The fourth volume of letters writ by a Turkish spy who lived five and forty years undiscover'd at Paris : giving an impartial account to the Divan at Constantinople of the most remarkable transactions of Europe, and discovering several intrigues and secrets of the Christian courts (especially of that of France) continued from the year 1642 to the year 1682 / written originally in Arabick, translated into Italian, and from thence into English, by the translator of the first volume.

LETTER VII.

To Nathan Ben Saddi, a Jew at Vienna.

NOW thou may'st continue thy Dis∣patches as before. Our Fears are va∣nish'd: Eliachim is releas'd, and all Things are in Safety. Thou hast no Reason to tax me with Timorousness, in so abruptly for∣saking my Habitation, on the bare Foresight of far-fetch'd Possibilities; when thou shalt consider, that there is no arming against Con∣tingencies in the Moment they arrive, and that he who trusts all Things to Chance, makes a Lottery of his Life, wherein, for One Happy Event, he shall meet with Ten Un∣lucky Ones. To what Use serves that Ap∣prehensive Faculty, which Nature has posted as the Corps du Guard of our Lives and For∣tunes, allowing it the Sences for Scouts and Sentinells? To what End, I say, serves this Watchful Faculty, but to take the Alarm at

doubtful Emergencies; to rouze our Caution, that so we may make Provision, and be in a Po∣sture of Defence, against whatsoever may happen?

News came, that Eliachim was seiz'd, for Seditious Words against the Government. I was conscious, that both he and I, had been Guilty of more than bare Words in that Kind. Therefore, what had happen'd to him, I look'd upon as due to my self also; and, that my Confinement would soon follow, if I took not speedy Care to prevent it, by seasonably absconding. This was the Reason of my sudden Departure, which cannot justly be as∣crib'd to Cowardise, since 'twas the Effect of Common Prudence.

Now I'm return'd to my Old Lodging a∣gain, where the Joy they are in for the Birth of a Son, will not give them Leisure to reflect on my Affairs: So that I am receiv'd by my Host, without the least Jealousie or suspicious Ani∣madversions. Brim-full of Mirth and Jovial Thougts, the Good Man Compliments me, and proclaims his better Fortune: Invites me to sit down with his Friends, and partake of the Gifts of Ceres and Bacchus. This thou know∣est, is the Custom of the whole Earth, at the Birth of Mortals. They make merry over one, that is born to the same Miseries as themselves; who, the first Moment he draws the Breath of Life, is enrolled in the Register of Death; and from the Womb, makes swift and direct Advances to the Grave.

However, I sate down with the Rest, to

comply with the exhilarated Humour of my Host. I eat, drank, and seem'd Merry with the Company. Yet, at the same Time, I could not but nauseate my Entertainment, and disdain the extravagant Profusion of Spirit, which appear'd in every one of this vain As∣sembly. They all talk'd eagerly; and, one Man's Words, drown'd those of another: Whilst an Universal Laughter, confounded the Sence of all. Then I prais'd in my self, the Modesty and Order observ'd in our Eastern Banquets and Feasts, where no uncomely Gestures or Actions, escape the well-nurtur'd Guests; no loud talking or Braying like Asses, but every one strives to suppress the Motions and Appearances of a too forward and Indul∣gent Mirth, and contain themselves within the Bounds of a decent and civil Reserve. Such were the Feasts instituted by Lycurgus, among the Ancient Lacedaemonians; where, such as were Friends and Acquaintance, met together and refresh'd themselves, without Riot and Luxury. They convers'd together interchangeably, after the Manner of Philoso∣phers, or Men of the Law: Discoursing so∣berly either of Natural Things, or Civil Af∣fairs: Mixing facetious and witty Jests, with their more serious Talk, without Clamour, Scurrility or giving any Offence. But, these Western People, think themselves not Merry till they are Drunk, nor Witty unless they be Rude. They play a Thousand Wanton Tricks, like Apes; and, the greatest Buffoon, is the best Company.

Wherefore, sick to see Men so much dege∣nerate from themselves, I made my Excuses, and retir'd to my Chamber, where I present∣ly set Pen to Paper, to give thee an Account of my Return.

If thou continuest thy former Resolution, of following the Dictates of Reason, in Mat∣ters of Religion, thou wilt quickly find, that thy Rabbi's have taught thee to believe in Fa∣bles, which accord neither with Reason, nor Common Sence. Follow the best Guide, and be Happy.

Paris, 16th. of the 3d. Moon, of the Year 1649.