Chapter 5

This Season of universal Joy, Love chose to captivate again _Zeokinizul_, after such an Interval of boasted Liberty. The chief Inhabitants of _Kofir_, who are a distinct Body from the Nobility, the Magistracy, and the Citizens, had decorated in the most superb Manner the Sessions House for a Ball, to which they invited the King and royal Pair. Every one was admitted in their Mask Habits, to give the Citizens an Opportunity of shewing their Wives the Magnificence, Gallantries, and Diversions of the Court, which at other Times is out of their Power. Accordingly _Zeokinizul_, attended by all his Courtiers, came to this Ball, in Habits as strange as they were elegant. The Sight of such a beautiful Assembly, struck him with a delightful Surprise. Here was no painted Allurements, no artificial Charms, such as he was daily conversant with in his Palace. All here was pure Nature, which seem'd to have chosen this Day to present him with a Sight of her most beautiful Productions. The Beauty, the Air, the Motion, and Youth of these lovely Objects 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 fix on a young Lady of a distinguished Appearance. She was in the Habit of an _Amazon_, with her Bow and Quiver hanging at her Shoulders. Her flaxen Hair, which shone with Diamonds, floated in Ringlets, and her charming Breast half naked, ravish'd the Sight. "Lovely Huntress," said the Monarch, "unhappy those whom your Arrows pierce, their Wounds are Mortal."---- This Speech gave the Charmer a fair Field for returning such an Answer as might inflame _Zeokinizul_; but whether she did not dream of such a Conquest, or Presence of Mind failed her, she ran and hid herself among the Maskers. This Disappointment was in some Measure relieved by a Company of twenty young Persons, who began a Dance, which was 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 like a Man deprived of his Senses. The Charms of each of these beautiful Dancers, threw him into his first Hesitation, which would soon have been ended, had any one of them uncovered her Face. It is past all Doubt, that the Heart of _Zeokinizul_, which longed for an Object, would have received the Impression with Transport. He went to one of the Ends of the Saloon, where Women of an ordinary Rank were seated in a Kind of Amphitheatre. Their Dress was in nothing inferior to those of a higher Rank; and besides, they had those fresh healthful Countenances, which being the Result of Temperance, and a plain Way of living, was not to be found among the Quality. _Zeokinizul_ stood viewing them, but his Hour was come. Love waited for him under a Mask, and she who wore it was now going to let this mischievous Deity fly into _Zeokinizul_'s Heart. She was 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 the Prince, and plunder'd the People. They are called _Omeriserufs_, or Rogues of the second Class. She, whom Love had already appointed for Favourite, under Pretence of pulling something out of her Pocket, dropt her Handkerchief, and as it is said, purposely. _Zeokinizul_ hastily took it up; and, as he could not reach her Seat, he toss'd it to her in the most polite Manner. A confused Murmur immediately spread thro' the Saloon, with these Words, _The Handkerchief is thrown_. The King was too much taken up with viewing the Person to whom he had been so complaisant, to take any Notice of such Whisperings. The Charms she display'd in taking off her Mask, and her genteel Manner of her thanking him for the Honour, fill'd him with such passionate Love, that he even there gave her some Intimations how much he was taken with her Beauty. After this Declaration, he soon left the Ball, for having received such a Wound, he wanted to be in private with his Confident, in order to consult about his new Love. _Kelirieu_ had already prevented his Master's Orders, for as he narrowly watched him, he perceived which of the Company had captivated him, and immediately informed himself of her Rank and Condition.

_Zeokinizul_ was transported with Joy at _Kelirieu_'s Report of his Enquiries. He made himself sure, that the Husband of this young Person, being one of those Set of Men, who Mind nothing but Riches, would not only resign his conjugal Rights, but would even be brought to sollicit his Spouse to resign herself up to the King's Embraces, and herein he was not mistaken. But the Difficulty was to induce the Seller's Wife to be a Party in such a scandalous Contract; for tho' she was of low Extraction, she had an Elevation of Mind, a Purity of Virtue, which would have done Honour to the highest. She could not indeed help being inwardly pleased that she had tried her Charms with such Success upon her Sovereign, and the dazzling Idea of beholding _Zeokinizul_ laying at her Feet, all his Greatness and Power, her Husband made a _Bassa_ of the second Rank, her Name exchanged for one of the most illustrious, were Circumstances which the natural Desires in Women of shining even in the smallest Matters, would not allow her to be insensible; yet this Sensibility did not greatly hasten the Lover's Happiness; for, as her Duty 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 such a formal Method was insupportable to him, for being used to conquer upon the very first Appearance of his Desire, his Heart was for some Time distracted with strong Conflicts between Love and Resentment, without a decisive Victory on either Side. Sometimes he looked upon the Resistance of his new Mistress, as an insolent Affront to Majesty; at other Times this same Resistance inflamed him the more, and he pleased himself with the Thoughts of subduing that obstinate Virtue which she affected. All _Kelirieu_'s Artifices were at an End, and when he was passionately urg'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, in order 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 knew the 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 in order to fix his Constancy, he waited upon her in Person, and said, with an Air of Concern, At last, charming _Kismare_, your Rigour has disgusted the _Sultan_, so as to make him give over his Addresses. Weary of the Delays and Obstacles you was constantly raising against his Passion, he has offered it to another, notwithstanding all my Endeavours to secure him, by the highest Praises of your Charms, and making your very Resistance, a Motive for his farther Pursuits. A Person, not indeed of your perfect Beauty, but of a more indulgent Temper, captivates this Monarch, and I apprehend, that her obliging and artful Behaviour to her Lover, will for ever deprive you of a Heart which you might have kept at your Devotion. _Kelirieu_, whilst he was speaking, did not fail to observe the young _Vorompdap_'s Countenance, and had the Pleasure of discerning the Vexation which she strove in vain to conceal. She was some Time without returning an Answer, but after composing herself, and putting a good Air upon the Confusion which the Thoughts of a Rival had excited, I could never have imagined, said she, with an affected Indifference, which, however, could not deceive the artful _Kelirieu_, No, I never could have imagined, that after so many Marks and Protestations of a sincere Affection, _Zeokinizul_, could have deceived me in such a Manner. However, I am free from the Reproaches of a criminal Uneasiness to gratify his Desires. Charming _Kismare_, replied _Kelirieu_, had you shewed the Compliance which is due to a Monarch's Love, I presume to swear by his Head, that he would never have proved inconstant. But no Lover, and especially a King, will ever be satisfied with an ideal Love. Kindness cherishes the Flame, but Unkindness quenches 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 the contrary, I bless interposing Heaven, that it happened before Gratitude had prevail'd upon me to make him a Sacrifice of my Person, and, what is still dearer, my Virtue. Alas! added she, sheding some Tears, which flowed in Spite of her, that fatal Instant was drawing near. If it be so, replied _Kelirieu_, I pity you for having undesignedly lost an Enjoyment so necessary to your own Repose. For, added he, softly, I can discover through all your Affectations, that you really love the King. Your Heart is wounded, and only with-held by airy and unseasonable Scruples. Well, yes, answered she, I do love him. I do not endeavour to conceal 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 put such Fancies into your Head. But this Crime so justly condemned both by divine and human Laws, consists in the Injury done to a Man, whose Wife against his Will, or without his Knowledge, admits a Gallant to her Embraces? But, lovely _Kismare_, how different is your Case! Will not your Husband quit all Pretentions to your Person? Has he not releas'd you from the Vow of being only his? Since his Consent could unite you to him, shall his positive Order be of less Validity to separate you from him, and unite you to another; and that upon such an important Occasion, when Riches, Titles, and Power are to reward his Cession, and your Acquiescence? Believe me, charming _Vorompdap_, our _Imans_ have adapted our Religion to their own Views and Passions, without Regard to that genuine and perfect Model, the Will of God. The Vow of Celibacy, upon which they value themselves, as renouncing Marriage, would be an insupportable Yoke to them, it would be soon shaken of, were it not for their Hopes, which indeed are too often verified, of taking Advantage of the Misunderstandings betwixt the Husband and Wife, whose Bands they are taught to believe indissoluble. It is on this Account, that they are constantly magnifying Conjugal Duties, and lay so much Stress on their punctual Observation. Consider only what is done in other Nations, no less wise and religious than ourselves. Divorces among them are permitted, as frequently essential to the well being of Society. That sacred Book the _Liegnelau_, cannot be supposed to contradict and overthrow the _Bileb_, of which it is in a great Measure the Accomplishment, and _Suesi_ whom you worship, being the Messenger of the great God, would not offer to abrogate his Institutions. Thus the Point is clear, and now look upon yourself as a Woman who is about forming a second Contract, being legally, religiously, and honourably discharged from the former. _Zeokinizul_ is equally at Liberty, for the State and Temper of the Queen invalidate their Marriage. So, that only a few Formalities are wanting for your Union with the King, and you know, Formalities among the more understanding Part of the World, are often dispensed with, as tiresome rather than necessary. The Consent of both Parties has always been the only Point insisted on as essential.

These Proofs, which in the Mouth of a _Mollak_, would have been laugh'd at, produced the designed Effect from _Kelirieu_. The young _Kismare_ was shaken, but not overthrown by them; she still insisted against plunging herself into such shocking Scandal. This seemed a very slender Objection to _Kelirieu_, who immediately replyed to it. Consider, says he, the _Kams_ of _Meani_ and _Tesoulou_, do they bear any Marks of their Mother's Scandal? Was a great Monarch's Love accounted a Disgrace to a beautiful Lady? If you was acquainted with the first Ages of our Monarchy, you would be satisfied, that they never made any Difference between the Children of Love, and those born in lawful Marriage, as the _Imans_ are pleased to call it. A King at your Feet, Courtiers waiting respectfully on your Orders, a Nation's Treasure at your Disposal, can there be Contempt and Scandal amid such Advantages? Do not alarm your Mind with Monsters of your own forming, only for the Sake of opposing them. Consent to make _Zeokinizul_ happy, and I will lay him at your Feet, more deeply in Love than ever. These Representations made a strong Impression upon the young Favourite, whom the Eloquence of her own Heart had already half convinced. She still stood upon some Punctilio's; but when _Kelirieu_, which was his last Resource, intimated to her the Danger which might accrue to her Husband from her Obstinacy, this drew from her an absolute Consent. This last Circumstance was certainly the best adapted to fix her; for the new _Kismare_, like all the rest of his Fraternity, was making the most of his Time in the Management of the Finances, and relying on his Spouse's Favour, he was above taking proper Precautions to conceal or palliate his Imbezzlements. _Kelirieu_ took Care to fill _Vorompdap_ with Apprehensions, that _Zeokinizul_ would infallibly call him to an Account, the most favourable Consequence whereof, would be a Confiscation of all his Substance. It was then high Time to come to a Resolution. Thus _Kelirieu_ happily completed his Negotiation. And having appointed the Time and Place for the first Interview, he hastened, flushed with Joy, to congratulate his Master on this Victory, which was the more delightful, as it had been attended with such a Train of Difficulties.

In the mean Time this new Intrigue, no more than the former, could not diminish _Zeokinizul_'s strict Attention to the several Exigencies of the State. His wise Orders had been so exactly executed throughout his Empire, that his Armies were fit for Action even before the Spring. He headed in Person the most considerable, which was destined for the Conquest of the _Bapasis_, being still commanded by the brave _Vameric_, whose prudent Conduct towards the End of the last Campaign had been admired by his very Enemies. The Favourite followed the King as _Lenertoula_ had done, whom she certainly equalled both in Love and Honour. The Campaign was opened with the Siege of a Town which the great _Zeokitarezul_ had fortified at a prodigious Expence, which, besides a strong regular Wall and Outworks, had a Citadel which was accounted by the Connoisseurs, a Master-piece of Fortification. It must have been even an unsurmountable Barrier to the _Kofirans_, in case they reduced the City. With this View their Attacks were carried on with all imaginary Vigour. On the other Hand, this Place being as it were the Key of the Country, the Keeping of it was of such Importance to the Enemies of _Zeokinizul_, that they resolv'd to hazard every Thing in order to its Relief. The King of _Alniob_, the Provinces _Junet_, and the Queen of _Ghinoer_, Sovereign of the _Bapasis_, joined all their Forces, of which 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 to encounter the King of the _Kofirans_, and his only Son, a young Prince of the greatest Expectations, who could forsake the Embraces of a youthful 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 wise Counsels of the experienced Generals of his Army, who were for delaying the Battle 'till he had got the Advantage of the Ground, as he was inferiour to them in Numbers. He would not be ruled by their Representations, but, led on by his evil Genius, he came and offered Battle to _Zeokinizul_, whose Forces were already come out of their Lines, and drawn up in order to receive him.

As these Sheets bear the Title of the Amours of _Zeokinizul_, I may perhaps be censured for giving a Detail of a Battle which seems quite foreign to this Work; but as it occasioned several Vexations to the Favourite, and having been omitted by every other Writer, I believe the Reader will not be displeased at my relating such Particulars as have come to my Knowledge.

There was great Fault found with _Vameric_'s Dispositions. It was reported, that he was so full of the Victory, that he took not the least Care to secure a Retreat. Behind his Lines was a large River call'd the _Tueska_, over which he had laid but one Bridge, which, in Case of a Defeat, must infallibly have broken down with the Weight of the flying Troops; the Consequence of which must have been their total Destruction. All this is a known and undeniable Truth. But _Vameric_ was acquainted with the Spirit of the Nation which he commanded. He knew that they would not fly before all the Forces in the World, when they were fighting in their King's Presence. Then, what Occasion was there for Bridges to favour a Retreat, when every single Man was resolv'd to die, or conquer? Besides in one Night's Time he had cast up three Trenches, of which the two first were sufficient to defend them against the first Attack of the Enemy, which is always the most violent. The third would be an impenetrable Defence against their weak and broken Forces. Another considerable Advantage was, the dividing the Army into small Bodies, which must extremely harass the Enemy, as they must be under a Necessity of attacking but one at a Time. Whatever Confidence _Zeokinizul_ reposed in _Vameric_, he would share both in the Command and Danger. This hazardous Circumstance threw the Favourite into inexpressible Agonies. But neither her Tears nor her Intreaties, so prevalent at all other Times, were unable to restrain the resolute Monarch. He and his Son were present during the whole Action, and in so much Danger, that several were killed near them. At last, Victory declared itself in his Favour, and the young Prince of _Alniob_, tho' he exerted the utmost Courage and was seconded with an intrepid Valour, by his 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 he would next Day renew the Action, which he certainly would have done, had it not been for the Opposition of his Generals.

_Zeokinizul_, after the Victory, applied himself to shew the Conquered how highly he esteemed their Courage. It was ordered, that the same Care should be taken of their wounded, as of his own Soldiers. The imprudent and scandalous Report of some barbarous Orders issued by the Prince of _Alniob_, in Case of his Success, made not the least Impression on this magnanimous 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 still wanting, to complete the Joy and Honours of this Victory. He hastened, transported with Love, to lay his Laurels at her Feet, and tell her that he was animated by her charming Idea, in the midst of all the Horrors of the Battle. Here was a fresh and very worthy Motive to increase her Tenderness towards him. But, who can know a Woman? This Instant was to be the Period of it, or at least to put it to a severe Trial.

A young Prisoner, one of the most illustrious of the Nobility of _Alniob_, having desired Admittance to _Zeokinizul_, was introduced to him in his Tent, where he was sitting with the Favourite. She was struck at the Sight of him, as indeed there never was any Man fitter to make a Woman unfaithful, and justify her Infidelity. His Mein and Air spoke the Hero, and his Address to the Monarch declared, that his Sentiments were answerable. "Sire, said he, all our Efforts have not hindered Victory from declaring itself for you. Tho' I can no longer continue fighting with my brave Fellow-Soldiers, I could wish not to remain among mine Enemies. Your Highness is no Stranger to Love, and it is that which calls me back to my own Country. Be pleased therefore, to grant me Permission to return, which will not a little augment your Glory, that I shall there appear in Chains instead of those Trophies which I hop'd to have adorn'd my Return." The majestic Air with which this young Warriour delivered himself, moved _Zeokinizul_, who immediately answered, "You are at full Liberty to depart, and may Love do you more Justice than Fortune." This Generosity of _Zeokinizul_, was planting a Dagger in the Favourite's Heart, who had already conceived too great a Passion for the Prisoner, to consent so readily to his Departure. Her Passion hindered her from reflecting on the Consequences which might flow from it, and turning towards the Monarch, she said, "Sire, let not your extreme Generosity betray your Interest. When this young Warriour is again among his Countrymen, he may engage them to come and attack you a second Time. He has seen"---- "Be it so, Madam," interrupted _Zeokinizul_, "I can never have too many Opportunities of making Heroes." She blush'd at this Answer, and _Kelirieu_, who perceived it, readily guessing that the Departure of this young Prisoner was not agreeable to her Inclinations, laid hold of the Opportunity of _Zeokinizul_'s going out to give some Orders, of offering her his Service. "Madam, said he, if I am not mistaken, I apprehend this young Prisoner has renewed in your Mind some painful Idea; be pleased to disclose the Secret to me, you shall find I will prove a faithful Servant, devoted to all your Views and Inclinations. Is it your Pleasure that this Prisoner should go or Stay? I will find a Method of making him consent to either, as you shall direct." "Ah, let him go replied she, my dear _Kelirieu_, let him go, his Presence is so dangerous, that any longer Stay would, I fear, make me become ungrateful and faithless to my generous Prince. How charming he is! did you ever before see so graceful a Person? How serene and noble is his Deportment, in the midst of Misfortunes! However, possibly as a Prisoner, he may stand in need of Money, go and offer him these two hundred Pieces of Gold, that he may return to his Country in a Manner suitable to his Rank and Merit, and bring me back an Account in what Manner he received them."