THE AMOURS OF ZEOKINIZUL, KING OF THE KOFIRANS. 

Translated from the Arabic of the famous Traveller Krinelbol. 

With a Key. 

London:Printed for G. Smith, near Temple-Bar. 1749. [Price One Shilling and Sixpence. ]

PREFACE. 

_The Bookseller, who has taken upon him to print this little Work, having absolutely insisted upon my introducing it with a _Preface, _I was unwilling to refuse him so easy a Matter; and the rather as theOmission might greatly prejudice it. He urged his Request, by saying, that a _Preface_ was no less essential to a Book, than an _Exordium_ toa Sermon. As few read the one, as listen to the other; however, ifeither be wanting, the Performance is defective, and, is not so much asthought worthy to be read in order to be censured. Nevertheless, whatcan be said with Regard to a useless Discourse? Why, really, I think, itis best to say nothing at all. This little Work places Truth in so justa Light, that no Characters are wanting to point it out. But perhaps, the real Truth may be amplified in it, and there may be Applicationsmade of it as false as injurious. This is what ought strongly to beguarded against; and to this Purpose I sincerely declare, that I haveintermix'd nothing of my own in the Amours of _Zeokinizul:_ But, like afaithful Translator, I have constantly kept close to _Krinelbol's_Manuscript. I have related the Facts just as he himself says they weretold him by the _Kofiran_ Nobility. This sincere Protestation, is allthat I can do, In order to remove any Suspicion of Interpolations. The_Arabian_ Manuscript is still in my Possession, and if desired, shall beprinted. But I own, with Concern, that it is quite beyond my Power, toprocure such a Number of Types as will be requisite to give thisSatisfaction; therefore, let those who are willing and equal to such anExpence, set the Printer to work. I promise to deliver him theManuscript on Demand. I cannot help thinking, but that the Malice of theWorld is at its highest Pitch. Formerly People were overjoy'd at theCertainty of the Antipodes; and to hear that the Inhabitants of thoseClimates came nearest to us in Industry, and the Love of Arts andSciences; and that the Sun approached to, and receded from them, as itdoes with Regard to us. In fine, that their Temperature, their Seasons, their Manners, and Inclinations, were the same as our own. Yet, in thismy Endeavour to verify such a Resemblance, by Proofs extracted fromtheir own History, demonstrating by notorious and certain Facts thatthey think and act just like ourselves, I shall be branded for anImposture; or some, who affect to be more sharp-sighted, will suspectthat under fictitious Names, I have represented Persons for whom myHeart is filled with the most respectful Sentiments. Let this suffice, as the shorter a _Preface_ is the better it is liked. _

THE AMOURS OF _ZEOKINIZUL_, King of the Kofirans. 

After all the Labours and Attention of our best Academicians to formjust Plans, and draw complete Maps of the whole Terraqueous Globe, thereare many large Empires and powerful Nations, which their Enquiries havenot reached; so that they are not only ignorant of their Position, buteven of their Existence. Of this Number are the vast Dominions of theKing of the _Kofirans_, of which hitherto we have had not the leastIdea; and which probably would ever have continued unknown to us had notan _Arabic_ Manuscript of the famous Traveller _Krinelbol_ luckilyfallen into my Hands. 

This illustrious Enquirer, of whom we have several Works, whichostentatious Translators, on Account of their Excellency, have publishedas their own, that he might not be misled by the various geographicalDescriptions of the Globe, determined to ground his Knowledge upon hisown Experience. With this rational View he left _Arabia Felix_, hisnative Country, and travelled all over both _Asia_ and _Africa_. Alwayscareful to take an accurate View of every Thing which was worth beingseen or known, and making a judicious Collection of what was mostremarkable in the Customs and History of the Countries which he visited. But a very small Part of his Collection has reached us. That we are sounhappy as to have only mutilated and unsatisfactory Fragments of anAuthor of such Veracity, and in such curious Matters, must be imputed tothe want of Printing in most of the eastern Nations, and the Ignoranceof this Traveller's Heirs. 

An Acquaintance of mine, who is extremely fond of Travelling, thinkingit would be a very acceptable Present, brought me these Sheets from_Ispahan_, where they cost him twelve _Tomans_, that is between twentyand thirty Pounds Sterling. I have translated it without eitherdiminishing, augmenting, or altering it in any one Particular. Only, for the Reader's Convenience, I have expressed the Names of Posts andDignities in our Language, which in the Original were in _Arabic_, keeping to it in the Appellations of Persons and Nations, out of regardto historical Exactness. I do not in the least claim any Thanks orAcknowledgements for my Trouble; the several Works of this Nature whichI have published producing in me an habitual Pleasure of employing myPen, for the Instruction and Entertainment of polite Readers. 

Possibly the whole Universe could not afford a more tranquil, happyKingdom than that of the _Kofirans_, would their Princes equitably sitdown contented with the Honours and Prerogatives with which they wereinvested at their Institution, and not falsly imagine, that theirGrandeur and Glory consist in the Oppression of their Subjects; andwould they be watchful to entail the Harmony and due Subordinationbetwixt the several Orders in their Government. Whereas for severalCenturies past, they have been labouring to erect an Arbitrary Power;and the two last have taken large Steps towards this execrable End. 

_Zeoteirizul_, the First of the Two, was Son to the greatest King thatever govern'd the _Kofirans_. Being scarcely eight Years old when theCrown devolv'd to him by his Father's Death, his Mother seiz'd the Reinsof Government. This Princess who was a _Neitilene_ by Birth, was relatedto the King of _Jerebi_. Secret History relates that, prompted by herAmbition, she entered into a private Treaty with her Relation, herHusband's most inveterate Enemy, and contrived his Murder, which wasunfortunately executed, to the great Loss and Grief of all true_Kofirans_. What aggravates the Guilt is, that this worthy Prince wasstabb'd on the very Day of her Coronation, at a Juncture when he wasgiving this flagitious Wretch the highest Mark of his Affection. 

No sooner was the Queen declared Regent of the Kingdom, but she bent allher Endeavours to establish her Power by protracting the King'sMinority, as long as possible. She constantly amused the young Princewith Toys and Triffles; she kept him in such Awe that he trembled at herAppearance, and durst not refuse paying a blind Obedience to those whomshe had placed near him. But so short-sighted is human Artifice, thatwhat she imagined would be the Basis of her Power, was the very Thingwhich overthrew it. A crafty _Mollak_ having insinuated himself into herConfidence, made Use of it to gain that of the young King; and being toosagacious a Politician not to foresee what he had to fear from thisenraged Woman, if he left her any Degree of Power or Opportunity ofhurting him, he compelled her to leave the Kingdom in a disgracefulManner; and by this successful Boldness, he became Master of the youngKing, and the Depository of his Authority. His Pride, the general Viceof his Order, made him take a Pleasure in humbling the Nobility. Hebrought all Employments to depend upon the Court, and by this Means thePersons of Quality to court the Minister's Favour, which effectuallyexalted the Sovereign as much above them as he himself affected in allThings to appear beneath him. 

This Management soon brought upon him the Hatred of the whole Nation;but notwithstanding such a declared and general Hatred, he was succeededby another _Mollak_. He had the same Views as his Predecessor, tho' heacted on different Maxims. And the former having succeeded in reducingthe first Order nearer the second, he was for bringing them both to anEquality, and raising the third to a Level with them, by making allEmployments and Dignities venial; and, without any Regard to Merit, constantly bestowing them on the highest Bidder. Thus, as the same Postsand Honours were equally attainable by the Citizen and Gentleman, therewas no material Distinction betwixt them. The Government which hadflourished as Monarchical, was become an absolute Despotism. And whereasthe King in all important Transactions, was dependant on the Assembly ofthe States, who were look'd upon as the Defenders and Interpreters ofthe Laws; both Laws and States were now only mere Phantoms, which hecould raise or annihilate at his Pleasure. It is true, that this hasmade the King of the _Kofirans_ the most powerful Monarch in theUniverse; but perhaps, it also makes the People the most miserable;tho' an abject Veneration for their Kings will not permit them to owntheir Slavery, or lament their Grievances. 

In order to the better Understanding of what I shall relate concerningthis Monarchy, it will not be an useless Digression to say something ofits Foundation, and gradual Increase to that Pitch of Glory to which itwas raised by the King who proceeded _Zeokinizul_. 

I am apt to believe, that when the divine Missionary offered up Paradiseto Men, as the Reward of their Belief and Obedience, he drew his Ideafrom the Country of the _Kofirans_. The many Rivers which intermix theirStreams, maintain a perpetual Verdure in the Meadows; the Soil producesall Sorts of Corn, useful Herbs and Fruits; and is so well cultivated, that there are no more Woods than are necessary for Fewel and otherUses. Its exquisite Wines, are little inferior to those of _Ghinoer_;if it has but few Gold or Silver Mines, the Defect is abundantlycompensated by those of Iron, Copper, Tin, and the valuable Quarries ofPorcelaine, which abound throughout almost all the Provinces of thisdelicious Kingdom. The Women are sprightly, witty, and chearful. TheMen, brave, industrious, laborious and addicted to Learning. ItsSituation is so very advantageous, that it is reckoned one of Nature'sMaster-pieces. Its steep and lofty Clefts towards the Sea, secure thischarming Country from the Invasions of the King of the Island _Alniob_. Its Ports are numerous, but so well fortified, as to be of the greatestAdvantage to the _Kofirans_. Another Side of this Country hasinaccessible Mountains, as a Fence against the King of _Jerebi_, and the_Kam_ of _Vosaïe_. The River _Nhir_ is its Barrier against theformidable Power of the Emperor of the _Maregins_. And, lastly, manyCities of almost impregnable Strength, seem to defy the Attacks of the_Junes_ Provinces, and the _Bapasis_. Such is the Situation and Qualityof the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_, being also blessed with a temperateClimate, and an healthful Air. 

The People who are at present seated in this luxuriant Country, are notits original Possessors. The first Colony settled here after the Deluge, were so contented with the spontaneous Produce of its Fertility, thatthey forbore to cultivate and improve it. This Moderation which, sincethe Sin of _Sultan Adam_, has ceased to be a Virtue, so enervated theirCourage, that they became slothful and timorous. The _Manoris_, tho'their own Country, wanted for nothing, envied the more fruitfulPossessions of their Neighbours, and invaded them Sword in Hand. The_Goilaus_, who at that Time inhabited it, and whose Pleasures wereheightened by Liberty, made some Efforts to preserve that valuableBlessing; but being not so vigorous as the Juncture required, they wereunsuccessful, and the Consequence of their Inactivity was Slavery. Aftersome Shews of Resistance, in which their Multitudes were easily defeatedby an handful of _Manoris_, they underwent the Fate of several otherNations, whom this fierce People had reduced. 

However, by an Intercourse with the _Manoris_, they became sensible oftheir wretched and disgraceful Condition. After they had been conquer'd, they learned the Art of War from their Conquerors; who, also in a shortTime, declined from the Love of Glory, and a martial Spirit, that theywere no longer formidable but by their Numbers. They grew intoxicatedwith Luxury, and run into Extremes opposite to their original Ferosity, so as to become more despicable than those they had conquered. 

It was at this Time, that the _Nodais_, the _Guernonies_, the _Duesois_, and the _Sokans_ issuing from the North of _Africa_, over-run theirfinest Provinces. A Body of these Barbarians fell upon the Territoriesof the _Goilaus_, and having forced them to share this delightfulCountry, settled themselves there under the Name of _Kranfs_. These newConquerors were for some Time molested by the _Manoris_, but as Luxuryhad brought their flourishing Empire to Decay, the _Kranfs_ forced themto desist, and remained in quiet Possession of the _Goilaus_:

I shall omit the first rude Ages, when these Conquerors train'd up tothe Licentiousness of War, were under no Regulation or Law, and whoseTowns, like those of other Nations, were only a confused Assemblage ofHuts. It is true, that there were Kings among them from their firstSettlement, but the Men thus dignified, were in Reality only Generalselected out of the Troops, and whose Prerogative was limited to MilitaryAffairs. These Chiefs, whose Savageness was rather augmented by thePower with which they were invested, made no Scruple to dispatch aneighbouring Competitor with the Sword or Poison, and their History isfull of unnatural Instances, of Brothers stabbing Brothers, Subjectspoisoning their Sovereigns to usurp their dangerous Stations. 

The Religion of _Suesi_, which the fifth of their Kings embraced, tho'its Maxims are far from countenancing Ambition and Murder, but entirelyadapted to the Welfare of Society; yet have been so perverted by theDepravity of the _Faquirs_ and the _Imans_, as to be alledged inVindication of them, and have besides, set on Foot so many Cheats andErrors, that the holy Books, _Bileb_ and _Liegnelau_ in their Purity, asdictated by the divine Spirit to the Legislators, has been treated bythem with Contempt, as mutilated and inconsistent. In Defence of theirrespective Notions, these People have engaged in furious Wars with eachother, and out of a Zeal for Religion, have assassinated several oftheir Kings. The Times seem now more tranquil, and without anyApprehension of such shocking Crimes. Their Faith is very different fromwhat it was, and the lower Sort of People, who alone adhere to theTenets of _Suesi_, are entirely recovered from that stupid Obedienceformerly paid to the _Pepa_, who, having made the World believe, thatthe Keys of Paradise were in his Hands, required an implicit Compliancewith his Decrees, and be ready to second any Scheme of his Revenge orAmbition, with their Lives and Fortunes. 

The Destruction of the Empire of the _Kofirans_, seems morallyimpossible in its present confirm'd State. It has hitherto withstoodseveral violent Shocks from the Kings of _Jerebi and Alniob_, and theEmperor of the _Maregins_, who were all its professed Enemies. Especially the King of _Alniob_, who, taking Advantage of the Frenzy ofone of its Sovereigns, made such a Progress, as to wrest the Sceptre outof his Hands; but the great _Zokitarezoul_, having compelled him torenounce even the very Title, has brought all the others into Subjectionso as to acknowledge his Superiority over all the Sovereigns of_Africa_. It is to this illustrious Monarch, that the Kingdom of the_Kofirans_ owes its unparalleled Riches and Grandeur. His Courage andgood Fortune have reduced all his Enemies, his Liberality and Wisdom hasestablished Commerce, his good Sense has civilized it, and hisSuccessors must attribute the ardent Loyalty and Love of the _Kofirans_towards them, to the Plans and Labours of this Prince for the Happinessand Glory of his Subjects. After having driven from the Throne of_Jerebi_, a Family which had been an Enemy to his, placing one of hisGrandsons on it, he died covered with Glory, and left the Crown to hisgreat Grandson _Zeokinizul_, who is the particular Hero of thisHistory. 

This young Prince being the only Remains of a numerous Royal Family, wasthe Darling of the great _Zokitarezoul_, who apprehending that he mightfall a Victim to the same untimely Fate which had laid so many of hisDescendants in their Graves, was not wanting to secure him by allpossible Precautions. Being persuaded, that the People loved him toowell to suffer any Infractions of his last Disposals, he made a Will; inwhich he deprived the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, his Nephew, whose Ambition hedreaded, of the Regency, in Favour of the _Kam_ of _Meani_, his naturalSon. The _Kam_ of _Anserol_ was highly exasperated at the Injury donehim; but being the greatest Politician of his Time, he took Care thatnothing should escape him at such a Crisis, which might increase theSuspicions, and consequently the Precautions of his Enemies. It was nottill after the Death of _Zokitarezoul_, that he asserted his Claim. Attended by a Multitude of his Adherents, he went to the _Pemenralt_, which is a Phantom of the antient States. There feigning to submit hisDestiny to the Arbitration of that illustrious Senate, he set forth, andurged his Claim with such a persuasive Eloquence, that the wholeAssembly unanimously annulled a Will, which deprived him of an Honourthat was his incontestable Right, and of a Trust for which he wasunexceptionably qualified. This so enraged his Enemies, that they forgedthe vilest Scandals, in order to render him odious. They gave out, thatafter having poisoned the chief Persons of the royal Blood, his chiefAim was to take off his Pupil. Under pretence of such an Apprehension, they proposed that the Lady of the _Bassa_ of _Ourtavan_ should takecare of the King, and taste of every kind of Food which was brought tohis Table. And soon after they were not wanting to alarm the People withReports, that his Victuals had been several Times poisoned. The greatMen of the Kingdom, whose Abilities the Regent never consulted, as beinghimself equal to all the Difficulties of Government, enter'd into aLeague against him, under Pretence of Concern for _Zeokinizul_, whoseLife they declar'd was in Danger. But the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, who wastoo vigilant to be surprized, soon discovered the Plot, and havingsecur'd the Leaders, he quench'd the Rebellion in the Blood of itsContrivers. 

He did not give himself the Trouble of verbally refuting the Calumnies, and Invectives, with which he was daily loaded, but took Care todisprove them by his Conduct. The publick Finances had been quiteexhausted, during the last Years of the great _Zokitarezoul_, and hetook upon himself to restore them. It is true, that his Scheme ruinedsome Families; but besides that their Number was but small, and theirRuin rather owing to their inconsiderate Greediness, such a desperateDistemper could not have been well removed by a softer Remedy. 

No sooner was _Zeokinizul_ of Age, but the _Kam_ delivered up to him theGovernment of the Kingdom, which by his Care and Munificence, was theAbode of the polite Arts, of which he had declared himself theProtector. Nay more, he induced the young King to chuse himself aConsort; and thus he refuted the base Views which his Enemies hadfathered on him. 

Scarce was this important Affair finished, when the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, as if this World could afford no Addition to his Glory, died suddenly, as he had always desired. His Enemies laid hold of this Circumstance, torevile him, even in his Grave. They spread a Report, that his Intentionwas to poison the King, by a Liquor which he was to drink along withhim, but that by a fortunate Mistake of the Cups, he had fallen theVictim of his own Contrivance. The young King could not hear suchatrocious Insults without Horror. He threatened the severest Punishmentsto any one who should dare to blacken the Character of this greatPrince, and he himself never mentioned his Name but with Words of thehighest Esteem, and the warmest Acknowledgment. 

The joyful _Kofirans_ promised themselves, from the hopeful Inclinationsof _Zeokinizul_, a Reign no less happy than the preceding; but by aFatality, not uncommon amongst them, the young Monarch was so fond of anold _Mollak_, formerly his Tutor, of a very insinuating but hypocriticalHumility, that he entirely remitted to him the whole Management of hisKingdom. This old Wretch, whose predominate Passion was Avarice, loadedthe People with Taxes. And as a War would not allow him to embezzle atwill the public Treasures, he never would enter into one unless utterlyimpossible to be avoided. And then, with so much Niggardliness, and solittle Conduct, that he became the Scorn both of the Generals and theOfficers of State. Happy if he could have saved those vast Sums, or haveexpended them in a manner suitable to the Honour of the Prince, and theunbounded Zeal of his Subjects. But they were all in a short Timesquandered away, among Foreigners, who made him their constant Dupe. Indeed, the best Schemes miscarried thro' his Sordidness, and yet withall these Faults, he maintain'd his Ascendency over the Prince, so thatno Courtier dared utter any Complaint against him. 

_Zeokinizul_, whose whole Life was devoted to his Consort and hisHunting, of both which he was equally fond, had only the Title and Pompof a King, for the _Mollak Jeflur_ had engrossed all the Authority, bywhich Means he aggrandized his Family, promoted and enriched hisCreatures, and supplied the enormous Profusion of his Mistress thePrincess of _Ginarkan_, Spouse to a Prince of the Blood of _Vosaïe_. 

His selfish Love of Peace, could not, however, hinder his being involvedin an unavoidable War. 

_Sicidem_, grand _Kam_ of _Katenos_, among the Provinces of the_Neitilanes_, dying without Issue, the Emperor of the _Maregins_ laidClaim to his Succession. This Prince was already too powerful for theKing of the _Kofirans_ not to oppose this Addition to his Greatness. Andthus this ecclesiastical Statesman _Jeflur_, was brought under aNecessity of employing his Master's Troops, in order to deprive him ofso rich an Inheritance. About this Time also, the Throne of _Goplone_, of which his Father-in-Law had been dispossess'd, became vacant, and_Zeokinizul_'s Honour required, that he should lay hold of thisOpportunity to restore him. After a fruitless Trial of all the peaceableWays of Bribery and Negotiation to compass his End, the _Mollak_ was atlast oblig'd to order the _Kofiran_ Troops to march. The first Bodymarched towards the _Nhir_, to oppose the Emperor of the _Maregins_, thesecond towards the Kingdom of _Goplone_, to impose upon them theirformer Sovereign, and the third hastened into the Provinces of the_Neitilanes_, to make sure of the Dominions of _Sicidem_. 

As this War was carried on only in _Zeokinizul_'s Name, and he did notpersonally act in it, I shall omit its various Events, in Order to comethe sooner to what immediately relates to this young King. After theloss of two Battles, and a strong City taken by the _Kofirans_, theEmperor of the _Maregins_ was very glad to accept of a Peace, upon suchConditions as were alone detrimental to his Allies. As a Satisfaction to_Zeokinizul_'s Father-in-law for his Kingdom, which he relinquish'd toanother, he was allowed to retain the Title of King, and was madeactual Sovereign of the Province of _Reinarol_, which after his Death, was by the Treaty to be annexed to the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_, andthe _Kam_ in exchange for this Cession, was invested with the Dominionsof _Sicidem_. Tho' this was an advantageous Peace to the Conquerors, yetit was very short of what they might reasonably have expected, or atleast, if _Zeokinizul_ was so moderate as to be contented with suchsmall Matters, it behov'd his Minister to insist upon more important andhonourable Terms. However, the Glory of his Arms, was the continualTopic to him; and this Prince by hearing of the Exploits of his Soldiersso frequently extoll'd, began to give Signs of a martial Disposition. His Genius now display'd itself, and instead of reigning ingloriouslyonly by a Minister, he shewed, that he would be in all Respects theKing. His Courtiers, who had always with Reluctance paid Obedience tothe Order of the haughty _Mollak_, applauded this generous Resolution, while the crafty _Jeflur_ had the Mortification to see, that hisMinistry was going to be overturned, by the very Thing which he fanciedwould have prolonged it. 

As this was a fatal Blow, so was he not wanting in his Endeavours toward it off. Accordingly he set all his Springs at Work, nor minded theGuilt of any Measure if it had a promising Aspect. I question if anInstance of such an hellish Contrivance, and so detestable a Scandal, can be found in any History. A Man to whom a whole Kingdom hadcommitted its only Hope, a Man who had been chosen to rectify and refinethe Morals of its King, endeavours by all Means to corrupt them; and, as a Return for the vast Favours received from him, he draws him in toforfeit his Innocence, the Love of his Consort, and the Esteem of hisSubjects. 

_Zeokinizul_, as has been said, was passionately fond of the Queen hisSpouse, which guarded him against those Irregularities which stain'd theMemory of the preceding Kings of the _Kofirans_. Yet these People beingof a volatile and fickle Humour, could not think, that a settled Loveafforded any Pleasure, and were continually wishing that their Sovereignwould commence an Intrigue with some Court Beauty. This unbecoming Wishwas pretended to proceed from a Regard for the Welfare and Glory of theNation. What, says they, shall our King always be tutor'd by _Mollaks_?What signifies this Peace, which is only owing to the Weakness andPusillanimity of this set of Men, for we are oppressed with Taxes asmuch as if we were engaged in a War with all the Powers of _Africa_?Why does not our King shew some Spirit, and give into an Intrigue? Anambitious Mistress would break these scandalous Fetters, and when he isonce his own Master, instead of this enervating Idleness, he would soonfind such Work for our Forces, as would enhance our Reputation, andenlarge his Dominions. 

At this Rate the _Kofirans_ used to talk, and _Jeflur_ was no strangerto it. But a clearer Insight into human Nature, made him conclude, thattho' their Wishes were answered, it would be so far from producing thedesired Effect, that he laid it down as a Certainty, that a new Amourwould more and more indispose _Zeokinizul_ to State Affairs, and hewould quickly lay them aside as Embarasments, in order the more freelyto indulge his Passion. With this View, so far from censuring thispopular Desire, tho' it had neither Religion nor Laws on its Side, hebent all his Thoughts to accomplish it. 

It was not any Beauty in the Queen which had attach'd her Consort toher. For tho' she had not been one third older than himself, there wasnothing in her Face to strike the Affections of a Prince constantlyencircled with numberless Beauties, and whose Love they would haveaccounted the highest Honour. The exact Return which he made to her Dutyand Tenderness, entirely flowed from this Prince's generous and gratefulTemper, and from his good and religious Heart. He had such a delicateSense of conjugal Duty, that he never fail'd shewing his Displeasure toany Courtiers, who presumed to expatiate on the Charms of some _Houris_in his Capital, and once when _Kigenpi_, one of the _Methers_, or Lordsof his Bed-Chamber began to talk to him of a Person of incomparableBeauty, he gave him no Answer, only asking him in a dry and scornfulManner, whether she was handsomer than the Queen?

This Coldness rendered it no easy Matter for the _Mollak_ to alienatethe Affections of _Zeokinizul_ from the Queen. But what are Churchmenuncapable of? He changed his Measures, and determined to make the Queenan Instrument to remove from herself a Spouse who loved her mosttenderly. He managed it in the following Manner. 

This Princess being born in a Country where the Religion of _Suesi_ isdirected by the _Pepa_, who stiles himself the Sovereign Arbitrator ofit, had imbibed a strong Prepossession for what in the Kingdom of the_Kofirans_ is called Bigotry, or misplaced Devotion. The Customs andreligious Notions of this Nation, which were more free and rational thanin the Country of this Princess, had been a Constraint upon herInclination, without lessening her mistaken Austerity. It was on thisSide, that _Jeflur_ spread his Snares. He placed near the Queen a_Dervise_, one of those sly finished Villains, who, being Masters of theexecrable Art of giving Sin an Appearance of Sanctity, instruct thegreat ones, whose Favour they purchase at the most infamous Rate, how toSin without Guilt. This Traytor perform'd his Commission according to_Jeflur_'s Desire. He was continually fomenting in the Heart of his overpious Sovereign, the Excesses and fanatical Rants of his Order. He dwelton the inconceiveable Sweetness of an Intimacy with _Suesi_, who wasever ready to communicate himself to such Souls as detach'd themselvesfrom sensual Pleasures. He magnified the great Merit of Fastings, Prayers, and Austerities; and when he had rooted these Things in theHeart of his credulous Proselyte, he proceeded to declare to her, thatChastity was a Virtue absolutely necessary to merit the divine Favours;strongly insisting, that this Chastity must be so refined andabstracted, as not to be awed, or seduced by human Engagements. Theunhappy Queen, misled by the pathetic Discourse, and the feigned Pietyof the _Dervise_, greedily swallowed the Poison he was administring. Shepassed whole Days and Nights in Prayer, and the Austerities of a falseDevotion, according to the Instructions of her infamous Director. Norwas it long, before she attain'd the Height of that superstitiousChastity which he required of her, and, imagining there was no stoppingin a Course which was to end so gloriously, she formed a Resolution, in order to devote herself with the greater Fervour and Purity to theheavenly Bridegroom which had been promised her, to separate herselffrom the Embraces of a Spouse, to whom she was united by the most sacredTies, and endeared by the tenderest Affection. 

The young King who had been extremely uneasy for some Days at thismisterious Behaviour, grew highly offended, when upon asking the Queento comply with his Affection, he was repulsed, under the Pretence ofimaginary Dispositions, from which she was known to be entirely free. However, so far from taking the Denial, it only made him more urgent;at which the Queen to free herself from what she call'd her Consort'sImportunities, sent him Word, and confirm'd it herself, that anincurable Disorder had rendered her unfit for the conjugal Functions. 

The Monarch was Thunderstruck at this. It threw him into such aMelancholy, that he kept his Chamber for three Days. Even Hunting, whichhad always been his favourite Diversion, seem'd to be banished from hisThoughts. He never appeared in the Drawing-Room, and the mostdistinguished Courtiers were oblig'd to put on a sorrowful Appearancewhenever they approached him. _Jeflur_ exulted at the Success of hisScheme. He brib'd one of the Lords of the Bed-Chamber, whom the Kinghonoured with a particular Confidence, and having inform'd him what theArrow was which had pierced the King's Heart, he made him large Promisesif he could pluck it out. 

_Kelirieu_, for so was this Lord called, readily embraced the Proposal, and sought for an Opportunity of being alone with his Master. Nor was helong without it. One Day as _Zeokinizul_ was negligently leaning upon a_Sopha_, involv'd in melancholy Thoughts on the Alteration of hisSpouse, the Lord came towards him, throwing himself at his Feet. 

Permit, said he, a faithful Subject, to presume to enquire into theSecrets of your Highness. You know, Sire, my respectful Attachment toyour august Person. You also know, that your Glory and Satisfaction aredearer to me than my very Life. Vouchsafe then, Sire, to disclose to methe Cause of that Sorrow which incessantly preys upon you. Let the Heartof a faithful Servant be the Depository of all your Disquietudes. Possibly Means may be discover'd to mitigate them. --_Kelirieu_, perceiving that his Discourse made no Impression upon the King, whoindeed continued in the same Posture, without seeming to give the leastAttention to it, proceeded thus. But, Sire, I see my Presumption offendsyou. I have lost the Confidence of my Sovereign. It is enough, let yourHighness speak, and decide the Fate of a Subject, who is become hatefulto himself, by being hateful to you. 

The Firmness with which _Kelirieu_ pronounced these last Words, rousedthe King from his Lethargy. No, my dear Friend, said he, raising him up, I still love you, and the only Reason why I do not impart my Sorrows toyou, is, because they are without Remedy, and you would only have theTrouble of knowing them, without the Power of redressing them. --TheQueen. --Ah! enquire no farther? I must either forfeit my everlastingHappiness, or lose the Esteem of my Subjects. But I am fully determined, there is no room for Hesitation, for I am unalterably fixed in myChoice. Withdraw, and leave me to strengthen my Resolutions. 

_Kelirieu_ insisted no farther, but hastened to acquaint the _Mollak_, that he had already search'd the King's Wound. And since, added he, I have drawn out of his Heart the fatal Secret which was lodg'd in it, I flatter myself, that in a short Time, I shall entirely complete theCure. 'Tis a good Step, replied _Jeflur_, to have comforted_Zeokinizul_, but that is not enough. You must still induce him tobestow his Heart upon the Person I shall name to you. Carry but thisPoint, and I promise you a thousand _Tomans_ as the first Token of myAcknowledgement. 

The King, in the mean Time, felt some Relief from the Confidence whichhe had placed in _Kelirieu_. He looked for him all the Remainder of theDay. But this Artful Mediator found Means to avoid a private Meeting. Nor did he appear before his Master till after some Days, and the Kingwas obliged to send for him, and demand his immediate Attendance. Nosooner were they alone, but the King said, did I not tell you, my dear_Kelirieu_, that my Sufferings were past Remedy, and that you would onlyhave the Grief of hearing them without having the Power of relievingthem? Sire, interrupted the crafty Courtier, with a bashful Air, I knowa Remedy, but I dare not mention it, and yet it is the only onepracticable. Ah! said the King, eagerly embracing him, declare it, andtho' I should refuse to make use of it, yet I shall always acknowledgemyself oblig'd to your Zeal for the Discovery. Sire, replied _Kelirieu_, one Woman is the Cause of your Highness's Melancholy, and another Womanmust be the Remedy. How dost thou dare to offer me such infamousAdvice, answer'd _Zeokinizul_ in a Rage, when I have already told you, that I had rather perish than lose the Esteem of my Subjects? Must I, being the Interpreter, and Protector of the Laws, only make a Parade ofmy Prerogative, by licentiously violating them?

I beseech your Highness to hear me, replied _Kelirieu_, not in the leastdaunted at the King's Anger, I swear by your royal Head, that it was notmy Intention to offend you. But a too precipitate Construction of myAdvice has led you to resent it as base and criminal. But, Sire, canyour Highness harbour a Suspicion that _Kelirieu_ would offer to eclipseyour Glory? No, Heaven is my Witness, that I would rather die a thousandDeaths. When I intimated to your Highness, that the Remedy of yourSorrows was too be found only in the Conversation of Women, I meant noother than what the Laws both human and divine admit of. And that asSolitude only serves to augment your Grief, the entertaining Wit andSprightliness of the Fair Sex, in their Conversations, was the onlyAntidote against your growing Affliction, in which a whole Nationparticipates. 

There may be Danger in such a Step, replied the King, when once a Womanhas charmed the Mind, she soon makes her Way to the Heart, and since theQueen has been pleased to return me mine, which I had so affectionatelygiven her, I will be always upon my Guard to keep it free andinsensible. 

And at the same Time he changed the Discourse, and soon after dismissedhis Confident, who was impatient till he had related his Progress to_Jeflur_. The _Mollak_, embracing him a thousand Times, cried, thyServices are inestimable, neither shall I be ungrateful. _Liamil_, Wifeto the _Bassa_ of the same Name, is she whom you are to propose to_Zeokinizul_. _Kelirieu_ could not conceal his Surprise at her Name. 

How, says he to the Minister, can you conceive that he is to becaptivated by a Person of her Age? Would your _Holiness_ but reflect onthe Nature of _Zeokinizul_'s Scruples. It must be some enchanting Beautywhich can transport him to commit an Infidelity which he accounts nosmall Crime. And you are for seducing him by _Liamil_, who has as fewCharms as any Court Lady, and who, besides, is under conjugalEngagements. How shocking will the Idea of this complicated Guilt appearto the Prince, who cannot bear the Thoughts of a single Infidelity? Ah!learned _Mollak_, you require of me what is beyond my Power, and out ofthe Course of Nature. Furnish me with a proper Instrument, let thePerson to be recommended be young, gay, handsome, and artful, and then Iwill be answerable for the Success. 

Surely you must be very little acquainted with _Zeokinizul_, interruptedthe Minister, is it not apparent that this Prince, who has been used toan antiquated Beauty, and was so excessively fond of her, will thinknothing lovely but as it resembles his Spouse? Besides, he will have noTime to attend to the Suggestions of his Scruples. And _Liamil_'s smallShare of Beauty will prevent any Mistrust in him. I rely more upon herWit than on her personal Charms, in which she has few Equals, and thatis the Talent by which I suppose she shall commence the Intrigue;Opportunity will forward it. Besides, do you think that I am so blind tomine own Interest, as to provide _Zeokinizul_ with a young ambitiousMistress, who will be for monopolizing the royal Favour, and never besatisfied till she has grasp'd the Disposal of all Offices and Honours?No, no, my dear _Kelirieu_, _Liamil_ is the Woman for the King, 'tis shewhom you must bring him to like, if you value my Friendship, and whoseFriendship can equal mine? Any other than she would give me too muchUmbrage for me to bear with it long. There is a Bill for a Thousand_Tomans_, go and receive them at the Treasury. A thousand more shallrecompense your Success. 

_Jeflur_ was quite void of true Liberality, but this Matter concernedhim too nearly to lose such a dexterous Manager, who had taken it intohis Hands, by an unseasonable Parsimony. _Kelirieu_ appear'd the nextDay at the King's Levee, who took him into his Closet, and renewingtheir last Conversation; what a feeble Remedy, says he, do you proposefor my violent Agitations! Such Sufferings as mine require somethingmore than Words. I know a Person, replied _Kelirieu_, whose Conversationis so charming, that I am sure your Highness upon a Tryal, will be sodelighted with it, that it would recover your former Chearfulness. TheKing seeming to question it, the Lord flew away to the Queen'sApartment, to tell _Liamil_, that the King had sent for her. 

_Liamil_, full of Joy, as having already been instructed, made no lessHaste thither. But how was she surprised and mortified, when_Zeokinizul_, having ask'd her what she wanted, view'd her for some Timewithout speaking a Word more. Tho' she was prepared to act her Part, shecould not forbear blushing, tho' more out of Spite than Bashfulness. Andas she could not presume to speak first, after staying about a Quarterof an Hour in the Apartment, she made a low Courtesy, and withdrew, fullof Confusion and Rancour. 

The _Mollak_, who was waiting for her Return, used his utmost to appeaseher. Believe me, says he to her, _Zeokinizul_ is smitten, only allow himTime to get the better of some troublesome Scruples, and every Thingwill be according to our Desires. And indeed, she was scarce out ofSight, but _Zeokinizul_ was sorry for the cold Reception he had givenher. He blamed himself for his Incivility; and, to make her some Amends, he went to the Queen's Apartment. Now was the critical Instant, thedecisive Moment for this Princess. Could she have suspended herexcessive Devotion to receive the King her Husband in a becoming Manner, there had been an End of all _Jeflur_'s Schemes, and _Kelirieu_'sthousand _Tomans_ had been saved to the Treasury; but her sending himWord, that she begg'd his Highness would suffer her to finish herDevotion before she waited on him, gave him Time enough to talk to_Liamil_, who did not fail of exerting all her Talents, which charm'dthe King to that Degree, that he thought _Kelirieu_ had not exceeded inhis high Enconiums, the Wit and agreeable Qualities of this Lady. Andunder Pretence of being extremely taken with her Conversation, hedesired her Company in his Closet that very Evening. 

_Jeflur_'s Exultations at hearing this News from _Liamil_, were beyondall Description. He made her repeat the Oath, which she had at firstswore, never to require the Rights of the Favorite _Sultana_, but besatisfied with the Honours of the Handkerchief. He drew her a Plan forher Rule of Life, regulated her Behaviour to the Queen, and instructedher in the King's Temper. In fine, he imitated the fond Mother, who, upon her Daughters being soon to be delivered up to a Bridegroom, prepares her for the Conflict, represents to her the Pleasures andSorrows attendant on the Marriage State, and instructs her how toheighten the one, and alleviate the other. When he came to be alone, he applauded his happy Choice, and really he never could have met witha Person so fit for the Purpose, nor who would have submitted to hisDirections with less Ambition, and more Pliantness and Punctuality. 

Besides, her singular Wit, _Liamil_ had a Serenity of Temper whichexcited Love, though she was in her thirty sixth Year. The Ministerbefore this, was under no Apprehension that she would fail in her Aim at_Zeokinizul_'s Heart. The artificial Charms with which she concealed theLoss, or want of natural ones, the exquisite Neatness and Elegancy ofher Dress, with the Gracefulness of her Deportment, rendered theConquest certain. Besides, it was no Novelty for a _Kofiran_ King tokeep a Mistress older than himself, and some have been even known toretain the Affections from Father to Son, to the third Generation. 

_Liamil_ did not fail to keep so promising an Appointment. She found_Zeokinizul_ expecting her, and tho' this Prince had prepared himself tosee her, he was as much disordered at the Sight of her, as he had beenin the Morning. _Liamil_ was oblig'd to furnish Talk, for _Zeokinizul_went no further than a reserv'd Complaisance; and after being a fullHour by themselves, upon the Prince's signifying that he would be alone, she left him, having only receiv'd eight or ten Answers, and thoserather civil than gallant. Who can conceive the Anguish of _Liamil_, when she return'd to _Jeflur_? Wretch that I am, cried she, throwingherself upon a _Sopha_, here her Sighs stopp'd her Voice, that she couldnot proceed. _Jeflur_ was struck with Amazement, and knew not what tothink of such Emotions. He dried her Tears, he inlarged his Promises, and particularly vowed he would make her rich Amends for the Vexationshe suffered on his Account. Let me alone, said she, at last, was itnot enough to make me marry a Man whom I hate, but must you also draw meto love one who slights me? Yes, the King, with whose Love you flatter'dme, slights me; I am come directly from his Closet, where I was with himabove an Hour; and so far from making Love to me, that he did not saythe least soft Thing. Is not this Coldness? Is not this slighting? Isthis all that raises such a Storm in this poor Bosom, replied _Jeflur_?Did not I forewarn you, that _Zeokinizul_'s deep Sense of his Duty, would make him be greatly upon the Reserve with you? And that you wouldthink him insensible, tho' he was only immerst in Thought? Why did notyou intice him? Come, come, be easy, I will engage to procure youanother private Meeting; but take Care not to act the Prude again sounseasonably. Ply him with every alluring Art, and even make Use of afond Violence to make him yield. He is not to be treated like commonLovers. These Injunctions cannot be disagreeable to you. _Zeokinizul_ isperfectly handsome, and in the Prime of Life. You love him, andtherefore must leave no Means untry'd to secure his. 

_Liamil_ relish'd this judicious Lesson, and impatiently waited thePerformance of _Jeflur_'s Promise; and being resolv'd to make the utmostEfforts to seduce _Zeokinizul_, she promised herself, that at the nextMeeting she should beat down all Resistance, and allure the King togratify her Desires. _Kelirieu_ soon brought it about, for the Kingseeing nothing dangerous to his Freedom in _Liamil_, was easilyprevailed upon by the Entreaties of his Confident, to admit of anotherVisit from her. Accordingly he sent her a Message to come in the Eveningto a certain Chamber in the Palace. It is easy to conceive how welcomethis Message was to her. She was there some Time before the Kingappeared. The Apartment had but a dim Light; however, this ratherfavoured than prejudiced _Liamil_, as her Wit was to kindle the firstDesires in _Zeokinizul_. Their Conversation must however, remain aSecret, as neither of them has reveal'd it to any one. What is certain, and also more important, is, that _Liamil_ so charm'd the King by herlively Flights of Wit, heightened by an expressive Air, that he heardher with more Pleasure than he had imagined, that the Inticements ofthis Woman were too strong for his Virtue, and that at last, shegradually drew him to a Couch, where he gave her the Pledges of hisLove, satisfied her longing Desires, and completed the _Mollak_'sStratagem. 

This first Step, at once put an End to all the King's Remorse andDisquietude. He repeated several Times the Pleasure which hisexperienced Mistress enhanced in such a Manner as his devout Consort wasa Stranger to, and at last left this fatal Chamber in such a Temper as_Jeflur_ and _Kelirieu_ had been contriving; that is, passionately inLove. Their Meetings were for some Times a Secret, but Passion soon grewtoo vehement to be concealed. It became the common Talk of theCourtiers, and at last it reached the Queen's Ear. But she, instead ofendeavouring to reclaim her Spouse by an endearing Carriage, and theAscendency which she had over him, gave herself up to a fruitlessLamentation for his Misfortune, at the Feet of an Image of _Suesi_, andthis unseasonable Devotion deprived her of all Hopes of ever regainingher Consort's Heart. _Liamil_'s Husband took upon him to resent hisWife's Infidelity, upon which he receiv'd an Order never to have anyCommerce with her. Her Father, who was one of the most eminent _Bassas_in the Kingdom, began also to exclaim against it; but a Quantity of_Tomans_ which he greatly wanted, effectually silenced him. Even_Jeflur_ himself, in order to avoid Suspicion, openly censured theKing's Behaviour. The Monarch was offended at his Representations on sodelicate a Point, and sharply said, I have indeed made you Master of myKingdom, but I expect to be Master of myself. This Answer completed the_Mollak_'s Design, and he took Care that it should not be lost to thePeople. The general Displeasure which it gave, is hardly to be imagined. The King's Amour, which had been so greatly desired, appearing to settle_Jeflur_'s Power, was look'd upon in a very different Light. It waslook'd upon as an odious Adultery, an impious Commerce, which would pulldown divine Vengeance upon the Kingdom. Satires and Lampoons flew aboutevery where, in which both Lover and Mistress were so openly exposed, that any one who was a Stranger to their Fickleness, and how suddenlythey pass from one Extreme to the other, would have been apprehensivethat the most dangerous Commotions were at hand. However, _Zeokinizul_was so charmed with _Liamil_, that he was continually with her. Hepitched upon the House of an old _Bassa_ of the first Rank, for the morepeaceable and secure Enjoyment of the Delights of his new Mistress. Allthe Inventions of the most refined Luxury, were employed to add newIncentives to Wantonness. The House seemed the very Residence of Loveand Delight. Every Thing in it declar'd the Elegance of the Mistress, and the Magnificence of the Lover. Each succeeding Day brought with itthe most ravishing Scenes, without any Alarm or Disturbance. The old_Bassa_ and his Family saw no more than the Prologue, only some fewSpectators of approved Discretion and Secrecy, were admitted to bepresent at the Plot of the Play, but for the Conclusion, it wasprivately transacted between the two chief Actors. 

It is a Saying of a great _Kofiran_ Poet, that Virtue is like a steepIsland, there is no setting Foot on it again when once one is out of it. _Zeokinizul_ was a sad Instance of this. In the midst of thesedelightful Meetings, which consisted entirely of Confidence, _Liamil_obtain'd Leave for one of her Sisters to be admitted. ImprudentCreature! not to see that after she herself had stifled all Remorse inher Lover's Heart, their being so nearly related would not be Proofagainst Love, nor hinder her from becoming her Rival. This Lady, whocould not boast of more Beauty than her Sister, surpass'd her even inWit, and was possess'd of all the Arts and Qualities requisite in aFavourite. She was as enterprizing as _Liamil_ was moderate; ofunbounded Ambition, haughty, revengeful, entirely bent on her ownInterest, and aiming at royal Favour only for its Advantages, such was_Leutinemil_. She no sooner perceiv'd how easy it would be to supplanther Sister, but she formed the Design, and _Zeokinizul_ who began to bepall'd with the long Enjoyment of so indifferent a Mistress, was easilyinclin'd to vary the Object of his Love. He therefore commenced an Amourwith _Leutinemil_, but however, was far from discarding her Sister, hisView being only to sharpen his Appetite with Novelty, in order to returnwith the greater Gust to his first Entertainment. Love is well known topay no Regard to the Tyes of Nature; _Liamil_ was so exasperated at_Leutinemil_'s being her Rival, that she forgot she was her Sister. Shehastened to inform _Jeflur_, and to engage him to revenge her Quarrel. The _Mollak_ was thunderstruck at this News, for such an Alteration inthe King had shipwreck'd all his Hopes. His two thousand _Tomans_ werelost, and he seem'd on the Brink of his Ruin. In this Extremity he hadRecourse to _Kelirieu_. 

But it was no longer this Courtier's Interest to serve him. The twothousand _Tomans_ were all he could get of the vast Riches which hadbeen promised him, and as _Liamil_ had shewn but little Concern for herFriends, he sided with her Sister, who was like to prove a powerfulBenefactress to her Creatures. So that all the soothing Speeches of the_Mollak_ made no Impression on him, neither was _Jeflur_ greatlyconcerned at it; for, being long practised in Wickedness, he had alreadydiscovered a Way to remove his Fears, without hazarding his _Tomans. _Endeavour, says he to _Liamil_, to preserve those Remains of Favourwhich the King still has for you. Be blind to those Fondnesses which sodeeply affect you; let not your Sister's Rivalship alarm you: I willsoon bring it to an End. Flatter _Zeokinizul_; I know him, Fondness andComplaisance are the only Means to preserve his Heart. 

Pursuant to these Instructions of _Jeflur_, _Liamil_ so far fromtroubling the King with Complaints, was more eager in her Caresses, andthe Prince overjoyed to Love and be beloved by two such easy andunsuspecting Rivals, carried on with both of them an Amour, whose Guiltseemed to make it the more delightful. _Leutinemil_ became with Child, and as she protested that her Husband had no Share in her Pregnancy, itmust be attributed to _Zeokinizul_. _Jeflur_ was not at all disturbed atit, he was only affraid of the Mother, and here was a favourableOpportunity to dispatch her. 

She went her Time very happily, and was safely delivered. _Zeokinizul_paid her his Compliments in the most tender Terms; but a few Dayschanged all this Joy into the deepest Sorrow. She was seiz'd withviolent Pains in her Breast, which were followed with such terribleConvulsions, as, in a few Hours proved the Death of this unfortunateMother; nor could the Physicians, or at least they would not, declarethe real Cause of it. _Zeokinizul_ was so afflicted at this unexpectedLoss, that he intermitted every Pleasure and Diversion. _Liamil_ seemedto indulge an excessive Grief on a double Account, and so artfullyconcealed her Joy for her Rival's Death, that the compassionate Kingdismist his Sorrows to put an End to hers. This Shew of Sympathy andTenderness in _Liamil_, imposed on many, and reunited _Zeokinizul_ toher with more Fondness and Attachment than ever. 

Though he had a very important War upon his Hands, it did not divert himfrom the Gratifications of Love; he left the entire Management of everyThing to the _Mollak Jeflur_. The Welfare of his Troops and Glory of hisArms were to depend on Generals of the Minister's Appointment, whoseWeakness and sordid Parsimony, occasioned several very ignominiousMiscarriages to the _Kofirans_. _Zeokinizul_ had such a paternal Lovefor his People, that the Loss of a hundred thousand brave Soldiers, andabove seven Millions of _Tomans_ would have greatly afflicted him, hadhis Passion for _Liamil_ left him any Freedom of Thought, but in herCompany, he was insensible to every other Concern. The disinterestedFondness of this Favourite, who only loved the Lover in the King, musthave made her the happiest that ever was, if relying less on her Merit, or warned by a recent Experience, she had guarded against some of herown Sex, whom she must think envied her Elevation, and watch'd her Ruin;but as an illusory Conceit that a Passion which had subsisted for manyYears, would never be extinguished, brought her into the very Misfortunefrom which _Leutinemil_'s Death had delivered her. 

She had three Sisters still remaining, who all longed impatiently toshow themselves to their Sovereign, though they were none of Nature'sMaster-pieces. Coquetry and something worse had always been hereditaryin this Family, who yet seem to have bewitch'd _Zeokinizul_. The eldestof these three Sisters, was the Widow of a _Bassa_ of the second Rank, she expected the Precedence as being a little more sprightly than theothers; and full of a high Conceit of her Desert, she depended onkeeping her Station long enough to put the others out of all Hopes. Shehad a great deal of _Leutinemil_'s Temper, only still more Ambition. There had formerly been a very close Intimacy betwixt her and_Kelirieu_, and it is thought, that he espoused her Interests as muchthrough Gratitude, as Envy and Revenge to displace _Liamil_. 

Her continued Familiarity with _Zeokinizul_, had worn away even thatlittle Modesty which the most abandoned Prostitutes are seen to retain;and having been long in Possession of his Spouse's Rights, she came tolook upon herself as such; and made no Scruple of seeing Company whenshe was just coming from her Lover's Arms, and her Face full of theMarks of his eager Caresses. I have been assured by several Noblemen, that one Day she threw herself out of an Arbour, under Pretence ofavoiding _Zeokinizul_'s Embraces with her bare Breast and loose Hair, and said to them, very unconcernedly, for God's Sake see how thisFornicator has handled me. She had now lost all Relish for thesedelightful Parties of Pleasure, whilst they were to be in private, andwas continually importuning her Lover to chuse a Set of Associates. _Kelirieu_, to compass his own Aim, seconded the Favorite's Desire withsuch flattering Stories, that his Master recommended to him the Care offinding out some Persons of both Sexes who were fit to bear a Part inthese Festivals of _Bacchus_, and the _Cytherean_ Deity. The Confidentlaid hold of this Opportunity at length, to gratify _Lenertoula_'sImpatience to be introduced to the King. Her Sister _Liamil_, who hadentertained no Suspicion at her Punctuality in shewing herself at Court, was as easy with Regard to her being admitted as one of the Guests. But_Zeokinizul_ was not so indifferent about her, for he fell violently inLove with her at her first Appearance. _Lenertoula_ observed him veryattentively, and artfully avoided any Steps which might give him Reasonto conclude, that she was his own. The Monarch was caught in the Snare, and when she perceived the Force of his Love was equal to her Wish, shedeclar'd to him the Conditions on which alone she would yield herself upto his Embraces. _Zeokinizul_ could refuse her nothing. Rank, Titles, Riches, all was laid at her Feet; and _Lenertoula_ being now in noDanger of Disappointments, or at least in a Condition to support them, was under no Apprehension of her Intrigues becoming publick. 

This second Act of Perfidiousness in her Sisters, fill'd _Liamil_ withRage. As she had imagined the King's Heart to be her Property by rightof Prescription, she bitterly reproach'd him for his Inconstancy. Buther Reign was over, for _Zeokinizul_ dismissed her coldly, without somuch as even debating the Matter with her, and within a few Hours, henotified to her by one of his _Eunuchs_, that she should immediatelyleave the Court. This was a Step of _Lenertoula_'s Policy. This newFavourite, fearing lest her Sister, than whom none better knew theKing's Temper, might lay hold of one of his soft Moments, when he couldrefuse nothing, to recover her Property. She objected some religiousScruples which could not be satisfied but by removing _Liamil_. Thisunfortunate Creature, who, after so long a Continuance in so highFavour, had nothing left but the Sorrow for losing it, and the Shame ofhaving purchased it at the Price of her Honour, retired into a _Mosque_, where she is said to have spent the Remainder of her Life in penitentialDevotions. I must, for my Part, be of Opinion, that her Grief was muchgreater for the Loss of her Lover, than for having ever enjoy'd him. However, tho' she had lost _Zeokinizul_'s Love, she felt his Generosity;for he order'd all her Debts to be discharg'd, and settled on her a verylarge Annuity. _Lenertoula_ was so fully satisfied by such evidentProofs of her Sovereign's Love, that she now consented to make himhappy. The Monarch's Desires were heightened by Enjoyment, which wasrecompenced with the Power of disposing, according to her Fancy, Titles, Posts, and Monies; so that she greatly exceeded all her Predecessors inan unbounded Authority. _Jeflur_ was now no longer in a Condition tocontrive her Fall, as he had that of _Leutinemil_. He was too muchshock'd at the Sight of his approaching End; for a few Days more were toterminate his Greatness. He employed them in salutary Counsels to hisMaster in Relation to the Government of his Dominions. Yet he persistedin his Perfidy and Ingratitude towards his best Friends, even till hislast Moments, by alienating the King from a _Mollak_, whom he had oftenpromised to recommend for his Successor. This old Minister diedunlamented by all but the King, who being ignorant of his Incapacity andMismanagement, especially in the last three Years of his Life, shewed asincere Sorrow for him, and ordered a stately Monument to be erected tohis Memory, in the royal _Mosque_ of the Capital of the Kingdom. Butwhen after having declared, that he would admit of no prime Minister, and began to govern himself, he plainly saw how unworthy _Jeflur_ hadbeen of the great Trust reposed in him, he no longer lamented him; butnot to carry his Resentment too far, he only countermanded his Ordersfor the Monument, and left the Ashes of his ignorant and treacherous_Visier_, to remain in the obscure Corner where they had been deposited. 

The Death of his Minister soon changed the Face of the whole Court. _Zeokinizul_, who hitherto could not bear the least Application toBusiness, now regularly shut himself up every Day for some Hours, in order to consult Means to repair the Losses of the Nation, andretrieve its Strength and Character. Now all Remembrance of its manydisheartening Miscarriages was soon lost in the Glory of his Conquests. The chief Motive of this War, was to lessen the vast Acquisitions of theEmperor of the _Maregins_. His Daughter the Queen of _Ghinoer_, who wasan aspiring, lofty, and resolute Princess, in contempt of the manyTreaties made to prevent it, insisted that her Sex did not exclude herfrom inheriting all her Father's Dominions. Besides, an Army of tried_Veterans_ which had served the late Emperor with so much Honour, herheroic Courage, together with her extraordinary Beauty so universallyengaged the Hearts of her Subjects, that to a Man they offered to inlistand support her Claim at all Events. _Zeokinizul_, very well knew, thatthe Efforts of his whole Power would be requisite to humble such aformidable Enemy; yet, had he not exerted himself above commonMeasures, all would have been feeble and insufficient, on Account of theEmptyness of the Treasury, the Decay of Trade, the Scarcity of Men, andthe Discontent of the People. To regain the Esteem of the _Kofirans_, whom his Indolence, and the weak and wicked Ministration of _Jeflur_ hadalienated, he caused it to be declared, that he was resolved to head hisArmy in Person: Surprising Turn, fortunate Instance of the Easiness andLoyalty of his Subjects. All the King's Deviations, though of such badConsequences, were instantly forgotten. He had now been on the Thronenear thirty Years, yet they made this generous Change the Æra of hisInauguration. Not a Murmur was heard, there was no longer anyAppearance, at least any Complaint of Distress. Old Noblemen camewith Pride from the farthest Provinces, to place their Sons in theirSovereign's Houshold Troops. Farmers freely parted from their lustyChildren, though the helpful Companions of their Labours, and a part oftheir last Farewel, was to fight manfully in the Presence of their King, who so nobly would share in the Danger, for the Honour of the Nation. In fine, _Zeokinizul_'s Amours, which had so greatly disgusted the_Kofirans_, because they had been disappointed in the Effect they wish'dand expected from them, were indifferent Matters to them, now hemanifested a Genius for Glory; instead of Ridicule and Invective abouthis Irregularities, War was all the Subject of Discourse, and every oneaccording to the Fertility of his Invention, laid magnificent Schemes toraise their King to an unparallell'd Glory. This general Complacency andZeal were duly reported to the King, who was not wanting to encourage sogood a Disposition; prompted by the Importance of answering theirendearing Idea of him, and verifying their Wishes, he shewed himselfsuch as really he was, but hitherto restrained and seduced by his crafty_Visier_. Yet amidst these mighty Affairs, he was not totally divertedfrom Love; for it never was held to be incompatible with the Desire ofGlory, and he always allotted his Time so properly, that neither ofthese Passions encroached upon the other. His Fondness for _Lenertoula_did not slacken his Pursuit of Glory, it rather tended to animate andincrease it, she being exorbitantly ambitious, and esteeming her Lover'sLaurels her own; upon a Persuasion that her Grandeur would increase withthe King's Power; then her Pride could not bear the Thought that theQueen of _Ghinoer_ and her Allies should prescribe Laws to a Prince, whom she would have under no Controul but her own. 

The Magazines being at last formed, the Plan for the Campaigndetermined, and the Troops at the general Rendezvous, _Zeokinizul_ setout for the Army, which was to act against the _Bapasis_. Never did asaved People shew greater Marks of Gratitude to a brave Father of hisCountry at his Return from a dangerous War, than were shewn by theaffectionate _Kofirans_ to _Zeokinizul_, wherever he came. _Lenertoula's_ accompanying him to the Army, seemed not to be minded. The King, the King, was the Cry, and they would see nothing but theKing. 

This Ardour induced the King unalterably to persevere in his Resolutionof committing the Welfare of so loyal a People to none but himself, andduring the Remainder of his Reign, whenever he has been advised to easehimself of the Fatigue of Government, by deputing some faithful and ableMinister, this has always been his generous Answer, "The _Kofirans_ Loveme so as to shed their Blood in my Cause, and they are so dear to me, that I cannot do less in Return than to watch myself over theirWelfare. " There was not, among all the Generals of the Age, one of moreBravery and Experience than he whom _Zeokinizul_ had appointed to serveunder him. Tho' he was a Foreigner, he was not the less belov'd by the_Kofirans_; for as he was perfectly acquainted with their Customs andTemper, he modell'd his Behaviour accordingly. This great Man was famousfor Military Qualifications, only, if so noble an Excess may be term'd aFault, he was perhaps too brave. But this Intrepidity, which in anyother Country would have hindered his Preferment, promoted it among the_Kofirans_, and raised his Character with that People, who are all Fireand Spirit. His Name was _Vameric_. He has been reproached withinterrupting the Actions of this Campaign, which was not so glorious asits Opening had promised. It is certain, that this General, to make_Zeokinizul_ more in Love with War, and to animate him by greatSuccesses, had weakened the other Armies, the better to enable thatunder his Command to perform some signal Exploits, which gave the Enemyan Opportunity to make an unexpected Irruption. A strong Army of theQueen of _Ghinoer_, forced the Passes of the _Nhir_, and penetrated intoa Province of the _Kofirans_. This Misfortune stopp'd _Zeokinizul_ inthe midst of his rapid Conquests. He chose about twenty eight, or thirtythousand of his best Troops, which he would lead in Person, to reinforcea small Number, who, being far inferior to the Enemy, had been obligedto shelter themselves under a Fortress. To encourage these brave Men intheir long and painful Marches, he travelled at their Rate; but he hadno sooner reached a Town near the Place appointed for the Junction ofhis Forces, when he was seized with a Distemper which had a fatalAppearance. 

_Lenertoula_, who never would leave the Prince, was the Cause of it; forhow contrary to all Reason is it to attribute it to the Fatigue of theMarch, _Zeokinizul_ having been inured to much greater in his continualHuntings. As all the Courtiers in this Kingdom are Officers, and as theExpedition these thirty thousand Soldiers were upon, required all theirPrecaution and Activity, none but the Favourite was left for the Monarchto divert himself with. But Conversation between two Lovers, who arecontinually together, would soon become insipid, if they confinedthemselves to common Topics. These Lovers were not so Phlegmatic, theyardently repeated their Protestations to love each other with an eternalConstancy. They mutually urged that the present Vehemence of theirPassions, was a Pledge of its unalterable Permanency. Then theyproceeded to sensible Proofs, and demonstrated, that the Conjunction oftwo Bodies is an Emblem of the inseperable Union of two Souls. Withmutual Ardour, they repeated the Demonstration; till at last theDemonstrator quite spent, sunk under the Fatigue of the Arguments. Inthis Manner _Zeokinizul_ and _Lenertoula_ amused themselves, when he wasinformed of the Barbarity with which his Enemies carried on the War inhis Country, at which he was deeply affected. The Impossibility ofquickly meeting them, made him very impatient; the Account of theirForces added to this Uneasiness; in fine, Joy, Grief, Hope and Fear, distracted his Heart, and the Shock of such opposite Motions was toostrong for his attenuated Body. A violent Disorder seiz'd upon his wholeConstitution, which was succeeded by such a Fever, whose first Symptomsseem'd to presage Death. 

This melancholy News was soon spread over the whole Kingdom. The_Kofirans_ seem'd quite stupified at it; they fell into an inexpressibleGrief and Consternation at the Thoughts of losing such a Sovereign, andat such a Juncture. The Queen, who by this Time had seen her Folly, andheartily repented of the superstitious Credulity, by which she had lostthe Embraces of a real Husband in seeking those of an imaginary one, left her Palace, and, prompted by Grief and Love, flew to the sick King. She was still in Hopes, that the Deity meant only to alarm the Nation;and therefore she was for forwarding by her Presence, and deserving byher kind Offices, the happy Return of his Affection, which she did notdoubt would be the Effect of this Correction. All the People used togather about the Governor of _Kofir_'s House, and flock to the Palace, where Expresses arriv'd every Hour, shewing such Concern, that theirFate seem'd to depend on the Death or Recovery of _Zeokinizul_. Neverwas there such an universal Affliction; never was a Father more lamentedby affectionate Children. They looked at each other with Tears in theirEyes, and could not speak for sighing. Paleness and Dejection sat onevery Countenance. The Artificers had no Heart to work. All Diversionsand Shews were suspended, and that vast and splendid City, which seemedthe Center of Gaiety and Pleasure, was now changed into a general Sceneof Silence and Melancholy. Yet it was observed, that the _Imans_ and_Dervises_ did not in the least sympathize with this publickConsternation. Some will be apt to imagine, that these pious Men had adivine Intimation that the King would not die. But whoever knows them, will much rather conclude, that, like Physicians who are never betterpleased than in Times of general Sickness, they only concealed a selfishJoy under the Mask of an affected Calmness; and it is really scarcecredible what Advantage they drew from this public Calamity. The King, being given over by the Physicians, seemed to be lost without miraculousRelief from Heaven, and as the meanest of his Subjects was not wantingin his Endeavours to procure it, so that _Sesems_, which in that Countryare Devotions of about a Quarter of an Hour, perform'd by the _Imans_, are known to have risen to such an Extortion, as not to be said undertwo _Tomans_ each. 

During the first Days of his Illness, _Lenertoula_ never left the royalPatient's Bed, who also protested, that Death had nothing bitter to him, but the leaving his Mistress and his Subjects. But no sooner was theMonarch sensible of his desperate Condition, than a Cloud of awful Ideasbroke in upon his Mind. The Principles he had imbibed by Education, revived in his Conscience. He reflected on all his Conduct to thepresent Time, and the Thoughts of his being on the Point of passing intoanother Life, impress'd on him strongly the Conditions on which hisReligion offers eternal Happiness. All _Kelirieu_'s Care to concealthese penitential Dispositions, could not hinder their being known amongthe Courtiers. The _Kam Kertras_, Grandson to the _Kam_ of _Anserol_, late Regent, at the Instance of his Father, who was a very religiousPrince, resolv'd to make Use of them, in order to restore the Queen toher Rights, and deprive the wicked _Lenertoula_ of her Usurpations. Taking with him a _Mollak_, equally venerable for his Birth and Piety, he went to the sick King's Apartment. _Kelirieu_ knowing how much itconcerned both him and her whom he served to hinder this Visit, dared torefuse them Admittance, under Pretence that the King was going to sleep, and would see no Body. Although the _Kam_ and the _Mollak_ plainly sawthrough the Deceit, yet Regard to the melancholy Juncture, made themquietly withdraw, in Hopes of a more lucky Opportunity, which yet theynever would have found, had they contented themselves with such Excuses. They returned the same Day, and _Kelirieu_ gave them the same Answer, which provoked the young Duke beyond Measure, being naturally veryfiery. What, said he, with a threatning Air, shall you, who are nobetter than a Lacquey, dare to deny Admittance to your Master's nearestRelation? and at once kick'd open the Door, and went forward into theApartment, followed by the _Mollak_. 

Upon _Zeokinizul_'s asking the Meaning of that Noise and Bustle, _Kelirieu_, who had acted without any such Orders from him, durst notmake any Answer, but the young _Kam_, whose Heat was not over, gave theKing such an Account of it, as made him very angry; for he not onlycondescended to ask the _Kam_'s Pardon, but forbad _Kelirieu_ hisPresence. The judicious _Mollak_ laid hold of that Instant to discourseof the Concerns of his Conscience to the dying Monarch; and as his ownReflections, had beforehand suggested preparative Ideas of it, he wasthe sooner brought to the wished for Contrition and Repentance. 

The Behaviour of the _Mollak_ is certainly very praise-worthy, but itwould have been much more so, if after having, with a truly ApostolicZeal, pathetically represented to the Sovereign the Enormity of hisCrimes, the Certainty of his Death, and the Punishments to be dreadedafter such a licentious Life, he had stopp'd at bringing him to a dueSense of Things, and strengthening him in such a pious Disposition, buthe shewed more Zeal than Discretion, for his Devotion being sharpenedwith Resentment, made him imagine, that he was ruining _Lenertoula_beyond Retrieve; whereas he was, in Reality, doing nothing less thanpaving the Way for her greater Exaltation, in Case the King recovered. 

Thus, under a Pretence that true Repentance required more than aDetestation of what was past, and guarding against future Relapses, hesignified to _Zeokinizul_, that it was still his farther Duty to makesome signal Satisfaction for the Offence which he had given to the wholeKingdom. That in order thereto, he must disapprove and abrogate all hisGrants and Favours to _Lenertoula_. _Zeokinizul_, who now was intentonly upon dying in the Religion of his Ancestors, pleasing his People, and carrying their Esteem as well as their Grief with him to the Grave, complied with all the _Mollak_'s Injunctions, ordered _Lenertoula_ to beimmediately dismissed the Court, with a Prohibition from ever appearingin his Presence. 

Having thus settled all the Affairs of his Conscience, _Zeokinizul_became senseless, so that he was thought dead by all his Attendants. Butthis sudden Alteration was the happy Crisis which saved his Life. Duringthis Interval of Inanition, the Mind recover'd its former Situation, andfreed itself from all its Anxieties. The Body performed its Functions, and the Passages which all the Art of the Physicians could not relax, opened of themselves, which was followed by such copious Evacuations assaved the Patient. This joyful News spread itself rather quicker thanthe other, so that it was as soon known at _Kofir_ that the King was outof Danger, as that there was no Hopes of his Recovery. 

In the mean Time, the Queen arrived. She made Use of the _Mollak_'spious Impressions, and tho' her Austerities and Vexations, together withher advanced Age, had rendered her no tempting Spouse, yet the kind andgrateful Monarch was so taken with her Tenderness and Diligence, that hevowed, that from this Time his Heart should be her's, and her's alone. But that Man knows himself but very little, when he is in Danger; andthat the Assurances of Amendment which he then makes, are weak andtransitory when he has recover'd his Health, is what the Sequel of thisHistory will abundantly demonstrate. 

_Zeokinizul_ was soon perfectly recovered, and then his Generals whoseArdour had been restrain'd by Fear and Grief, soon made their Enemiesfeel, that their King was restored to them, for they forced them torepass the _Nhir_ with considerable Loss; and the most Skilful inMilitary Affairs do not scruple to affirm, than if the _Kofirans_ hadnot been headed by a General prudent even to a Fault, not so much as asingle Soldier would have been left to have given the Queen of _Ghinoer_an Account of their Expedition. This General so deficient in the ardentBravery of his Country, was call'd _Leosanil_; he was afterwardsdisgraced, and though his Age was still fit for Military Functions, he was taken into the Cabinet, which was a fitter Theatre for hisAbilities; for there being out of the Reach of Swords and Guns, and leftto undisturbed Reflection, his Advice and Schemes were of excellentService. I now shall leave _Zeokinizul_ in the pure Embraces of hisConsort, and preparing to besiege a Place of Strength, to follow_Lenertoula_ in her Disgrace. 

She did not betray any great Confusion, when _Zeokinizul_'s harsh Orderwas notified to her; but she little knew what she was to go through uponthe Road. She took a travelling Chariot, accompanied by her Sister, andfollowed by a few Domestics. Here was an Instance of such Strokes withwhich Fortune now and then seems to warn the Insolent and Ambitious. After having led her Favorites to the Altars to be worshipped like pettyDeities, she afterwards drags them thither to be sacrificed like fatenedVictims. 

This Woman, who lately saw the most illustrious among the _Kofirans_cringe at her Feet, and practise the basest Submission to obtain only asingle Look, now sees herself exposed to the contemptuous Insults of thevery Meanest; the whole Nation combining to plant Daggers in her Heartby their Reproaches and Shouts at her Downfal. It having been whisperedamong the Country Folks, that _Lenertoula_ had occasioned the King'sIllness, and they being possess'd of a Notion, propagated by herEnemies, that she had been bribed to poison the King, crowded all theRoads in her Way, loading her with Curses and Invectives, threatning totear her to Pieces, had they not thought it would be a more gallingPunishment to her Pride, to let her pass on amidst the same Hisses andOutrages of their Fellows, for above eighty Leagues successively. It wasnext to a Miracle that she escaped with her Life, for she was put to allManner of Shifts and Precautions to deceive these furious Clowns whovowed to revenge their King; whenever she came near any Town, shestopp'd above half a League off, whilst one of her Out-riders wentbefore to take fresh Horses, and observe the Bye-roads, that thus shemight avoid the Tumults of the Inhabitants. At last she reach'd _Kofir_, which she found disposed to receive her in the same rough Manner as theCountry had done. The whole Nation appeared determined against her. OneDay she happened, a little indiscretely, to take the Air in her Chariot, while the Streets were full of People, who were celebrating the happyRecovery of their King with all Kinds of Sports and Rejoicings. Possiblyshe might flatter herself, that the easy _Kofirans_ seeing her appearAbroad to join in the publick Festivity, would relinquish the Suspicionsthey had harbour'd against her. But they were too inveterate, and theEvent was quite different, for had it not been for the Dexterity of herCoachman, and the Swiftness of her Horses, she had infallibly fallen aVictim to the Fury of the Populace. This hazardous Experience of theirMalice, brought her to lead a Life at _Kofir_ very different to herInclinations, being ashamed to shew herself in any Assembly, where shemust have been their Jest and Scorn, and much less daring to appear inthe public Walks. When she was not shut up in her Palace, she used toamuse herself for a while in a Garden, which, tho' one of the finest inall _Kofir_ was the least frequented. Here it was that such a mortifyingAccident befel her, as exceeded all the rest, and which sensibly shewedher how low she was fallen from her former Grandeur. 

It was as follows: An Officer who, tho' her Relation, had not felt thehappy Influences of her Favour, because he never made himself known toher, which renders his Impoliteness, I may even say, his Brutalityinexcusable, resolving to give the finishing Stroke to her Anguish. 

According to the gallant Custom of the _Kofirans_, he politelyapproached towards _Lenertoula_, who was taking an Evening Walk, inCompany with her melancholy Sister, and wished for nothing more than fora third Person to join them, whose Chearfulness might help to dissipatethe continual Gloominess of her Temper. After the first Compliments, which are not short among this ceremonious People, the Gentlemanentertain'd the Ladies with the most refined Gallantry. He expressedhimself in so graceful and charming a Manner, that they were bothinfinitely taken with his Conversation. _Lenertoula_, that he might talkmore at Ease, desired him to sit down by her upon a Bank of Turf, andafter some Questions on the Condition of his Fortune, offered him herServices, if needful, for its Improvement. This Person, of all Men themost rude and brutish, for he was insulting over the Disgrace of anunfortunate Woman, who was extremely desirous of obliging him, and hadmade him an Offer of an unusual Generosity. He gave her a full Answer tothe first Article. "I was a general Officer in the King's Army, said heto her, where I served honourably for twenty Years. But having beeninjured by the Ministry, I retired to my Estate, with which and somesmall Marks of Distinction, which could not be denied my long Services, I live contented. " "But my Lord, " interrupted _Lenertoula_, who was forknowing how she stood in the Thoughts of People of Quality, "I amsurprized that you never address'd yourself to the Favourite, in orderto obtain, by Means of her Interests, the just Reward of your Services. She took a Pleasure in countenancing Merit, and certainly such as yourswould have engag'd her Favour. " "I, Madam, " replied the Officer, withIndignation, "should I make a Prostitute my Refuge? I am her Relation, and it is the only Blot that I know of in our Family. I am too tender inPoint of Honour, to hold any Thing from the Hands of a Woman, who has sonotoriously trampled it under her Feet. " At this _Lenertoula_ was indeedas one thunder-struck. She endeavoured several Times to make some Replyto this ungrateful Officer; but her Voice failed her. He left them, andher Sister was obliged to call her Slaves to lead her to her Chariot, inorder to carry her back to her Palace. 

_Zeokinizul_, in the mean Time, had crowned his Campaign, by taking theimportant Fortress he had besieged. His Soldiers encouraged by hisPresence, had at once surmounted Nature, Art, a severe Season, and theEfforts of a numerous and brave Garison. Having now nothing to do butrepose himself under his Laurels, he returned towards his Capital. Thenit was that his Subjects, in an Extacy of Loyalty, were seen to preparehim a Reception answerable to their Love, and present the most affectingand pleasing Sight to the Eyes of a Monarch, who aimed more at reigningover their Hearts, than subduing them by Fear. If the News of hisSickness had dispirited them, the News of his Approach rejoiced them. But when they came to see him, their Transports were beyond allDescription, their Eyes overflowed with Tears of Joy and Affection, whilst the Sky rung with their Acclamations. How happy is such a Kingamidst such a People, and how formidable when he heads them againsttheir Enemies! _Zeokinizul_ stayed three Days at _Kofir_, as a Testimonyof his Regard for this cordial People, who also to shew their Sense ofso much Condescension, and to celebrate his Return, invented Variety ofpolite Entertainments. The King and People seemed to strive who shouldbe kindest, for he gave Orders, that all the Inhabitants withoutException, should have Admittance into his Presence, that they mightfeast themselves with the delightful Sight which they had soaffectionately desired. It is affirmed, that the Idea of his lateDanger, from which he was often told, that nothing less than a Miracledelivered him, being still strong upon his Mind, he had a realTenderness for the Queen, whom he had restored to all her Rights. Theywere more than once surprized in such Attitudes as clearly shewed theirReconciliation. 

But how frail are Vows drawn from us only by Danger, how soon effaced bySafety and Temptation! Scarce was _Zeokinizul_ returned to the Hurry, Brilliancy, and Diversions of the Court, but those Impressions which itwas hoped would be as lasting as they were salutary, were by Degreessoon dissipated. His Love for _Lenertoula_ appear'd to have been like asudden Fire, ready to burst out with greater Vehemence. At first he wassorry for his using her so abruptly; than he began to frown on theAdvisers of her disgraceful Removal, and recall'd _Kelirieu_ and otherswho had sided with his injured Favorite. _Kalontil_, Governor to thePrince, the presumptive Heir of the Crown, was banished from Court, forReasons which were never thought fit to be made publick. Some imputed itto his endangering his Pupil, by having brought him to his sick Father, without any such order, and without Attendance. Others charge him with aProject for aggrandizing himself upon the King's Death. But the mostknowing conclude, that he must have spoken ill of the Favorite, in orderto set the young Prince against her. _Zeokinizul_ seemed afterwardsmightily to affect Solitude, nor did even Hunting itself please him, unless when he went without Company; which gave Occasion to suspect, that there were some private Meetings carried on in order to aReconciliation with the Favourite, and to which _Kelirieu_ was onlyprivy. At last, weary of constraining his Temper, he complained openlyof the Abuse put upon him at a Time when he was incapable of Reflection, and of the Indignity offered to his Honour, in urging him with terribleThreatnings to disgracefully remove, and expose to Contempt andViolences, a Person whose only Fault towards him was an Excess of Love. He restored her to her Rank, Titles, and Privileges; but openlydeclaring, that all this was only to prevent her former Commerce withhim proving her utter Ruin; for that he was determined not to keep herany longer as a Mistress. Yet notwithstanding these Protestations, private Measures were forming in order to procure as fond aReconciliation as ever. The Reality of these Assurances were soonillustrated, when he broke the solemn Promise he had made to the_Mollak_, and recall'd his dear _Lenertoula_. But this was too slendera Reparation for what she had suffered. She required of _Zeokinizul_, a more complete and signal Triumph. Immediately the pious, butover-zealous _Mollak_ was dismissed the Court, and ordered to his_Mosque_. A _Visier_ also whom the Favourite particularly hated, havingalways opposed her Amour, was ordered personally to declare to her, that_Zeokinizul_ again acknowledged her Mistress of his Heart, and onlywaited her Orders, and a List of her Enemies, in order to revenge her tothe utmost. The _Visier_ obeyed; but at the same Time he took secureMeasures that he might not be upon the fatal List, and to prevent thisimperious Woman from abusing the King's Weakness, an infallible Poisonwhich he found Means to have given her, worked at the very Instant thathe went to perform his Commission. As she was soon violently seiz'd withthe Approaches of Death, it was believed by the Generality, who had noNotion of foul Play, that _Lenertoula_ had been overcome by an Excess ofJoy, which is always more forcible than that of Grief, especially inWomen. Upon this Notion, a _Kofiran_ Wit made four Verses, which may bethus rendered in _English_. 

 _'Tis needless now my famous Blood to name, This Act alone will immortalize my Fame. My King, on gaining Life, return'd my Pow'r, For which I dy'd his Glory to restore. _

It was thought for a long Time, that this would prove an inconsolableLoss to _Zeokinizul_. He seemed to have no Ease, no Satisfaction, but inheaping Gifts and Favours on all _Lenertoula_'s Relations, to manifesthow dear she was to him. However, the Marriage of his only Son, to aDaughter of the King of _Jerebi_, his Relation, the Magnificence andDiversions at the Celebration of the Ceremony, and the Congratulationsfrom all Parts, at last gave a chearful Turn to his Disposition; and hewisely began to think, that the Honours he conferr'd on the Sister ofhis dear Mistress, besides sixteen thousand _Tomans_ which he gave toher Husband; together with a tender Remembrance, which he vow'd alwaysto retain for her Ashes, was amply fulfilling all that the most tenderPassion could require. His Courtiers, who were surprised to see hisHeart continue for a Time disengag'd and inaccessible to any newPassion, were in daily Expectation of seeing the Liberty which he had sohappily recovered, offered up to some youthful Beauty. But the CourtLadies strove so eagerly for this Prize, that their over Forwardnessmade him averse to having an Intrigue with any. They were ignorant thatResistance inflames Desire, and he at that Time scorned Enjoyments tooeasily procured. _Kelirieu_ in the mean Time grew uneasy at his Master'sIndifference, as it deprived him of the most substantial Emoluments ofhis Post. He saw his Favours entirely depended on his being subservientto the King's Pleasures, so that he spared for nothing in order torestore that Employment which he had executed so much to his Master'sSatisfaction, and his own Advantage. The Nuptials of the young Princeopened a Way to it. Nothing can equal the Joy, Magnificence, andSplendour, which appeared on that Occasion. The City of _Kofir_distinguished itself above all others in the Kingdom; for as it has notits equal for Largeness and Riches, so it surpassed them all in theEclat of its Zeal and Affection for the Royal Family. In twelve of themost remarkable Parts of the City, there were large and superb Saloons, where all without Distinction, were admitted to dance. There was aProfusion of Refreshments of all Kinds. The best Musicians had Orders toattend. The Sound of such an infinite Number of Instruments, accompaniedwith harmonious Voices, added to the Murmurs of the Fountains of Winewhich were playing every where, inspired such a rapturous Gaiety tonumberless Crouds of People, that no Stranger, however, acquainted withthe Affairs of this Kingdom, could, at that Time of excessive Mirth, have imagined, that it had for many Years been involved in a bloody andexpensive War. 

This Season of universal Joy, Love chose to captivate again_Zeokinizul_, after such an Interval of boasted Liberty. The chiefInhabitants of _Kofir_, who are a distinct Body from the Nobility, theMagistracy, and the Citizens, had decorated in the most superb Mannerthe Sessions House for a Ball, to which they invited the King and royalPair. Every one was admitted in their Mask Habits, to give the Citizensan Opportunity of shewing their Wives the Magnificence, Gallantries, andDiversions of the Court, which at other Times is out of their Power. Accordingly _Zeokinizul_, attended by all his Courtiers, came to thisBall, in Habits as strange as they were elegant. The Sight of such abeautiful Assembly, struck him with a delightful Surprise. Here was nopainted Allurements, no artificial Charms, such as he was dailyconversant with in his Palace. All here was pure Nature, which seem'd tohave chosen this Day to present him with a Sight of her most beautifulProductions. The Beauty, the Air, the Motion, and Youth of these lovelyObjects was so enchanting, that they looked like the heavenly _Houris_. _Zeokinizul_ was enchanted at the Sight of such a brilliant Assembly, his Eyes wandered from Beauty to Beauty, till they seemed at once to fixon a young Lady of a distinguished Appearance. She was in the Habit ofan _Amazon_, with her Bow and Quiver hanging at her Shoulders. Herflaxen Hair, which shone with Diamonds, floated in Ringlets, and hercharming Breast half naked, ravish'd the Sight. "Lovely Huntress, " saidthe Monarch, "unhappy those whom your Arrows pierce, their Wounds areMortal. "---- This Speech gave the Charmer a fair Field for returningsuch an Answer as might inflame _Zeokinizul_; but whether she did notdream of such a Conquest, or Presence of Mind failed her, she ran andhid herself among the Maskers. This Disappointment was in some Measurerelieved by a Company of twenty young Persons, who began a Dance, whichwas much in Vogue at that Time, but first invented in the King of_Alniob_'s Country. They perform'd it so gracefully, that he stood likea Man deprived of his Senses. The Charms of each of these beautifulDancers, threw him into his first Hesitation, which would soon have beenended, had any one of them uncovered her Face. It is past all Doubt, that the Heart of _Zeokinizul_, which longed for an Object, would havereceived the Impression with Transport. He went to one of the Ends ofthe Saloon, where Women of an ordinary Rank were seated in a Kind ofAmphitheatre. Their Dress was in nothing inferior to those of a higherRank; and besides, they had those fresh healthful Countenances, whichbeing the Result of Temperance, and a plain Way of living, was not to befound among the Quality. _Zeokinizul_ stood viewing them, but his Hourwas come. Love waited for him under a Mask, and she who wore it was nowgoing to let this mischievous Deity fly into _Zeokinizul_'s Heart. Shewas a young Woman, of a brown Complexion, lately married to a freedman, who having deserv'd his Master's Favour by nocturnal Services, had, together with his Liberty, obtained a Post among those who robb'd thePrince, and plunder'd the People. They are called _Omeriserufs_, orRogues of the second Class. She, whom Love had already appointed forFavourite, under Pretence of pulling something out of her Pocket, dropther Handkerchief, and as it is said, purposely. _Zeokinizul_ hastilytook it up; and, as he could not reach her Seat, he toss'd it to her inthe most polite Manner. A confused Murmur immediately spread thro' theSaloon, with these Words, _The Handkerchief is thrown_. The King was toomuch taken up with viewing the Person to whom he had been socomplaisant, to take any Notice of such Whisperings. The Charms shedisplay'd in taking off her Mask, and her genteel Manner of her thankinghim for the Honour, fill'd him with such passionate Love, that he eventhere gave her some Intimations how much he was taken with her Beauty. After this Declaration, he soon left the Ball, for having received sucha Wound, he wanted to be in private with his Confident, in order toconsult about his new Love. _Kelirieu_ had already prevented hisMaster's Orders, for as he narrowly watched him, he perceived which ofthe Company had captivated him, and immediately informed himself of herRank and Condition. 

_Zeokinizul_ was transported with Joy at _Kelirieu_'s Report of hisEnquiries. He made himself sure, that the Husband of this young Person, being one of those Set of Men, who Mind nothing but Riches, would notonly resign his conjugal Rights, but would even be brought to sollicithis Spouse to resign herself up to the King's Embraces, and herein hewas not mistaken. But the Difficulty was to induce the Seller's Wife tobe a Party in such a scandalous Contract; for tho' she was of lowExtraction, she had an Elevation of Mind, a Purity of Virtue, whichwould have done Honour to the highest. She could not indeed help beinginwardly pleased that she had tried her Charms with such Success uponher Sovereign, and the dazzling Idea of beholding _Zeokinizul_ laying ather Feet, all his Greatness and Power, her Husband made a _Bassa_ of thesecond Rank, her Name exchanged for one of the most illustrious, wereCircumstances which the natural Desires in Women of shining even in thesmallest Matters, would not allow her to be insensible; yet thisSensibility did not greatly hasten the Lover's Happiness; for, as herDuty united her to a Husband, from whom her Inclinations alienated her, she was for distinguishing herself from all that had gone before her, and reducing the Monarch to go through the entire Play of Love. But sucha formal Method was insupportable to him, for being used to conquer uponthe very first Appearance of his Desire, his Heart was for some Timedistracted with strong Conflicts between Love and Resentment, without adecisive Victory on either Side. Sometimes he looked upon the Resistanceof his new Mistress, as an insolent Affront to Majesty; at other Timesthis same Resistance inflamed him the more, and he pleased himself withthe Thoughts of subduing that obstinate Virtue which she affected. All_Kelirieu_'s Artifices were at an End, and when he was passionatelyurg'd by the King, he was at a Loss for any farther Expedient. However, in such a critical Juncture, he determined to make one last Effort, inorder to bring the beautiful _Vorompdap_ to his Lure, and if he fail'd, to engage _Zeokinizul_ to forget her in the Arms of another, who knewthe true Value of a Monarch's Affections. 

Being persuaded that every Woman who has once listened to a Lover, cannot bear the Thoughts of losing him, but makes Use of every Art inorder to fix his Constancy, he waited upon her in Person, and said, withan Air of Concern, At last, charming _Kismare_, your Rigour hasdisgusted the _Sultan_, so as to make him give over his Addresses. Wearyof the Delays and Obstacles you was constantly raising against hisPassion, he has offered it to another, notwithstanding all my Endeavoursto secure him, by the highest Praises of your Charms, and making yourvery Resistance, a Motive for his farther Pursuits. A Person, not indeedof your perfect Beauty, but of a more indulgent Temper, captivates thisMonarch, and I apprehend, that her obliging and artful Behaviour to herLover, will for ever deprive you of a Heart which you might have keptat your Devotion. _Kelirieu_, whilst he was speaking, did not fail toobserve the young _Vorompdap_'s Countenance, and had the Pleasure ofdiscerning the Vexation which she strove in vain to conceal. She wassome Time without returning an Answer, but after composing herself, andputting a good Air upon the Confusion which the Thoughts of a Rival hadexcited, I could never have imagined, said she, with an affectedIndifference, which, however, could not deceive the artful _Kelirieu_, No, I never could have imagined, that after so many Marks andProtestations of a sincere Affection, _Zeokinizul_, could have deceivedme in such a Manner. However, I am free from the Reproaches of acriminal Uneasiness to gratify his Desires. Charming _Kismare_, replied_Kelirieu_, had you shewed the Compliance which is due to a Monarch'sLove, I presume to swear by his Head, that he would never have provedinconstant. But no Lover, and especially a King, will ever be satisfiedwith an ideal Love. Kindness cherishes the Flame, but Unkindnessquenches it. But if you have still any Value for _Zeokinizul_'s Heart, you still may avert the Blow which seems to trouble you. I, replied she, smartly, I, troubled at the King's Alteration! very far from it. On thecontrary, I bless interposing Heaven, that it happened before Gratitudehad prevail'd upon me to make him a Sacrifice of my Person, and, what isstill dearer, my Virtue. Alas! added she, sheding some Tears, whichflowed in Spite of her, that fatal Instant was drawing near. If it beso, replied _Kelirieu_, I pity you for having undesignedly lost anEnjoyment so necessary to your own Repose. For, added he, softly, I candiscover through all your Affectations, that you really love the King. Your Heart is wounded, and only with-held by airy and unseasonableScruples. Well, yes, answered she, I do love him. I do not endeavour toconceal it from you. Good God! what Woman in my Place could forbear. But, how can I commit such a publick Adultery. A publick Adultery, replied _Kelirieu_, with a seeming Amazement, what Blockhead has putsuch Fancies into your Head. But this Crime so justly condemned both bydivine and human Laws, consists in the Injury done to a Man, whose Wifeagainst his Will, or without his Knowledge, admits a Gallant to herEmbraces? But, lovely _Kismare_, how different is your Case! Will notyour Husband quit all Pretentions to your Person? Has he not releas'dyou from the Vow of being only his? Since his Consent could unite you tohim, shall his positive Order be of less Validity to separate you fromhim, and unite you to another; and that upon such an important Occasion, when Riches, Titles, and Power are to reward his Cession, and yourAcquiescence? Believe me, charming _Vorompdap_, our _Imans_ have adaptedour Religion to their own Views and Passions, without Regard to thatgenuine and perfect Model, the Will of God. The Vow of Celibacy, uponwhich they value themselves, as renouncing Marriage, would be aninsupportable Yoke to them, it would be soon shaken of, were it not fortheir Hopes, which indeed are too often verified, of taking Advantage ofthe Misunderstandings betwixt the Husband and Wife, whose Bands they aretaught to believe indissoluble. It is on this Account, that they areconstantly magnifying Conjugal Duties, and lay so much Stress on theirpunctual Observation. Consider only what is done in other Nations, no less wise and religious than ourselves. Divorces among them arepermitted, as frequently essential to the well being of Society. Thatsacred Book the _Liegnelau_, cannot be supposed to contradict andoverthrow the _Bileb_, of which it is in a great Measure theAccomplishment, and _Suesi_ whom you worship, being the Messenger of thegreat God, would not offer to abrogate his Institutions. Thus the Pointis clear, and now look upon yourself as a Woman who is about forming asecond Contract, being legally, religiously, and honourably dischargedfrom the former. _Zeokinizul_ is equally at Liberty, for the State andTemper of the Queen invalidate their Marriage. So, that only a fewFormalities are wanting for your Union with the King, and you know, Formalities among the more understanding Part of the World, are oftendispensed with, as tiresome rather than necessary. The Consent of bothParties has always been the only Point insisted on as essential. 

These Proofs, which in the Mouth of a _Mollak_, would have been laugh'dat, produced the designed Effect from _Kelirieu_. The young _Kismare_was shaken, but not overthrown by them; she still insisted againstplunging herself into such shocking Scandal. This seemed a very slenderObjection to _Kelirieu_, who immediately replyed to it. Consider, sayshe, the _Kams_ of _Meani_ and _Tesoulou_, do they bear any Marks oftheir Mother's Scandal? Was a great Monarch's Love accounted a Disgraceto a beautiful Lady? If you was acquainted with the first Ages of ourMonarchy, you would be satisfied, that they never made any Differencebetween the Children of Love, and those born in lawful Marriage, as the_Imans_ are pleased to call it. A King at your Feet, Courtiers waitingrespectfully on your Orders, a Nation's Treasure at your Disposal, canthere be Contempt and Scandal amid such Advantages? Do not alarm yourMind with Monsters of your own forming, only for the Sake of opposingthem. Consent to make _Zeokinizul_ happy, and I will lay him at yourFeet, more deeply in Love than ever. These Representations made a strongImpression upon the young Favourite, whom the Eloquence of her own Hearthad already half convinced. She still stood upon some Punctilio's; butwhen _Kelirieu_, which was his last Resource, intimated to her theDanger which might accrue to her Husband from her Obstinacy, this drewfrom her an absolute Consent. This last Circumstance was certainly thebest adapted to fix her; for the new _Kismare_, like all the rest of hisFraternity, was making the most of his Time in the Management of theFinances, and relying on his Spouse's Favour, he was above taking properPrecautions to conceal or palliate his Imbezzlements. _Kelirieu_ tookCare to fill _Vorompdap_ with Apprehensions, that _Zeokinizul_ wouldinfallibly call him to an Account, the most favourable Consequencewhereof, would be a Confiscation of all his Substance. It was then highTime to come to a Resolution. Thus _Kelirieu_ happily completed hisNegotiation. And having appointed the Time and Place for the firstInterview, he hastened, flushed with Joy, to congratulate his Master onthis Victory, which was the more delightful, as it had been attendedwith such a Train of Difficulties. 

In the mean Time this new Intrigue, no more than the former, could notdiminish _Zeokinizul_'s strict Attention to the several Exigencies ofthe State. His wise Orders had been so exactly executed throughout hisEmpire, that his Armies were fit for Action even before the Spring. Heheaded in Person the most considerable, which was destined for theConquest of the _Bapasis_, being still commanded by the brave _Vameric_, whose prudent Conduct towards the End of the last Campaign had beenadmired by his very Enemies. The Favourite followed the King as_Lenertoula_ had done, whom she certainly equalled both in Love andHonour. The Campaign was opened with the Siege of a Town which the great_Zeokitarezul_ had fortified at a prodigious Expence, which, besides astrong regular Wall and Outworks, had a Citadel which was accounted bythe Connoisseurs, a Master-piece of Fortification. It must have beeneven an unsurmountable Barrier to the _Kofirans_, in case they reducedthe City. With this View their Attacks were carried on with allimaginary Vigour. On the other Hand, this Place being as it were the Keyof the Country, the Keeping of it was of such Importance to the Enemiesof _Zeokinizul_, that they resolv'd to hazard every Thing in order toits Relief. The King of _Alniob_, the Provinces _Junet_, and the Queenof _Ghinoer_, Sovereign of the _Bapasis_, joined all their Forces, ofwhich the chief Command was conferr'd on the _Kam_ of _Lundamberk_, youngest Son to the King of _Alniob_, a Prince of a martial Disposition, and of the greatest Bravery. His Ardour for Glory made him long toencounter the King of the _Kofirans_, and his only Son, a young Princeof the greatest Expectations, who could forsake the Embraces of ayouthful Bride, to attend his Father, and learn the Art of War under_Vameric_, in the midst of Fatigues and Dangers. The Impetuosity of the_Kam_ of _Lundamberk_, would not allow him to conform to the wiseCounsels of the experienced Generals of his Army, who were for delayingthe Battle 'till he had got the Advantage of the Ground, as he wasinferiour to them in Numbers. He would not be ruled by theirRepresentations, but, led on by his evil Genius, he came and offeredBattle to _Zeokinizul_, whose Forces were already come out of theirLines, and drawn up in order to receive him. 

As these Sheets bear the Title of the Amours of _Zeokinizul_, I mayperhaps be censured for giving a Detail of a Battle which seems quiteforeign to this Work; but as it occasioned several Vexations to theFavourite, and having been omitted by every other Writer, I believe theReader will not be displeased at my relating such Particulars as havecome to my Knowledge. 

There was great Fault found with _Vameric_'s Dispositions. It wasreported, that he was so full of the Victory, that he took not theleast Care to secure a Retreat. Behind his Lines was a large Rivercall'd the _Tueska_, over which he had laid but one Bridge, which, inCase of a Defeat, must infallibly have broken down with the Weight ofthe flying Troops; the Consequence of which must have been their totalDestruction. All this is a known and undeniable Truth. But _Vameric_ wasacquainted with the Spirit of the Nation which he commanded. He knewthat they would not fly before all the Forces in the World, when theywere fighting in their King's Presence. Then, what Occasion was therefor Bridges to favour a Retreat, when every single Man was resolv'd todie, or conquer? Besides in one Night's Time he had cast up threeTrenches, of which the two first were sufficient to defend them againstthe first Attack of the Enemy, which is always the most violent. Thethird would be an impenetrable Defence against their weak and brokenForces. Another considerable Advantage was, the dividing the Army intosmall Bodies, which must extremely harass the Enemy, as they must beunder a Necessity of attacking but one at a Time. Whatever Confidence_Zeokinizul_ reposed in _Vameric_, he would share both in the Commandand Danger. This hazardous Circumstance threw the Favourite intoinexpressible Agonies. But neither her Tears nor her Intreaties, soprevalent at all other Times, were unable to restrain the resoluteMonarch. He and his Son were present during the whole Action, and in somuch Danger, that several were killed near them. At last, Victorydeclared itself in his Favour, and the young Prince of _Alniob_, tho' heexerted the utmost Courage and was seconded with an intrepid Valour, byhis Soldiers, who loved him entirely, was obliged to retreat. But tho'this young Lion was defeated, he still struck his Enemies with Terror, for after such an Experience of his Valour, they apprehended that hewould next Day renew the Action, which he certainly would have done, hadit not been for the Opposition of his Generals. 

_Zeokinizul_, after the Victory, applied himself to shew the Conqueredhow highly he esteemed their Courage. It was ordered, that the same Careshould be taken of their wounded, as of his own Soldiers. The imprudentand scandalous Report of some barbarous Orders issued by the Prince of_Alniob_, in Case of his Success, made not the least Impression on thismagnanimous King, and all _Africa_ joined in owning that the _Kam_ of_Lundamberk_ and his Allies, could not have a more worthy Conqueror than_Zeokinizul_. The Congratulations of his dear _Kismare_ were stillwanting, to complete the Joy and Honours of this Victory. He hastened, transported with Love, to lay his Laurels at her Feet, and tell herthat he was animated by her charming Idea, in the midst of all theHorrors of the Battle. Here was a fresh and very worthy Motive toincrease her Tenderness towards him. But, who can know a Woman? ThisInstant was to be the Period of it, or at least to put it to a severeTrial. 

A young Prisoner, one of the most illustrious of the Nobility of_Alniob_, having desired Admittance to _Zeokinizul_, was introduced tohim in his Tent, where he was sitting with the Favourite. She was struckat the Sight of him, as indeed there never was any Man fitter to make aWoman unfaithful, and justify her Infidelity. His Mein and Air spoke theHero, and his Address to the Monarch declared, that his Sentiments wereanswerable. "Sire, said he, all our Efforts have not hindered Victoryfrom declaring itself for you. Tho' I can no longer continue fightingwith my brave Fellow-Soldiers, I could wish not to remain among mineEnemies. Your Highness is no Stranger to Love, and it is that whichcalls me back to my own Country. Be pleased therefore, to grant mePermission to return, which will not a little augment your Glory, that Ishall there appear in Chains instead of those Trophies which I hop'd tohave adorn'd my Return. " The majestic Air with which this youngWarriour delivered himself, moved _Zeokinizul_, who immediatelyanswered, "You are at full Liberty to depart, and may Love do you moreJustice than Fortune. " This Generosity of _Zeokinizul_, was planting aDagger in the Favourite's Heart, who had already conceived too great aPassion for the Prisoner, to consent so readily to his Departure. HerPassion hindered her from reflecting on the Consequences which mightflow from it, and turning towards the Monarch, she said, "Sire, let notyour extreme Generosity betray your Interest. When this young Warriouris again among his Countrymen, he may engage them to come and attack youa second Time. He has seen"---- "Be it so, Madam, " interrupted_Zeokinizul_, "I can never have too many Opportunities of makingHeroes. " She blush'd at this Answer, and _Kelirieu_, who perceived it, readily guessing that the Departure of this young Prisoner was notagreeable to her Inclinations, laid hold of the Opportunity of_Zeokinizul_'s going out to give some Orders, of offering her hisService. "Madam, said he, if I am not mistaken, I apprehend this youngPrisoner has renewed in your Mind some painful Idea; be pleased todisclose the Secret to me, you shall find I will prove a faithfulServant, devoted to all your Views and Inclinations. Is it your Pleasurethat this Prisoner should go or Stay? I will find a Method of makinghim consent to either, as you shall direct. " "Ah, let him go repliedshe, my dear _Kelirieu_, let him go, his Presence is so dangerous, thatany longer Stay would, I fear, make me become ungrateful and faithlessto my generous Prince. How charming he is! did you ever before see sograceful a Person? How serene and noble is his Deportment, in the midstof Misfortunes! However, possibly as a Prisoner, he may stand in need ofMoney, go and offer him these two hundred Pieces of Gold, that he mayreturn to his Country in a Manner suitable to his Rank and Merit, andbring me back an Account in what Manner he received them. "

_Kelirieu_ was of such a restless Vivacity, that he could not becontented without Intrigues, which made him eagerly apply himself toforming another. Having found out the fortunate Prisoner, he put thePurse into his Hands with these Words. "Virtue, my Lord, is equallycherished by both Sexes among us, and as a Proof of it, here are twohundred Pieces of Gold, which you are desired to accept of from a verybeautiful Lady. " "I should be unworthy the least of her Thoughts, replied the Prisoner, were I to refuse her Favour, which this Juncturehas render'd necessary. If her Name be not a Secret, I would beg theFavour of you, my Lord, to introduce me, that I might pay myAcknowledgements to this generous Lady. " "She would, perhaps ask you forsomething more, replied _Kelirieu_. " "Ah, returned the Stranger, that isnot in my Power to grant. As I have not seen her, I can, without theleast Affront to her Beauty, preserve my Heart for the present dearPossessour of it. Be pleased then, my Lord, to tell her, that I departfull of the warmest Gratitude; and, since I am so fortunate as to havethe illustrious _Kam_ of _Kelirieu_ in my Interest, I beg him to beassured, that upon my Return into my Country, as it is my highest Duty, so it shall be my first Care, to make suitable Returns for hisGenerosity to a Stranger, whom his polite Behaviour entirely frees fromthe Meanness of receiving a Favour, which he would have refused from anyother Hand. " _Kelirieu_, perceiving he entirely mistook his Intentions, did not think proper to explain himself, and after taking his Leave, hereturned to make a Report to the Favourite of his unlucky Commission. She was piqued at his Refusal, but making a Virtue of Necessity, sheendeavoured to efface the sudden Impression which he had made upon herHeart. Fruitless Endeavours, his Idea was always present to herImagination. Neither Gratitude to the King, Diversions, nor Resentment, could remove it, 'till by a most fortunate Accident, this haughty Rebelbecame her Admirer, which soon terminated in the Gratification of herDesires. But as the History of this Amour has no necessary Connectionwith that which I am writing, I shall leave the several Incidents withwhich it was attended, to be taken Notice of by some other Writer, onlyobserving, that this young _Alniobian_ returning some Years after, intothe Country of the _Kofirans_, it was his Fortune to be united for everto his generous Benefactress, whom the Death of her Husband, and_Zeokinizul_'s Indifference, left at her own Disposal. This Princeperceived some Alterations in the Favourite, which were at firstexcused, under Pretence of some feign'd Indispositions, and the Monarchwas so easy as to take her Word without any farther Examination into theTruth of her Excuses. 

At the End of the Campaign, _Zeokinizul_ return'd to his Palace, to exchange the Fatigues of War, for the Embraces of Love, and makePreparations for new Conquests, if his Enemies should reject the Peacewhich he had offered them, on such equitable Conditions as containednothing of the Haughtiness of a Conqueror. The King's Presence broughtback to the Court all the Pleasures and Diversions, of which there hadbeen no Appearance during his Expedition. There was nothing but Balls, Feasts, and magnificent Parties of Pleasure. His Fondness would notallow him at any Time to be long absent from his Favourite. Heendeavoured by every Token of Affection to convince her that she hadfound the Means to fix his Heart unalterably, and this might have beenreally the Case, had he been taken up continually with Affairs of theWar, so as to have had but a small Portion of Time for his Pleasures. But this not being the Season for Military Operations allowed him toomuch Time for Indulgence, and the Monarch's Heart was not to be fixed byany single Passion. The beautiful _Vorompdap_ exerted herself to theutmost, in order to prolong the Continuance of her Reign; but this wasthe very Occasion of her Overthrow. 

The Daughter of one of the first Noblemen of the Kingdom appear'd atCourt. This angelic Creature had spent the first Years of her Youth in a_Mosque_ of holy Women, who, to make themselves amends for the Vow theyhave taken to renounce the World, employ themselves in breeding up youngLadies according to its current Maxims, and most fashionable Practices. There was no beholding her youthful Charms, tho' not yet arrived attheir full Perfection, without Admiration. A _Bassa_ of the first Rank, thought her entirely deserving of his Homage. Accordingly he paid hisAddresses to her, and in a short Time was so happy as to gain herConsent. Some weighty Motives however, oblig'd them to keep theirIntimacy private; but Love cannot be conceal'd, Discretion andTenderness being seldom found together. _Zeokinizul_ perceiv'd that theyoung _Bassa_, who till then had talked loudly against Love, was becomemore pensive than usual. He himself had too much Experience not to guessthe Source of this Alteration. He mildly banter'd him upon it, anddiverted himself with raillying him for a Sensibility, which he oftenhad boasted he would ever resist. There was no Way for the young _Bassa_to make the King give over these stinging Ironies, but by discoveringhis Passion. The Excess of his Love made him unhappily Eloquent in theDescription of its charming Object. _Zeokinizul_, was inflamed by such abeautiful Description; and, having designedly provoked him, by saying, that as the Picture was drawn by the Pencil of a Lover, he suspected theLikeness; the imprudent _Bassa_ forgot to whom he was speaking, and howreserv'd he ought to have been with a Prince of such amorousDisposition, he offered to justify all he had said of his Mistress. Thiswas the very Thing _Zeokinizul_ wanted. The Offer was agreed to, andthis enchanting Object brought into his Presence. The King no sooner sawher, but he loved her. The Idea of a Rival so dearly loved, did notoccasion any Despair in the King of being happy; and, as a King makesLove in a different Manner from a Subject, instead of making hisMistress forget the young _Bassa_ by Presents, and other Endearments, he made Use of his Prerogative, by sending him away on an honourablePretence. He also took sure Measures to deprive him of the melancholyComfort of taking his Leave of her, and to prevent those two Lovers frommaintaining their mutual Affections by a Correspondence of Letters, which would confirm _Nasica_ (for so was this adorable Lady called) inrejecting his Passion. At hearing of the _Bassa_'s Departure, her Heartimmediately became a Prey to Grief, Jealousy and Resentment; andimputing his Conduct to his Indifference, she resolv'd to banish himfrom her Remembrance, or if this was impossible, yet, at least, shewould appear to have done so. _Zeokinizul_, was soon informed of thedisorder'd State of her Mind. Few Confidents are to be found, who canwithstand the Solicitations of a King. She whom _Nasica_ had chosen, wasone of the weakest. She discover'd to the King, the Rise, Increase, andseveral other Circumstances of her Mistress's Love for the young_Bassa_, and gave him a full Account of the Grief and Resentment she hadshewn at his unexpected Departure. 

In order to give these Emotions Time to arrive at such a Height, as tosubdue Love, _Zeokinizul_ very carefully avoided speaking one Word to_Nasica_ of his Passion for her. However, as often as he happen'd tosee her, he never fail'd passing a Compliment upon her Beauty, but itwas always with such Calmness and Moderation, as was so far from beingthought to proceed from Love, that it was only accounted a properComplaisance in the Prince, who was willing to do Justice to such acelebrated Beauty. The young _Bassa_, being ignorant that his Letterswere intercepted, had wrote several in so soft and persuasive a Style, as to alarm _Zeokinizul_, and make him redouble his Precautions toprevent any of them from falling into the Hands of those to whom theywere directed. But the Confidence he had of his Mistress's Affection, not allowing him to suspect that _Nasica_ could prove faithless, beganto think that some third Person interposed in their Correspondence. After having long consider'd who could be this jealous Rival who thusdeprived him of his only remaining Comfort, his Suspicions fell upon hisMaster. When he called to Mind the Suddenness of his being sent away inan Affair which required no such Haste, it was but too evident, and hisDoubts increased to a Certainty. His whole Dangers and Misfortunesimmediately presented themselves to his View. He was not ignorant thatit was an unpardonable Crime to be a Rival to his Monarch, had his Lovebeen unsuccessful; what then could be expected, when his Happiness wasthe sole Obstacle to his Sovereign's Love? However, not valuing hisDisgrace, provided his Mistress continued faithful, he wrote her aLetter in the most moving Terms, representing to her, that a Crown oughtto come in no Competition with Love; that it was the Heart only whichought to engage a Lady, who has a true Sense of that delicate Passion;that upon this Principle he yielded the Preference to _Zeokinizul_, ifhis Love was more pure, more respectful, or more perfect than his own. This Letter was committed to an old Servant, in whom he placed thegreatest Confidence; but the Misfortune was, that this Slave's goodQualities were mixed with several Vices, and particularly Drunkenness. Being come to a Place where he was to change his Horse, he resolved torest himself a while, and empty some Bottles. This was the very Placewhere the Spies of his Master's Rival used to intercept his Letters. They knew by his Habit, that he belonged to the young _Bassa_, which wasenough to make them mistrust him. They went up to him, and after someExcuses for their Freedom, invited him to drink of their Liquor. One ofthem offer'd to bear him Company as far as _Kofir_, as he was going tothat City. The Slave overjoy'd at meeting with a Fellow Traveller, andrelying on the Swiftness of his Horse, staid here longer than he ought. The Wine overpower'd him, and his artful Companion plying him withBumpers, soon disabled him from going any farther. The Sot fell asleep, his Pockets were searched, and the Letter was known by the Direction tobe one of those which they were order'd to intercept. One of themimmediately set out to carry it to him who had appointed the Ambuscade, and he flew to deliver it to _Zeokinizul_. As the young _Bassa_ appearedto know who was his Rival, suitable Measures were to be taken, and suchan Answer sent to him as might throw him into Despair, and make himabandon a Passion which was now become dangerous. That it might have thebetter Effect, _Nasica_'s Hand was exactly imitated, and everydiscouraging Argument forcibly urged. This counterfeited Letter gave himto understand, in the Name of his Mistress, that a crowned Lover beingmore acceptable to her than a private Subject, she strictly commandedhim never to write, or speak one Word more of his presumptuous Passion. 

This little Artifice proved of very happy Consequence to _Zeokinizul_. The young _Bassa_, who had a most respectful Regard for him, thought itbecame him to return Contempt for Contempt. His Answer was carefullydeliver'd to the King, who could not but be highly pleased that theCredulity of his Rival should promote his Love. To complete hisSatisfaction, he ordered a Letter to be writ to _Nasica_, in which herLover freely exhorts her to take him for a Patern, and make anotherChoice. All these Batteries being so well disposed, _Zeokinizul_ beganto think of disclosing himself. He gave a Ball to his whole Court, in order to favour his Design, at which all the Ladies having anOpportunity of entertaining themselves with their favourite Diversionswere highly delighted, and full of Gaiety. _Nasica_ alone, seem'dinsensible in the midst of all these Entertainments. She retired at aDistance to avoid the Conversation of the gallant Nobility. The softLanguor of her Eyes sufficiently declar'd the Sorrow of her Heart, andthat the proper Person was wanting to dissipate it. _Zeokinizul_, chosethis Time to begin his Addresses. Charming _Nasica_, says he, his Eyessparkling with Love, what Disquietudes are those to which you seem toabandon yourself. Is there any Mortal so happy as to cause them? I donot think, Sire, return'd she, that what your Highness callsDisquietudes in me, can Interest you so far as to ask me the Occasion ofthem. ---- Ah, Gods! not be interested, replied the transported Monarch, can you doubt of it, have not my Countenance, my Eyes, even my verySilence, which I have respectfully observ'd till now, have not all theseinformed you, that my Happiness entirely depends on your Repose andContentment. Let not the charming _Nasica_ be angry, continued he, perceiving, that she heard him with Resentment, I love you indeed, butmy Passion is so pure, so submissive, that it can give no just Offenceto your severe Vertue. I little imagined, interrupted she, that allthese splendid Entertainments of the Court concealed any Design ofthrowing me into such alarming Apprehensions. Alarming Apprehensions!replied the King, is it then Matter of Grief to the loveliest Person nowpresent, that her Charms have captivated her Sovereign? Yes, Sire, replied _Nasica_, resolutely, your Highness can only offer me a guiltyPassion, and I would incur your utmost Displeasure, I would die, ratherthan condescend to it. Judge yourself, Sire, whether I have not Cause tobe alarmed. But no, my Fears are too hasty. The great _Zeokinizul_ istoo just and generous to harbour a Thought of disgracing a Family whichhas always served him with Zeal and Honour, and it was merely to try hisSubject, that he has demean'd himself to offer such Discourse to her. Immediately making a respectful Courtesy, she returned to the Circle ofthe Ladies. 

_Zeokinizul_, was not a little piqued at the Manner in which _Nasica_had received the Declaration of his Love. He expected that Modesty andReservedness would have been her only Defence, and that, at least, shewould have spared reproaching him with such disagreeable Truths. Afterhaving for a long Time watched all Opportunities of seeing and speakingto her, finding himself disappointed and rejected, he lost all Patience, so as not to care whether his Addresses to her were heard by the wholeCourt, or not. One Day, as she was talking with the Ladies of Honour inthe Queen's Anti-Chamber, he came to her. A proper Respect made them allwithdraw, and the Monarch laid hold of this Occasion to renew hisProtestations. But all his ardent Entreaties had no more Success thanhis first Declaration. _Nasica_'s Modesty disengaged her with Honourfrom so delicate a Situation. _Zeokinizul_ admired her Constancy, andtho' he despair'd of ever gaining her, yet he could not prevail uponhimself to give over seeing her. 

In the mean Time, the young _Bassa_'s Resentment began to subside, andhe became sensible, that what he had mistaken for Indifference, was onlyLove disguised and agitated with the most cruel Disquietude for the Fateof his dear _Nasica_. This State of Anxiety grew insupportable, he wouldbe informed of the Truth at any Rate, and being at a Loss whom to trust, since the most faithful of his Slaves had fail'd of reaching _Nasica_'sHouse, he resolv'd to go thither in Person. All the Dangers which he ranin disobeying his Sovereign's Orders, were too weak a Check for hisPassion, and he set out with a Willingness to perish, provided he couldonce more throw himself at the Feet of the Object of his Love. Aftermany Hazards of being known and stopp'd, tho' under a Disguise, hehappily arrived at _Kofir_. But after a few Days employ'd in contrivingMeans for an Interview with his Mistress, whom he had informed of hisArrival, by a Letter convey'd to her by an old Governess, whichcontain'd a Vindication of himself as well as his Surprise at herBehaviour, he was known, and immediately surrounded by the Spies, placedby the King to watch him, and whose Diligence was to be highly rewarded. He stood upon his Defence, but being over-power'd, he was carried to oneof the Court Prisons. _Zeokinizul_, whose Passion had stifled hisnatural Sentiments of Humanity, was pleased to hear that his Rival layin Chains. His Disobedience to the Royal Orders afforded a speciousPretence for putting him to Death, and the King's Heart was immediatelyinclined to such a cruel Expedient; but how was he struck, when_Nasica_, being inform'd of the dreadful Condition of her Lover, threwherself at his Feet all in Tears, conjuring him that the same Strokemight put an End to both their unfortunate Lives. Let him live, Sire, cried she, mournfully, or order that Death may unite us both in theGrave. If your Highness be offended at the Refusal of my Heart, it wasno longer mine, Love having disposed of it in Favour of the unhappy_Bassa_, who is now to fall your Victim. But his Views were honourable, nor were mine less innocent. Let your Highness pronounce the Decree ofhis Destiny, mine is inseperably annexed to it whatever it be. 

_Zeokinizul_ was moved with such exalted Virtue, and being naturallytender and compassionate, he was grieved at seeing the Afflictions oftwo Lovers whom he himself had render'd unhappy. A Ray of Wisdom openedhis Eyes, and restored him to himself. He raised up _Nasica_, and gaveOrders himself for the Preparations of her Marriage with the young_Bassa_, who afterwards became one of his chief Favourites. 

So difficult an Act of Justice against himself, is one of the mostglorious Periods of this Monarch's Reign. His Love for _Nasica_ settledin a tender Friendship for this virtuous Lady, and soon after taking aDisgust at the Commerce of Women, he fixed a Resolution to abandon itentirely. His People became his whole Care. They adored him for theWisdom and Goodness of his Administration during the Remainder of hisReign, which was much shorter than they desired. He endeavoured by hisInstructions and Examples, to leave in his Son a worthy Successor, whoseVirtues might keep up a lasting Idea of him. Such noble Cares were notdisappointed, for the Name of the great _Zeokinizul_, and theillustrious Heir of his Crown, will be held in immortal Remembranceamong the grateful _Kofirans_. 

A KEY

For the better understanding the Amours of Zeokinizul. 

Anagrams. French. English. 

Africa Europe EuropeAlniob Albion _ou_ Angleterre Albion _or_ EnglandAlnobiens Albioniens _ou_ Anglois Albionians _or_ EnglishAnserol (_Kam_) Duc d'Orleans Duke of OrleansBapasis Païs-Bas Low Countries. Bileb BibleDuesois Suedois SwedesGhinoer Hongrie HungaryGinarkan CarignanGoilaus Gaulois GaulesGoplone Pologne PolandGuernonies Norvegiens NorwegiansHouris Dames LadiesJeflur FleuryJerebi Iberie _ou_ Espagne Iberia _or_ SpainImans Prêtres PriestsJunes Provinces Provinces-Unies United-ProvincesKalontil ChatillonKam Duc _ou_ Prince Duke _or_ PrinceKatenos Toscane TuscanyKelirieu RichelieuKertras ChartresKigenpi PequignyKismar Marquis MarquisKismare Marquise MarchionessKofir ParisKofirans François FrenchKranfs Francs FranksLenertoula La TournelleLeosanil NoaillesLeutinemil VintimilleLiamil MaillyLiegnelau l'Evangile the GospelLundamberk CumberlandManoris Romains RomansMaregins Germains _ou_ Allemand GermansMeani du MaineA Mollak, le Cardinal Richelieu p. 4. Another Mollak, le Card. Mazarin p. 5. An old Mollak, le Card. Fleury pag. 13. Mollak, l'Evêque de Soissons the Bishop of Soissons p. 49, and 50. Mosque Couvent ConventNeitilane Italienne ItalianNhir Rhin RhineNodais Danois DanesOmeriseroufs Sousfermiersd'Ourtavan VantadourPamenralt ParlementPepa le Pape the PopeReinarol LorraineSesems Messes MassesSicidem MedicisSokans SaxonsSuesi JesusTesoulou ToulouseVameric Maurice, _Comte de Saxe_A Visir, p. 9. _le Comte de_ MaurepasVorompdap PompadourVosaïe Savoïe SavoyZeoteirizul Louis treize Lewis the XIII. Zokitarezoul Louis quatorze Lewis the XIV. Zeokinizul Louis quinze Lewis the XV. 

_FINIS. _