Part 2

As this War was carried on only in _Zeokinizul_'s Name, and he did not personally act in it, I shall omit its various Events, in Order to come the sooner to what immediately relates to this young King. After the loss of two Battles, and a strong City taken by the _Kofirans_, the Emperor of the _Maregins_ was very glad to accept of a Peace, upon such Conditions as were alone detrimental to his Allies. As a Satisfaction to _Zeokinizul_'s Father-in-law for his Kingdom, which he relinquish'd to another, he was allowed to retain the Title of King, and was made actual Sovereign of the Province of _Reinarol_, which after his Death, was by the Treaty to be annexed to the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_, and the _Kam_ in exchange for this Cession, was invested with the Dominions of _Sicidem_. Tho' this was an advantageous Peace to the Conquerors, yet it was very short of what they might reasonably have expected, or at least, if _Zeokinizul_ was so moderate as to be contented with such small Matters, it behov'd his Minister to insist upon more important and honourable Terms. However, the Glory of his Arms, was the continual Topic to him; and this Prince by hearing of the Exploits of his Soldiers so frequently extoll'd, began to give Signs of a martial Disposition. His Genius now display'd itself, and instead of reigning ingloriously only by a Minister, he shewed, that he would be in all Respects the King. His Courtiers, who had always with Reluctance paid Obedience to the Order of the haughty _Mollak_, applauded this generous Resolution, while the crafty _Jeflur_ had the Mortification to see, that his Ministry was going to be overturned, by the very Thing which he fancied would have prolonged it.

As this was a fatal Blow, so was he not wanting in his Endeavours to ward it off. Accordingly he set all his Springs at Work, nor minded the Guilt of any Measure if it had a promising Aspect. I question if an Instance of such an hellish Contrivance, and so detestable a Scandal, can be found in any History. A Man to whom a whole Kingdom had committed its only Hope, a Man who had been chosen to rectify and refine the 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 to forfeit his Innocence, the Love of his Consort, and the Esteem of his Subjects.

_Zeokinizul_, as has been said, was passionately fond of the Queen his Spouse, which guarded him against those Irregularities which stain'd the Memory of the preceding Kings of the _Kofirans_. Yet these People being of a volatile and fickle Humour, could not think, that a settled Love afforded any Pleasure, and were continually wishing that their Sovereign would commence an Intrigue with some Court Beauty. This unbecoming Wish was pretended to proceed from a Regard for the Welfare and Glory of the Nation. What, says they, shall our King always be tutor'd by _Mollaks_? What signifies this Peace, which is only owing to the Weakness and Pusillanimity of this set of Men, for we are oppressed with Taxes as much 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? An ambitious Mistress would break these scandalous Fetters, and when he is once his own Master, instead of this enervating Idleness, he would soon find such Work for our Forces, as would enhance our Reputation, and enlarge his Dominions.

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

It was not any Beauty in the Queen which had attach'd her Consort to her. For tho' she had not been one third older than himself, there was nothing in her Face to strike the Affections of a Prince constantly encircled with numberless Beauties, and whose Love they would have accounted the highest Honour. The exact Return which he made to her Duty and Tenderness, entirely flowed from this Prince's generous and grateful Temper, and from his good and religious Heart. He had such a delicate Sense of conjugal Duty, that he never fail'd shewing his Displeasure to any Courtiers, who presumed to expatiate on the Charms of some _Houris_ in his Capital, and once when _Kigenpi_, one of the _Methers_, or Lords of his Bed-Chamber began to talk to him of a Person of incomparable Beauty, he gave him no Answer, only asking him in a dry and scornful Manner, whether she was handsomer than the Queen?

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

This Princess being born in a Country where the Religion of _Suesi_ is directed by the _Pepa_, who stiles himself the Sovereign Arbitrator of it, had imbibed a strong Prepossession for what in the Kingdom of the _Kofirans_ is called Bigotry, or misplaced Devotion. The Customs and religious Notions of this Nation, which were more free and rational than in the Country of this Princess, had been a Constraint upon her Inclination, without lessening her mistaken Austerity. It was on this Side, that _Jeflur_ spread his Snares. He placed near the Queen a _Dervise_, one of those sly finished Villains, who, being Masters of the execrable Art of giving Sin an Appearance of Sanctity, instruct the great ones, whose Favour they purchase at the most infamous Rate, how to Sin without Guilt. This Traytor perform'd his Commission according to _Jeflur_'s Desire. He was continually fomenting in the Heart of his over pious Sovereign, the Excesses and fanatical Rants of his Order. He dwelt on the inconceiveable Sweetness of an Intimacy with _Suesi_, who was ever ready to communicate himself to such Souls as detach'd themselves from sensual Pleasures. He magnified the great Merit of Fastings, Prayers, and Austerities; and when he had rooted these Things in the Heart of his credulous Proselyte, he proceeded to declare to her, that Chastity was a Virtue absolutely necessary to merit the divine Favours; strongly insisting, that this Chastity must be so refined and abstracted, as not to be awed, or seduced by human Engagements. The unhappy Queen, misled by the pathetic Discourse, and the feigned Piety of the _Dervise_, greedily swallowed the Poison he was administring. She passed whole Days and Nights in Prayer, and the Austerities of a false Devotion, according to the Instructions of her infamous Director. Nor was it long, before she attain'd the Height of that superstitious Chastity which he required of her, and, imagining there was no stopping in a Course which was to end so gloriously, she formed a Resolution, in order to devote herself with the greater Fervour and Purity to the heavenly Bridegroom which had been promised her, to separate herself from the Embraces of a Spouse, to whom she was united by the most sacred Ties, and endeared by the tenderest Affection.

The young King who had been extremely uneasy for some Days at this misterious Behaviour, grew highly offended, when upon asking the Queen to comply with his Affection, he was repulsed, under the Pretence of imaginary 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's Importunities, sent him Word, and confirm'd it herself, that an incurable Disorder had rendered her unfit for the conjugal Functions.

The Monarch was Thunderstruck at this. It threw him into such a Melancholy, that he kept his Chamber for three Days. Even Hunting, which had always been his favourite Diversion, seem'd to be banished from his Thoughts. He never appeared in the Drawing-Room, and the most distinguished Courtiers were oblig'd to put on a sorrowful Appearance whenever they approached him. _Jeflur_ exulted at the Success of his Scheme. He brib'd one of the Lords of the Bed-Chamber, whom the King honoured with a particular Confidence, and having inform'd him what the Arrow was which had pierced the King's Heart, he made him large Promises if 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 he long without it. One Day as _Zeokinizul_ was negligently leaning upon a _Sopha_, involv'd in melancholy Thoughts on the Alteration of his Spouse, the Lord came towards him, throwing himself at his Feet.

Permit, said he, a faithful Subject, to presume to enquire into the Secrets of your Highness. You know, Sire, my respectful Attachment to your august Person. You also know, that your Glory and Satisfaction are dearer to me than my very Life. Vouchsafe then, Sire, to disclose to me the Cause of that Sorrow which incessantly preys upon you. Let the Heart of 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, who indeed continued in the same Posture, without seeming to give the least Attention to it, proceeded thus. But, Sire, I see my Presumption offends you. I have lost the Confidence of my Sovereign. It is enough, let your Highness speak, and decide the Fate of a Subject, who is become hateful to himself, by being hateful to you.

The Firmness with which _Kelirieu_ pronounced these last Words, roused the 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 to you, is, because they are without Remedy, and you would only have the Trouble of knowing them, without the Power of redressing them.--The Queen.--Ah! enquire no farther? I must either forfeit my everlasting Happiness, or lose the Esteem of my Subjects. But I am fully determined, there is no room for Hesitation, for I am unalterably fixed in my Choice. 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 the Cure. 'Tis a good Step, replied _Jeflur_, to have comforted _Zeokinizul_, but that is not enough. You must still induce him to bestow his Heart upon the Person I shall name to you. Carry but this Point, and I promise you a thousand _Tomans_ as the first Token of my Acknowledgement.

The King, in the mean Time, felt some Relief from the Confidence which he had placed in _Kelirieu_. He looked for him all the Remainder of the Day. But this Artful Mediator found Means to avoid a private Meeting. Nor did he appear before his Master till after some Days, and the King was obliged to send for him, and demand his immediate Attendance. No sooner 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 only have the Grief of hearing them without having the Power of relieving them? Sire, interrupted the crafty Courtier, with a bashful Air, I know a Remedy, but I dare not mention it, and yet it is the only one practicable. Ah! said the King, eagerly embracing him, declare it, and tho' I should refuse to make use of it, yet I shall always acknowledge myself oblig'd to your Zeal for the Discovery. Sire, replied _Kelirieu_, one Woman is the Cause of your Highness's Melancholy, and another Woman must be the Remedy. How dost thou dare to offer me such infamous Advice, 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 of my Prerogative, by licentiously violating them?

I beseech your Highness to hear me, replied _Kelirieu_, not in the least daunted at the King's Anger, I swear by your royal Head, that it was not my Intention to offend you. But a too precipitate Construction of my Advice has led you to resent it as base and criminal. But, Sire, can your Highness harbour a Suspicion that _Kelirieu_ would offer to eclipse your Glory? No, Heaven is my Witness, that I would rather die a thousand Deaths. When I intimated to your Highness, that the Remedy of your Sorrows was too be found only in the Conversation of Women, I meant no other than what the Laws both human and divine admit of. And that as Solitude only serves to augment your Grief, the entertaining Wit and Sprightliness of the Fair Sex, in their Conversations, was the only Antidote against your growing Affliction, in which a whole Nation participates.

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

And at the same Time he changed the Discourse, and soon after dismissed his Confident, who was impatient till he had related his Progress to _Jeflur_. The _Mollak_, embracing him a thousand Times, cried, thy Services are inestimable, neither shall I be ungrateful. _Liamil_, Wife to 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 be captivated by a Person of her Age? Would your _Holiness_ but reflect on the Nature of _Zeokinizul_'s Scruples. It must be some enchanting Beauty which can transport him to commit an Infidelity which he accounts no small Crime. And you are for seducing him by _Liamil_, who has as few Charms as any Court Lady, and who, besides, is under conjugal Engagements. How shocking will the Idea of this complicated Guilt appear to 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 of the Course of Nature. Furnish me with a proper Instrument, let the Person to be recommended be young, gay, handsome, and artful, and then I will be answerable for the Success.

Surely you must be very little acquainted with _Zeokinizul_, interrupted the Minister, is it not apparent that this Prince, who has been used to an antiquated Beauty, and was so excessively fond of her, will think nothing lovely but as it resembles his Spouse? Besides, he will have no Time to attend to the Suggestions of his Scruples. And _Liamil_'s small Share of Beauty will prevent any Mistrust in him. I rely more upon her Wit than on her personal Charms, in which she has few Equals, and that is the Talent by which I suppose she shall commence the Intrigue; Opportunity will forward it. Besides, do you think that I am so blind to mine own Interest, as to provide _Zeokinizul_ with a young ambitious Mistress, who will be for monopolizing the royal Favour, and never be satisfied 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 she whom you must bring him to like, if you value my Friendship, and whose Friendship can equal mine? Any other than she would give me too much Umbrage 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 shall recompense your Success.

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

_Liamil_, full of Joy, as having already been instructed, made no less Haste thither. But how was she surprised and mortified, when _Zeokinizul_, having ask'd her what she wanted, view'd her for some Time without speaking a Word more. Tho' she was prepared to act her Part, she could not forbear blushing, tho' more out of Spite than Bashfulness. And as she could not presume to speak first, after staying about a Quarter of an Hour in the Apartment, she made a low Courtesy, and withdrew, full of Confusion and Rancour.

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

_Jeflur_'s Exultations at hearing this News from _Liamil_, were beyond all Description. He made her repeat the Oath, which she had at first swore, never to require the Rights of the Favorite _Sultana_, but be satisfied with the Honours of the Handkerchief. He drew her a Plan for her Rule of Life, regulated her Behaviour to the Queen, and instructed her 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 and Sorrows attendant on the Marriage State, and instructs her how to heighten the one, and alleviate the other. When he came to be alone, he applauded his happy Choice, and really he never could have met with a Person so fit for the Purpose, nor who would have submitted to his Directions with less Ambition, and more Pliantness and Punctuality.

Besides, her singular Wit, _Liamil_ had a Serenity of Temper which excited Love, though she was in her thirty sixth Year. The Minister before this, was under no Apprehension that she would fail in her Aim at _Zeokinizul_'s Heart. The artificial Charms with which she concealed the Loss, or want of natural ones, the exquisite Neatness and Elegancy of her Dress, with the Gracefulness of her Deportment, rendered the Conquest certain. Besides, it was no Novelty for a _Kofiran_ King to keep a Mistress older than himself, and some have been even known to retain 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 to see her, he was as much disordered at the Sight of her, as he had been in the Morning. _Liamil_ was oblig'd to furnish Talk, for _Zeokinizul_ went no further than a reserv'd Complaisance; and after being a full Hour by themselves, upon the Prince's signifying that he would be alone, she left him, having only receiv'd eight or ten Answers, and those rather civil than gallant. Who can conceive the Anguish of _Liamil_, when she return'd to _Jeflur_? Wretch that I am, cried she, throwing herself upon a _Sopha_, here her Sighs stopp'd her Voice, that she could not proceed. _Jeflur_ was struck with Amazement, and knew not what to think of such Emotions. He dried her Tears, he inlarged his Promises, and particularly vowed he would make her rich Amends for the Vexation she suffered on his Account. Let me alone, said she, at last, was it not enough to make me marry a Man whom I hate, but must you also draw me to love one who slights me? Yes, the King, with whose Love you flatter'd me, slights me; I am come directly from his Closet, where I was with him above an Hour; and so far from making Love to me, that he did not say the least soft Thing. Is not this Coldness? Is not this slighting? Is this 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 would think him insensible, tho' he was only immerst in Thought? Why did not you intice him? Come, come, be easy, I will engage to procure you another private Meeting; but take Care not to act the Prude again so unseasonably. Ply him with every alluring Art, and even make Use of a fond Violence to make him yield. He is not to be treated like common Lovers. These Injunctions cannot be disagreeable to you. _Zeokinizul_ is perfectly handsome, and in the Prime of Life. You love him, and therefore must leave no Means untry'd to secure his.

_Liamil_ relish'd this judicious Lesson, and impatiently waited the Performance of _Jeflur_'s Promise; and being resolv'd to make the utmost Efforts to seduce _Zeokinizul_, she promised herself, that at the next Meeting she should beat down all Resistance, and allure the King to gratify her Desires. _Kelirieu_ soon brought it about, for the King seeing nothing dangerous to his Freedom in _Liamil_, was easily prevailed upon by the Entreaties of his Confident, to admit of another Visit from her. Accordingly he sent her a Message to come in the Evening to a certain Chamber in the Palace. It is easy to conceive how welcome this Message was to her. She was there some Time before the King appeared. The Apartment had but a dim Light; however, this rather favoured than prejudiced _Liamil_, as her Wit was to kindle the first Desires in _Zeokinizul_. Their Conversation must however, remain a Secret, 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 her lively Flights of Wit, heightened by an expressive Air, that he heard her with more Pleasure than he had imagined, that the Inticements of this Woman were too strong for his Virtue, and that at last, she gradually drew him to a Couch, where he gave her the Pledges of his Love, satisfied her longing Desires, and completed the _Mollak_'s Stratagem.