CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
THE HISTORY OF THE NOBLE CASTILIAN.
I should be ungrateful, as well as unwise, did I longer resist the desireyou express to know the particulars of that destiny which hath driven meto this miserable disguise, and rendered me in all considerations themost wretched of men. I have felt your friendship, am confident of yourhonour, and though my misfortunes are such as can never be repaired,because I am utterly cut off from hope, which is the wretch's lastcomfort, yet I may, by your means, be enabled to bear them with somedegree of fortitude and resignation.
Know then, my name is not Ali; neither am I of Persian extraction. I hadonce the honour to own myself a Castilian, and was, under the appellationof Don Diego de Zelos, respected as the head of one of the most ancientfamilies of that kingdom. Judge, then, how severe that distress must be,which compels a Spaniard to renounce his country, his honours, and hisname. My youth was not spent in inglorious ease, neither did it wasteunheeded in the rolls of fame. Before I had attained the age ofnineteen, I was twice wounded in battle. I once fortunately recoveredthe standard of the regiment to which I belonged, after it had beenseized by the enemy; and, at another occasion, made shift to save thelife of my colonel, when he lay at the mercy of an enraged barbarian.
He that thinks I recapitulate these particulars out of ostentation, doeswrong to the unhappy Don Diego de Zelos, who, in having performed theselittle acts of gallantry, thinks he has done nothing, but simply approvedhimself worthy of being called a Castilian. I mean only to do justice tomy own character, and to make you acquainted with one of the mostremarkable incidents of my life. It was my fate, during my thirdcampaign, to command a troop of horse in the regiment of Don GonzalesOrgullo, between whom and my father a family feud had long beenmaintained with great enmity; and that gentleman did not leave me withoutreason to believe he rejoiced at the opportunity of exercising hisresentment upon his adversary's son; for he withheld from me thatcountenance which my fellow-officers enjoyed, and found means to subjectme to divers mortifications, of which I was not at liberty to complain.These I bore in silence for some time, as part of my probation in thecharacter of a soldier; resolved, nevertheless, to employ my interest atcourt for a removal into another corps, and to take some futureopportunity of explaining my sentiments to Don Gonzales upon theinjustice of his behaviour.
While I animated myself with these sentiments against the discouragementsI underwent, and the hard duty to which I was daily exposed, it was ourfate to be concerned in the battle of Saragossa, where our regiment wasso severely handled by the English infantry, that it was forced to giveground with the loss of one half of its officers and men. Don Gonzales,who acted as brigadier in another wing, being informed of our fate, anddreading the disgrace of his corps, which had never turned back to theenemy, put spurs to his horse, and, riding across the field at fullspeed, rallied our broken squadrons, and led us back to the charge withsuch intrepidity of behaviour, as did not fail to inspire us all withuncommon courage and alacrity. For my own part, I thought myself doublyinterested to distinguish my valour, not only on account of my own glory,but likewise on the supposition, that, as I was acting under the eye ofGonzales, my conduct would be narrowly observed.
I therefore exerted myself with unusual vigour, and as he began theattack with the remains of my troop, fought close by his side during therest of the engagement. I even acquired his applause in the very heat ofbattle. When his hat was struck off, and his horse fell under him, Iaccommodated and remounted him upon my own, and, having seized for my ownuse another that belonged to a common trooper, attended this sterncommander as before, and seconded him in all his repeated efforts; but itwas impossible to withstand the numbers and impetuosity of the foe, andDon Gonzales having had the mortification to see his regiment cut inpieces, and the greatest part of the army routed, was fain to yield tothe fortune of the day; yet he retired as became a man of honour and aCastilian; that is, he marched off with great deliberation in the rear ofthe Spanish troops, and frequently faced about to check the pursuit ofthe enemy. Indeed, this exercise of his courage had well-nigh cost himhis life; for, in one of those wheelings, he was left almost alone, and asmall party of the Portuguese horse had actually cut off ourcommunication with the retreating forces of Spain.
In this dilemma, we had no other chance of saving our lives and liberty,than that of opening a passage sword in hand; and this was what Gonzalesinstantly resolved to attempt. We accordingly recommended our souls toGod, and, charging the line abreast of one another, bore down allopposition, and were in a fair way of accomplishing our retreat withoutfurther danger; but the gallant Orgullo, in crossing a ditch, had themisfortune to be thrown from his horse, and was almost the same instantovertaken by one of the Portuguese dragoons, whose sword was alreadysuspended over his head, as he lay half stunned with his fall; when Irode up, discharged a pistol in the ruffian's brain, and, seating mycolonel on his horse, had the good fortune to conduct him to a place ofsafety.
Here he was provided with such accommodation as his case required; for hehad been wounded in the battle, and dangerously bruised by his fall, and,when all the necessary steps were taken towards his recovery, I desiredto know if he had any further commands for his service, being resolved tojoin the army without delay. I thought proper to communicate thisquestion by message, because he had not spoke one word to me during ourretreat, notwithstanding the good office he had received at my hands; areserve which I attributed to his pride, and resented accordingly. He nosooner understood my intention, than he desired to see me in hisapartment, and, as near as I can remember, spoke to this effect:--
"Were your father Don Alonzo alive, I should now, in consequence of yourbehaviour, banish every suggestion of resentment, and solicit hisfriendship with great sincerity. Yes, Don Diego, your virtue hathtriumphed over that enmity I bore your house, and I upbraid myself withthe ungenerous treatment you have suffered under my command. But it isnot enough for me to withdraw that rigour which it was unjust toexercise, and would be wicked to maintain. I must likewise atone for theinjuries you have sustained, and make some suitable acknowledgment forthat life which I have twice to-day owed to your valour and generosity.Whatever interest I have at court shall be employed in your behalf; and Ihave other designs in your favour, which shall be disclosed in dueseason. Meanwhile, I desire you will still add one obligation to thedebt which I have already incurred, and carry this billet in person to myEstifania, who, from the news of this fatal overthrow must be in despairupon my account."
So saying, he presented a letter, directed to his lady, which I receivedin a transport of joy, with expressions suitable to the occasion, andimmediately set out for his country house, which happened to be aboutthirty leagues from the spot. This expedition was equally glorious andinteresting; for my thoughts upon the road were engrossed by the hope ofseeing Don Orgullo's daughter and heiress Antonia, who was reported to bea young lady of great beauty, and the most amiable accomplishments.However ridiculous it may seem for a man to conceive a passion for anobject which he hath never beheld, certain it is, my sentiments were somuch prepossessed by the fame of her qualifications, that I must havefallen a victim to her charms, had they been much less powerful than theywere. Notwithstanding the fatigues I had undergone in the field, Iclosed not an eye until I arrived at the gate of Gonzales, beingdetermined to precede the report of the battle, that Madame d'Orgullomight not be alarmed for the life of her husband.
I declared my errand, and was introduced into a saloon, where I had notwaited above three minutes, when my colonel's lady appeared, and in greatconfusion received the letter, exclaiming, "Heaven grant that DonGonzales be well!" In reading the contents, she underwent a variety ofagitations; but, when she had perused the whole, her countenance regainedits serenity, and, regarding me with an air of ineffable complacency,"Don Diego," said she, "while I lament the national calamity, in thedefeat of our army, I at the same time feel the most sincere pleasure onseeing you upon this occasio
n, and, according to the directions of mydear lord, bid you heartily welcome to this house, as his preserver andfriend. I was not unacquainted with your character before this lasttriumph of your virtue, and have often prayed to Heaven for some luckydetermination of that fatal quarrel which raged so long between thefamily of Gonzales and your father's house. My prayers have been heard,the long-wished-for reconciliation is now effected, and I hope nothingwill ever intervene to disturb this happy union."
To this polite and affectionate declaration, I made such a reply asbecame a young man, whose heart overflowed with joy and benevolence, anddesired to know how soon her answer to my commander would be ready, thatI might gratify his impatience with all possible despatch. After havingthanked me for this fresh proof of my attachment, she begged I wouldretire into a chamber, and repose myself from the uncommon fatigues Imust have undergone; but, finding I persisted in the resolution ofreturning to Don Gonzales, without allowing myself the least benefit ofsleep, she left me engaged in conversation with an uncle of Don Gonzales,who lodged in the house, and gave orders that a collation should beprepared in another apartment, while she retired to her closet, and wrotea letter to her husband.
In less than an hour from my first arrival, I was introduced into a mostelegant dining-room, where a magnificent entertainment was served up, andwhere we were joined by Donna Estifania, and her beautiful daughter thefair Antonia, who, advancing with the most amiable sweetness, thanked mein very warm expressions of acknowledgment, for the generosity of myconduct towards her father. I had been ravished with her firstappearance, which far exceeded my imagination, and my faculties were sodisordered by this address, that I answered her compliment with the mostawkward confusion. But this disorder did not turn to my prejudice in theopinion of that lovely creature, who has often told me in the sequel,that she gave herself credit for that perplexity in my behaviour, andthat I never appeared more worthy of her regard and affection than atthat juncture, when my dress was discomposed, and my whole persondisfigured by the toils and duty of the preceding day; for this verydishabille presented itself to her reflection as the immediate effect ofthat very merit by which I was entitled to her esteem.
Wretch that I am! to survive the loss of such an excellent woman,endeared to my remembrance by the most tender offices of wedlock, happilyexercised for the space of five-and-twenty years! Forgive these tears;they are not the drops of weakness, but remorse. Not to trouble you withidle particulars, suffice it is to say, I was favoured with such marks ofdistinction by Madame d'Orgullo, that she thought it incumbent upon herto let me know she had not overacted her hospitality, and, while we satat table, accosted me in these words: "You will not be surprised, DonDiego, at my expressions of regard, which I own are unusual from aSpanish lady to a young cavalier like you, when I communicate thecontents of this letter from Don Gonzales." So saying, she put thebillet into my hand, and I read these words, or words to this effect:--
"AMIABLE ESTIFANIA,--You will understand that I am as well as a personcan possibly be who hath this day lived to see the army of his kingdefeated. If you would know the particulars of this unfortunate action,your curiosity will be gratified by the bearer, Don Diego de Zelos, towhose virtue and bravery I am twice indebted for my life. I thereforedesire you will receive him with that respect and gratitude which youshall think due for such an obligation; and, in entertaining him, dismissthat reserve which often disgraces the Spanish hospitality. In a word,let your own virtue and beneficence conduct you upon this occasion, andlet my Antonia's endeavours be joined with your own in doing honour tothe preserver of her father! Adieu."
Such a testimonial could not fail of being very agreeable to a youngsoldier, who by this time had begun to indulge the transporting hope ofbeing happy in the arms of the adorable Antonia. I professed myselfextremely happy in having met with an opportunity of acquiring such adegree of my colonel's esteem, entertained them with a detail of hispersonal prowess in the battle, and answered all their questions withthat moderation which every man ought to preserve in speaking of his ownbehaviour. Our repast being ended, I took my leave of the ladies, and atparting received a letter from Donna Estifania to her husband, togetherwith a ring of great value, which she begged I would accept, as a tokenof her esteem. Thus loaded with honour and caresses, I set out on myreturn for the quarters of Don Gonzales, who could scarce credit his owneyes when I delivered his lady's billet; for he thought it impossible toperform such a journey in so short a time.
When he had glanced over the paper, "Don Diego," said he, "by your shortstay one would imagine you had met with indifferent reception at myhouse. I hope Estifania has not been deficient in her duty?" I answeredthis question, by assuring him my entertainment had been so agreeable inall respects, that nothing but my duty to him could have induced me togive it up so soon. He then turned the conversation upon Antonia, andhinted his intention of giving her in marriage to a young cavalier, forwhom he had a particular friendship. I was so much affected by thisinsinuation, which seemed at once to blast all my hopes of love andhappiness, that the blood forsook my face; I was seized with an universaltrepidation, and even obliged to retire, on pretence of being suddenlytaken ill.
Though Gonzales seemed to impute this disorder to fatigue and want ofrest, he in his heart ascribed it to the true cause; and, after havingsounded my sentiments to his own satisfaction, blessed me with adeclaration, importing, that I was the person upon whom he had pitchedfor a son-in-law. I will not trouble you with a repetition of whatpassed on this interesting occasion, but proceed to observe, that hisintention in my favour was far from being disagreeable to his lady; andthat, in a little time, I had the good fortune to espouse the charmingAntonia, who submitted to the will of her father without reluctance.
Soon after this happy event, I was, by the influence of Don Gonzales,joined to my own interest, promoted to the command of a regiment, andserved with honour during the remaining part of the war. After thetreaty of Utrecht, I was employed in reducing the Catalans to theirallegiance; and, in an action with those obstinate rebels had themisfortune to lose my father-in-law, who by that time was preferred tothe rank of a major-general. The virtuous Estifania did not long survivethis melancholy accident; and the loss of these indulgent parents madesuch a deep impression upon the tender heart of my Antonia, that I tookthe first opportunity of removing her from a place in which every objectserved to cherish her grief, to a pleasant villa near the city ofSeville, which I purchased on account of its agreeable situation. That Imight the more perfectly enjoy the possession of my amiable partner, whocould no longer brook the thoughts of another separation, peace was nosooner re-established than I obtained leave to resign my commission, andI wholly devoted myself to the joys of a domestic life.
Heaven seemed to smile upon our union, by blessing us with a son, whom,however, it was pleased to recall in his infancy, to our unspeakablegrief and mortification; but our mutual chagrin was afterwards alleviatedby the birth of a daughter, who seemed born with every accomplishment toexcite the love and admiration of mankind. Why did nature debase such amasterpiece with the mixture of an alloy, which hath involved herself andher whole family in perdition? But the ways of Providence areunsearchable. She hath paid the debt of her degeneracy; peace be withher soul! The honour of my family is vindicated; though by a sacrificewhich hath robbed me of everything else that is valuable in life, andruined my peace past all redemption. Yes, my friend, all the torturesthat human tyranny can inflict would be ease, tranquillity, and delight,to the unspeakable pangs and horrors I have felt.
But, to return from this digression.--Serafina, which was the name ofthat little darling, as she grew up, not only disclosed all the naturalgraces of external beauty, but likewise manifested the most engagingsweetness of disposition, and a capacity for acquiring with ease all theaccomplishments of her sex. It is impossible to convey any adequate ideaof a parent's raptures in the contemplation of such a fair blossom. Shewas the only pledge of our love, she was presumpt
ive heiress to a largefortune, and likely to be the sole representative of two noble Castilianfamilies. She was the delight of all who saw her, and a theme of praisefor every tongue. You are not to suppose that the education of such achild was neglected. Indeed, it wholly engrossed the attention of me andmy Antonia, and her proficiency rewarded our care. Before she hadattained the age of fifteen, she was mistress of every elegantqualification, natural and acquired. Her person was, by that time, theconfessed pattern of beauty. Her voice was enchantingly sweet, and shetouched the lute with the most ravishing dexterity. Heaven and earth!how did my breast dilate with joy at the thoughts of having given birthto such perfection! how did my heart gush with paternal fondness,whenever I beheld this ornament of my name! and what scenes of endearingtransport have I enjoyed with my Antonia, in mutual congratulation uponour parental happiness!
Serafina, accomplished as she was, could not fail to make conquests amongthe Spanish cavaliers, who are famous for sensibility in love. Indeed,she never appeared without a numerous train of admirers; and though wehad bred her up in that freedom of conversation and intercourse whichholds a middle space between the French licence and Spanish restraint,she was now so much exposed to the addresses of promiscuous gallantry,that we found it necessary to retrench the liberty of our house, andbehave to our male visitants with great reserve and circumspection, thatour honour and peace might run no risk from the youth and inexperience ofour daughter.
This caution produced overtures from a great many young gentlemen of rankand distinction, who courted my alliance, by demanding Serafina inmarriage; and from the number I had actually selected one person, who wasin all respects worthy the possession of such an inestimable prize. Hisname was Don Manuel de Mendoza. His birth was noble, and his characterdignified with repeated acts of generosity and virtue. Yet, before Iwould signify to him my approbation of his suit, I resolved to informmyself whether or not the heart of Serafina was totally unengaged, andindifferent to any other object, that I might not lay a tyrannicalrestraint upon her inclinations. The result of my inquiry was a fullconviction of her having hitherto been deaf to the voice of love; andthis piece of information, together with my own sentiments in his favour,I communicated to Don Manuel, who heard these tidings with transports ofgratitude and joy. He was immediately favoured with opportunities ofacquiring the affection of my daughter, and his endeavours were at firstreceived with such respectful civility, as might have been easily warmedinto a mutual passion, had not the evil genius of our family interposed.
O my friend! how shall I describe the depravity of that unhappy virgin'ssentiments! how recount the particulars of my own dishonour! I that amdescended from a long line of illustrious Castilians, who never receivedan injury they did not revenge, but washed away every blemish in theirfame with the blood of those who attempted to stain it! In thatcircumstance I have imitated the example of my glorious progenitors, andthat consideration alone hath supported me against all the assaults ofdespair.
As I grudged no pains and expense in perfecting the education ofSerafina, my doors were open to every person who made an extraordinaryfigure in the profession of those amusing sciences in which shedelighted. The house of Don Diego de Zelos was a little academy forpainting, poetry, and music; and Heaven decreed that it should fall asacrifice to its regard for these fatal and delusive arts. Among otherpreceptors, it was her fate to be under the instruction of a cursedGerman, who, though his profession was drawing, understood the elementsand theory of music, possessed a large fund of learning and taste, andwas a person remarkable for his agreeable conversation. This traitor,who like you had lost one eye, I not only admitted into my house for theimprovement of my daughter, but even distinguished with particular marksof confidence and favour, little thinking he had either inclination orcapacity to debauch the sentiments of my child. I was rejoiced beyondmeasure to see with what alacrity she received his lessons, with whatavidity she listened to his discourse, which was always equally moral,instructing, and entertaining.
Antonia seemed to vie with me in expressions of regard for thisaccomplished stranger, whom she could not help supposing to be a personof rank and family, reduced to his present situation by some unfortunatevicissitude of fate. I was disposed to concur with this opinion, andactually conjured him to make me his confidant, with such protestationsas left him no room to doubt my honour and beneficence; but he stillpersisted in declaring himself the son of an obscure mechanic in Bohemia;an origin to which surely no man would pretend who had the least claim tonobility of birth. While I was thus undeceived in my conjecture touchinghis birth and quality, I was confirmed in an opinion of his integrity andmoderation, and looked upon him as a man of honour, in despite of thelowness of his pedigree. Nevertheless, he was at bottom a mostperfidious wretch, and all this modesty and self-denial were the effectsof the most villanous dissimulation, a cloak under which he, unsuspected,robbed me of my honour and my peace.
Not to trouble you with particulars, the recital of which would tear myheart-strings with indignation and remorse, I shall only observe, that,by the power of his infernal insinuation, he fascinated the heart ofSerafina, brought over Antonia herself to the interests of his passion,and at once detached them both from their duty and religion. Heaven andearth! how dangerous, how irresistible is the power of infatuation!While I remained in the midst of this blind security, waiting for thenuptials of my daughter, and indulging myself with the vain prospect ofher approaching felicity, Antonia found means to protract thenegotiations of the marriage, by representing that it would be a pity todeprive Serafina of the opportunity she then had of profiting by theGerman's instructions; and, upon that account, I prevailed upon DonManuel to bridle the impatience of his love.
During this interval, as I one evening enjoyed the cool air in my owngarden, I was accosted by an old duenna, who had been my nurse and livedin the family since the time of my childhood.--"My duty," said she, "willno longer permit me to wink in silence at the wrongs I see you dailysuffer. Dismiss that German from your house without delay, if yourespect the glory of your name, and the rights of our holy religion; thestranger is an abominable heretic; and, grant Heaven! he may not havealready poisoned the minds of those you hold most dear." I had beenextremely alarmed at the beginning of this address; but, finding theimputation limited to the article of religion, in which, thank God, I amno bigot, I recovered my serenity of disposition, thanked the old womanfor her zeal, commended her piety, and encouraged her to persevere inmaking observations on such subjects as should concern my honour and myquiet.
We live in such a world of wickedness and fraud, that a man cannot be toovigilant in his own defence: had I employed such spies from thebeginning, I should in all probability have been at this day inpossession of every comfort that renders life agreeable. The duenna,thus authorised, employed her sagacity with such success, that I hadreason to suspect the German of a design upon the heart of Serafina; but,as the presumptions did not amount to conviction, I contented myself withexiling him from my house, under the pretext of having discovered that hewas an enemy to the Catholic church; and forthwith appointed a day forthe celebration of my daughter's marriage with Don Manuel de Mendoza. Icould easily perceive a cloud of melancholy overspread the faces ofSerafina and her mother, when I declared these my resolutions; but, asthey made no objection to what I proposed, I did not at that time enterinto an explanation of the true motives that influenced my conduct. Bothparties were probably afraid of such expostulation.
Meanwhile, preparations were made for the espousals of Serafina; and,notwithstanding the anxiety I had undergone, on account of her connexionwith the German, I began to think that her duty, her glory, had triumphedover all such low-born considerations, if ever they had been entertained;because she, and even Antonia, seemed to expect the ceremony withresignation, though the features of both still retained evident marks ofconcern, which I willingly imputed to the mutual prospect of theirseparation. This, however, was but a faithless calm, that soon,
ah! toosoon, brought forth a tempest which hath wrecked my hopes.
Two days before the appointed union of Don Manuel and Serafina, I wasinformed by the duenna, that, while she accompanied Antonia'swaiting-maid at church, she had seen her receive a billet from an oldwoman, who, kneeling at her side, had conveyed it in such a mysteriousmanner, as awakened the duenna's apprehensions about her young lady; shehad therefore hastened home to communicate this piece of intelligence,that I might have an opportunity of examining the messenger before shecould have time to deposit her trust. I could not help shivering withfearful presages upon this occasion, and even abhorring the person towhose duty and zeal I was beholden for the intelligence, even while Iendeavoured to persuade myself that the inquiry would end in thedetection of some paltry intrigue between the maid and her own gallant.I intercepted her in returning from church, and, commanding her to followme to a convenient place, extorted from her, by dint of threats, thefatal letter, which I read to this effect:--
"The whole business of my life, O divine Serafina! will be to repay thataffection I have been so happy as to engage. With what transport thenshall I obey your summons, in performing that enterprise, which willrescue you from the bed of a detested rival, and put myself in fullpossession of a jewel which I value infinitely more than life! Yes,adorable creature! I have provided everything for our escape, and atmidnight will attend you in your own apartment, from whence you shall beconveyed into a land of liberty and peace, where you will, unmolested,enjoy the purity of that religion you have espoused, and in full securitybless the arms of your ever faithful, ORLANDO."
Were you a fond parent, a tender husband, and a noble Castilian, I shouldnot need to mention the unutterable horrors that took possession of mybosom, when I perused this accursed letter, by which I learned theapostasy, disobedience, and degeneracy of my idolised Serafina, who hadoverthrown and destroyed the whole plan of felicity which I had erected,and blasted all the glories of my name; and when the wretched messenger,terrified by my menaces and agitation, confessed that Antonia herself wasprivy to the guilt of her daughter, whom she had solemnly betrothed tothat vile German, in the sight of Heaven, and that by her connivance thisplebeian intended, that very night, to bereave me of my child, I was forsome moments stupefied with grief and amazement, that gave way to anecstasy of rage, which had well-nigh terminated in despair anddistraction.
I now tremble, and my head grows giddy with the remembrance of thatdreadful occasion. Behold how the drops trickle down my forehead; thisagony is a fierce and familiar visitant; I shall banish it anon. Isummoned my pride, my resentment, to my assistance; these are thecordials that support me against all other reflections; those were theauxiliaries that enabled me, in the day of trial, to perform thatsacrifice which my honour demanded, in a strain so loud as to drown thecries of nature, love, and compassion. Yes, they espoused that glorywhich humanity would have betrayed, and my revenge was noble, thoughunnatural.
My scheme was soon laid, my resolution soon taken; I privately confinedthe wretch who had been the industrious slave of this infamousconspiracy, that she might take no step to frustrate or interrupt theexecution of my design. Then repairing to the house of an apothecary whowas devoted to my service, communicated my intention, which he durst notcondemn, and could not reveal, without breaking the oath of secrecy I hadimposed; and he furnished me with two vials of poison for the dismalcatastrophe I had planned. Thus provided, I, on pretence of suddenbusiness at Seville, carefully avoided the dear, the wretched pair, whomI had devoted to death, that my heart might not relent, by means of thosetender ideas which the sight of them would have infallibly inspired; and,when daylight vanished, took my station near that part of the housethrough which the villain must have entered on his hellish purpose.There I stood, in a state of horrid expectation, my soul ravaged with thedifferent passions that assailed it, until the fatal moment arrived; whenI perceived the traitor approach the window of a lower apartment, whichled into that of Serafina, and gently lifting the casement, which waspurposely left unsecured, insinuated half of his body into the house.Then rushing upon him, in a transport of fury, I plunged my sword intohis heart, crying, "Villain! receive the reward of thy treachery andpresumption."
The steel was so well aimed as to render a repetition of the strokeunnecessary; he uttered one groan, and fell breathless at my feet.Exulting with this first success of my revenge, I penetrated into thechamber where the robber of my peace was expected by the unhappy Serafinaand her mother, who, seeing me enter with a most savage aspect, and asword reeking with the vengeance I had taken, seemed almost petrifiedwith fear. "Behold," said I, "the blood of that base plebeian, who madean attempt upon the honour of my house; your conspiracy against theunfortunate Don Diego de Zelos is now discovered; that presumptuousslave, the favoured Orlando, is now no more."
Scarce had I pronounced these words, when a loud scream was uttered byboth the unhappy victims. "If Orlando is slain," cried the infatuatedSerafina, "what have I to do with life? O my dear lord! my husband, andmy lover! how are our promised joys at once cut off! here, strike, myfather! complete your barbarous sacrifice! the spirit of the murderedOrlando still hovers for his wife." These frantic exclamations, in whichshe was joined by Antonia, kept up the fury of my resentment, which bymeekness and submission might have been weakened and renderedineffectual. "Yes, hapless wretches," I replied, "ye shall enjoy yourwish: the honour of my name requires that both shall die; yet I will notmangle the breast of Antonia, on which I have so often reposed; I willnot shed the blood of Zelos, nor disfigure the beauteous form ofSerafina, on which I have so often gazed with wonder and unspeakabledelight. Here is an elixir, to which I trust the consummation of myrevenge."
So saying, I emptied the vials into separate cups, and, presenting one ineach hand, the miserable, the fair offenders instantly received thedestined draughts, which they drank without hesitation; then praying toheaven for the wretched Don Diego, sunk upon the same couch, and expiredwithout a groan. O well-contrived beverage! O happy composition, bywhich all the miseries of life are so easily cured!
Such was the fate of Antonia and Serafina; these hands were theinstruments that deprived them of life, these eyes beheld them therichest prize that death had ever won. Powers supreme! does Don Diegolive to make this recapitulation? I have done my duty; but ah! I amhaunted by the furies of remorse; I am tortured with the incessant stingsof remembrance and regret; even now the images of my wife and daughterpresent themselves to my imagination. All the scenes of happiness I haveenjoyed as a lover, husband, and parent, all the endearing hopes I havecherished, now pass in review before me, embittering the circumstances ofmy inexpressible woe; and I consider myself as a solitary outcast fromall the comforts of society. But, enough of these unmanly complaints;the yearnings of nature are too importunate.
Having completed my vengeance, I retired into my closet, and, furnishingmyself with some ready money and jewels of considerable value, went intothe stable, saddled my favourite steed, which I instantly mounted, and,before the tumults of my breast subsided, found myself at the town of St.Lucar. There I learned from inquiry, that there was a Dutch bark in theharbour ready to sail; upon which I addressed myself to the master, who,for a suitable gratification, was prevailed upon to weigh anchor thatsame night; so that, embarking without delay, I soon bid eternal adieu tomy native country. It was not from reason and reflection that I tookthese measures for my personal safety; but, in consequence of aninvoluntary instinct, that seems to operate in the animal machine, whilethe faculty of thinking is suspended.
To what a dreadful reckoning was I called, when reason resumed herfunction! You may believe me, my friend, when I assure you, that Ishould not have outlived those tragedies I acted, had I not beenrestrained from doing violence upon myself by certain considerations,which no man of honour ought to set aside. I could not bear the thoughtof falling ingloriously by the hand of an executioner, and entailingdisgrace upon a family that knew no stain; and I was deter
red fromputting an end to my own misery, by the apprehension of posthumouscensure, which would have represented me as a desponding wretch, utterlydestitute of that patience, fortitude, and resignation, which are thecharacteristics of a true Castilian. I was also influenced by religiousmotives that suggested to me the necessity of living to atone, by mysufferings and sorrow, for the guilt I had incurred in complying with asavage punctilio, which is, I fear, displeasing in the sight of Heaven.
These were the reasons that opposed my entrance into that peacefulharbour which death presented to my view; and they were soon reinforcedby another principle that sanctioned my determination to continue at theservile oar of life. In consequence of unfavourable winds, our vesselfor some days made small progress in her voyage to Holland, and near thecoast of Gallicia we were joined by an English ship from Vigo, the masterof which gave us to understand, that before he set sail, a courier hadarrived from Madrid at that place, with orders for the corregidore toprevent the escape of any native Spaniard by sea from any port within hisdistrict; and to use his utmost endeavours to apprehend the person of DonDiego de Zelos, who was suspected of treasonable practices against thestate. Such an order, with a minute description of my person, was at thesame time despatched to all the seaports and frontier places in Spain.
You may easily suppose how I, who was already overwhelmed with distress,could bear this aggravation of misfortune and disgrace: I, who had alwaysmaintained the reputation of loyalty, which was acquired at the hazard ofmy life, and the expense of my blood. To deal candidly, I must own, thatthis intelligence roused me from a lethargy of grief which had begun tooverpower my faculties. I immediately imputed this dishonourable chargeto the evil offices of some villain, who had basely taken the advantageof my deplorable situation, and I was inflamed, inspirited with thedesire of vindicating my fame, and revenging the injury. Thus animated,I resolved to disguise myself effectually from the observation of thosespies which every nation finds its account in employing in foreigncountries; I purchased this habit from the Dutch navigator, in whosehouse I kept myself concealed, after our arrival at Amsterdam, until mybeard was grown to a sufficient length to favour my design, and thenappeared as a Persian dealer in jewels. As I could gain no satisfactoryinformation touching myself in this country, had no purpose to pursue,and was extremely miserable among a people, who, being mercenary andunsocial, were very ill adapted to alleviate the horrors of my condition,I gratified my landlord for his important services, with the best part ofmy effects; and having, by his means, procured a certificate from themagistracy, repaired to Rotterdam, from whence I set out in a travellingcarriage for Antwerp, on my way to this capital; hoping, with asuccession of different objects, to mitigate the anguish of my mind, andby the most industrious inquiry, to learn such particulars of that falseimpeachment, as would enable me to take measures for my ownjustification, as well as for projecting a plan of revenge against thevile perfidious author.
This, I imagined, would be no difficult task, considering the friendshipand intercourse subsisting between the Spanish and French nations, andthe communicative disposition for which the Parisians are renowned; but Ihave found myself egregiously deceived in my expectation. The officersof police in this city are so inquisitive and vigilant that the mostminute action of a stranger is scrutinised with great severity; and,although the inhabitants are very frank in discoursing on indifferentsubjects, they are at the same time extremely cautious in avoiding allconversation that turns upon state occurrences and maxims of government.In a word, the peculiarity of my appearance subjects me so much toparticular observation, that I have hitherto thought proper to devour mygriefs in silence, and even to bear the want of almost every convenience,rather than hazard a premature discovery, by offering my jewels to sale.
In this emergency I have been so far fortunate as to become acquaintedwith you, whom I look upon as a man of honour and humanity. Indeed, Iwas at first sight prepossessed in your favour, for, notwithstanding themistakes which men daily commit in judging from appearances, there issomething in the physiognomy of a stranger from which one cannot helpforming an opinion of his character and disposition. For once, mypenetration hath not failed me; your behaviour justifies my decision; youhave treated me with that sympathy and respect which none but thegenerous will pay to the unfortunate. I have trusted you accordingly. Ihave put my life, my honour, in your power; and I must beg leave todepend upon your friendship, for obtaining that satisfaction for whichalone I seek to live. Your employment engages you in the gay world; youdaily mingle with the societies of men; the domestics of the Spanishambassador will not shun your acquaintance; you may frequent thecoffee-houses to which they resort; and, in the course of theseoccasions, unsuspected inform yourself of that mysterious charge whichlies heavy on the fame of the unfortunate Don Diego. I must likewiseimplore your assistance in converting my jewels into money, that I maybreathe independent of man, until Heaven shall permit me to finish thisweary pilgrimage of life.