The Spanish decameron, or, Ten novels ... made English by R.L.

THE Pretended Alchymist: A NOVEL.

AS soon as Corrina had done her Work at Mercator's, and had made a bro∣ken Merchant of one, who was ac∣counted the Wealthiest about Sevil, she thought it not Prudence to make any long stay, for fear of falling into the Hands of Justice, whose Officer's would be abroad, upon the Sollicitations of the Party robb'd. She was gone far enough out of the way, ere he was sensible of his loss; for the next Night after they had taken away the Money, she and Vasquez hired two Mules, upon which they came to Carmona, which lies about half a days Journey from Sevil. They had taken up two places in the Madrid-Coach, which was to pass through that City, and take them

up as it went. They alighted, at Carmona, at one of the best Inns, where Corrina, keep∣ing out of sight, was resolved to expect the Coach, considering with her self, what she might come to in time, seeing, she was now already Mistress of four thousand Crowns in Gold, in good double Pistols and Quadruples, which was all that penurious Merchant had gotten together, during his whole Life, with much pains taking, and many a hazardous Venture into the most remote Climates. And herein, you may behold, the exemplary pu∣nishment, which many times happens to those Miserable Wretches, who become the Slaves of their own Wealth. And what in∣finitely adds to their Misfortune, is, that Peo∣ple are more apt to congratulate than be∣moan it: For how can they expect that o∣thers should entertain any Kindness for them, when they themselves have not any but for what they lay up in their Chests?

The Coach which our Fortunate Adven∣turers expected to carry them to Madrid, came at its usual time to Carmona. There were in it already six Persons, a Gentleman, and his Lady, a Priest, two University-Scholars, and a Servant belonging to the Priest, a young Lad about fifteen Years of Age. They all knew, that there were two Persons to be ta∣ken in at Carmona, who had paid some what

extraordinary for the best Places: They ac∣cordingly Resign'd them, as soon as they per∣ceiv'd their coming towards the Coach: But Vasquez, who was a very Civil, and Obliging Person, would needs recommend his interest in the place to the Gentleman's Lady, whom he seated on the lift side of Corrina, and sat himself in the fore-part of the Coach with her Husband.

All being plac'd to their Content, they left Carmona on the Monday Morning, it being in September, when most Fruits are ripe. All thought it a great happiness, that they had met so good Company; but Corrina, and Vasquez had another secret satisfaction, arising from the thought of the good Prize that had brought them into that good Company. The Gentleman was a Person of Excellent Dis∣course, the Priest, of a very Sociable, and Conversative Humour, and the two Young Scholars made it appear, that they had not mispent their time at the University, every one being desirous to make the best discove∣ry he could of his Abilities. The Priest took occasion to inform them that he was going to Court, to get a Privilege, to put two lit∣tle Pieces of his into the Press, being such as (some Friends of his had assur'd him) he should oblige the World in the Publication of them. The Gentleman, who sat next

him, was a Person acquainted with Letters, and express'd a great Curiosity to know what they might treat of. Doctor Berilliere (so was the Priest call'd) told him they were Books of Discourses, and Divertisements; representing to him, that things of that kind, were kindly receiv'd at Court; that one of them contain'd several Novels, and the other a Collection of Poems Written by him, du∣ring his Residence at Salamanca. He told them withal, that, if they thought it not tedious, he would entertain them with some∣what out of the former, whenever they should be at leisure to give him Attention.

Corrina, who was a great Lover, and Rea∣der of such Treatises, intreated the Doctor, if it were no trouble to him, to read one of his Novels, promising her self, from the assu∣rance she had of his Excellent Parts, that the Stile, and Conceptions would be answer∣able to the Worthiness of the Authour. I have endeavour'd all I could, Madam, (says the Doctor to her) to conform my self to the Stile now us'd at Court; my Prose is free from Affectation, and consequently, will not weary the Reader, nor are the Conceits so flat as to produce the same Effect. I make it my business to give my Writings a little Life, and Smartness, which may raise in the Reader an Earnestness to know the Period

of the Adventures. I Write as I speak, be∣cause I see Men love those things that are Na∣tural, better than those which smell of too much Study, and Affectation; and take it from me as a thing very certain, that it re∣quires a certain measure of Confidence for any Man to Write, as the Times go now; which proceeds hence, That so many Excel∣lent Wits busie themselves in Writing, and Publish things as Admirable as Ingenious, and not only Men, who profess Letters, but also some Women. The Doctor having ended this Discourse, he took out his Book of No∣vels, and the Company having Compos'd themselves to Silence, and Attention, he en∣tertain'd them with that which follows.

There was an Ancient Gentleman, who had lost one of his Eyes; and was Married to a Wife far younger than himself: His Bu∣siness lay much abroad, which was the occa∣sion that he could not see his Wife so often as he would. She in his Absence did so much forget her Honour, and her Conscience, that she fell in Love with a young Gentleman: In Process of time, which brings all things to Maturity, and Perfection, the Report was so hot, and so current, that her Husband was Advertis'd of it, who could not be induc'd to believe it, by reason of the great Affe∣ction she always express'd towards him. Ne∣vertheless,

one day he determin'd with him∣self to make Experience of it, and, if he could, to revenge himself upon that Person who had thus dishonour'd him.

To accomplish his Design, he pretended Business to a certain place, not far from home, for three or four days. He was no sooner departed, but his Wife sent to her Friend to acquaint him with it, whereupon he imme∣diately came to pay those Assignations of Love which she expected. He had not been with her above half an Hour, but, behold! her Husband was return'd, and knock'd a∣loud at the Gate. She who knew him, told her Gallant of it, who was so amaz'd, and put into such a Fright, that he wish'd him∣self safe at home, and Imprecated both her, and her Love, who had brought him into so much danger; but she assur'd him, that he need not perplex himself, for she would con∣trive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 means to convey him safe forth with∣out being discover'd, and desir'd him to put on his Cloths with what speed he could, Dur•…•…g this Interval, her Husband continu'd knocking at the Gate, and call'd upon his Wife as loud as he could, but she seem'd not to take notice that it was he, but spake aloud to a Servant that lay above Stairs, Why don't you Rise, and Answer that rude Person, who∣ever it is, which makes such a Noise at the

Gate? Is this a seasonable Hour of the Night for any one to come into a Civil House? If my Husband were at Home, I'm sure you du•…•…st not do so.

The Husband hearing the Voice of his Wife, call'd to her as loud as he could, Wife open the Door, will you have me stay here until Morning? When she perceiv'd her Gal∣lant dress'd, and ready to go, she open'd the Door, and ran to Embrace her Husband, saying to him, Dear Husband, How glad am I of your coming? For I was in a Curious Dream, and was so well pleas'd, better than ever I was in my Life before: For methought, you had recover'd the Sight of your other Eye; whereupon, Kissing of him, she clapt her Hand upon the Speculative Eye, and ask'd him whether he did not see much better than he us'd to do? In the mean time, whilst she had blinded him, her Friend slipt out of Doors, of which her Husband immediately mistrusted, and told her, By Heavens, Wife, i'le never Watch you any more; for thinking to Catch you, I have had the finest Trick put upon me by you, that I think ever was invented: I see it is not in the power of any Man to put any Stop to a Womans Proceed∣ings, unless he should Kill her, or Burn her; for a Lewd Woman nothing can Refine, or Purge her, but Fire: Therefore, since the

good Entertainment, I have given you, cannot conduce to reclaim you, I shall henceforth study for some Chastisement, whereby you may be better Disciplin'd. This said, he de∣parted from her into another Room, leaving her perplex'd, and Disconsolate enough, who by the means of her Friends, and Kindred, and by her Tears, and Excuses, was afterwards reconcil'd to him.

This Pleasant Novel entertain'd the Com∣pany till they came to their Inn that Night. Every one took occasion to commend Doctor Berilliere, as well for the smartness of his In∣vention, as for the Excellency of his Stile. The Old Gentleman told him, that if the whole Piece were answerable to the Pattern he had shewn them of it, no doubt, but his Novels would be very well receiv'd in the World, and that he would gain as much Re∣putation by them, as they had had Pleasure. And thereupon, he earnestly Entreated him to Communicate somewhat of the others to them, that so their Travelling might be the less Tedious. The Doctor gave him, and all the rest of the Company his very hearty Thanks for the good Opinion they had of him, and proffer'd them, when they should be weary of Discoursing, to divert them with some of the other Novels, till they came to their Journeys end, provided they

thought them not Tedious. They all, with much Gladness and Thanks, accepted of his proffer.

Being come within a Musquet-shot of the Ancient City of Corduba, heretofore the chiefest of the Kingdom, while the Moors were possessed of all Spain, after Sun-set, an unexpected Accident caus'd them to make a little halt. Two Gentlemen being come out into the Fields, upon a Challenge, which one had sent to the other, and having Fought, one of them was worsted, being run through the Body in two several places; which had oblig'd his Adversary to make his Escape, to get into some place of Sanctuary. The Wound∣ed Person cry'd out for some Body to receive his Confession, just as the Coach pass'd by: Which being heard by the Company, Doctor Berilliere, who was a Priest, and a Confessour, could do no less than get out, accompanied by Vasquez, and Mistress Corrina, who had a great desire to see the Wounded Man. They came to him, and as soon as the Doctor had receiv'd his Confession, and given him Abso∣lution, he lost his Speech, being supported by Vasquez. The Doctor return'd to the Coach, and having called several times upon Corrina, who pretended she could not get a∣way Vasquez, the Coachman perceiving it be∣gan to grow Dark, put on the Horses, having

sent them Word what Inn they should take up. Corrina was much troubled to see the Coach gone, having left her, and Vasquez behind, Charitably Exhorting the Dying Person to recommend himself as much to the Mercy of Heaven; but he was so far gone, that, to spare them further Exhortation he gave up the Ghost.

They were much troubled, what they should do with the Body, when certain Offi∣cers of Justice came in, who, having at a di∣stance seen the dead Person in the Arms of Vasquez, and a Woman standing by, and had notice before that two Men were seen going out of the City, with a design to fight a Du∣el, presently imagin'd that Vasquez was one of them, and consequently the Murtherer of the other; upon which Presumption, he was sent to Prison, and order given to the Jaylor to put him fast enough. Corrina had more favour, being confin'd in the House of one of the Officers, who was to have a care of her forth-coming. They both us'd all the Arguments they could to clear themselves, from having any thing to do with the Mur∣ther, alledging upon what occasion they came to the Body: But their own Words would not be taken, and it was presum'd, the Duel had been upon the account of Corrina. The Judge order'd her to be brought to his own

House to be further Examin'd, which was ac∣cordingly done. When she came thither, there were in the Room several Gentlemen, and among others, a Florentine, a very Rich Merchant, whom some business of his own had brought thither: They had no sooner seen Corrina, but they all admir'd her Beauty, and the Majesty of her Air, but the most sa∣tisfied of any was the Florentine, who, to give him his due, was of a very Amorous Constitution. Corrina was extreamly trou∣bled that such an Affront should be done her by the way, as perceiving, that if they were staid the next day, they should lose the op∣portunity of continuing their Journey.

The Judge put several Questions to her, concerning the Duel, and the Gentleman's Death; whereto she answered, that she knew nothing of it, and that she was coming in the Sevil Coach, to go for Madrid, accom∣pany'd by some other Persons then in the Inn, whom she Named; that as the Coach pass'd by, a certain Person, who had been Wound∣ed upon the High-way, not far from them, call'd out for some Body to receive his Con∣fession, and that a Priest, who was with them in the Coach, went out to do it, with whom also she went out of Curiosity, accompany'd by an Uncle of hers, who came along with her. They order'd, in regard it was grown

late, to Adjourn the Business till the next day, that a more exact Enquiry might be made in∣to it; and, in the mean time, that all who came along with the Coach, should not stir from Corduba, without Permission. This done, Corrina was brought back to the Offi∣cer's House, where she was to continue that Night. The Florentine, who liv'd not far from it, accompany'd her; but though he had liv'd at a far greater distance, he would have thought it no great way to wait on a Lady, with whom he was already over Head and Ears in Love. Taking leave of her at the Officer's House, he proffer'd her all the Services lay in his Power, for which she thank'd him, yet taking it for no more than a Complement▪ The Vexation she conceiv'd at her being thus unexpectedly staid, brought her into some Fits of a Fever, the first, of a Tertian, which she afterwards fell into.

The next day, all the Persons who came in the Coach, being Examin'd, gave the same account as Corrina had done before; where∣upon, Vasquez was set at Liberty. Other Witnesses also, who knew somewhat con∣cerning the Duel, were heard, and gave the Judges a perf•…•…ct knowledge of the Murther. Vasquez went immediately to visit Corrina, expressing himself extreamly troubled at her Indisposition; he did all he could to cheer

her up, that they might prosecute their Journey: But the Physician, who had visi∣ted her, advis'd her not to remove thence, till she had recover'd her Fever, and told her, that she could not Travel any further, without hazard of her Life; which being so, the Coachman was forc'd to leave them be∣hind, but they were adjudg'd to defray the Charges of their stay, and he to deliver up what they had in the Coach. The Florentine came often to see the Fair Traveller, at the Officer's House, and began to Treat her very Nobly, an Humour the more remarkable in him, who, for sordid Niggardliness might be compared to the Covetous Mercator; but Love, though but a small Deity, yet many times does very great Miracles, turning Ava∣rice into Prodigality, and Cowardice into Courage.

Corrina kept her Bed fifteen days, during which time, she was constantly visited by Signior Nicola (so was called the Amorous Florentine) and after the Visit, came in a Ser∣vant with a Treat of Sweet-Meats, and Wild-Fowl, which the Officer and his Wife were glad to see, for the best share fell to them. At last, the Lady, with her Health, reco∣ver'd also her good Complexion, and her Beauty, and the Florentine continuing his Civilities, proffer'd her a House with a Fair

Garden, which he had on the side of a plea∣sant River. Vasquez, whom she call'd her Uncle, advis'd her not to refuse that proffer, for he had discover'd the Man to be extream∣ly in Love with her, that he was very rich, and that they might get as much out of the Florentine, as they had out of the Covetous Mercator. Corrina accepted the proffer, and set things in order to go to the Florentine's, and to continue there till she had recover'd her self so well, as that she might prosecute her Journey. The Florentine would not have it known at Corduba, that he had brought her to his Country-House, to pre∣vent Peoples Talk, and other Inconveniences that might have ensu'd. So that, with the Consent of Corrina, he gave out, that she had left the City in order to the Prosecution of her Journey. Accordingly there were two Mules brought for her, and Vasquez, and two others to carry their Luggage, and having left Corduba, towards the Evening, to blind the Eyes of the Inquisitive, they kept on their way towards Madrid: But having rid about half a League, they turn'd back again, and took up their Quarters at Signior Nicola's, which was not above two slight Shots from the City. There he expected her, with a Magnificent Supper, which he had provided. Here the Florentine discover'd his Love to

her more freely than he had done be∣fore.

As to his Person, his Age was about Forty and of a good manly Countenance, having Buried his Wife some two years before, by whom he had no Children; he was a whole∣sale Merchant, and traded in all sorts of Com∣modities, insomuch that all the other Mer∣chants, not only of the City, but also of o∣ther places there abouts came to him, for he held Correspondences in all parts; he was a very thrif•…•…y Person, nay, to give him his due Character, I should use other expressions: He had some yearly revenue, besides twenty thousand Crowns in ready Money, and sixty thousand in Credit, and his own Trading, which was very great; he was a great Student, and had Studied at Pavia and Bolog∣na, before he became Heir to his Brother, who dy'd a very Rich Man in Spain, and that Inheritance it was, that occasion'd his Marriage at Corduba; he had so passionate an Affection for Corrina, that he used all the ways he could imagine to insinuate himself into her Favor. Upon that account it was that he proffer'd her the use of his Country-House, to take the Air, and recover her in∣disposition; conceiving, that, being at his own House, it would be the more easie for him to compass his desires. She had been

told by Vasquez, that this Merchant was a well Feather'd Fowl, and might be easily pluck'd, and since this good luck had fallen to them by Chance, they should make the best advantage they could of it.

That night they only Supp'd, and every one went to his rest, for it was very late; the Florentine made as if he would have re∣turn'd to the City, and lye there; but his Servants, whom he had before instructed, perswaded him not to go abroad at that un∣seasonable time of the Night, for fear of meeting with any Thieves; besides, there being a Press in the City, where many young men presum'd to do mischief in the Night, and Robbed all they met: At last, being perswaded not to stir out, he was glad to pass away some part of the Night in discour∣sing with Corrina, and being got to Bed, his business was to consider, by what means, and with least charge, he might obtain his desires of her. Several things came into his mind, but the easiest he could find, suitably to his Humor, was to forget her, and never think of her any more; for he knew the Age we live in to be such, that it is a Miracle to get any kindness in Love, without Liberality.

The next Morning he command'd somewhat should be made ready for her Break-fast, not Imagining she was up: but when word was brought him that she was out of Bed, the

Florentine would needs go into her Chamber, to chide her for rising so soon, and by that means to see whether Corrina's Beauty were any way oblig'd to Artifice; he found her a Combing her Head, and so he had a full sight of her Hair, which was of a great length, and of a Chest-nut Colour; the Florentine gave Heaven thanks, who, with so many o∣ther perfections, had bestow'd on her such an excellent Head of Hair: but he was much more astonish'd, when, upon her dividing it into two parts, to make him an answer, he saw her Face, as Beautiful as it had ap∣pear'd to him when she went to Bed; a thing able to enflame a Person less inclin'd to Love and more to avarice then he was, inasmuch as there is not a greater Charm, to secure a Lovers Heart, that to see than the Beauty of his Mistress is Natural, and scorns to borrow any thing of Art. Corrina indeed was not much troubled to look after Waters, Paints, Pomatums, Unguents, and such things, wherewith such Women, who stand in need of them, hasten on their Age with their wrin∣kles, and lose their Youth ere they are a∣ware; she only washed her self in fair Wa∣ter, and needed no other Vermillion to heigh∣ten the Beauty of her Face, than that of her own lively Complexion; the Merchant ask∣ed whether she would be pleased to see the

Garden? She made answer, that she was extremely oblig'd to him for the trouble he gave himself to divert her; and to satisfie him how kindly she took that Favor at his Hands; she went along with him just as she was, without putting up her Hair, which hanging down over her Shoulders, added much to her Beauty, and it is not much to be doubted, but she had a design in it. She went down with this new Gallant of hers, who thought it an extraordinary pleasure to have her by the Hand; and in that posture she saw the whole Garden, seeming to be much taken with the delightfulness of it.

Having recreated her self with him, till the Sun began to be somewhat hot, she re∣turn'd into the House, and broke her Fast, after which, having discoursed of several things, she desir'd to see the whole House. The Amorous Florentine desiring nothing so much as that she might see his Wealth, shews her a great number of excellent Pictures, done by the best Painters in Europe, some ve∣ry rich pieces of Tapestry, Cabinets of Ebo∣ny, of several Fashions, Embroider'd Beds, and all Sorts of Houshold-stuff of great Value, in a word, there wanted not any of those things requisite for the furnishing of a House fit for a Noble-man. Having seen all the Rooms, he open'd a curious Closet, near

which there was a little Oratory, and in that Closet there were a great many Pieces of Painting, done at Rome, of extraordinary Value, Agnus Dei's of Gold and Silver Gilt, and Flowers done as near the Life as could be imagin'd. The Closet was full of Books, very richly Bound, and neatly disposed into Gilt Drawers. Vasquez who was a curious Person, and had read much, was looking very earnestly on the Titles of the Books, which were in one Drawer, and having put that into its place, he took out another, wherein there were others very curiously Bound, but had no Titles on the Backs. Vas∣quez opens one of them, and finds the Au∣thor of it to be Arnaldus de villa Nova, and near that were the Works of Rosino, Alquin∣dus, Raymond Lullius, Cornelius Agrippa, and Doctor Dee's Actions with Spirits.

The Merchant perceiving him so taken up with the Perusal of those Books, ask'd him what he look'd on so attentively. I find here, Sir, (replies Vasquez,) a great many Books of Chymistry, and, from the curiosity I observe in your Collection of Treatises of that kind, I infer, that you have Studied that Science: 'Tis true, (says the Florentine,) I have spent some time in the Perusal of those Au∣thors; but how far, I pray, are you acquain∣ted with them? Only so far, (replies the

other) that I have spent the best part of my Life in that Study. Nay then, (says the Floren∣tine) you must needs be a very great Chy∣mist. I am not to acknowledge what I am, (replies Vasquez,) we will discourse another time of these things more at large; for the present, I shall only tell you, that, besides these Authors, I have read all I could ever meet with that treated of this Science; I have turn∣ed over the Works of Avicenna, Albertus Mag∣nus, Terno, Pythagorus; the Secrets of Cal∣lidus, the Book of the Allegory of Morillus, that of the Secret Stone, and that Entituled, de Tribus Verbis; besides many Manuscripts, which I never shew'd any man; the Floren∣tine was almost out of himself for joy to hear these things; I am extremely glad, (said he to him) that this Science pleases you, for I have a particular inclination for it. I know it very well (replies Vasquez,) (which he said, having already resolv'd how to put a slur up∣on him,) but in regard I place a great con∣fidence in you, I will tell you a thing in your ear, which you will be much astonished at; it is this (whispering him in the Ear) that my Neece knows, without any Study, in a man∣ner as much as I do of this Art, and is very Fortunate in the Practick part of it, as you shall see by experience; but I entreat you not to speak to her of it at this time, for she would not have it known to any, nay

would not take it well. Vasquez could not have pitch'd upon a more likely way to bring the Florentine into the Gin; for his avarice was such, that he would, have parted with his Soul to find out the Philosophers Stone, hoping, if he once got that Secret, ever af∣terwards to swim in Gold.

Corrina busied her self at the other end of the Closet, while Vasquez made this Discourse to the Florentine, and was looking upon some other Curious and Pleasant Books, for there were of all sorts; yet was she not so atten∣tive, but she heard somewhat of Vasquez's Discourse concerning Chymistry, and per∣ceiv'd the Merchant was much taken with it; the Truth is Vasquez had some knowledge in that Science, and had spent a considerable Sum of Money, to find out the Philosopher's Stone, which though many had sought, yet could not any affirm they had met with it; the success he had had in that business only satisfi∣ed him of their folly, who spent their time and Estates in so ridiculous a disquisition, and he was glad to meet with so good an opportuni∣ty, to recover some part of the Money he had squander'd away in the search after it: for the Florentine, crediting what was told him by Vasquez, imagin'd himself somewhat above a Prince; he told him, that, in that very House, he had all things requisite

to make the experiment; and thereupon brought him into a Room full of Furnaces, Alembicks, Glasses, and Crucibles, with all the Instruments us'd by the Chymists, and good store of Char-coal. Vasquez seeing that, concluded the Merchant would be easily ta∣ken, and what made him the more confident was, that he imagin'd he understood all those Books, whereas Vasquez was satisfi'd he knew only so much of them, as would serve to bring him into the Noose: In fine, they gave over talking of it any further at that time, though the Florentine was unwilling to quit the discourse; they went down thence into a Ground-Room, the Windows whereof looked into the Fairest part of the Garden, where Dinner expected them. After Dinner, Vasquez pretending it was his Custom to take a Nap, left the Merchant alone with Corrina, to whom he took occasion to make a full dis∣covery of his Love, assuring her, that all he had was at her Service, and desiring her to dispose of it as she pleased. She seem'd to entertain the proffers of his affection with much kindness, yet at that time she only rais∣ed him into a slight hope, shewing her self very pleasant to him.

Having seen a Lute, in one of the Rooms above Stairs, she desir'd it might be brought down for her Musick, at which she was ex∣cellent,

and contributed much to bringing a∣bout of her designs; the Merchant, who had a little skill at that Instrument himself, was very glad to hear that she us'd it, and caus'd it to be immediately fetch'd, saying that his Deceas'd Wife plaid excellently well upon it, and that about a Seven-night before, having entertain'd some of his Friends with a Colla∣tion, they had set it in Tune. The Lute be∣ing come, Corrina began to play, and made it appear, that there were very few that could excel her at that Instrument: the Florentine was astonish'd at her dexterity, and to bring him absolutely to her lure, she Sung an Air to it, but with such a grace, that he was at a loss, whether he should more admire her Hand, or her Voice; the truth is, she had a particular excellency in both, so that his excessive Commendations of them; were not so full of flattery as might be expected from a person passionately in Love; with a mo∣dest blush, which spread it self gently over her face (a thing she could command, tho' never acquainted with shame) she seem'd to express a certain bashfulness, and ere it was quite dispell'd, Signior Nicola, (said she to him) What I have done was only for your diversion, be pleas'd to receive it with some regard to the desire I had to endeavour your satisfaction; which yet I have not done with∣out

much temerity, before a Person of so de∣licate an Ear as you are Master of, and one, no doubt, wont to hear the best Voices in the World. I never heard any, (replies Nicola) that came near yours, and therefore I be∣seech you, let not your Modesty occasion you any prejudice; nay rather be proud, Madam, of the excellent endowments you have so liberally receiv'd from Heaven, and acknowledge the Favours it hath done you; be more sensible of your own worth, and think my approbation below it; and yet when I was a young Man, I was much ad∣dicted to Musick, and some would needs perswade me that my time was well bestow∣ed in it. I must confess the Spanish Tongue comes not so natural to me as the Italian, the Graces and Beauties whereof, I have better Studied upon the Theorbo, which I am so far Master of, as in some Measure I may satisfie the Hearer. Whereupon perceiving that Cor∣rina would have laid by the Lute, he desir'd her to make use of it a little longer, and to Sing one Air more, which she, to Honour him, did.

Nicola took occasion to give his dear Cor∣rina greater Commendations for the excellen∣cy of her Voice than he had done before, and she, to renew her thanks to him, for the Favour he did her; he thought it time to

give her leave to take a little rest, and he went himself into another Room to do the like. Vasquez on the other side, instead o•…•… Sleeping, was contriving how to get the Phi∣losopher's Stone, not for the Credulous Flo∣rentine, but out of him; he had so perswad∣ed him of his abilities, in that Science, that he desired nothing so much as to be as know∣ing in it as he was, but all out of no other de∣sign than to satisfie his own insatiable avarice; he imagin'd that if he could find the Philoso∣pher's Stone (a Rock rather, against which so many have wrack'd themselves) all his Houshold-stuff should be of Gold, that he should be as Rich as Croesus, and that the Wealthiest about the City, compar'd to him, would be little better than Beggars.

Vasquez had also along discourse with Cor∣rina, about the means how they should get the Gudgeon into the Net; he gave her some instructions in Writing, that the Florentine might find she knew something of the Science, at least the Terms of it: Corrina got them by Heart, and, to begin the Cheat, Vasquez ask'd for some Links of a Gold Chain, she had brought from Sevil; it was a large one, and if there were a Dozen Links taken from it, they would not have been miss'd; being come into the City, he goes into a Gold-Smith's Shop to melt down those Links into

an Ingot, which he brought back to the House, and communicated his Design to Cor∣rina.

Nicola, who had slept all this while as soundly as if he had not been in Love, comes in to them, and they began to talk of several things, far from having any Relation to the Business he had been about, which Vasquez did purposely to engage the other to fall first into that Discourse, and indeed within a quar∣ter of an hour, he was gotten into the Sub∣ject of Chymistry. Vasquez discoursed of it after the rate of a Man that had spent his whole Estate in the Work; insomuch that Ni∣cola was astonished thereat, for though he pre∣tended much skill in the Science, yet could he not but acknowledge himself much infe∣riour to the other. Vasquez Desirous to give the Merchant all the Satisfaction he could De∣sire, told him, that he could turn what Me∣tal he pleased into Gold. The Florentine was ravish'd at the proposal, and earnestly entrea∣ted him that he might see it done. Vasquez ask'd him whether there were any Char-Coal in the House; the Florentine told him there was good store, for he had had the Curiosi∣ty to make some trials thereof himself.

They went up both into the Room where they had been before, and finding it full of Furnaces, Creusets, Alembicks, and other

Chymical Instruments, Vasquez said to him, Here we have all things requisite for the pre∣sent. He caused some Fire to be brought, and having put a little Copper into a Creuset to melt, the Florentine saw it melting: Vas∣quez took a Box out of his Pocket, wherein there was a Paper full of Powder, which he said was the most Principal Ingredient in the whole Work. He put it into the Creuset, which having brought as cleverly as he could to the Window, he poured out the melted Copper, and put in the Ingot of Gold into its place, and when he had covered it, he told the Florentine, that it should not be stir∣red thence for half an hour. That time they spent in Discoursing of several things in Chy∣mistry, wherein Nicola desired to make some further Progress. At last, Vasquez thought it time to shew him what he had done, and so open∣ing the Creuset, he took out the Ingot and shewed it him. The Covetous Miser was transported with Joy to see it, though he were not fully satisfied of its being perfect Gold. Vasquez wished him to have it tryed by a Gold-Smith; which trouble he would needs take upon himself, and having found that it was very fine Gold, of twenty two Carats, he returns extraordinarily well satis∣fied. While he was gone out, Vasquez in∣structed Corrina, how to effect their Design

upon Nicola, who being more Covetous than Amorous, would have them immediately to begin the great Work of finding the Philo∣sopher's Stone. He promised Vasquez extra∣ordinary Recompences, and told him, that he would be at the whole Charge, though it should amount to twenty thousand Crowns.

Vasquez, who had contrived how he inten∣ded to gull the Merchant, returned this an∣swer to the great proffers he had made him. Signior Nicola (said he,) I am now gone al∣most seven years beyond the grand Climacte∣rical Year of my Life, which is as much as to tell you, that I have passed the greatest and best part of it. It were no hard matter for me, with the help of the Science I am now Master of, to spend the little which is yet to come, at my ease, and it may be more plen∣tifully, than some of the Wealthiest Gran∣dees of Spain; and that I can be without any Man's Favour or Assistance, I think you may have observed yourself. And in regard I have no Children, to inherit my Estate, which, I thank Heaven, is somewhat consi∣derable also in Lands, the main concernment I have in this World, is to look after this young Woman, my Neece. She is already but too Rich, in that she hath all I have, though her Father, who was my Elder Bro∣ther, left her no mean Fortune. She might,

had she a mind to it, be as Nobly Married as she was before, for her late Husband was de∣scended from the Noblest Houses in Andalu∣zia. Nor were it hard for me to add to her Wealth, you know it; but such is my Con∣fidence in you, that I will tell you the Rea∣son why I do not.

That I am the Ablest Alchymist in all Spain, is known to many, which being also come to the Ears of his Majesty, I am sought after every where; but I have hitherto had the Happiness to keep out of their Clutches who are perpetually employed to find me out, having spread a report, that I was gone for England. It is not out of any contempt of the Honours and Wealth of this World, that I avoid the searches of those, whom his Ma∣jesty hath enjoined to bring me to him, but out of this Consideration, that I would not purchase any favour with the loss of my Li∣berty, for I must expect no less, than to spend the rest of my days in a Noble kind of Cap∣tivity. I will express my self more clearly to you. His Majesty hath at the present very great Armies on Foot in several parts, which put him to a vast Expence, such as his own Revenue, and what comes from the Indies are not able to defray: So that, to satisfie his Ambition, he is forc'd to make use of the In∣dustry of his Subjects. Now were it my hard

Fortune, to be found by those who so nar∣rowly search after me, the King, knowing that, with the Assistance of my Art, he might easily recruit the Charge he is at, and would immediately dispose of me into some Fortress, where being confin'd for the rest of my days, I should be perpetually kept at Work, to aug∣ment his Treasures, and supply his pressing Exigencies. I should not think it much to do it once or twice, but the Avarice of Men is grown to that height, that they are not satis∣fied with abundance, if they have the least Apprehension, that the source of it may ever be dried up. This is the true Reason, Sig∣nior Nicola, which obliges me to keep out of my own Country, and to play least in sight; and therefore receive what I have told you as a great Secret, such as I should not have communicated to my own Brother, had he been in the World: But I have that Confi∣dence of you, that you will never reveal it.

Nicola return'd Vasquez his most affection∣ate thanks for the great Trust he reposed in him, and thought himself so happy in the dis∣covery he had made to him, that he concei∣ved the greatest Nobles might justly envy him. His answer to him, was, That the Grounds and Motives, on which he conceal'd the excellent knowledge he had acquir'd, were just and rational, since that no doubt but he

would be confin'd, though for no other rea∣son than this, to prevent his carrying over such a secret into another Country, to serve a King that were an Enemy to his Catholick Majesty. He acknowledg'd himself infinitely obliged to him, and wish'd it were in his pow∣er to serve him; but having only the Wealth he was possessed of to proffer him, he entrea∣ted him to dispose of it as freely as if it were his own, and since he had shewn him a trial of his Abilities, that he would not think that enough, but ere he left Corduba, would give him such further Instructions, as, being ob∣serv'd, he should not miscarry in the great Work. Vasquez promised to satisfie his De∣sires, telling him withal, that so precious a thing as Gold could not be gotten but with Gold, and that the Foundations of all De∣signs require Charge; that the Philosopher's Stone could not be found without cost and much pains; that if he weer resolv'd, he should attempt the doing of it, he must be at the whole Charge, and that afterwards the profit should be equally divided, and that in a short time he would be glutted with Wealth.

The Florentine, ravished at that Proposal, proffer'd to spend all he was worth upon that Account. Corrina promised to assist them. Nay, (says Vasquez to her,) there is such a

Necessity of your Assistance; that we shall not be able to do so well without it. They thereupon resolved, that within two days they should begin the great Work. Vasquez told him, that the Principal of the Divine Elixir, (so the Chymists call the Perfection of their Work) was formed out of the soli∣dity of Mercury, and other things which he nam'd to him, together with the Urine and Excrement of a Red-Hair'd Child; that all was to be put into an Alembick, with Pow∣der of Aloes, the Infusion of Opium, Toads-Grease, Arsenick, and Salt-Peter: But he ho∣ped to do it chiefly with the Urine, and Ex∣crements aforesaid, which he ordered Nicola by all means to procure, as being the most necessary ingredient of all.

He promised to find it; and, to begin the Work, the Merchant delivered him five hun∣dred Crowns in Gold, to buy certain precious Drugs, which he said were necessary; and this the Florentine did the more willingly, as well out of the Confidence he had to receive them multiplied into so many thousands, as o•…•…t of a Design he had thought on the Night before, of making Corrina his Wife, and by that means assuring himself of Vasquez. Where∣upon that very Evening after Supper, he took Occasion to carry Vasquez along with him in∣to the Garden, and acquainted him with his

Resolution. The Alchymist thought it a good way to further his Work, and accordingly he approved of his Intention, and acknow∣ledged it would be a great Honour to his Neece to meet with so worthy a Person; but that there was one Obstacle to be first removed. What may that be (says the other?) Vas∣quez told him, that his Neece could not be Married, till a Dispensation were first obtai∣ned from Rome, in regard, that out of the extraordinary regret she conceived at the loss of her late Husband, she made a vow to en∣ter into a Religious Life; that the Occasion of their going to Madrid, was to receive six years Arrearages of a Rent due to them from a Person of Quality, who was very back∣ward in paying, in Order to her Reception into a Nunnery; but that as soon as the Dis∣pensation were come from Room, they would conclude the Marriage, which he doubted not but she would accept, not only out of the Compliance she had ever express'd to∣wards him, but also out of this Confideration, that she was to match her self with a Person inclin'd to the study of a Science, wherein she had naturally attain'd so great Perfection. Nicola was the most satisfied Man in the World to have such a parcel of good Words given him, insomuch that from that very hour, Vasquez became absolute Master of all he was possess'd of,

Vasquez and Corrina having conferred Notes upon this new overture, were more Confident then ever to Compass their Design. He freely laid out the Money received of Ni∣cola, in Druggs, perswading him they were not to be had under such and such Rates. He also furnished himself with new Furnaces, Creusets and Alembicks, pretending that those in the House before, were not for his Purpose. In the mean time, the silly Mer∣chant was enquiring up and down where he might have the Urine of a Red-Headed Child, Which he had much ado to get; for the Mo∣ther's fearing it was to be used in some Ope∣ration of Witch-craft, would not easily let him have it; but Money is Omnipotent, and can do any thing. Vasquez could have done as much in one day as in a hundred, as to the performance of what he had promised, but the poor Merchant must be fool'd some way or an other, till he met with an opportunity to smite him, and take a Dogg's leave of Cor∣duba, with as much as he could shift away on two good Horses, which lay leager in a secret place for that Purpose.

He disposed all the Destillations into the Furnaces, in the presence of Nicola; he bought some Metals, as Brass, Copper, and Tin, several sorts of. Salts, and other things commonly used by Chymists; and setting Fire to the Fur∣naces,

they destilled what had been put in∣to them, but contributing nothing to the Business, and only to abuse him, who was the Charge of all the Foolery. As to Nicola's Love, he was much better treated than he was before; inasmuch as since the Proposal of Marriage, Corrina, the better to carry on the main Design, grew more kind to him, especially in Vasquez's Absence, which the be∣sotted Coxcomb was so transported with, that he knew not whether his Head or his Heels were on the Ground.

About this time Nicola receiv'd a Bill of Exchange of a considerable Sum, to be paid within twenty days after sight. This, with the breaking of some of his Debtors in other Countries, put him into some fear of doing the like, if his Attempts in Chymistry prov'd not successful. But to prevent all inconve∣niences, he did what most of his Quality and Kidney are wont to do, who being upon the point of Breaking, secure what they can of their Estates, that they may afterwards the more Commodiously remove into some other Country. So our Merchant, finding himself within some distance of Breaking, provided for the Misfortune, in case it should happen, and so promoted the mischievous Plot of Vasquez, and Corrina, whom he truly acquain∣ted how Affairs stood with him, as if they

had been his most Faithful Relations. Vasquez had left in the Custody of a certain Friend of the Merchant's, a good Sum of Money, and some Jewels of great Value, with order they should not be deliver'd to any, but to one of them two. Besides which, he brought some to his Country-House, and hid them in a se∣cret place, in the presence of Corrina, of whom he had a Confidence, as if she had real∣ly been his Wife, Vasquez, who was still bu∣sie about his Destillations, put him into good hope, that within twenty days he should see the end of the great Work, and his House full of Gold, to recover the loss he had re∣ceiv'd by his Debtors.

About this time, there happen'd a business which oblig'd the Merchant to take a Jour∣ney, to advise with a Correspondent of his, how to prevent the misfortune he saw coming upon him. Vasquez, and Corrina being en∣trusted with the House, thought it a fair op∣portunity to dislodge, and make the best they could of the present Game. They se∣cur'd all the Money, and Jewels they could come at, and left the Plate and some other things, they could not so conveniently carry away, behind them, though with some re∣gret, thinking it more prudence to make a safe retreat with what were considerable, than to hazard all, by grasping at too much.

Having therefore loaden themselves with what was most precious, they left the Fur∣naces, and the Alembicks, which made the Philosopher's Stone, at the cost of the ab∣sent Merchant, and took Horse while the People of the House were fast asleep. They took their way towards Malaga, and tra∣vell'd all Night, having about them above six thousand Crowns in Money and Jewels, and left upon a Table near the Furnaces, a Paper of Verses, to hasten the Credulous Merchant to hang himself.

Two days after their departure he returns home, very ill satisfied with his Journey, in that he had not done any thing in the busi∣ness which occasion'd it. All the hope he now had, was in his Uncle, Vasquez, imagin∣ing, by his means, he should yet be able to shew his Head, and not only keep up his Re∣putation, but also be richer than ever he had been, such a strange Mist had the Witchcraft of Chymistry cast before his Eyes.

He came not to his Country-House till af∣ter Night, where he found the Servant whom he had left with Vasquez and Corrina, for the rest of his People were in the City. The Ser∣vant receiv'd him with a sad Countenance, and being got up Stairs, he ask'd him (fear∣ing somewhat were amiss) where his Guests were, of whom the Servant could give him

no account, as having not seen them when they went out, and could only say, That two Nights before, they had Lock'd him in at two Room where he lay, which he had been for∣ced to break open, because he could no o∣therwise get out. They search'd up and down, and found that the Chests had been opened, and all the Money Convey'd away. This was not the worst the Merchant feared, but that they had also been with him, in whose Custody he had greater Sums of Mo∣ney, and the most precious of his Houshold-stuff. It being too late to make any enquiry that Night, he thought it his best Course to go to Bed; but desirous to visit the Furnaces once more, he finds on the Table the Paper, left there by Vasquez, which having opened, he found in it these Lines.

Signior Nicola,

IT is the just Reward of those who attempt things impossible, to be shamefully disappointed. Many of your Profession have been ruin'd by their Faith, in things relating to their Trade; it was therefore but fit you should repent your Cre∣dulity, in a business you understood not. It was indeed impardonable, to expect to see that done by any Man, in a few days, which the Sun, who hath a greater power over the Metal you were so Covetous of, cannot perfect under four or five

hundred Years. Your loss, I must confess, is great, but you have this comfortable Considerati∣on, that you may now defie Chymistry, and all its Cheating Professors, to shew you such another Trick as we have done. But, to avoid all future Temptations, take this hearty Advice from two dear Friends of yours; put all the fine Treatises you have of that Pernicious Art, into your Fur∣naces, and having set fire to them, and your House together, fairly run away by the Light of it.

The poor Merchant had no sooner read them, ere he was Convinc'd, they were his kind Guests who had robb'd him, and Ex∣tracted what he had in his Chests and Cabi∣nets, with more ease than he had infus'd it in∣to them. How he spent the Night, is only to be imagin'd, being just upon the Point of breaking, and not knowing any means to re∣medy it. All the hope he had, was, that the Money, and Jewels which he had left in a Friend's Hands, were safe enough; nay, he despair'd not to find out those, who had done him the mischief. He turn'd himself from one •…•…ide to another, not out of any di∣sturbance, occasion'd by his Love to the Craf∣ty Corrina, (for that was absolutely lost with his Money) but that he had been so basely trapann'd by a Beggarly Rascal. Then did he begin to Curse Chymistry, and all the Au∣thours

that ever Writ of it, whereas he should rather have given Heaven thanks, who, by the Cheat which was put upon him, had pre∣vented the Prosecution of his Design, which might have absolutely ruin'd him.

As soon as he perceiv'd any appearance of day, he got up, and went into the City, to his House, whom he had entrusted with the keeping of his Money, and other things. He ask'd him whether Vasquez had been with him? The other answer'd that he had, and had taken away whatever he had in his Cu∣stody, and that therein he had follow'd his own Orders. The Word struck him almost dead; nay, the Resentments he express'd of that loss were so great, that if the other had not known the cause of it, he would have thought him out of his Wits. He Comforted him the best he could, and told him, that his only Course was to make a speedy search for the Robbers. He did all he could to that purpose, sending Officers, and others several ways; but that which Vasquez and Corrina had taken, was so extraordinary, that they could never meet with them. So they re∣turn'd to Corduba, to be paid for their fruit∣less Pursuit, by him who had sent them, which, as his Affairs stood then, added not a little to this Affliction.

This Adventure was soon known all over the City; and the Florentine, not able to ex∣cept of another Bill of Exchange that had been sent him, was forc'd to absent himself, and to return to Florence, with what he could make by the Sale of his Goods. By this means he turn'd Bankrupt, and defy'd his Creditours, who could not find any thing he had left behind him. The same things happens many times to those, who, with small Estates, engage themselves in too great Affairs, presuming upon this, that if it comes to the worst, they can secure themselves by an Escape.

FINIS.