a countenance bathed with those cristalline teares, vvhich dropped from her heauenly eyes, spake vnto him in this manner following:

Noble Don Rodrigo, I might very well seeke to perswade you with abun∣dance of reasons to that good worke, vvhich vpon this present occasion I pre∣tend to present vnto you, and to craue your furtherance therein. Which in its owne nature is so iust, that I cannot forbeare to aske it, nor you to grant it, being that your selfe is so much interessed therein: you know (though I should not tell you) the obligation we haue to do good; which as a naturall and diuine Law speaketh particularly to euery mans soule and conscience. Nor is there any man so barbarous, that is ignorant thereof: and this carries somuch the more force with it, by how much the stronger the reasons are that are alledged; amongst the which, a principal one, and not the least, is, that we

apply this good vnto those, that haue eaten of our bread, and been intertained in our seruice. And because I know you can not be vnlike your selfe, my inter∣cession may seeme the lesse needfull. But that which I shall intreat at your hands, is this: You know, that Ambrosio was seruant to both our fathers: first to mine, then to yours: And therefore we are both bound (but I the more) to doe for him; hauing put himselfe through my default in that necessity, wherin now he is, the cause in hand no otherwise concerning him, but as I was interessed in the busines. By my hand he was thrust into this danger, I was the sole causer of it; and therefore I stand charged with it, and must put it to my account. If you will therefore free me from this debt; if you desire to giue me content; if you purpose to binde me vnto you, that I may for euer remaine the thankefull acknowledger of your loue and kindnesse, it must be, that by laying vpon your shoulders this weighty care of mine owne desire, that you seeke by all meanes to procure his liberty, which in the reckoning is mine; and my request vnto you is, that you indeuour it with that earnestnesse, as I doe de∣sire it. Don Luys, (whom I haue euer found my singular good Lord) will, be∣fore I goe hence, vse all possible diligence in his owne person, with his friends and kinsfolke; that the one ayding the other in his absence, may free mee of this debt, for the which I stand ingaged. Don Rodrigo promised to do his best, and so they parted.

Now, for that this poore Lady had left her best beloued in this great perill of his life, she was much grieued; and by so much the more, by how much the farther she was from him; so that when shee came to Granada, shee did not seeme to be the same she was.

Don Alonso, though he had escaped their hands, yet being sorely bruised in his brest, he was forced to keepe his bed, so soundly had the Clownes bang'd him. But when he afterwards heard, that his Companion was carried priso∣ner to Seuill, he got him out of his bed, posted thither, tooke infinit paines, trotting vp and downe, and neuer ceasing to sollicit his friends cause, as if the case had been his owne. Notwithstanding, what with the complaint of the Plaintifes; the accusation of Witnesses; the euill inclination of the Iudges, (either vpon information, or corruption; not fauouring the Defendant,) be∣sides the slaine and wounded (which were many) he could not saue him, toge∣ther with diuers other his good friends, from being condemned to be hanged at the common Gallowes.

Don Rodrigo was in a great rage, that his father and himselfe should find so little respect, as to hang vp a seruant of theirs, that had not offended the Law, had he had equall hearing, and a faire tryall. On the other side, Don Alonso stood much in maintenance of the Defendant, saying, that it was not to bee permitted; nor could the Law condemne a Gentleman, so nobly descended as his friend Iayme Uiues was, to be hanged: And that in case the fault were farre greater, yet the difference of quality ought to saue his life: At least it ought to priuiledge him from hanging, it being the Law, that, in matters deseruing death, Gentlemen should not be hanged, but be-headed. The Iudges and the rest of the Bench were distracted in this Case, and knew not what they were best to doe. Don Rodrigo, he stiles him his seruant; Don Alonço, his friend; Don Rodrigo pleades for him by the name of Ambrosio, and Don Alonço, by that of Iayme Viues, a Gentleman of Zaragosa; who, at the feast of their Buls, had made such noble proofe of his Valour, as the whole Citie could well witnesse: And that in the Turnament (he being his Padrino, or Cham∣pion that brought him in) vn-horst one of the Challengers, shewing that day great tokens of his worth and Valour. The difference was so great, the names so contrary; the qualities alledged so discrepant; that the Iudges, to cleere this doubt, resolued with themselues to take declaration thereof from him∣selfe. They demanded then of him, whether he were a Gentleman or no? Hee

answered that he was nobly descended, & of Royall Bloud, but that his name was neither Ambrosio, nor Iayme Viues. Then they willed him, that hee should manifest his name, and the quality of his person. Whereunto he made answer, that his punishment might excuse him for not discouering himselfe; and being that he was vndoubtedly to dye, it was no more necessary to tell it them, then it was materiall, to suffer either the one, or the other death. Then they desired him to deliuer, whether hee were the same man Don Alonço had reported, which had so brauely kill'd the two Buls, and gotten such honour in the Tour∣neyment.

He replide he was; but that he had neither of those names, whereby they called him. And because he was so loth to declare his Linage (conceiuing him thereby to be a man of quality,) they demurred vpon the busines, to see if they could worke the truth out of him, to know who he was; as also to winde out the reasons, why these two noble Gentlemen should so earnestly vndertake his defence. And which did not a little startle them; they saw the whole City did generally desire his liberty, & stood strongly affected towards him. Hereupon they dispatched some presently away for Zaragosa, that they might learne out the truth, & giue knowledge of his Birth. But hauing spent some dayes there∣in, and vsed many diligencies, they could not meet with any (for all their strict inquiry,) that could giue them notice who he might be, nor could deuise what manner of Gentleman he might be, either by his name, or any signes or tokens by them giuen, who failed not to describe him at full vnto them. Being retur∣ned with this ill Dispatch, albeit his friends did much importune for him, and the Magistrates of Iustice did often require him, that he would lay open his quality and condition, yet he would not do it, nor was it possible to perswade him thereunto. So the Iudges (the time limited being fully expired for farther respite) sore against their will, much pittying both his Youth and Valour, not being able to crosse the course of Iustice, being prest so earnestly by the impor∣tunity of the aduerse party, they confirmed their former fentence.

Daraxa, nor the two fathers were asleepe, whilest these things were in do∣ing; for they had made their Maiesties acquainted with the whole carriage of the businesse, & were by them informed of the truth thereof. Many petitions they put vp, and no sooner one Memoriall giuen, but another was a drawing to second their fuit: Daraxa, she in her owne person did sollicit the life of her espoused husband, begging it by the way of merced and grace: But their Ma∣iesties answered nothing thereunto. Yet secretly they dispatched Don Luys presently away, with their kingly prouision to the Iudges, that they should deliuer vnto him the Bill of the whole inditement, in euery point as it was ta∣ken from the beginning to the end, together with the prisoner, for that it did much concerne their Highnes seruice. Don Luys posted away (as he was com∣manded) with all the speed he could; whilest poore Daraxa, her own father, and father-in-law melted into teares, considering the haste which the Iudges would make in dispatching this poore innocent Gentleman. Which they so much the more feared, for that their Petitions receiued so slowe an answere. They knew not what to say, or think of this so long a delaying of them, with∣out giuing them any answer off or on, either good or bad, or any the least hope of life. This did exceedingly grieue them, but they knew not how to helpe themselues, nor had they left any one stone vn-remoued, but made all the meanes and friends they could. But that which did most daunt them, was, that the maine danger did consist in the delay.

Whilest they were thus strucken into their dumps, and doubts (for vvhat comfort can there be in so dangerous a suspension?) Don Luys (as you heard before,) spurred on a mayne, with much both speed and secresie. And as he en∣tred the gates of Seuill, Ozmin was led forth of the prison, to be carried to his execution. The streets, and euery place through which they past, were full of

people; all was tumult & noise, and not a person, but wept and shed teares, to see so handsome a yong man, so well fauour'd, so valiant, and well-belou'd for those famous deeds which he had publikely done, to bee so vntimely cut off: And the more was their sorrow, to see him dye without confession. Which made them all to thinke, that he did it to escape death, or to prolong his life: but he was silent, and spake not a word, nor shew'd any signe of sadnesse in his lookes, but with a smiling kinde of countenance beheld them all as he passed a∣long. They made now and then certaine stops, to see if they could exhort him to confesse himselfe, labouring all they could to perswade him, that hee would not lose body and Soule both at once. But hee answered them not a word, but held his peace all the while. The people continuing thus in this confusion, and the Citie wayting on this sad spectacle, Don Luys came, making the people giue way, pressing through the throng, to hinder the Execution. The (a) Al∣guazils thought it was a resistance of Iustice, and out of very feare which they had of Don Luys, for that he was a stout and valiant Gentleman, and dared to oppose himselfe to any danger, they forsooke Ozmin who was vnder their guard, and with a great hurry and clamour, they ranne to giue account of what had past, to the Magistrates, whose authority (they thought) it more neerly tou∣ched. Whereupon they came to know, what might be the cause of so great dis∣respect done vnto them. He put his hand in his pocket, and taking out the Kings Order, he deliuered it vnto them, which was by them, to their great contentments, most willingly obeyed. And so they brought Ozmin (being ac∣companied with all the Gentlemen of that Citie, and the common ioy of the people) to Don Luys his house; Where that night hee was intertained with a gallant Maske, setting vp many Torches and Cressets in the streetes and win∣dowes, for to giue the more generall content: And in token of their great ioy, they would haue celebrated those dayes hee stayed there with publike feasts; for now they knew who he was. But Don Luys would not giue vvay thereunto; but tying himselfe to his Instructions, carried him as his prisoner, along with him the next morning, being kindely vsed, and well intertained vpon the way, according to the greatnesse of his ranke and quality.

Being now arriued at Granada, hee kept him secretly with him some few dayes, vntill such time as he had order from their Maiesties to bring him to Court. Who when he was come before them, they ioyed much in the sight of him; and whilest he was standing thus in their presence, they commanded Daraxa to be called forth. Now when these two Louers thus suddenly met in such a place as that was, so vnexpectedly, and so farre beyond their hopes, eue∣ry man may make his owne heart iudge of the wonderfull ioy which they re∣ceiued in this happy (but vnlooked for) incounter, and imagine with himselfe what each of them did thinke and conceiue thereof. When each others eyes had fed their fill, the Queene made towards them, and told them that both their fathers were become Christians: howbeit, Daraxa knew so much be∣fore. She desired them to doe the like, which shee should receiue as a singular fauour from them; but that no other loue, nor feare should inforce them there∣unto, saue onely that of God, and their owne saluation. But howsoeuer, whe∣ther they did so or no, (for she would not compell the conscience) her pleasure was that they should now instantly inioy their liberty, and dispose of their Estates and Persons, according to their owne will and pleasure.

Ozmin would faine haue answered the Queene with all the ioynts and sin∣newes of his body, making them so many tongues, to render thankes to her Maiesty, for this so great a benefit; signifying that he was very willing to be baptized; and them addressing himselfe to Daraxa, in the presence of their Maiesties, he intreated her to doe the like. Daraxa, whose eye was neuer off from her dearest Ozmin (so hungry was she in beholding him) shedding a few sweet teares from her Rosie cheekes, directing her lookes & speech vnto their

Maiesties, she told them, That since it was Gods will to inlighten their vnder∣standing, and by many tribulations, to bring them to the knowledge of his truth, she was disposed, and that vnfeignedly, and with a true heart, humbly to submit her selfe thereunto, and to the obedience of their Maiesties, vnder whose protection and princely hands, she reposed both her selfe, and all that she had. So anon after, they were christened with a great deale of Ceremonie, naming the one Ferdinand, and the other Isabell; according to that of their Maiesties, who as God-father, and God-mother gaue them their names at the Font. Within some few dayes after, their Nuptials were celebrated with a great deale of glory and ostentation, many Presents and other courtesies be∣ing conferred vpon them in that City, where they liued all their life-time, and left behinde them an illustrious and noble off-spring, which continueth yet to this day in much honour and reputation in their Country.

We went hearkening to this Story, with a great deale of Silence, being led on attentiuely with it, till we came within sight of Caçalla: so that it seemed to haue been measured iust out for that iourney, so truely did the one iumpe with the other. Howbeit, it was somewhat more inlarged by the Author, flourished ouer with finer phrases, and a different Soule, to that which I haue deliuered vnto you.

Our honest Carrier, who remained mute from the beginning to the ending (which was no more then all of vs did) began now to finde a tongue, and was the first that opened his mouth. Alight (my masters) quoth hee: For heere I must leaue you: my way lyes along by this path. And with that hee cals vnto me, Come hither, (my yong Gallant) let vs make vp our reckoning before we part.

When I heard this, I was almost ready to hang my selfe, it was the bitterest draught, that ere went downe my throat. Is it e'ne so, (said I to my selfe?) Well, let it goe: for I did verily beleeue, that all that past betweene vs, had been in the way of friendship. Well, I dis-mounted, and got not vp so lightly before, as I now came downe heauily: for I knew not in the world what an∣swer to make him, saue onely to aske him, how much I was to pay him for the riding of nine Leagues? See what these Gentlemen giue, so must you. For your lodging and your dyet, you are to pay me three Royals more. The Vmbles of the Mule I now found to be deare meat vnto me (and that they stucke a lit∣tle also in his stomake:) but that which grieu'd me most, was; That I had not money to pay for it. And therefore I came vnto him, and told him; My friend, •…•…o, heere is your money for the reckning, so much you say is my part of the shot; but for my horse-hyre I owe you nothing; for you your selfe, with∣out any intreatie of mine, desired me to get vp, inuiting me thereunto of your owne accord.

What a Diuell (quoth he) meane you by this? Marry gupp with a murraine, you are a fine Gentleman indeed; doe you thinke to ride a cock-horse on free cost? you are a pretty Youth indeed. I replyde vpon him; we fall to scuffling; the Clergy-men inter -posed them-selues; they were to vmpire the businesse betweene vs: They condemned me to pay for the meat of my Beast for that night. I did so; making an euen reckoning with my purse, hauing no more left me in all the world, but twenty Marauedis, to beare my charges that night.

The Muletier went about his businesse; The Clergy-men, and my selfe, entred into Cacalla, where we take our leaue, euery man beta∣king himselfe to his owne way.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Francolino.