DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The Glenn Negley Collection of Utopian Literature Rare Books C^ ^A^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Dui^e University Libraries http://www.archive.org/details/voyagesadventureOOchet THE VOYAGE S AND ADVENTURES O F Gaptain ROBERT BOYLE,^ In feveral Parts of the W o r l d. Intermix'd with the ST O R Y of Mrs. FILLARS, an Englijh Lady with whom he made his furprizing Efcape from Barhary : Tiic H I S T G R y of ^ an I^c!ia/i Captive ^ and the L 1 F E of Don Pedro y^quilio^ &c, Fidl of various and amazing Turns of Fortune, To which is added, "The Voyage, Shipwreck, and Miraculous Prefer vation of Richard Gastilman, Gent. With a Defcriptfon of the City of Philadelphia^ and the Country of Penfyhania. The T H I R D H D I T I O N. L N D Ni Printed for J. W a t t s ; and Sold by J. Os b g r n, a^ the Golden-Ball in PatemoJierRo'iv. MDCCXXXV, ;:^; )^ (^M^ ^'^^^-^ To the Right Honourable i» William Yonge^ One of the Lords of the I'reafurf^ and Knight of the moji Honourable Order of the BATH. 5 f R, I H E GYtat and llolle of alF I Ages, ha^e\, and ever ay///' I be marked out by Writers of every Degree to patro- nize their Labours : And as Pub- lick Fame (though (paring of her Favours) has diftinguifli'd You in an Age^ of Folitenefs, Wit, and Learnings among other eminent Vir- A }:, tues D E D I GAT I N. tucs that exalt the Mind, and dig- nify Human Nature; I am fuffi- ciemly juftify'd to the World irr the Choice of my Patron: But muft depend on your known Can- dour, for thus prcfiiming, without your Leave. Yet I have this for my Excufe, Exalted Merit is free to the Confideration of all Men^ and where Excellencies fliine, every Man has a Right to admire. Though Praife is the juft Due of Merit, and all the World would join with me while I grew warm in yours, yet as I know your Na- ture more enclin'd to defer^e than recehe ir, I fhall eale You of that Pain, and in Silence wonder, where Words muft fail. The People of Mexicoy every^ Year, offer'd fbmcthing xo- riieit Emj^erar in Tokea of P^ajalagey and ' frequently. DEDICATION. frequently, among Things worthy the Notice of a JC/wg, he receiv'd even Sacks of common Earth, from thofe Perfbns who could not afford a nobler Oifering: But they^ like me^ did what was in their Power, with an Exprcflion in their Lan- guage, which fignified, I "would it ^were more 'worthy of your Accept* tance. I am aflur'd from your Goodnefi to find Pardon for this Freedom, though I add to my Pre-; fumption, by mbfcribing my fel^ Tour moji Ohedienty Humble Ser'vanu THE THE P R E F A C E. THE following Sheets are a 'Detail of For times I have run through for many Tears ; and however extraordinary, they may appear^ I fjall give you the Circumftances for Truth, Tet this I mujl own^ they lay by me undigejied^ and I had never any Intention to make 'em pub lick, if an old Acquaintance had not taken my loofe Papers from me^ and der- clard, if I would not digeji 'em, he would. The Shipwreck of my Friend Mr, Ca-» ftelman, the Dangers he underwent^ to^ gether with the Dc/criptions of Penfyl- vania, and Philadelphia the Capital of that Country, 1 hope^ will not dijpleafe the Reader, There are no Embellifofnents^. nor one Step out of the Road of Truths I believe erery one that biows him, wilt' give him the CharaBer of a Perfon of the greatejl Trobity, as the Pojl he is in ixdllfufficiently tejlify, T HE. THE ADVENTURES O F Captain Robert Bojle^ &c. WAS born at a Sea- Port call'd Bojlon in Lincoln-Jhire. My Father was Captain and Owner of a Merchant-Ship that traded to the Weji-Indiesy but was caft away homeward bound upon the Rocks of Billy^ and but one Man fav'd of his whole Crew. My Mother and I were at an Aunt's in London when the unhappy News of ray Father's Death arriv'd. I was too young to feel my Lofs; but my Mother's Grief foon broke her Heart, and left me a poor help- lefs Orphan not ten Years of AgQ. It's true, I had a tender Aunt that was in pretty good Circumftances, who took Care of my Education. I foon learnt to read, and write a good Hand; I underftood a little iL«//«, and was perfedl Matter of the French Tongue, which I B had 2 The Adventures of had been learning from my Infancy ; my Mother be- ing born at Paris, where my Father marry 'd her very young, and brought her to refide at Bojion. *» By that time I had reach'd Fourteen Years of Age, my Aunt told me it was Time for me to think of fomc Trade, defining me to chufe what I lik'd beft, and ihe wo J Id provide for rrr accordingly. Said fhe, U I might advife you,- 1 vould have you ftudy the Lanju, under the Tuition of your Uncle ■' ■ ■ ; But I told her I did not much care for any Calling that muft owe its Proiperity to the Misfortune of others. And at laft I chofe that of a Watchmaker, as imagining my felf to have a good mechanical Head. Accordingly I went upon Liking (as they call it) and my Mafter and I agree- ing very well, I was bound with the ufual Forms, and found civil Ufage from him, in refpcdt of my Birth and the Misfortunes of our Family. My Aunt paid Forty Guineas (which was reckon*d, at that Time, a great Price; but he was one of the Top of his Bufinefs) and befides to find me in Cloatht and other Necefiaries, during my Seven Years Appren- rictutip. The firft Half Year we agreed vtry well ; but within that Time my Mailer had married a Wife of a pretty good Fortune, and a large Share of Ill-na- ture. Tn a Month's time (he began to tyrannize over my Alafter, as weU as me, and foon proved, as the Saying is, T^e grey Mare to be the better Hor/e. She brought it to that Pals at lalt, that I was obliged to go on all her half-penny Errands, and carry her Book to Church of a Sunday after her. 1 bore this tole- rably well, but not without complaining to my Aunt, who advis'd me to make my felf as eafy as I could, for (he fcar'd Speaking would do no good. I went on this Way for a whole Year, and then to compleat my Misfortunes, my poor Aunt died of a Captain Ro bertBoyle. j a Dropfy. This indeed was the greatefl Shock of all my Life ; for while {he liv'd I felt no want of Father or Mother. She left me 800 /. and my Uncle - to be my Guardian. 1 (hall forbear mentioning hig Name, not out of Regard to him, but of his Chil- dren, who have prov'd a fweet Grafting from a four Stock, and as good as he was bafe. My Shrew of a Miftrefs continu'd her Ill-nature to jnc, and one Accident made her prove outragious. My Mailer had a vail Trade, and vented a great many Watches beyond Sea. One Day he had a large Parcel of them to go on Board a Ship bound for Lisbon; the Veflel lay at Deptford, and my Mafler was pleas'd to take me along with him in the Boat. Before we were got to Limehoufe, my A/faller call'd to Mind that he had forgot a Silver Watch that he had purpofely made for the Captain of the Ship. He land- ed me at Ratcliff-Cro/s, and defir'd I would be expedi- tious in going (for the Tide running downwards I could get to the Exchange fooner on Foot than by Water a- gainft the Stream) then to take Boat at Billin^fgatey and follow him to the Ship. I ran almoll all the Way, and I believe got to the Exchange in half an Hour. When I came home, I found no Body in the Shop but my Fellow Prentice, who informed me my Miftrefs was above. I went immedi- ately up Stairs for the Watch (for my Mafter told me he had left it in his own Room, being he had wore it feveral Days to prove the going of it) but found the Door fliut. Standing a Moment to confidet, I heard 2 Man's Voice fpeaking to my Miftrefs, in a low Key, and I foon underftood by their Dialogue that Love was the Subjea they talk'd of. I liftcn'd fome Time, till I found they had left oft' Difcourling, and were entered upon A6lion. B 2 Now 4 ^oe Adventures of Now at the Head of the Stairs the Maid had left a Step- Ladder, that fhe hsc us'd in the Morning, in nail- ing up feme Vallens to ihe Windows in the Dining Room, and there being a Glafs over the Chamber Door, I had a great Mind to fee who it was that was doing my Ma- iler's Bufinefs in his Abfence. Thereupon I fixt the Ladder very foftly againft the Wainfcot by the Door, and up I got ; but leaning towards the Window in or- der to fee into the Room, my Weight made the Ladder flip, and the Top Aiding againft the Door burft it o- pen, and in fell I into the Room, Ladder and all, with no little Noife. The lovmg Couple were mightily furpriz'd you may be fure, and were in fuch a Fright that they had forgot what they were a doing. But I faw enough to convince me that my Mailer was in a fair way to get to Heaven purely upon my Miftrefs's Account. After our Surprize was over, and every thing put in Order again between the Gentleman and Madam, I ventured to tell her my Errand. She gave me the Watch with a hearty good Box on the Ear, and told me fhe wonder'd how I had the Aflurancc to come up without Knocking; but, added (he, I believe you rather came upon fome knavifti Defign, and had intended to rob your Mailer, if I had not been in the Room with my Phyfician, that came on purpofe to fee how I did. It was plain enough what Phyfic Ihe was taking, yet I made my Excufe to her that I went to remove the Ladder, and it fell out of my Hand againft the Door and burft it open j but I told her I was forry I had di- fturb'd her, made my Honours and walk'd off, taking no Notice that I had feen any Thing. I took Water at Billingfgate, and follow'd my Mafter. In the Boat I began to ruminate with my felf, whe- ther I had beft keep this Accident a Secret, or difclofe it to my Mafter. At laft, with many Pro's and Con*s with Captain Robert Boyle. f with my felf, I refolv'd to acquaint him with it; partly to be rcver.g'd on my Miftrefs for the Blow (he ftruck me, and on the other fide not to let my honeft Mafler be kept in Ignorance of her Ufage of him. When I came on Board, the Captain commanded me (with my Mailer's leave) to fit down at Table with 'em. We din'd heartily, the Wine and Punch went merrily round, and my Mafter, the Captain, with two iTiorc that were Paflengers, began to be in high Mirth ; when Word was brought that the Captain's Lady (as the MefTenger call'd her) would be on Board in an Hour to take her Leave of him. My Mailer upon this Meflage began to be merry with the Captain ; I won- der, faid he, that you Seafaring Men will venture upon Wives. Whyfo? reply'd the Captain. Why fo! re- turn'd my Mafter, Becaufe in my Opinion it Ihould put you in Mind of Cuckold's- Point as you went by- Water: Your Abfence gives 'em fuch a Conveniency, that I believe few let flip the Opportunity. Why, au- fwer'd the Captain, mayn't your Wife, even now, be doing you the Favour; has fhe not Time enough, d'ye imagine? The Thing's foon done; and if they have an Inclination, Watching and Reflraint will do no Good : Many an Alderman ihas been cornuted while upon Change; and I knew a Parfon's Wife that feldomwent to Church, but took Time by the Forelock, and while the Husband (good Man) was taking Care of his Flock, the good Woman at Home was at her Occupation with her Gallant, a rich young Farmer. But the Parfon one Afternoon being taken fuddenly ill with a Giddinefs in his Head, was convey'd Home before he had begun his Work, and there foon found the Occafion of his Pain ; for he had been breeding Horns, as Children breed Teeth, a little unkindly. But however, the Parfon having Witnefles enough of his Promotion in the Herd of Cuckolds, went to Law with the Farmer, and reco- B ^ ver'4 4r The Adventures of ttT*d 500 /. Damages ; and yet he has been heard of- ten to fay, that his Wife's Tenement was never the Worfe. This Story occafion'd fome others much to the fame Purpofe: At lad my Mafler and I, (the Tide being (urn'd,) took our Leaves of the Company, and wiih'd 'cm a good Voyage. Coming by CuckoWs- Point, my Mailer cry'd, Robiriy why don't you pull off your Hat to the Gentleman in the Window yonder ? I puli'd ofF my Hat very orderly, but faw no Body ; at which my Mafier fell into a great Fit of Laughter, and cry'd I had been very courteous to the Horns. I then, un- derflanding his Meaning, told him, that it was only for marry'd Men to Ihew their Complaifance that way; and, being a little piqu'd at the Affront I thought put upon me, faid I believed molt marry'd Men were, or would be in the Lilt of Cuckolds. Why, how now. Sirrah! reply'd my Mafler, d'ye think I am, or ihall be a Cuckold ? Why truly, faid I, Sir, I have but lit- tle Reafon to believe my Millrefs a Saint more than any other Woman j and to inform you farther of what I have feen to Day, I beg you would be pleas'd to go to fome Publick Houfe, that we may not be obferved by the Watermen. My Mailer's Colour began to change upon this; and being very impatient to be informed of what I knew, order'd the Waterman to land at Rat- cliffCrofsy and wait a while. We went to the Ship Tavern and had a private Room, where I declar'd to him the whole Truth. Af- ter many Quellions and Anfwers between us, I foon found he believed all that I told him, for he turn'd as pale as Alhes, and the Tears Hood in his Eyes. I then was forry I had difclos'd it to him, remembring the inimitable Shake/pear, He that is robFd, not ivanfing 'what is JioUf Let him not kno'vSt, and hes not robb'd at all, Aft«r Captain Robert Boyle. 7 After fome Time being filent, my Mafter broke into many extravagant Words, and threatning A<^ions ; and at laft I ventur'd to tell him, I thought him in the wrong to grieve at what could not be called back, and I wonder'd the World fliould unjuftly call upon the Man the Ignominy which was properly due to the Woman for her Liccntioufnefs. After fome Time he began to be more calm, and made me this Compliment; Robin^ faid he, I have ol>- ferved in thee a more than common Undcrflanding, Pr'ythee tell me in what Manner I (hall behave my felf in this Aft^ir. I thank you, Sir, faid f, for your good Opinion of me, and, were it my own Cafe, I would not take any Notice of it till I found her in the Faft, or fuch Circumliances that even (he her fe!f could not deny ; and for thefe two Reafons, i. When- ever it comes to an open Rupture you'll have hut an uneafy Living; and 2. that Ihc may take it into her Head to deny it, and then the whole Weight of her Anger will fall upon me ; and truly, faid I, I have too much of her 111- nature already to bear any more with any manner of Pati«ncc. My Marter refolved to follow my Counfel, and in- tended to make his Wife believe he knew nothing of the Matter. My Mailer could not imagine who this Gallant (hould be, by my Defcription, for I had never fcen him before. We went to our Boat, and fo Home, When we eamc in, my Millrefs ask'd my Mailer if Robin, meaning me, had been telling him any Stories. Stories, Child ! anfwer'd my Maimer, what Stories ? he has told me nothing. Nay, no great matter, faid my Miftrefs, but I gave him a Box on the Ear this Morn- ing, when he came back for the Watch you had forgot, and I did not know but he had made fome Complaints but I am forry for it, and will make him Amends one B 4 Time 8 7'he Adventures of Time or other. This Ihe faid fo loud that I might hear. The next Day when my Mafter was gone to Char.ge, fhe came up into the Work-houfe, as we cair^ it, up three Pair of Stairs, and took an Occafion of fending my Fellow- Prentice on fome concerted Er- rand. When he was gone out fhe fat down upon his Chair, and lookM me" in the Face for fome time. Well Robin^ faid (he, I am very much obllg'd to you, that you did not take any Notice of the Accident that hap- pen'd Ycilerday to your Mailer; and to make you Amends for your Silence 1 give you this Broad Piece to buy you a Pair of Gloves, with this Promife, that you and I will never difagree again. I receiv'd her Money, and told her I Ihould never take any farther Notice of it. She call'd me good Lad, and left me. My Mafter had not always an Opportunity of talk- ing with me at home, fo he appointed me every Sun- day after Sermon in the Evening at fome Tavern or other, that we might talk about the matter. At our firft Meeting I told him the Story of the Broad Piece, and the Difcourfc my Miftrefs and I had together. I Ihew'd him the Money, and he foon knew the Piece to be his Wife's from the particular Fairnefs of it, being the fame he had fome time ago given her for a Pocket- Piece. Now, faid he, Rohtn, I am fully convinc'd of the Infidelity of my Wife ; for notwithftanding your former Story, I had fome faint Hopes it might have been ? Tale of thine, rais'd out of Malice to thy Miftrefs, from her indifferent Ufage of thee. But now to find out this Spark, that I may wreak my Vengeance on him firft; for, to own my Folly, Rohin^ I muft tell thee I can't find I fhall ever be able to hate this ungrateful Woman. Some time after, my Mafter was pretty well convinc'd that his Wife had been with her Captain 'R.OB^RT Boyle. p •her Spark to the Mulberrj-Gardeny and my Mafter had difcovered who he was ; lie prov'd to be a young .Attorney of Clifford's- Inn. The next Thing we con- fulted about at our weekly Meeting was how to give 'em an Opportunity of purfuing their Amour at Home. In Order to this, my Mailer gave out to my Miflrefs that he fhould be oblig'd to go as far as St. Margaret's in Kentf to look after fome Goods, that were landed there in order to avoid paying Cuftom for them, and he fear'd the Affair would not be^fo well manag'd if he was not prefent. The Tuefday following was chofe for the Day of his fetting oat. My Mafter gave me publick Orders to go to feveral Places in his Abfence, to look after the Workmen (for there are feveral Trades belonging to the making of a Watch). On Tuefday Morning my Mafter got on Horfeback, in Order (as my Miftrefs and the reft of the Family thought) to purfue his Journey: But he went no farther than IfJngtvn, and returned, putting up his Horfe again; and went ftrait to the Place of our Rendezvous. i As foon as my Mafter was gone, my Miftrefs caU'ci me up to her, and ask'd me if I had Time to ftep k little Way for her. I told her *twas impoftible, bein^ I had feme Work to finifti that I was obliged to carry out immediately. Then (he begg'd I would call her a Porter, which I did, and one of my particular Ac- quaintance, one well to pafs in the World; for a City Porter in thofe Days was a very beneficial EmpkSyment, there being then no Penny- Poft-OfHce. I told him what he (hould do, that he muft go to my Miftrefs and re- ceive the Letter, and then to an adjacent Alc-houfe, an^wait till I came to him. Accordingly he receiv'd the Letter, and went to the Place I appointed. I did not let him wait long, but order'd my Matters as if [ was going about my Mafter's Buftnefs, and went to the B 5 Porter. 10 ^oe Adventures of Porter. From thence I took him along with me to my Mafter, where we open'd the Letter, and found it as follows ; " Dear Tom, it's an Age fince lafl I " faw you ; the Cuckold's gone out of Town for a *' Week, therefore meet me at the Old Place by Six '* this Evening. " Here we were at a Stand, for we could not imagine where the Old Place was, unlefs the Mulberry Garden. At laft we refolv'd to fend the Porter to the Spark, and bring the Anfwer to us, to fee if that would give us more Light in the Affair. Ac- cordingly he went, and return'd with his Billet; we made bold to open it, and found it contain'd thefe Words, — *• My Life, I don't think the old Place con- •' venient, being a Brother Lawyer has difcovered fome- *' thing of our Intrigue; therefore I'll wait on you ** before the Time, that we may concert Meafures ac- '* cordingly. I am glad your Beaft is out of Town; ** we'll add another Antler to adorn his Brow, aflbon *' as I have the Happinefs to fee her who fliall etcr- ** naliy command yours. When my Matter perceiv'd that the Scene was to be open'd at his own Houfe, he began to demur : But after keeping Silence a little Time, he fpoke to me to this purpofe. Robing this Letter has in fome fort con- founded our Dcfign, for what I intend to aft, I would not, if it could be avoided, put in Execution at home, for fear it fhould make too much Noife ; for, added he fmiling, tho' a Man has the Misfortune to be a Cuck- old, yet he would not have all the World know it. 1 told him I was glad to fee him fo merry upon the Occafion, but begg'd he would not keep the Porter any longer, for fear of fome Accident. He thank'd me for my Care, feal'd up the Letter again, and fent him away with it. When the Porter was gone, my Mailer order'd me to go home again, acd obferve how Mat- ters went there, and as foon as ever the Spark came, to . Captain Robert Botle. ii to /end the fame Porter back to him with this Notice, That the Work tvaj ready to carry home, nuhene'ver I thought fit. I had not been at home a quarter of an Hour ere my Gentleman came in a Coach ; he went up Stairs, but did not flay a Moment, came down again, whif- per'd the Coachman, and drove into Cheapfide. I was at a lofs how to behave my feJf, but my Miftrefj or- dered another Coach to be call'd. When I found that, I fent for the Porter, and told him feaetly that he muft dog that Coach let it go where it would, and be expe- ditious in bringing me Word. My Miilrefs came down in her Hood and Mask in her Hand, and went off in the Coach. I look*d after her as far as I could fee her, and obferv'd the Porter to jump up behind the Coach. I immediately went to my Mailer, and acquainted him with the Bufinefs. He hurried mc home again, for fear the Porter (hould wait for me, and order'd mc tcv bring him, when he came, to the Pope't-Htad Tavern, becaufe he would be nearer home. The Porter did not return in two Hours : He told me that the Coach drove to York Stairs in York Build- ings, and there they got out and took a Pair of Oars : • he went in another, and foUow'd 'em till they landed at Lambethf and dog'd them into the White-Lyon Inn. There heftaid fome time, to fee if they intended to go from thence; he walk'd into the Kitchen and drank a Mug of Ale, and in a little time one of the Waiters came in, and told the Cook the GcRtleman and his Wife had befpoke a roafled Fowl and fonie Fifti for their Dinner, and had ordered clean Sheets to be put to air, for as foon as they had din'd they defign'd to go to Bed, being the Stage Coach was to call them up . at One the next Morning. I did not think it altogether fo proper to take the Porter to the Pepe's-Htad to my Mafter, but went alone, 1 1 The Adventures of alone, where I found him with another Gentleman, a Stranger to me. When I had given him an Account, we took Coach all together and drove to the Horfe- Ferry, Weftminjler^ took Boat and landed at Lambeth* We all went in.o the White- Lyon the back Way, and I went to the Drawer (as we had before concerted) and ask'd if there was not a Gentleman and a Lady that did defign to lie there all Night to wait for a Stage Coach in the Morning ; he anhver'd in the Affirmative, but added they wtre that moment gone to jBed, that they might be the better able to rife in the Morning. I ask'd him which Room they lay in, for that I had Bufinefs of great Confequence to communicate to him. Why that Room up one Pair of Stairs, anfwer'd the Drawer, and pointed at the Door. Well, faid I, fetch me a Pint of Wme, I'll drink a Glafs, and then go and wait on them. The Drawer ran down for the Wine, and in the mean time I beckon'd my Mailer; up Stairs we went, I fet my Foot againft the Door, burft it open, and there we foon perceiv'd the loving Couple playing at Rantum Scantum. I (hut to the Door again, and ftood Guard that no One (hould enter. My Mailer laid fall hold of my naked Gentleman, and with the Affiilance of his Friend threw him upon his Back, clapt a Pillol to his Bread, and fworc he would ftioot him if he of- fered to flir or cry out. Then my Mailer's Friend took out a Box of Inftruments, and, with a Pair of Sciflars for that purpofe, foon depriv'd him of what Sene/ina and feveral Italian Singers want, as well as our Spark. The Thing was done fo fuddenly, that I believe my Gentleman hardly knew his Lofs till he felt the Blood trickle about his Legs. He made feveral Attempts to get up, but to no purpofe. My Mailer told him he had better be quiet, for fear he (hould be worfe ferv'd, (but in my Opinion that could hardly be.) The Sur- geon Captain IR^OhEKT Boyle. ij geon (for it prov'd my Mafter's Friend was no other,) had all his Implements about him ; he managed his Needle, his Plaifters, and Salves, and finifh'd my Gen- tleman, and would have had him gone home fomething lighter than he came, but he prov'd fo weak with Lois of Blood and the Pain together, that he fainted away. My Miftrefs had hid herfelf behind the Curtain, and did not fo much as fay one Word; but in all her Con- cern fhe took Care to drcfs her felf, and when /he had done ihe fat upon the Bedfide next the Wall, .and fcem'd to be in deep Difcontent. We had got my i Gentleman to himfelf again by the help of the Drawer, who foon found how Matters went. When we had done, my Mafter faid to his Wife, Madam, I muft confefs I was to blame to di- flurb you in your Diverfion, but I own my Fault, and will endeavour to mend it by leaving you together to folace your felves, and fo I take my Leave. Upon this we march'd down Stairs, paid for our Wine, and went to our Boat that waited for us, and landed at the Steel-yard. My Mailer 'was very uneafy all the Way home, and we could not get one Word out of him. He went up Stairs, lock'd himfelf in his Room, and remain'd alone feveral Hours. I wouKI have been willing to have diverted his Melancholy, but did not well know how I fhould go about it. Nearfeven a Clock in the Evening he call'd me up Stairs, and ask'd me if I had heard any thing of his Wife. I told him no. Nay, faid he, if fhe has any Shame left, fhe will hardly attempt to come home again in halle. After fome time he went out, and did not come home again till twelve a Clock. He ask'd me ftill after my Miftrefs, and underftanding we had no News of her, went to Bed. The next Morning he ordered me to fend the Porter to Lambeth^ to learn how they behav'd themfelves when we 14 T^f Adventures of we had left 'em. He return' J, and told my Mafter that the Gentlewoman went away as foon as fhe found we were gone, and left the Gentleman there, who was {o weak that he remained there Ibll, and had fent for ieveral of his Acquaintance. In the Afternoon my Miflrefs*s Mother came to my Mafter, and they had a long Difcourfe, and after- wards wen: out together. But I was never more fur- priz'd in my Life, when he came home the fame Even- ing with his Wife and Mother. He vouchfaf 'd . to tell me the next Day that his Wife refolv'd never to be guilty of any Fault again, and by her Submifllon and the Intreaties of her Mother, he had refolv'd to take her home once more. Sir, faid I, if you can forgive her, no one t\(Q has any thing to do with it. But, added 1, I fear I fhall feel the Effeds of her Difplea- furc. No, anfwer'd my Mafter, that was one of my Conditions with your Miftrefs, that fhe Ihould take no Notice to you of paft Tranfaftions. And truly fhe kept her Word, for fhe would not fo much as look at me. She continued very refcrv'd for a great while, and never went out but to Church of a Sunday. ^ In the latter End of the fame Year my Mailer be- gan to be out of Order, and the Phyfician advis'd him to go into the Country for the Air; and accordingly he took Lodgings at Bamffteady where my Miftrefs us'd to go twice or thrice every Week to fee him ; and my Mafler told me (when I went of a Sunday to wait upon him, to tjive him an Account of the Bufmefs of the Shop) that his Wife had been fo tender of him in his Illnefs, that he verily believed he (hould never have any Occafion to blame her Condu(tt again. I told him I was as well pleas'd as he was. About a Week afterwards my Miftrefs went in and oat very often, and feem'd to be very bufy, giving Orders Captain Robert Boyle. if Orders to my Fellow-Prentice for taking her a Place in the Hampftead Coach as ufual. This happen'd on the Tuefday, and I faw her no more that Week. When I went to my Mafter on the Suiuiay follow- ing) he ask'd me if my Miftrcfs was out of Order, being he had not feen her fmce the Monday laft. Nor I fince Tue/day, faid I, but I thought fhe had been with you, for fhe took a Place in the Coach in order to come to you that Day, and fent out fcveral Bundles to be carry 'd; as fhe ufually did when Ihe was coming to wait on you. My Mafter was fo confounded with what I told hira, that he did not offer to fpeak for fome time, and the Sweat ran down his Face like Drops of Rain! At laft, faid he, Rcbin, I fear all is not well ! My Wife has certainly undone me. Come, hope for the beit faid I. r uc I, Well, my Mailer refolv'd, weak as he was, to go for London immediately. We took a Coach, and foon got home ; and there to our great Sorrow found my Miflrefs had robb'd my Mafter to the Value of Five Thoufand Pound in Bank Notes and Money, vvith Six and Thirty Gold Watches and Seventeen Silver Ones befides her own wearing Cloaths. My Mafter at this Lofs funk down upon his Bed. 1 went and fctch'd fome of his Neighbours and Friends to comfort him while I ran up and down like a Madman, to fee if I could get any Tidings of ' the Thief. I went to give Orders at the Bank to flop Pay- ment, but to my great Sorrow found the Money had been received four Days before. I came back to ac- quamt my Mafter with my ill Succefs, and found him alone and gone to Bed. When I told him I could not hear any Tidings of my Miftrefs, and that the Money had been received, he cry'd, Robin, it is not the Money that grieves me, but the ill Ufage of my Wife; 'tis that 1 5 TJje Adventures^/ that has got to my Heart, and never to be remov'd till Death. I fat up with him a great while, till he told me he began to be fleepy, and ordered me to re- tire; but as I was going from him, he took me by the Hand, and bid me good Night. I found by his Pulfe that he was in a Fever, and begg'd I might call a Phy- fician ; but he faid he (hould be better on the Morning, if not he would fend for one. Finding him willing to reil, I left him and went to Bed. As foon as I wak'd in the Morning, I put on my Gown, and went to fee how he did ; but found him fo weak and faint that he had not Strength enough to lift up his Head. I was immediately running to fetch a Phyfician that liv'd hard by our Houfe, but my Mailer call'd me back, and told me it was too late, for, laid he, I feel my lad Moment approaching. He or- dered me to fit upon the Bed by him, he took my Hand in his, which burnt like Fire, and laid, Robin, my Wife has kiird me; I could have born any other Misfortune with Temper; if thou ever (hould'fl fee her, tell her from me that I forgive her, and that I beg fhe would reform her Life; but alfo let her know that fhe was the Death of me. I told him I would not have hinx talk of Dying for an ungrateful Woman that did not deferve the leaft Regard, but to chear up his Spirits and let me go for a Phyfician. No, faid he, all Phyfic or Counfel comes too lace; I've that ixithiH -nvhich haffles all their Art^ Sure Meam fo ?:iake the Soul and Body fart^ A burning Ft'uc-'- and a broken Heart, He had no fooner repeated thofe Lines but his Speech faird him, hi& Eyes clos'd, and he expir'd only with a Sigh. I rnuft Captain Robert Boyle. 17 I muft confefs I was inwardly ihock'd, and the Spirit of Revenge rofe in my Soul againft the barbarous Caufe of his End. When I had a little recolleded my fcatlered Thoughts, I went to a Coufin of my Mailer's that liv'd in Chiap/ide, and defir'd he would come and take Care of his Affairs. For my own Part I could not compofe my felf for two or three Days : At laft 1 went to my Uncle, and defir*d he would let me have Twenty Pounds to buy me Mourning, (for I did in- tend to wear Black, that my melancholy Ouifide might conform with what I fek within) out of Refpcd to my Mailer's Memory. Mourning, Bob ! aniwer'd my Un- cle, Why if thy Mailer's Friends won't give it thee, *ti8 my Opinion thou ought'fl not to think on't. Yes, Sir, added I, I think it my Duty; for tho' my Mi- flrefs us'd me ill, my Mailer always was civil to me. But my Uncle told me in plain Terms that I Ihould not have a Farthing. I told him I wanted but my own J but he reply 'd; when he thought I wasof Yearg enough to manage my Money my felf, perhaps I might be trulled with it, but at prefent he would take Care of it for me. I was very uneafy at this Affair, for it began to look as if he intended to cheat me of it, and I did not flick to tell him my Sentiments in a civil manner, but to no purpofe. I left him with a very heavy Heart, and came home. I went to Bed in the utmoft Con- fufion of Thought ; yet notwithftanding my Difcon- tent, Ilept 'till Morning. I got up about fix a clock, with a fcurvy Idea of my future Fortune. About eight, my Uncle's Man brought me a Letter from him, in which he begg'd my Pardon, and told me it was only to try my Temper. The Man gave me ten Guineas by his Order, and farther told me that his Taylor would be with me immediately to take my Diredions ; and accordingly 1 8 T'h Adventures of accordingly before the Fellow was gone he came, took Meafure of* me, and told me he would be fare to bring my Cloaths home by twelve a-clock the nexc Day; and he kept his Word with me. fn the mean lime I had provided my felf with every Thing elfe with the Money my Uncle had lent me ; and the fame Evening waited on him to return him Thanks. Boir, faid he, 1 had only a Mind to try your Temper, and I find thou art Father's own Child, a Chip of the old Block. He would have me Hay to fup with him, and a- mong other Difcourfe he ask*d me what I did intend to do now my Mafter was dead, for he did not fup- pofe I was Mafter of my Trade enough to follow it. I rcply'd, 1 knew enough to recommend my felf to any other Mafter wichout paying any more Money. My Uncle reply'd, 1 needed not be in fuch haile, but take fome Time to confider of it, and in the mean while 1 ihould live with him and be heartily welcome. And to make his Adlions agree with his Words, he eavc me five Guineas more for Pocket-Money, and gave Di- rcftions for me to be with one of his Clerks, a good- natured young Fellow, that was a School- fellow of mine. I was very glad of the Occafion, living with my Uncle in great Tranquillity the fpace of a Month, and all the time he feem'd to be very fond of me, never denying me any thing that I ask'd him. One Sunday Morning before Church- time he caird me to him, and (after many Profeffions of Friendfhip) ask'd me if I had never done any Bufinels for my Mafter out of the Watch making Trade. I pretty wdl guefs'd at what he meant, and anfwer'd him in the Af- firmative. Very well, faid he, I muft fend you as far ti% Grave/end to morrow about the fame Aftair; and if I executed my Commiffion dextroufly, he told me it ihould be the better for me. The Captain Robert Boyle. ip The next Morning I got up, and my Uncle Tent me with a Letter into Pall Mall to a Client oi his, and returning with an Aniwer, found him taking his Leave cf a Gentleman that look'd like a Sea Officer. As feon as their Compliments were over, my Uncle dif* paich'd me away to Billingfgate^ and gave me Inftruc- tions what to do. I was to enquire for a Ship call'd the ^ucce/sy Capt. Stokes Commander, at Gra'vefend, and then to follow his Directions. As I was talking with my Uncle, my Bed- fellow thruil a Book into my Pocket, and told me that would divert me in the Boar, if I had not Company that I lik'd. I did not much regard what he faid, but went about my Buiinefs, got into the Gra'vefend Boat which put off upon the Inltant, and had the Fortune to light of good Company, and one young Man that was go- ing to the fame Ship as I was. We were very merry all the Way with little Storict we told among our felves. We got on Board the Succe/s abowt two a-clock in the Afternoon, and the firll Pcr- fon I faw was the fame Man that I found with my Uncle in the Morning. He took me by the Hand, and carry'd me into the Cabin, and fet a Piece of Ship ^^ef before me. When I had din'd, he informed me my Things would be on Board immediately. I told him it was very well j not fufpeding any thing. Afterwards the Captain went out, and left me alone in the Cabin: 1 got up, and looking out of the Cabin Window, found the Ship was under Sail. At firft I be- gan to be furpriz'd, but yet was fo ignorant that I thought we were failing up the River. While I was ruminating on the Matter, the Captain came and told me my Things were ready for me, wherever I wou'd. I went oat ; but how was I furpriz'd when I faw my Trunk that I left at my Uncle's with all my Cloaths in it ! I was in fuch Confufion that 1 had not Power to utter one to T'/je Adventures of ©ne Word for fome time. At laft, rfe^pvering out of my Surprize, I ask'd him the Meailing of what 1 faw ! Meaning, Child! reply'd the Captain: Why, what's the Matter? would you go fuch a Voyage as we are upon without Neccflaries ? What Voyage ? returnM I., Why, to Virginia, reply'd the Captain. At that An:- fwer I fat me down upon my Cheft and burft intoj Tears, and had fuch a Combat in my Mind that be- reaved me of the Power even of Thinking for fome time. The Captain indeed did all he could to comfort me: At lart I fancy 'd it might be only a Jell ; but to my Sorrow found by all their Difcourfe it was but too much in earneft. The Captain declarM that my Uncle had bargained with him for my Paffage, and that I was to be deli- vered to a Relation I had in Charles Toivny upon the Continent of America. I ask'd the Name, but he told me one that I had never heard of before. When I found I was certainly betray'd by my bar- barous Uncle, I fell upon my Knees, and begg'd the Captain to put me on Shore, and I would find fome Means to pay the Sum he was to have for my Paffage. He anfwer'd, he was too well paid already to let me go on Shore again; and further added, I had nothing to do but to make my felf eafy, for 1 was not likely to fet my Foot in Europe, till I had firll (ttn America. I found it was to no parpofe to intreat any further: It is true I had no Averfion for the Sea, but rather an Inclination ; and if my Uncle had made any Propo- fals to me concerning fuch a Voyage, and properly prepar'd, 'tis ten to one if I had not accepted it. But in this manner to be kidnapp'd, for it was no better, and then the Dread of being parted with as a Slave when I came thither, fhock'd me prodigioufly. But be- ing naturally of an eafy Temper, eight or ten Days pretty well wore off my Apprehenfions, and I began to be Captain Robert Boyle. 21 be contented with my wretched Fate. I fet my felf with all my Diligence to learn the Mathematicks, as alfo the Work of a Sailor, and quickly attain'd to fome Knowledge. I foon ingratiated my felf with moft of the Crew, who inftruded me in all they knew. I mentioned a Book my Uncle's Clerk put in my Pocket, as I left the Chambers that Morning I was trepann'd, which for the fir ft three or four Days I did not remember ; but putting my Hand in my Pocket to feel for fomething elfe, I took it out, and found in it a Letter direfted for me, which was as follows; De^tr Bob, \A7 Hen you nvent to St. Jamcs'j this Morning, [fup* pofmg I would have read it the Day I receiv'd it] 1 O'verheard my Majier difcourfing Un- drefs, with their Necks bare: One of them above the r«ll feem'd to me to have a better Shape and Air than commonly Captain Robert Boyle. 29 commonly the Women of Morocco have. I don't know what came over me, but I feem'd impatiently to ex- pe«ft their nearer Approach. At lail my Defirca were anfwer'd; for afToon as they had fpent fome Time at my new Fountain, they direded their Steps towards my Confinement, and when they were near enough, I could diftinguifli them to be three handibme Women j but one of 'em that feem'd to be very melancholy, furpafs'd the other two, at leail in my Opinion. She feem'd to be about twenty, fair to a Miracle, and much liTce an Englijh-rivcman. She did not fecm to converfe with the otlier two, but follow'd them with an Air of Contem- plation i and J could obferve her flgh often. I never till this Moment had the leaft Regard to any of the Female Sex, no more than good Manners and Decen- cy requir'd ; but I found my felf in a Moment full of aching Tenderncfs for this llrange Woman. Though I had no time for Thought till th^ Ladies were re- tir'd, I then began to reafon with my felf, and found Love like Defliny was not to be avoided ; and tiie more I thought, the more I was plung'd in this tormenting, yet pleafing Paflion. Yet I thought it was very odd to fall in Love, confidering my Circum fiances. I had nothing to hope, and all to fear : I was poor, a P/i. foHer, and a Stranger, far from my native Country, in want even of NecelTaries, and, to compleat my Mife- ly, funk in one Hour an Age in Love. Every new Thought feem'd a Thorn to torment me; yet notvvith- flanding all thefc Difficulties, a Beam of Hope would now and then fhine thfo' the thick Clouds of Defpair and encourage me to love on. From this Thought I began to think with Reafon (if a Lover can be call'd a reafonable Creature) how I fhould manage my Faf- fion. I began to refled the Moors were jealous of their Women even to a Degree, and did not in the Icaft doubt but my Irijh Renegado had learnt that Part of ^ 3 their JO T'be Adventures of their Manners. At la ft I pitch'd upon an odd Expe- dient: I determined to ihcw to my Captain an ucter Deteilation of all Females, (and in truth the LJlage my poor Mailer met with from his Wife, very much leffen'd the Regard I ow'd the Sex) and try what that would do. This Thought feem'd to give me lome Satisfa(5lion, and ailbon as the Eunuch came to rcleafe me, I begg'd he would fup with me that Evening. He accordingly pro- mis'd me, and came immediately with my Supper, and brought under his Garment a Bottle of excellent Greek Wine. I muft confefs I was furpriz'd and pleas'd ; for as I knew the Moors are reftrain'd from Wine, I did not expeft any there. The Eunuch to'd me, fmilingt that he had brought that Cordial to make mc Amends for the Lofs of my Liberty ; for though, added he, Mujfiilmen are not allowed to drink Wine, we very well know ycu Europeans feldom eat without it: and our Mailer (meaning the Captain) is not fo ftrift 2iMuf- Julman but he drinks much himfelf, and procures pri- vately great Quan;ities for his own Ufe. I told him, I thought Mahomet crder'd his Followers to abllain from Wine, becaufe an immoderate Ufe of it generally turn'd to immoderate PaiTions ; but to take it fparingly gave Health and Vigour to the Body, and Chearful- nefs to the Spirits. He agreed with mc in my Senti- ments, and HiowM he approv'd of them by drinking to me. Notwithftanding my Endeavours to hide the Trouble of my Spirit, my kind Eunuch took Notice of a Concern in my Countenance, and chear'd me up with repeated Glalfes ; and imagining my Confinement caus'd that Alteration, told me he would not have me take to Heart the fmall Abjidgment of my Liberty, for aUbon as his Mailer arriv'd, I (hould not be re- jftrain'd any more; for the Caufe would ceafe, by the Confinement of the Ladies to their feveral Apartments. J told him, with a feeming Joy, that I (hould be mightily Captain Robert Boyle. 31 mightily pleas'd when that fliould happen, for I ab- horred the Sight of them ; Women were my utter A- verfion, and had been from my Infancy ; and that A- verfion was aggravated by the Knowledge of their Per- fidy ; and I thought it the greateit Cu rfe could fall up- on that noble Creature Man not to be born without them. Upon this I told him the Story of my Matter and Miilrefs, and feveral extravagant Tales of my own Invention, which painted that beautiful Part of the Creatiwi in the Colour of the Devil, My Companion prais'd me for flighting the Sex, and back'd my Stories with as many of his own Knowledge, Between our familiar Talk and our Greek Wine, he began to be v«ry k)quacioufi : He told me, his Mailer, after the Mode of the Moors, had feveral Wives, befide a Cap- tive that he had lately taken, that feem'd averfe to his Paffion, and all the Rhetorick he was Mailer of could not prevail. He did not know, he faid, what Country- woman flie was, but fhe fpoke very good French. I imagin'd this could be no other than tliat fweet Crea- ture I had feen: I chang'd Colour; but to put it off faid, A Pox take all the Sex, don't let's talk of them any more. I am afraid, faid he, you love to converfe with the Men, and that makes you flight the Women. I did not immediately underlland him, but he foon cxplain'd upon it, and then I was no longer ignorant, I told him it was of fuch a beaflly Nature, that I was of Opinion thofe Perfons that us'd it fliould be treated worfe than Beafts, Why, reply'd he, it is fo common here that 'tis reckoned only a Piece of Gallantry. Well, faid J, I hate that Adlion, even worfe if it be pofTible than the Sight of the Female Sex. The old Man and I parted like two Friends; but before he went, I told him he need not give himfelf any great Trouble to lock me in for the future, for I would take Care of nay (di. Well, well, faid he, and ftiook his Head, I C 4 believe J I The Adventures of believe T may truft you. As foon as he was gone I went to Bed, not to Sleep, for I had Thoughts enough about me to keep me waking. I began to conceive a great deal of Hopes from ray Diffimulation. I fpent *he whole Night in thinking of a thoufand Expedients 'o forward my Defigns, till I had thought of fo many *hat they were all confus'd like a Skein of Silk puU'd the wrong way. At laft with the Fatigue of Thought T fell afleep till Sun rifmg, nor awak'd till I heard Voices in the Garden. I ran immediately and barr'd my Door on the Infide, for fear of being difcovcred at my Peep-hole, huddled on my Cloaths, and ran up; where I faw my lovely Charmer reading in a Book, walking by her felf in the Alley that led to my Pri- fon. The other Women were got about the Foun- tain, admiring the playing of the Water. She drew nearer me; but what was my pleafing Surprize when I heard her repeat the following Lines in Englijh ! My Grief lies all iijithin^ And thofe external manners of Laments Are merely Shadonx>s to the imfeen Grief That fnjjelh ivith Silence in fry tortured Soul. I mull confefs, the Tranfports I felt were beyond Expreffion: She had fuch a Softnefs in her Voice, and yet fo mufical, that it made my Blood thrill thro' my Veins. In (hort, during the time I beheld her, I was in fuch an Eciiafy, that all my Cares were forgot. She turn d up the Walk again, but I foUow'd her with my longing Eyes till fhe was out of Sight: I then turn'd them into my Imagination, and there beheld her ftill. I was convinced Ihe was an Engli/h Woman, and kept in her Reftraint againft her Will. I foon refolv'd with my felf to find fome Expedient to let her know I would ferve her all that lay in my Power, if fhe was difposM to accept of it. I Captain Robert Boyle. 3} I had ftaid fo long fixt at my Peep-hole, that the Old Eunuch knock'd at my Door, which foon rouz'd me from my pleafing Thoughts, and put me upon ano- ther Task, which was to diiFemble, I fufFerM him to knock twice or thrice before I let him in ; at laft I open'd the Door, when he had call'd to me to give me to know who it was: AHbon as he was enter'd, I be- gan to exclaim againft him in a friendly manner; faid 1, You promised me Ycikrday that I fhould not be troubled with the Tongues of thofe Female Devils, and I have been fo plagu'd with them for an Hour toge- ther, that I was oblig'd to fliut my Door, and run up Stairs to be free from the Sound. He fmiling told me, the Fumes of the Wine which he drank over-night had drove it out of his Thoughts, but he would be fure to give them a Caution to hold their Tongues for the time to come : But then, added I, I may be I'ur- priz'd by them when I little cxpedl 'em. No, faid he, ril take Care to lend, or brino; you Word when they are difpos'd to walk in the Garden again, I ^ thanked him for his Caution. He tela me he did de- fign to come and dine with me that Tidy, for, added he, r fhall not have another Opportunity a great while, for the Captain has fent Word he'll be here to-morrow without fail. Accordingly he caiiie with a resiled Phca • fant, and feme boil'd Rice, attended vvi^th xaothcr Bot- tle of Greek Wine. Notwithlianding my new Pafuon, I eat and drank heartily; but my Eunuch got almoil tipfey, and the Fumes of the Wine getting up inio his Head, he de- fied he might repofe himfelf en my Bed for a while, which, I granted him ; well knowing if he had bciji found out, we might both have fuiFer'd for tailing the Juice of the Grape. I had much rather he had gone within the Houfe to have flept, for I could not even ihink to the purpofe while he was there : Put he foon C 5 goc: 54 ^^^ Adventures of got into a found Sleep, which I found out by his Snorc- ing I then venturM to take Pen and Ink, and wrote the following Lines. To the Englilh Lady. Madam, IHaie ohfer'ud your melancholy Air^ and Qther Cir" cumflatices, /peak you a Prrfoner here. The Per/on that <^vrites this is your Countryman^ and tho' in tht fame Dijlrefs^ yet has a Heart and Hand to do you Service. I fatter my felf it njOill one Time or other he in my Poaver to effeSi our Liberty. If you ha've no Thoughts that nvay, J am per/uaded you ha-ve too much Cenero/tty to do one a Prejudice that ixould ^venture any thing to fer've you. Tou knoss in Bailee had all manner of Drugs, and he believ'd t\try thing eHc tliat I fiioiild want. (For fear of theworft) I told him, I fliould notv/antmy Drugs rhtfe fifty Days, tho' I (hould want the Still immed'a'.ely, and Liberty to go into the neighbouring Wo;.ds in the Night time, being there were feveral HelL Let me have an Anf^er the foonejf, for Doubt e in Town, who fliall obey you in what- ever you fhall command. Well, faid he, Farewell (and fhook me by the Hand) Til juil go in and give 'em a frefli Charge concerning you, and then to Town again. I was very glad to hear him fay fo; and he was as good as his Word, for in half an hour he took Horfc : fie fhook his Hand at me as he went by me, ;ind 1 heartily wifh'd it might be the Jaft Time we might Captain Robert Boyle. fj might fee one another; not as I eould complain of my Treatment, for he had us'd me very handfomely ; and if it had not been in regar4 tathe Bufinefs of my Love, J ihould not have vvifaM him ill. Mirza came to me, and told me his Matter had given 'em fo llrifl a Charge to obferve my Diredions, that if I had a mind to difpofe of his Eikte, 'twas his own Fault, for wc muft not difobey you. Yes, an- fwer'd I, if ever you find me requiring any thing fo^ reign to this Affair, Til give you leave to deny me; but there's one thing I muft command you fmce I have the Power, and that is to come and fup with me, and bring fome of the Ne£tar along with you, for I am really fatigu'd with ftooping and walking in the Sun when I gathered thofe Herbs. Well, return'd Mir^a^ I believe I fhall not find much Difficulty in obeying your Commands ; and I have one Favour to beg of you, which is, ti'iat yoa will lay your Injunftions on Achmat^ that he may partake. Said I, not to-day Mirza, an- other time with all my Heart. Nay, reply'd Mirza, it is not out of Love to Achnat that I defire it, but that he may be as deep in Sin as my fclf ; for if he iliould ever difcover me, I can't tell the Confequence. Well, return'd I, we'll find an Opportunity. The Hour of Supper being coii^e, Mirza arriv'd with a, couple of Flasks. We eat and drank fo heartily, that Mirza was incapable of helping himfelf; but was f9 in- ebriated with Wine, that I began to repent of my ply- ing him fo fall. I was forc'd to drag him, and lay him on my Bed. But how to conceal it from Achtnat was my greateft Care-; for I did not doubt but he would be wanted; and accordingly it fo fell out. For about twelve a- clock at Night he came, and knockd at my Door. I was up, and thinking of my Defign. I open'd the Door, and underflood by his Signs, that he wanted Mirza. I let him know by Signs, that I had fcnt him D 3 to ^4 ^^^ Adventures of to gather mc fome Herbs by Moonlight. He was (a- tisfy'd, and went back again. Now AJirza kept the Key of the Gate, fo that my Story was feazable enough. About four a-clock in the Morning Mirza wak'd, Jbut frighted out of his Wits to find it Morning; the' I foon composed him, by letting him undcrftand how I had managed Jchmat. He returned me a thoufand Thanks, and told me, he Ihould never be able to make me amends. I ask'd him, how I fhou'd order it to fee this Woman, for I could not go to Work till I had conversed with her : And yet by Heaven and Paradifc (faid J) I ihall be more concern'd at the Interview, than at any thing which ever happen'd to me; (and that was but Truth, for my Mind was perplexed between Hope and Fiar, Joy and Anxiety.) 1 pity you ind<.cd, faid Mirza, and I wifh I cou'd any way eafe you of the Trouble. Well, faid I, then let her come alone into the Garden, as I am fprinkling my Herbs by and by ; for I think one Woman is enough to plague a Man. Oh (faid Mirza) all Men are not of your Mind. But I'll leave you, and hope to find you in better Hu- mour, when I fee you again. J had ©rder'd a Slave to bring me fome Water, and a large Quantity of Salt, to mix with it, only to amufe \n\. With this I fprinkled the Herbs I had gathered, and I was very buiy about nothing. I faw prefently after the Idol of my Soul, and Mirza, running be.^ore her. Vv^hen he was near eno'jgh to me to be lieatd, he faid, I muft beg you to excufc my waiting on you for a little while ; for my not being in the Houfe lafl Night, as ulual, has let my Bafmefs fo encreafc upon my Hands, that I muft make ufs of all Opportunities to regain loft Time. J told him, I would j>ot be his Hindrance, but was very forry I could not have his Prefence upon this Occaiion ; for I fhould be in a very great Dikraiua. He made me no Anfwer (being Captain Robert Boyle. ff (being the Lady was within hearing) but return 'd into, the Houfe. AiToon as the Coaft was clear, I accoiled her with a great deal of Temerity. Madam, faid J, the happy Time is come, that I may tell you, without; Fear or Danger, how much you may command me. Sir, (re- turn'd fhe) I am convinc'd of your fincere Defire to fcrve me ; and as I have wrote to you, in one of my Notes, if Heaven profpers our Wiflies, and we arrive fafely in England, I hope it will be in my Power to reward you. Madam, (faid I) tiie Succefs will amply reward me for all my Trouble; and as one Climate gave us Birth, it is my Duty to do all I can to ferve you^ if I had no other Motive. But if you pleafe, let us con- fult, now we have Time by the Forelock, how we fhall. order our AfFairs. Sir, reply'd the Lady, I am con- vinced your Underilanding wants not to be inlhuded;. and if you pleafe, Til be rul'd by you in every thing. Madam, (faid I) have you any Objtdion to be difguis'd in the Habit of a Man? for (added I) we may fo ac- compliOi our Liberty with more eafe. I have no Ob- jedion to it, anfvver'd the Lady ; but how will you pro- cure it? Pleafe to leave that to me (I return'd) and in lefs than ten Days I hope we fliall be out of Danger. I then inform'd her of the Scheme I had laid, which fhe mightily approved; and told me fhe thought my Un- derftanding outwent my Years. I told her fome Acci- dents in Life new edg'd our Thoughts, and if we fuc- cecded, the Infpiration came from her. I obferv'd flie blufh'd at my Difcourfe, yet did not look as if fhe took ill what I had faid. But 1 was much concern'd te fee her change the Difcourfe. I did not think it proper to declare my felf any further, hoping when 1 had ef- fecfled her Liberty, Gratitude would befriend me in her Heart. I obferv'd, by her Converfation, fhe had a large fhaie of Underilanding, and .a happy turn of Wit.. D 4.. In. f (5 7he Adventures of In {hort, this Interview had fix*d my Heart intircly hers. J had feveral times thought of inquiring into her For- tune, and how flie was brought inio her unhappy Sla- very, but defifted, till we had more LL-ifure. She told me, fhe fear'd we fhould make our Converfation toa long; not faid flie (with a Look that fhct rhrough my Heart) as I am opprels'd wiifa your Company, but for - fear we may be obferv'd. I told her, I believ'd we fhould not have many more Opportunities; therefore I begg'd her to be ready in a few Days, to leave this hateful Place. She anfwered me, that (he would wait wi'ii fome Impatience my Commands, and any Hour fnould find her in Readinefs. She farther added, that i"he wifh'd Ihe might be as ready, and as willing, at her !aft Call, I begg'd her to caft off all melancholy Thoughts, and trult to Providince. Upon which we parted ; with this her Anfwer, that fhe was ever re- fign'd to the Will of Heaven; and whatever ihouU hap- pen, fhe would do her Endeavour to make her felf eafy, even if it was the Mifcarriagc of our Defign. When fhe was gone, I foon found . the Sight of her encreas'd my Paffion (if it was pofTible for Love like mine to fufFer Augmentation.) But it was Love alone that work'd Miracles of old ; it was Love that rous'd me from fupine Slavery; for I mull own once more, if it had not been for this fated PalTion, I fhould never have attempted any thing to regain my Liberty. But even my Love flumber'd now and then, that induflri- ous Diligence might wake, and I was refolv'd to put the Defign in Execution with all the Expedition ima- gJRablc, for fear of Accidents. I went on amufmg the Houfe, with Variety of Works for my Preparation; and I was continually ordering the Slaves to Town, for one thing or other, to (Irengthen their Opinion. Mirza came to me foon after. At his Approach, I did my Endeavour to put on a Countenance with lit- tle Captain Robert Boyle. f7 tie fatisfadion of Mind, but I am apt to believe I did it but aukwardly. For as the Face is the Index of the Mind, I am of Opinion, a Perfon of nice Judgment and Obfervation may difcover a falfe Paffion, with as much eafe, as a Jeweller would diltinguifh the different Spe- cies of Stones (if we may call them fo.) Well, faid Mirza, your fiery Tryal is over ; but I perceive by your Countenance, your Chagrin would willingly wear off, if you'd but fuffer it. Why truly, faid I, I have two different Paffions Itruggling in my Mind, that is, Joy and Grief. I am pleas'd to think I fhall fuccced' in the Affair I have undertaken ; and yet griev'd that I muft be compeird to fuffer the Torment I endure to help the Operation. Confider the Reward (reply 'd Mirza) that is to follow. I changed the Difcourfe, that 1 might not be put to the Trouble to fpeak againPj my Confcience any longer. I told him I iliould be ob- liged to go to Town for Salt-water out of the Sea, and other NecelTaries, that I fliould ftay for. Why, re- ply d Mirza, you may fend for Salt-water without being at the Trouble of going your felf. I told him I was obliged to go in Perfon, cecaufe I was to take it out of the Sea, when the Sun was in a particular Al- titude. Nay, return'd Mirza, 1 am only concern'd up- on my own Account, for I have cngag'd Acbmat xo dine with you to-day, with a great deal of Trouble. Well^ return'd I, 1 will not difappoint you. Til liay one' Day longer to oblige you. He return'd me many Thanks for my Condefcenfion, and went into the Houfe to pre- pare Things accordingly. All the while he was abfent, I was contriving my Scheme. When Dinner was ready, Mirza brought it in, accompany'd with Achmat. He had taken Care at fcvcjal limes to bring Wine, and had plac'd it in ?, Vault in the Green- houfe. Achtnai made his Maorip jtior.ours, and we ali fat down. Mirxa begg'd I would 5^ 5 saU fS ne Adtentures of call the Wine a Cordial, that the Captain had givetr me. But I might have call'd it what Name I would, for Achmat did not underltand me; for Mirza was my Interpreter, and with much Perfuafion we prevail'd up- on Jiim to talte it. But when he had drank one Glals, he feem'd to like it mightily, and Toon ask'd for ano- ther ; and in fliort, ply'd his Hand to his Head fo often, that he was obligd to get up, and play'd fuch Pranks, danc'd and fung, and rollM about, that it put us in a Fright, for fear fome one ihould hear the Noife he made. Which to remedy, I made him drink more, till at lafl he dropt down, and fell afleep. We laid him upon my Bed, and did not intend to diflurb him. I told Mirza, now we had accomplilh'd this great Affair, I had a mind to go to Town even then, for the Sun (hone, and perhaps it might not the next Day, and I was willing to take the firil favourable Opportunity. He told me, what I pleas'd, now the Jobb was done. Accordingly Horfes and Slaves were provided me, and away I went for Sa/Iee. When I came to Town I found MuJIapha at home, who congratulated me with the Fa- vour 1 had receiv'd fro' his Mailer, and farther added, that he had given him full Charge to obey me ia whatever I ftiould command. I told him I fhould want his Afliilan.ce immediately with a fmall Boar, olIv he and I, and I begg'd him to take his Quadrant with him, for I (hould want his Art a little. We toak the B' at he had provided me, and row'd out of the Bay tin we came to a fmall Promontory, where I defir'd him to take the Elevation of the Pole. When he had ft) done, we lav'd Water into a Vcflel we brought for that purpofe, and went home again. From thence I went to the Jew's, and begg d he would furnifh mc with a Moor'ljh Habit for my prefent Wear; for the People of the Country do fo Hare at me, faid I, being ia a diiiVrent Drefs from ihcm, tliat it makes mc aiham'd* Captain Robert Boyle. f^ a{ham*d. He provided me with a very handfome one, which I had packed up carefully, that no one ftiould obierve what it was. I bought feveral 7>lfles of him that I had no occafion for, and at feveral Times other rich Habits; but one thing particularly that 1 hop'd I fhould want, which was a Pint of liquid Laudanum, I went to MuJIapha, and orderM my things to be got ready: While that was doing, 1 endeavoured to found him to know whether he had any Thoughts about his Liberty, for 1 remembrcd at our firil [Meet- ing he declaf d himfelf, as 1 thought, very frankly ; But in all his Difcourle now, I found him of a waver- ing uncertain Temper, and therefore I thought it the mkii way to keep my Delign to my felf, and go ano- ther way to work. I took my leave of him, and went home. I unloaded my Horfes, and took particular Care of my Bundle of Things. My Salt Water I put into niallow Pans in the Sun, which in a Day's time produc'd fmall Quantities of Salt. I did not want te try Experiments, yet 1 was pleas'd to fee the Opera- tions. I began to fet my Siltl on Work the next Day, but was foon interrupted in my Progrcfs by the hafty Ar- rival of Mir%a. Said he, we have brought a fine Houfe • upon our Heads J ^qx\^qx\ Achmat won't be contented without more of the Francks Cordial [the Moors call 9\\ Europeans Francks.'] I ask'd him how he order'd him when he wak'd, after I had left 'em ; he told me, he was lo greedy after the precious Liquor, that he drain'd the empty Bottles; and he believ'd if Mahomet himfelf had made him a Vifit, and Achmat had got a Bottle to his Nofe, he would not have bid him welcome till he had feen the Bottom. Well, faid I, you know the Liquor is not mine, but I'll Hand by you in the Confumption of it. Well, if you pleafe then, faid Mir- ssa, we'll trouble you with our Company to-night. With all. 60 7'he A D V E I faid ihe, they lock me up every Night when they go to Bed ; nay, every Day, when they are not with me. I defir'd her to leave that to me. I invited Mir%a and Achmat to fup with me that Night, for I told 'em I was obliged to fit up to watch my Work, being it was coming to a Head, and that I was to go to Town be- fore Day. They comply'd with my Rcqueft with a great deal of Joy ; and the Hour drawing near, they lock'd up the Doors of the Houfe, and came with a great deal of Contentment in their Looks. We fat down, and I ply'd them with Wine till they thought they had enough. For the fmifhing Stroke I defir'd [em to drink one Cup of a Liquor of my own diftill-r ins* 6z The Adventures £)/ ing, which they foon comply'd With. I went and fetched a Bottle of Brandy that 1 had procur'd on purpofe, in which I had convey'd a large Quantity of Laudanum^ to be ready for this Occafion. J gave 'em each a good large Cup, which they fwallow'd, but did not very well like the Talle. I told them I had diftill'd that Liquor on purpofe to keep the Fumes of the Wine (or Cordial, as Achmat would have it) out of the Head. They were very well plcas'd if it v/ould have that EfFedl, yet defirM another Glafs of Wine to put the Tafte out of their Mouths, which I comply'd with. The Liquor foon had its defir'd Effecl, and a profound Sleep Jock'd up all their Senfes. I v,^ith fome Fear took the Keys out of Achmat\ Pocket, and went dircdly to the Houfe, and at laft found the right Key that open'd the Place where my Treaiure was reposd. Tho^ fhe found her {^ii at Liberty, yet (he fliook with timorous Apprehen- fions. I cncourag'd her all 1 ceuld, and brought her the Difguife which 1 had provided for her. While flie was getting ready, I rctir'd out of Decency, and got out my Horfes, -and an Italian Slave,^ whom 1 had tv/o or three times taken to Town with me : He underftood a little French, and I had obfervM fomething ;in his Countenance that fpoke him worthy of a better Fate. I had not once mention'd to him any thing of my Pro- jed, for fsar of any Accident, but I had order'd him to be ready to go with me that Night. When I came back, I found iny Millrefs ready, and fomething im- patient. I inform'd her fhe murt fubmit to another Dif- guife. She ask'd me what that was: I took out a Pa- per of Omlre, and told her fhe muft permit me to rub it over her Face and Hands; which I did: But the Pleafure of touching her Flefh in that 'gentle manner perfectly pat mc in an Ecftafy, which fhe obferv'd, for I could not help foftly fqueezing her Hand. She did not feem difpleas'd at my Tranfport, but yet I thought the Occafion Captain Robert Boyle. 5$ Oecafion fhe had to make Ufe of me made her bear with me. Aflbon as we were ready we went out, but I £rft lock'd the Doors and left 'em as I found 'em. My Mind was confus'd between Hope, Fear, Joy, and Ter- ror, and I did not doubt but the Lady was in a worfe Condition j but all my Task was to comfort her. When I had heJp'd her up on Horfe-back, I call'd for the Italian Slave, and we both mounted, for I would not let him walk on Foot as ufual. When we were got fafe from the Houfe, I began to ask the Italian Slave feveral Queilions, as where he was born, how long he had been a Slave, and fo forth. I found by his Anfwers that he had no Hopes of Li- berty, for he had fent feveral Letters to his Friends in Italy y and never could receive any Anfwer. Then) I began to come nearer the matter, and gave him feme Hint of our Defign, but with this Addition, even Death ihould not deter me from the Execution. He had hard« ly Patience to hear me out, but begg'd he might ihare the fame Fate with me, and if he got his Liberty through my Means, he fhould never forget the Obli- gation, but I might bexMailer of that Life I {hould be the Means of faving; for, added he, to live in Slavery is but to be always dying the vvorll of Deaths. I foon found by his manner of expreffing himfclf that he was fmcere in what hefaid. At laft I told him all my De- fign; which he mightily approv'd of, and faid every thing was fo well concerted, that with the Bleffing of God it could not mifcarry. When we arriv'd at the Captain's Town Houfe, wc found Mujiapha waiting for me. I had coniider'd we could not do without him, yet I would not venture to mention our Efcape, till we had him fafe upon the Sea. I order'd t\try thing into the Boat, and to hide my dif- guib'd Lady, I told Mujiapha that it was a young Gen* ticman tliat had been bit by a mad Dog, and I had brought 54 The Adventures of brought him to dip him in the Sea, by the Defire of his Friends that liv'd in the Neighbourhood in the Country, which was allow'd to be the only Cure. When we had gain'd the main Sea, I began to open my Defign to Mujlapha, but was fomething furprizM to hear him call out for Help. I immediately drew a Piftol out of my Pocket (for 1 had procured feveral Pair.) held it to his Breaft, and threaten'd him with Death that Moment, if he ofFei'd to open his Mouth : I ad- ded, that we had gone too far to ftop now; and I be- lieve, if he had made any Reliltance, 1 ihouid certain^ \y have difpatch'd him. When he found Refiftance would fignify nothing, he fat him down and wept bit- terly. I was really forry to fee him fo much afflifted, and comforted him ail I could ; and, to encourage him, I told him, affoon as we arriv'd at M<>.ga%ar>, (a ftrong Port belonging to the Portuguefe upon the u^r?V Coaft) where I had defign'd to iteer our Courfe, he fhould not only have his Liberty, butjl would reward h»m«with fifty Piftoles for the Pains he &uald be at. I further added, I would not have given him this Trouble, if I could have found a poffibiiity of doing without him. He feem'd to be fatisfied, and promis'd us all the Help he could. I told him wc would make the beft of our way to Magazan, not being above twenty Leagues South of Sallte: He fcem d very much pleas'd our Voyage was to be fo (hcrt, for tlie Wind was fair, and we hop'd to arrive at Magadan in two Days at the fartheft. I liad provided every thing that was neccflary for a much longer Voyage, aiid when we had direded our Courfc, and were fcttk-d in our Way, I defir'd the Lady to take ibme Refrefhraent, and compofe her unfettled Thoughts, for we v/ere ncvv out of all manner of Danger. 1 /aid this only to comfort her, for I was even in fear of the Captain's Ship, or fome other Moorijk Veflel, meeting us by Ch*iice \ and £h§. Captain Robert Boyle. 6^ the Italian put into my Head another Fear, that as I had declared I was never at Magazan, nor did not know where it was fituated, he was not afTur'd but Mw flapha might ftecr his Courfe to fome Place that was pofTds'd by the Moors. I gave Mujiapha a Hint of it, with a Promife of a quick Difpatch if he betray 'd us: But he alTur'd me there was never another Port between that and Magazan. After we had refrefh'd ©ur felves, I intrcated the Lady to acquaint us how fhe came into the Power of the Captain. Now we are fomething at Eafe, faid Ihe obligingly, I (hall inform, you with Pieafure* THE 66 'The Adventures of THE HISTORY O r Mrs. VILLARS. !^ Y Father's Name was ViiUrsy an eminent Merchant of the City of Brif.ol. My Mother dyM when I was very young, To j that I could never know the Lofs of her. \ The Care of my Father atton'd for the Want of my Mother : He gave me all the Education that was proper to our Sex ; but before I was Sixteen my Father dy'd. The Grief and Sorrow I felt for his Death, was not recompens'd>by an E (late of two thoufand Pounds a Year, which he left intirely at my own Dii'pofal; befides feveral valuable Jewels of my Mother's. My Fortune, I fuppofe, brought me many Admirers; but as I was a Stranger to Love, I had no Inclination to marry: Yet being pefter'd fo much with their Company and Courtfhip, 1 retir'd to a Coun- try-Houfe near the Sea Side; and as I did not care to fee any of my Suitors, fo whenever they came I always left Word I was gone abroad, or out of Order; and in a little time 1 got clear of their Impertinence. I had the Misfortune to be a Woman of Bufinefs, the' young; for my Father had feveral Vellels at Sea. The Captain Robert Boyle. 6j The Captain of one of the Ships that traded to Turky brought me a Bill of Lading, and I happenM to pleafe him, (tho' mere than I knew till afterwards.) In (hort, he fell defperately in Love with me, but hearing my Averfion to Matrimony, never declar'd his Paffion to me; yet by Bribes and Prefents gain'd over to his Inte- rell a Maid that liv'd with me, who for a hundred Pound had placed him in a Clofet in my Bed chamber. I came and undrefs'd my (qM as ufual, and went to Reft : But I had not been long laid ere I found a Perfon pul- ling down the Cloaths, and attempting to come to Bed to me. I was prodigioufly furpriz'd and frighten"d, as any one would imagine : I call'd for Help, but no one came to my AfTiftancej for the Maid had taken Care of that. I got out of Bed with much ado, and at- tempted to open the Door, but found I was lock'd in. I us'd Intreaties to the Wretch (who was difguis'd in fuch a manner that I could not know him, for he had got a Mask on) but all to no purpofc: He feiz'd me, and I was lb faint with Struggling, that he ■ was very near accomplifhing his barbarous Defign, when my other Clofet Door flew open, (for I had one at each End of the Room) and there came ou*-. another Mandif. guis'd. My Fear could not b^ well inaeas'd; but I was in fuch a Terror that I did not well know whether I was really alive. The Perfon who came out lall feiz'd. immediately on the other, who let me go to defend himfelf. I ran to the Door, and Fear adding to my Strength, I burlt it open ; but how, or which way, I cannot remember. I ran to the Maid's Chamber, and the Noife and Confu- fion we were in alarm'd the Men Servants. I had flipt on a Gown ; and when I had got all the Men to- gether, I told 'em the Reafon of this Alarm. They immediately arm'd themfelves, and ran up to my Cham- ber, but the Perfons were both gone. In fearching the Room 6 8 ^'be Adventures of Rooiti we found a Piece of a Mask on the Ground, and a Handkerchief mark'd L. K. with Stains of Blood in feveral I'arts of the Room. We could not imagine who they \vei e ; and I was fo very much confub'd and frighten'd, that I did not examine the Bottom of it that Night, but went to Bed in another Room very ill with the Fright; though not before I had given Or- der to two of my Men Servants to watch at my Cham- ber Door. I fearch'd the Clofets of that other Room, and under the Bed, before I wou'd venture. And it being a Room where my Father us'd to lie, it had a Bar on the In- ildc, fo I and my Maid went to Bed. Notwithftanding my Fatigue, Frights and Fears, I fell afleep, and when I woke in the Morning, found my felf very well. I began then to thiuk reafonably of my laft Night's Ad- venture, and eafily judg'd, that one or both of my Maids muft be in the Confederacy, for my Door never us'd to be lock'd on the Outfide before. I fent for all my Ser- vants up. Men and Maids, and related to 'em the Night's Adventure. But they brought me Word, that Mrs. Sufan was not to be found. I fent to examine her Room, but I was inform'd all her things were gonei We all concluded, that fhe was the Occafion of the lafl: Night's Plot. I did not think fit to fend after her, rejoycing I had efcap'd fuch a bafe Confpiracy ; till go- ing up into my own Chamber, I found a Diamond Necklace, a Ring, my Gold Watch, and about Cxty Guineas in Money taken away; my Efcritore broke o- pen, and a Bill of five hundred Pounds that was due, taken away. I immediately fent to Brijlol iQ ftop Pay- ment, but was told, that my Maid had come, as from me, for the Money, and had recciv'd it feveral Hours before. We made the llrifteft Search we could for her, but all to no Purpofe. So I gave it all for loft. Six Weeks pafs'd on, and no News concerning my Maid. One Captain Robert Boyle. d^ One Morning as I was walking in my Garden, a Sailor brought me a Letter, which was to this Purpofe. Madam, T Heartily repent of my In fidelity to you. When I cofn- mitted that hafe ASiion, 1 took Shelter on Board ef a Ship that belongs to my Brother^ and nowo lies about fix Miles off ; nvhere the Bearer nxill conduSl your La- dyjhip^ if you nxiill be fi) good to come an^Kay immediately m ^he Reafiin of my Repentance^ and Sorrenv (thi a /in" cere ont) is at the Approach of Death, by the Accident of a Fall do--wn the Hold of the Ship, ^vhere I broke my left Leg, and frailur d my Scull, fo that I ha^ue been fenfelefs for tivo Days. But God granting me my Senfes again (tho' nviih the Information that I can't live four and tnventy Hours) has, through his Mercy, convinced me, that to expert Pardon from him, is to refiore ivhat is yours, nxjith a fincere Confeffion of the fatal 'Night's uUnjenture, that corrupted my Honefiy, and ivill be the Cau/eofmy Death. And farther, if Hea'ven tmll grant me the BleJJtng of feeing you, I may put you in a Way to prevent feme thing of III that may happen to you. Your Repenting Servant, * Sufan Prichard, P. S. / beg you to keep it Private', and to amufe your Servants that you bring voith you, you may tell 'em, you are going on Board the Turky Ship, to fee the Prefent the Tmky Merchants are fending to the Em- peror [of Conftantinople. The Bearer ^vill condua you^ Now I had heard of one of the Turky Fleet, that was obliged to put into the Road by a violent Storm: And that It had a Sedan, made wilJi Looking- glafs, of a 70 The Adventures of a very curious Workman (hip, defign'd for a Prefoit to the I'urkijh Emperor. I ask'd the Sailor feveral Quc- ftions toncerning the I.etter, and he anfwer'd me blunt- ly, he could not tell any thing about it; but that there was a young Woman, who had fell down their Hold, and had almort kill'd her felf ; and thdt they did noc €xpcd flie could ever recover. 1 reiblvM to go along with him, but to take two Men Servants and a Maid with me. I walk'd to the Water-fide, which was about a quarter of a Mile from my Houfe, and there I found a Ship's Boat with eight Oars, and very handfome. I llept into it, with my Servants, without any Hefitation, and put olf. In about an Hour and a half we came* along- fide of the Veflcl, they mann'd Side for me, and I was handed up, and led into the Cabin, where I found my Maid upon a Pallat-Bed in one Coraer of it. Aflbon as fhe faw me, flie attempted to rife, but feem'd not to have Strength enough, and fell down again. I defir'd fhe would not put her felf to any Pain, but compofe her Thoughts, that (he might be the better able to inform me of what fhe had promised me in her Letter. O ! Madam, fhe cry'd (with Hefitations, Sigh?, and ready to faint every Moment) you do not know what I feel at the Sight of you. You bring into my Remembrance the Tranfadion of that fearful Night, but I hope your Goodnefs will forgive me. I fhall put into your Hands what I have wickedly robb'd you of; and lince I am going out of this World, I am alfur'd your Good naiure will prevail for my Pardon. I told her 1 forgave her freely, and I hop'd Heaven would do fo too. She thank'd me, but faid, fhe found her felf fo III, that (he intreated leave to rcll from fpcaking a Minute or two, to gather a little Breath. I waited with fome Impatience, but (he remained fo long filent, tixat I really thought fhe was expir'd. Up- on that Suppofition, 1 caird to her, and fhe anfwer'd me Captain Robert Boyle. 71 me but faintly. Well, Madam, faid fhe, as I find you impatient to know wlmt I have promis'd you, I will tell you, as well as I am able. Captain Bourn had for many Months a great PafTion for you, but finding you averfe to Matrimony, he tampered with me, and oifer'd me fuch large Sums of Money, that beat down all my guard of Honelty, and overcame it quite. He gave me a hundred Pounds, be- fides other valuable Prcfents, to admit him into your Clolet, before you wtnt to-bed, which accordingly (dazzled with the luftre of the Gold) I did. You know what follow'd, and if he had not been prevented by the fudden Appearance of another Perfon out of the other Clofet, would have compafs'd his Defign. Said I (eagerly) pray do you know who the other Perfon was? Yt^ Madam, return'd the Wench, it was Mr. La^wrence Kendrick, your former Suitor and .Guardian, convey'd there for the fame bafe Intent by your Lady- fbip's Woman. How! cry'd I amaz'd, are you afllir'd of that? Madam (purfu'd flie) when you got out of the Door, Mr. Kendrick feiz'd upon Mr. Bourn, and they (truggled together fome time,- but Mr. Kendrick'^ Mask falling off, Captain Bourn knowing him, cry'd. Is It you ! Jn fhort, they foon came to an EcJaircife- ment, and went down Stairs unperceiv'd by any of us in the Hurry. Where he declar'd to the Captain, that he had prevail'd upon Mrs. Ellis (your Woman) for a good Sum of Money, to convey him into the Clofet, which fhe did unperceiv'd of any. Thus, (iaid I) may ill Intentions be ever fruilrated! When fne had finifh'd, fhe begg'd mc to have a lit- tie more Patience, while fhe get a little more Strength, and fhe would reflo e me my Money and Jewels. I was unwilling to wait long, yet thought fifteen hundred Pounds too much to lofe; for my Necklace, Rii^c^^ and Watch, were valued by my Father at a thoufand Pounds. i 7i fhe Adventures of I believe I had been full three Hours on Board, and wanted to be at Home again ; and after ihc h.id kept filent fomc time, I made bold to dillurb her once more. I call'd to her, and told her, I had a great \\'ay to go, and I was afraid of catching cold. She bcgg'd 1 would ring a Bell that Jiung by my Hand, which i did, and the Sailor came in that brought me the Letter. Pray, faid the Maid, is my Brother ready to come in .^ Yes, anfwer'd he, and has been on Board this half Hour. It's very well, faid fhe, Upon that flic rais'd her Hand, and unpinn'd a Shutter, that fell down, and let Light enough into the Cabin, which was dark before ; but I thought her lllnefs was the Reafon of that. But to my eternal Amazement I faw her rife from the Pallat, as well as ever I faw her in my Life. Before I had Power to fpeak, Captain Bourn enter'd. I could not prc- fently dive into this Alyllery. I hope Captain (faid I, at lafl) that you repent of your rafh and bold Attempt. Yes Madam, (anfwer'd he) that I did not fuccced in't, but I hope I have it now in my Power to finilh my Dc- fign, I askt him what he meant. He told me I fhould foon be informed, and if I would not confent to his Em- braces, he would certainly ravifh me that very Night. Upon this Treatment, 1 began to call for my Servants ; but the faithlcfs Sufan told me they were taken care of, and fafe a-fliore. Yes, Madam, retum'd the Captain, they are twelve Miles behind us by this Time ; and dc- fir'd I would look out of the Cabin Window, which they had jurt before open'd. I caft my Eyes behind me ; and too foon percciv'd that we were a confiderable Dillance from the Land, I did not look long, for the Sight took away my Senfes, and I fell down in a Swoon, and when I came to my fclf it was far in Night; but I was fo faint and ill, that my feeble Limbs would not fupport my Body. Grief attacked me fo violently, that it was thought by every body it would foon overcome me. By Captain Robert Boyle. 7J By next Morning a flrong Fever feizd me, and all that I rememberM for fix Weeks was, that I was put to Bed, with the Wretch that betray'd me to attend me. But the Condition I was in really wrought upon her, and produc'd a true Converfion. She lamented more than Jl i and curs'd her felf a thoufand times. When I had recover'd my Senfes, I was wore away to a Skeleton. And fure never any one in my Condi- tion found any Relief but Death. But it pleas'd the Divine Being to work another Miracle, and infenfibly reflore me to my former Health of Body, but a Mind involv'd in the mod cruel Torture pafl Imagination. ', When I found the Maid's Repentance real, I freely forgave her. The Captain in all this Time had never come near me, but only to enquire after my Health, as Sufan informed mc. Bat when he perceiv'd I had re- gained my former Health and Beauty, (as he call'd it) I was tormented with his beaftly AddrefTes. He told me, if I would confent to marry him, and forgive the Crime he was guilty of, he would immediately lleer for England, which he could reach in a few Days, I confider'd 1 was in a Wretch's Power, who, by what he had done already, would llick at nothing to gain his Ends; I therefore refolv'd to flatter him, by the Ad- vice of my Maid ; whom, notwithftandirgrtie had brought me into thefe Diftreffes, I had taken into my former Favour. In one of his troublefome Vifits, I told him, if he would immediately reftore me to my Liberty, I would upon the Inftant make him my Hu: band, when we could procure a proper Perfon to tye the Knot. He anfwer'd me, that the only way to fecuremeto him, was to have Poflefiion of my Body before-hand; and, con- tinued he, if you think the A6lion criminal, I'll foon cure your Confcicnce, by the Licence of the Church. For, faid lie, if you intend what you propofe, you will eafily comply; and nothing elfe will convince me of your E Sincerity. 74 ^'-^^ Adventures of Sincerity. Til give you one Day to confidcr on't; but, Ccontinu'd the Wretch) if you refufe to iubmit by fair Mean?, I to-morrow by Force will enjoy you. So I leave you to confider on't ; and faying this, left us in the Cabin. I had defifd Sufan to conceal our Recon- cilement from the Captain, which (he artfully had done; and in his Difcourfe, v/ould often throw in a Word or two in his behalf. When we were alone, I gave my felf over to my Sorrows, and thought of nothing for feveral Hours but my unhappy Circumflances. We both continued filent, a confiderable time. Nor indeed had I Power to fpeak, the' Heav'n had indu'd me with that Fortitude, that I had refolv'd fooner to die, than to fubmit to his curs'd Propofals. I told Sufany that I had determined to put an end to all my Sorrows by Death ; and when that fa- tal Hour arriv'd of his limited Time, 1 would plunge a Knife, I had conccal'd for that Defign, into my Bo- fom. This Refolution once more renew'd our Griefs, snd vv'e mingled Tears together. We wept fo much, that the Fountains of our Eyes were dry, and we again remained filent. At lall Sufan broke it, with a Speech to this Purpofc. Madam, in the Confufion of my Thought?, I have chofe out one that has fome Probability of Succefs; but it will at lead convince you of my Repentance, and the Defire I have to reftore you that Peace I have bar- barously, broke. The Captain yet thinks me in his Intereil,, and if we can contrive it. Til fubmit to his loath'd Embraces in your Room, which fhall be ma- nag'd in this Manner. (You ihall treat with him up* ■on't to morrow Morning) The Articles fhall be thcfe; f irH, that he come in the Dark, and ftay no longer than one Hour with you ; and laft, that he fhall not re- peat your Familiarity, till you arc join'd by the Prieft. I xnuH Captain Ro b e r t B o y L e. ff I mufl: confefs, this Propofal gave me a dawn of Hope ; and if we could but facceed in't, I fliould not fear his farther Paffion, when we were landed. For I knew it was eafy to find Protcflion, when once on Shore in England^ and I thought the Contrivance feazible e- tiough ; for we were much of the fame Age, and rd percciv'd Difference in our Make, at lead in the Dark. She left it to me to manage : And I refolv'd to put on a more eompos'd Countenance at the Captain's next Vifit, which was foon after, tho' he had given me lon- %iT Time to confider. When he came^ in, he begg'd my Pardon for interrupting me, but he came to make me a Prefent, he faid, and put a little Box in my Hand, defiring I would open it, which I did, where J found my Jewels and Money. I reflore yoii that, Madam, (continu'd he) and would not willingly be obliged to you for any thing but your Perfon ; and even all your Fortune Ihall be at your own Difpofal, and the Moment 5'^ou confent to my Defires, I'll deliver you a Paper that {hall oblige me to fign whatever Terms you Ihall think fit to make me. 1 paus'd a ihort time, but in- deed it >vas to think what my Tongue ftiould utter fo foreign to ray Heart. Captain, laid I, you take the only Way to gain your Point ; and 1 muft confefs, this Shew of Genero- iity (tho' it's in your Power to force 'em frotn me again) feems a little to lefTen the iU Opinion I have Reafon to bear againft you : If you'll pleafe to allovV me one half Hour to thmk a little. Til give you my final Anfwer to-night. He feem'd very much overjoyed at my Di(^ courfe, and (hew'd it in an extravagant unpolite man* ner, thank'd me, and went out. I did not want that tim^ to prepare what' I had fo fay, but 1 thought it was better than to come into it on a fudden. The time expired, the Captain came in with an cxpe(5ling Face. 1 bad him fit down, which I £ 2 found 7(5 The Adventures of found by his Countenance he took as a good Prologue. Sir, fa id I, I have fully confidered every thing, and if you will comply with a few Articles, you (hall have Pofleffion of what you defire to-night. Articles, Ma- dam ! ril fign to a Blank (reply'd the Brute) if yoa pleafe. I told him they were only verbal tones : Firft, faid I, I'll have no Light in the Room ; fecondly, you Ihall ilay with me but an Hour; and laflly, never to expeft any more Favours till we are lawfully marry 'd. Madam, return'd the Captain, you {o overjoy me that I .don't know where I am: I'll comply with all your Articles, and you have made me the happieft of Man- kind. He faid a great deal more fulfome Stuff, that was as naufeous to my Ears as a Plague-fore to the Sight. He left us, with a Hope I would not long defer his Happinefs. It was well I was in a dark Corner of the Cabin; for had I been in the Light, he would have perceiv'd the Confulion in my Countenance. The hated Hour drew near, and Sufan with a fincere ■Grief, and Tears running down her Cheeks, laid her felf in the Captain's loathed Bed. I was really griev'd at the Sacrifice Ihe was going to make me, for I was convinc'd (he had no loofe Dsfires about her. The Captain enter'd in the Dark, and was as happy as a falfe Imagination could make him. I muft confefs, I was in a thoufand Frights and Fears left the Girl (hould have been difcovered ; but every thing fucceeded too well, and the Captain rofe within his limited time, and went out. Afibon as he was gone, the poor Creature got up from her guilty Scene. Well, Madam, (faid ihe, all drown'd in Tears.) I hope I have convinc'd you (tho* to my eternal Coft) of my Repentance and Sincerity ; but I hope Heaven will pardon me, and not lay the Crime to me or you, when fatal Neceifity was the only CsLufe. I gave her all the Comfort I was capable of, and ioli Captain Robert Boyle. 77 told her I did not think it impofiible to oblige him to marry her, when we had him in our Power on Shore, and that Formality would obliterate ail melancholy Thoughts. How! (reply 'd 5«/fl«y No, IVfadam! tho* I have done all this, yet it was only to icn^e you; arrti before I would be his Wife, (or indeed any Alan's Wife) I would fubmit to the moil fervile OfHces of Life ai fupport it : And if the Captain knew how we had de- ceiv'd him, and would offer to marry me to atone for his Fault, I could not confent, for I loath the very Thoughts of him. Well then, Su/a^, faid I, when wc have overcome all Difficulties, and worn off the Re- membrance of our Sufferings, I will fenh a Compe- tency for Life, that (hall put thee above all Fear of Want. Madam, rcply'd Su/^k, that's all I ff-,a!l deGre'; and then Til go to fome Corner of the World, live re- tired, and repent of all my paff Crimes and Follies. I told her fhe needed not do that, fhe might, notwith- ffanding what w'as paff, live with me. No, A-Iadam, that can never be, return'd Su/^if! ; Cor you muff of ne- ceffity, to clear your own Reputation, divulge the Se- cret, and then with what Confidence fhall I be able to look upon any one? I told her, it would be effeem'd as an Adion wholly virtuous, without one Spot or Ble- itiiih. All I was capable of faying could not alter her Refolution ; but fhe perfifted in retiring from the World, and living reclufe, and I defilled from fpeaking any more upon the Subjeft. It had been much happier for us both, if we had never enter'd upon the Argument; for we had not re^ main'd filent a Moment, before the Captain enter'd, with a Light in his Hand, and the utmoft Fury in his Countenance. Thou Devil! faid he to Si^/aTr, and haft thou bctray'd me, Wretch ! after what I have done for thee ? but 1 fliall ftudy fome way to have ample Ven- geance on thee : And for you. Madam, I fhall give you E 3 ftill yS The Adventures of ftill the fame Terms and Time I firll proposMi but that pall, expeft not the leaft Hope, for J will enjoy you, tho' the Moment after Death Ihould feizc m«. When he had done fpeaking, he went out : But it w^i a confiderablc time ere we came out of our Surprize. We were convinced that he had liAenM and over- heard all our Difcourfe, though we fpoke but foftly; and we fear'd to utter our Thoughts to one another, as imagining he would overhear us flill. But Su/an at lalt broke out in thefe Words; Good Hcav'n! I hope the Punifliments I am bound to fuffer will atone for all my Offences ! If it will make my Peace with Thee, I'll undergo all the Torments in the World in that blcft Hope ! 1 had not Words to comfort her, for the thoughts of my own Condition ty'd up my Tongue; but the Pain of Thinking, nothing could exceed. I pray'd t« God to bring me out of this Misfortune, or give me Force of Reafon to fuffer with Patience a Difiblution irom this World. When Su/ait heard me, fhe told me, flic could fee no Path to lead us thro' this Labyrinth of Misfortunes, but through the Gate of Death ; and, added Ihc, fince wc muft die once, the fooner w» leave ihis tronblefome World, the fooner we (hall find Reft. Death Hill bore to me a frofty Sound, however X foon refolv'd upon't; but the manner of it was what jnoft confounded me : At laft we both thought of Drown- ing, and had refolv'd, whenever the Captain came to accomplifh his wicked Intent, to throw our felves out f»f the Cabin Window. Will you fo ? faid the Cap- Uin, (who had overheard us again, for Grief had ta-* jf^n ^11 Caution from us) but 1*1] foon prevent that. iif: immediately took Hammer and Nails, and nail'd the Shutters io clofe that it was not in our weak Strength to undo them. After he was gone, wc fpcnt the Night in Prayer ; and juft before the Morning dawu'd, we underitood by the rocking of the Ship, the Noifc Captain R o b e r t B o y l e. 7p Noife cf the Sailors, and the Loudnefs of the Wind, that we were in a prodigious Storm. This gave ua Hopes that the Ship would be cail asvay, and that. God had heard our Prayers, and would not let us lay violent Hands upon our felvcs. Nay, de- ceiving Hope was ready to enter our Thoughts, that we might be caft away upon fome Shore, and receive Af- fiftance when we leaft expeftcd it. The Storm laded the whole Day and part of the next Nigkt ; but as it fenA- bly abated, fo our Fears increased. The Captain gave us another Vifit : Well, faid he, Madam, I hope you, have had fufHcient time to corfider of my Propofalr, and I am now come for my final Anfwer. Said 1, Heav'n has given you an Anfwer by raifing the Storm 3, and if you have the leaft Notion of a Divinity, you'll find 'twas his Voice that fpoke to you in that Tempeft, to defill from fuch a bafe Attempt. Nay, Madam, if you imagine you can preach me from my Deiign* preach on a God's Name. Wretch that thou art ! faid I, how canft thou mention that facred Name, and ytt have fuch Thoughts as He abhors? I fancy. Madam, returned the Brute, your Lady (hip feels the Influence of the Moon, and for fear I Ihould catch the Infedion, I'll leave you for a while j but with a Word by the by. If you don't confent the next time I come, by Hell ? (fmce you will not let me mention Heaven) I'll not only ravifh you, but every Sailor in the Ship ihali do fo too, if they think fit; and I believe they are fliarp enough fet to fall to upon worfe Food than I fhall fee before them. He faid a great many more grofs things, that would only become his Mouth to utter ; And to convince you. Madam, that I will do what I fay, faid he, I fhall be- gin with Mrs. Sufan : Come Millrefs, faid he to her. now I have had the firll Cut of you, I'll let my Sailors go to Dinner. With this he forc'd us both on the Quarter Deck, and call'd all the Seamen about him: E 4 Here 8o Jbe Adventures of Here my Lads, faid he, I have but two dainty Bits, and I'll give you one among you, that you mayn't think I am over-greedy. The Sailors flar'd upon one another, and did not well know what he meant, ti'l he told them in Terms plain enough, with Promifcs of Re- ward to him that would prove the grcateil Rogue. Su- fan fell upon her Knees, and intrcated them not to take Pattern from their barbarous Captain, but to pity a poor unfortunate Woraan, reduc'd to the fatal Ne- ceflicy of living no longer. Some of the Sailors made Sport with her Mifery, while others began to pity her. One blunt Fellow cry'd. Damn it I I love a Woman well enough, but don't care to have her forc'd upon me: It's like eating againft one's Stomach. Eefide, faid another, I fuppofe there's feme Reafon of the Cap- tain's Liberality, or he uould not part wi^h her. I ob- ferv'd one of them that ilood at (ome Diilance, taking Notice of what was done, without feeming pleas'd. I thought I knew his Face too, and he appear'd above a common Sailor by his Looks and Cleanlinefs. I had not till now appear'd publickly. I was determin'd to fpeak to him, and to crave his AlTiRance. Aflbon as he faw me, he feem'd amaz'd, and cry'd, Blcfs me. Madam ! how came you here ? I told him I was be- tray'd by the Captain. I was inform'd, faid he, that he had two Ladies, Paflengers for Zant, but I little thought you were one of them, for I was not on Board till an Hour after you arriv'd. I begg'd he would take me under his Proteftion ; which he fwore with a great Oath he would, or the Captain fhould cut his Throat. Ma- dam, added he, I am Mate of this Veffel, put in by your honourable Father ; and had been Captain, if it had not been for the Tricks of that Rafcal ; (pointing to the Captain.) The Sailors were fo divided between themfelves, that they had not proceeded to any Violence with 5«>«; and Captain Robert Boyle. 8i and fhe remained leaning upon the Side of the Ship, all drown'd in Tears. The Captain had all this time been Jaughing at the Difputes of the Sailors ; but perceiving t\it Mate in Conference with me, came up to him, and with a faucy Tone, ask'd him what Bufinefs he had with me. I have no other Bufmefs, anfwer'd the Mate, but to protcfl her from your ill Ufage. You imperti- nent Coxcomb, cry'd the Captain, I'll teach you to in- termeddle with my Affairs ; and upon faying this, he lifted up his Hand and ftruck him: But the Mate foon returned his Blow with Intereft, and knocked him down upon the Deck. The Sailors came and parted 'enij but the Captain fwore that Blow fhould coft him his Life. He upon the Inflant ran into the Cabin for rome Inllrument to difpatch him, as was fuppcs'd ; but the. Mate foUow'd him clofe, and, knowing his violent Temper, barr'd the Door of the Cabin, fo that the Captain remain'd a Prifoner. The Mate took from his own Cabin, which vvaa near the Captain's, a Cutlafs, and put himfelf againft the Door, and fwore he would be the Death of him that firil attempted to releafe him ; and b:id none of them oifer to itir, till they had heard what he had to fay. The Sailors had caft off all Thoughts from Sufa??^ to hear what the Mate could fay ; who declar'd who ( was, and by what Means I was betray 'd on Board. When the Sailors found I was their Miftrefs, and Ovrner of the Ship, they foon began to repent of what they were going about, and declar'd they would ferve me with their Lives. When I found I had gain'd moft cf 'em on my Side, I told 'em my Story at length, only concealing Su/atis Affair with the Captain ; and they feem'd all prodigioufly amaz'd, and ftood gaping apon me like fo many Statues. E s The Sl 7l&^ Ad ven tures »f The Captain in the Cabin was all this time f\vearin«^, curfing, and making a Noifc at his Reftraint. I told ^he Mate, if he thought fit, we would releafe him. Ye» Madam, if you pl«afe, faid he, out of the Great Cabi», but we mull confine him fomevvhtie elfe ; well know- ing his turbulent Spirit would never be eafy. J told him I would be guided by him, and if he pleafcd to accept of the Command of the Vcfiel (if it was in my Power to give it him) it was at his Service. He re- lurnd me a great many Thanks, and told nie he would be very faithful in his Commiffion. We jtleas'd the Captain out of the Cabin, but as foon as he came upon the Deck, he was feizM, with a great deal of Dif- ficalty, iron'd, and confia'd to another Cabin. He rag'd like a Madman at this Treatment, but all to no Purpofe. I told him he (hould want nothing but his Liberty, neither would J profecute him, as his Crim«$ deferv'd, when we arriv d in England. I defir'd the Mate to make for Brijlol with all the Expedition imaginable; with a Promife that I would xecompcnfe every common Sailor with double th« Wages they expelled for their \^oyage. They all huzza'd at the News, and one and all promised to ferve me with their Lives. The Mate told me the Wind was againft us in our Courfe, but that he would ply it to Windward (as they call it) in Expei^ation of its changing. J, ask'd him whereabouts we were, and he told me, very near the Slreights of Gibraltar^ and Ihould have been at Zant by that time, but that thej were hindrcd by contrary Winds, and drove back by the iate Storm. I told him how the Captain had de- ceiv'd me, in telling me we were not fix Days from the En^liJ/j Coafl. Su/'an\ Joy cannot b; exprefs'd at our happy Deli- verance ; and you may be afl'ur'd 1 was as well pleas'd as Ihc was, though ic did not appear outwardly fo much : Captain Ro b er t B o yl e. •Kj much : Befidcs I confidered the Mutability of the things of this World ; and we were foon taught, by Experience, the Uncertainty of humane Affairs; for before the Even- ing we were chac'd by a Rover, who foon came up wuh us, and took us after an obftinate Refinance; the* we did not lofe one Man, but the barbarous Captain, who was kiird in the Place of his Confinement, with- out being in the A£lion. The Captain of the Rover was the fame we have now made our F/cape from. He never wou!d tell me what became of Sufan and the Crew. Madam, faid Mujlaphay I can inform you: They and all the Crew were ranfom'd for a thoafand Pound, and their Ship given them again. They did their Endeavour to ran- fom you, but to no Purpofe, for they coald never leara what vva? become of you. Mrs. Villan thus ended her Relation ; only added, that the Captain fell defperately in Love with her, and would never hear of her Ranicm ; tho' he treated her with Decency, allowing her every thing but Liberty i with the conveniency of a Study of Books, which the Captain had procured by his Piracy ; and ever left in her Clofet, her Jewels, and other things of ValUe, that . he hud taken out of the Ship. When Mrs. ViHars had finifh'd her Story, I re- turn'd her Thanks for the Trouble 1 had given her. Sir, returned fhe. Thanks will not recompenfe me Tor the Pains I have taken. I (hall demand the fame Sa- tisfadlion from you. I told her I Hiould readily obey her Commands ; but I begg'd leave to give her the Re- lation in French, that our Italian might partake; for I defign, with your leave, to infill on the fame from him. Sir, reply'd the Lady, I would have related my unhappy Story in that Language, if you had given me the leall Him. But however, Til go once more over again. ^ ^e Adventures of again, if you pleafe, in French j at leall the chief C>r- cumftances, that we may more ingage the Perfon to declare, how he has fhar'd the fame Fate with us. I begg'd fhe wou'd give me leave to take that Trouble, if it were only to let her fee, I had imprinted in my Memory what concerned her fo llrongly, that I could repeat every Circumftance. She gave me leave to pro- ceed, on which I told her Story over again in French, to the Italian. When I had finifh'd, fiie gave me Thanks, for the Pains I had taken. Tho' I had not been fo long in the Relation, yet I made up the Time in defcanting upon her Danger, and hard Fate. That a Lady of her Birth, Beauty, and Eiiate, fhould be (o far forfaken by Fortune, as to be reduc'd to wretched Slavery. I then began my own Story, from my Birth, to our prefent State. Tho' in what related to my PalFion for the Lady, I did not diredlly explain ; yet I gave her Hints enough to underlland, fhe was the Idol of my Soul, and (tho' Love like Hope does oft deceive us) I thought my obfcure Declaration did not difpleafe her. We then defir'd the Italian to proceed in his Rela- tion. He fighing, told us, he was too much obliged to me, to refufe me any thing, tho' it would call to his Remembrance Tranfad\ions, that would bring Tears in- to his Eyes. After fomc Paufe he began to this EfFeit, THE Captain Robert Boyi^e. Sy THE STORY O F T H E ITALIAN SLAVE. m^^S^^^:. Was born at the Qky o^ Rome, renown'd '^"'' "^"^ "^^ for its Grandeur and Antiquity, and I I 1(^1 I j^}| may fay without boafting, of a noble but had the Misfortune to come World, and the youngeft, of five Sons and two Daughters. My Fa- ther had a plentiful Fortune, but before his Death he' had much weakened it, in giving Dowries to my two Sifters, who were both marry'd far above their For- tunes, tho' not equal to their Birth. But Riches now bailance every Thing, and weigh down Birth and hum- ble Virtue, and he that has moil Gold, is the greatest Man. We loft our Mother in our early Days ; and my Fa- ther Follow'd, before I was ten Years old, having fet- tled all his Eftate on his eldeft Son to keep up the Grandeur of the Name, and left three Brothers of us to depend on him. My Father in his Life- time gave us an Education ffliiable to our Birth and Family j and my Brother, to give f6 The Adventures (?/" give him his Due, compIeatedVus. Two of my Fa- thers he procured Ports in the Awny for, who both loft their Lives in one glorious Campaign. The other died young. I It was imagin'd by every body thaAhad the Privi- vilege to think for me, that their Death| would be of no fmall Advantage to mej and it had /or feme Vcars^ the Appearance of it. My Brother had attainM to his thirtieth Year, without once thinking of Marriage. But an advantageous Match being propos'd,* it was thought convenient for him to purfue it. The Lady that was defign'd for him he had never feen; but he was informed ihe was young, rich, and beautiful. He was brought to the Sight of her, and fell violently in Love wirh her at the firll ViHt, and his PafHon encreas'd every Mo- ment. The Day was fixt for their Nuptials by the Fa- ther of the Lady, which was to be the EaJIer follow- ing. 1 had attained to my eighteenth Year, and no Provihon made for mej and it was thought that this Match would not bring me the leaft Advantage. One Day my Brother told me, he had procured me the Pofl of Captain of the Pope's Guards ; [and tho' it 'was far beneath my Birth, yet I was pleas'd v/ith it, that I might have the Means to fubfjft, without being fubjed to the Caprice of Fortune, and the Dependance of a Brother of an uncertain Temper. My Brother having foine urgent AlFidirs, that calTd him hallily out of Town, he gave me a Letter to deliver to his Miilrefs, which was to excufe his fudden Departure. AlToon as he was gone, I went to execute his Com- mifiion ; and being known to be the Brother of the in- tended Husband, had the Liberty of prefcnting the Letter to the Lady's own Hands, But what Misfor- tunes did that Interview coft me ! I no fooner faw her» but I Icll my Heart, and the Regard I ow'd my Bro- ther was of no Force againft her Charms, I obferv'd file Capfain^R^O'Rt.TLr Boyle. H-; (he perus'd the Letter with Indifferency, which did noft difpleafe me. Vet I To far overcame my growing Paf- iion, as to' add/fomething to the Excufe my Brother had wrote, I pbferv'd, in our Converfation, that the propos'd Alliarice /Ivas not very pleafing to her ; and* ihe at laft frankJ^r told me, Duty, more than Inclina- tion, would make her comply with it. I told her, were my Brother's Condition mine, and I had been acquaint- ed with her Sentiments, I fhould not have the Fortitude to fuppoft my ill Fortune; yet ihould have (o much Re- gard to her, whatever were my Troubles, not to be oblig'd to Duty, but Inclination. She told me, with a rifmg Blufli, thofc Efpoufals ne- ver profper'd, where the Hand could not beflow the Heart. I agreed with her Sentiments : but added, I fear'd her Heart was already given, where Ihe could not bellow her Hand. Sir, (aid (he, I have ever been a Friend toPlain-deaI«. ing, and Truth appears fo amiable to me, that I nei- ther will, nor can deny it to you. O happy Man, cry!d I, who e'er thou art ! Fortune has fhed her happieft In- fluence on thee, and it is not in her Power to make thee miferable, when bleft with fo much confenting Beauty. Sir, return'd the Lady, the Perfon you efteem Co happy, is ignorant of my Inclinations for him, and Fear will make me conceal the Secret. And the chief Reafon why I difclofe it to you, is, that you would inform your Brother; for (added fhe, with Tear?) if I am forc'd to wed him, I (hall be for ever miferable. Her Grief touch'd me to the Heart, and Hie obferv'd the Sorrow in my Face. I perceive, faid fhe, the Love you bear your Brother afFeds your Breaft. Madam, faid I, fmce you have made me this frank Declaration, f alfo will be free, and utter all my Heart. The Grief you fee rifing ill my Face, is owing to the Torments of my Soul. The very Moment I beheld your Charms, Love (hot 88 7he Adventures of fhot me with his fharpcft-pointed Dart, and all the Hopi I have is cold Delpair. She obfen'^d my Declaration %vith a great deal of Satisfadion, and remained fileni fome time, viewing me flcdfalUy: Upon which I call jny Eyes upon the Ground. Sir, faid flie (with an un* confirm'd Voice) I hope you are fmcerc in what you fay, for the Suppofition of it will draw another Secret from me, which is this ; The Reafon why I cannot love your Brother is, that I have long fmce given my Heart to — you : The firll time I faw your Face, it left its peaceful manfion of Repofe, and fled for Shelter to a Stranger's Breaft. The Joy I felt at this free Declaration fo tran- fported me, that I knew not whether I dreamt or no ; but being convinc'd of the Reality, I threw my felf at her Feet, and uttered all my Tongue could exprefs, flowing from a flncere Heart. She told mc (he had re- folv'd on Death, before flie would confent to wed my Brother: And informed me alfo, that her Pafiion had been increafing upwards of two Years. The firil time flie faw me, was taking my leave of my Brothers, when they were going to that Campaign, from which they never return'd. Jn fliort, we were as much ia Love, as ever any two were. We agreed to meet the next Day, at the fame Place, where I had the Liberty of coming, as her Brotherin- Law that was to be. I was Impatient for the next Day, imagining Time to have no Wings. But the happy Moment came at lafl. We talk'd of nothing for fcveral Hours, but our mutual Love; at lall we fell on the ungrateful Subjcdl of the approaching Nuptials, and how we fliould prevent 'cm. 1 proposed to her, running away, and tying our fclves fail by the facrcd Bond of Wedlock. Though, faid flie, I will never be any one's but yours, yet we mull confider of Futurity : I know your Fortune is but fmall, and mine, tho' a large one, depends upon my Father ; Captain Robert Boyle. 8p Father : Til find fome Means to defer the Marriage ; you may do your Endeavour to difluade your Brother, for I fancy Fortune more than Beauty has gain'd his Heart. I aflurM her to the contrary, and that he was very much in Love with her. We both willi'd it had been otherways, but reiblv'd to love on. We parted, tho' we had not refolv'd on any thing, and appointed to meet the next Day, in a private Corner of the Town, at an Acquaintance of mine, that I could confide in; tho' I would not truft him with the Secret, well know- ing a Matter of Importance inflaves the Perfon that dif- clofes it. I told him I had an Intrigue with a Perfon of Quality, that I mull be obliged to carry on at his Houfe; which he confented to very willingly. We met according to our Appointment, but an Hour before the time prelLxt, not willing one fliould be before the other. She cams alone too, for Ihe would not truft any of her Servants. We met there every Day ; and one time above the reft. Love being pregnant in both our Eyes, I took the happy Opportunity, and was blefs'd in the Poftef- fion of all 1 wilh'd on Earth: But Enjoyment was fo far from palling my Defires, that it rather encrcas'd 'em. We liv'd in all the Delight of Love for a Month, but then came the Bitter to all our Sweets. My Brother ar- riv'd, and the fatal Day appointed for the Marriage approached. We liad given our felves up fo intirely to Love, that we did not think of what was to come ; or if the intruding Thought did creep in, we would im- mediately lull it to Reft like a frovvard Child. When we parted, it was with fuch a Regret and Sorrow, that foreboded our ill Fortune. The Father of ray Miftrefs had order'd every thing for the Nuptial So- lemnity, with the greateft Magnificence ; but two Days before it was to be folemniz'd, it was reported all over Rome that Don Antojiio GritnaldV^ only Daughter (who was my Miftrefs) was taken dangeroufly ill. I was not difpleas'd 90 The Adventures of ^lifpleasM at the Rumour, as gueffing her Defign. My Brother was never from her, and I was pretty well afTar'd the Sight of him gave her a great deal of Pain. One Day finding my Brother very melancholy, I ask'd him if it was the Indifpofition of Grfmaldfi Daug'itcr that occafionM the Gloom I obferved in his Counte- nance. He reply'd (he was the Caufe of what he felt : He farther added, that he thouglit her Sicknefs counter- feit, only to avoid him; and that he had many Reafoni to believe Ihe had given her Heart to another. I us'd many Arguments with him to leave her, and that fhe was not worth his farther Thought. But he aflfur'd me it was not in his Power to hate her. I began to refleft with Reafon on the Conduct of my Love, and found I had involv'd my felf in a very dangerous and troublc- fome Affair : But notwithllanding all my Reafonings, I found my felf more and more in Love; and Abfence, which cures alight Paflion, added Strength to minej for I had not fccn her in fifteen Days. I was refolved at lalt to vifit her, and took the Opportunity when my Brother was with the Pope in his Clofet. I found it no Difficulty to gain Admittance, knowing who I was: But notwithftandmg all my Endeavours, could not get an Opportunity of fpeaking to her, there being a gtcat many Vifitants. I took an Occafion of feeling herPulfe, and we had the Happinefs of moulding our Hands for a Moment. I durft not flay long, for fear my Brother fhould come while I was there ; and yet I had refolv'd to inform him of my Vifit, which I did the firft time of our Meeting; but added, that it was Curiofity, and to oblige him, that I gave my felf that Trouble. He thank'd me, and ask'd me what I thought of her In- difpofition. 1 told him I could not anfwer for the State of her Heart, but I was afTur'd that her Body was in a violent Fever. This I faid, a little to undeceive him; for fmce he could not be perfuadcd to abandon her, I thought Captain Robert Boyle. pt thought it would be more to our Advantage to make him believe it was a real Indirpofition. He went to make her a Vint that Evening, and at his Return told me I had given him true Information, for the Phyiicians had orJer'd her to be let Blood, and that fhe was in a dangerous Fever, and her Father defign d to fend her into the Country the next Day. I was mightily pleas'd that he was deceiv'd as well as the Father, and I did not doubt but (he had perfuaded the Phyficians to favour the Deceit. Accordingly the next Day fhe was convey'd in a Litter, to a Country Ho'jfe of her Father's, two Leagues from Rome upon the River Tyh?'. I flatter'd my lelf, that her being in the Country would give me a fairer Opportunity ofconverfing with her: But though I try'd all the Methods imaginable, I could not find the leaft Glimpfe of Hope in above fix Weeks time. I was per- fcdlly like a mad Creature, and all my Friends (parti- cularly my Brother) took Notice of my Uneafmefs. But 1 kept the Gaufe of it intirely to my felf. Any one that's a Judge of Love, and has ever been in my Circum fiances, may guefs at what I felt. All X cou'd learn of my Miilrefs was, that Ihe continued very Hi. My Mind was tortur*d with a thoufand Imagina- tions: Sometimes I thought her falfe, and that it was her own Dcfire which kept me from feeing her ; at other times I fancy'd flie was really indifpos'd. A Month more flip'd away, and I was as unlikely to fee her then as at fii ft. One Morning my Brother came into my Chamber, before I was dreft. He fem'd over- complaifant to me, and exprefs'd a Concern for the Alteration of my Temper. I fancy (faid he) Brother, that Love has forced himfelf into your Breaft ; and that the Objed of your Paffion has no Regard to the Tor- ments you endure. I excus'd my felf to him, that Love had RO concern ia my H«mour, but rather an inward Xcdirpofitioa S>z The Adventures of Indifpofition of Body. He faid many kind things upon that Occafion, promis'd to aflill me all he could, and left me. Afibon as he was gone, I drefsM my felf, and got on Horfeback, in order once more to try my Fortune ; and I had taken a Refoluticn to fee my Miflrefs, what- ever Hazard 1 (hould run. When I came upon the skirt of a Wood, within half^ a League of the Place where I was going, I was fur- rounded by a dozen Men on Horfeback, who (notwith- Itanding the Refiftance I made) got me down, bound me, and carry'd me into the Wood. I imagin d 'em to be Thieves, by their Proceeding; but they never once attempted to take any thing from me, which alter'd .my Opinion, and I began to think they had ,a Defiga upon my Life. The State and Uncertainty of my Love made Death look like a Friend. They kept me in the Wood till the Dusk of the Evening, then clapt me into a Litter, and iraveli'd hard all Night. The next Morning I was put into a Boat, and hurry'd on board a Veflel that lay a League off at Sea. Aflbon as they had receiv'd me, they weighed and fet Sail ; and the Perfon that I'eem'd to have Com- mand in the Boat, prov'd to be tliC Captain of the ^Veflel. TJiey carry'd me bound into his Cabin. When we were alone, he gave me a Paper, which 1 foon knew to be my Brother's Hand-writing; and in it an open Lette.% whofe Hand I could not tell by the Direiflion. Upon this the Italian took 'em both out of his Bofom. See, faid he, the fatal Scroll, which has robb'd me of all Joy in this Life, and which 1 have kept during my Captivity. The Captain Robert Boyle. pj The firft Letter he read was to this EiFecl. T Wi// not call tha by the Name of Brother ; That thou ■*". haj} bafely forfeited. But knoiu, the Hand ofHea'v'n hangs over thee, to funijh thy unfaithful dealing 'with one, 'who thinks it the greateji Curfe on Earthy that our Parents Jhould be the fame, The enclosed Letter came into my Hands, by the Honejly of her that nvas commif (iond ti bri?ig it to thee; ivho abhorring thy gtdlty Com* merce luith her ungrateful Mi jirefs, has dif cover d thy Scene of Villany. Know, after thou haji read this» prepare to fuff'er for thy Ingratitude. An Hour^s Space is the Length of thy Life, and J think Death too fmall a Re'venge, for the Wrongs thou haft committed againjl Hernando Alvares. The other was as follows. L To Antonio Alvares. ITE of my Life ! I have refoln}' d to hazard eniery thing to let you kmiv the State of my Body and Mind. Though Body, Life, and Heart are entirely thine, '^et I fear Death nvill rob thee of Urn. My counterfeit Illnefs, that Day you favo me, {^without ha'ving the Hap- pnefs of [peaking to each o-ther) brought a real Difewper upon me, and my Feier took anvay my Underfandinjbom htfore Thee I take (as the greateft Biejftng) to be my lawful Wife, And here I fivcar (faid ihe, kneeling) to take no other to my Bed and Heart ; and avith this Kifs, laid llie, / feal the facred Union. I told her nothing could be more binding, and the Prieft could but confirm what we had done already. Now the tender Moment was approaching to crown my Joys with all I wiili'd on Earth, Kings on their Thrones to me feem'd poor and bafe, and I'd not have changd to be the Monarch of the Univerfe. 1 begg'd my dear Bride I niig'nt be her Bride-maid as well as JHusband, and that ilie would give me leave to undrefs her. Said ihe. My Love, my Life, my Husband, I am to obey you in every thing that's in my Power, and when I fail in my Obedience, may I be miferable in the Lofs of you. I was too eager to (ay any thing in Return, but I undrefs'd her, put her to Bed, and you may be fure I did not flay long behind. The Veil of Night was drawn round us, and 1 plung'd into a Sea of Pleafures, too delicate for Words to exprefs. The next Day, the Ambaflador faw Contentment in both our Faces, and congratulated me for the Re- covery of my Health. Never v;as there fo tender a Wile ; and the longer I had the Happincfs of Enjo) - ment, the more my Love was rai^'d. The next Day, the Anibaffador was to have his firll Audience, and we were all to be in Readinefs by Seven in the Morning. I got up early, and diefs'd my dear Wife in a new Suit of Clothes, on purpofe for this Occafion, The Governor of Alcafar, Hamet addo Riffy^ vvas to be our Mailer of the Ceremonies, who attended us with feve- ral Moors of Quality, and a Troop of the King's Bluckr, as Guards. We fet forward about eight a-dodc, ia F 5 thisv red 7^^ A D VENTITR ES of this Order, i. Twelve of the Af(?j^ Guards-. 2. Se- veral ot the Nobility, two by two. 3. The AmbafTa* dor, v-ith Barr.tt ad Jo Rijy on his Right Hand, pre- ceded by two Trumpets and Kettle-Drumy, (the Port of Honour is on the Left among Moors, becaufe yon have the Command of their Sword.) 4. Twenty-four Gen- tlemen of the AmbafHidor's Train, two by two. 5. Twelve French Slaves that carry'd the Prefents. 6. Twelve more of thr Guards: And the Order was cIosM by a Moorijh Mob, that abus'd us with their Tongues all they could ; nay fome of them attempted to throw Stcmes, but were bailinado'd, by the Guard?. We were all on Foot, though the King's Palace was a Mile from the Place where we fet out. I was mightily coneern'd at the Fatigue my dear Wife underwent, for it was violent hot ; tho' we had the belt on't, ibr going next the Ambaflador (who or- dered we (hould do fo) we had fome Shelter from the Umbrella that was carried over his Head. We enter'd the Palace through the Marble Gate, (fo caird from two Marble Pillars that adorn it) and from thence, immur'd with white Walls and black Guards on each Side, we arriv'd at a (lately Pavilion ; where a Halt was commanded 'till the King was ac- quainted with our Arrival. We waited fome Time, but at lall iaw him coming, mounted on a white Horfe, through or;e of the Avenues that led to the Pavilion. Hib Guards (who had iin'd that Paffagc on each Side) bow'd down to the Ground as he pafs'd along. He Jliade but a very indiHlrent Appearance. Affoon as he came to the Portico, he gave a Launce that he bore to one of his Guard, got from his Horfc, and fquatted down upon the Floor without any thing under him. He had nothing in his Drefs to be '.iiilinguilh'd from the rell cf his Subje(5ls, but was muffled up to the Eyes with a Chocolate colour Handkerchief, that did not feem over Captairk Robert Boyle. 107 over clean. His Legs and Arms were bare : As to his Agt, he feemM to be abouc Fifry; of a very tawny Complexion, and very lean; his Hair black, inclining to grey; of a middle Stature, with hollow Cheeks, and Eyes black, a fmall hookVi Nofc, and thick Lips. Some of his Courtiers fat down on each Side of him, bare-legg'd and bare-headed ; and behind him ftood a Black with a great Fan in his Hand, not only to cool him, but to keep off the Muskito's, a fmall Fly, very troublefomc in moll Parts of Africa, • Mahumat ben Addo Otar, his chief Minifler and Favourite, was the only Perfon that dood. Afibon as the l^mperor had fquatted down on the Floor, he repeated thefe Words in Arabic three times, Tay buon, which is as much as to fay, You are welcome \ a common E^q-'refikn when they are addrefs'd to by a Foreigner. Then our Ambaflador made a long Speech in French, prepar'c for thatPurpofe; which was only a. Pane^yrick upon both Kings, fulfome enough; but the French deal much in wordy Compliments. The In- terpreter, when the Ambafiador had done, read the fame in Arahic to the Emperor. The Speech was very long in French and Arabic, but the Emperor heard it aut patiently, which was rcckon'd a good Gmen; he alfo excus"d himfelf that he did not admit him fooner to his Audience, it being the Hamadauy ox E after. Wiien the Compliments were over, the Ambaffador prefcnted all his Retinue to the Emperor, but I oblerv'd he took a particular Notice of my Wife, and ey'd her feveral. times, v/hich gave me a great deal of Uneafmefs ; for it is as dangerous to be a handfome Man as a hand- fome Woman in Morocco, if the Brute of an Emperor . fhould have a Fancy for 'em. I lono'd to have an erui of our Audience. After wc were prefented, the AmbaAador order'd hia Prereii,; to be open'd and fpread b'jfore the Emperor; vviiicli.. io8 Tlse Adventures of which confilUd of fine Arms made at /'ar/j, feveral En^ iijh Watches and Cloth, two Perftan Carpets, and two Pieces of Gold and Silver Brocade. The F^mperor, in return, gave the Ambaflador four young Slaves, three of 'em French^ (tho' he took 'em all for the fame Na- tion) but the other was an Englijhman, and the fame Perfon I mentioned in the Beginning of this Relation, who went in the fame Boat on Board of the Succefs. I was very much confounded at feeing him, well knowing he was on Board when I fell out of the Ship. I long'd i for an Opportunity to confer with him, tho' I could i not perceive by his Looks that he knew me; but that might be from my Change of Habit, and the Sun's tarnifiiing my Complexion. Tlie Emperor rofe, (when he had given the Slaves) mounted, and rode off; and we went home in the fame Order as we came there; only the chief Minifter, Ma- humet hen Addo Otar, accompany'd the Ambaflador as far as the Jilarble Gate. I informed my dear Wife, when we came to our Lodging, the Anxiety I was in when the Emperor ey'd her: She told me fhe had made i.\iQ fame Obfcrvation with much Uneafineis; for, fa:d fhe, I had not thePrcfencc of Mind, upon the Inllanr, to imagine my felf a Man. However, we both wifh'd our fclves on Board, and the Embafly well over, and then we might make ourlelves merry with our Fears. The next Day our Fears were much encreab'd; for hearing a Noife in the Street, we went to look out to know the Reafon, and difcover'd Hamety our Irijh Re- negade, with feveral Prifoners manacled. We foon re- tired again, but learnt by other People, that they were going to the Emperor, that he might make his Choice. The Sight of him rcnevv'd our Fears, as 1 faid, and we refolvd immediately to get Leave to go on Boards for fcaj of fome uniucky Turn of Fortune. I upon Captain Robert Boyle, io^ I upon the Inftant went to wait on the ArnbafTador, and declared to him what I had feen, begging Leave at the fame time we might be fuffer'd to go on Board. He told me he would comply with my Requeil for Mr. Villars and the Italia?:, but begg'd it as a Fa- vour that I would ftay with him, for he fliould have great need of my Affiftance; and if any thing fhould fall out, he would engage for my Liberty. Though the Requefl: cut me to the Heart, yet it was neither Prudence nor good Manners to refufe him. I gave him my Promife to obey his Commands, but begg'd he would not infiil upon my going abroad but as feldom as pofTible. I went to my Wife, (my Readers, per- haps, may fmile at my calling her Wife, but I will afilire 'em we thought our ielvcs as much marry'd, as if the Parfon had executed his holy Fundion ; neverthc- lefs we did not intend to negleft that Ceremony the very iiril Oppcrcunity) and told her the AmbafTador's Requeil, and my Promife. She agreed with me in the Reafonablenefs of it, but yet could not forbear flied- ding Floods of Tears at our (we hoped) (hort Separa- tion. '1 he next Day was defign'd for their Journey f but the enfuing Night was fpent with Sighs, Tear?, and a Lownefs of Spirit that look'd ominous. Yet we parted ; and for fevcral Hours I could not bring my Mind to any peaceable Form to wait on the Ambaf- fador : But he fent for me at laft, and told me the Reafon of his deliring me to continue with him was this : The King his Mafter had commanded him to make fome Obfervation of the Cuftoms and Manners of this '?2ir\. of Africa -y and, added he, I have obferved in you a Capacity fit to afTift: me in the Defign. I told him he might command me in any thing that lay in my Power, and that I took it for an Honour he would think me worth his Employment. Wc 1 1 o ne Adventures of We had Notice the next Day from the Perfonthat at- tended my Wife with the Camels, thai he faw them fiife on board, which gave me ibme Comfort. I begg'd he AmbalTador to give me Leave to fpeak a Word or two wuh one of the Slaves that the Emperor gave hira. He ordered him to come before him, where I defir'd he would tell me how he came into the Hands of the hloors. He was prodigioafly furpriz'd to fee me there, and could hardly believe his Eyes; for it was thought by every Body that I had either been kill'd or drown'd ; as indeed it was very improbable to think otherwife. He inform'd us, that three Days after the SucceJ's part- ed with the SpaniJJb Alan of War, another Algerine Ro- ver met with them, and took them after an obilinate Fight ; the Captain and fevcral others l^eing (lain in the Eatde. It was his good Fortune to be bought for the Emperor's LTe; I call it good Fortune, faid he, becaufe 1 Wis prefented to the French Ambaftkdor, and am now in Slopes of my Freedom. 1 told the AmbaiTador in Trench what he faid ; and he was pleas'd to fay, that to oblige me he would lake him into his Protedion. I remember'd Mahw met ben Jddo Otar was Ambaffador in England i He came to vifjt the Ainbafl'ador often, and underllanding Engl'Jh, I gathered fcveral good Hints for his DeGgn ; for he was courteous enough, iho' an Enemy in his Heart to the EngliJJ}. 1 think it will not be much amifs here to give the Reader a fucciiid /Vccount of the Culloms and Man- ners of the Moors of Fex and Morocco i and we will firll begin from rlieirlail kcvulution. Mulcy Ifmael, the prcfcnt Emperor of Morocco, pre- tends to derive his Birth from Muhontet himlelf. He was Son to MuUj Xerif, King o^ Tupbilct, but was fucceeded by Muley Archyd^ who dyd Widi a Debauch he made among liis Courtiers His Captain Robert Boyle, m His unexpefted Death in 1672 gave room for many of his Family to raife Rebellion in their feverai Pro- vinces: But Mulcy limatl being the greateil Favourite of the People, and of an cnterprifing Temper, pro- daim'd himfelf King of TaphlUty and feiz'd his Bro- ther's Treafures, which are the Siaiews of War. His Nephew, MuJey Hatnet, gave him the moil Trouble; for he had gaind a Party, and declared himfelf King cf Sus and Morocco, had feveraJ Battles, but at lall was overcome as weJi as the reft, and Ijtnael was fettled the peaceful King of 7^2/1^//^^ Morocco^ and Tex.. I have given a Defcription of his Penon already. His Empire fpreads from North to South four hundred Leagues j from Eait to Welt upwards of a hundred and iifiy. There arc three flrong Places pofTefs'd by the Euro' peans on the Coaft of -^r;V. Firit, Magmxan on the Ocean, by the Portuguefe ; and on the Mtditerranean^ Meliffa, and Ceuta by the Spaniards. They had two more Ilrong Holds, Larache and Mammora i but the prefent Emperor drove them out fhamefully. AndT^;?- gier once belonged to the Evglijhy who abandoned it a few Years ago, firft demolifhing the Fortifications. The Emperor has but nine ^ea- Ports in his whole Do- minions, viz. Sanda Cru%ySafyy Sallee, Mammora, La- rache, Jrzilla, and Tangier, on the y^/J/c Ocean ; Zaf- farina, and Tetuan^ on the Mediterranean ; tho' Tetuan is two Leagues within Land. To begin in Order as they are nam'd ; San Si a Cruz, (or the Ho/y Cro/sJ is tlie firfl Port to the Southward. The Town is about a Mile in Length, and a Quarter broad. The chief Merchancs arc yeivs, who trade with England and HoIUnd. Their Vent is Hides, Dates, Copper, and Bees-wax. Sajy or Sophia, appears next, a Town fituate on a Hill I but drives a larger Trade than Sanaa Cruz. Sallee, fituated 35 Leagues S. W. oi Cape SparteL Ix is divided into two Towns, the ©Id and the new ; it Ill The Adventures of is called by the Natives Jrbat. There's a very good Harbour, and a ilrong CalUe well itorM with Guns, if the Moors knew how to make ufe of them. The Town is large, and well inhabited, but the Walls are all de- molilh d. 1 obferv'd the Ruins of a Church, the Steeple yet Handing, a noble fine Gothic Building. The chief Trade of this Town confifts in the Prizes that arc brought in by their Gallies. About feven Leagues more to the North (lands Mam- moroy once pofl'eiTed by the Spaniards. It fiands in a Bottom furrounded with Mountains, which renders the Air very unwholfome, by reafon of the exceflive Heat ; but the Bay is fine, large, and fecure from all Winds. This Town is generally the high Road to Meguinez, the prefent Capital of Morocco. The next Port Northward is Larache, a Town of a pleafant Situation, and llrongly fortify'd; but to the eternal Infamy of the Spaniards delivered up to Ifmael after a Siege of five Moons ; two thoufand Soldiers and a hundred Officers taken Prifoners : a fufficient Force to have defended it againft the whole Powers of Muley Jfmaely for they neither wanted Provifions nor Ammu- nition. But we fhall leave them and their Covvardife, and go on to Arx^iilah, or A'::^Math about twelve Leagues more North. A Place only fam'd for Tobacc®, which they feldom trade abroad for, having fufficient Vent for it among the Natives oi' Morocco; and as we have but lit- tle Bufmcfs with it, we'll come to Tangier as fall as we can, a fine, large, well-fortified City, when in the Hands of the EngUJh ; but fmce they have left it. and raz'd the Fortifications, the Moors have aot thought fit to repair it. The next, Zaff'arina, is a Place of very little Note, and therefore we fliall make no Obfcrvation concerning n. The Captain Robert Boyle. 113 The laft is Tetuan, a Town fix Miles within Land, without any Fortification. The Inhabitants came origi- nally from the Province of Andalufia in Spain, as in- deed did moft of the Moors on the Sea-Coafts q^ Africa. They are white Men, pretty well civilized, very kind to Strangers and Chriflians, and pay but little Regard to the Emperor of Morocco. As to the Nature of the Inhabitants, they arc mod of a tawny Complexion, of a lazy, idle Difpofuion, and curs'd with all the Vices of Mankind ; millruilful to the laft Degree, falfe, jealous, and the very Pidlure of Ignorance. They ftyle themfelves Mujfulmeny or true Believers, yet their Word is not to be rely'd upon on any Occafion. The Moors are generally but indifferent Soldiers, and but feldom brave. They are often fam'd in the Spanijh Hiftories for Men of Gallantry, but I could never find them inclin'd that way. They ma- nage a Horfe, it mull be confefs'd, with a great deal of Dexterity. They abominate the Chriftians, for the very Word fignifies in their Language, Dogi and are continually feeking Means to deftroy them. Mahomet has taught 'em in his J/co ran, that all of his Faith who die fighting againft the Chriflians, immediately enter into Paradife in Triumph ; nay, even their Horfes, if they die in Battle, are immediately tranflated into Hea- ven ; for they hope to have the Pieafure of Riding there, as well as on Earth. Though Polygamy is allow'd, yet they muft marry- but four Wives, and muft fettle a Dowry upon them ; and if they ever put them away, they mult return their Dowry along with 'em: But they may keep as many Concubines as they think fit; the' they have this Pri- vilege, when they can pleaie 'em no longer, they fell 'cm to the beft Bidder ; fo that the Women of Morocco, in my Opinion, have but a fad Time on't : yet the Hus- band is oblig'd to keep all their Children. They eftcem Idiot« 1 1 4 ^oe A D V E N T U R E s yi the Saddle and other Accoutrements wrought with Gold and precious Stones in fevcral Places. He was this Day in his Yellow, or Fatal Veil, and fprinkled in m^ny Places \v\t.\\ the Blood ofthofe he had ilain ; and I thought his Countenance had fomcthing more of Horror in't, than at our firft Audience. He had a Spear in hi.s Hand, fet round with Pearls on the Top, and a Cap with Oftrirhcs Feathers waving in the G Wind, 122 The Adventitres of Wind. All his Attendants had fled his Prefence, at the Notice of his having on his yellow Veft ; and he had only about a dozen of his Guards waiting upon him trembling, but the Alcaydes and other great Men crept about us during our Audience. The Emperor begun with his old Compliment of Toure nvelcome, but his Looks and his Words 1 thought did but ill agree. The AmbafTador us'd many Argu- ments with him to bring his Embaffy to a happy I flue, but to no Purpofe. The AmbafTador told me, the King was a Perfon that had not the lead Regard to his Word, and even difown'd a Letter he had written to his Mafter the King of Fra7ice. Therefore, faid he, we'll take our leave of this Country of Monlters in two Days: for the King had fign'd his Depature, with all iiis Retinue. I was very well pleas'd with this his Refolution ; for now I Ihould once more fee that Treafure of my SouN whofe Abfcnce had robb'd me of all Joy. I even thought thcfe two Days the longeft of my Life ; but at laft they were paft, and we fet out very merrily ; at leaft I did, and all the reft of the Retinue. Tho' I muft own I could not anfwer for the Ambaflador, for I believe the ill Succefs of his Embafly had a little chagrined him. I did my utmoft Endeavour to divert his Melancholy upon the Road, which he took very kindly. We lay in Tents the flrlt Night, wkich the Ambaflador had taken care to provide us, and Provifion likewife; for there is never an Inn between Meqiiinex and Mammora. We rofe the next Day very early, that we might avoid the Heat of the Sun. When we came within a League of the Town, we faw coming towards us our Italian, and by the Melancholy in his Looks, I began to tremble with Apprehenfion of fome Accident. Aflbon as he approached us, after paying his Obedience to the Ambaflador, he addrcfs'd himfelf to me. Said he, in French, Captain Robert Boyle, ii; I vvifh fome one elfe would have taken my Commif- fion upon 'em, for what I have to tell you will cut you to the Heart. The various Troubles in my Bread lock'd up my Tongue, fo that I had not Power to ask him any Quertions. In fhort, faid he, your Miftrefs is forc'd away from us, through the Treachery of Mujiapha. At hearing this fatal News, I drop'd fenfelefs from my Camel, nor came to my felf till we arriv'd at Mammora, I was a thoufand times going to dellroy my felf 5 and I believe I had done it in the height of my Defpair, if I had not been withheld. In (hort, the Ambafiador was no longer ignorant of my cruel Lofs : For in my Ra- vings, I had cali'd her my dear Wife. He feem'd amaz'd at the Difcovery, and reproach'd me in a hand- fome Manner, for not trufting him with the Secret. 1 was not in a Condition to beg his Pardon, neither was there any one could give me Comfort. I was carry'd en Board, where I enquired in what manner ilie was taken away. The Captain inform'd us, that Mujiapha had mads his Efcape out of the Cabin Window, by fwimming. I did not tell any one of it, faid the Captain, becaufe I thought it would be to no Purpofe j for I imagin'd there could be no other ill Confequence to attend his Efcape^ but meerly the Lofs of him. He had been gone three Days, when on the fourth there came on Board us the Governor oi Mammoray the Fugitive Mu/lapl;a, and one hundred Soldiers, who immediately feiz'd on the young Gentleman, who they faid was a Woman, and Wife to a Renegado of Bailee. It was in vain to oppofe 'em, cfpecially when I found by her Breaftsj that fhe was really a Woman. They took her on Shore, notwith- Handing all her Cries, Shrieks and Lamentations, which pierc'd our very Hearts. They put her on Board a Saick^ and fet Sail immediately, fleering South, as we fuppofe for the Port of Bailee. This Gentleman, (meaning the G 2 Italian) I i4 "The Adventures of Italian) took it upon him to acquaint you vvltli the un-" happy Accident ; but, added he, I believe it is not pol" ilble to regain her. The Ambaffador was fo good, as t» offer his Ailillance, in what lay in his Power. I begg'd he would be pleas'd to lend me a Boat, with ibme H:inds to work her. He very wiHingly granted my Requeft ; and told me, he would lend mc the Ship, but he fear'd it might occafion a more publick Qtiarrel. He lent me ten Hands, four Patareros, and mfRcient fmall Arms, with every thing that was neceiTiry. My kind Italian would accompany me, and the reft of the CorHpany went Voluntary. We fpent but little time in fitting out; and the Wind proving favourable, we fet Sail, and made very good Way. The Saick had not purfuM her Voyage above five Hours before us, fo that vve had hopes of getting up with 'em. I cncourag'd my Companions, who laboured inceflimtly. We fail'd ;ind row'd all Night, and when the Morning dawn'd, we gain'd Sight of a VefTcl, which we did not doubt was that we fought for. We labour'd hard to come up with her, and gain'd upon her every Moment. Before eight a-clock we came a long fide of h&\\ and I foon difcovcr'd Mujlapha giving Orders about the Engage- ment. .1 diewout a pair of PiOols, and fliot him dead. I'he reft nf d upon us, but norwichftanding all their Op- pofition, J jurap'd iiuo their \>ftel, follovv'd by the7/«^- lian and live more of the Men : And tho' they were fuperioi- in Number, yet we locn made 'em as-k for Quarter. I upon the inftant enqaifd for her that was aSwuys in my Thougiitsi but, to my grtat Griet^ was informed by titiEnglijh Slave at: the Oar, that (he was taken on Board cf a Galley by Captain Hau-iet, our /;77/Hlcnegado; and they aiiUred iiic, it wV[it. Alloy, or it would not be polTible for me to bear it. ■ Antonio upon this relate^! my unhappy Story, and they all lamented my hard Fortune. He afterwards enquJr'd of his dear Ifahella concerning her own Suf- ferings. Which Ihe readily began. Said ilie, that Day you left me, the Troubles of my Tvlind wrought fo much upon my Eody, that the Phy- ficians declared I was in a vio'ent Fever, and advis'd my Father to fend me into the Country, which he ac- cordingly did the next Day. The Thoughts of being f ) far from my dear Antonio encreas'd my Malady, and my Father had little Hopes of my Life. My Fever, after having brought me to the brink of the Grave, left me: And my Father imagining it was the ap- proaching Marriage had wrought this fudden Iline;s, told me one Day, that if it was that which lay {o heavy upon my Spirits, he ^ould remove it, by giving me Cafftain Robert Boyle, iji me the Power of refufing to be the Wife of Hernando jiharez. I thank'd him, and told him he had taken the only way to rellore my Health ; and that if I was forc'd to wed him, I fhould be for ever miferable. He was the tendereft of Fathers, and informed me he would jQever force my Inclinations. The Kindnefs my Father fliew'd me work'd fo much upon me, that I began to recover. Your Brother us'd oftem'to vlfit me in my Illnef?, which retarded my Healy My Father feeing it.'would never be in my Povve|(lo like him, very frankly told him fo, and begg'd that he would difcontinue his Vi- fits j for he was refolv'd his Daughter Ihould never give her Hand, where it was not in her Power to give her Heart. They parted with many Words between them, but my Father perfilled in his Refolution. I began to difcover that I was with Child, and a new Sort of an Illnefs feizM me. I knew this was an Ac- cident that could not long be conceal'd, therefore I re- folv'd to let you know my Condition ; and I gain'd my W^oman, by fcveral Promifes of a Reward, to deliver a Letter to you: But Ihe betray'd me to your Brother, which I fufpeded from her not appearing. I there- fore declared the Truth to my indulgent Father. He was very much enrag'd at the Difcovery ; but paternal Love prevailing over his Paffion, he forgave me, ^nd promis'd to make me happy with my dear Antonio. Thefe Promifes made my Sicknefs vanilli, and I had no other Difeafe but what attends breeding Women. My Father went to Rome to enquire for Don Antonio^ but could not get the leaft Information of him. This gave me a new Shock. But what bitter Agonies did I feel, when I received a Letter from your Brother, with a Copy of that I had written to you cnclos'di which was as follows. Ungrateful IJ2 7'he Adventures of T T ^gf^tff^^ Woman ! Tet I fwill no mere ziphraid ^^ thee, hut let thy Crhne he thy Funtjhment. Be that hetrnyd tne I nvill not call by the Name of Bro' then Hi has paid for his Ingratitude nvith his Life- I only giare thee this Notice, that thou 7nayjl feel Jams ff thofe Pangs thou hajl fhraji into the Breaji of Hernando Alvares; T'hc Reading of this Lerter funk me down, and I caird for Death, as my lait ard only Hope. I refolv'd ro refufe ail Food, and had Harv'd my felf to Death, if a good Prieii had not convinced me by his Argu- ments my Soul was in Danger, and I fnoLild be guilty of a doable l^lurder, my felf, and Infant. I lingred on in a reftlefs State of Unhappinefs, tiil the Time of my Delivery came, which I pray'd to Heaven to end with my Life : But it pleas'd the Almighty Power to (pare me to be happy. The Sight of my precious Infant call'd to Mind the Lofs of hio Father; but I refolv'd to banifh all Thoughts of Death, that I might take Care of his tender Years. But I begg'd my Father to give me leave to go into a Nunnery. With much Importunity he granted my Re- caeft, on this Condition, that if I continued in that Mind at the End of two Years,-*! m.ight do as I thought fit. Tho' I thought the Time an Age, yet I unwilling- ly confented. My Father us'd Means with the Pops, to have your Brother caird to an Account for your Death; and it had <.^one hard with him, if we could have procur'd any WitnefTes; but for Want of that he was acquiited. In a little time a heavy and deep Melancholy feiz'd him ; and he profefs'd fo fmcere a Repentance, that even I almoll forgave him. He begg'd he might fee the Captain Robert Boyle, ijj tlie Child; which my Father made me comply with. He fhed fuch abundance of Tears over it, that my Fa- ther wept for Company ; and fpoke fo tenderly of the Lofs of his Brother, that wip'd off all Sufpicions of his Repentance. Since thou hall loft a Father, faid he, through my Barbarity, it is but juft that I fhould prove a Father to thee. He frequently came to fee him, though I could never be pvevail'd upon to accept of a Vifu. At laft his Grief fciz'd him fo violently, that he was given over by hi» Phyficians. When he was upon his Death-Bed, he made his Will, and bequeathed my little Antonio his whole Ellate ; leaving the Pope his Guar- dian. He dy'd full of Repentance for his Crime, and no doubt his Soul tock her Flight to Heaven. The generous Antonio could not refufe fome Tears to the Memory of iiis repentant Brother \ but Joy fuc- ceeded Sorrow. The Fope was acquainted with the Story, who fent to congratulate their happy Meeting. Nothing but Mirth nnd Pleafure ran through the Villas which increased my Sorrow. Don Antonio told me one Day, that he did not think he had a Right to rejoice without me; and now, faid he, I have nothing to affliffl me but what you feel, therefore will bend my Thoughts if it be pofiible to relieve your Grief. I can procure a Fryar of my Ac- quaintance to go to Sallee^ one that knows the Nature of the Bufmefs we fliall fend him about, being he has ofcen gone to redeem Captives : We'll fend for him, and you may give him what Inftrudiions you think fit. I thank'd him, and was very forry for the Trouble I fhould give him, but was refolv'd to accompany him my felf. He told me he would not have me go by any means, for I could be of no manner of \Jk in the Affair, but rather a Hindrance ; and if I fliould be once difcovcred, might fall into the fame State we both lately efcap'd from ; and perhaps meet with much worfe Ufage r j4 The Adventures of LTage than I had before. His Advice was (o reafon- able, that I refolv'd to take it, whatever Violence 1 did my felf. The Fiyar was fent for, had his Com- raifTion and Inilruiflions given him, and withal to fpare no Coft. Antonio told hira whatever he gave fliould not be thought imreafonable. He was to liave a thoufand Crowns for his Expences, and two thoufand more if he fucceeded. The Fryar undertook his Voyage with a great deal of Alacrity, and gave us great Hopes of his Succefs by his Willingnefs ; and he embark'd the next Day for Genoa, that Port being the propereil Place to get a Vef- fcl for Barhary. We wilh'd him a good Voyage, and recommended him to^Fortune. Don Antonio did all he could to divert my Melan- choly: Wc often went a hunting, Ihooting, fifliing, and vifiting the Ladies. In fhort, he made me partake in all the Diverfions Italy could afford. But though I fcem'd often to be diverted, yet I had always my Con- dition too much at Heart to be merry. We view'd all the Rarities and Antiquities of ancient and modern Rome. I mult confefs, thefe Amufements lull'd my Sor- rows often, but when I had Time for Refledion they luih'd upon me with the greater Force. I fhall not trouble my Reader in defcrlbing Places treated on by Pens far above my weak Capacity i but only give a fliort Defcription of Naples, whither Don Antonio would liave mc go. I was not much avcrfe to the Journey, though a pretty long one; and we fct out with a very handfome Equipage, Donna Ifabella, with her little Son, accompany 'd us; but Don Antonio Gri- tnaldi was oblig'd to attend the Pope, to fettle the Af- fairs of his Son in law's EUate. I was oblig'd to appear chearful, if it was but in Complaifance to Don Antonio. . We arriv'd at Naples in three Days, without meet- ing any thing extraordinary upon the Road. Certain- Captain KOBV.V.T Boyle, ijf fy, never any City ia the World can boaft a finer Situa- tion : Add to that, their Buildings are fumptuous, every private Houfe ieems a Palace, and every Palace looks like the Court of a King: The Streets fpacious; a mild Air and free from Tempeils; llrong, both by Art and Nature. In fhort, if I was obliged to live out of my native Country, (which every Man is fond of) Nap/es fliould be the only Place, It has a Wall kept in very good Repair, with three Caftles almoft impregnable. The chief is feated on Mount Era/mus, fo call'd from a Chapel dedicated to him : Bat if it is Erafmus Rotcrda- tnusy I can't imagine how the Roman CathoUcks came to have fuch a particular Regard for him, when it is very well known he was no great Friend to them; at leall he was a Scourge to their Abfurdities in his Writ- ings. This is not only a Safeguard to the City and adjacent Country, but might prove its Scourge. In 1587 it was blown up by Lightning, penetrating to the Powder- Room, which mightily damaged the whole City. The fecond is Cajlelk nuenjo^ or the new Caflle, built by Charles, King of Naples. This Caftle commands the Haven, and is generally the Viceroy's Dwelling. The third Hands on the South-eaft Corner of the City, built upon a little Rock, join'd to the Continent by Lucullus the Romany and is fometimes call'd by his Name, but oftner Gajlello del Ovo, or the Caftle of the Egg, from its Form. They have alfo a fine Arfenal for their Gallies, very well kept, and furnifli'd with great Store of Ammunition. But I think the Mole the mofl extra- ordinary Piece of Work, being it defends the Haven from the (lormy South ; lin'd of each Side and pav'd on the Top with noble fquare Stones, and in the middle a fine large Fountain of Marble ; the whole ExLent is five hundred Paces, and ten in Breadth. The Inhabi- tants often boaft of the Antiquity of their City, founded twenty f}5 The Adventures of twenty Years after Troy\ Dc^rudion, and call'd by the ancient Poets Parihenope, which Virgil does fufficiently tefti fy in his Georgics : lllo Virgilium me 'Tempore dulcis ahhat Parthenope, Jludiis Jiorentem ignolilis otz. This City has fufTer'd many Revolutions, but nons more extraordinary than that in 1640, when a poor Fifnerman, without Shoes to his Feet, in five JDays time connmanded the whole Power of 7V"^/>A,f, and might have liv"d in that Grandeur, if his Mind had chang'd with his exalted State; but he was flill a Fifherman. His fliort-liv'd Fire blazM too fierce to laft, and he fell a Vidim to the Rage he himfelf began. Their Churches are noble Structures, and beauti- fy'd with Paintings by the befl Flands. Their Women are moft of 'em beautiful, but my Heart had no Room to think of them. The City is governed by very wholfome Laws, but one particular Article adds much to the Quiet of it; none are fufFer'd to wear Swords but thofe of the Gar- rifous; fo if there's any Rencounter in the Streets, a Bout at P'ifty-CuiTs generally ends the Difpute: Tho' Bravo's are to be hir d to do a Murder here as cheap as at 'Rome^ and Men of Honoar too; for we heard of a Quarrel between two Neapolitan Gentlemen, where one^ according to Cullom, hir'd a Bravo to murder the other, and gave him his Rev/ard beforehand, But it fo fell out, that fome Friends to both Parties reconcil'd the two Gentlemen. The Perfon that had bargain'd with the Bravo for the Job, fent to him, and told him of their Reconcilement, but that he might keep the Money. The other told him it was not in his Power to return it him, but he was above receiving Money without do- ing his Work, and therefore the Gentleman muli of ne- Captain Robert Boyle. 137 neceffityfuffer Death. He intrcated him, and us'd ma- ny Arguments, but all to no purpofe. When he found nothing would prevail, he told him he would immedi- ately acquaint the Gentleman with his Defign, which he did accordingly . Notwithftanding, the Bravo the feme Evening fouwl his Opportunity, and left the other Gen- tleman for dead upon the Mole ; tho' he recover'd after a lingring Ulnefs. But the Bravo had the Impudence to go to the other (when he found the Gentleman was in a fair way of Recovery) and told him he begg'd his Pardon that he had not been as good as his Word, but he would take Care and mend his Hand very quickly. In fhoit, he was found fo refolute in the Matter, that the Gentleman was oblig'd to hire another of the fame Trade to give him a Call of his Office, and difpatch the Bravo before he could execute what was defign' d ; and the next Day he was found dead at the very Door of the Gentleman's Houfe he had intended to aliaflinate; waiting, as it was fuppos'd, for an Opportunity to d« his Bufmefs. After we had view'd every thing within the City, we went to fee the much-fam'd Vefunjius^ or the burn- ing Mountain, a League and a half Eaft of the City. The 'Neapolitans call it the Bed-chamber of the Sun, becaufe it appears to them firft from the Top of that Mountain. Round the Bottom of it is the richeft Spot of Ground in the Univerfe, V\\ not except even the Mines oiPotoJii for the yearly Vintage produces twelve hundred thoufand Ducats. The Middle of the Hill is very pleafantly (haded with Chefnut, and feveral other Fruit- Trees. The Mountain has a double Top ; that to the North terminates in a Plain finely cultivated : The other towards the South, which is the Volcano^ rifes much higher. When we had gain'd the Summit, we defcended gradually into its Bowel?, by large Stepa cut on pup. pofe, ij8 T'he Adventures^?/ pofe. It has, in Times paft, done much Damage to the Country round it, by its fudden Eruptions; but now it forebodes nothing but Rain, when the Top is envelop'd with Clouds. When we had fufficiently fatisfy'd our Curiofitles at Naples, we took a Tour to Putzol, or Pofuoloy through a hollow Rock, a Mile in Length, and no other Light but what came in at both Ends, and one in the Middle from the Top of the Rock. This fubterraneous Paf- fage is paved with Stone all through, and the narroweft Part of it is ten Yards over. About the Middle is a fmall Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We vi- fited all the Rarities of the Place, particularly Virgirs Tomb, which is almoft cover'd with l\y. They told me of a Laurel Tree that fprouted naturally out of it, but (not to take from that incomparable Man whofe Works are ever-living Laurels) I could not fee any fuch thing. W^e alfo view'd the Lake Jgnano, fo call'd from the Multitude of Serpents or Snakes that fall into it from the pendent Mountains. The Water is of two different Qualities j that tailed upon the Surface is fweet or frefii, but that taken deeper is of a brackilh Tafte, fuppos'd from feme Minerals that inviron it. On the South Side of the Lake Hands a natural Stove, which is caird St. Germans Stome ; but we had not Cu- riofity enojgh to enter it, nor Faith enough to believe a ridiculous Fable that is told concerning it, (tho' it is reported a Saint declar'd it for a Truth) which I fhall put down here, and leave my Reader to judge of it him- iclf. St. German was advifed to repair to this Stove, to cure him of a dangerous Malady : When he came there, he found the Soul of a very pious Man that he knew, tormented with the Heat of the Place. St. Ger- man, as underftanding the Language of Souls, ask'd him, how fo good a Man as he was in his Life-time, came to be condemned to fuch a fevere Punifhment. The Captain Robert Boyle, ijp The Soul very civilly anfwer'd him, that it was for Tiding with Laurentius, who opposed Symmachus in the Popedom j but he was convinc d that his Prayers would fetch him out of that Hot-houfe. St. German pray'd heartily, you may be fure, and got the Soul of the Man from out thence; but where it went after, no one could tell. But the Place was call'd ever after St. Germans Stonje. To the Eaft of the bordering Mountain is a Place they call the Cave of Death ; for whatever thing of Life ventures to the farther End, they fay immediately drops down dead : Tho' a Perfon that livM in a Neighbour- ing Village ventur'd in often for a Reward. When he came cut again he was all of a Sweat, and hardly able to P.and for five or fix Minutes. When he had re- cover'd himfelf, he took a Dog out of a Bag he had brought out with him, and by the Means of a wooden Inllrument made for that Purpofc, thruft him in to the very End, and drew him out dead to all Appearance. When he had remained fome Time for us to view him, he took him up by the fore Legs, and threw him into the Lake Jgnano, where he recovered immediately, fwam out, and ran away from us. Don JIntonio told me, it was a hard matter to get a Dog there ; for as foon as ever they faw a Stranger, they would run away into the Woods, and fncak home again- when they were gone ; which was the Reafo n the Perfon that went in, always fecures one for the Occafion. A Mile farther we went to the Court of Vulcan ; a Place unpleafant enough, continually fmoking, and fuch hot Vapours arife from the Pores of the Earth that it almoU overcame me. In fome Places Water bubbles out of the Cavities ; and if we threw a Stone into it, it rebounded back as if you had ftruck it againft a Pavement. But the Place is reckoned to cure a great many Diftempers; efpccially to make Women preg- nant^ i'4o 1fhe Adventures of nam, atid to cure Difeafes of the head and Eyes. Donna Ifahella was carryM over it in a Sedan j but I believe fue did not want it upon tJie fcore of Barrennefs, as you Jl»ay underlland in her Story. ^^ fpent fix Weeks in this not unpleafmg En- tertainment, and Don Antonio being pretty well fa- tiated as well as my felf, we went back again to Rome. And now my Melancholy gain'd fuch Ground up* on me, that it was not in the Power of Difhrnulation to '\i\di^ it. Don Ajitonio and all the Family expreis'd a great deal of Trouble for my Sorrow; and I am well affur'd there was not any thing in their Power they would have refus'd, to have given me Quiet : but the Mind'a Bifeafe baffles the Phyfician's Art. At laft a Letter ar- rjv'd from the Friar, which gave us no other Account, but that he was fafe return'd to Genoa, and intended to embark for Rome in a few Days. This lame Account quite dilhearten'd me, for now we had not the leaft Hope, being we all agreed if he had fuccecded he would have been forward enough to have acquainted us with It. 7"he Knowledge of this call me quite down, and my Body was forc'd to fubmit to the Troubles of my Mind. A llrong Fever feiz'd me, and brought me to the Brink of the Grave: And tho' I wifh d for Death, yet, like common Friends, he fled from me in my Necelfity. ^Do7i Antonio and hi^ Lady feldom v*^ent from my' Bediide, 2nd had I been a Brother to 'em they could not hare regarded me more. But Nature, in fpite of my Misfortunes, prevail'd, and I gathered Strength even againfl my Will. They had informed me in niy Illnefs ^y my Lnportunity) of the Friar's Arrival, and that he had not fucceeded in his Negotiation: But yet they had not told me all the Particulars. 1 defir'd the Friar might be fent for, and conceal nothing from me of what had pafs'd. Accordingly he came, and gave me she Captain R o & e r t Boyle. 14^ the follovving Relation. Sir, faid he in Trench, a^ iuon at I arrived at Sallee, I met with Hamet the hyh K'e- negado. He receiv'd me at firll after a broiifh xaajiaes, but when i declarM I came to pay him hi* Demand ior one of his Slaves who made his Efcape, he begaii iq be ittie. four in his Treatment. He Taid. a gieat many handlo.m things concerning Don Antonio ;. but whea I began- U) aicntion you, he fell into a violent Ra^e, and vented bitter Reproaches againil you ; faying \uu were a vile Lm(>ortor, had bafely deceiv-'d and robb'd him dt)ubly, of; M^b Miflrefs and his Money. I told him, 1 came to ranfom the Lady, and pay for whatever Da»- mages you had done. As for the Lady, faid he, (he's Food for Fifties long ago ; for rather than ihe would fubmit to me, flie threw her {tM overboard, (before w€ had gain'd the Port, when I had taken her out of a Saick one of my Slaves had brought her in from Mawmova) and, in fpite of our Endeavours to the contrary, funk for ever to the Bottom. And is fhe gone! faid I : O Proof of virtuous Lcve ! Happy had I been to have embraced the fame Fate ! The Relation of this killing Difafter took away my Senfes ior fome time; but when 1 had recovered, he went on. 1 had fome Hope at firft that this was only ai Fidion of his own; bu: I found in the Town that it was no Secret, and every body declar'd that it was Truth. Av Jicn/j confirm'd me in't, whom you had bought fcveroi Things oi. ibr your Voyage. He told me, that Hamet arnv'd witJicut any^ Wonvan with him for hs fliw. him hftd in a very ill Humour, and had complairi'd of iiim fur alhiuhg ycu^ ro his Superior at Mtijuine^, and he receiv'd a- luificient Check from him. I was too well convinc'd of the Truth, and therefore haften'd my Departure, and am very forry I could not fuccccd ; but it was not in Fate, and I hope >cu will calmly fubmit to the Will, of Heaven, who lends thefe AfHiciiOCs for Trials. The 14^ ^J^e Adventures (?/ The good Friar gave me a great many wholfome Admonitions : But I was not in a State much to ob- ferve 'em. I now began to be carelefs of the World, becaufe there was nothing in't (hnce the Death of my dear Wife) worth my Notice. I had no Thoughts of returning to England, though I had Opportunities enough ; but took a Refolution of going to fome re- mote Part of the World; imagining, the farther I was from my native Country, 1 fliould be the further re- movM from my Anxiety. But alas I Sorrow is too conltant a Companion, and there's no parting with it, but by Death. I begg'd Don Antonio, if he heard of any Ship bound for a long Voyage, he would acquaint rae with it, which he promis'd me to do, (after finding Perfua- iion had no EfFed on me.) Two Months pafs'd away, and no News of a Ship ; when I began to be very uneafy, and told Anttnioy I would e'en make a Voy- age to Genoa, where J could not well fail of ^ VelTel. When he found nothing could flay me, he ask'd me to what Part of the World 1 would chufe to go.^ I told him I did not much care where. Why then, faid he, if you pleafe, my Father and I will fit you out a Ship of what Burden you think fit, cither for War or Trafhck. J thank'd him, and told him, 1 would have it for both, if he pieas'd, and I would be their SupraCargo, if they thought fit to give me fo great a Truft. In fhort, a Ship of two hundred nnd fifty Ton was bought of an Englijh Merchant at Naples ; a itout new Veflel, that mounted fix and twenty Brafs Guns, and we mann'd her with a hundred Hands, moll: Englijh j who underllanding I in- tended for the South-Sea, were glad of the Opportu- nity. Don Antonio took care to provide every thing neceflary for Traffick ; and I was made Captain, and Supra Cargo. I told him, 1 hoped I fhould in a few Years bring him a good Account of his Lading. He obligingly Captain Robert Boyle. 14 j obligingly anfwer'd me, that he hop'd I would come Home reconcil'd to my felf, and he fhould think himfelf very happy. The vvorft of it was, we had no Commif- fion, neither would I fufFer Antonio to procure me one: For we refolv'd, like EngliJ^:!men, to fight only with the Enemies of our Country. I chriilen'd my Ship the Jfabella^ out of Refpeft to Antonio\ Lady, ani hoifted Englijh Colours on Board. When the Day came I was to go on Board, there were Tears fhed on both Sides. I could not, without fome Regret, part with fo good a Friend as Antonio had provM to me; and I am very well convinc'd that they were as fmcere in their Sorrow. We fet Sail from OJiia, (where our Ship lay ever fince fhe came from Naples) the fecond oi March 1693, with Intention to fleer our neareft Courfe for America. Our Ship prov'd an excellent Sailor; and we made the iitreights Mouth in twelve Days from our firfl Depar* ture. When I beheld the Coaft of Africa^ it brought frelh to my Memory part Tranfadions; and I long'd for an Opportunity to be reveng'd on the Moors. The next Day our Men difcover'd two Sail bearing down the Wind upon us. We thought our felves too well provided to runaway; tho* we kept on our Courfe; and perceiv- ing but one of 'em that follow 'd us, I ask'd my Men if they were willing to fpeak with that VelTel, and they cry'd one and all, they would with all their Hearts. We prepared for an Engagement with all the Expedition imaginable, for fear fhe might prove oi Barbary. We hoirted our Englijh Colours, and they did the fame. When we found that, we lay by, that we might be in- form'd of the News in England. Cut afToon as ever they came a long Side of us, they pluck'd down their Eriglijh Colours, and hoifled thofe of Morocco in their Room ; calling to us to furrender that Inflant, or it fhould be ivorfe for us. We were a little furpriz d at firfl in being difappointed ; 144 ^'^-'^ Adventures of difappointed; but notwithllanding this, my Men defio^d I would begin the Fight. We had not open'd ourPoits yet, and I order'd my Men not to do it till I gave 'cm the Word. I fent a Man to bufy himfeif about the Hal- liards of our Ancient, that the Rover might imagine wc were going to ftrike. We were well provided witii i'mall Arms, and all manner of warlike Stores. I ordered every Alan to their Poiis, but not to appear till they heard s Whiille ; upon which they Ihould open their Port$» and fire both ereat Guns and fmall Arms. The Ro-ver tnought us long in Ariking our Colours; he therefore caird out to us again, and told us if we did not ftrike that Inftant, they would pour a Broad- fide into us. Juft up- on that, I blew my WhilUc ; my Men obey'd my Orders pundlually, they burft open cur Ports, thr,uft out their Guns, and gave 'em a Broad-fide, with a difcharge of their fmall Arms. This put 'em in much Confufion, as not expeding any Oppofition, and J am certain wc kili'd a great many of their Men; for imagining wc ihould be their Prize without fighting, they had crouded upon Deck all their Hands. I had tack'd about, and given her another Salute, be- fore they returji'd us the tavour. But they were not lotig backward, but pour'd in upon us very fall. My Men did jtheir Bufinefs very well, and the Fight con- tinu'J half an Hour with the urmoil Fury. I began to fancy we (hould have but dry Meat (as the Sailors fay), and looking upon their Quarcer-Dack, 1 foon ipy'd the Rttncgauo Hamct giving Diredions. At the Sight of him I was both furprizd, and pleas'd ; but my Soul was fill'd with an unufuai Fury. We were fo near, that I could hear every Word he faid, tho' I could notun- derftand him, bccaufe he fpoke in the M^pon//^ Tongue. As we were tacking about, and charging a§fiin, f fhew'd my felf lo him: 1 toM him he was 'the only Man in the -World that I ha-tcd ;, and that ytxy Da^ he Captain Robert Boyle. T4f he fhould be in my Power, or I in his, oi Death ftiould put an End to both our Lives. He feem'd fur- priz'd, but gave me a great deal of abulive Langt-ai^e. I encourag'd my Men, and delir'd *em to fight brave ly ; for if we fell into their Hands, we (hould Juve no Mercy. I had fir'd my Piece at Random before, that is, at the firft Perfon I faw ; but now 1 levellVj all at Hatnet, and he the fame at me. At laft I had the g:)'. d Fortune to fetch him down. At this Sight 1 could Lot forbear giving a Shout of Joy, which fo afFedted ihcfe that vvere near hie, and underilood the Bufinefs, that they fought like fo many Furies; and after an obllinate Fight of two Htiurs, they ilruck to us. We gave God Thanks for our Vidlory ; and I immed ately went on Board 'em, where we had made a terrible Slaughter, they having loft by their own Account ninety feven Men. I ask'd fomc of the Men, what Ship that was which flood aloof from the Engagement; and they informed me it was a Prize they had taken a few Days before, laden with Wine and ocher Commodities. I then thought of a Stratagem to get her into my Power. I ordered our Ship to ftrike her Colours, and then we hoifted thofe of the Moorsy and took our Ship in Tow. When the Prize faw us in that Pofture, fiie imagin'd the Moor had conquered, and made all the Sail (he could to come up vvith us ; fo that we foon came near enough to fend our Long-boat arm'd on Board her. There vvere but twelve Moors on Board, befides Pri- foners that were put under Hatches. 'W'a^w our Men had taken care of 'cm, I went to Vm, and o: der'd iiie Prifoners to be releaTd, defiring the Perfon that was ihe Mafter to come upon Deck. I'he Moers had not taken any of the Lading out of iier. She was a Ship of nine- -^ty Tons bound for Leverfool, laden, as I fai.l b.fore^ with Fort- Wines, and feveral Jars of Oyk 1 tola tiig H Mailer, 14^ iToe Adventures of Mafter, he was at Liberty to purfue his Voyage when he thought fit. The poor Man was fome time before he could believe what I faid to be real : But when he was convinced, he return'd me the Thanks fuitable to the Prefent I had made him. Yet he would make me a Prefent of a couple of Hogfheads of Wine, two Jars of Oyl, and two of Raifins ; befides fix of each to the Ship's Crew. I had loft feventeen of my Men in the Engagement, and eleven wounded ; which I fupply'd, by taking as many of the Slaves they had on board of Hamefs Ship, all by their own Choice ; and the reit that did not care f®r fo long a Voyage, I recommended to the Mafter of the Prize, who promised me to land 'em all in England. We pillag d the Corfair^ and found very good Booty. We had out of her to the Value of two thoufand Pounds in Goods, which I entered in the Ship's Books for the Ufe of the Company. We did not know well how to difpofe of her Crew; and tho' they defer v'd Death, yet in cool Blood I thought it was inhumane; and I con- fider'd they never had injur'd me. So I releas'd 'em by the Confent of the whole Company, with this Agree- ment ; that they fiiould make a Prefent from me to Mirza the Eunuch, of fifty Pound in their Moorijh Money, which he that had Command over the reft fwore by Mahomet to perform. When wc had taken every thing that was needful for our Voyage out of her, we let her go, and purfu'd our Courfe. We touched at the Canaries (or Fortunate Iflandj) to take in Frefh Water, and turn'd the Lading we had taken out of the Cor/air into Money: And I fhar'd it among the Sailors, referving a fourdi Part for my ieli and Owners, as I call'd 'em. I gave the Men by Lotts leave to go a-iliorc, where they foon difpos'd of their Money for things they wanted ; but the chief of their Commerce was for Wine and Brandy, knowing we had a lung Voyage to make. We Captain Robert Boyle. 147 Wc were obliged to leave the Place fooner than we defign'd, by rcalbn our Pilot had unfortunately kill'd a Portugueze, and the Governor threaten'd to have our Ship llopp'd rf" we did not furrender him up. I un* deriiood that the Deceas'd had been in the Wrong, and therefore rather than run the hazard of lofing him, we fet Sail from thence the tenth of April. The Caftle fir'd feveral Guns with Shot to liay us, but we did not regard it, but kept on our Voyage. We met with nothing worth Notice till we made the Ifland of St. Vincent^ one of the Cape Verdty and came to an Anchor in ten Fathom Water, in a fine gravelly Bottom. Thefe Iflands are the Hefperides of the Ancients. The Natives are Blacks, a poor miferable People. They brought us a few Tortoife, which we exchanged any Tralh for, and they were contented. The Rivulet of frefh Water would hardly fupply us, it being almoil dry'd up. But we had Wood enough. The whole Ifland is not above two Leagues and a half in Length, and half a one in Breadth ; very barren of Fruit, Grafs, or Roots, and even Animals. I faw only a few wild Ailes, and fonie Goats, which were too nimble for U5, or fo far off that they were not worth our wafting Pow- der and Shot. The Ifl Pirate ;) for there was War between the two Nations: But I found it was a Privateer, commanded by Captain Dampier, who made me a Vifit, after having hail'd us. When he was on Board, he us'd many Perfuafions to engage me to confort with him, and follow the Bufmefs of Pri- vateering; but I told him, I had other Affairs to ma^ nage. After I had treated him handfomely with what the Ship afforded, he took his Leave, and invited me to dine on board his VefTel the next Day. I gave him my Promife to wait on him, and I accordingly went, where I was very handfomely treated ; and there we agreed two Days after to make an Entertainment jointly H 4 for I ft The Adventures of for the Officers of both Ships on Shore ; and the Day. after that, for tlie rell of the Crew. In order to this I commanded a large Tent to be piich'd, capable of holding fifty Perlbns ; and we ftrove who fiiould fend the moft Materials on lliore for our Feaft. We had the Mufick of both VefTels; but mine proving to be the beft, as being Italians^ gave the moft Delight: not but theyjoin'd inConfort, and agreed very well. ^ After Dinner, Captain Dumpier told me, tho' he could not oblige me with Italian Mufick, yet he had an Eng/ijT? Eunuch that fang admirably ; he added, he could not anfwer for his Judgment, but he was vtry well convinc'd he never heard a finer Voice in his Life. The Perfon was brought in j but my Readers may guefi at my Surprize, when, in the Perfon of the Singer, I difcover'd my Miilrefs's Lawyer, whom my Mailer and his Friend had equipt for a fine Singer. 1 knew him. afTcon cs ever I faw him, but I perceiv'd by his Be- haviour he had no Knowledge of me; neither was it very poflible he could have known me, becaufe he had*, never leen me but once, and then he had too much Concern to make any Oblervations: But the Occafion had imprinted in my Mind a lively Idea of him. He fung admirably well, and with good Judgment. I ask'd the Captain how he came to be an Eunuch;, he io!d me he could not inform me, neither could he ever- prevail upon hiia to let him know it. Wc were very merry for i"cvet.'\l Hours; and I may fafely declare that during that Time I had bury'd my inward Malady. I told the Singer, I bebev'd I could let Captain, Dampier into tiie Secret of his Cailrarion, il he vvouldi not. be offended at it. He teem'd very much concern'd, and b uihM; but imagining I knew nothing of the Mat- ter, he gave me hib Conlent to fay wh.n 1 thought fit; yet witn the utmoft Chagrin in his Face, as believ- ing Captain Robert Bgyle. ifj ing. he was only going to be the Jefl of the Com- pany. But when I began to name my Mailer, and enter'd in- to fome Part of the Story, I found him in the utnioft ConfufioD, infomuch that I pity'd hira, and told him I would not proceed any farther without his Confent. He told me in bad French^ (for he had obferv'd that the Captain and I fometimes talk'd to one another in that Language) that 1 was very welcome to tell his unfortunate Story, but not to fo many Auditors ; for» added he, I perceive you know it very well. I gave him my Word only to tell the Captain, for which he thank'd me ; but I told him, in return, that he muft let me into the reft of his Story; which he promis'd to do. The Captain and I, with my quondam Lawyer, took an Opportunity of leaving the Company, and walking a little way up the River Side, where I in- formed him that I came to the Knowledge of his Story, by the Porter that dogg'-d him, (for I did not think it convenient to let him know that I was a Perfon con- cern'd) and that feeing him go into the Coach in Lorn- hard-Jlreet, J remember'd his Face again. He gave us his Story in the following manner. I was bred up to the Law by my Father, an 'At- torney of Lincolns'Inn ; who dying, left me a fmall Eftate, which I fcon fpent in none of the beft Com- pany. I had no Thoughts of Bufmefs, 'till drove to it through the utmofl Neceffity. But finding Want ap- proaching began to open my Eyes, I took Chambers in Cliffordi-Infty and refolv'd to lUck to Bufmefs. I foon found Clients enow through the Credit of my Fa- ther; and underllanding the rough as well as the fmooth Part of the Law, I got Money enough to fupply even any Extravagance. I had ever been a very great Ad- mirer of the Female Sex, and had the good Fortune, or rather the 111, to fucceed in moll of my Amours. H 5 The r f 4 ne Adventures of The firft time I ever iaw the fatal Caufe of my MiV fbrtuiie, was at St. Dunilan% Church; (which, to my Shame \ muil own, I too often frcqaented without De- votion ) Our Eyes often told us the Language of the Jfcarr. 1 got the Opportunity of fitting in the next Pew to her, but had never once difclos'd my Paflion. One Sunday, as the Clerk had fct the Pfalm, (he begjM J would lend her my Book ; faying ftie had left hers at fiome. When fhe had done, fhe return'd it me, and thank'd me. I had refolv'd with my felf to have waited on her out of the Church, but was prevented by the Perfon that was afterwards her Huf- band. When I came home, I puUM my Prayer- Book out of my Pocket, but perceiv'd it would not fhut as ufual, which put me on examining it. I found a Note pinn'd to the lalt Leaf, which I had not obferv'd before t The Contents were to invite me to an Affignation that Evening at Six. I was very punflual, and found her there before me. I begg'd her Pardon for making her wait, which fhe eafily granted with a gentle Reproach; and we fooa came to a right Underrtanding : for that very Night, before we parted, J had what I wifh'd; the Sweet which was follow'd by the worft of Bitter?. She told me fhe had long had a PafTion for me; which, tho' fhe refifled all fhe could, got the better of her Modelly, and forc'd her to decla.'-e it. She inform'd' me too, that fhe was fpeedily to be married to the Man that led her out of Church, tho' it was much againft her Inclination ; but fhe was oblig'd to comply with her Mother's Commands. We had many Meetings: fometlmes at my Chambers^ till I was taken too much Notice of by fome of my Neighbours: And when fhe was married we often met at diiVcrent Places, and flie as often made me hand. fome Prefents. He then related how he was difcover'd at Captain Robert Boy l e. i f f at my Mafter's Houfe by one of the Prentices, (mean- ing me; but as he conceal'd his Face by turning it to the Window, he could not remember him.) He alio re- lated all that I have declar'd in the former Sheets; and added, that when the Operation was over, liis Miftrefs, as knowing him of no farther Ufe to her, left him with- out fpeaking a Word. When I had recovered Strength, faid he, to write, I fent for fome of my intimate Friends, and among the rert a Surgeon. I told him my Misfor- tune, and was examined by him ; but I was obliged to flay- at the Inn fcveral Days. At laft (tho' almofl a Miracle) I was perfedly cur'd, and returned to my Bu- finefsj but my Story getting Air, I was made the ScofF of tvcry Body that faw me; till in fhort my Life be- came a Burthen to me, and I took a Refolution to go to fome Part of the World where no one fhould know me; and getting acquainted with Captain Dampiery he fa- voured me fo far as to enter me Steward. 1 had learnt to fmg when I was young ; and my Voice, growing- clear by my Lofs, is much improved. I had kept my Misfortune a Secret to all the Crew, if 1 had not receiv'd a Wound in my Thigh by an Indian Arrow on' the Coaft of Florida, a Year ago; for the Surgeon com- ing to drefs me, wi-en the extream Anguifh had taken away my Senies, perceived my Condition, and difclos'd it to the Company : But I have the good Fortune not to; be flouted at. VvHien the Story was finifh'd, wejoin'd our Companjr again, and ended the Day in Mirih and Jollity. The next Day my Crew went on Shore to regale themfelves; for Captain Dampier and I had altered our Refolution of fending both Companies together, for fear of Quar- rels and Diforder. x^nd his Crew went on Shore the following Day. About 1^6 ^he Adventures of About Noon, as I was reading in my Cabin, I heard the Report of feveral Pieces j upon which I ran out, and went my {^i to the Top ma ft Head, where I per- ceiv'd my Men, who were filling our Casks at the River of Parrots, furrounded by a multitude of Indians. I upon the Inllant let flip our Cables, and having a ftrong Sea Breeze, fteer'd full into the River's Mouth at all hazards, ordering every Man to his Arms, and to load all our great Guns with Musket Ball. By good Fortune the Tide was almoft at the higheft, fo that vvc came on broad-fide the Rivulet where our Men were defending tliemfelves. They had made a Rampart with the empty Casks, and had kept oiF the Indians with their Pieces i but jull as we came, they had fpent all their Ammunition, and had refolv'd to fubmit to the Indians. But aflbon as they perceiv'd us, they took to their Heels, and ran towards our Ship, and the Indians after them ; but we foon ftopp'd their Career, by firing our double and round, which kill'd 'em above fifty Men, and put the reft to Flight. We took our Men on Board, and intended to fall out of the River, but found the Tide turn'd ; and before we could get out, our Ship ran a-ground, fo that we were oblig'd to wait till the »ext Tide. I was very uneafy at this Accident, and order'd my Lieutenant to take the Boat, and acquaint Captain Dampier with it. In the mean time, not to be idle, I arm'd twenty, Men, and order'd them to guard the reft while they fijrd our Casks ; which was accordingly done, and with the Long- Boat brought on Board. I would not let them be hoilted into the Ship, for fear of hurting her now Ihe lay aground ; tho' it prov'd to be a clayie Bottom. An Hour before Night we perceived an Indian run- ning very fwiftly to us, who call'd to us in Poytugeze to fetch him aboard. Aftbon as he was in the Ship, he told a Man that underftood ^ ortugueze, that the Indians, Captain Robert Boyle. if7 , to the Number ofaThoufand, defign'd in the middle of the Night to attack our Ship, and that they would come down in Canoes ; for they very well knew we could not get ou*: till Tide of Flood. This Man, whom we took for an Indian, was a Portugueze the Indians had taken Prifoner a Year be- fore, and underftanding their Language learnt their Refolution ; and while they were calling their Number together, he took his Opportunity to make his Efcape. I order'd him to be told he fhould be rewarded for his Intelligence. I immediately call'd all the Officers to- gether to confult about the Danger, and we agreed to fend to Captain Dafnpier for Help, who came with hfty Men well arm'd : And by his Advice, aflbon as it was dark, we landed fix of our Cannon, and rais'd a fmall Battery without any Noife or Bultle ; thefe were pointed up the River flaunting. Two of our Guns were loaded with double and round, in the Stern of our Ship. The reft of our Men were ordered in clofe Coverts on each Side the River, with Direftions to let the Indian Canoes pafs 'em, and not to fire till they were all gone by. Every thing was concerted and fettled, and every man order'd to his Pofl, to exped the Charge; and we had contriv'd it fo well, that none of our Fires could hurt one another. About one a-clock in the Morning we could hear their Paddles in the Water, and foon after perceive 'em filently falling down the River, to the. Number of two hundred Canoes. We let them come within fifty Yards of our Ship, before- we fir'd ; but when we began, we made luch a terrible Slaughter of 'em, that I pity'd 'em. We took one Canoe with twelve Indians, and their Chief among them. When the Morning dawn'd, wt were amaz'd to fee what Havock Death had made; the very Shores were ftain'd with Blood, and we had not loft if 8 The Adventures of loft one Man of either of our Crews. The Portiiguex^e, who gave us Notice, I rewarded with a hundred Pound, and two new Suits of Cloaths, both Linnen and Woollen; and we made Ui'e of him for our Interpreter. He told us we had one of their Caciques among the Prifoners, and a Man of great Power among the Indians. I order'd him to ask him the Reafoh of his Enmity to us> fince we had never offended them. He told him that he took us for Spaniards, or Portugue'ze, Nations they hated from the barbarous Ufage they had met with from them : But he was forry he had molefted us, being he was convinced we were Engli/hmen, and Enemies to the Spaniards as well as themfelves : But however, he would pay fufficiently for his Ranfom, if we would fpare his life ; and accordingly we agreed for a hundred Weight of Gold Dull, and twenty in Ingots, and he order'd one of his Retinue to fetch it. In the mean time, we took the Advantage of the Tide, and fell down to our old Station. The next Day at Noon two Canoes arriv'd, one with the Gold, and feveral Perfons of Quality that came to wait on their King; and the other laden with Fruits and Provifions, which I had equally parted between both Ships Companies. I took the Ingots for my Sharers* and the Duft was divided among us according to our Allowance. Captain Dampier and his Crew were mightily pleas'd with their Dividend, and once more prefs'd me to accompany them : but I gave 'em a flat Denial for the prefent, with this Hope, that when I had vifited feveral Places in the South Sea, I would re- turn to St. Sa/'vador, and wait two Months for them there. We put the Indians on Shore, and the next Day Wf igh'd Anchor again, faluting Captain Dawpier with eleven Gun?, who return'd the like Number, an-d we fleer'd our Courfe with a frefh Gale, for th« Strcights I Captain Robert Boyle, i^p of Magellan, I intending to pafs thro' thofe Streights into the South-Sea ; for I was of Opinion it would Ihorten' our Voyage; and then my Curioiity ftrengthen'd that Opinion : But I was advis'd by my Lieutenant to veU' ture up to Bue?ws Ayres, a Town belonging to the Spaniardsy where he afTur'd me we might drive a very good Trade underhand with the Merchants. I commu- nicated the Matter to the whole Company, who unani- moufly agreed it was the beft Courfe we could fleer. So we kept in with the Shore, and fteer'd for the Rio de la Plata, or iht River of Plate, which we reach'd in twenty Days without any Accident. As we had War with France and Spain, I had hoified French Colours that we might have the Liberty to Trade with more Safety. Buenos Ayrti is fituated above fifty Leagues up the Ri'ver of Plate, which above the Town receives the Name o^ Paraguay, and takes its Rife many Leagues up the Country; which is pofTefs'd by a numerous Nation of Indians, who fometimcs Trade with the Spaniards, but oftner murder 'em when they can meet 'em conveniently; for the Spirit of Revenge is fuck'd^ in with their Milk, and handed down from Father to Son; fo that they imagine it to be a \try meritorious Deed to difpatch one of them ; and they are generally rewarded by their Cacique for it. The Town of Buenos Ayres takes its Name from the excellent Temperature of the Climate, and its pleafant Situation. They have Commerce with the Ships of Europe not above once a Year, which bring 'em the NecefTaries they want, and in Return cafe 'em of their Gold ; that being a Metal lefs efleem'd than Iron, which proves more ufeful to them. When we were within two Leagues of the Port, we came to an Anchor in a little Creek in eight Fathom Water, a fandy Bottom. We did not care to go nearer the Town, for fear the Governor i6o The Adventures*^/ Governour fhould have taken it in his Head to have liinder'd our going out again. Though we were not in Sight of it, yet we had Canoes on Board of us in an Hour after our anchoring"^ and fome of Note came incognito^ to be inform'd what we dealt in. One of them told me, he believ'd it wouid be no difficult thing to difpofe of my Cargo, if I thought fit to make the Governour a fmall Prefent. Accordingly I took his Advice, and fent my Steward in my Name, with a Piece of Holland, and half a dozen Pieces of Italian Silks; which he receiv'd as a very valuable Prefent, and fent me Word he would not in the leali moleft me, provided I did not deal too barefaced, I underflood him, and therefore was very cautious, felling but to one at a time, nor would 1 fuffer another to enter my Ship, till the former was difpatch'd. In two Days I got rid of all the Cargo that I intended to part with, to a very great Advantage; and then X allow'd my Men Liberty to do what they thought iit- with what they had, which gave them a general Satif- fadion. The next Day I invited the Governour on Board, with fome of the principal Merchants, and en- tertain'd them in my Cabin; and in return, I was to dine on Shore at the Callle. But I left a llritH: Order . with my Lieutenant how to behave hirafelf if I ihould be ftopp'd ; for I knew the Spaniards to be unfaithful People. When we landed, I obferved ;the Town made but a mean Appearance, confiding only of two Streets built in the Form of a Crofs, and furrounded with a Mud AVall. The Caftle itfelf m.ade but an indifferent Figure: but however I was very elegantly entertain'd. The Governour feem'd to have lefs of the Formality of the Spaniard, than ever I met with in any of them. When I took my Leave of him, he made me a Prefent of two Indian Slaves, and a Bar of Gold that weigh'd three Pound C^//^/« Robe HT Boyle, i^i Pound two Ounces. When I came on Board, I caird ^ Council, to know what Courfe we (hould fteer next ; for as to Traffick, 1 had no Pretence to go to the Soutb-Sga, being all my Cargo was already diJpos'J of*. We de- bated for fome time, and at laft we all agreed to go for the South-Sea upon the fcore of Privateering. We communicated our Intentions to the Company, and they all fecm'd very much rejoic'd at the Refolution I had taken. Now I began to repent I had not joln'd with Captain Dampier; for I wanted Men for any notable Exploit, but I did not defpair of meeting with him in the Soutb-^ Sea. We weigh'd Anchor, and {leerM for the Streighta of Magellan with a fair Wind. One Morning my Ser- vant wak'd me, and told me that a Sail bore down upon us, and the Lieutenant defir'd to know how to be- have himfelf \ rofe upon the Tnftant and, by the help of my PerfpeAive. faw it was a Veffel with Englijh Colours; but I imagining they were put up only for a Shew, I caus'd French Colour? to be hoifted, which foon was an wer'd by the fame in the Ship that purfu'd us. I ordered every thing to be prepared for an Engage- ment with )ai any Hurry, commanded my Men not to appear upon "eck, and kept on my Courfe with qrouded Sail, that our Purfuers might imagine I was willing to get from them ; yet I order'd it fo by falfe Steering, that they gain d upon us. About Three in the Afternoon they were within half a League of us, firing every Quarter of an Hour a Gun to Leeward, to let us know we were to take them for Friends. I order'd our Men to tack about, hoill up Englijh Colours, and bear upon them. Wc foon perceivM we had much furprizM them, but notwithilacding they kept up their French Colours : and feem'd to prepare for the Engagement, tho' they were much inferior to us. When we came along Side I hail'd 'em, and (after owning 1 6z ^je Adventures of owning they were French) commanded them to Airren- n found it had the contrary EfFe£t, and they all expected, from this Earnell of good Fortune, Riches enough in the Voyage we proposed, to make 'em for ever. 1 treated the Prifoners handfomly, which were forty- fix, including fifteen Felons, who were well pleat'd ta have chart g'd their Mailers ; expe6ling better Ufage firom as than from the Spaniards of Baldi^uia, where they were defign'd. There was one Ro" herts an Englijhman^ among them, who, I have been informed, has been executed fmce for Piracy; him, two Frenchmen :our Spaniards and the Trumpeter, I en- ter'd in my Books to reinforce my Crew; underftand- ing their Cr;me was only Sufpicion of Piracy, there- fore I was convinc'd they were good Sailors. But I did not know how to dii'pofe of the Ship and the reft of the Crew. \i I ftiould give 'cm their Liberty, they would of Courfe alarm the Country ; and if I kept them with me, Provifions would fall (hon ; for they were viduaU'd but ft r a Month's Voyage. The Captain Robert Eoyle. i6f The Spanijh Captain being mform'd of my Fears, told me by an Interpreter, that be had recsiv'd fnch handlbm Ufage from me, that he would upon his Ho- nour fteer to what i ort I thocght He, and report, if £ pleas'd, that I was failM back again for the North Sea. I told him, though I could rely upon his Honour, he could not anfwer for all the reft. At laft I thought of a Stratagem to deceive the Spanijh Captain as well as the other Priloncrs, as follows. Jn the hrft Watch of the Night (the Priioners being all under Hatches) I came to our Sailors upon Deck, and told 'cm the ill Confc- fequence of keeping or letting go the Prifoners ; and therefore concerted with 'em that they (houid pretend a Mutiny the next Day, and all declare for going back through the Streights into the North Sea. When the firil Watch was relieved, \ acquainted the other Moiety of the Company, and then retir'd to Relt. Buc my Slumbers were broken with Viiion^ of my dear Mrs, Villars : I dreamt I law her in the Arms of the Rene- gado Hamet, flruggling and calling out on me for Help, and before I could come to her AfTiftance, Death had freed her from the barbarous Wretch. This Dream had brought to my Mind all my Aifliftions, and I can't tell how long I (hould have continued feeding upon my Sighs, if I had not been alarm'd with Shouts and Noifes upon Deck. I ran out to fee what was the Matter, and found my Men, as was defign'd, in their feign'd Mu- tiny. I iiad forgot at hrft, and was much alarm'd i but recollecting, I carry'd on the Cheat. And Grief had So feated herfcif on my Countenance, with Thouglits of my Dream, that one of my Quarter-m^ers told me afterwards, my Looks were enough to deceive all the World. The Spaniards had leave to be upon Deck all the Day, and Care was taken to let them into the Secret. At Dinner I told the Spanifi Captain (for he and the iVIcf' l6^ I'he Adventures of Merchants always eat with me) that I thought his Speeches Yellerday were prophetic, for I was compeird to comply with my obllinate Crew, and fail for the North Sea again. He reply'd, he wilh'd me happy where- ever 1 went : And to carry on the Deceit, we iteer'd our Coorie back again. In tlie Afternoon Roberts came to me, and told me that one of the Spaniards^ who was willing to Itay with us, would undertake to bring me ten thoufand Pieces of Eigbt in ten Days, if 1 would let him have the Piize. Upon what Roberts {z\^, I fent for the Man, and had him examin'd by Rtberts, who underliood Spanijh very well. The Spaniard told me, he would not have me inquire into the Matter till it was done ; and for the better Security I might fend who I thought fit with him, provided he had one of his Com- panions that was to help in the JDefign. Accordingly I oider'd twenty Hands, and to obey the Spaniard in this Expedition as if he were their Captain. We agreed to wait for them the limited Time, in the fame Degree we parted from them. I informed the Spanijh Captain, by an Interpreter, that his Country- man was gone upon fome fecret Expedition, and as foon as he return'd we would purfue our Courfe. He an- fwer'd, whatever he had undertaken, he was of the Opi- nion he would fuccebd in it, for he had certainly as much Cunning as any Perfon in the World ; he had been condemn'd to Baidivia once before, and made his Efcape from tlience ; and he did not doubt but he would. get from them again, if he had been carry'd there the lecond time; and farther gave me fome Hints that he might deceive me in this Undertaking. I began to be in fome Fear of having a Knavifh Trick play'd me, and would have recall'd the VefTel if it had not been too late ; but hoping for the beft, I rcfolv'd to cruife till the Time appointed was ex-. j)ir'd. 1 Captain Robert Boyle. i6y I had cloath'd my two Indians^ that were prefented me by the Governor of Buenos Ayresy in Europian Habits very handfom; and inftrucled them in the Eng- lijh TQng\iQ : They very readily learnt; and 1 gave them all the tender Ufage imaginable, which they were obligingly fenfible of; and 1 believe thgy would have iacriiic'd their Lives to have ferv'd.jne. I found them very handy, and docible, and very good-natui'd ; which convinces me, if mild Methods were us'd with them, they might be very eafily wrought to be Friends to the European Sy efpecially the Englijh. And I thmk 'tis great Pity fucli a vaft Body of People fhould be igno- rant of the Divine Being that form'd the Univerfe. Though the Spaniards (it's true) fend MiJJlonaries a- mong them to inculcate Chrillianity, yet they gene, rally negled their holy Fundlions, and ftrive all they can to enrich themfelves, by laying exorbitant Taxes upon the poor Indians : And I have been inform'd, that in fome Parts of America all the Wealth they get is delivered to the MiJJien, referving to thenifelve.> on- ly what is needful, and that but from Day to Day. I had my two Indians made Chriftians ; one by the Name of Robert, and the other Jofepb ; being mine and my Father's Names. And 1 hope, in the Sight of God, Lay-Baptifm will fuffice ; efpecially whcft we had not the Happi/iefs of the other Form. And it is not inipof- fible, if they lead good Lives, they may find the Road to Heaven as well as if they had been chrilten'd in a Church, by an orthodox Clergyman. Three Days before the Tune 1 expeded my Spa- niard back, we diicover'd two Sail making up to us, which made us prepare for an Engagement ; but we foon perceiv'd it was our Prize, with another VefTcl. The Spaniard came on Board, and inform'd me that he had been fomething better than his Word, for he belie v'd that in Money and in Goods he had brought to 168 Th Adventures ef to the Value of 80000 Dollars. He gave us the fol- lowing Account, by Roberts. Laft time I was Prifoner at Baldi^uia, I was compell'd to worji for one Don Sancbo Ramirez, a fordid, covetous, jealous, malicious Wretch, one that us'd to deal in Merchandife. It was his ufual Method to wait at a Country Houfe near the Sea, for the Arrival of the Real Situado Ship, (which was the fame I had taken) and then go privately on Board to deal with the Merchants. The Knowledge of this made me undertake this Expedition, as well to get Money, as to be reveng'd on the old Villain, for the Stripes he has often given me without any Provocation. When we arriv'd within half a League of the Place, we perceived a Bark riding at Anchor. I began to de- murr, as fearing we might be difcoverM; but at laft refolv'd 4o proceed, let what would happen. The Bai^k weigh'd and made lowards us, which occafion'd ano- ther Surprize; but my Fears were foon over, when 1 perceived Don Sancho upon Deck. He hail'd us, and de- fir'd we would flacken Sail, that he might come 0%. Board. Accordingly we ran into a fmall Creek, and came to an Anchor. I did not appear at iirft, but let the other Spaniard that went with us perfonate the Captain, and inltrudled him accordingly. Aflbon as he came on Board, he inquir'd for Don Juan Villegro^ (for that Gentleman us'd to command the Real Situ- ado) and was anfwer'd, that he was very ill, and could not fail this Voyage. Then he inquir'd for the Mer- chants, telling liim, that the Governor had difcover'd his ufual Pradice of Dealing firft with them ; there- fore he had contrived to meet us in one of his own Veffels, that was ready laden for Buenos Jyresy and only (laid for our Arrival to fct fail. I was glad to hear of that, becaufe I intended to make Prize of it. The Spaniard invited him into the Cabin, wliile I went on board his Bark with ten Men arm'd, and fe- curei Captain Robert Boyle. \6^ cured it, there being but five Men and a Boy in it. The rell of the Crew were on Shore. I cut her Cable, and our own, and made out to Sea again. When we were under Sail, I came on Board, and fhew'd my felf to the old Don^ and in a few Words made him underftand his Condition. I thought at firft wc (hould have been oblig'd to have buried him, for he looked for a great while like one that was dead. But 1 recover'd him a little, by (hewing him the Box that contain'd his Heart and Soul, ([ mean his Money). He did his Endeavour to fly at me to be reveng'd on me, but he was held ; but to give him a little more Comfort, I read over to him his Bill of Lading, and told him plainly, I would not deal with him, if his Goods did not anfwer his Bill. When he found he could do no good by PafTion, he told me he would give me half his Money, if 1 would reftore him his Ship and Cargo. I was very well as I was, I told him ; and fmce I had got it all in my PoflelTion, I would have no more Dealings with him, only the odd ten thouiand Pieces of Eight more for his Ranfom. He was fo thunder-ftruck at this, that he did not fo much as offer to open his Mouth to fpeak ; but kept fo long lilent, that I fancying he would never fpeak again, took him upon Deck, that he might behold the lovely Pro- fped of the Water; for by this time we were out of Sight of Land. His Heart then began to melt, and he fell down upon his Knees, and begg'd h& might have his Liberty, notwithftanding we had robb'd him. | was in a very great Paliion, and ordered him to mollify the Word, and call it Over- reaching ; which with much Chailifement he did. But I told him, he was oblig'd to make your Honour one Vifit, and accordingly 1 Jiave brought him to wait on you. I muft confefs, I could not help admiring the Spa- niard\ Ingenuity, and yet I did not greatly relifli the I Action ; lyo "fhe Adventures of Aftion J for tho* it was lawful Prize to us, yet I thought it was downright Robbery in him. However, I gave liim the Thanks eur Intereft requifd; and further told him (by JRcbetts our Interpreter) that he fliould be very- well rewarded for his Undertaking. The old Spaniard was brought on Board us, more \ dead than alive ; and underftanding we were EngUJh^ he fpoke to me in that Language, and beggM he might be fet at Liberty. I told him, he need not apprehend any thing, for he fhould have his Liberty and civil Ufage. He thank'd me as well as his Grief would give him Leave, and I invited him to dine with me, which he did accordingly the fame Day. I ordered the Cargo out of the Bark, which was rery confiderable, and mofl of the Provifion, becaufe I fear'd it would be what we fhould want. The other Veffel, as belonging to the King of Spain^ and one who could pretty well bear that Lofs, I intended to keep for our felves. The Bark I reflor'd to Do7i Ramirez, with feveral Bales of Goods that would prove of fmall Ufe to us, tho' of Value to him ; nay, 1 would very willingly have given him all his Goods and Money too, if it had not been for wronging my Crew; for, as I faid, I look'd upon it as gain'd by Fraud. However, I vertur'd to give him back twenty thoufand Ryals, which did not amount to mine and my Owner's Share. He return'd me his Acknowledgments, by giving me a very handfom Ring that they had not taken from him, and told me, he ever thought the Englifi generous Enemies. I caus'd all the Prifoners to be put on Board the Bark, and took my leave of them. They returned me Abundance of Thanks for my kind Ufage; and vov^^'d, if ever Fortune fhould fend any of our Countrymen among 'em, they fhould fare the better for my Sake, 1 mull own, I was not difplea^'d with their Acknow- ledgments. Captain Robert Boyle. 171 Icdgments. A Man feels a (ecret Pleallire within him- ^2lf, when he has done a humane Adion ; when on ^he contrary, if a Perfon has been guilty of Bafenefs, Horror and Remorfe gnaw his Inward?. The Day after I had parted with the Prilbners, I fummon'd all my Men upon Deck, and told them what the Spaniard had done for 'em, and advis'd with 'em what Recompence I fhould make him. We . foon agreed he (hould have five thoufand Pieces of Eight, his Companion five hundred, and the relief 'em cnter'd to a Share of the Booty we had before taken. Ac- cordingly I fent for 'em, and told 'em what I intended. The Spaniard return'd me fuitable Thanks in French, for he -had been inform'd I underftood that Language. I found in his Difcourfe, a ready Turn of Wit and Humour, and of a Perfon that had read Mankind. He did not feem to be above thirty Years of Age, of a free and open Nature, having nothing of the Itift' Forma- lity of the Spaniard, tho' born at Se^vii in Old Spain, I told him I expelled a (hort Account of his Lifej he readily anfwer'd, he ihould be proud to comply with my Defires, but he begg'd I would defer it for fome Time, till he might be a little more usd to my Converfation ; for, faid he fmiling. mine lias been a ve- ry merry and odd fort of a Life, and therefore till I have more Freedom, i fliall defill, becaufe I iliall lofe- the Spirit in telling it. We ileer'd our Courfe towards Panama, depending that our Prifoners would fpread the Report of our go- ing back again for the North Sea. In thirty fix De- grees, and forty five Minutes, we difcover'd a VefTe^ lleering the fame Courfe i I order'd tlie Prize to chafe her, and before Night Ihe took her Ic vais a Bark laden vvith Tallow and Hides, bound for La Conception, I repented the taking of her, for we foon found ihe was but a heavy Sailor, and therefore could not keep Com- I2 pany lyi 'fhe Adventures of pany with us, and it was not proper for us to let *em depart. Don Pedro Aquilio, which was the Name of our In- telligent Spaniard, told me, he would undertake to dif- pofe of the Cargo and Bark to a good Advantage, if I could tell how to difpofe of the Men, which were but four, that is three Indians and a Spaniards The Indians were very well pleas'd to be receiv'd as Servants on Board ; yet we allowed 'em a half Share in our fu- ture Purchafes. The Spaniard we intended to detain on Board till we had made our cruifing Voyage, and then releafe him. So depending on Don Fedro\ Ingenuity, I let him go off with the Bark, with three Spaniards toalTift him, having hisPromife to return the next Day. We were then within five Leagues of La Conception^ and therefore refolv'd to remain in that Station till his Ar- rival, keeping Mamelles de Biobioy or the Dugs of Biobio /two Rocks fo call'd) in View. The next Day we perceiv'd him coming with a Pi- rogue, a fmall Spanijh Boat with one Sail. He brought me a handfome Prefent of Fruit, and enough befides for jhe whole Crew. Well, faid he, I have made but an indifferent Bargain; I have brought yo"U but twenty thoufand Pieces of Eight : The old Rcgue of a Governor would not give any more. He told me that the Go- vernor of La Conception ingrolTed all the Tallow and Hides, and forcM the Retailers to give him his own Price ; fo he went boldly to him, and fold him Bark and Cargo. Don Pedro advis'd us to cruife for the Manilla Ship, which was daily expeded. His Advice was approved on all Hands, therefore Orders were given to Wood and Water the Ships for the Voyage; and accordingly we made for Juan Fernands, and arriv'd there the fifth of September 1695. It being a remarkable Day with me, it lives in my Memory j for the lofs of my Journal by an Captain Robert Boyle. 17J an odd Accident, hinders my keeping a regular Ac- count. We rpent but two Days in wooding and water- ing, and killing Goats, which are there in g- *t Plenty. There are three Ifiands that bear the Name of Juan Fernando, the firil Difcoverer, tho' there are no oiher Inhabitants on them than Goats. There's a noble Bay on the North Side of the Ifland, capable of containing five hundred Sail, where you anchor at fixteen Fathom Water, a fandy Bottom. We left it with a favourable Wind for our Defign, and made farther up the Coall January the firft ; and it was fearM we had mifs'd our Bcoty, for the Manilla Ship generally arrives at Aca- puloo about Chrijimas ; however we refolv'd to coall a« bout for twenty Days longer, and if we fail'd of h^, to return into the North Sea, with a Def Ifland, which drove us within Sight of Port Dejire, upon the Continent; and therefore we thought it the fafell way to run into the Bay, which accordingly we did, and came to an Anchor in feven- teen Fathom Water. At the South Side of the Port, lies Fenguin liland, fo call'd from a multiplicity of thofe Birds reforting there. Our Men went on Ihore, and in three Hours time brought on board five hundred of the Fowls, and feveral thouiands of their Eggs, which prov'd delicious Food. They are calTd Penguin, not from their Fatnefs, 3s fome Authors afErm, but from their Whitenefs mix'd with black. They are about the bignefs of a Goofe, weighing between nine and fourteen Pound ; and tho'" dieir chief Diet is Fifh, yet they have no fifhy Taile. Their Skin is very thick, their Bill is like that of a Kaven, tho* not altogether fo crooked 5 their Neck is fnort and thick, and the reft of their Body refembles a Goofe, e-xcepiing the Wings, which are only two Stumps cover'd with Feathers, which they make Ufe of in Swimming, Their Feet are black, like thofe of a Swan. They breed in Holes of the Rocks, which are io numerous, there is no walking hardly for fear of fall- ing into them- When they walk on Shore 'tis upright, with their Wings hanging down, fo that they appear in lliat Pofture like fmall Pigmies. We ftaid but two "Days here, and then fteer'dour Courfe for Rio Janeiro^ or the River of January^ intending to touch at St. Se- hajiian^ firft, and if we did not fucceed there, to fail for Capain Robert Bo y l e. \j9 for St. Salvador, When we arriv'd there, the Portu- gueze would not admit us to enter the Bay, but fir'd feveral Guns from the Forts laden with Shot, to deter us from anchoring ; we could not imagine the meaning of it, but however we left 'em in that Humour, and fieer'd for St. Salvador^ and in one and twenty Days we difcover'd Praya de Zumbay a Place very eafily known from a Number of white Spots, which appear like Linnen hung out to whiten, or dry. We paft Fort St. Anthon\\ and faluted it with eleven Guns, which return'd us an equal Number, without the charge of Shot, and came to an Anchor within half a League of the City ; which we aJfo faluted with ele- ven Guns, and received but feven in Retnrn. ^y Advice of the Officers, we (har'd among the Sail- ors a thoufand Pieces of eight a Man, which pleas'd 'em exceedingly. The next Day, I went to wait on the Governor, who received me very civilly, and dcfir'd I would dine with him. We were very magnificently ferv'd, and a Band of Italian Mufic play'd all the while. After Dinner I made my Prefents, which he accepted of very kindly, but when 1 came to treat a, bout our Commerce, he flatly deny'd me, telling me it was againft the King of Portugal's exprefs Orders, to fuffer any Trading with Foreigners. I begg*d his Par- don, if it was not to be comply'd with, lie would have return d ray Prefent, but I prefb'd him to accept it in fo obliging a manner, that he did;.and toid me in French, that fince he faw my Gencrofity, he would' comply with me, He-immediately fent for feveral Mer- chants, and took 'em into his Clcfet, where they (lay'd fome time. When they came out again, the Governor told me thofe Gentlemen would go on Board, and view (cmr Commodities, and if we could agree, he would be a^fwsrable for the Money. One of the Peribns fcem'd to be. of. a. laoxe free and open Difpofuion than the For~ tKgue^a^ I So The Adventures of iugueze generally are. (Tho' mofl of the Inhabitant of St. Sahjadsr afted the Manners of the French.) We foon made an End of our Bargain, and my merry Mer- chant weuld oblige me to go a-fhore and fup with him that Night. He prefs'd me fo heartily, that I could not refufe him; and accordingly I went with only my two Indian Servants, who began to be tmderftood in EngU/h. When we arriv'd at the Merchant's Houfe, I was furpriz'd to find it fo magnificent. He led us into a handfome Summer-hcufe in the Garden, where he told me we were to fup; and. faid he, to convince you that you are welcome, J'il bring my Wife and Daughter to i^eep us Company, which is reckoned as a thing extra- ordinary among us. But, added he, I have been in England and France, and I find the Women are not the lefs honeft, for having their Liberty. I told him, I thought Conllraint did but whet their Inventions to gain their Defires. Said he, lam of your Mind, there- fore give 'em all the Liberty they defire, and I can't £nd 1 have had any Reafon to repent it. In a little time he ufher'd in the two Ladies, his Wife and Daughter, both very beautiful, and notwith- fianding the Heat of the Climate, very fair. The Wife feem'd about five and thirty, the Daughter a- bout fix-teen, and they both fpoke very good French^ Our Converfation was kept up with all the Spirit I was capable of: I foon difcover'd a great deal of Wit in them both, and made 'em my Compliment in finding Ladies fo extraordinary in fo remote a Part of tho World. When we had fupp'd, the Merchant (whofe Name was Don Jaques) told me it was his Cuftom to pro- vide Beds for his Guielb, as well as Supper : And after, we had walk'd a Turn or two round the Garden, we all ictir'd to our feveral Apartments. The Captain Robert Boyle, i 8 r The next Morning we drank Chocolate together, and I invited Don Jaquesy with his Wife and Daughter, to dine with me on Board the next Day, which he con- fen:ed to. I now begg'd Leave to be gone ; but it being very hot, he had provided me a ^\\k Palanquin ; which II a Thing like a Hammock, with a Canopy over it, carry 'd by two Blacks, with each a Reft to hang it on while they take Breath. This is all the Vehicle in Ufe at Sit.Sal- bear fympathizing with him : But I order'd his Servants, (whom I had liberally rewarded for the Frouble I gave), to fhut the Door, to prevent their Mailer's going any farther. Captain Robert Boyle. i8f I walk'd towards the Port very melancholy, though with fome Precipitation ; bwt was rouz d out of it by one of my Indians crying, Mafter, take a Care, take a Care! I turn'd about, and faw four Portugueze purfuing us. I made a Stand, and drew my Sword, took my Cloak from my Indian, and put it acrofs my Arm to defend my felf the better. They all four attacked me at once; but my Indians, whom 1 had order'd to wear Swords on Shore, fell u pon 'em furioufly, and difpatch'd two of 'em immediately; and I had made a fhift to drop a third, though not without receiving feveral Wounds. The fourth ran for it ; but my Indians being as nimble-footed as Does, foon overtook him, and dragg'd him down the Hill by the Hair of his Head i while he cry'd out all the while, Mifericerdia ! Miferi- dia! The Noife we made had brought up my Boat's Crew, who were all arm'd with Piftols and CutlalTes? and the Guard coming in the mean time, and feeing my Indians dragging the Fugitive, fell upon us: But my Crew and Indians charg'd 'em fo furioufly, that they foon put *em to Flight, though treble our Number: Though this avaii'd us but little, for the whole Garrifon was coming down upon us. I then order'd my Crew to refift no more, but fubmit to 'em ; for as we were innocent. I did not much fear to come off clear. The Buftle had rouz'd Don Jaques, and his Servants, who were foon inform'd of the Condition I was in, and he came in good time to intcrpofe his Authority j for the Portugueze began to be outragious. But the Goyer- nour had fent a Gentleman to bring us before him : And accordingly I went, accompanied by Don Jaques. But the Wounds I had received bled fo much, that they were oblig'd to carry me to Don JaqueCsy and fend for a Surgeon. My Hurts were not dangerous, but I was very faint with lofs of Blood"^ ^ \ Don 1 S(S ^he Adventures of Don Jaques waited on the Governor, and inform'd him of the Condition I was in: But the Governor not underftanding who was the Aggreffor, oruer'd a Guard of vSoldier? at the Door of the Houfe wiiete I was. My Boat's Crew foon got on Boa'-d, and alarm'd both the Ships, vvho immediately weigh'd and came clofe to Shore, where they had prepar'd to fire upon the Town, if I was not releas'd inftantly. I underftanding the Matter, fent one to inform them, that the Guard was fet upon me to fecure me from the Infuks of the Pof tuguexe, till the Truth of the Matter was difcovered. This would not fcrve their Turn, but a hundred of 'em* with the Officers and Don Pedro, landed, all well arm'd» and vow'd to wait the Event on Shore, The Governor did me the Honour of a Vifit, and enquir'd into the Caufe; and I inform'd him, as well as my Weaknefs Would permit me, When they had examined the dead Fortuguex.e. they found one of them was Nephew to the deceased Viceroy. Upon the Dilcovery of which, the Portuguese began to be very much exafperated,and were hardly rfftrain'd from ruihing into the Houfe, and tearing me to Pieces ; for though they did not regard the Nephew, yet they had a great Veneration for hig deceased Uncle, who behav'd himfelf with a great deal of Candour in his Poft, and the Inhabitants mightily regretted his Lofs. The Governor appeas'd their Fury, by telling 'em I (hould have no Favour Ihewn me if I were guilty, let the Confequence be what it would. And immediately a Court was fummon'd to try me, tho' it was Midnight, and I was carry'd there in a Palanquin* weak as I was. But I was oblig'd to fend for my Lieutenant, and tell him that there was no Danger ; and alfo order'd him to fend the Crew on Board again. When we came to the Place of Juftice, the Governor order'd me a Seat : But the Bufinefs was foon ended ; for the Portugueze we had fecur'd, own'd that his Mafter had Captain RobertBoyle. 187 had defign'd to murder me, becaufe he was informed I was his Rival in the beautiful Donna Bianca, (which was the Daughter of Don Jaquts.) I was very much furpris'd (as well as Don Jaques) at this, Report, and we both declared it was only a jealous Suggeftion of the Gentleman ; which every one came into : And the Grounds he had for it, was my often frequenting Don Jaqu€s\ Houfe, upon the fcore of Friendihip only, and lodging there. The Governor handfomely difmift me, and told me he was very forry I had been detain'd from my Affairs. I return'd, that I was as forry to be the Caufe of fo un- happy an Accident, in a Country where I had received fo much Civility. Don Jaques begg'd I would go back to his Houfe, and fiay till my Wounds were well j but the Governor took us afide, and faid to us in French, I know, Don JaqueSf 'tis your Friendihip for the Captain that makes you defire his Company ; but, if I might advife you, I would have him go on Board upon the Inilant ; for though he is very innocent as to the Matter, yet I doubt fome of the Deceafed's Friends or Relations, which are numerous, not having Regard to Juftice, will contrive fome Method to difpatch him out of the Way: for moft of the Portugueze are jealous, malicious, a.nd revengeful, and very feldom look into the Merits of the Caufe. I thank'd the Governor for his kind Caution ; and Don Jaquest notwithllanding his Friendfhip, could not but come into what he had faid. I therefore order'd my felf to be carried on Board that Moment. It being broad Day, the Governor and his Guard would accom- pany me to the Water-fide, but Don Jaques would go on Board with me. In the Boat he told me he had fome Thoughts of coming to refide in England, for faid •he, I have enough, and therefore I will, in two or three. Year* l88 y]&^ Ad VE NTURE s e)/ I Years more, leave off Traffick and live quiet in the - World. But he begg'd I would write to him alToon as I arriy'd in Europty and let him know the Place I had : chofe to live in ; for, ^dded he, Itt it be where it will, i if it is ever my Fortui-je to arrive fafe in Europe, I'll ■ take another Voyage only for the Hopss of feeing you- « I returned him the Acknowledgment due to fo much Friendfhip, and we parted with Tears on both fides. Aflbon as I had got on Board, the Wind being fair» i we weigird and flood out of the Bay. When we were ' out at Sea, a Letter was brought me written in French, \ the Tranflation of which is as follows. S I R, I T l^^as refol'v'd to male Tryal of you befhri I fufferd my •^ Heart to chuje you for a Friend 't and I am fo ivell i convinced of the Sincerity of \dur Soil, that I tvill confide \ in you a Secret dear to my Repofe. I had an Amour Kvith a beautiful Lady before I ivas marry d^ that pro- I duc'd the Bearer of this Letter. I have kept him con- \ tear d from my Family hitherto i but thePerfon I trufied \ •voith his Education and this Secret, being dead, IfeaY'd \ J fhould find fame Difficulty to conceal hi?a Any longer here : therefore, depending upon your good Nature and \ Friendjhip, I have 'vcntur'^d to fend him to you, nvith Sufficient to hear his Expences in his Education, nuhich ! J fwould ha-je fui table to the Efate I hanje in myPoiver to give him, I fhall ever on.f,n this Obligation, and \ ahvays think it my great eji llappinefs to fubfcribe my felf \ Your fmcere Friend and Servant, j Jaques de Ramirez* . I muft own I was very much furpriz'd at this Epiftlc, ' and could not imagine his Keafons for concealing it from Captain Robert Boyle. i8p from me. I order'd the Perfon that brought the Letter to be conduced in, and immediately enter'd my Cabin •one of the beautifullelt Boys I had ever fet my Eyes on. He feem'd about Fiiteen, his Hair fair and long, curl- ing down his Shoulders : In Ihort, every Feature fo exadl and uniform, and fo innocent withal, that I was amazM. At laft I took him by the Hand and embrac'd him, and told him for his Father's fake he fhould be as dear to me as my own Son. But finding he did not anfwer me, for 1 fpoke to him in EngUjhy I repeat- ed the fame in French. He return'd me Thanks, and faid he did not doubt but he fhould find it fo. After fome time, he delivered me a Casket, in which were jewels to the Value of five thoufand Piltoles, and a little Box which contained a thoufand Moidores. I told him I would take as much Care of them as if they were my own. Thefe, Sir, faid the Youth, are defign'd to bear my Charges. Then ordering another Box in, had it open'd, and told me what it contain'd was a Prefent from his Father to me. When I examined it, I found fix Silver Difhes, and three dozen of Plates of the fame Metal ; a dozen of Knives, Forks, and Spoons in Gold, and half a dozen of Gold Sweet-meat Plates. In a larger Box was variety of all maner of Conferves and Cordials; and I was informed he had made fmall Prefents to every Officer in the Ship, and to the common Sailors a Week's fre(h Provifion, with Liqaor in proportion. I was amaz'd at his Bounty, for his Prefent to me was what a Prince might have receiv'd. I thought it was my Duty to fhew all the Kindnefs I was capable of to the Son of fo generous a Father; therefore I order'd him a Field Bed in my own Cabin j and his Behaviour was fo engaging, that I felt as much Tendernefs for him as if he had really been my own Child j and having Skill in Surgery, I truHed 1 90 Ttoe Adventures of trufted him with the Management of my Wounds; though I had a very good Ship-Surgeon, who fupply'd ' him with what he wanted. My Hurts, which were \ not dangerous, foon heal'd, and I recovered my Strength again. I could not prevail upon young Don Ferdinand, } {Don Jaques's Son) to go often upon Deck. He laid he \ would rather chufe to ftay in the Cabin, where he had i French Books of his own, and ibme of mine to enter- \ tain him ; for I had taken my Opportunity to procure '■ feveral at St. So.l^cador^ and among the rell a French \ and E72gliJ?:> Grammar and Di£lionary, which mightily • pleas'd Don Ferdinand, for he had a great Defire to learn Enfjip : I gave him all the Helps I could ; ; and he in return, inftrudled me in the Portugueze \ Language; fo that in a fliort time we could difcourfc ^ in either. We had refolvM to fleer our Courfe for the Ifland of i Tercera, the Capital of the Azores ; and after fifty Days \ Sail, we difcover'd the Peak of one of the J Hands of ■ Azores, which is called Pico, from the Mountain. It 1 is in the Refemblance of a Pyramid, and may be dif_ \ covered as many Leagues ofF as the Pike ofTeneriff; for we were then by OWervation thirty Leagues ofFfr.om \ it, and yet could fee it diftinftly. In two Days more we difcover'd the Jfland of St. ■ Michael. We were all pleas'd that we had entered that ■ Part of the World we call Europe, the Birth-place of mofl of U5 ; and what pleas'd us more was, that we had ' made all our Fortunes. Augujl the 19th, 1696, we anchoi-'d in the Bay of : Angruy the Capital of the Azores, in the Ifland Tercera. \ I can't give any great Commendation to the Port, being ' I think it a very indifferent one. We did not defign j to flay long, only to get fome Water, and fome frefh ' Provifions ; for we were inform'd there was no riding ' out a Storm there. We got in what we wanted with ' all Captain Robert Boyle. ipr all the Expediuon we could, while the Weaiher was fa« vourabk. The City is feated at the Bottom of the Bay, under the Brow of a Hill call'd Monto de Brafil, or the Brajtl Mountain; but for what reafon fo call'd, I could not be inform'd. It is very well fortify 'd, having two ftrong Caftles, and eight Batteries befides, with Guns of thirty Pounds Shot. Bat it fis very indifferently garrifon'd, having no more than two hundred Men in Pay, and mofi: wretchedly fupply'd, having no cloathing for three Years. The Town is very agreeable, having a Stream of Water running quite through it, which drives feveral Mills for the Uie of the Publick; and almoft in every Quarter are publick Fountains of excellent-tailed Water. From this Place are brought the fineft Canary Birds, tho' lefs than thofe of the Canaries, yet they exceed them far in the Excellency of their Pipes. Money is very fcarce here, and confequently every thing cheap. I bought two Months Bifcuit for the Ships, much cheaper than in any Port of Europe. Corn is their chief Commodity, which they {tnd. to Portugal \ but for any other Trade, I believe the King of FortU" gal gets but little w'\dvantage. 1 was grown fuch a Proficient in the Portugueze Tongue, that I could make a Ihift to be underftood ; and by undcrilanding that Language, foon found a Gate to the SpanijhTon^M^y by the help of Don Pedro, who had learnt to fpeak Englijh very fluently. We got acquainted with one of the Fathers of the Cordeliers y who fhew'd us the Churches, and other things of Note in the City. The Cathedral is a very handfome Build- ing, and well painted, which goes by the Name of St. Sahador ; and there is no danger of miifing that Title, and St. Anthony ^ every where among the Portw gucze, Thcre*s no lofs than twenty, bcfides the Cathe- dral; I p2 The Adventures of dral ; with four Monalleries, and four Convents, tha^ have each their Chapel beautifully adorn'd. When we had got what Refrefhments were wancing,^ we let fail for the Straits, intending to touch no where, before we were got into the Mediterranean ; and becaule we met with nothing extraordinary in our Voyage to Gibraltar; I will, to divert the Reader, give him, (inilead of Bearing of Coafts, Changes of Wind, and unexpeded Storms,) the Life of my Companion Don Pedro Jquilio \ which he related to us during th« Voyage, in the following Manner. THE \ Captain Robert Boyle, ip} 1' H E F E O F Don PEDRO A^UILIO, " '■'^Y Father refiding in Francf^ when the r . . ..V • ■> i*3i ^'om motions were ingendring between the fe'^l^.'^y'^' l-c?? King and the Parliament, was made fafr. 'M ih/^-^ YS\ to the Interefl of Cardinal Je Retz, by ^^^ir^S i"^rrymg one or his Nieces or a very- great Fortune : He had a Hand in moft of the fecret Tranfadions of thofe Times; and wading too deep in thofe Seas of Trouble, was oblig'd to re- tire to his native Country. He foreft-eing what would happen, took care of his Affairs accordingly, fold his Eftatc in France, and fent my Mother x.oSeS lidays were approaching, that us'd to give us the Op- portunity of rambling into the Country. The Perfon that won our Money happen'd to be the lad that was added to our Society ; and tho' he had not been long among us, we began to be tir'd of him, as much from his odd Humours, as his Effeminacy. I at la(l thought of a Projed to be reveng'd on him, and it vas very much approved by the reft of my Compa- nions. The Holidays being come, we defign d for our Country Rendezvous; but he that bcre the Purfe would not go with us, without we could produce every one fo much Money. This put us to our Shifts again : But my Man, who was an arch Wag, bcgg'd that I would accept of what he had ; for I had been fo lucky as to have paid him his Wages before my Lofs. I accepted of his OiFer, and took from him ten Leavis d'Ors : We contriv'd it fo well, that they were fliewn to old Sir Snip, from every Perfon of our Society. Weil, faid he, fixty Lewis ^'Ors will do our Buhnefs; but who Ihould be the Purfe-bearer was what he cavill'd at^ and not caring to truft any of us, (and we refolv'd not to truft him) he pitch'd upon my Man to be Caili- keepcr for us alJ. And accordingly he put down in his Pocket-book, fo much Money in Bank, receiv'd of luck and fuch Perfons, when in Reality he had but twenty Lenvis d* On, When we had contriv'd every thing, we took Korfe^- and rode fix Leagues that Evening, to the Place where we defign d to put in Execution our Projcft. We had agreed to pay every Night the Expences of the Day, and have it fet down in my Man's Book. But when he was caird for, (as we had concerted) no Man was to be- found. There was ftrange Enquiry made to no pur- pofe; and we all agreed he had taken the Opportunity to rob us, and run away with our Money. All that we had to do, was to beg of Snip to difcliarge the K 2 Houfe* 1 95 T!he Adventures of Houfc. But he declar'd he had not half a Pidole in his Pccket : which we knew very well, for he had iew'd all the reft into his Waiftcoat. Since it falls ciit ib unluckily, faid J, don't let us make known our Wants to the Houfe, but go to Reft, and confult to-morrow. I lay with 6";;/)!>, for fear he fhould take it into his •Head to fneak off. In the Night, when I found he was fart a-fleep, I bundled up all his Cloaths, and threw them out of the Window to my Man that waited for them. When jMorning came, I defir'd him to rife, that we might get all together to confult .; but no Cloaths were to be found. He began to ftorm and fwear, but all to no purpofc ; for not one of his Oaths would bring back a Rag of his Cloachs, He told us in his Ravings, that he had loft fo much Money, few'd up in his Waiftcoat. We upbraided him for his Covetoufnefs, in not letting us fhare with him; but it did not lignify any thing. He threatened to go to the Pro--voJi, and have the Landlord fecur'd i and would have don't, if he had not been raked. After raving to no Purpofe, he was cblig'd to go to '^cd again, to avoid catching cold. He ask'd us what he fhould do in his Condition, but all the Advice we gave him brought him no Confolation. He was very tall, and large made, and we us'd to call him in Ridicule the Infant. He propos'd to fell his Horfe to cloath him; but being fo much out of Size, there was not any thing to be had ready made that would fit him : This was ftill worfe and worfe; and though the Horfe was fold for twenty Pijlohsy we contriv'd it fo, that my Landlord feiz'd the Money for his Reckoning. This put him almoft befic^e hiiafelf, an4 he was ready to expire with Vexation. I pretended to be much concern' d at this IJfage, jLvhile the reft of our Company laugh'J at his Mis- fortune^ Captain Robert Boy u e. i^'f fortune. I feenVd to be very angry with them ; and told 'em I would do my Endeavour to remedy every thing. I made 'em acquainted, that I had jail call d to mini a Perfon, a Friend cf mine, that liv'd in the Town, much of the Infant's Size, and I would go to borrow a Suit of Cloaths for him. He feera'd very jnuch rejoic'dat this; for he rcfolv'd. affcon as ever he was drefs'd, to take up the Landlord, and fwear the Robbery againil him. I went as he fuppos'd about his Cloaths; and afur (laying fome time below, I \yent up with a Bundle, and feem'd very much concerned 'that I could not fucceed. I told the Infafit, the GentlemaH was gone to Lyo72s about Bufmcfs of Concern, and had carried all his Cloaths with him. But I had brought him a Mafquerade Habig that he had left behind him. He expreisM fome Satisfaftion at the Sight of it, that he fhould not be confin'd to lie in Bed. But, Taid he, if it were not only for the Name of Cloaths, a Man might as well go naked, for there's no ftirring abroad in this Drefs. It sv.:is the Habit of a Satyr, that we had made on purpoic for the Occafion, before we left Paris. When we had equipp'd him, it was as much as I could do to keep my Countenance at the Figure he madej and he ^em'd very much diiTatisfy'd with it, but^ however he wore it for the Conveniency of not lying in Bed. ^ V/l.en we were at Dinner, we had many Contri- vances to get away, but none feafable. I told '--r V laft I had thought of a Defign would certainly do our Bufinefs, and make up our Loffes, if the Infcz^J would confent to it. He readily reply'd, he would ftick at noihing to do that. Why then, faid I, if you'll fufFer your felf to be ihewn in that Habit, as a Monfter newly arriv'd, I'll anl'wer for the Succefs of it. . ^ i5>8 7'he Adventures cf After much Talk, he agreed to do it, on this Pro* vifo, that his Face fhould be difguis^d. I told him I would flep to my Friend's Houfe, for the Mask that was made ro the Habit. I return'd and gave it to him, and he was foon fatisfy'd with the Prqjed. Notwithflanding the Buftle we made, nene of the Houfe (but the Landlord) knew any thing of the Mat' rer, and the next Day it was given out about the Town, that a Monfter was to be ihovvn in the Afternoon. We ha-d procured a Chain, and other Materials to carry on the Joke; and when the Time came to Ihow away, we had fuch a Concourfe of People to fee our Mon* fier (it being in the Holidays) that our Profit gave us fome Satis^a£lion. For when the Time ©f fhowing was over, our Money amounted to three and twenty FiJloles\ and the Monfter behav'd himfelf fo well with our In- iJrudion?, that he gave a general Content. We had taken care he fhould appear fo fierce, that hone fhould approach near enough to difcover the De. ceit. We had a great deal of Diverfion at the igno- rant People's Suggeftions. One Country Fellow ask'd how old he v^as ? I told him four Years, three Months and five Days. Lord blefs me, (cry'd he out) why, by that time he comes to be twenty, no Houfe will be able to hold him. In fine, we fhow'd him fo lohg, that our Money Hiounted to upwards of one hundred Pounds, which pleas'd our hifant fo well, that he defirM to continue a Monfter all the time of the Holidays. But we refolv'd to carry the Joke no further, tho^ we did not tell him fo. We left the Infant chain'd to the Poll of the Window, as ufual, went down to my Landlord, and gave him In- ftruftions how to behave himfelf We took care to fatisfy iiim v6ry well for the Trotible he had been at. We Capain Robert Boyle. tpp We all rid away to the next Village, and putting up our Horfes, returned on Foot, one by one, back again to the Inn ; and Hole up Stairs unperceiv'd by any one but the Landlord . The Infant, finding we itaid longer than ordinary, began to make a great Noile; which my Land^ lord hearing, lent up one of his Servants, that knew no, thing of the Secret ; when the Infant i^^ him come in, he niade feveral Signs to him; but as the Fellow knew nothing of the Jell, he did not much like the Adlon of the Infant, but ran down to his Mafter frighted out of his Wi:s. We had made Peep holes in the bordering Room, where we could perceive every Aflion of the Infant^ j but he was fo very much enrag'd, that he fat down biting, his Nails for Vexation ; for he began to perceive the Trick we had put upon him. After fitting melancholy fome time, he rofe up and endeavoured to undo the Chains ; bat as they were tyM clofe behind, and made fail to a Staple in the Wall, all his Efforts prov'd vain. All our Care was to contain from laughing, which was a very hard Tafk. When he found he could not ixtt, himielf, Rage imirely poffefsM him ; and the Noife he made with (lamping, and rattling his Chains, brought tip feveral of the Servants arm'd, who open'd the Door cautioufly ; but notwithllanding their Valour, ran away as foon as they perceived his menacing Adicn ; and tumbling over one another, took the fliorteft Way down Stairs. When we thought he had Mortification enough, we fcnt my Landlord into him with a good Horfewhip, and a Letter in his Hand. As foon as he had got with- in the Door, he fpoke after this manner, in a Land- lord- like Tone. I was pretty well alTur'd at the Begin- ning that thou wert a rank Cheat ; but now I am con- vinced of it, I will chailife thee firft, and reafon with thee afterwards, like other criminal Judges, punilh firft, K A^ and^ zco The Adventures of and inquire into the Demerits of the Caufe afterwards that Juflice may not wait for any body. Thtfe Words were follow'd with fome fmart Strokes, and the Dialogue loon began to be in much Conful^.on; for between the Roaring of the Infant, the Bawling of my Landlord, and the Smacking of the Whip, it was a continual Jargon of Noite : And we were cblig'd all of us to own, our HoU executed his Commiffion to a Hair, When he had a little recover'd Hmfelf, he began to reafon with his Patient, who, that he might the better hear him, laid himfelf down on his Pallat to condole his affli£led Body. But their Queflions being \tvy long, and the Anfwers but ffiort, confining of two Mo- nojyllables, hy^ or No, I will not trouble you with the Relation. After their Dialogue was over, he gave him the Let- ter, which difcovered our Defign upon him. He was thunder-ftruck at our Combination j and utter'd fuch Imprecations of Revenge, that my Landlord was oblig'd t) anfwer him with his Whip, which foon reduced him to Reaibn. We began to be tir'd with our Infant, and fo put an End to our Diverfion, and his Torture, by fending him his Cloaths ; tho' fome of our Company would hjwe had him gone to Paris m that Trim. In a few Days after the Frolick 'vas over, he com- menc'd a Suit of Law againfl us all, for a Robbery ; but the Judges finding it only a Trick of Mirth, fined every one of the Defendants fix Livres a-piece, and every one to pay his own Cofts. This but enrag'd the Infant the more, and he began to meditate a more pernicious Revenge ; for now he appeared the Ridicule oi the whole City, and he could never flir without a Train of Boys at his Heels. The Capain Robert Boyle, ioi^^ The firfl Inftance of it was as follows: My Servant having fome Intrigue on his Hands, had made bold with my Cloaths to carry it on ; and coming Home precty late, was (hot through the Back with a Piftol- Bali, juft as he was entring the College Gates. Tho' it was well meant, the poor Fellow efcap'd with Life, yet he lay dangerouHy ill for fevcral Days. He could give no Account of the Affair at all, not having feen the Perfon that wounded him. But the Accident made me very uneafy, for I wasconvinc'd the Favour was meant lb me. This made me cautious how I ventur'd out of the College ; for it was eafy to imagine it was a Proof of the lnfant\ Refentment, who had left tiie College upon the Lofs of his Tryal. I began now to repent GUI' Confederacy againft hinij and wrote him a Note to affure him of my Contritionj with my Share of the Money we had taken from him. He recciv'd the Cafli, and fcnt me Word he heartily forgave me. Imagining him iincere, I ventur'd into the City, and foon frequented my old Rendezvous; but I had fo much Regard for my felf as to get to Collcgq.' betimes. One- Night as I was going Home, fourMen in Vizojr Masks rulh'd out from behind a Wall of a Houfe that was building ; they all fir'd upon me, and ran awaj" as foon as they had difcharged their Pieces. I mull confefs, at firft, Fear ma« my felf one of thofe unfortunate Men^ thaft •* for ivant of letter Employment y recei've Money ^s the Price of Blood, though this I can fay nvith a clear Confcience, I nenjer ha-ve yet pif.t^ my Trade in PraSiicel^ Tejlerday Morning I nvas fent for to the Houfe of Mon-r Jieur Gomberville, commonly calVd the Infant, loho em- ployed me to take^ anvay your Life ; and^ that he jho ^o- ing t9 another IVorld; has left im a conflderahle EJiati in this. Thofe Perfans ^*:ho had the Care of my Educa^ tion here, feem to ha*ve Defigns again^ my Fortune ; therefore I ha've made my Efcape from ''em, but muji re- turn to my Betrayers, if you. ha've not the Goodnefs to be my Guardian to Mexico, ivhere I /hall return the Obligation you Jhiill pleafe to lay me under, in being my Protestor. I ask'd my Man, Who brought the Letter, and he told me a young Negro. I bid him bring him in. I ask*d him feveral Queftions, and found him ready with his Anfwcrs. He informed me, that his Father, tho' a Ne- gro, was a Man of Subftancc, and had fent him in his Infancy to be educated at Ze'vil, and for the reft the Letter inform'd me. I was mightily pleasM with the Perfon of the black Gentleman, and treated him civilly, with the AfTurance of delivering him fafe to his Friends at Me^cico, L 4 When 224 ^^ Adventures of When we were alone, he told me had a farther Se- cret to difcover to me, if he was fure of not being in- terrupted. Upon hearing this, I order'd my Servant on Shore for fome NeceiTaries, and inform'd him, we need not fear any Interruption for fome Hours. After a long Paufe, and calling his Eyes on the Ground, he began. This Veil of Night would not hide my Blulhes, if I were not convinced in your Knowledge of my Frailty. But if you'll confider my Youth, Climate, and Opportu- nity, you will allow few of my Sex could withftand the Temptation. Be not furpris'd to find in this Difguife the Daughter of Don Leivis, who is fo far fubjed to the Caprice of Love, as to difclefe to you the inmoft Secret of her Heart. . The Letter you left with me producM a contrary E{Fc(fl than I believe you imaginM ; and inftead of Rage and Indignation taking PolTelTion of my Bread, a fofter PafTion flole in, and 1 felt all the Tendernefs imagina.- ble for Don Pedro. I expedl nothing but ill Ufage from you for my paft Condu6l ; but if you can believe there is any Sincerity in Woman, after what I have been guilty of, I am ai^ fur'd you may depend on what I fay, that no other Objecl fliall fhare my Heart with you. I do not mean the Tye of Wedlock, but if you will accept of me as I ~ am, J'il be as fubfervient to your Commands, as your meaneft Slave. I was fo confounded between Pleafure and Amaze- ment, that I imagined all I heard and faw was a Dream; but being fwcetly convinc'd of the Reality, I faid all my Paffion could fuggeft in Return, not giving my felf time to confider of the Oddnefs of the Accident: 'Twas fufEcient I had in PoflelFion all that was lovely in Wo- man, in my Imagination ; and I had no other Thought, but how to keep her from the Knowledge of her Fa- ther Captain Robert Boyle, zzf ther on Shore, and the Sailors on Board, for we did not know when we Ihould fet Sail. My Miilrefs told me, if Ihe had not fucceeded with me, fhe refolv'd for a Nunnery, but fince we were re- concil'd, fhe had laid by all Thoughts of the Habit. She made her Efcape from her Father's without the Affiliance or Knowledge of any one but Terefa. But what favour'd her Efcape was, the Abfence of her Fa- ther for ten Days in the Country ; yet fhe fear'd, when he came Home again, he would fright Tcrefa into Con- feflion, or by Promifes get it out of her ; for that fhe was mercenary enough to fell any thing fhe had to the belt Bidder. To prevent which, we agreed to drefs her in the Habit of a Man, and let her wear her own Com- plexion. Accordingly we both went on Shore at Cadiz, and foon equipt our felves with what we wanted, and on Board I brought my Spark, as a Relation of mine, that had a Mind to run his Fortune with me. The next Day the Wind proving favourable, we fet Sail and left our Appreheniions behind us. I was oblig'd to let our Servant into the Secret, that I might have it kept fo ; well knowing if he had dif- cover'd it himfelf, it had not been a Secret long, though the Fellow was very faithful to any Secret that was trufted to him. We touch'd at the Madera Iflands, pafs'd the Pike oi'Teneriff, got over the Line, duck'd our Men as ufual, and met with no extraordinary Accident ; but in fifty three Days arriv'd fafe at the City of SanSla Domingo, (or St. Dominick) the Capital City of the Ifland Hi/pa- niola. I was very well pleas'd to find fo delightful a Place ias this was, after the Fatigue of our Voyage. My Miftrefs and I took us a Lodging at a good natur'd Spaniard's, (hat treated us very well for our Money. L 5 Here 2 : (J Ths AnvEN'fuRES of Here my Lady told me, fhe felt the Effefls oF oar Familiarity. I endeavour'd to perfuadc her J had no Hand in't j but (he iniifted upon't that tlie Deed was done by nie, and gave me fome Proofs to believe it. I was very much concern*d to find Means to hide it from the Houfe; for Ihe began to have thofe Qualrns which attend that natural Diftcmper; and by the Beau- ty of her Face, I fear'd her Sex might foon be di- ftinguilh'd. I kept her from the Sight of oar Ship's Crew in the Voyage, Ihe always (laying in the Cabin ; and it was very dangerous to difcover a fine Woman in this Part oi^ the World, becaufe there are few that arc hand fome. I was upon Thorns till our Departure for Mexico, but the Fleet fcaying longer than I expeded, I took a ? Ramble to the moll noted Places in the Ifland ; and fmce I underftvind by your Story you never were there, I'll give you a (hort Defcription of it. liifpaniola is feated from feventeen Degrees, to nine- teen Degrees Latitude, in Length about one hundred and twenty Leagues, and Breadth (about the middle Part) fifty. The Air much the fame for Heat, as at Senjil in Spain i the Fruits delicious, and fome peculiar to the Place. The capital City, is St. Domingo, which gives a de- lightful Profped from the Fields about it, being mix'd with pieafani Gardens and Rivers. HtiQ the Governor of the Ifland rcfides, and here are kept all their Offices, and Courts of Judicature, and it is likewife the Store-houfe to the whole Ifland. There are two Cities more, St. Jago and Nuejfra Sennora de aha Gracia ; the lall of which is to the South, and is famous for the bcft Chocolate in the World. The Cathedral of St. Domingo is a handfom Pile of Building, and the other Churches are anfwerable to the Grand- Captam Robert Boyle. 117 Grandeur of the Inhabitants, whoTe very Artizans are wealthy. The Friars live as luxurious here, as in any other Part of the World, and follow the Steps of their Bre- thren, in chufing the ncbleft Situations. This Ifland was difcover'd by Columbus in the Year 1492, and kept in the Hands of the Spaniards ever fince that Time; while molt of their other Acquifitions are fell to the Englijhy French, and Dutch. Tho' the French have Tome Plantations in the Ifland at prefent, yet they were of their own acquiring, and riot taken from the Spaniards ; and being chiefly Hunt- ers, and not very rich, the Spaniards make no At- tempt upon 'em. No Ifland can boa ft of more convenient Ports than this, and every Port difembogues fine Rivers (florM with palatable Fiih) into the Sea ; but then to qualify that Blefling, they are very much infefted with Alligators and Crocodiles. I law one lying on the Shore- fide like a Log of Wood, and as a Buffalo came there to drink, he Iprung upon him, dragg'd him to the Bottom, and there'devour'd him; tho' they are eafily to be avoided, from the aromatic Smell that comea from their Skin. I was much furpris'd to find in moll Houfes, Scr- ' pents infl:ead of Cats, that were greater Enemies to Rats and Mice; but what was more pleafiug, they were no: the lead Offenfive, having no Venom in 'cm. But then, they will often play the Fox v/ith the Pei Itry, and dc- ftroy many of them, unlefs narrowly watch'd. T\\tScolopendria of \.h.Q Greeks is found here, and ve- ry large Scorpions ; but by the Divine Providence, nei- ther of 'em hurtful. I fliall not trouble you with any farther Accor.ntofthis Ifland, becaufe there is not any thing to be found there,, but what is upon the Continent, unlefs fome particular Herbs ; and as I am no Bounillj X lliall jiot take any No- tice of 'em. The 228 The Adventures of The Time came at lail for our embarking for Vera Cruz, in order to go to Mexico, and I left ^i. Domingo with fome Regret; as imagining I (hould not meet with any oti:er Place in America fo pleafant. During our Voyage, my Miilrefs was mightily dif- order'd. We embark'd for Vera Cruz, where we arriv'd without any Accident; and having no Bufmefs there* we let out by Land for Mexico, and got fafc there. But inquiring for my Uncle, I was informed he was gone to refide at Lima, the capital City of Peru. My Concern was the more, in that I fear'd 1 (hould not meet with proper Accommodation at Mexico^ for want of him, in the Affair of my Milhefs; for her Condition would not bear the Fatigue of another Removal, I was entertained in the Houfe of a near Friend of my Uncle's, and one who kept a Correfpondence with him ; he was very civil to me, and of a freer Difpofition than generally the Spaniards are; but he had the fame Vanity as all the old Chriitians have, who pride them- ielves \tiy much upon't. I let him into the Secret of my Lady, and her Condition; and by the Help of his Wife, we made \\cj realTume her proper Drefs. But we kept her private. The Time of her Delivery came, and the Produd proved a lufty Boy, who llaid among us three Weeks, and then left us. I had no Scruples about being the Father, for it was plain enough to be feen; it being jny Pidure in a little. My Milhefs continu'd very weak longer than the ufual Time ; and I being alone with her one Day, fhe told me Ihe was under fome Ap- prehenfions concerning our Landlord, Don Manuel, who had made her fecretly many large Offers, and the Nurfe was his Emiffarv . I told her I had the fame Propo- fals from his Wife ; and tho' the Woman was not dif- agreeable, nay might pafs for a Beauty, where Wo- Captain Robert Boyle, zip men were fo (carce, yet I could not find any Tender- rjefs for her in my Heart. After many Arguments between us, a Thought came into my Head, which I hop'd would produce fome Mirth among us. I defir'd my Miftrefs to give Don Ma- nuel fome fmall Encouragement, and leave the reft to me. My Landlord foon found an Opportunity, through my Means, to fee my Miftrefs. She follow'd my Ad- vice, and tranlported the Don out of his Senles ; his Joy was not to be contain'd, he forgot the Gravity of a Spaniard^ and caper'd about like a French Dan- cing mafter. When I learnt all their Diicourfe from my Miilrefs, I begg'd her to continue her good Humour to him, and promife him a Meeting tiiat Day Seven- night in the Summer houfe of the Garden. She did as I direded. Jn the mean time, I took my Opportunity to confa- bulate with the Wife, and gave her Diredions, the Night appointed, to go to the fame Summer-houfe, but to avoid Speech, being it was over the Water, and Men wtxQ continually pafling to and frO' The good Wo- man was as much overjoyM as her Husband ; and the better to carry on my Deiign, I gave it out that I was to go with fome Gentlemen a hunting the Buffalo for two or three Days. I defir'd my Landlord (a Title I had given him out of Mirth) to take care of my Wife in my Abfence. I told my good Landlady, this was a Contrivance of mine, that we might not be fufpeded. My Miftrefs had made juft the fame Agreement with the Don. The Time came, and the good Man and Woman were left to worry one another with their ex- traordinary PalTion, The next Day at Dinner, (for we generally eat to- gether) Don Manuel caft many a Sheep's- Eye at my Wife, and his good Lady at me. The 2 JO The Adventures of The fame Day, as I was reading in the Garden, Madona came to me, and in bitter Terms of Reproach gave me much ill Language ; and told me 1 had be- trayed her to her Hu&band bafcly, by giving him the Ring (he gave me the lail Night. I foon foiiud that flie had made a Prefent to her Husband of a Ring, I taking him for me, and fhe had obferv'd it upon his ' Finger. ^)\t made fo many Speeches about it, that at laft 1 was compeird to tell her the whole Truth, to get rid of her tirefome Paffion, but I foon repented cf my Declaration; for (he flew upon me, and with her ■ Nails play'd the Cat with my Face, and I had much | ado to difengage my felf from her. So furious does a * difappointed Pailicn make a Woman. ; Her confounded Temper made me refolve to leave \ Mexico. The Husband began to fufped fomething of \ the Affair; but his Imagination, that he had the Com- pany ©f my Wife in the Summer-houfe, curb'd his Re- .] lent mem. I The Woman's Rage was unfurmoantable, and it was • not in my Power to bring her to 'I'emper: Therefore I chofe to avoid her as much as poiTibie. As I was at 1 Supper with my Milirefs, fome few Days after the Ac- ^ cident happen'd, fhe told me, fne had received a Pre- -' fent of Cordial-water from Don ManueTs Wife. Now ] I had not told her of Madona % Reientmcnt, becaufe I \ imagined it might make her uneafy : But aflbon .is I : heard of the Prefent, fomething itruck my Mind, there ) was fomething uncommon in it ; I therefore deiir'd my j MiUrefs not to drink any of it. Lord, faid flie, my Dear, j I have already, and defire you would tafle it too, for ' 'tis the pleafanteft Liquor I ever drank in my Life. I was mightily dillurb'd at it, and two Hours difco* ! ver'd the fatal EfFetts. ; My Miftrefs began to be very much out of o'der; and ■] aotwithitanding all the Aid of Phyficians, fhe cxpii 'd '- Captain Robert Boyle, zji in my Arms, and every body agreed Ihe had been poifon'd. I had, in my Fury and Ravings, declar'd to Don Manuel the Author of this black Deed; and when he went to enquire after her, was inform'd fhc went out before Night, and was fuppos'd to have gone to the Town of St. Jngo^ on the Lake, to one of her Relations. Don Manuel fcnt after her, but fhe was not to be found. He grieved at the lofs of my Miftrefs, as much as I did ; and I dare avow, if he had found his Wife, he would have facrific'd her to the Manes of my dear Milirefs. I was very much griev'd for the Lofs of my Miftrefs, for I had reafon to be convinc'd her Paflion for me was unfeign'd. You may eafily imagine, there was no Hay- ing for me in the Houfe where this difmal Accident happen 'd; but as I was preparing to be gone, the Cor- rigidore fent for me to appear before him, to give him the befl Account I could of this AdHon. I related to him the whole Truth, as I have told it you; only I declar'd it was my Wife I had loft. Don Manuel was feiz'd, and put in Prifon, notwith {landing I infilled upon his Innocency ; but he proceeded in that m.anner, being it was fuppos'd he was accefTary to his Wife's Efcape. But a few Days after he was fecur'd, News was brought, that his Wife was found murder'd in the Woods, as it was fuppos'd by fome Indiansy as fhe was endeavouring to make her Efcape from the Hands of Juftice. Thus (he met her Reward for her barbarous Murder of a Woman that never wrong'd her, tho' indeed the Favour was defign'd for me. A few Days after this fatal Accident, I heard of fome Merchants that delign'd to erofs the Continent to the South Sea with a good Guard. I made Acquain- tance with *em, paid my Quota to the Charge, and fet out along with *ein, leaving behind mc the hateful City 2}i ^he Adventures^/ ' City of Mexico, where I had loft the only thing I ' efteemM on Earth. And I muft own to you, notwith- i (landing my Philofophy, I never thought of her for i fome time without the utmoft Heart-breaking. 1 have \ endeavoured indeed, by forcing my Temper to Mirth, ; to bury the Remembrance; and Time, with good Com- " pany, has brought me fome Afnilance ; yet neverthe- i lefs, I do firmly believe, no Woman's Charms will ever 1 for the future break my Reft; for 1 am fatisfy'd, my late Miftrefs made a Hole quite through my Heart. \ But to purfue my Difcourfe. ' We fet out, with a Guard of fifty Spanijh Soldiers, | for fear of the Indians, who had made it their daily \ Pradice to fet upon every body that went through the ! Country, if not too ftrong for 'em. I need not tell you, { that Mexico is one of the fineft Cities in the World, or { that it lies upon a Lake, and no other PafTage to it but "^ over three broad Caufways from different Cities on the ; Land. But what is fomething extraordinary, one part of the Lake is brackifh, and noii'ome, with no living ] Creature in't ; and the other is frefh, wholfome, and ' llor'd with palatable Fi(h. But as there are many exad ! Accounts of the Continent of America^ and its Conqueft ' by my noble Countryman Hernando Cortes, I Ihall fay i no more of it ; but I will take the Libeity to add that \ Ceejar and Alexander were but Pigmy Conquerors to i him ; and every body will be of that Opinion, if they \ will give themfelves the Trouble of readmg his Hillory. \ We met with no Indians to oppofe our PafTage, and , arrived at Segovia, an inland Town inviron'd with Rocks, and but meanly built. Some of our Company j ilaid there, and I was willing to ftay along with 'cm to " refrefh my felf ; foe it's but indifferent travelling over rocky Mountains, and crofting Rivers upon Hurdles, i that is, Pieces of Timber lafh'd together with Ropes ; ^ and is fometimes dangerous, tho' we got over fafe with .\ our whole Company. | 1 Captain Robert Boyle, ijj I ftaid fifteen Days at Segovia^ with fifteen of my Companions. I was very much furpriz'd at the Relation of fome of the Inhabitants of that Place, who told me, about two hundred of your Countrymen the Year be- fore (Free-booters) in fpight of all Oppofition came from the South Sea, to the North, with a very great Booty, defeated the Spaniards when ten to one, and polted to all the Advantage in the World, feveral times. The People of Segovia talk of 'em as fo many Devils ; and that they were aided by the black Gentleman, or it had been an Impoflibiiity to have gone through what they did. But it mull be confefs'd, your Countrymen defpife Hazards, and laugh at the greateft Dangers. After we had fufficiently refrelh'd our felves, we took our Leaves of Segovia, and purfu'd our Journey to the South- Sea, with a Guard of Indians, fubfervient to the Spaniards. And I muft own to you, there is not a Peo- ple in the World more true to their Truft, than thofe confederate Indians that own the Dominion of Spain* Our Journey to St. Fee was pleafant enough, through a rich, level, pleafant Country, and we rode upon Mules, a Beaft of a fure Foot ; and our chief Diverfion wag lliooting of Monkies, that play'd us- feveral comical Tricks, running up the Trees, and frequently did us the Favour to urine in our Faces, and fomctimes fome- thing worfe. When we arriv'd at St. Fee, a fmall Town and Portia the South Sea, we had the good Fortune of meeting with a Veffel ready to fet Sail for Lima. We went im- mediately on Board, and got clear of the Shore that Evening. We arrived at Lima after a Voyage of twenty five Days; we landed at Calao, the Port that all the Ships of Spain anchor at, and one of the fineft in the South' Sea. The 254 jT/^^ Ad VENTURES 0/ | The Town is built upon a Point of Land that runi .1 into the Sea. It is very flrongly fortify'd, and well gar- I rifon'd. I fent my Servant to my Uncle at Lima, to ■ acquaint him that I was coming to wait on him the ! next Day ; but my Servant returned in four Hours, with 1 my Uncle's Coach, who informed me, that he was im- • patient till he faw me. My Uncle v/as Judge of the ', Civil Courts, and a Man in very great Power. He fent ^ his Major Domo to wait on me, with his Excufc, that *> he had come himfelf, but that he was afflided wth the 5 Gout. I only ftaid till I had put on other Cloaths, atrd ' immediately after went in the Ccach with the Major \ Domo, and arriv'd at ray Uncle's juft within Night. He \ was very well pleas'd to fee me, and carefs'd me in an j extraordinary manner. But I was fomething furpriz-d , to find that he had refolv'd for Spain within a MontiJ, : there to end his Days. > I told him the Story of my Father's uniiappy Fate, \ only concealing his Love to Donna Elvira. He was , very much fliock'd at the News, owning to me his chief | Reafon of going to Spain, was to have the Happinef« ! of living together. I then told him, I fuppos'd as that j could not be., that he would alter his Refblution, and \ think no more of his Voyage : But he anfwer'd, moft of ' his EiVeds were gone for Spain, two Months before, and ' that he mull of neceflity follow. ] I gave him to underlland, that it was not in my i Power to wait upon him. He took a great deal of | Pains to perfuade me to it, but when he found it was ] to no purpofc, he told me fince I was not to be pre- j vail'd upon, he would leave me Mafler of a fmall For- ^ tune in Li/na. \ During his Stay, he introduc'd me to moft of th€ , beft Families in the City, and the Viceroy was pleab'd ^ to fhow me good Countenance, and promib'd my Uncle \ to provide for me. \ When \ Captain RobertBoyle. ijf When the time came of his embarking for Spainy I waited on him on Board, where we took Leave, though not with dry Eyes ; and I have repented many times that I did not accompany him. But we muft fubmit to Fate ; and what is allotted us by Fortune will come. He left me Mafler of a wcll-furnifh'd Houfe, and a Plantation whofe Income would provide every thing Neceffity requir'd in the middle Station of Life, with a Promife that at his Death 1 (hould inherit the Remain- der of his Eflate; for he was a fingle Man, and had no nearer Relation than my felf. I took all the Pleafure the Place would afford; and to fay Truth there was no want of any thing at Lima^ except the Converfation of the Female Sex ; though I muft freely confefs I did not always want that. The Viceroy prov'd very kind to me, but Death taking him away fuddenly, I mightily griev'd his Lofs, as indeed I had Reafon ; for the Perlon that fucceeded him prov'd the Reverfe. He made a general Remove of all the Officers the Deceas'd had put in Ports, and among the reft I was one of the Sufferers i and far- ther, upon all Occafions he made it his Bufmefs to flight me; and often affronted me fo grofly, that nothing but his Dignity flirouded him from my Refentment: and many other People in Power, (as the Injudicious gene- rally copy the Frailties of their Superiors, and negle6l their Virtues) treated me in the fame Manner; but I was refolv'd not to bear it. One Day as I was coming from my Plantation upon my Mule, attended only with my old Servant, I met a Nephew of the Viceroy's in his Chaife, in a narrow Road, and not being willing to give way to him, we were both at a Stand ; which fo enrag'd the cholerick Gentleman, that he flew out of his Vehicle, and ran his Spado into the Belly of my Mule, which dropt down dead. I did 1^6 Tie Adventures of I did not want fo much Provocation to raife my Cho- ler, therefore 1 drew upon him, and left him in the fame Condition with my Beaft, grov'ling upon the Sand. He had feveral People that attended him, who rufli'd upon me and my Man, overpower'd us, and dragg'd us immediately to the Viceroy's Palace; who, being glad of any Pretence to wreak his 111- nature upon me, con- demned me to BaUivia for Life, in fpite of the Inter- celiion of thofe few Friends I had. It was in vain to complain of this damnM Trick of Fortune ; and the more to plague me, he left Orders that I (hould be difpos'd of to Don Sancho RamireZy a Relation of his; the Wretch that I have fufRciently re- venged my felf of, and, in part, of the inhumane Vice- roy ; for they were Partners in Trade,. Ramirez, us'd to put me upon the moll flavifh Bufi- nefs, but as I had Money I ufually bought it off; for \ I received yearly my fmall Ellate from Lima, I mean \ from my Plantation, for the Viceroy had feiz'd all the reft of my Moveables ; and would have done this, but < that the honeft Indian who had the occupying of it, \ infifted on" its being my Uncle's.. This Old Hunks had a beautiful Daughter, that I \ found was in Love with a Colonel of the Garrifoh of ■' Baldiwa. This Colonel, notwithftanding my Condi- tion, was not afham'd of my Acquaintance, and often told ■ me the l^orments he endur'd for the young Lady- I ask'd him if the Lady knew of his Paffion, he in- ; form'd me that he flatter'd himfelf with the Return, though they had never fpoke to each other, but he had receiv'd obliging Glances from her fair Eyes, from the { Gallery which overlook'd the Court of Guard. I agreed that if he would write a Letter, I'd pawn : my Life (he fhould have it, and an Anfwer into the 5 Bargain; if (he had any Inclination to fend one. -^He [ embrac'd me, and thank'd me for my kind ProiFer, and >; wrot^i Captain Robert Boyle. 257 Wrote a paflionate Letter to the Lady ; which T accom- panied with another, to let her know I was devoted to her Service upon the Colonel's Account. In two Days 1 had an Anfwer convey 'd into a hol- low Tree in the Garden, as I had concerted in my Note to her, that waited upon the Coloners. Thcfc Paper MefTengers brought Matters to bear, and the kind Lady reiolv'd to venture her felf with the Colonel. We contriv'd a Ladder of Ropes long enough to reach from her Window to the Terras on the Court of Guard; and I convey'da tiiall Bundle of Packthread for her to throw down, which we fallen'd to the Lad- der of Ropes, and the Lady with much ■difficulty puU'd it up, and fafteri^d'^o an Iron Cheil which was in the Room: But as Ihe (Jtoie trembling for Fear down the Ladder, it drew the Ci^ell along the Floor above, which awaken'd that old Devii^her Father. He immediately alarmM all the Servants, as well as Slaves; but the Cap- tain had got fafe off with his Miftrefs. When old Huncks had fummon'd us all together, he went into the Roofn to fee what the Matter was ; but when he found his Money fafe, his Diflradion be- gan to abate. I muft own, I wilh'd heartily we could have clear'd his Money too, as well as his Daughter. .It was fome time ere he mifs'd her, as having no No- tion of her Elopement ; but when he found fhe was gone, his PafTion was unfurmountable ; for the good Lady had made bold with Writings of an Eftate, that it feems were left her by an old Aunt; and I was very well plcas'd (he did not go empty-handed to my Colo- nel ; for I take Money to be the Sinews of Love as well as War. The inrag'd Don ran up and down like a Madman with about a dozen of us at his Heels ; and as we ap- •proach'd the Ditch of the CaiUe, which happened to be free from Water, being the Tide was out, but pretty well •258 77^^ Adventures of^ well provided with Mud, fome of his Servants imagln'd they faw fomething He on the Mud. The old Don being very peery, was (looping down and gazing to be fatis- fy d; and the Devil prompting me juft at the fame time, I clapt my Knee into his Bum, and down fell the poor Don into the Mud. I was the firil that cryM out for Help, yet I did not make extraordinary Hafte to afiill him ; but at laft Ropes were brought, and after he had flounder'd about a Quarter of an Hour, v/e lugg'd him up in a fweet Pickle. By good Luck, he did not miftruft that the Favour was defign'd him, but purely accidental. I had au Opportunity the next Day to find out the Lady and the happy Colonel, who had brought a CommilTion from the Prieft to go to Bed together. He was fo well pleas'd with my Service, that he promis'd to ranfom me from Don Sancho, and did not doubt but he fhould fucceed, being the Don made Money his Summufn Bonum. But we were furpriz'd at the Refufal, for he had fuch a ftrift Charge from the Viceroy of Feru to hold me fall, that it was more his Intereil to keep me than part with me. Nay this Propofal open'd the old Don'% Eyes, for he faw plainly I was at Bottom of his Daughter's Affair. This fo enrag'd him that he order'd a great wooden Clog to be lock'd faft to my Leg, which I was oblig'd to lug along with me. This Proceeding drove me almoil: to Defpair, and I loft all Hopes of ever procuring n^ Liberty. The Colonel and his Lady (who had recovered the Fortune from Don Sancho) were very much griev'd at my ill Ufage, and try'd all manner of Means for my Liberty, but to no purpofe. I paft three Years in this uncomfortable Life, and had the Pleafure to hear that my implacable Enemy, the Viceroy of Peru, was fum- mon'd to Spaiuy upon the Account of fome M*al^Admi' niiiratlon* Captain Robert Boyle. ijp niilration. At the hearing of thi« News my Hope of Freedom began to revive, but it was foon clouded again ; for the old Devil, B$h Sattcho, was refolv'd to keep me a Martyr to his own Revenge ; and I weather'd out two Years more in my wretched Confinement: Though, Thanks to Heaven, nothing deprefs'd my Spirits quite. I^he Colonel got an Opportunity to tell me that there was a Veffel in the Road bound for Lima: and the Captam being a very good Friend of his, he had pre- vailed with him to take me on Board him, if it was polRblc for me to get out of Hunks's Clutches. I made all the Efforts imaginable, but to no purpofc; and I was once more in my Imagination given up to eternal Slavery. The fame Night, as I was endeavouring to compofe my troubled Thoughts, 1 heard a great Noife in the CafHe-Yard, and was very much furpriz'd a while after, wJicn I faw an Officer and a File of Soldiers come to fcize me, as a Plotter againil the State, and carry'd me to the Colonel's Lodging. But my Surprize was turn'd into Joy, when I found he had us'd this. Stratagem to gain me my Freedom. I told him he had trebly re- paid the Obligation he was pleas'd to fay he lay under to me, and I was refolv'd not to accept of my Liberty till I found what Stir Don Sancho made about it : but the Colonel refolv'd me that he had the Means in his own Hands to pacify hi rn. 1 went on Board, and fet Sail the fame Evening. We had but an indifferent Voyage, being involv'd in many 'Siorrasi yet at lail we arriv'd fafe at Calao. X fliali, if you think fit, give you a Ihort Defcription of Baldi'via, becaufe few Foreigners are permitted to enter their Port. Baldi^ia, or Valdi'via, takes its Name from the firfl Founder, a Spaniard, The old Town flood a little TiWr higher 14^ ne Adventures c/ higher than the new one, till it was deftroy'd by the^ Indians. For Peter Baldivia, and the reft of the Spaniards^ were fuch Tyrants over the poor Natives,' that they took Heart, laid an Ambufh for 'em, and: deftroyM 'em every one. But in the new Town theyi are fufficiently guarded from their Infults, or Danger of a foreign Enemy ; which have often attempted 'em to 1 no Purpofe. This being reckon'd the richcft Country! for Gold Mines in all America, Nature has befriended' *em very much in the Strength of the Place; for there is fo large a Sand-Bank in the Mouth of the Bay, that' Veffels are obliged to come within five hundred Yards! of the Shore (which is guarded by a llrong Caftle) to! avoid it. It is a difficult Harbour to enter, but wheal you are once at Anchor, no Wind on the whole Com-| pafs can hurt you, tho' it blew a Storm ; it is fo well, ihelter'd by the Land on all Sides of it. ^ The Inhabitants are chiefly made up of banifli'd] Perfons, who generally work in the Mines for fo many \ Years; and the Time expir'd, they have fo much Land ^ of their own to cultivate ; and moft of them find thcl Means to be rich; but how honeitly I'll give you leave' to judge. The Country about it is y^xy fruitful, and i produces great Quantities of Apple Trees, from which j they make very good Cyder. But the Juice of the Grape is very uncomatable there, and thofe that doj procure it muft pay extravagantly for it. This City, for it's no lefs, is efteem'd the Key to the South Sea. The Governor and OiHcers are generally fent from Lima, but the Soldiers are compos'd of thofe Perlbns that are fcnt there for a Punidimcnt. And tho' few Perfons chufe to be fent there, yet as few defire to leave it when once they are fettled. Notwithftanding the People could make fhift to live without Religion, yet there are feven Churches and three I Captain Ro bert Boyle. 241 three Monafteries i but they feem to be in a ruinated Con- dition : And 1 don't doubt but an Age or two hence, thofe that pafs that Way may find them totally ruined. As I faid, wc arriv'd fafe at the Pott of Calao. I was rcfolv'd to remain incognitOy till I had enquired into the Affairs of the City. I took an Occaflon to fend to my India?i Tenant, ■vvho came to me, and was very well pleas'd to find me at Liberty. I fent him to feveral of my Friends, to acquaint them whatCircumilance I lay under, who foon inform'd the Viceroy of my Misfortune, and he as readily com- ply 'd with my Defire, allowing me the Liberty I had enjoy'd before I was fent to BaUvvia. I once more made my Appearance at Lima, renew'd my Acquaintance, and began to divert my feif as be- fore. By degrees I crept into the good Graces of rhe Viceroy, who gave me a Poll in the Government, that brought me a conliderable Income, and with the Efteem^ of moil People I paft on a whole Year. The Viceroy not liking his Situation, found the Means to be recalPd to Spain : Yet recommending me to his Siicceflbr, I remained in the fame Station he before had given me; though I cannot brag of any more Favours bellow'd on me by my new Superior; for he was a Man of an uncertain Temper, proud, and revengeful. Fie was nesvly marry'd to a very rich Widow of Lima, who had a very beautiful Daughter, by Report ; for Ihe was not fufFer'd to take the Liberties of thePlr.ce, I often had a great Defire to fee her Face, for I had obierv'd her veiPd many times at Church, which was all the Liberty fhe had. I was inform'd ihe was def^,gn'd a Wife for the Supreme Judge, though much againll her Inclination, being there was a Difparity of Years, which is certainly the greateft Bitter to the Sweets of Matrimony j but nothing is confulted now more than Wealth. M 241 "fhe Adventures of f received a Letter from my Uncle at Sen;ily wherein he defir'd I would leave Limay and come to Spain:, And, to induce me to it, he gave me the Promife to make me his Heir. I muft own I began to be pretty well tir'd of this Climate j and the Time drawing on for the Expiration of my Mortgage, I fct my felf to prepare things accordingly. 1 difpos'd of my Plantation to my faithful Indian, for an under Price, being I thought I was under many Obli- gations to him. I refign'd up my Office in the Viceroy's Palace, indeed, becauie I could not get Leave to difpofe of it. I turn'd all my Effects into Gold-Duft, and fent it be- fore me to my Uncle; and now I only waited for Com. pany to go over Land to Fera Cruz, a Port in the North Sea, where I Ihould have Convenience of im- barking for Spain. I began now to think of fettling in the World ; and indeed it was almoil time, for I had paft my twenty-eighth Year, and at that Age the Heat of Youth (hould be pretty well over j for if a Man cannot fee his Follies on this fide thirty, he is in Danger of being incorrigible all the Days of his Life. Befide, I had very good Encouragement to Stability, my own Fortune, and the Profpeft of my Uncle's ; who in all Probability had not many Years to live, being in his eighty-third Year. Well then, as my Story is almoft off the Stage, I'll throw you into the Bargain a fhort Account of one Place more, for my Cataftrophe, and then to my Epi- logue for detaioing you fo long, and that fhali be the Defcriptiofx of Lifna, as it is at prefent. Lima, the Capital City of Peru, is feated about two Leagues from the Sea Port of Calao, in 12 Degrees 6 Minutes of Sou:hern Latitude, and 79 Degrees 45 Mi- nutes of Wellern Longitude. It is built in a noble Plain, with Hills at a Diilance. Frands Captain Robert Boyle. 24J Francis Pizarro was the Founder, in the Year 153*; tho* it has chang'd its Name fince his Time from La Ciudad de los Regesy or City of Kings, to Lima, which is only a Corruption of the Indian Word Rimac, which was the Name of an Indian Idol, formerly worfhipM in that Place. This is the fincftCity (next to Mexico) in all America. Ail the Streets are in a diredt Line, exadly meafur'd out, and much of the fame Length and Breadth, being Miy Yards wide. In the Heart of the City is the nobleft Square my Eyes ever beheld, and in the midlt a Fountain of Brafs, adorn'd with eight Lions, continually fpouting Wat«r, fupply'd by the River of Lima^ that runs through the Skirts of the Town, cover'd with a handlbme Scone Bridge that leads to the Suburbs. Within the Suburbs is a fine publick Walk, beautify'd with Orange Trees, and in the Evening is crowded with the belt Company of the City. Although this City is fo beautiful, it was moilly deflroy'd by an Earthquake in the Year 1682. There are no lefs than fifty- feven Churches and Chapels (v/ith thofe that arc in the Monafteries) in this City, and twenty -four Monalleries for Men, and twelve for Women. The Cathedral is very magnificent, as arc moft of the other Churches, tho' chiefly built with Wood from the firft Story, by reafon of the Farthquakes, The Viceroy of Peru has his Refidence here, and is fo powerful he hardly owns the King his Matter to be his Superior. Here are likewife.kcpt all the Courts of Juilice, and from the High Court there is no Appeal. Among the rell, they have fettled an Inquijition, which on my Confcience, is worfe than that oi Spain. Heaven keep every Body from it ; for in this Court the Infor- mant is a Witnefs, and the Accufer is ever behind the Curtain, and to mend the Matter, the WitnefTcs arc never brought Face to Face. M 2. To 244 5r/j^ Adventures of To compleat the Grandeur of the Place, there is an Archbifhoprick, and an Univerfity of three well-fill'd j Colleges ; tho' the Students don't always follow Learn- j ing, for I have found fome ignorant enough. I There are twelve Hofpitals, and one of them for i Indians. ] This City is garrifon'd with two thoufand Horfe, and ^ fix thoufand Foot; but very indifferent Troops for Ser-* vice againft a foreign Foe, being chiefly compos'd of ^ Creolians and Indians. Thefe Creolians (who are fo nam'd from owing their Birth to America) are moft of j 'em proud, lazy, and ignorant, and generally Tyrants ; whenever they have Power, tho' fharp enough as to 1 Trade, and will over-reach you if they can. ■ They are all inclin'd to Venery, and will facrifice \ every thing to gratify that Vice. The Women (who ] are really very handfome) generally fit at home all ' Day crofsleg'd, and as mute as Fifhes; but at Night ^ it is cuftomary for 'em to haunt the Streets veil'd, and ; will as hardly be refus'd a Favour, as the Men with us \ on the like Occafion. As I was fitting one Evening in my Lodging, dif- i patching fome Letters for Spain, I heard fome body i knock foftly at my Door. My Servant was gone abroad, '* and therefore I arofe and open'd it my k\f, but was • furpriz'd to fee a Lady veiled, who, without making ^ any Words, cam^ in and fat down on a Couch. After -. ftie had repos'd her felf fome time, fhe unveil'd, and.'^ difcover'd to me one of the fweetefl Faces X had ever . feen. I was almoft turn d into Stone at the Sight of j fo much Beauty, and was ready to fail down to worfhip ^, her as a Divinity. Said (he, I come not here to be i gaz'd at; I like you. and if you can do the fame by \ me, J believe you will not ufe me ill. "\ Madam, I return'd, I know no other way to convince you that I like y©u, but one. With that I took her into Captain Robert Boyle. 24^ into an Alcove, where we foon came to a right Under* Handing, Aflbon as our fmall Matter of Bufincfs was over, llie defir'd to be difmifs'd, yet with a Promife to give me another Vifit the next Evening ; but, faid fhe, if you ftiould chance by any Accident to fee me in any other Place, take your Eyes from the Objedl, for fear of Danger; for ihofe Mefiengers of the Soul of-en betray their Truft. I promised to obferve her Dire- ftions, and left her, but yet could not help my Curio. fity ; for when fhe was got down Stairs, I put on my Cloak, follow'd her, and obferv'd (he went into the Viceroy's Palace. I was convinc'd, by the Drcfs (he wore, that {lie was none of the common Sorti and much diverted I was at the Accident. The next Day (he did me the Favour of another Vifit, when we pafs'd our time as pleafantly as we could J and my Incognita feem'd very much pJeasM with my Company. After our Toying was over, fhe told me flie was afraid of lofmg me, for Ci\Q had heard I defign'd for Spain. I inform'd her, nothing had Power to ftop me, but the PaiTion I had for her. . She at laft difcover'd herfelf to me : She was Daughter. in-Law to the Viceroy : She told me that flie had rc- fpe<5led me a great while, and had many Difputes with her Honour and Love ; but the former was forc'd to give way to the latter. She likewife let me know of her approaching Marriage, and added that the Know- ledge of my Perfon would make her Averfion to her Husband the ilronger. We had many Meetings to the Content of us both ; and fhe made me feveral Prefents of Jewels, which I intended to keep for her fake, having preferv\i them thro' all my Fortunes. Our Meetings now began to be lefs frequent, being the Wedding-Day was iix'd, which gave me a great deal of Uneafinefs, To M 3 divert 245 ^he Adventures 0} divert my Melancholy, I ufually took a Walk in the Orange-Grove, where in my mufing Fits, I often ftaid longer than ufual. As I was going Home one Evening, I heard the Clafh- ing of Swords at a Diilance, and immediately after faw a Perfon running towards me, who cry'd, For the Virgin Mary's fake, if you are a Gentleman, lend me your Sword, to defend my felf againfl a Villain who has offer'd me the vilefl Indignity. I made him no An- fwer, but gave him my Sword (for he look'd like a Man of Quality) and follow 'd him. Juft as I turn*d the Corner I faw him engag'd, and .his Antagonifl drop down dead. The Gentleman feeing that took to his Heels. The Street being alarm'd with t'he Buflle, as I came near the Body, I was feiz'd as the Murderer. What flrengthen'd their Opinion, and I muft confefs had but an indifferent Look, was my Sword remaining in the Body of the Deceased. All my Affeverations of In- nocence fignify'd nothing: I was carried before the Corrigtdore ; but having no Witnefies of my aflaulting him, and one Fellow by good Fortune proving I wai not the Perfon that engag'd him firfl, I was only once more condemn'd to Baldi'via, 1 curs*d my hard Stars a thoufand times, and the Grief of parting from my 2\.Iifl:refs was like to rid me of Life ; but Time began to weir it off. I was fccur'd in the Caftle of the City till the Vef- fel was ready to fail. While I was confin'd, in order to be tranfported to Baldi'via, a Gentleman came into the Prifon, and begg'd half an Hour's Converfation with me. I had been ib liberal to the Keeper with my Money, and pret- ty jovial in my Humour, that I believe if 1 had asl^'d him to let me go, he would not have deny'd me ,• fo that I begg'd the Favour to admit the Gentleman, and Captain Robert Boyle. 247 and his Abfence, during our Confabulation. He obey'd me in both, and the Gentleman enter'd my Room ; which, tho' but mean, was the beft in the Pri- fon. AfToon as the Gentleman had repos'd himfelf upon a Chair, (none of the befl) he ask'd me if I would pleafe to refrefh my felf with any thing the Place af- forded : But I anfwering in the Negative, he made half a dozen Ilumms and Haws, and opcn'd his Mouth to utter Senfc. Sir, faid he, you fee before you the unhappy Per- fon that is the Occafion of your Confinement. 1 fhould not be thus free with you, if J were not aflur'd of your generous Good-nature. Once more I muft tell you, you fee before you the unhappy Man who is guilty of that Faft, you are to fufFtr for. I am a Gentleman by Birth ; and tho' I had not the good Fortune to owe my firfl Being to old Spain, yet I have this for my Confolation, that my Parents were born at Cordo I don't in the Icaft doubt but you'll be of my Opinion. 1 This I am aflur'd of, Jealoufy is a certain Sign of : Love; and if you fhould in the heat of Pafiion do a raih , Deed, every Moment of your Life will prove a Tor- i ment to you. Lovers Eyes are often falfe, and too quick 1 in falfe Creations. Gall Reafon to your Afiiltancc ; that \ will prove your beil Friend. Take fome time to think ©f my Advice and Counfel ; Friends may allbon prove falfe as Wives, and you had better lofe the former than \ the latter. | All the while he was fpeaking, methought I was \ liftening to an Oracle ; and at the end of his Difcourfc, '\ I could not help blaming my felf for my rafh Belief. , I call'd over in my Memory every Moment of my Wife's Behaviour, and could not find any one Adion i ftart up, to give me that hard Opinion I had raflily ) conceiv'd againft her. I return'd the Phyfician of my Mind, as well as Body, > many Thanks for his cordial Advice ; and would have -, paid him in another Coin, but I could not prevail upon S him to take a fmgle Dollar. No, faid he, in accepting i Captain Robert Boyle, ifj- of your Money, I {hall make it appear, that, like Law- yers, I pleaded for my Fee. No Sir, all the Recom- pence I fhall ask of you, is only to let me know the Truth of every thing, when the Cataftrophe is over, which I hope will not afFe£l your Wife ; And if I might throw in one Word of Advice more, if you prove the Friend you have fo much confided in to be falfe, fhew your Refentment by flighting him, and leave Re- venge to Heaven. I promised to follow his judicious Advice in every Thing, and fo we parted with a very good Regard for each other. I was refolvcd to proceed no further on my Journey, but make the befl of my Way back again ; and as I went along, confider of my Behaviour, and let Time alone for Proof. The Reafon I gave my Servants for returning, was, that I had not Strength to purfue my Journey j which in Reality was no Falfhood, for I was weak enough ; and I am convinced, that Diforders of the Mind weaken the Body more than habitual Diftempers. in part of my Journey back, I could not come to any Kefolution how to behave; and therefore refolved to lie - one mere Night upon the Road, to fee if my Pillow would adviie me. When I arrived at my Jnn, one of my Servants told me Don Rode rigs was jufl alighted. Hearing him nam'd, my Blood ran a wild Courfe about my Body, and immediately it flruck to my Mind fome- thing was not right. I ask'd my Servant, i^ Roderigo had fcen him ; he told me no, and that he feem'd difguis'd, as if he did not defire to be known. This ftrengthen'd my Sufpi- cion of fome 111 intended, or done already, and that he was making his Efcape. I ordered my Servants not to appear : But when Supper was ready, I fent for my Hoft to bear me Company; where, after fome trivial Difcourfc, I ask'd him what Guells he had in Jie Houfe. He made no Scruple in telling me ; but when lie came to z^6 The Adventures of to Don RoderigOt he decbr'd he did not much like him; for he feemM very willing to be private with two of his Servants, and he had obferv'd 'em often whi pering. They defign, faid he, to be going very early in the Morning, bat I don't know which Road they travel* I conceal'd my Dillurbance of Mind from my Hoft, but refolv'd to be going as early as Don Rcderigoi and to be lure of being early enough, I determin'd not to go to Bed, notwithiUnding the Weaknefs of my Body rcquir'd Repofe. In the middle of the Night, I heard People whifper- ing in the next Room, and I could eafily diftinguilh Roderigos Voice : tho' I could gather little of their Dif- courfc, yet I could hear mine and my Wife's Name of- ten mention'd. At break of Day, I found they were preparing to be gone; and tho' 1 was pretty expeditious, yet they were got out of the Inn, before I could get on Horfe back with my Servants. I was much vex'd at it, yet pur- fu'd my Journey homeward. But I was very much amaz'd, when about two Leagues from Lima, I met my f Wife in a Coach with her Maid, and two Indian Ser- vants. The Servants, ailbon as they faw me, were over- joy'd, and my Wife could not open her Mouth for fome time. I then began to relapfe into my former Jealoufy, and imagined Ihe was following Don Roderigo, At lalt Ihe open'd her Mouth with a great deal of Joy. Lord, my Dear (faid fhc) is it you in Reality, or are my Senfes deceiv'd ? I ask'd her the Reafon of her Journey, and her mighty Surprize. Sir, anfwer'd (he, that Quellion confounds me ; have I not a Letter from you, to come with all Speed imaginable ? Here it is, continu'd fhc. I took the Letter irom her, and read V the Contents. M;f Captam KoBEKT Boyle. Lfy My Dear, X^Ur/uing my Journey^ I had the Misfortune to fall "*" from my Horfe, and break my Arm^ njchich pre- 'uents my ^writing to you. The Accident is attended nvith « 'Violent Fe'very nuhich 1 am told is very dangerous. I haHje refrained ^writing to you till nonv, as exfeSling fome Amendjnent ; hut finding mv ftlf njoorfe^ I beg y»u njoill come to me toith all the Expedition imaginable, for fear you pQuld ne-ver fee jne more alive. Your AfFedionate Husband, There needed no Sphynx to unriddle this Enigma; and I obferv'd, by my Wife's Countenance, we both knew the Author of the Letter. While we were con- fused, the Coachman that drove the Coach was flealing away; but my Wife cr>'d out to Hop him, for that was the Meffenger that brought the Letter to her; and far- ther told her, he was to conduft her to me, for the Coachman we had before was drown'd; and that Cir- cumftance deceived her more than any thing elfe: The Fellow alfo told her that I had prevaii'd with a Gemle- Hian in the Neighbourhood where I lay hurt, to fend him to drive the Coach. I rid after the Fellow and brought him back, order'd him into the Coach-box, and forc'd him to drive out of the Road to a neighbour- ing Village, where liv'd a Gentleman of my Acquaint- ance. He very unwillingly com pi) 'd with my Com- mands ; and we kept very clofe to him, to prevent his making away. When we arriv'd at my Friend's Houfe, we fccur'd the Fellow in a rtrong Room, and I left two of my Indian Servants to guard him. I made my Friend acquainted with the Accident, and that this Vifit was not intended, but by mecr Chance. He gave me to know I was welcome, let what would bring me there. When 2f8 5^/^^ Adventures qf .1 When my Wife and I with my Friend were alone, i I tenderly embraced her, and begg'd her Pardon for my j unjull Sufpicions of her Virtue, and related the whole ^ Progrefs of my Jealoufy, without omitting the leaft Cir- cumitance. She gave thanks to Heav'n, for the Dan- j ger fhe was fav'd from, and related to me the manner of her being deceiv'd by the Fellow that brought the i Letter, as follows. ' The fifth Day after you had left me, as I was mufing I in the Garden, my Maid told me a Perfon had a Letter ] to deliver me from you. I began to tremble with timo-j rous Apprchenfion, and my whole Frame felt violent j Diforders. I ordered the Bearer to be brought to me; i and when I had read the Letter, Grief lock'd up my ! Tongue, and I had not power to fpeak for fome time. ] When I had recovcr'd Speech, I ask'd the Fellow where ^ you were. Madam, faid he, he is at Don Florio's Coun- ; try-houfe, (naming a Frier fi of mine-) that my Wife had i heard me often mention) and knowing you had never a \ Coachman, my Matter fent me to conduct you to your \ Husband. I would not fpend time in dreffing my felf, < but juft as I was, with my Maid, and the two Indians, | purfu'd our Journey I never once dream*d of any ; Treachery, tho' I always doubted your falfc Friend; \ but as he had never been to vifit me in your Abfence, j it wip'd away all Sufpicions of him. I obferv'd the , Coachman, by his Looks, did not like the Company of : my Servants, but I was too much concern'd for you to ( think of it much. j We congratulated one another again at our happy Deliverance, and admir'd the Workings of Divine Pro- ^ vidcnce, and the fccond Caufe, my friendly Phyfician. ; My Wife exprefs'd a great Defire to fee him, to re- j turn him Acknowledgments for his infpir'd Advice, and •• in the Morning I promis'd her to go to him, if we a could get any convenient Carriage ; For wc were not j very,! Captain Robert Boyle. 1^9 very fond of making Ufe of the Coachman that brought her out. I defer'd his Examination till the next Day, being too much fatigu'd to do it then, tho' I had order'd he fhould want nothing bat his Liberty; for I confider'd him only as an Inllrument to work his Mafter's Ends. When I was up in the Morning, I ordev*d him to be brought before me; but after fomc time, they brought me Word he had made his Efcape, by creeping through the Ciel- ing of the Room, and throwing down the Shingles; for it was a fingle Apartment near the Garden. I was a little uneafy at his getting away, as well as my Wife, for fear his Mailer ihould make fome Attempt upon us in the Houfe where we were ; it being a quarter of a Mile from the Village, and the Gentleman, my Friend, had but few Servants. Therefore it was thought the fafeft Courfc for us to go immediately to Lima. And aiToon as we could procure Mules, we fet out, and reach'd that City without Moleflation. I heard nothing of the faithlefs Roderigo for feveral Days, neither did I think it ftrange ; for I imagin'd, if he had any Shame left, he would not dare to appear pub- lickly at Lima\ but if he did,. 1 had refolv'd to take my friendly Phyfician's Advice, (which had prov'd fo fuc cefsful to me) to (how my Refemment in flighting him. One Night, as foft Repofe had lockM up our Senfes, we were alarm'd from our downy Sleep, by a fearful Cry of Fire ! Fire '. I rofe, and ran into my Wife's Apart- ment, where fhe remained frighted almoft to death ; and as People generally in the Alarm of Fire know not what they do, fhe ran to the Chamber where the Maids lay, and drefs'd hcrfclf in her Servant's Clothes; the Maid bei ig equally frighted, when (he found (he had no Clothes to put on, clap'd on her Miilrefs's which I had brought after her, and was running down Stairs to free hericlf from the Danger. As fhe was going through the Hall, X. iSo 7%e Adventures of I obferv'd four Men in Masks feiz'd her, and carry*d her off. I followed with my Sword in my Hand, till oneof the villainous Company came behind me, and run me through the Back. My Servants, wlio came after me, bore me in faint with lofs of Blood ; but by good Fortune the Wound did not prove dangerous, tho' well meant. We could never come by the Truth how the Houfe was fet on Fire, tho' it was foon extinguilVd ; bat we were aflUr'd it muft be by fome one of the Domeftics. It was eafy to judge Don Roderigo was the Caufe on't, by running away with the Maid, as miflaking her for my Wife, bccaufe fhe had in the Hurry put on her Miftrefs's Clothes and Vail. I was advis'd, by my bell Friends, to fummon him before the fupream Judge, for it was dangerous to let him go on with Impunity. But he would not obey the •Summons, therefore he was defign'd to be out-law'd by due Courfe of Law. But as that takes up feveral Months, I was oblig'd to keep a Guard in my Houfe ; for I re- ceived ("everal menacing Letters frequently from him, either thrown over the Wall, or left fo, that we could never fecure any Perfon that brought 'em. While our Suit was going on, our new Vice Roy arriv'd, who prov- ing a Friend to Don Roderigo, a nolle profequi was iffued out, and I was obliged to Hand at the whole Charge of the Law-fuit. This violent and unjuft Proceeding of the Vice Roy's rais'd my Gall to that degree, that I faid many warm things againft his Adminiflration, which came to his Knowledge: for there are generally poor- fpiritcd Wretches in all Governments, that have no other Merit than to improve Tales, and feed the Ears of their Superiors with naufeous Flattery and Lyes. I was fent for to the Vice Roy, and examined con- cerning thefe Reports ; and I fo far incensM him with my Replies, to his Q^eftions, that if I had not met with fome Friends Captain Robert Boyle. iS\ Friends that palliated the Matter, I don't know how far his Refentment would have carry'd him. I was dif- mifs'd with my Liberty, but a Multitude of Menaces, if for the future I ever gave my Tongue another loofe; and I foon found the EfFeds of his Refentment, by lofmg a fmall Place in the Government j but as Provi- dence had put me above wanting it, I was not much griev'd at the Lofs. My Wife begg'd me to remove from Litnuy a Place where I had receiv'd fo many Infulcs; and it was not improbable but 1 might receive morei which prov'd but too true. In a few Days after I had appeared before the Vice- Roy, the Maid that was forc'd away (by miflaking her for my Wife) came home, miferably ill us'd, and brought me a Letter from the ungrateful Don Roderigo, which you may read if you pleafe; Upon that he took the Let- ter out of his Pocket, and 1 found it as follows. T Declare my f elf your innjeterate Enemyy tho* I ha've •* tio jujl ReafoH to be foi you may he fare my Enmity is rooted for ever in my Heart, and IJhall hanje no Reji in this World, till thou art out of it. I f:>ould not perhaps he fo free in declaring my Mind hy Writing, if I nvas not ^uery nvell affurd, thy puhlijlnng it ivould do thee na good. I have fo much Honour in me fill, as to affure thee, 1