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http://www.archive.org/details/adventuresofgilb22lesauoft
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ADVENTURES
op
GIL B L A S
DE
SANTILLANE.
TRANSLATED
FROM THE FRENCH OF LE SAGE,
BY
TOBIAS SMOLLETT, M.D.
EMBELLISHED
WITH FIFTEEN HIGHLY FINISHED ENGRAVINGS, FROM DRAWINGS DESIGNED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS EDITION.
N THREE VOLUMES.
VOL. II. J.^
LONDON: ii^'/i'^'i''
V
PRINTED FOR THOMAS M'LEAN; JOHN BUMPUS; W. H. REID; JOHN BRUMBY; AND PRIESTLEY AND WEALE.
1819.
Printed by J. iirettelL, JOipert Street, Haymarket, London.
CONTENTS TO VOI. II
^^^^^^^^*-*
BOOK THE FOURTH.
CHAP. VI.
The stratagems practised by Aurora, to captivate Don Lewis dc Pacheco Page 1
CHAP. vn.
Gil Bias quits his place, and goes ipto the service of Don Gonzales de
Pacheco 12
CHAP. VHI. The character of the Marchioness of Chaves, and of those people who
usually visited her 27
CHAP. IX. The incident, in consequence of wliich Gil Bias quitted the Marchioness de Chaves ; and the course he fullowed afterwards .... 34 CHAP. X.
The story of Don Alphonso and the fair Seraphina 40
CHAP. XI. The old hermit discovers himself, and Gil Bias perceives that he is among his acquaintance 61
BOOK THE FIFTH. CHAP. I.
id the advcn-
■\\\\x the wood
161
VI CONTENTS
BOOK THE SIXTH.
CHAP. I.
The conduct of Gil Bias and his companions, after they quitted the Count de Polan. The important project which Ambrose formed, and the manner in which it was executed ..... Page 167 CHAP. n.
The resolution which Don Alphonso and Gil Bias formed after this adventure 181
CHAP. III.
After what disagreeable incident Don Alphonso found his wishes fulfilled ; and by what adventure Gil Bias, of a sudden, saw him- self in a happy situation 186
BOOK THE SEVENTH.
CHAP. I.
The amours of Gil Bias and Dame Lorenc^a Sephora 191
CHAP. II.
The fate of Gil Bias after he quitted the castle of Leyva, and the happy
consequence that attended the bad success of his amours . . 202
CHAP. III.
Gil Bias becomes the favourite of the archbishop, and the canal of his
bounty 211
CHAP. IV. The archbishop is seized with a fit of the apoplexy. The dilemma in which Gil Bias found himself, and the method he took to be ex- tricated 219
CHAP. V. The step fliat Gil Bias took after the archbishop had dismissed him. His accidental meeting with tlic licentiate who had been so much obliged to him ; with the gratitude of that priest .... 224 CHAP. VI. Gil Bias goes to see a play at Grenada. His astonishment at the sight of one of the actresses ; and the consequences of that cent . 228 CHAP. VH. I'ht history of Laura . , 23T
CONTENTS. VU
CHAP. VIII.
The reception which Gil Bias met with from the players of Grenada,
and bis finding an old acquaintance behind the scenes Page 256
CHAP. IX.
He supped that evening with an extraordinary man ; an account of
what happened between them 261
CHAP. X.
The commission that the Marquis de IMarialva gave to Gil Bias, and the manner in which that faithful secretary acquitted himself of it 265
CHAP. XI.
Gil Bias receives a piece of news which is like a thunderbolt to him
270
CHAP. XII.
Gil Bias takes lodgings in a house where he contracts an acquaintance
with Captain Chinchilla. The character of that officer ; with an
account of the affair that brought him to IMadrid .... 275
CHAP. XIII. Gil Bias meets his dear friend Fabricius at court; their mutual joy ; they repair togetlier to a certain place, where a curious conver- sation happens between them 286
CHAP. XIV. Fabricius introduces Gil Bias to the service of Count Galiano,a Sicilian nqbleman 300
CHAP. XV.
Count Galiano invests Gil Bias with an employment in his house 305
CHAP. XVI. An accident happens to Count Galiano's baboon, which is the cause of
great affliction to that nobleman. Gil Bias falls sick; the conse.
qu«nce of his distemper 314
BOOK THE EIGHTH. (HAP. I. Gil Bias contracts a good acquaintance, and obtains a post tliat consoles him for Count Galiano's ingratitude. The history of Don Valeric de Luna «..;
viii CONTENTS.
CHAP. II.
Gil Bias is presented to the Duke of Lerma, who receives him into the number of his secretaries •, sets him to work, and is satisfied with
his performance Page 333
CHAP. III. He learns that his post is not altogether without mortifications. Hi uneasiness at this piece of news, which obUges him to alter his
conduct .,,..... 340
CHAP. IV. Gil Bias gains the favour of the Duke of Lerma, who entrusts him with a secret of great importance ........... 345
CHAP. V. Jiril Bias is overwhelmed with jcy, honour, and distress . . . . 349
CHAP. VI.
The manner in which Gil Bias informs the Duke of Lerma of his neces-
ssity, and that minister's behaviour on the occasion .... 355
CHAP. VII.
Tlie good use to which he put his fifteen hundred ducats ; the first
aJTair in which he intermeddled, and the profit from thence
aces' uinj: , 362
CHAP. VIII, The hislorv o(Dou Roger dcKada . .'. . .... 366
GIL B L A S
SANTILLANE.
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
The stratagems practised by Aurora, to captivate Don Leivis de Pacheco.
X HE two new friends meeting next morning, be- gan the day with embraces, which Aurora was obliged to give and receive in order to act the part of Don Felix. They went out to walk, and I accompanied them with Chilindron, the valet of Don Lewis ; when stopping at the university, to look at the titles of books that were pasted on the gate, which a good many people amused them- selves in reading, I perceived a little man among them, who gave his opinion of all the different works that were so published. I observed that he was heard with great attention, which I fancied, at the same time, he believed was no more than vol. n. B
4 GIL BLAS,
his due : for he seemed vain and positive^ as little men comrnonlj arc. '' That new translation of Horace (said he), which you see advertised in such large characters, is a work in prose, composed by an old college-author ; — a book in great esteem among thf^ students, who have already consumed four editions of it : and yet there is not one man of taste who has purchased so much as a single copy." His judgment was not a whit more fa- vourable for the other books,, which he ridiculed without exception ; so that, in all likelihood., he was an author himself. I should not have been tired of hearing him to an end, but was obliged to follow Don Lewis and Don Felix, who, being as little pleased with his discourse, as interested ia the books which he censured, left him to the en- joyment of his own criticism.
We came home at dinner-time, and my mistress, sitting down at table with Pacheco, artfully turned the conversation on her owtj family. '' My father (said she), is a cadet of the house of Men- doza, and settled at Toledo; my mother is sister to Donna Ximena de Guzman, who came to Sala- manca some days ago, on an affair of importance, with her niece Aurora, the only daughter of Don Viucent de Guzman, whom, perhaps, you know." —" No (replied Don Lewis), but I have often heard of him, as well as of your cousin Aurora. Am I to believe what k reported of her? I have been assured that nothing equals her understand-
tilL BLAS.
3
ing but her beauty." — " As for understanding (resumed Don Felix), she has a pretty good share, and that well cul(iva(cd: but 1 don't think her so very handsome. Pi^ople say that she and I very much resemble one another." — " If that be the case (cried Pacheco), she deserves the reputation she has got: your features are regular; your cousin must be quite enchanting. I wish I had an opportunity of seeing and conversing with her." — " I undertake to satisfy your curiosity (replied the pretended Mendoza), and will carry you to my aunt's house this very afternoon.'* My mistress, all of a sudden, changed the discourse, and talked on indifferent subjects. — After dinner, while they were preparing to go and visit Donna Xiraena, I was beforehand with <hem, and ran io adiertise the ducntia, that she might be ready io TrfHKe them ; then, returning instantly, accompa- nied Don Felix, who conducted Don Lewis to the house of his aunt. But they had scarce entered the house, when they met Dame Ximena, who de- sired them, by a sign, to make no noise. " Hush, hush (said she, with a low voice), you will wake my niece, who has been tormented since yesterday with a terrible head-ach, which has just lift her, and the poor child has been asl. cp about a quarter of an hour." — " 1 am sorry for this oisappoiot- ment (said Mendoza) ; I was in good hopes of seeing my cousin, and had promised that pleasure io my friend Pacheco." — " The affair i?, not very
'* eiL BLAS.
urgent (replied Ortiz, smiling), you may defer it til! to-morrow." The cavaliers conversed a little while with the old gentlewoman, and then retired. Don Lewis carried us to the house of one of his friends, a gentleman, whose name was Don Ga- briel de Pedros, with whom we spent the rest of the day, supped, and did not think of coming home till two o'clock in the morning. V¥e had got about half way when we stumbled over two men lying stretched upon the ground. Thinking they were unfortunate people who had been assassi- nated, we stopt to give them assistance, provided it was not too late ; and as we endeavoured to in- form ourselves of their condition as well as the darkness of the night would allow, the patrole came up; and the commander taking us at first for the murderers, ordered his men to surround us ; but he conceived a more favourable opinion of^»ur morals when he heard us speak, and, by the help of a dark lanthorn, saw the faces of Mendoza and Pacheco. His soldiers being ordered to examine the condition of the two men, who we fancied had been slain, found that it was a fat licentiate, with his man, both in liquor, or rather dead drunk. *' Gentlemen (cried one of the guard), 1 know this epicure ; it is Signor the licentiate Guyomar, rec- tor of our university : notwithstanding the pickle you see him in now, he is a great man, a wonderful genius ! There is not a philosopher in Salamanca whom he cannot confute in an argument. He has
GIL BLAS. b
an unparalleled flow of words : 'tis pity that he is a little addicted to lawsuits, the bottle, and a wench. He was, no doubt, on his return from supping with his Isabella, where unluckily his man getting as drunk as himself, they have both tumbled into the kennel. Before the good licentiate was rector, this misfortune frequently happened to him ; and you see honours don't always change the man." We left those drunkards in the hands of the patrole, who undertook to carry them home, and, returning to our lodgings, every one went to rest.
Don Felix and Don Lewis getting up about noon, Aurora was the first subject of their discourse. ''Gil Bias, (said my mistress to me), go to my aunt Donna Ximena, and ask if Signor Pacheco and I can have the pleasure of seeing my cousin to-day." I went out to acquit myself of this commiss'cn, or rather to concert with the duenna what was to be done : and when we had taken our measures, I re- turned to the false Mendoza, saying, " Signor, your cousin Aurora is surprisingly well, and charged me to assure you from her, that your visit will be very agreeable ; and Donna Ximena bid me assure Signor Pacheco that he shall always be welcome at her house on your account."
I perceived that Don Lewis was mightily pleased with these last words : my mistress observed the same, and drew a happy presage from her remark. Immediately before dinner Signora Ximena's valet appeared, and said to Don Felix, " Sig^nor, a man
GIL BLAS.
from Toledo has been inquiring for you at your aunt's house, and left this note.'* The pretended Mei.doza opened it, and read aloud these words : "if you are desirous of hearing- news of your father, and of being made acquainted with other things of consequence to you, fail not, on receipt of this, to repair to the Black Horse near the univer- si<y." — " I am (said he), too curious to hear these things of consequence not to satisfy my desire instantlj'. Without taking leave of you, Pacheco (added he), if I don't return in two ht;ursyou may, go by yourself to my aunt's, and 1 will come to you there after diimer. You know what Gil Bias has told you from Donna Ximena, and you have a right to make the visit," So saying, he went out, and ordered me to follow him.
You may easily guess that, instead of going to the Black Horse, we took the road to the house where Ortiz lived, where, as soon as we arrived, Aurora took off her fair-coloured tour, washed and rubbed her eye-brows, dressed herself like a woman, and became a very handsome black-eyed lady, as she j; '(urally was : for her disguise had changed iier so much, that Aurora and Don Felix appeared to be two different people. She even seemed a great deal taller as a woman than as a man, to which, indeed, her shoc-hecls, that were excessively highj^ contributed not a little. When she had im- proved her charms with all the assistance that art could bestow, she expected Don Lewis with an
g;l p. las. <
agitation composed of hope and I'^ar, Sometimes she confided in her beauty and wit, and soinetiuies was afraid that her attempt would be misucccssfu!. Ortiz, on the other side, summoned all her finesse to second my mistress ; and I, that Pacheco might not see me in the house, like those players who appear only in the last act, concealed myself tdl towards tlie end of the visit, by going out as soon as I had dined.
In short every thing was in order when Don Lev^is arrived. He was received in a ver) agree- able manner by lady Ximena, and enjoved a con- irersation with Aurora two or tliiee hours long; at the end of which I came into the room where they were, and addressing myself to the cavalier, *' Sig- nor, (said 1), my muster, Don Felix, cannot be here to-day ! but begs you will excuse him, be- cause he is in company with three men from To- ledo, of whom he cannot disengage himself." — *' Ah, the little rake ! (cried Donna Ximena), he is certainly set in to hard drinking." — " No, madam (I replied), they are discoursing together of very serious affairs. He is heartily sorry that he cannot wait upon you ; and ordered nje to make his apology to you and Donna Aurora." *' O ! I'll have none of his apologies, (said my nn'strcss), he kiiows I have been indisposed, and ouglit to shew a httle more concern for his relation. In order to punish him for his indifference, he slun't see njc these fifteen days." " Ah madam ! (said Don
8 elL BLAS.
Lewis) do not form such a cruel resolution : Don Felix is rather to be pitied for not being able to visit jou."
They diverted themselves for some time with this subject, and then Pacheco withdrew. The fair Aurora immediately transformed herself, and resumed the appearance of a cavalier, returned to the lodgings as soon as she could. *' I ask pardon, my dear friend (said she to Don Lewis), for failing to meet you at my aunt's, but I could not get rid of the people in whose company I was ; what con- soles me for the disappointment is, that you have at least had leisure to satisfy your curiosity. Well, what do you think of my cousin ?" " I am en« chanted by her ! (answered Pacheco) you have reason to say she resembled you. I never saw fea- tures more alike : the same turn of face, the same eyes, the same mouth, and tone of voice ! There is, however, some difference between you. Aurora is a little taller than you : she is black, and you are fair. You are merry, and she is grave. These are what distinguish you the one from the other. As for understanding (added he), I do not believe a celestial being can have more than your cousin. In a word, she is a lady of accomplished merit."
Signor Pacheco pronounced these last words with so much vivacity, that Don Felix said, smil- ing, " Friend, I advise you, for the sake of your repose, to go no more to Donna Ximena's. Aurora de Guzman may make your heart ache, and inspire
CIL BLAS.
you with a passion." " There is no occasion for another sight of her to make mc in love (said he, interrupting him), that is done already." " I am sorry for it (replied the pretended Mendoza), for you are not one of those who can attach themselves to one, and my cousin is no Isabella. I can assure you beforehand, that she will never listen to a lover, except on honourable terms." " Honour- able terms ! (replied Don Lewis) sure nobody would offer any other to a young lady of her birth. Alas ! I should think myself the happiest of men, if she would approve of my addresses, and consent to join her destiny with mine."
" Since you talk in that style (said Don Felix), I am interested in your behalf. Yes, I list myself in your service — offer you all my influence with Aurora, ar.d will to-morrow bring over my aunt, who has a great sway over her. " Pacheco returned a thousand thanks to the cavalier, who made hira such fair promises ; and we perceived, with joy, that our stratagem could not succeed better. Next day, we increased the love of Don Lewis, by a new invention. My mistress having been with Donna Ximena, on pretence to render her favourable to that cavalier, came back and said to him, " I have spoke to n)y aunt, whom with much difficulty I have made your friend. She was furiously preju- diced against you : for somebody or other had made her believe that you were a downright liber- tine : but I undertook your defence with eagerness.
10 r.lL BLA5.
and at last destroyed the bad impression she had received of }'our morals.
" This is not all (pursued Aurora), you must talk with my aunt, in my presence, aud then we shall make sure of her assistance." Pacheco expressed extreme impatience to discourse with Donna Ximena, and that satisfaction >vas granted to him next morning, when the false Mendoza con- ducted him to madam Ortiz, and they three hud a long conversation, in which Don Lewis shewed that he had allowed himself to be very much capti- vated, in a very little time. The artful Ximena feigned to be moved with all the tenderness he ex- pressed, and promised her utmost endeavour to engage her niece to marry him. Pacheco imme- diately threw himself at the feet of such a kind aunt, and thanked her for her friendship : where- upon Don Felix asked if his cousin was up. '' No (answered the duenna), she is still abed, and you cannot see her at present ; but return this afternoon, and you may converse with her at leisure." This answer of madam Ximena redoubled (as you may well believe) the joy of Don Lewis, who thought the rest of the forenoon extremely tedious, and went back to his lodgings with Mendoza, who was not a little pleased with observing in him all the marks of genuine love.
They talked of nothing but Aurora, and when they had dined, Don Felix said to Pacheco, " There's a thought come into my head. I am of
GiL ELAS. II
opioion^ that I should go to raj aunrs »omc mi- nutes before you, and have a little chat with my cousin, that I ma?, if possible, discover the dispo- fition of her heart to\^ards jou." Don Lev^is ap- proving this scheme, let his friend go before, and did not set out till an hour after. So my mistress made such good use of her time, that she was dressed like a ladj, when her lover arrived. " I thought (eaiJ the cavalier, after having saluted Aurora and the duenna}, to have t'ound Don Felix here." " You will see birn iinxediatelv, (answered Donna Xinaena), he is writing in mj closet." Upon which, Pacheco seemed to s.^ allow the trick, and entered into conversation with the ladies. But notwithstanding the presence of the beloved object, be perceived that the hours stole away, without >IeLdozas appearing ; acd as he could not help testifyiug some surprise at it, Aurora changing coantenaoce all of a sudden, began to laugrh, and said to Don Lewis, '" Is it possible that you have DO suspicion of the trick v^hich has been plaved upon you ? Do an artificial l:ght-coloured tour, and painted eye-hro\^s, njake me so unlike mvself, that you have been mistaken by them hitherto ? Undeceive yourself then, Pacheco (continued she, resumirg an air of gravity}, and know that Don Felix de Mecdoza and Aurora de Guzman are but one and the same person."
She was not coiiieated with extricating him out of this error, but also owned her passion for him.
13
GIL BLAS.
and informed him of all the steps she had taken towards its success. Don Lewis, no less charmed than surprised with what he heard, threw himself at her feet, exclaiming, in a transport of joy. " Ah, beautiful Aurora ! may I then believe myself the happy mortal whom you have favoured so much ? How shall I recompense your goodness, which the most perfect love can never enough repay?" These words were accompanied with a thousmd more passionate and tender expressions : after which the two lovers conferred upon the measures that were to be taken towards the accomplishnjent of their mutual desires ; and it was resolved that v\e should set out immediately for Madrid, and bring our comedy to a conclusion by marriage. This design was nt) sooner formed than put in execution : in fifteen days, Don Lewis espoused my mistress, and their nuptials gave rise to entertainments and in- finite rejoicings.
chap: vn.
Gil Bias quits his place, and goes into the service of Don Gonzales de Pacheco.
L HREE weeks after this marriage, my mistress being desirous of recompensing me for the service I had done her, made me a present of a hundred pistoles, saying, " Gil Bias, my friend, far from
6IL BLAI. ^ 13
turning you awaj, I leave it to your choice to stay with me as long a? you please ; but my husband's uncle, Don Gonzales de Pacheci>, wants to have you for a valet de chambre. I spoke to him so advantageously of you, that he assured me I would do him a favour in parting with you to him. He is an old nobleman (added she) of an excellent character, and vou will be quite happy in his ser- vice."
I thanked Aurora for her generosity, and as she bad no longer any occasion for me, accepted the post to which I was recommended ; the more wil- lingly, as I should still be in the family. One morning, therefore, I went with a message from my new-married mistress, toSiffnor Don Gonzales, who was still a-bed although it was near twelve o'clock. When I entered his chamber, I found bim taking some broth, which a page had brought in. The (jIJ gentleman's \^hi!kers were in papers, his eyes alaost quite extinguished, and his face pale and meagre. He was one of those old boys who had been great rakes in their youth, and are not a whit more sedate in their age. He received me with great civility, and told rne that if I would serve him with as much zeal as I had manifested for his niece, I might depend upon living happily. I promised to ha^e the same attachment to him which I had for her, and that moment he engaged me in his service.
Behold roe then with a new master, and heaven
{
14
GIL BLAS.
knows what sort of a man he was ! When he 2-ot up, I fancied I saw the resurrection of Lazarus. Paiiit to your own imagination a tall body so lean and withered, that when it was naked an anatomist might have taught osteology upon it, with legs so small that they looked like spindles, after he had put on three or four pair of stockings. This living mummy was besides troubled with an asthma, and coughed at every word he spoke. Having drank chocolate, he called for paper and ink, and wrote a letter, which he sealed and sent away, according to the direction, by the page who had brought the broth ; then turning to me, "'' Friend (said he), thou art the person whom I intend henceforth to trust with my commissions, especially those which regard Donna Euphrasia, a young lady whom I love, and wlio is passionately fond of me."
'' Good God ! (said I to myself) how can young people help believing themselves beloved, when this old dotard thinks himself adored !" '' Gil Bias (added he), thou shalt go with me this very day to her house, where I sup almost every night, and thou wilt be charmed with her prudence and re- serve : far from resembling those silly coquettes who can relish nothing but youth, and are won by appearances only, she has an understanding already mature and judicious, that consults the sentiments of a man, and prefers a lover of delicacy and taste to one of the most shining exteriors." Signor Don Gonzales did not here finish the eulogium of his
GIL BIAS. ^ 15
ipistresSj whom he represented as the epitome of all perfection. But lie had a hearer not easily per- suaded. Aft r the conduct of the actresses, which I had seen, I did not look upon old noblemen as people very happy in their amours. I pretended, however, out of complaisance, to believe all that my master said. I did more; I extolled the dis- cernment and taste of Euphrasia, and was even impudent enough to affirm, that she could not have a more amiable gallant.
The good old gentleman did not perceive that I had made game of him ; but, on the contrary, applauded my good sense. So true it is, that a sycophant may run any ri,-k with the great, who swallow all kinds of flait< ry, let it be ever so ab- surd. The old man having written his letter, pulled some hairs out of his beard with a pair of pincers, cleaned his eyes of a thick gum that filled them, washed his ears and hands, and after having per- formed his ablutions, painted his whiskers, eye- brows, and hair, of a black colour ; continuing longer at his toilet than an old widow who studies to hide the outrages of time upon her. Just as he had done dressing, another gentleman in years, one of his friends, entered, whose name was the Count d'Asumar. But he, £ar from concealing his grey hairs, supported himself on a cane, and seemed to glory in his old age, rather than in appearing young. " Signor Pacheco (said he, as he came in), I am come to dine with you." — " You are very
16
IL BIAS.
welcome. Count/' (answered my niaster). Mean- while, having embraced one another, they sat down, and entered into conversation till such time as dinner was ready.
The discourse turned at first upon a bull feast, which had been celebrated a few days before; and as they mentioned the cavaliers who had shewn the greatest vigour and address, the old Count, like another Nestor, who, from talking of the pre- sent, always took occasion to praise the past, said, with a sigh, '" Alas ! I see no men now-a-days comparable to those I have known heretofore ; and the tournaments are not performed with half the magnificence that they were when I was a young man." I laughed within myself at the prejudice of honest Signor d'Asumar, who did not confine it to tournaments only; but I remember, when the desert was set upon the tabic, seeing some fine peaches served up, he observed, '* In my time the peaches were much larger than they are at present ; nature degenerates every day." — '' At that rate (said Don Gonzales, smiling) the peaches of Adam's time must have been wonderfully large."
Count d'Asumar slaid almost the whole day with my master, who no sooner found himself disen- gaged, than he went out, bidding me follow him. He went to Euphrasia's, who lodged at the distance of an hundred paces from our house, and found her in a very handsome apartment. She was gaily dressed, and had such an vouthful air, that I con-
^iL m.AJ.
tiuded she was under age, uUhoiigh she was good thif(y jcars old, at least. She was really hand- some, ana her understanding soon raised my ad- miration : for she was not one of those coquettes, wlio have nothing to recommend them but idle ribaldry and loose behaviour ; she was modest in her manners, as well as in her conversation, and talked witli a great deal of wit, without the least aflfectatiou. " O heaven ! (said I to myself), is it possible that a person of such delicacy can be a lady of pleasure!" I imagined that impudence was inseparable from all women of her profession, and was astonished to see one with the appearance of modesty ; net reflecting that these princesses know how to assume any shape, and accommodate themselves to the characters of the people of for- tune and nobility that fall into their hands. When their gallants are pleased with fire and transport, they are brisk and petulant ; and with those who love reserve, practise a prudent and virtuous be- haviour: they are the true cameleons, who change colour according to the humour and disposition of the men whom they approach.
Don Gonzales was none of those noblemen who are taken with your bold beauties : he could not bear ladies of that class ; on the contrary, could relish no woman, unless she had the appearance of a vestal. Euphrasia, therefore, modelled her- self accordingly, ai,d shewed that all the good actresses arc not employed in the theatre. Leav-
VOL. II. c
IS
GiL IJLAS.
ing my master wl<!i Iiis njniphj I went down stfiirs into a hall, where I found an old chamliennaid^ whom I had known a waiting-woman to an actress. Recollecting me imniediatelj, she said^ '' What ! is it yon, Gil Bias ? you have quitted Arsenia it seems, as I did Constantia."— '' Yes, truly (an- swered I), it is a long time since I left her, and went to serve a young lady of fashion. A player's life is not to my taste ; and therefore I dismissed nu'self, without dtigning to come to the least exp'afiation with Arsenia." — " You were in the ri^;htj (replied the chambermaid, whose name was Beatrice), I served Constantia pretty much in the same manner: one morning early I gave in my accounts very coldly, which siie received without uttering one syllable, and so we parted cavalierly enough.'
" I am extremely glad (said I) that we now meet in a more honourable house : Donna Euphrasia seems to be a sort of woman of fashion, and I be- lieve her character is very good." — " You are not at all mistaken (said the old waiting-woman), she is of a vc'ry good family ; and as for her temper, I can assure you there never was one more equal and sweet. She is none of those passionate and difficult mistresses, who find fault with every thing, scold incessantly, torment their domestics, and, in one word, make a hell of their service. I never once heard her grumble ; but when I happen to do any thing contrary to her inclination, she reproves me without rage> and never lets one of those epithets
GIL BLAS.
19
escape lieiv, of which your vioh'iit dames are so liberal." — " My master (I resumed) is also very sweet-tempered : he is the best natured mortal alive; and therefore you and I are mucli more happy than wlien we were in the service of ac- tresses."— " A thousand times more happy ! (replied Beatrice), instead of leading a life of noise and tumult^ I now live, as it were, in a retreat. No man enters these doors, but Sigiior Don Gonzales. I shall see nobody but you in my solitude, for Avhich I am not at all sorry ; for I have had an affection for you a long time, and, more than once, envied the happiness of Laura, in having you for a gallant. But, in short, I hope to be as happy as she ; for, though I have neither her youth nor her beauty, by way of amends, I hate coquetry, and am as faithful as a turtle."
As honest Beatrice was one of those persons who are obliged to make a tender of their favours, be- cause nobody will ask then), I was not at all tempted to profit by her advances: I did not desire, however, tiiat she should perceive my con- tem})t, and was even polite enough to express my- self in such a manner, as that she did not lose all hopes of engaging my heart. I imagined then, that I had made a conquest of an old chanibcrn)aid, but happened on this occasion to be deceived : she did not behave in tliis manner to me, for my own sake only ; her design was to inspire mc with love, that she might bring me over to the interest of her
20 GIL 3LA§.
nustress, for whom slie was so zealous, tliat sli€ did not mind what it co&t her, in promotir.g her advantage, Ifonnd my error next morning, when I carried a biUet-doux from my master to Euphrasia. That jady gave me a most gracious reception, and said a thousand obhging things, in which she was joined by her maid : one admiring my physi- ognomy, while the other observed in me an air of prudence and sagacity. According to them, Signqr Don Gonzales possessed a treasure, in liaving such a valet. In a word, they praised me so much, that I suspected their applause, and even discerned the motives of it ; but I received it, in appearance, with all (lie simplicity of a fool, and by this coun- terplot effectually deceived the sl-arpers, who, at last, pulled off the mask.
" flarke, Gil Bias (said Euphrasia to me), it depends upon thyself to make thy fortune. Let us act in concert, my friend. Don Gonzales is old, and his constitution so crazy, that the least touch of a fever, assisted by an able physician, will carry him off. Let us make the best of the little time he has left, and exert ourselves so that he may leave the best part of his estate to me. Thou shalt liave a good share of the booty, and thou mayest depend upon my promise, as much as if I had made it before all the notaries of Madrid." — " Madam (answered I), you may command your humble servant. You have notliing to do but to prescribe my conduct, and you shall be satisfied," —
CIL HLAS.
21
** Very well (she replied), thou must observe thy master, and give nip an account of all his proceed- ings : ^vhen you talk to hini in j)rivate, don't fail to turn the conversation upon women, and from thence artfully t:ike occasion to speak well of me. Ply him with Euphrasia as much as possible ; and I again recommend it to you to be very attentive to what passes in tlie family of the Pachecos : if you perceive that any relation of Don Gonzales is ex- tremely ofticious about him, and aims at the suc- cession to his estate, acquaint me with it inmiedi- ately; that is all I ask, and I warrant I shall send Iiira adrift in a very little time; for I know the different characters of his relations, and tlie ridi- culous lights in which they may be represented to him ; having already prejudiced hini pretty suc- cessfully against all his nephews and cousins."
By thes^ instructions, and others which Euphrasia added, I concluded, that this lady was one of those who attached themselves to generous old men. She had lately prevailed upon Don Gonzales to sell an estate, the price of which she had converted to her own use; she extorted from him valuable moveables every day, and, besides, had reason to hope that she would not be forgotten in his will. I pretended to engage willingly to do all that she desired ; and, dissimulation apart, doubted within myself, on my return home, whether I should contribute to impose upon my master, or under- take to detach him from his mistress. The lasl of
^
GIL BLAS.
these resolutions seemed more honourable than the other, and I felt nijselfniore inclined to fulfil than betray my duty: besides, Euphrasia had made me no positive promise, and that, perhaps, was the occasion of my fidelity's remaining uncorrupted. I resolved, therefore, to serve Bon Gonzales with zeal, pursuading myself, that if I should be lucky enough to divert his affection from his idol, I should be better rewarded for this good action than for all the bad ones I could commit.
That I might the more easily accomplish what I proposed, I shewed myself entirely devoted to the service of Donna Euphrasia ; I made her believe, that I spoke of her incessantly to my master ; and accordingly inyented fables, which she took for sterling truth. I insinuated myself so much into her good graces, that she thought me entirely in her interest ; and still the better to impose upon her, affected to appear in love with Beatrice, who ravished to see, at her age^ a young lover at her beck, did not much mind being deceived, provided she was deceived agreeably. When my master and 1 were each with his own princess, we composed two very different pictures in the same taste. Don Gonzales, pale and withered as I have represented him, when he attempted to ogle, looked like a wretch in his last agonies ; and my infanta, in pro- portion to the seeming increase of my passion, as- sumed still more and more childish airs, and prac- tised all the artifice of aji old coquette, which she
(.IL IILAS.
23
had been Iciirniiiu; forty years ;il least ; Ijavin-^ been reliiicd in the service of some of lliose lieroiiies of gallantry, naIio can please even in tlieir old age, and die loaded with llic spoils of two or three generations.
I was not satisfied with following iwy master, ever} evening, to the house of Euplirasia; I some- times went thither alone, hy day ; but at what hour soever I went in, I never met with any man, or woman either, of a suspicious appearance ; nor could I discover the least trace of infidelity ; a cii- cumstance that surprised me not a little ; for I could not imagine that such a handsome lady could be exactly true to Don Gonzales. And in this, surely, my judgment was not too rash ; for the fair Euphrasia (as you will presently see), that she might wait with the more patience for my master's estate, was provided with a lover more agreeable to a woHian of her age.
One morning, when 1 carried, as usual, a letter to the princess, I perceived, while I was in her chanjber, the feet of a man concealed behind the tapestry. I went away, without seeming to observe them; but although I ought not to be surprised at this object, which was no business of mine, 1 did not fail to resent it. " Ah, perfidious wretch ! (said 1 to myself, in a passion), ah, wicked Euplirasia ! thou art not satisfied with iniposing upon a good old gentleman, by persuading him that he is be- loved, but thou must also crown thy perfidy, by
24
GIL ELAS.
Ebaiiuoiiing thyself to another !" What a fool was I, now I think Oii it, to moralise in tliis manner ! I ought rather to have laughed at the adventure, and looked upon it as a compensation for the tire- some languid moments she underwent, in her com- merce with my master : I should at least, have doiic belter in holdiDg' nty tongue, than in seizing- this occasion of acting the conscientious valet ; but instead of moderating mj zeal, I entered warmly into the interest of Don Gonzales, to whom I made a faithful report of what I had seen ; I even added, that Euphrasia wanltd to seduce me ; I concealed nothing of what she had said on that occasion, and it vtas his own fault if he was not perfectly ac- quainted with the character of his mistress. He was confounded at the information, and a small emotion of wrath that appeared on his countenance seemed to presage that the lady should not be un- faithful to him with impunity. " Enough, Gil Bias (said he), I am extremely sensible of thy attachment, and pleased with thy fidelity ; I will go instantly to Euphrasia, load her with reproaches, and break for ever with the ungrateful creature." So saying, he went out accordingly, and disncnsed with my attendance, that lie might spare me the disagreeable part I had to play during their eclair- cissement.
I waited for my master's return with a world of impatience, not doubting, that as he had so much cause to complain of his nymph, he would come
GIL BLA8.
25
back altogether detached from her alurements. On this supposition, I applauded myself for what I had done ; I represented to myself the satisfactioQ which the natural heirs of Don Gonzales would have, when they learned that their kinsman was no lontj-er the sport of a passion so contrary to their interests : I flattered myself that they would consider me for it, and, in short, that I had distin- guished myself from other valets, who are usually more apt to encourage their masters in debauchery than to reclaim them. I was in love with honoufj and reflected, with pleasure, that I should pass for the Corypheus of all domestics. But this idea, agreeable as it was, vanished in a few hours ; when my patron arriving, said, "' Friend, I have had a very sharp convcriation with Euphrasia, who af- firms that thou hast misrepresented her, and art, if she is to be believed, no other than an impostor, altogether devoted to my nephews, out of regard to whom, thou sparest nothing to make [ne quarrel with her. I saw real tears trickle from her eyes, and she swore, by all that was sacred, that she never n ade any proposal to thee, nor ever sees a man ; Beatrice, who seems to be a good girl, pro- tested the same thing, in such a manner, that my anger was appeased, in spite of my teeth."
" How, Sir, (said I, interrupting him, in a sor- rowful manner), do you doubt my sincerity ? do you distrust — " — " No, child, (said he, interrupt- ing me in his turn), I do thee ail manner of justice :
26 GIL BLAS.
I don't believe thee in a confederacy with my nephev/s. I am persuaded that thou art concerned for my interest only, and I am obhgcd to thee : but appearances are deceitful. Perhaps what thou sawest existed only in thy own imagination ; and, in that case, thou mayest guess how disagreeable thy accusation must be to Euphrasia. Be it as it may, she is a person whom I cannot help loving. I must even make the sacrifice to her which she demands, and that sacrifice is thy dismission. I am sorry for it, my poor Gil Bias (added he), and I assure thee, I consented to it with regret ; but I could not do otherwise. What ought to console thee is, that I shall not send thee away unrecom- pensed ; and I intend, moreover, to settle thee with a lady, a friend of mine, where thou wilt live very agreeably."
I was very much mortified to see my zeal thus turned against myself: I cursed Euphrasia, and deplored the weakness of Don Gonzales, who allowed himself to be led by the nose. The good old man being very sensible, that in turning me away, merely to please his mistress, he did not behave in the most manly manner, made amends for his effeminacy, and gilded the pill I was to swallow, with a present of fifty ducats. Next day carrying me to the marchioness of Chaves, he told her, in my hearing, that I was a young man who possessed many good qualities ; that he had a re- gard for me, but family reasons not permitting him
r.lL BLAS. 27
to keep nic iii liis service, he begged slic would admit ine into her family. She received me that instant, into the number of her domestics ; so that I found nivself translated, all of a sudden, into a new place.
CHAP. VIII.
The character of the Marchioness of Chaves, and of those peopU uho usnaUt/ visited her.
The marchioness of Chaves was a widow of five and (liirtj, handsome, tall, and well shaped, who enjoyed a yearly income of ten thousand ducats, without the care and incumbrance of children. I never saw a woman of more gravity, or one who spoke less, though this did not hinder her from being looked upon as the most witty lady in Ma- drid. The great concourse of people of quality, and men of learniiig, who daily frequented her liouse, contributed, perhaps, more than any thing she said, to give her this reputation. But this I will not undcitake to decide : let it suffice to say, that her name imported the idea of a superior genius, and that her house was called, by way of excellence, the court of criticism.
There was actually some performance or other read here every day, sometimes new plays, and sometimes other pieces of poetry ; but nothing ex-
28 GIL BLAS.
cept serious subjects were deemed worthy of atten^ lion, humorous pieces being despised ; the best comedy, or the most ingenious and witty romance, was looked upon as a feeble production, that de- served no praise ; v/hereas the least serious work, such as an ode, eclogue, or sosmet, passed for the greatest effort of human understanding. But it often happened that the public did not confirm the sentence cf the court ; on the contrary, was some- times so impolite as to hiss those pieces which had been there very much applauded.
I was chamberlain in this house; that is, my office consisted in getting every thing ready in the apartment of my lady, for the reception of com- pany, and to set the chairs for the men, and the cushions for the women, after which I stationed myself at the chamber door, to announce* and in- troduce the persons who arrived. While I was employed in this office for the first time, the go- \ernor of the pages, who, by accident, was then in the anti-chamber with me, described them all very pleasantly, as they came in. His name was Andrew Molina, naturally dry and satirical, with a good share of understanding. A bishop being the first who presented himself, I announced him, and when lie was entered, the governor observed, '^'^ That pre- late is a man of a very pleasant character. Having
* The announcer is a domestic who stands in the hall on visiting days, and pronounces aloud the names of the company as Ihcy came in j from the Latin word aimunciarc.
GIL BLAS. 29
a little credit at court, he wouiil fain make every one believe that he has a great deal, and oflers liis interest to all the world, without serving any body. One day, meeting at court with a gentleman who saluted him, he stopt, loaded him with civilities, and squeezing his hand, said, " lam wholly de- voted to your service; pray. Sir, put me to the proof: 1 shall never die satisfied until I have an opportunity of obliging you." The gentleman having thanked him in a very grateful manner, they parted, and the prelate said to one of his fol- lowers, " I think I know that man : I have a con- fused idea of having seen him somcuhere."
Immediately after the bishop, the son of a grandee, appeared ; and when I had introduced him into my lady's chamber, "That nobleman (said Molina), is another original. You must know that he goes often to a house, in order to treat of some important affair, with the gentleman who lives in it, and comes away without remembering to speak a syllable about the matter. But (added the go- vernor, seeing two ladies advance), there come Donna Angela de Pennaficl, ai;d Donna Margarita de Montalvan, two ladies between whom there is not the least resemblance : Donna Margarita, who piques herself on being a philosopher, will under- take the most profound doctors of Salamanca in a dispute, without suffering their arguments to get the better of her argumentation. As for Donna Angela, she does not affect the virtuosi, although
30 GIL BLAS.
her understanding is perfectly' well cultivated : her coijvcrsation is sensible, her sentiments refined, and her expression delicate, noble, and natural." ''This last is an amiable character (said I to Molina), but the other, in my opinion, is inconsistent with the fair sex." " Not very consistent (!ie replied with a sneer), and even a great many men are rendered ridiculous by such a disposition. Madam, the marchioness, our lady (continued he), is also a little tainted with philosophy. What wrangling will there be here to day ! God grant that religion may not be concerned in the dispute."
As bespoke these words, we perceived a meagre man come in, v;ith an air of reserve and grim countenance. My governor did not spare him : " This here (said he), is one of your serious wits who would fain pass for great geniuses, by the favour of a few sentences learned from Seneca, and who are easily detected to be fools, if you examine them a little closely." The next that came in was a well-shaped cavalier, with a Grecian mien, that is, a very self-sufficient appearance : when I asked who he was, Molina answered, " He is a dramatic poet, who has composed, in his time, a hundred thousand verses, which never brought him in four pence i but in recom pence for that, he has procured a considerable settlement, by six lines of prose."
I was iroing to inform ntyself of the nature of a fortune got so easily, when i heard a great noise on the staircase. " Good ! (cried the governor) there
CIL EL\S.
31
comes tlie licentiati^ Campanario, who gives notice of his approach, before he appears, and beginning to talk at the street door, continues without in- termission until he goes away." Sure enough, the whole house rang again with the voice of the thun- dering licentiate, who at length, entered the anti- chamber with a bachelor of his acquaintance, and did not leave oft' speaking all the time his visit lasted. " Signor Campanario (said I to Molina), seems to be a great genius." " Yes, (replied my governor), he has some bright sallies, quaint ex- pressions, and a good deal of humour : but over and above his being an unconscionable talker, he doe^not fail to make repetitions; and, not to over- rate his talents, I believe the agreeable and comic air with which he seasons every thing he says con- stitutes his chief merit : for the greatest part of his strokes would do no great honour to a collection of witticisms."
Abundance of other people came in, of whom Molina made very humorous pictures, among which, he did not forget that of the marchioness. *' I assure you (said he), our patroness is a lady of a very even temper, in spite of all her philosophy. She is not at all difficult to please, and one under- goes very few caprices in her service. She is one of the most reasonable women of quality I know, and is even without passion ; she has as little taste for gallantry as for play, and loves conversation only ; in short, most ladies would think her way of
32 filL BLAS.
life insupportablv tiresome." The governor, b^ this eiilogium, prepossessed ine in favour of my mistress ; nevertheless, some days afler, I could not help suspecting that she was not such an enemy to love : and I will declare on what foundation my suspicion was built.
One morning, while she was at her toilet, a little man presented himself to me, about forty years old, of a disagreeable figure, more dirty than the author Pedro depYloya,and very much hump-backed into the bargain. When he told me he wanted to speak with the marchioness, I asked him, from whom ? To which he ajisv/cred, with a haughty look, " From myself; tell her, lam the gentleman of whom she spoke yesterday to Donna Anna de Velasco." I introduced him into my lady's apart- mentj and signified his arrival ; upon which, she immediately exclaimed in a transport of joy, "" Shew him in." She not only gave him a favour- able reception, but likewise ordered all her women out of the room ; so that the little hunch-back, more happy than an honester man, remained along with her; while the chambermaids and I made ourselves merry with this fine ietc-a-tele tlmi\a,sted near an liour ; after which, my patroness dismissed the crook-back, loaded with civilities, that shewed how well she was satisfied with his conversation, which, in cfiect, captivated her so much, that she told me one evening, in private, '' Gil Bias, wheo the man with the hump returns, bring him into my
GIL BLAS.
S3
apartment as secretly as possible." I obeyed, and >vheuthe little man came back next morning, con- ducted him by a privpJe staircase, to nij lady's chamber. I performed the same office most de- voutly, two or three times, without suspecting that there could be any gallantry in the case. But the malignity which is so natural to mankind soon in- spired me with strange ideas, and I concluded that the inclination of the marchioness was either very whimsical, or that the hunch-back acted the part of a go-between.
Prepossessed with this opinion, 1 often said to myself, " If my lady is in love with a handsome man, I forgive her ; but if she is captivated by this baboon, truly I cannot excuse the depravity of her taste. How much was I mistaken in ray patroness ! the little hunch-back dabbled in magic, and as his skill had been extolled to the marchioness, who willingly listened to the delusions of such impostors, she honoured him with these private conversations, in which he shewed her things in a glass, taught her to turn the sieve, and, for money, revealed all the mysteries of the cabala. Or rather, to speak truly, he was a sharper who subsisted at the ex- pense of credulous people, and was said to have several women of quality under contribution.
VOL. II.
34:
CFL BLAS.
CHAP. TX,
Tke incident, in consequence of ivhich Gil Bias quitted the Marchioness de Chaves; and the course he followed afterward^.
1 HAD already lived six months with the mar- chioness de Chaves, and, I confess, was satisfied with my condition ; but the destiny I had to fulfil would not permit me to live longer in that lady's house, nor even in Madrid : I will, therefore, re- count the adventure that obliged me to remove from both.
Among my lady's maids, there was one called Portia, who, besides her youth and beauty, possessed such an an^.iable character, that I attached myself to her, without knowing that I must dispute her heart with a rival. The secretary of the marchio- ness, who was a proud man, nnd very much addicted to jealousy, being captivated with my princess, no sooner perceived my passion, than (without en- deavouring to find out my reception with Portia) he resolved to fight me in single combat, and for this purpose appointed me to meet him one morn- ing, in a private place. As he was a little man, whose head scarce reached my shoulders, and seemed at the same time very weak, I did not think him a very dangerous rival, but repaired with great con-
tn. BLA5. SB
fidenceto the place appointed, in hopes of gaining an easy victory, and making a merit of it with Portia ; but the event did not answer my expecta- tion. The little secretary, who had been two or three years at the fencing school, disarmed rne like an infant, and holding the point of his sword to my throat, " Prepare (said he) for the mortal blow, or else give me thy word of honour that thou wilt this day quit the service of the marchioness de Chaves, and never more think of Portia." I made him that promise, and kept it without reluc- tance ; being ashamed to appear before the rest of the servants after my defeat, especially before the fair Helen who had been the cause of our duel. My sole intention in returning to the house was to carry off my goods and money, which having done, I set out the same day for Toledo, my purse being pretty well furnished, and my back loaded with a bundle composed of my whole wearing apparel : for though I had not engaged to quit Madrid, I thought proper to leave it, at least for some years ; and formed the resolution of making the tour of Spain, and of halting at every town. *' The money I have (said I to myself), will carry mc a great way; for I don't intend to be extratvagant, and when I have no more, I will betake myself again to service. A young man of my accomplishments will find places in abundance, whenever he pleases to go in quest of them."
I longed, in particular, to see Toledo, whither I
36
iilL RLAS.
arrived at the end of tliree days, aiiil took up my lodging in a good inn, where I passed for a gentle- man of consequence, by the favour of my intriguing dress, which I did not fail to put on, and by the foppish airs which I affected. It was in my own option to establish a correspondence with some handsome women who lived in the neighbourhood; but understanding that I must begin by spending a good deal of money upon them, I bridleJ ray desires, and feeling still a strong inclination for travelling, after having seen every thing that was curious in Toledo, I left it one morning by break of day, and took the road to Cuenca, with an in- tention to go to Arragon. On the second day of my journey, I went into an inn on the road, and just as I sat down to refresh myself, a company of soldiers belonging to the holy brotherhood came in, and calling for wine, fell to drinking. While they were over their cups, I heard them describe a young man whom they had orders to apprehend. " The gentleman (said one of thein), is not more than twenty years of age, has long black hair, a good shape, an aquiline nose, and is mounted oq a bay horse."
I listened without seeming to give attention to what they said, and truly 1 did not concern myself much about the matter. Leaving them in the inn, I set forward on my journey, and had not walked a quarter of a league, when 1 met a young gentle- man of a good mien, mounted on achesnut-coloured
GIL lit, AS. 37
horse. " Upon my faith ! (said I to nijself ), this is the man whom the soldiers are in search of: he has h)ng black hair, and an aquiline nose. I must do him a u;ood office. Sir (said I to him), give me leave to ask, whether or not vou have some affair of honour on your hands?" The young- i]^cntlc- man, without making any reply^ looked earnestly at me, and seemed surprised at my question. Upon which, I assured him, that it was not out of cu- riosity that I had addressed him in that manner; and he was very well convinced of it, when I told him what I had overheard at the inn. " Generous stranger (said he), I will not deny that I have reason to believe myself the person whom those soldiers want to apprehend ; and therefore will take another road in order to avoid them." " It is my opinion (I replied), that we should immediately seek some place where you may be secure, and where we may be sheltered from that storm which I see brewing in the air, and which will burst very soon " At that instant we discovered and re- paired to a tufted alley of trees that conducted us to the foot of a mountain where we found an hermitage.
It was a large deep grotto that time had scooped in the reck, to which the art of man had added a kind of front, built of pebbles and hhell-vvork, and quite covered with turf: the adjacent field was strewed with a thousand sorts of flowers which perfumed the air, and, hard by the grotto, we per- ceived a little opening in the rock iVoni whence
3S r.lL ELA5.
issued, with an agreeable noise, a spring of water that run winding aioisg a meadow. At the en- trance of this solitary habitation appeared a holy hermit, stooping under the weight of old age, sup- porting himself with a stafi in one hand, and hold- ing in the other a rosary of large beads, composed of twenty courses at least. Bis head was buried in a brown woollen cap with long ears, and his beard more white than snow, came down to his middle. When we approached him, '^ Father (said I), be so good as to favour us with shelter from the impending storm." " Enter, my children (replied the anchorite, after having observed me attentively), this hermitage is at your service ; and you may stay here as long as you please. As for your horse (added he, pointing to the forepart of his habita- tion), he will be very well accommodated in that place." The gentleman who accompanied me dis- posed of his beast accordingly, and then we fol- lowed the old man into the grotto, which as soon as we had entered, a great shower fell, mingled with flashes of lightning and dreadful claps of thunder. The hermit fell on his knees before an image of St. Pacomo*, which was glued to tlie wall, and we
* St. Pacomo was an Egyptian, who lived in the fourth century, and founded several monasteries, consisting of be- tween twelve and sixteen hundred monks each : his faith is aaid to have been so eflectual, that he walked among serpents, unhurt; and when he had occasion to cross the Nile, was transported from one side lo the other on the back of a crocodile.
• ML LI.AS. S9
followed his example. IVIeaii while the thunder ceased, and we got up ; but as the rain continued, and the day w;is far spent, " ^ly children (said the old man), I would not advise jou to proceed on your journey in such weather^ unless you ha^e some pressing affair." The young man and I re- plied, that we had none that hindered us from halting ; and that, if we were not afraid of incom- moding him, we would beg leave to pass the night in his hermitage. " You won't incommode me in the least (said the hermit), but will have reason to complain of your lodging ; for you must lie hard, and I have nothing to offer you but anchorite's fere."
So saying, the holy man made us sit down at a small table, and presenting us with a ftw onions, a crust of bread, and a pitcher of water, " My sons (said he), you see my usual repast; but to-day 1 will commit an excess out of regard to you." He then brought a little cheese, with two handfuls of filberts, and spread them upon the table. The young man, who had no great appetite, did not much honour to the feast ; upon which, the hermit observed to him, '* I perceive that you are accus- tomed to better tables than mine, or rather, that sensuality has corrupted your natural taste. 1 have been in the world, as you are now : the most deli- cate viands, the most exquisite ragouts, were not too good for my palate : but since I have lived in solitude, I have retrieved (he former purity of my
40 GIL BLA8.
taste^ and at present can relish nothing but roots, fruitSj milk ; in a word, that which composed the nourishment of our first parents."
While he spcfke in this manner, the joung man sunk into a profound reverie, which the hermit perceiving, ""My son (said he to him) }0u have an oppression on vour spirits ; may I not know the cause? unbosom yourself to me. It is not curiosity, but charity alone that animates my request. I am of age to give advice ; and perhaps your situation requires it." '' Yes, father (replied the cavalier, with a sigh), I have, doubtless, occasion for advice, and 1 will follow yours, since you are so good as to ofler it. I believe, I run no risk in discovering myself to a man of your character." " No, my son (said the senior), you have nothing to fear on that score, and may safely trust me with any secret." In this confidence, the cavalier spoke as follows.
CHAP. X.
The siory of Don AlpJionso and the fair Seraphina.
I WILL conceal nothing from you, father, nor from the other gentleman who hears me; for, after the generosity he shewed, I should be to blame to distrust him. Listen, therefore, to my n)isfortunes.
CIL BLAS. 41
1 was born in Madrid, and my origin is this : — An officer of the German guards, called the Baron de Steinbach, going home one evening, perceived a bundle of white linen at the foot of the staircase. He took it up and carried it to his wife's apar(- raent, where he founvl it to be a new-born infant wrapped in very handsome swaddling-clothes ; with a billet importing that it beloni:;ed to persons of quality, who would one day make themselves known ; and that it had been baptized by the name of Alphonso. I am that unhappy infant, and this is all that I know of my birth and parentage: sacrificed to honour or infidelity, I know not whe- ther my mother exposed me, in order lo conceal a dishonourable flame; or seduced by a perjured lover, found herself under the cruel necessity of disowning the fruit of her womb.
Be that as it will, the Baron and (he lady were touched with my situation ; and, as they had no children of their own, determined to educate me under the name of Don Alphonso. As I advanced in years, their attachnient to nie increased : my flattering and complaisant behaviour attracted their caresses every moment: in a word, I had the good fortune to make myself beloved ; they gave me all kinds of masters; my education became their only study ; and, far from expecting impa- tiently that my parents woiild discover themselves, they seemed, on the contrary, to wish that my birth would always remain a secret. As soon as the
42 GIL DLAS.
Baron found me able to carry arms, be entered me in the service, procured for me an ensign's com- mission, ordered my small equipage to be got ready ; and, to animate me the more to seek occa- sions of acquiring glory, he represented to me, that the career of honour was open to every body ; and that in war I might obtain a name the more glorious, as I should owe it to myself alone. At the same time, he revealed the secret of my birth, which he had hitherto concealed from my know- ledge. As I passed for his son in Madrid, and effectually believed myself to be so, I own this piece of information gave me a good deal of pain : I could not then, nor cannot now think of it with- out shame ; for tlie more my sentiments seemed to argue me of a noble origin, the greater my confu- sion was to see myself abandoned by those who gave me being.
I went to serve in the Low Countries ; but the peace being concluded soon after, and Spain rid of her enemies, though not of those who envied her prosperity, I returned to Madrid, where I received fresh marks of tenderness from the Baron and his lady. About two months after my return, a little page came into my room one morning, and pre- sented to me a billet, conceived pretty nearly in these words : — " I am neither ugly nor ill-shaped ; and yet you see me frequently at the window, without paying homage with your eyes. This be- haviour but ill answers your gallant appearance ;
GIL RLA5. 49
and piques me so much, that I wish I could inspire you with lovCj to be revenged on your indiffer- ence."
Having read this billet, I did not doubt that it came from a ^^ido^v called Leonora, who lived opposite to our house, and had the reputation of being very coquettish. I interrogated the page, who was on the reserve at first, but in considera- tion of a ducat which I slipt into his hand, he satisfied my curiosity ; and even undertook to carry an answer, by which I informed his mistress, that I acknowledged my crime, and was already sensible of her being more than half revenged.
I was not at all insensible of this kind of con- quest ; I kept the house all that day, and took great care to be always at the window, that I might observe the lady, who did not forget to shew herself at her's. I made love to her in dumb shew, she answered my signals, and next morning let me know by her page, that if I would be in the street betwixt eleven and twelve at night, I might converse with her at a parlour window. Though I did not find myself very much in love with such a forward widow, I did not fail to return a very passionate answer, and to wait for night with as much impatience as if I h:id been violently smitten. In the evening, I went out to walk in the Prado till the hour of assignation ; and was no sooner arrived at that place, than a man mounted on a fine horse alighted hard by mc, and accosting mc
44
filL ELAS.
hastily, said, '' Are not you the son of Baron Steinbach?" When I replied in the affirmative, " You are the person (said he), who intends to converse with Leonora at her window. Her pa2:e has shewn me her letters and your answers,, and I have followed you this evening, from your own house hither, to let you know that you have a rival whose pride is very much mortified in being obliged to dispute a heart with such a one as you. I be- lieve I need say no more ; we are now in a private place. Let us draw, therefore, unless, to avoid thcchasSisciiient I prepare for you, you will pro- mise to break ofFall correspondence with Leonora. You must either sacrifice to me the hopes you have conceived, or forfeit your 'ife immediately." " You ought then (said I to him) to have re- quested, not demanded that sacrifice ; I might, perhaps, have granted it to your entreaty, but I refuse it to your threats."
" 'Tis very well (he replied, after having tied his horse to a ixee), draw then: it does not become a person of my quality to stoop so low as to entreat a man of your station : most people of my rank, in the same case, would have revenged themselves in a less honourable way." I was shocked with these last words, and seeing his sword already unsheathed, drew mine also : we attacked one another with such fury, that the combat did not last long : whe- ther he behaved with <oo much heat, or 1 had more skill, I know not, but I gave him a mortal
GIL BLAS. 45
thrust^ upon Nvhith I saw him sta2:ger and fall. Whereupon, minding my own safety only, I mounted his liorse, and took the road to Toledo. I durst not return to the Baron's house, being well assured that my adventure would very much afflict him, and when I considered the danger in which I was, I thought I could not get out of Madrid too soon.
In the midst of the most melancholy reflections, I rode the remaining part of the night, and all the njorning ; but towards noon was obliged to halt, in order to give my horse some rest, and avoid the heat of the day, which grew insupportable. I tarried, therefore^ in a village, till sun-set, after which I continued my journey, resolving to make but one stage to Toledo. I had got two leagues beyond Illescas, when, towards midnight, I was surprised in the middle (»f a field, with just such another storm as fell to-day ; upon which I drew near the wall of a garden that I perceived at the distance of a few paces, and not finding a more convenient shelter, stood with my horse as close as I could to the door of a summer-house situated at the end of the wall, over which there was a balcony. As I leaned against the door, I per- ceived it open, which I Uacribed to the negligence of servants; and alighting, less out of curiosity than for the sake of being better screened from the rain, which did not fail to incommode me while I remained under the balcony, I entered the ground-
46 GIL BLA?.
floor of the summer-house, with my horse, which I led by the bridle.
I employed myself during the tempest in ob- serving the place, and though I could distinguish nothing but by the lightning that flashed around, it was easy to perceive that the house could not belong to a vulgar owner. I expected still that the rain would cease, intending to proceed on my journey; but a great light that I observed at a distance, made me change my resolution. Leaving my horse in the summer-house, the door of which I took care to secure, I advanced towards the light, persuaded that there was still somebody in the house, not yet gone to bed, and resolved to desire lodging for that night. Having crossed several walks, I airived at a saloon, the door of which I found open also ; I entered it, and when I had observed all the magnificence of the place, by the light of a fine crystal branch, I no longer doubted that I was in the house of some rich nobleman. The pavement was of marble, the wainscot very handsome, and curiously gilt, the cornices of admirable workmanship, and the ceiling painted by the most skilful masters : but what I took par- ticular notice of, was an infinite number of busts of Spanish heroes, supported on pedestals of jasper, all round the saloon. I had leisure enough to consider all these things ; for though I listened attentively from time to time, I neither heard (be least noise, nor saw a living creature appear.
B®)X^- iJLOFH(D)WS(Q) Alf® §lEII.AlP)BIirTA Book 4.Cliap. 10.
FuifJuJj J. !s:$. fy- r/tnfMf
£IL BLiS.
47
There being on one lide of tlie suloon a dooi unbolted, I half opened it, and perceived a range of rooms, the last of Nvliich only was lighted. — " What shall I do ? (said I to myself) shall I re- turn, or boldly penetrate to that room?" Icon- eluded that the most judicious step would be to return as I came. But I could not resist my cu- riosity, or rather the force of destiny that dragged me along: I advanced from one room to another, until I arrived at that in which was the light, that is, a taper burning on a marble table, in a silver candlestick gilt. I at first observed very hand- some and gay summer furniture, but in a little time, casting my eyes upon a bed, the curtains of which were half-drawn on account of the heat, I saw an object that attracted my whole attention. This was a young lady, who, notwithstanding the noise of the tluuider, lay in a profound sleep. I approached her softly, and by the light of the taper discovered a complexion and features that quite dazzled me. My heart took the alarm at the sight! I felt my soul smitten and transported; but whatever emotions agitated my breast, the opinion which 1 had of her high rank hindered me from entertaining the least rash thought, and re- spect prevailed over inclination.
While 1 glutted myself with the pleasure of contemplating her beauty, she awoke ; and you may guess what was her surprise when she saw a man whom she did not know iu her bed-chamber at
48
GIL BLAS.
midnight. Siie h*embled when she perceived me, and shrieked aloud ; while I endeavoured to re- move her fear, by kneeling before her, and saying, " Madam, be not afraid : I come not hither to do you the least injury." 1 was going on, but her consternation was such that she did not hear me. She called her woman several times, but nobody answering, she put on a thin night-gown which lay at the bed's het, got up hastily, and went into the rooms that I had crossed, still calling her maids, and a younger sister who lived under her care. I expected to see all her servants appear, and had reason to apprehend that, without being heard, I should meet with very disagreeable treatment; but luckily for me, she called to no purpose; nobody came but an old domestic, who could not have given her much assistance, had she had any thing to fear. Nevertheless, growing more resolute by his presence, she asked, with a haughty air, who I was, and hov/, and for what reason, I had the boldness to enter her house? I then began to justify myself, and had no sooner told her that I found the door of the summer-house open, than she exclaimed, " Just heaven 1 what do I presage \" So saying, she seized the light, and searching all the rooms, one af(er another, could see neither her maids nor her sister, but even observed that they had carried off all their baggage. Her suspicions appealing now but too plain, she returned to me, and said, with a great deal of emotion, " Per-
CIL DLA9.
49
fidious wretcli I iidtl not dissimulation io treachery. It was not chance that brought tlice here. Thou art one of the followers of Don Fernando de Leyva, and an associate in his crime: but don't think to escape, I have still people enough to se- cure thee." — '* Madam (answered I), do not con- found me with your enemies. I know no such person as Don Fernando de Leyva, aiid am even ignorant of your name and quality. I am an un- fortunate man, when) an afiair of honour hath obliged to leave luadria ; and I swear by all that is sacredj I would not have entered your house, had it not been for the storm that surprised me ! Judge, therefore, more favourably of me, and, instead of believing me an accomplice in the out- rage you have sutiered, think me rather disposed to revenge it." These last words, and tlie tone with which they were pronounced, appeased the lady, who seemed to look upon me no longer as her eneniy : but, if her indignation vanished, it was only to make room for her grief. She wept bitterly ; I was melted by her tears, and no less afflicted than she, although I did not know the cause of her sorrow. I not only wept with her, but, impatient to revenge her wrongs, was seized with a transport of fury. " jMadam (cried I), what injury have you received ? Speak ! I espouse your resentnjent. Shall I pursue Don Fernando, and stab him to the heart ? Name all those whom you would have sacrificed. Command my services.
VOL. 11. E
50
eiL BLAS.
Whatever dangers, whatever misfortunes may be attached to your vengeance, that stranger, whom you thought confederate with your enemies, will tempt them all for your sake."
This transport surprised the lady, and stopped the course of her tears. '' Ah, Sir ! (said she) pardon my suspicion, on account of the cruel situation in which I am. These generous senti- ments have undeceived Seraphina, and even freed me from the shame of seeing a stranger witness to the affront put upon my family. — Yes, generous unknown 1 I acknowledge my error, and am far from rejecting your assistance; but I ask not the death of Don Fernando."— '' Well, Madam (I replied), what services can you expect of me ?"— *' Sir (answered Seraphina), the cause of my com- plaint is this : Don Fernando de Leyva is in love with my sister Julia, whom he saw by accident at Toledo, vvhere we usually live. —Three months ago he asked her in marriage of the Count dc Polan, my father, who refused his consent, on account of an old enmity subsisting betv.'een our families.-'-^ My sister, not yet fifteen years of age, must have been weak enough to follow the advice of my women, whom Don Fernando has, doubtless, bribed to his interest! and he, informed of our being by ourselves in this country-house, has taken this opportunity of carrying her off. — I want there- fore to know what retreat he has chosen for her, that my father and brother, who have been at Ma-
filL BLAB.
51
drid tlicse two months, may take their measures accorilinn^lv. I" tlie name of God! (added she) give yourself the trouble of traversing the neigh- bourhood of Toledo, and of making an exact inquiry about the ravisher: — my family will be eternally indebted to you for the favour."
The lady did not consider that the employment which she prescribed for me but ill agreed with the circumstances of a man who could not get out of Castile too soon. — But how was it possible for her to make this reflection^ which did not even occur to me? Charmed with the happiness of finding myself necessary to the most atniable person in the world, I accepted the commission with a trans- port of joy, and promised to acquit myself with equal diligence and zeal. In effect, I did not wait for day, in order to go and accomplish my pur- pose; but quitted Seraphina on the instant^ con- juring her to pardon me for the fright I had occa- sioned, and assuring her that she should hear news of me in a very little time. — I went out as I had come in : but so much engrossed by the lady, that it was not difficult for me to perceive I was already captivated by her beauty: I was the more con- firmed in thi.s^ by the eagerness I felt in serving her, and the amorous chimeras which my imagi- nation produced. I fancied t: at Seraphina, al- though possessed by her sorrow, had observed my growing passion, and beheld it, perhaps, not with-
52
GIL BLAS.
out some plerisure: I even imaginpd, that if I couid bring her any news of her sister, and the affair should turn out according to her wish, the whole would redound to my honour.
Don Aiphonso, interrupting the thread of his story in this place, said to the old hermit, " I beg pardon, father, if, too full of my passion, I enlarge upon circumstances which are, doubtless, tedious to you." — •' No, my son (replied the anchorite), they are far from being tedious: I am even pleased to know how far vou are smitten bv tiiis youno; lady of whom you talk, that I may regulate my advice accordingly."
My imagination heated with these flattering ideas (resumed the young man), 1 searched two days for Julia's ravisher : but it was to no purpose for me to make all imaginable inquiry: I could not discover the least traces of him. Very much mortified at having reaped no fruit from my re- searches, I returned to Seraphina, whonj I expected to find in the utmost anxiety: but she Avas much more tranquil than I imagined, and informed me that she had been more lucky than I ; that she knew what was become of her sister, having re- ceived a letter from Don Fernando himself, import- ing, tliat being privately married to Julia, he had placed her in a convent at Toledo. " I have sent his letter to my father (added Seraphina). I hope the affair will terminate in an amicable manner.
GIL IJLAS. 53
and (hat a solemn nianiugc Nvill in a sliort fimc extinguisli the hatred which has so long divided our families,"
A> hen the lady had made mc acquainted with her sister's fate, she made an apology for the trou- ble she had given me, and the danger to which slie might have imprudently exposed mc, by engaging mc to pursue a ravisher, without remembering that I had told l.er I was obliged to fly on account of an affair of honour. She excused herself, there- fore, in the most obliging terms, and, as I had need of rest, carried me into the saloon, where we sat down together. She wore a loose gown of white taffety with black stripes, and a little hat of the same stuff, with a black plume of feathers, which made me £:uess that she was a Midovv, though she appeared so young, that 1 did not know what to think of her condition.
If I longed for an explanation on this head, she was no less desirous of knowing who I was ; and accordingly begged that I would tell her my name, not doubting (as she said), that, by my noble air, and still more, the generous pity that made me enter so warn)ly into her interests, I belonged to some considerable family. The question em- barrassed me not a little; I blushed, was con- foiHided, and own, that, being less ashamed to lie than to tell the truth, I answered, I was the son of the Baron de Steinbach, an officer of the German guards. " Tell mc, likewise (rc[dicd the lady),
54 eiL BLAS.
for what reason you quitted Madrid. I offer yon^ beforehand;, all the credit of my father, as well as
of my brotlier, Don Gaspard: that is the least mark of gratitude I can shew to a gentleman who neglected the care of his own life to serve me." I made no difficulty of recounting- to her all the circumstances of my duel ; upon which slie blamed the gentlensan whom I had slaia, and promised to interest her whole family in my favour.
When I had satislied her curiosity;, I begged her to gratify mine, and asked whether her faith was free or pliglited. " Three years ago (she replied) my father obliged me to marry Don Diego de Lara, and I h;ive been a widow fifteen months." — " Madam (said I), what misfortune has deprived you of your husband so soon ?" — " I will tell you, Sir (resu!r<cd the lady), in return for the confidence you have reposed in me.
'' Don Diego de Lara v/as a very genteel cava- lier, v^ho entertained the most violent passion for me, and, in ordnr to please me, put in practice, i'.S'evy day, all that the most tender and passionate lover could invent, to make himself agreeable io the object of his flame ; but, though he possessed a thousand good qualities, he could never touch lijy heart. Love is not always the effect of assi- ((Uities and distinguished merit, Alas 1 (added she) an utter stranger often enchants us at first sight. Well, it was not in my power to love him ; more confounded than charmed with the tokens of
GIL BLAS. 5:1
his tenderness, to which I was forced to make re- turns without inclination ; though I, in secret, taxed myself with ingratitude. I likewise found mj own situation very unhappy. Unluckily for him, as well as me, his delicacy \Yas still greater than his love. He discovered in my actions and discourse the most secret emotions of my breast, and dived to the very bottom of my soul. He complained incessantly of my indiflerencc, and deemed himself the more unhappy in being unable to please me, because he very well knew that there was no rival in his way: for I was scurce sixteen years old, and, before he offered me his hand, he had gained over all my women, who assured him that no man had as yet attracted my regard. ' Yes, Seraphina (he would often say), I wish you had been prepossessed in favour of another, and that alone were the cause of your indi {Terence to me: my assiduities and your own virtue would triumph over that prejudice; but I despair of making a conquest of your heart, since it remains untouched by all the love I have shewn.' Tired with hearing him repeat the same discourse, I told him, that, instead of troubling his repose and mine by too much delicacy, he would do well to leave his grievances to time. And, truly, one of my age was not capable of relishing the refinements of such a delicate passion, so that Don Diego ought to have taken my advice : but seeing a wiiole year
^^^ CIL BLAS.
elapsed, wilhout his being farther advanced than the first day, he lost iiis patience, or rather his reason : and, pretending to have an affair of con- sequence at court, departed to serve as a volunteer in the Low Countries, where he soon found in battle that which he went to seek — I mean the end of h:s torments and life."
After llie ladj had favoured me with this rela- tion, the sirjgular character of her husband became the subject of our discourse: in which we were interrupted bj the arrival of a courier, w ho deli- vered to Seraphina a letter from the Count de Polan. She asked my permission to read it, and I observed, tliat while she perused it, she grew pale and trembled. After having read it, she lifted up her eves to heaven, heaved a profound ?igh, and her face was in a moment covered with tears. I could not behold her grief witli tranquillity : I was greatly disturbed ; and, as if I had presaged the cruel stroke I was to sufi'cr, felt myself chilled with a mortal fear. " Madam (said I, with a fal- tering voice), may I ask what arc the fatal contents of that lettci- ?" — '' There, Sir (replied Seraphina, in a melanclioly manner, giving me the p^'per), read yourself what my fatlier writes. Alas! you are but too much concerned."
[ was confoimdcd at her words, and, trembling while I took the letter, read : —
GIL BLAS. 57
'' Your brother Don Gaspard foiiglit yesterday ill the Prado*, where he received a mortal thrust, of which he died this day ; having declared, in his last nioment.*, that the person who killed him is the son of Baron de Steinbacb, an officer of the German guards. — What adds to the misfortune is, that the murderer has escaped me by llight : but wheresoever he conceals himself, I shall spare do pains to find him out ; for which purpose 1 will write to some governors, who will not fail to ap- prehend him, if he passes through the towns of their jurisdiction ; and by letters directed to other people, I will cause all the roads to be blocked up. '* The Count de Polan."
You may easily conceive how all my faculties were disordered by this billet. I remained for some moments without motion or power of speech, and even in the midst of this depression, perceiving what a fatal obstruction the death of Don Gaspard would be to my love, was seized with the most violent despair ! I threw niyself at the feet of Seraphina, and presenting my naked sword, — " Madam (said 1), spare the Count de Polan the trouble of finding out a man, who might conceal himself from his resentment. Revenge your bro- ther, by sacrificing his murderer wi(h your own
* Prailo (which significf! a meadow) i? ihc pubhc walk at Madrid, as the Park is at London.
58 GIL BLAS.
hand. Strike, Madam, and let the same sword that deprived him of life become fafal to his un- fortunate adversary." — '" Sir (replied Seraphina, affected with my behaviour)^ I loved Don Gaspard ; therefore, although you killed him honourably, and he brought his misfortune upon himself, you may be assured I enter into the resentment of my father. Yes, Don Alphonso, I am your enemy, and will act against you every thing that the ties of blood and friendship can require: but I will not take the advantage of your bad fortune, which has put you in my power. The same honour that arms me against you, hinders me from taking a base revenge. The rights of hospitality ought to be inviolable, and therefore I will not repay the ser- vice you have done me with the conduct of an assassin.— Fly, then ; elude, if you can, our pur- suit and the rigour of the laws, and save your life from the danger that threatens it."
" How, Madam ! (I replied) when you can re- venge yourself, do you leave it to the laws, which may perhaps baulk your resentment ? Ah ! rather pierce the heart of a miserable wretch, who does not deserve your forbearance ! No, Madam, do not honour me with such a noble and generous proceeding. — You know not who I am : though I pass in Madrid for the son of the Baron de Stein- bach, I am no other than an unfortunate foundling, whom he has brought up, out of pure compassion : 1 do not even know the authors of my being."—
GIL BLAS. 59
" No matter (said Seraphina, interriiptine: me with precipitation, as if my last words had given her new pain) were you the lowest of mankind, I will do what honour prescribes." — " Well, Madam, (said I) since the death of a brother cannot provoke you to shed my blood, I \>ill incense you by a new crime, the audacity of which, I hope, you will not excuse — I adore you — I could not behold your charms without being dazzled with them ; and, in spite of the obscurity of my fate, had entertained the hope of makinj^ you mine for ever. I was so much in love, or rather so vain, as to flatter myself that heaven (which perhaps favours me by keeping my origin concealed) would disclose it to me one day, when I should be able to tell you my name without a blusli.— After this confession, which in- jures you so much, do you still hesitate in punish- ing me ?" — " This rash declaration (replied the lady) would, doubtless, offend me at another time, but I pardon it, in consideration of your present agitation : besides, my own anxiety will not permit me to attend to such discourse. Once more, Don Alphonso (added she, shedding some tears), leave this place, 6y from a house you have filled with sorrow ; for every moment you stay increases my affliction." — " Madam, I will no longer resist (said I, rising), I must banish myself from you ; but think not that, studious of preserving a life which is odious to you, I will go and seek an asylum where I can be secure. No, no ! I devote
60
GIL BLAS.
mjself lo your resentment. I will go to Toledo, wait with impatience for the fate you decree, and, exposing myself to your pursuit, advance willingly tov/ards the end of my misfortunes."
So saying, I withdrew : my horse was brought out for nie, and I repaired to Toledo*, where I staid a whole week ; and, truly, w^as at so little pains to conceal myself, that I don't know how I escaped being taken ; for I cannot believe that the Count de Polan, whose chief care was to shut up all the passages against me, would imagine that I could not pass through Toledo. In fine, I yester- day left that city, where I seemed to be tired of liberty ; and, without keeping any certain road, am come to this hermitage, like a man who has nothing to fear. You see, father, what engrosses my thoughts, and I crave the assistance of your advice. ,
* Toledo, situated on the Tagns, is the capital of New Castile, the seat of au archbishop, primate of all Spain: it was foniierly famous for a circus, capable of containing one hundred and fifty thousand people. There is a great manu- facture of silk and woollen stufls in this city; in which, too, are made the best blades in the world ; whence a good sword is frequently called a Toledo.
GIL HLAS.
CHAP. XI.
61
The old hermit discoveris himself, and Gil Bias perceives that he is among his acquaintance.
Alpiionso having ended the melancholy narration of liis nn'sfortuneSj the old hermit said to him, '' Son_, you have been very imprudent in staying so long at Toledo. I look upon all you have recounted in a light very diflercut from that in which you see it, and your passion for Seraphinais, in my opinion, pure madness. Believe me, you must forget that young lady, who cannot possibly beyour's. — Yield, th('r( fore, with a good grace to the obstacles that separate you from her, and follow your destiny, which, in all likelihood, will be productive of many other adventures. — You will, questionless, find some other young lady, who will make the same impression upon your heart, and whose brother you have not slain."
He was going to add a great many other things, in order to exhort Don Alphonso to have patience, when we saw another hermit, loaded with a wallet, well stufl'ed, enter the hermitage. He was come from the town of Cuenca, where he had made a very successful gathering; seemed younger than his companion, and wore a red bushy beard. " Welcome, brother Antonio (said the old anchorite to him), what news fronj town ?" — '' Dad enough
6f GIL ELA8.
(answered the red-haired brother, putting a letter in his hand)^ that billet will inforni you." The senior, having opened and read it with a suitable attention, cried, '' God be praised ! since the plot is discovered, we must regulate our conduct ac- cordingly. Let us change our style (added he). Signor Don Alphonso, you see a man exposed like yourself to the caprice of fortune. I am informed from Cuenca, which is a town about a league from this, that somebody has done me an ill office with justice ; all the agents of which are to set out to- morrow for this hermitage, in order to secure my person : but they shan't find the hare in the gin. — This is not (he first time that I have been in such dilemmas- — Thank God, I have almost always ex- tricated myself in another shape ; for such as you see me, I am neither an old man nor an hermit."
So saying, he stripped himself of a long robe which he wore, and appeared in a doublet of black serge with slashed sleeves. — Then he pulled off his cap, untied a string that supported his false beard^ and, all of a sudden, assumed the figure of a man between twenty and thirty years of age. Brother Antony, by his example, quitted his hermit's habit, rid himself of his red beard in the same manner as his companion had done, and took out of an old worm-eaten coffer a shabby short cassock, with which he clothed himself. — But you may guess my surprise, when, in the person of the old anchorite, I recollected Signor Don Raphael ; and in that of
brother Antony, my most dear and faithful valet, Ambrose de Lamela ! — " Good God ! (cried I, im- mediately) I find myself among my acquaintances here." — " True, Signor Gil Bias (said Raphael, smiling"), you have found two of your friends when jou least expect it. I confess you have some reason to complain of us ; but let us forget what is past, and thank heaven for our rneeting again. Ambrose and I make a tender of our services ; and I can tell you they are not to be despised. You must not think us the worst of mankind : we neither assault nor assassinate : we seek only to live at the expense of our neighbours ; and if theft be a crime, neces- sity excuses the injustice. Associate with us, and lead a rambling life, which is extremely agreeable, when conducted with prudence ; not bat, with all our sagacity, the chain x)f second causes is some- times such, that we meet with unlucky adventures ! "What then ! we enjoy the good with the better relish on that very account. — We are hardened against inconstant weather, and accustomed io the vicissitudes of fortune."
*' Signor Cavalier (added the false hermit, speak- ing to Don Alphonso) we make the same proposal to you, which, considering your present situation, I think you ought not to reject ; for, not to mention the affair that obliges you to conceal yourself, you must certainly be in want of money." — " Yes, truly, (said Don Alphonso) and that, I own, in- creases my chagrin." — " Well, then, (replied
CA
GIL BLAS.
Raphael) don't leave us ; you cannot do better than to join jour fortune to our's ; jou shall want nothing : and we will baffle all the search of your enemies. We know almost every inch of Spain, having travelled over it ; and are acquainted with the woods, mountains, and every place proper for an asylum against the brutality of justice." Don Alphonso thanked them for their good will, and being actually without money or resource, resolved to bear them company. I came to the same deter- mination, because I would not leave the young gentleman, for whom I felt a growing friendship. Having agreed to go all together, we began to deliberate, whether we should set out that instant, or, first of all^ give some assaults to a full bottle of excellent wine, which brother Antony, the day before, had brought from Cuenca ; but Raphael, as a man of the greatest experience among us, re- presented that, before every thing else, we must think of our safety. He was of opinion, therefore, that we should march all night, in order to gain a very thick wood between Vilhirdesa and Almodabar, in which we should halt, and, being perfectly secure, spend the day in taking our repose. This advice being approved, the false hermits made two bundles of their baggage and provisions, and laid them in equilibrio on Don Alphonso's horse. This was done with great expedition; after which we quitted the hermitage, leaving, as a prey to justice, the two hermit's robes, with the white and red
GIL DLAS.
65
beards, two pallets, a tabic, a rotten chest, two old straw-bottomed chairs, and the imag:e of St. Pacomo.
We walked all night, and began to feci ourselves very much fatigued, when, at day-break, we per- ceived the wood to which we were bound. The sight of a port gives new vigour to sailors tired with a long voyage ! — \Ve accordingly took cou rage, and at last arrived at the end of our journey before sun-rise. Penetrating into the thickest part of the wood, we stopped at a very agreeable spot upon a small glade, surrounded with a good many tall oaks, the branches of v>hich, meeting, formed an umbrageous arch, impervious to the heat of the day. Here we unbridled the horse to let him feed (after we had unloaded him), and sitting down to- gether, took out of brother Antony's wallet some large pieces of bread, with a good many slices of roasted meat, and began to attack them as if for a wager. Nevertheless, in spite of our appetites, we often left off eating to embrace the bottle, v^hich incessantly circulated, passing from the clasp of one into the embraces of another.
Towards the end of the repast, Don Raphael said to Don Alphonso, " Signor Cavalier, after the confidence you have honoured me with, it is but just that I recount to you the history of my life, with the same sincerity." — " It will give me great pleasure" (replied the young man). " And me in particular (said I) ; for I have an extreme curiosity to hear your adventures, which are doubtless well
VOL. II. F
66 GIL BLAS.
worth our attention/' — '' That I'll answer for (re= plied Raphael), and I intend to commit them to writing one day. — That shall be the amusement of my old age ; for I am still young, and would have the volume enlarged : but at present we are fa- tigued : let us refresh ourselves with a few hours of sleep. While we three enjoy our rest, Ambrose will watch against all surprise, and then sleep in his turn. Though I believe we are very safe in this place, it is always good to be upon our guard." So saying, he stretched himself upon the grass, Don Alphonso did the same, I followed their example, and Lamela stood sentry.
Don Alphonso, instead of taking some repose, kept himself awake v/ith reflecting upon his mis- fortune; and I could not close an eye. As for Don Raphael, he soon fell asleep; but awaking an hour after, and seeing us disposed to listen, he said to Lamela, '' Friend Ambrose, thou may'st take now a comfortable nap." " No, no (replied Lamela), I have no inclination to sleep : and though I am well acquainted with all the passages of your life, they are so instructive for people of our pro- fession, that I shall be very well entertained in hearing them recounted once more." Don Raphael immediately began the history of his life in these terms.
THE END OF THE TOURTH BOOK.
-^.:::h:A.:s:L -i.^:r TA.xx":j:sji:jfA3
.-. -v^,' -v .-%.■ jri^ -.
GIL B L A S
SANTILLANE.
BOOK V.
CHAP. I.
The historij of Don Raphael
J. AM the son of an actress at Madrid, whose name was Lucinda, famous for her theatrical talents, and still more for her gallantry. As for my father, I cannot, without presumption, assume any one in particular. 'Tis true, I might tell what man of quality was in love with my mother when I came into the world, but that epocha would by no means be a convincing proof of his being the author of my birth. A woman of my mother's profession is so little to be trusted, that even while she appears the most attached to one nobleman, she almost always substitutes in his place some other person for his money.
G8 GIL BLAS.
There is nothing like putting- one's self above scandal : Lucinda, instead of bringing me up in obscurity at her own house, took me by the hand^ v/ithout ceremony, and carried me to the theatre in a very honourable manner, without giving her- self any trouble about the discourse that passed at her expense, or the malicious sneers that the sight of me never failed to create. In a word, I was her darling, and caressed by all the men that visited her, so much, that it looked as if nature pleaded with them in my behalf.
I was allowed to pass the first twelve years of my life in all sorts of frivolous amusements : scarce was I taught to read and write ; and still less pains were taken to initiate me in the principles of my religion : I learned only to dance, sing, and play upon the guitar. — This was all I could do, when the Marquis de Leganez asked me as a companion to his only son, who was pretty much of my age. Lucinda willingly complied with his request, and it was then I began to think seriously. Young Leganez was not firther advanced than I: that little nobleman did not seem qualified by nature for the sciences. He hardly knew one letter of the alphabet, although he had been under the in- struction of a preceptor fifteen months. His other masters succeeded no better : he exhausted their patience. They were not, indeed, permitted to use rigour ; but expressly ordered to instruct without tormenting him ; and that order, joined to his
o\\. t:i,as.
60
natural dulncss, rendered all their lessons of little or no efiect.
But the preceptor invented an excellent expe- dient to intimidate the joiing nobleman, without contradicting: his father's order. He resolved to flog me, when his pupil deserved punishment ; and he did not fail to put his resolution in practice. Not relishing this expedient, I ran away, and com- plained to my mother of such unjust treatment : but, in spite of all her tenderness for me, she had strength enough to resist my tears, and considering that it was a great advantage for her son to live with the Marquis de Leganez, sent me back imme- diately. I was now abandoned to the preceptor, who, perceiving that his invention had produced a good efiect, continued to flog me still, instead of the young nobleman ; and, in order to make the deeper impression upon him, disciplined me with great severity. I was sure to pay, every day, for young Leganez ; and I may venture to affirm, that he did not learn one letter of his alphabet which did not cause me a hundred lashes. Judge you what his rudiments stood me in.
The birch was not the only disagreeable thing I suffered in this house : as every body knew me, the meanest servants, even the scullions, reproached n)e with my birth. This disgusted me so much, that I ran away one day, after having found mean3 to seize the preceptor's whole stock of ready mo- ney, which might amount to a hundred and fifty
70 GIL BLAg.
ducats. Such was the vengeance I took, for the stripes he had so unjustly bestowed upon me. I performed this shght of hand with admirable dex- terity, though it was my first essay ; and having had the address to baffle the search that was made for me during two days, left Madrid, and repaired to Toledo, without being pursued,
I was then just going into my fifteenth year. What a pleasure it was to be independent at that age, and entirely master of my own actions! I soon contracted acquaintance with young people, who polished me up, and assisted me to spend my ducats : I associated with knights of the post, who cultivated my happy disposition so well, that, in a little time, I became one of the most dextrous of the order. At the end of five years, being seized with an inclination to travel, I quitted my con- federates, and beginning my peregrinations by Estremadura, went as far as Alcantara : but before I reached that place, finding an opportunity of exerting my talents, I did not let it escape. Being a-foot, and moreover loaded with a pretty heavy knapsack, I frequently halted to repose myself under the trees, that offered me their shade, at a little distance from the highway. In one of these resting-places I found two lads very well dressed, talking merrily on the grass wh'le they enjoyed the coolness of the shade. I saluted them very courteously, and entered into conversation with them, at which they did not seem displeased. The
GIL BLAS. 71
eldest was not more than fifteen^ and they seemed both to be extremely raw. " Signor Cavalier (said the youngest to me), we are sons of two rich citizens of Placentia^ who, longing extremely to see the kingdom of Portugal, in order to satisfy our curiosity, have taken a hundred pistoles each from our parents ; and as we travel on foot, hope to go a great way with that sum. What is your opinion of the matter ?" — '' If I had so much (I replied), God knows where I should go : I would visit the four corners of the world. What the devil ! two hundred pistoles ! 'tis an immense sum, and you'll never see the end of it. If it be agreeable to you, gentlemen (added I), I shall have the honour of accompanying you as far as the city of Almeria, where I am going to take possession of the estate of an uncle, who has been settled in that place twenty years or thereabouts."
The young citizens assured me, they would be glad of my company. Whereupon, having rested ourselves a little, we set forwards all together towards Alcantara, where we arrived a good while before night, and went to lodge at a good inn. W^e asked for a room, and were shewn into one, where there was a press with a key in it. Having bespoke supper, I proposed to my comrades that we should go and see tlie town, while it was getting ready. They accepted the proposal ; we locked up our knapsacks in the press, the key of which one
'^2 GIL BLAS.
of (he citizens put in his pocket, and going out of the inn went to view the churches. While we were in the cathedral I pretended all of a sudden, to have an affair of consequence in hand, and said to my companions, " Gentlemen, I have just recol- lecled that a person of Toledo desired me to deliver a short niessage to a merchant, who lives near this church. Pray, wait for me here, and I'll he back in an instant." So saying, I left ihcm, ran to the inn, flew to the chest, forced the lock, and rumag- ing the knapsacks of my young cits, found their pistoles. Poor children ! I did not leave them so much as one to pay for their night's lodging. I carried all off, quitted the town as fast as possible, and took the road to Merida, without giving myself any further concern about them.
That ad\entuie put me in a condition to travel agreeably : though I was young, I found myself capable of conducting myself with prudence; and I may say, I was prettj' old, considering my years. Having resolved to buy a mule, I put my resolu- tion in practice at the next village. I even con- verted my knapsack into a portmanteau, and began to assume a little more of the man of consequence. On the third day I met a man singing vespers, as loud as he could roar, on the highway. Judging, bj his appearance, that he was a chanter, I accosted him with courage. *' Signor bachelor, you sing purely ; your heart goes with your profession, I
GIL ELAS.
73
see." — " Sir (answered he), 1 am ;i chanter, at your service, and amuse myself with clearing my pipcs^ as you hear."
In this manner we entered into conversation, and I perceived that I had got in company with a most witty and agreeable fellow^ about four or five and twenty years old. As he travelled on foot, I made my mule walk slowly, that I might have the plea- sure of conversing with him ; and, among other things, the discourse turned on Toledo. *' I know that city perfectly well (said the chanter), having lived a good while in it, and I believe have some friends there." — " In what place (answered I, in- terrupting him), did you live at Toledo?" He re- plied, " in the New Street. I lived with Don Vincent de BuenaGarra, Don Matthias de Cordel, and two or three more gentlemen of honour : we lodged, ate, and passed our time agreeably toge- ther." These words surprised me ; for it must be observed, that those gentlemen, whose names he mentioned, were the very sharpers with whom T had kept company at Toledo. '' Signor Chanter (cried I), those gentlemen, whou) \ou have named, arc of my acquaintance, and I lived with them in the New Street. — '' I understand you (he replied, smiling), that is to say, you are entered -into the company, since I left it three years ago." — " Iha\c (said 1) quilted these gentlemen, because I was seized with an inclination to travel. 1 intend to make the tour of Spain ; knowing that I shall
74 GIL ELAS»
improve by experience/' — " Without doubt (lie replied )j one must travel before one can have a finished education : it was for tliis reason that I left Toledo, where I lived very agreeably. I thank heaven (added he) for having met, when I least expected it, a knight of my own order. Let us join travel together, make attempts on our neigh- bour's purse, and lay hold of every occasion that presents itself of exerting our skill."
He made this proposal so frankly, and with such a good grace, that I accepted it. He won my con- fidence all of a sudden, in bestowing his upon me, and we unbosomed ourselves to one another. I recounted my history to him, and he made no mystery of his adventures to me ; letting me know, that he was just come from Portalegro, whence an unsuccessful trick had obliged him to escape with precipitation in the dress he nov/ wore. After he had communicated to me his whole affairs, y^e resolved to go to Merida together, in order to Uy our fortune, by striking some lucky stroke, if possible, and then immediately decamping to re- move elsewhere. From that moment our stock became commoji betwixt us : indeed, Moralez (so my companion was called) was not in a very brilliant situation. His whole fortune consisted of five or six ducats, with some baggage that he carried in a wallet : but, if I was richer than he in ready money, he, on the other hand, was more consummate than I in the art of deceiving m&nk'md.
GIL BLAS. 75
We mounted my mule by turns, and in this manner, arriving at Mcrida, halted at an inn in the suburbs, where my comrade took out of his wallet a dress, in which he was no sooner clothed than he went to take a turn through the town, reconnoitre the ground, and look for an opportunity of going to work. We considered every object that pre- sented itself with great attention, and, as Homer would have said, resembled two kites, that cast their eyes abroad to look for birds on which to prey. In short, we waited in hopes that chance would afford an occasion on which we might employ our industry, when we perceived in the street an old grey-haired gentleman fighting against three men, who pushed hard at him. I was shocked at the inequality of the combat, and, as I am natu- rally a tilter, flew to the assistance of the old man : Moralez followed my example, we attacked the gentleman's three enemies, and obliged them to seek their safety in flight.
The senior was mighty thankful. "^ We are very glad (said I to him), that \vc happened to be here so seasonably, to give you assistance; but let us know, at least, who we have had the good fortune to serve; and pray tell us for what reason those three men would have assassinated you." — *' Gen- tlemen {lie replied), I am too much obliged to refuse the satisfaction you desire. My name is Jerome de Moyadas, and I live on my fortune in
76 ' GIL BLAS.
this city ; one of those assassins, from whom yoii have delivered me, made love to my daughter, asked her of me in marriage some days ago, and, as he could not obtain my consent, attacked me sword in hand, in order to be revenged." — '* And may one ask (I rephed), your reason for refusing your consent to that gentleman ?" — *' I will tell yoa (said he) ; 1 had a brother, a merchant in this city, whose name was Augustin ; two months ago he was at Calatrava, and lodged at the house of Juan Velez de Menbrilla, his correspondent, with whom he was so intimate, that, in order to strengthen their friendship still more, he promised my only daughter Florentina in marriage to his son, not doubting that he had credit enough with me to perform his promise. Accordingly, my brother, upon his return to Marida, no sooner mentioned the affair, than I, out of love to him, consented to the marriage. He then sent Florentina's picture, to Calatrava ; but, alas ! had not the satisfaction of finishing the work, for he died three weeks ago, conjuring me, on his death-bed, to dispose of my daughter to none but his correspondent's son. This I promised, and on this account refused Florentina to the gentleman who assaulted me, although he is a very advantageous match. I am a slave to my word, and every moment expect the son of Juan Velez de Menbrilla, on whom I will bestow my daughter in marriage, though I never saw either him
GIL BLA5. 77
or his fdthcr. I brg pardon (continued Jerome de Mojada>), for troubling you Nvith this oration ; button yourself exacted it of me."
I listened to him with great attention, and re- solved upon a trick that struck me in the head of a sudden, atlected great astonishment, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and turning towards the old man, said in a patiietic tone, " Ah, Signor Moyadas 1 is it possible, that on my first arrival at Merida, I should be so happy as to save the life of my father- in-law !" The old citizen was strangely surprised at these words, as well as Moralez, who shewed by his countenance what a great rogue he took me io be. " ^v hat do I hear ? (replied the senior). How ! are you the son of my brother's correspon- dent?"— ''Yes, Signor Jerome de Moyadas (an- Bwered I, with an audacious countenance, while I threw my arms about his neck), I am that happy mortal for whom the adorable Florentina is des- tined. But, before I express my joy at entering into your family, allow me to shed into your bosom the tears which the remembrance of your brother Augustin renews! I should be the most ungrateful of all mankind, if I was not sensibly touched with the death of a person to whom I owe all the hap- piness of my life." So saying, I again embraced honest Jerome, and covered my eyes with my hand, on pretence of wiping away ray tears. IVIoralez, who, in a twinkling, perceived the advantage wc
78 GIL BLAS.
might reap from a trick of this kind, did not fail to second the imposture^ and passing for my valet, even topped me in the sorrow I had manifested for the death of Signor Augustin. '' Signor Jerome (cried he), what a loss you have suffered in your brother's death ! he was sueh an honest man ! the very phoenix of commerce! a disinterested mer- chant ! a merchant of integrity ! there are few of his fellows to be met with."
We had to do with a simple and credulous man, who, so far from suspecting the cheat, was himself an assistant in it. *^ And why (said he), did you not come straight to my house ? You should not have gone to lodge at an inn ; considering the terms on which we are, no ceremony ought to have been observed." — " Sir, (answered Moralez, taking upon him to speak for me), my master is, I grant you, a little ceremonious : not but that he is excusable in some shape, in being unwilling to appear before you in his present situation : for we have been robbed in our journey hither, and lost jail our baggage." — " The young man (said I, interrupting him), tells you nothing but the truth, Signor de Moyadas. This misfortune did not permit me to come to your house : I durst not present myself in this garb be- fore the eyes of a mistress who has not as yet seen me ; and, for that reason, I waited the return of a valet, whom I have sent to Calatrava."-— *' This accident (replied the old man), ought not
GIL BLAS. 79
to have Iiindercrl you from coming to stay at my Louse, where I intend you shall immediately take up your lodging."
So saying, he carried me home with him ; and, by the way^ we talked of the pretended robbery that I had suffered, when I assured him, that what gave me the greatest concern was my having lost, ■with my baggage, the picture of Florentina. Whereupon the citizen observed with a smile, that I might console myself for that loss the more easily, as the original was better than the copy. In effect, as soon as we came to his house, he called his daughter, who was not above sixteen years of age, and might have been counted an accomplished young lady; saying to me, " You see the object which my late brother promised to you." — " Ah, Signor ! (cried I, w ith a passionate air), you have no occasion to tell me that this is the amiable Florentina ! these charming features are engraved on ray memory, and still more upon my heart. If the picture which I lost, and which was only a slight sketch of such perfection, could inflame me with the most ardent passion, judge how I must be transported at this moment !" — '' You flatter mc too much (said Florentina), for I am not vain enough to imagine that my qualifications justify your discourse." — " Go on with your compli- ments," (said the father). At the same time he left me alone with his daughter, and taking Moralez aside, ** Friend (said he to him), you have lost all
80 tilL BLAS.
your baggage, then, and without doubt, your money too." — '* Yes, Sir, (answered my comrade), a great number of banditti poured upon us, near Castil Blazo, and left us nothing but the clothes on our backs : but we shall, in a very short time, re- ceive bills of exchange, which will set all things to rights again."
*' But, until those bills arrive (replied the old man, taking a purse out of his pocket) here are a hundred pistoles at your service." — '^O, Sir ! (said Moralez) my master would not accept them for the world. I find you don't know him. Zooks ! he is a man of great delicacy on these occasions. He is none of those fashionable youngsters, who are apt to take up from every body. He does not love to be in debt, and would rather beg his bread than borrow one farthing." — " So much the better (said the honest citizen) ; I esteem him the more on that account : I cannot bear to see young men contract debts. I pardon it indeed in people of quality, because it is a privilege they have possessed a long time. I won't (continued he) affront thy master, and since it will only give him pain to offer him money, we must say no more about it." With these words, he was going to put the purse in his pocket again, but my companion held his hand, saying, '' Hold, Signor Moyadas, whatever aversion my master has to borrowing, I don't de- spair of prevailing upon him to accept your hun- dred pistoles. It is only from strangers he is shy
GIL RLAS. 81
of borrowing ; he is not so ceremonious with his own family : he can even demand of his father, with a good grace, whatever money he has occa- sion for. The young gentleman, you perceive, knows how to distinguish persons, and ought to look upon ^ou. Sir, as a second father."
Moralez, by such discourse, secured the purse of the old man, who came and rejoined us; and find- ing his daughter and me engaged in mutual com- pliments, interrupted our conversation, by telling Florentina the obligation he lay under to me ; and, on that score, made me professions which convinced me of his gratitude. I laid hold of such a favourable disposition, and told the citizen, that the most sensible mark of acknowledgment he could shew would be to hasten my m.arriage with his daughter, lie yielded with a good grace to my impatience, assuring me, that in three days at farthest I should be Florentina's husband, and that instead of six thousand ducats, which he had pro- mised for her dower, he would give me ten, as a proof of his being deeply affected with the service I had done him.
Moralez and I, therefore, lived with the honest man, Jerome de Moyadas, kindly treated, and in the agreeable expectation of ten thousand ducats, with which we proposed to make a sudden decamp- ment from Merida. Our joy, however^ was checked by fear : we were apprehensive, that in less than
VOL. II. G
5s ([^IL BLAS.
three days the true son of Juan Velez de Menbrilla would arrive, and cross our good fortune.
This fear was by no means ill-founded : for, the very next day^ a kind of peasant, loaded with a portmanteau, came to the house of Florentina's father, when I was not at home, though my com- rade was present. " Sir (said the peasant to the old man), I belong to a young gentleman of Cala- trava, called Sigiior de la Menbrilla, who is to be your son-in-law. We are just arrived, and he will be here presently. I came before to give you notice of his approach." He had scarce spoke these words, when his master appeared: a circumstancet that surprised the old man very much, and discon- certed Moralez a little.
Pedro who was a very genteel young fellow, addressed himself to Florentina's father : but the honest citizen did not give him time to finish his discourse, and turning to my companion, asked the meaning of all this. Then Moralez, who was second to no man on earth in impudence, assumed an air of assurance, and said to the old man, " Sir, these two men belong to the troop of thieves who robbed us on the highway : I recollect them both very well, particularly him who has the audacity to call himself the son of Signor Juan Velez de la Menbrilla." The old citizen believed Moralez, and, persuaded that the strangers were cheats, said to them, " Gentlemen, you come too late : your
GIL BLAS. 8.^
scheme is prevented : Pedro de l;i Menbrilla has been in my house since yesterday," — '* Take care of what you say (answered the young man of Cala- trava) you have got an impostor in your family ; for you must know that Juan Velez de la Menbrilla has no other son than me." — " I know better (replied thfe old man), and am not ignorant of your profession : don't you recollect this young man, remember his master, whom you robbed ?" — '' If I was not in your house (said Pedro), I would jjunish the insolence of that cheat, who has the presump- tion to call me a robber. Let him thank your presence, that restrains my indignation. Sir (added he), you are imposed upon. I am the young man to whom your brother Augustin promised his niece. If you desire it, I can shew all the letters which he wrote to my father on the subject of the marriage. Will you not" believe it when you see the picture of Florentiua, which he sent to me some time before his death ?"
" No ! (said the old citizen, interrupting him), neither the picture, nor the letters, will convince me: I know very well in what manner they fell into your hands, and I advise you, as a friend, to be gone from Merida as soon as you can." — " This is too much (cried the young gentleman in his turn), I will not suffer my name to be stolen with im- punity, nor myself to be treated like a highway- man, I know some people in this place, whom I will find, and return to confound this impostor
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that has prejudiced jou against me.'* So saying, he retired with his valet^ and Moralez remained master of the field : naj^ this adventure made Jerome de Mojadas resolve to have the marriage celebrated that very day, and he went out instantly to give the necessary orders for the occasion.
Though my comrade was very well pleased to see Florentina's father in a disposion so favourable for us, he was far from being perfectly at ease ; fearing the consequence of the measures which he concluded Pedro would certainly take, he waited for me with impatience to communicate what had happened. Finding him, at my return, plunged in a profound reverie, *' What is the matter, friend? (said I), thou seemest in a brown study." He re- plied, *' If I am, it is not without reason," and informed me of the whole affair ; adding, " Thou seest what cause I have to muse. It was thou alone, who rashly threw us into that dilemma. It was a shining enterprise, I own, and would have crowned thee with glory had it succeeded : but, in all appearance, it will end ill : and it is my advice, that, in order to prevent explanation, we imme* diiately betake ourselves to our heels, with the feather which we have plucked from the honest man's wing."
" Mr. Moralez (answered I, to this proposal), you yield to diflSculties, I find, very soon, and don't do a great deal of honour to Don Matthias de Cordel, and the other cavaliers, with whom you
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lived at Toledo : one, who has served his appren ticeship under such able masters, ought not to be easily alarmed. As for me, who intend to walk in the steps of these heroes, and prove myself a worlbv pupil, I will bear up against the obstacle that terrifies you, and make my utmost effort to sur- mount it." — " If you accomplish that (said my companion), I will prefer you to all the great men in Plutarch."
Just as Moralez had done speaking, Jerome de Moyadas coming in, said to me, " You shall be my son-in-law this very evening: your servant, I sup- pose, has told you what has happened. What do you think of the impudence of the rogue, who would have made me believe that he was t!-,e son of my brother's correspondent ?" — " Signor (an- swered I, in a melancholy tone, and with the most ingenuous air I could affect), I find I am not quali- fied to carry on a deceit. 1 must sincerely own that I am not the son of Juan Velez de la Menbrilla." — '^ What do I hear ! (cried the old man, inter- rupting me with equal precipitation and surprise), how ! you not the young man, to whom my
brother " " Pray, Sir (said I, interrupting him
in my turn), be so good as to hear me to an end. I have loved your daughter these eight days, dur- ing which my passion has detained me at Merida ; and yesterday, after having come to your assistance, I was about to demand her in marriage, when you stopped my mouth, by giving me to understand
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that she was destined for another. You told nic, that your brother, in liis last moments, conjured you to bestow her upon Pedro de la Menbrilla ; that you promised to comply with his request, and, in short, that you was a slave to your word. This information, I confess, overwhelmed me, and my love, reduced to despair, inspired me with the stratagem I put in practice. I must tell you, how- ever, that I secretly upbraid myself with the trick I had put upon you ; but I flattered myself that you would forgive it, when I should have discovered it, and convinced you, that I am an Italian prince, who travel incognito, and that my father is so- vereign of certain valleys situated between the Swiss, the Milanese, and Savoy. I imagined that you would be agreeably surprised, when I should have revealed my birth ; and I felt all the pleasure of a delicate and passionate husband, in the hope of declaring it to Florciitina, after our marriage. Heaven (added I, changing my tone), would not indulge mc in so much joy : Pedro de la Menbrilla appears, and I n)ust restore him his name, how much soever the restitution will cost we. You are engaged, by your promise, to choose him for a son- in-law ; and it is your duty to prefer him to me, without regard to my rank, or compassion for the cruel situation to vvhich you are going to reduce me. I will not pretend to represent, that your brother was only the uncle of your daughter, and ih'di you being her father, it is more just to acquit
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jourielf of the obligation you owe to ine, tlian to make it a point of honour to keep a promise, which is but slightl}' binding."
" Yes, doubtless, it is so (cried Jerome dc Moyadas), therefore I do not intend to hesitate between you and Don Pedro de la Menbrilla. If my brother Augustin was still alive he would not blame me for giving the preference to a man who saved my life, and who is, moreover, a prince, who does not disdain to ask my alliance. I must be an enemy to my own happiness, and entirely deprived of my understanding, if I did not give you my daughter, and even press the celebration of the marriage." — " But, Signor (I replied), do nothing impetuously, consult your interest only, and, not- withstanding the nobility of my blood — " '' Sure you jest ! (said he, interrupting me) ought 1 to hesitate one moment ? No, my prince, I most humbly beseech you to honour the happy Floren- tina with your hand this very evening." — " Well (said I) be it so ; go carry the news yourself, and inform her h c glorious fate."
While the honest citizen flew eagerly to tell his daugiiter that she had made a conquest of a prince, Moralez, who had heard the whole conversation, threw himself on his knees before me, saying, " Monsignor the Italian prince, son of a sovereign of the valleys situated between the Swiss, MilaneBC, and Savoy, give me leave to enibrace the feet of your highness, and testify the excessive joy I feel.
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Upon the faith of a knave, I look upon you as a prodigy. I thought myself the first man in the world, but truly I strike to jou, although jou have less experience than I." — '' What ! you are no longer uneasy, I hope," (said I to him). " Oh ! not at all (answered he);, I am no longer afraid of Signor Pedro ; let him come again as soon as he pleases." Moralez and I now being firm in the stirrups, began to regulate the course we should take with the dowry, on which we depended so much, that we could not have thought ourselves more secure of it had it been already in our pockets. We had not as yet got it for all that, and the catastrophe of the adventure did not answer our expectation.
In a little time the young man of Calatrava returned, accompanied by two citizens and an alguazil, as formidable on account of his whiskers and swarthy complexion as of his employment. — Florentina's father being present. '' Signor de Moyadas(said Pedro to him), I have brought hither three credKable people, who know me, and can tell you who I am." — " Yes, sure ! (cried the alguazil) I can tell, and I certify to all whom it may con- cern, tliat I know you. Your name is Pedro, asid you are the only son of Juan Velez dela Menbrilla : whoever maintains the contrary is an impostor." — '' I believe you, Mr. Alguazil (said the honest man Jerome de Moyadas), your evidence is sacred with me, as well as that of the gentlemen merchants
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who are along with you. I am fully convinced that the young cavalier, who conducted you hither, is tiie only son of my brother's correspondent : but that does not signify, I am no longer in the mind to give him my daughter."
'' O ho ! that's another affair (said the alguazii), I come hither only to assure you, that I know tins young man. You are master of your child, and nobody can compel you to part with her against your inclination." — " Nor do 1 intend (said Pedro, interrupting him) to offer violence to the inclina- tion of Signer de Moyadas ; but he will give me leave to ask, why he has changed his sentiments, or if he has any cause to complain of me. Let me be assured, at least, that I have not lost the sweet hope of being his son-in-law by my own misbe- haviour."— " I have no cause to complain of you (replied the old man), and will even own, tliat it is with regret I see myself under a necessity of break- ing my word, for which I conjure you to forgive me. I am persuaded, that you are too generous to take it amiss that I prefer you to a rival who has saved my life. Here he is (pursued he, shewing me to the company), this is the person who rescued me from the most imminent danger ; and that my excuse may have still more force, I must inform you he is no less than an Italian prince."
At these last words, Pedro became mute and confounded ; the two merchants stared with the utmost surprise ; but the alguazil, accustomed to
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look upon the worst side of every thing, suspected this wonderful adventure to be a trick that might turn out to his advantage ; he eyed me very atten- tively, and his good-will being baffled by my features, which were utterly unknown to him, he examined my comrade with the same attention. Unluckily for my highness, he recollected Moralez, and remembering to have seen him in the prison of Ciudad Real, " Aha ! (cried he) here is one of our customers ; I remember this gentleman, who, I assure you, is one of the most perfect sharpers wilhin the kingdoms and principalities of Spain." — " Softly, Mr. Alguazil (said Jerome de Moyadas) the young man whom you paint so disadvantage- ously is the domestic of a prince." — '' Very well (replied the alguazil), I know enough to form my resolution accordingly, and judge of the master by the man. I don't doubt that these gallants are two cheats, who have agreed to impose upon you. I know how to manage in such cases ; and to let you see that these wits are adventurers, I will carry them instantly to gaol. I intend to introduce them to a private conversation with Monsieur the Cor- regidor ; after which, they will feel that whipping is not yet out of fashion." — " Hold there, master officer (replied the old man), don't let us push mat- ters so far : people of your profession are not afraid of giving pain to a worthy man. May not Ihis valet be a rogue, and his master a man of honour ? Is it a new thing to see sharpers in <lie
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service of princes?" — " You joke uitliyour princes (said the alguazil) ; this }0ung fellow is a knight of the post, you may depend upon it, and I arrest him and his comrade in the king's name. I have twenty soldiers at the door, who shall drag them to prison, if they refuse to go with a good grace. Come, my prince (addressing himself to me), let us march."
I was thunderstruck at these words, as well as Moralez, and our concern rendered us suspected to Jerome de Moyadas ; or rather convinced him, that we actually had a design to defraud him. On this occasion, however, he behaved like a gallant man, saying to the alguazil, " Master officer, perhaps your suspicions are false, and perhaps they are but too true. Be it as it will, let us dive no farther into the affair : let these two young cava- liers retire wheresoever they please to go. and I beg you will not oppose their retreat : it is a favour I ask, in order to acquit myself of the obligation I owe them." — *' Were I strictly to do my duty (answered the alguazil) I should imprison these gentlemen, without having any regard to your entreaty ; but, for your sake, I will relax a little, provided that they quit the town this instant : for if I meet them to-morrow, egad ! they shall see what will become of them."
When ]Moralcz and I understood that we were free, we recollected ourselves a little, endeavoured to talk boldly, and affirmed that we were persons
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of honour ; but the alguazil silenced us with a fierce look ; and I don't know how, these people have an ascendancy over us. We were obliged, therefore, to abandon Florentina and her portion to Pedro de la Menbrilla, who, doubtless, became the son- in-law of Jerome de Moyadas, and retire with all speed, taking the road to Truxillo, with the con- solation of having, at least, got a hundred pistoles bj the adventure. About an hour before night, passing bj a little village, with a resolution of go- ing farther before we should halt, we perceived an inn of a pretty good appearance for that place, and the landlord, with his wife, sitting on long stones at the door. The husband, a tall, meagre old fellow, tbrununed upon a wretched guitar, for the diversion of his wife, who seemed to listen with pleasure. " Gentlemen (cried the landlord, when he saw we did not stop), I advise you to halt at this place: you v.'on't find a village within three weary leagues of this ; and even there, I assure you, you won't be so well served as here : take my word for it, and walk into my house, where I will entertain you hcindsomely, at a reasonable rate." We suf- fered ourselves to be persuaded, and approaching the man and his wife, bid them good even ; and having seated ourselves by them, began all four to talk of indifierent subjects. The landlord said he was an officer of the holy brotherhood, and his wife was a fat merry dame, who seemed to under- stand very wcil how to vend her commodities.
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Our couvcrsation was interrupted by the arrival of twelve or fifteen cavaliers, some mounted on mules, and some on horseback, followed bv thirty baggage moyls loaded with bales. " Ah ! uhat a number of princes ! (cried the landlord, at sight of so many people) where shall I find lodging for them all ?" In a moment the village was crowded with men and beasts. There was luckily, near the inn, a vast barn, in which the moyls and the bag- gage were disposed : the mules and horses belong- ing to the cavaliers, were put in other places ; and as for the men, they did not concern themselves so much about finding beds, as in bespeaking a good supper. The landlord, his wife, and a young maid-servant beloniiing to the house, were not idle; they slaughtered all the poultry in their yard, which joined to some ragouts made of rab- bits and cats, and a plentiful dish of soup, com- posed of caulifiowers and mutton, furnished enter- tainment enough for the whole company.
Moralez and I looked at the cavaliers, who fron) time to time eyed us also. At last we entered into conversation, and told them, that if it was agreeable, we would sup in company. They as- sured us that we could not do them a greater plea- sure : so we sat down altogether at table. There was one among them, who seemed to be the chief, and for whom the rest, though otherwise very familiar, did not fail to shew some deference : it is true, indeed, he kept the upper end, talked in an
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elevated tone of voice^ and even contradicted sometimes, in a cavalier manner, the sentiments of the rest, who, far from replying in the same man- ner to him, seemed to respect his opinions. The discourse falling, by accident, on Andalusia; and Moralez taking it into his head to praise Seville, this man said to him, " Signor Cavalier, jou are making the eulogium of the city where I first drew breath, or at least I was born in its neigh- bourhood, since the town of Mayrena gave me to the world." — '' I can say the same thing (answered my companion) ; I was likewise born at Mayrena, and I must certainly know your parents: pray, whose son are you ?" — " I am (said the cavalier) the son of an honest notary, called Martin Mo- ralez."— " Upon my faith (cried my comrade with emotion), the adventure is extremely singular : you are then my eldest brother Manuel Moralez." — " The very same (said the other) ; and you are, I suppose, my young brother, Lewis, whom I left in the cradle, when I quitted my father's house?" — " That is my name, indeed," (replied my com- rade). Upon which they both got up, and era- braced one another with great affection. Then Signor Manuel said to the company, '' Gentlemen, this event is altogether marvellous ! I have, by accident, met and discovered a brother, whom I have not seen these twenty years and more : allow me to present him to the company." All the cava- liers, who kept themselves standing, out of com-
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plaisancCj saluted the young Moralez, and loaded him with caresses. Afterwards, we sat down again at table, where we remained all night, with- out going to bed ; the two brothers sitting by one another, and conversing by themselves about their family, while the other guests drank and made raerry.
Lewis, after a long conversation with Manuel, taking me aside, said, " All these cavaliers are domestics of the Count de Montanos, whom the king has lately named for viceroy of Majorca. They are conducting their master's equipage to Alicant, where they are to embark. My brother, who is become steward to that nobleman, has pro- posed to carry mc along with him ; and, on ac- count of the reluctance 1 expressed in leaving you, told me, that if you would accompany us, he would procure for you a good employment. Dear friend (added he), I advise thee not to disdain the offer: let us go together to the island of Majorca : if we find it agreeable, we will stay there; and if we shall be displeased with our situation, we will return to Spain."
I willingly embraced the proposal ; young Mo- rale/ and I joined the Count's officers, and set out with them from the inn before day. Having by long marches gained the city of Alicant, I bought a guitar, and took off a handsome suit of clothes before our embarkation ; thinking of nothing but the island of Majorca ; and Lewis Moralez was in
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the same disposition. We seemed to have re- nounced sharping altogether. To tell you the truth, we had a mind to pass for persons of honour among the cavaliers in whose company we were, and that kept a check upon our geniuses. At last we went merrily on board, flattering ourselves with the hopes of being at Majorca in a very little time; but scarce had we cleared the gulf of Ali- cant, when a terrible tempest arose. I might in this place of my relation take an opportunity to make a fine description of the storm; to paint the air all on fire, to make the thunder roar, the winds whistle, the mountain billows roll, &c. But all these flowers of rhetoric apart, I assure you the hurricane was violent, and obliged us to bear away for the point of the island of Cabrera, a desert isle, in which there is a little fort, at that time, garri- soned by an officer and five or six soldiers, who gave us a very hospitable reception.
As we were obliged to stay there several days, in order to repair our sails and tackle, we invented different kinds of amusements to pass the time agreeably. Each followed his own inclinations : some played at primero, others sought diflferent diversions, and I went to walk through the island, accompanied by those who loved such exercise. We skipped from rock to rock, for the ground was very uneven, full of stones, and very deficient in good soil. One day, while we considered these parched withered places, and admired the caprice
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rf nature, that shews licrself fiuiifiil or barren as she please?, our noses were iiivaded all of a sudden with a most agreeable snicll. ^V'e immediately turned to the eastward, from whence that odour came, and perceived w ith astonishment, among- the rocks, a large, round, green spot, surrounded with honeysuckles, even more beautiful and sweet- scented tiian those that grow in Andalu-ia. We approached with pleasure those charming shrubs, which perfumed the air all round, and found that they bordered upon the entry of a very deep cavern, which being large and light, we descended to the bottom of it, turning by steps of stone, the ends of which were adorned with .flowers, the whole forming a natural winding staircase. When we had got down, we saw several little rills of water, which derived their sources from drops that incessantly distilled from the rocks within, creep- ing along sand more yellow than gt)ld, and losing themselves in the earth. The water seemed so pure, that we were tempted to drink, and found it so fresh, that we resolved to return next day to the same place with some bottles of wine, per- suaded that we should empty them with vast pleasure.
It was with regret we quitted such an agreeable place, and, when we went back to the fort, we did not fail to boast of our discovery ; but the com- mandant cautioned us, as a friend, against return- ing to the cavern, with wliich we were so much
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cbarmed. " For what? (said I to him.) Is tliere any thing to fear?" — ''Yes, without doubt (he replied) : the corsairs of Algiers and Tripoli some- times land oil this isle, to water at that spring", and one daj surprised two soldiers of my garrison, whom they made slaves," It was in vain for the officer to tell us this with a very serious air ; he could not persuade us, for we believed that he jtsted; and next day I returned to the cavern, with three more of my companions, without pro- viding ourselves with fire-arms, to shew that we dreaded nothing. Young Moralez would not be of the party, choosing rather to stay with his bro- ther, and play in the fort.
Having descended, as the day before, to the bottom of the cave, we cooled some bottles of wine, that we had brought along with us, in the rivulels; and while we drank them deliciously, playing on the guitar, and conversing pleasantly together, we saw several men appear at the mouth ef the cavern above, with large whiskers, turbans, and Turkish dress. We imagined that it was a part of the count's domestics, with the com- mandant of the fort, wlio had thus disguised themselves, iti order to frighten us; and prepos- sessed with this fancy, began to laugh, letting no less than ten of them come down, without thinking of defending ourselves. We were, however, soon undeceived in a melancholy manner, and convinced that it was a corsair, who came with his people to
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carry us off. " Surrender, you dogs (he cried, in the Castilian tongue), or you shall be all put to the sword." At the same time his followers presented their carbines to us, and we should have under- gone a fine discharge had we made the least re- sistance. AVe preferred slavery to death, and gave our swords to the pirate, who ordered us to be loaded with chains, and conducted to his vessel, which was not far ofT: then setting sail, he steered with a fair wind towards Algiers.
In this manner were we punished for neglecting the caution of the officer of the garrison. The first thing that the corsair did was to rifle us of all the money we had. What a fine windfijll for him! The two hundred pistoles taken from the young citizens of Placenlia, the hundred which INIoralez had received from Jerome de Moyadas, and which unluckily I had about me, were all swept away without mercy. My companions had also their purses well furnished. In short, it was an ex- cellent prize. The pirate was rejoiced at his good luck; and the rascal, not satisfied with our plun- der, insulted us with his raillery^ which we did not feel half so much as the necessity that compelled us to bear it. After a thousand jokes, he ordered the bottles of wine which we had cooled at the fountain, and which his people had taken care to seize, to be brought to him, and began to empty them with his crew, drinking to our health by way of derision.
During this conjuncture, the countenances of
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ray comrades expressed the pain they felt ; and their slavery mortified them the more, because they had formed the most delightful idea of their voy- age to the island of Majorca^ where they had laid their account with leading^ a most delicious life. As for me, I had fortitude enough to project a plan of conduct for myself; and, less afraid than ijiy fellows, entered into conversation with the railer, and even returned his jokes with a good grace. Pleased with my behaviour — '' Young man (said he), I like thy disposition ; for, in the main, instead of sighing and groaning, it is better for one to arm himself with patience, and sail with the stream. Play to us a small air (added he, ob- serving that I had a guitar) ; let us see what thou canst do." 1 obeyed him, as soon as he had ordered my arms to be unchained, and began to tliirum upon my guitar in such a manner as ac- quired his applause. I had indeed learned under the best master in Madrid, and played on that in- strument pretty well. I sang likewise, and my voice gave no Itss satisfaction. All the Turks in the vessel expressed the pleasure they felt in hearing me, by gestures of admiration : a circumstance from which I concluded, that Iheir taste for music was not extremely delicate. The pirate whis- pered to me, that I should not be an unhappy slave ; and that one of my talents might depend, upon an employment that would make my captivity very supportable.
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I felt sonic jov at (liesc words; hut, flattering^ as they were, I bad abundance of uneasiness on the score of this occupation, with the promise of which the corsair regaled me. ^^ hen we arrived at the port of Algiers*, we saw a great number of people assembled to receive us, who, as soon as we were landed, shouted with joy : besides, the air resounded with the confused noise of trumpets, INIoresco flutes, and other instruments used in that country, which formed a symphony more loud than agree- able. The cause of these rejoicings was a false report which had spread through the city, im- porting that the renegado Mehemet (this was our pirate's name) had perished in attacking a large Genoese vessel; so that all his friends, in- formed of his return, were eager in their expres- sions of joy.
We had no sooner set foot on shore, than I and my companions were conducted to the palace of Dey Solyman, where a Christian secretary, exa- mining us one by one, asked our names, ages, country, religion, and qualifications. Then Me- hemet, shewing me to the Dey, extolled my voice, and assured him, that I played ravishingly on the guitar. This was enough to determine Solyman to choose me for his own service : accordingly I was detained in his seraglio, while the other
* Algiers, a city on the coast of Barbary, possessed by the Moors, who arc at perpetual war with the Spaniards, and under the jnotcction of the Turks,
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captives were led into a public place, and sold according to custom. What Mehemet had fore- told to me in the vessel came to pass. — My con- dition was very happy ; far from being abandoned to gaolers,, or employed in laborious work, I was, by order o^^ Soh man, disposed of in a particular place, with live or six slaves of quality, who expected every moment to be redeemed, and whose tasks were far from being painful. My business was to water the orange trees and fiowers in the garden, and I could not iiave been favoured with a more agreeable occupation.
Solyman was a man about forty years of age, well-shaped, very polite, and, for a Turk, mighty gallant. His chief favourite was a Cashmirian* woman, who, by her understanding and beauty, had acquired an absolute dominion over him. He loved her even to adoration, and treated her every day with some entertainment or other ; sometimes with a concert of vocal and instrumental music, and sometimes with a comedy in the Turkish taste ; that is to say, a dramatic poem, in which modesty and decorum were as little regarded as the rules of Aristotle. The favourite, whose name was Farrukhnaz, was passionately fond of these diversions, and even made her women sometimes represent Arabian pieces before the Dey ; wherein
* Cashmire is a country under the dominion of the Great Mogul, called the Indian Paradise ; remarkable for the beauty and wit of its women.
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she herself placed a part, and ch armed all the spectators by the grace and vivacity of her actiun. I being one day among the musicians, at a repre- sentation of this kind, Solyman ordered me to play upon the guitar, and sing alone, between the acts. 1 had the good fortune to please, was very much applauded, and the favourite seemed to look upon me with a favourable eye.
The very next day, while I was busied in water- ing the orange-trees in the garden, an eunuch passing by me, without stopping or speaking one word, dropped a billet at my feet : I took it up in a confusion made up of fear and joy. I lay down upon the ground, that 1 nnght not be seen from the windows of the seraglio, and coiicealing myself behind the boxes in which the orange-trees were planted, opened tlie letter, in which I found a pretty valuable diamond, and these words in good Castilian : —
" Young Christian, thank heaven for thy captivity — Love and fortune will make thee happy — Love, if thou art sensible to the charms of a beautiful woman : and fortune, if thou hast courage to despise the greatest danger."
I did not in the least doubt that the letter came from the favourite Sultana : the style and diamond persuaded me that she must have been the author. Besides that I am not naturally very timorous, the vanity of being in the good graces of a grand
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signor's mistressj and more than that, the hope of getting from her four times as much money as would be necessary for mj ransom^ made me form the design of achieving that adventure, whatever dangers might attend it. I continued my work, musing upon the means of entering the apartment of Farruk.'maz, or rather expecting that she would pave the way ; for I concluded that she would not stop there, but at least be at more than half the trouble. I was not mistaken : the same eunuch that passed me before repassed an hour after, and said, " Christian, hast thou considered, and wilt thou have the baldness to follow me ?"— I answered *' Yes." He replied '' Very well ; heaven pre- serve thee. Thou shalt see me again to-morrow morning," So saying, he retired. — Next day he appeared accordingly about eight in the morning, and beckoned me to him. 1 obeyed the signal, and he conducted me into a hall, where there was a large piece of liiic n, which another eunuch and he liad brouglit thither, and vvhicli they were to carry to the Suhana, for the decoration of an Arabian piece that she was preparing for the entertainment of the Dvy.
The two eunuchs having spread out the cloth, laid me along within it, and at the hazard of my beiiig sufi'ocated, rolled it up again, with me in the middle : then, each taking one end of it, carried me thus, unquestioned, into the bed-chamber of the fair Cashrnirian, who had nobody with her but
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ail old siiivo devoted to licr pleasure. When the two unrolled the clotii, Farrukhnaz, at sight of me, broke fortli into traiisports of joy, that well discovered the genius of women in that country. — Bold as I naturally was, I could not see myself transported, all of a sudden^ into the secret apart- ment of the women, without being seized with fear. The lady easily perceived it, and, in order to dissi- pate my apprehension, said, " Young man, fear nolhi!fg : Solymati is gone to his country house, where he will remain all day ; so that we may converse together freely."
Encournged by these words, I assumed a look that redoubled the favourite's joy. " I am pleased with your peison (said she), and intend to soften the rigour of your slavery : I believe you worthy of the sentiments I have conceived for you ; for though you are in the dress of a slave, you have a noble and gallant air, that shews you are not of the vulgar. Speak freely, and tell me who you are. I know that captives of a noble birth dis- guise their rank, that they may be redeemed at an easier rate ; but you have no occasion to behave in that manner with me : I should even be affronted at such a precaution, since I promise to set you at liberty. Be sincere, therefore, and confess that you are a young man of a good family." — " I'ldy, madam (I replied), it would be ingratitude in me to repay your generosity with dissimulation ; and since you absolutely charge me to reveal my
■106 GIL BLA3.
quality, you must be satisfied. I am the son of a Spanish grandee." Perhaps I spoke truth : at least the Sultana believed it : and, pleased that she had thrown her cjes upon a gentleman, of im- portance, assured nie that it should not be her fault if we did not see one another often in private. We had a pretty long conversation, and I never saw a more engaging woman : she under- stood several languages, especially the Castilian, which she spoke pretty well. When she judged it time for us to part, I went, by her order, into an osier basket, covered with a flowered silk, the work of her own hand. Then the two slaves who brouglit me in were called, and carried me out as a present from the favourite to the Dey : a thing sacred to all the men who are entrusted with the guard of the women,
Farrukhnaz and I found other means of seeing one another, and that amiable captive inspired me with almost as much love for her as she had for me. Our intelligence remained secret during two months, although it is very difficult in a seraglio to conceal the mysteries of love so long from the Arguses that watch it. But an unlucky accident disconcerted our small affairs, and my fortune was entirely changed. One day, when I had been introduced to the Sultana in the body of an arti- ficial dragon, that was made for a show, and was conversing with lier, Solyman, who I imagined was busy in the country, interrupted us, and
eiL BLAS. 107
entered so liastil_y into the apartment of liis fa- vourite, that the old slave scarce had time to advertise us of his arrival ; consequcnily I had no leisure to conceal myself, and therefore was the first object that presented itself to the view of the Dey.
He seemed astonished at the sight of me, and his eyes kindled with fury. I looked upon myself as one that touched his last moment, and already imagined myself under the torture. As for Far- rukhnaz, I perceived that she was terrified indeed : but, instead of owning her crime, and asking par- don, she said to Soiyman, " Signor, before you pronounce my sentence, deign to hear my defence: appearances doubtless condemn me, and I seem to have commiited a piece of treason worthy of the most horrible chastisement. I have brought this young captive hither, and, in order to introduce him into my apartment, have used the same artifice which I would have employed, if I had entertained a violent passion for him. Nevertheless, I take our holy prophet to witness, that, notwithstanding this conduct, I am not unfaithful. I had a mind to converse with this Christian slave, in order to detach him from his sect, and engage him to follow that of the believers. I have found in him such a resistance as I expected ; but, however, I have conquered his prejudice, and he has promised to embrace ^Nlahometanism."
I own, I ought to have contradicted the favour-
108 CtIl blas.
ite, without any regard to the dang-eroiis coiijunc- ture in which I was: but being in the utmost dejection of spirit, affected with the danger in which I saw a woman whom I k)ved, and trembling for myself, I remained speechless and confused : I could not utter one word,, and the Dey, persuaded by my silence that his mistress said nothing but the truth, was appeased. " Madam (said he), I am willing to believe t!iat you have not injured me, and that a desire of doing a thing agreeable to the prophet has engaged you to iiazard such a delicate action. I forgive your imprudence, therefore, pro- vided this captive takes the turban immediately." He sent for a Marabou * that instant ; I was clothed with a Turkish dress, and did all that was required, without having power to resist. Or rather, I was ignorant of what I did, so much were my senses disordered. How many Christians are there, who would have been as base as I was on such an occasion ?
After the ceremony, I quitted the seraglio, under the name of Sidy Hali, to exercise a small employ- ment bestowed upon me by Solyman. I never saw the Sultana again ; but one of her eunuchs, coming to me one day, brought from her a present of jewels worth two thousand sultanins of gold, with a billet in which the lady assured me, that she would never forget my generous complaisance,
* Mara!)ous arc IMahonictari pritsls.
GIL UF.AS.
109
in siillerinc: myself to be made a Maliometan in order to save her life. Truly, besides the presents I received from Farrukhnaz, I obtained through lier an employment more considerable than the first, and in less than seven years became one of the richest renegadoes in the city of Algiers.
You may well believe that if I assisted at the prayers which the jNIussulmcn put up in their njosques, and fulfilled the other duties of their religion, it was only out of pure griniace. I pre- served a determined resolution to re-enter into the bosom of the church ; and, for that purpose, to withdraw one day into Spain or Italy with the riches which I should amass. In the mean time I lived very agreeably ; was lodged in a fine house, had superb gardens, a great number of slaves, and veiy handsome women in my seraglio. Though the use of wine is forbid in that country to jNIaho- nietans, they do not fail, for the most part, to drink it in private. As for my own part, 1 drank it witliout ceremony, as almost all renegadoes do. I remember I had two companions with whom I often committed a debauch within the night. One was a Jew, the other an Arabian, and both, as I imagined, honest men; so that Hived with them in the greatest familiarity. One evening, I invited them to supper, and a dog, of which I was pas- sionately fond, having died that day, we bathed his body, and buried it with all the ceremony that is observed at the funerals of the Mahometans. In
110 eiL BLAS.
SO doing" we had no intention to ridicule the Mussulman religion, but only to amuse ourselves, and gratify a foolish whim that seized us in the middle of our debauch, to render the last duties to my dog.
This action, however, had well nigh ruined me^ Next day a man came to my house, and said, " Signor Sidy Hali, I am come hither on an im- portant affair. The Cadi * wants to speak with you : take the trouble, if you please, to go to his house immediately : an Arabian merchant, who supped with you last night, has informed him of a certain impiety committed by you, with regard to a dog which you buried. For this reason I summon you to appear this day before that judge, otherwise I give you notice that you will be proceeded against in a criminal manner." So saying, he went away, leaving me thunderstruck with this citation. The Arabian had no cause to coinplain of me, arid I could not comprehend tiie traitor's reason for playing me this trick. Nevertheless, the thing was not to be neglected. I knew the Cadi was a man severe in appearance, but not at all scrupulous at bottom : so I put two hundred sultanins of gold into my purse, and repaired to his house. He carried me into his closet, and said, with a stern look, *' You are an impious, sacrilegious, and abominable man : you have interred a dog like a
* The Cadi is the civil magistrate in every town in Turkey.
GIL BLAI.
Ill*
Mussulman : what honiu profanation ! Is it thus
then you regard our most sacred ceremonies ? and
did you become a Mahometan only to make a jest
of our worship ? — " Mr. Cadi (I replied), the
Arabian who has made such a malicious report of
me, that false friend, is an accomplice of my crime,
if it be a crime to grant the honours of burial to a
faithful domestic — an animal that possessed a
thousand good qualities. He loved people of merit
and distinction so much, that even in his last
uioments, as a testimony of his friendship, he has
left them his whole fortune by a will, of which I
am the sole executor. He bequeaths twenty crowns
to one, thirty to another ; and. Sir, he has not
forgot you (added I, taking out my purse); here
are two hundred suUanins ofgold which he charged
me to give you." The Cadi, losing his gravity at
this discourse, could not help laughing, and, as we
were alone, took the purse without ceremony,
saying, while he dismissed mc, " Go, Signer Sidy
Hali ; you have done well to inter with pomp and
honour a dog who had so much consideration for
persons of worth."
By these means I extricated myself out of this affair, which, if it did not make me more wise, rendered me at least more circumspect for the future. I no longer drank with the Arabian, nor even with the Jew ; but chose for a companion at my cups a young gentleman of Leghorn, called Azarini, who was rav own slave. I was not like
112 GIL BLA3.
llie rest of Uic reriCg-adoes, who nre gciierallj' more cruel to slaves tlian the Turks themselves ; all my captives waited very patienlly for their redemp- tion ; and indeed I treated them so gently, that sometimes they told me, they were more afraid of changing their master, than desirous of liberty, whatever charms it has for people in a state of bondage.
One day the Dej's vessels returned with con- siderable prizes, bringing in more than a hundred slaves of both sexes, whom they had taken on the coasts of Spain. Solysiian kept but a very small number, and the rest were exposed for sale : I ar- rived in the market-place, and bought a Spanish girl, about ten or twelve years old, who wept bit- terly, and seemed in despair. I was surprised to see one of her age so sensible of ca[)tivity; and bid her, in Castilian, moderate her affliction, assuring her that she had fallen into the hands of a master who did not want humanity though he wore a turban. The youf.g creature, whose mind was still engrossed by her sorrow, did, not hear what I said : she did nothing but sob, complain of her fate, and, from time to time, cry with a piteous accent, *' O my mother ! why are we separated ? I should have patience were we together." In pronouncing these words, she turned her eyes towards a woman be- tween forty and fifty years of age, who stood a few paces from her, and, with downcast look, waited ia sullen silence until son»ebody should purchase
CAh DLAS. 1 13
her. I asked the young girl, if the person she looked at was her mother? ''Yes, alas! Signor (she replied), in the name of God do not part us." — " Well, my child (said I), if it is necessary for your consolation that you should he together, you «hall soon he satisfied." At the same time I ap- proached the mother, in order to hid for her : but I no sooner beheld her face than I recollected, with all the emotion you can imagine, the features, the individual countenance of Lucinda ! "Just heaven ! (said I to myself), 'tis my own mother ! 'tis doubt- less she herself!" As for her, whether the deep affliction, occasioned by her misfortunes, made all the objects that surrounded her appear to her as enemies, or that my dress disguised me, or rather that I was much altered in twelve years, during which she haJ not seen me, I know not, but she did not at all remember me.
Having bought her also, I carried them both to my house, \^here, designing to give them the plea- sure of knowing who I was, " Madam (said I to Lucinda), is it possible that my features do not strike you ? Have my whiskers and turban dis- guised me so much, that you do not know your son Raphael !" My mother started at these words, considered my countenance, recollected nie, and we embraced one another with great teiiderness. I thea embraced her daughter, who perhaps knew no more of having a brother, than I of having a sister. " Confess (said I to my mother), iLat in all your
VOL. II. I
114 filL ELAS.
theatrical pieces, vou have not a recognitioii so original as this," — " Son (answered she, sighing), I was at first rejoiced to see you again, but now my joy is converted into grief. In what a situation, alas ! do I find vou ! My slavery gives me a thou- sand times less pain than that odious dress." — " In good faith, madam (said I, interruj)ting her with a laugh), I admire your delicacy, which to be sure is very commendable in an actress. Why, good God ! mother, you must be greatly altered if my meta- morphosis offends you so much : instead of finding fault with my turban, look upon me rather as an actor who plays the part of a Turk upon the stage. Though I am a renegade, I am no more a Mussul- man now than when I was in Spain , and at bottom I feel nsyself still attached to my religion ; when you shall know the adventures that have happened to me in this country, you will excuse my conduct. Love was my crime, and I sacrifice to that deity : I am somewhat of your disposition, I assure you. There is still another reason (added I), which ought to moderate your displeasure in seeing me thus situated. You expected to suffer in Algiers a rigorous captivity ; and you find in your master a son, tender, respectful, and rich enough to maintain you here in abundance, until we can lay hold of an occasion of returning certainly into Spain. So that you must allow that proverb to be true, which says, " It is an ill wind that blows nobody good." " Son (said Lucinda to me), since you design to
6IL BLAS. 115
repass one day into your own country, and there abjure the religion of Mahomet^ I am comforted. Thank heaven ! (continued she) that I shall be able to carry back your sister Beatrice, safe and sound into Castile." — '' Yes, madam (cried I), you shall have it in your power ; we will go all three together as soon as possible, and rejoin the rest of our family ; for I suppose you have more marks of your fruitfulness in Spain." — " No ! (said my mother) I have no other children than you two, and you must know that Beatrice is the fruit of lawful wedlock." — " Why (I resumed), did you give my little sister that advantage over me ? How could you resolve to marry ? I have heard you say a hundred times during my childhood, that you could not forgive a handsome woman for taking a husband." — '' Every season has its reason, my son (she replied) : men of the most firm resolution are apt to change ; and would you have a woman be more constant ? I will (added she), recount my history after you left Madrid." Then she made the following narration, which, as it is curious, I will favour you with.
" If you remember it (said my mother), you quitted young Leganez about thirteen years ago: at that time the duke of Medina Celi told me, that he would come and sup with me in private one evening : he appointed the day, wheii I waited for that nobleman, who came accordingflv, and I had the good fortune to please him. ilo demanded
i U) eiL BLAI,
the sacrifice of all the rivals he might have : I i;ran(ed his request, in hopes of being well paid for iny condescension ; and my hopes were not disap- pointed : for the very next day I received from hira considerable presents, which were followed bj many more, during the course of our correspon dence. I was afraid that I should not be able to detain a man of such high rank a long time in my fetters ; and this I dreaded the more, because I knew veiy well that he had escaped from cele-- brated beauties whose chains he had broke almost as soon as he had bore them. Nevertheless, far from being every day less and less pleased with my favours, liis raptures seenjed rather to increase : in short, I had the art to amuse him, and hinder his heart, naturally inconstant, from giving way to its usual levity.
*' He had been attached to me already three months, and I had room to flatter myself that his passion would be of long duration ; when one of my she-friends and I M'ent to an assembly, where he happened to be with his duchess, in order to hear a concert of vocal and instrumental music. V/e chanced to place ourselves pretty near the duchess, who was pleased to take it amiss that I should presume to appear in a place where she was, and sent a message to me by one of her women, desiring that 1 would immediately withdraw. I returned an insolent answer, which incensed the duchess so much, that she complained of it to her
«IL RLA5. 117
husband, who came to me in person, and said, ' Retire, Lucinda ; though noblemen of my rank attach themselves to such little creatures as you, they must not forget themselves altogether : if we love you more than our wives, we honour our wives more than you ; and as often as you have the inso- lence to put yourselves in competition with them, you will always have the mortification to be treated with indignity.'
" Luckily for me, the duke spoke this in a tone of voice so low, that not one word was overlieard by the people around us. I withdrew, covered with shame, and wept with vexation for the affront I had received. To crown my confusion, the actors and actresses got notice of the adventure that very evening : one would think these people entertain a demon, who delights in reporting to one whatever happens to another. If an aclor, for example, is guilty of sonie extravagant action in a debauch, or an actress enters into articles with a rich gallant, the company is immediately in- fprn)ed of the circumstance. All my comrades, therefore knew what happened at the concert, and God knows how they rejoiced at my expense. A spirit of charity which reigns, among them usually, manifests itself on these occasions. I put myself, however, above their titthe-tattle, and consoled myself for the loss of the Duke de Medina Celi, for he visited me no niorc : and I learned a few
118
eiL BLA9.
dajs after that a Carthusian nun had made a con- quest of him.
*' When a ladj belonging to the theatre has the good fortune to be in vogue, she cannot want lovers ; and the passion of a grandee^ though it does not last above three dajs, greatly enhances her price. I found mjself besieged with adorers, as soon as it was kiiovvn in Madrid that the Duke had forsaken nie. Those rivals whom I had sacri- ficed to him, more captivated by my charms than ever, returned in crowds, as candidates for my favour : I received homage from a thousand other hearts, and was never so much in fashion before. Of all the men who courted my graces, a fat Ger- man, gentleman to the Duke d'Ossuna, seemed the most eager. He had not a very amiable person, but attracted my attention by a thousand pistoles, which he had amassed in the service of his master, and which he squandered away, in order to be deemed worthy of being in the list of my happy gallants. As long as this worthy admirer, whose name was Brutandorf, had money to spend, I gave him a favourable reception ; but, when he was ruined, he found my door always shut against him. This proceeding of mine displeased him, and he came to search for me at the theatre during the play. He found me behind the scenes, and began to re- proach me for my ingratitude. I laughed in his face, at which he was enraged, and gave me a box
GIL BLAS.
119
on the ear, like a blunt Geriiiaii as lie was: I shrieked aloiulj interrupted the rej^rescntation, ap- peared upon the stacre, and addressing myself to the Duke d'Ossuna, who was present with the Duchess his lady, deiuanded justice for the German behaviour of his gentleman. The duke ordered us to go on with the play, and said he would liear the parties when we had finished the piece. As soon as it was over, I presented myself in a good deal of emotion, before the Duke, and sigiiified my grievance in a pathetic manner ; as for the German, he employed but a few words in his defence ; he said, ' That, far from repenting what he had done, he would do it again on the same provocation.' Both parties being beared, the Duke d'Ossuna, said to my adversary, ' Brutandorf, I dismiss you from my service ; let me never see your face again : not that I mind your having struck an actress, but am offended at your want of respect to your master and mistress, by presuming to disturb the entertainment in their presence.'
" This sentence I could not digest : I was mor- tally piqued, because the German had not been turned away on account of his insolence to me : I imagined that such an affront put upon an actress ought to have been as severely punished as petty treason, and I had laid my account with seeing the gentleman undergo some terrible infliction. This disagreeable event undeceived, and convinced me, that the world always makes a distinction between
120 GIL BLAS.
the players and the characters they represent. I was, for this reason, disgusted with the stage, which I resolved to abandon, and go to live at a great distance from Madrid. I accordingly chose the city of Valencia for the place of my retreat, and thither I repaired incognito, with the value of twenty thousand ducats, in jewels and cash : a fortusie, as I thought, sujBicient to maintain me during the rest of my days, since I designed to lead a very retired life. I took a small house at Valen- cia, and had no other domestics than a maid-ser- vant and a page, to whom I was as little known as to the whole city, I pretended to be a widow of an officer of the king's household; and said, I came to settle at Valencia, because it had the re- putation of being one of the most agreeable places in Spain. I saw but very little company, and ob- served such a regular conduct, that 1 was never suspected of having been an actress. In spite of my care, however, to keep myself concealed, I at- tracted the notice of a gentleman, who had a country-house near Paterna. He was a very well- made cavalier, between thirty-five and forty years of age, but withal a nobleman very much in debt; which is no great rarity in the kingdom of Valen- cia, more than in other countries.
'* This Signor Hidalgo*, finding my person to
■:+ Hidalgo (in Spanish) is a gentleman; literally some- body's son, in contra-distinction to those who arc the sons of noboilv.
GIL BLAS.
121
his likinsr, wanted to know if I could answer liis purpose in other respects : for this end, he uncou- pled his spies to malie discoveries, and had the pleasure to learn from their report, that, besides some share of beauty, I was a widow of good for- tune. He looked upon me, therefore, as a suitable match, and, in a little time, an honest old gentle- woman came to my house, and told me, from hifi'., that, being equally charmed with my beauty and virtue, he made a tender of his heart, and was ready to conduct me to the altar, as soon as I would favour him with my hand. I asked three days to deliberate upon his proprosal, and inform myself of liis character ; which was so engaging, that although I was not ignorant of iiis situation, I easily determined to marry him in a short time after.
'' Don Manuel de Xercia (so was my husband called) carried me immediately to his castle, that had a very antique air, of which he was not a little vain. He pretended that one of his ancestors had caused it to be built ; and from thence concluded that there was not a more ancient liouse in Spain than that of Xercia. But this title of nobility, fair as it was, had like to have been destroyed by time; for the castle, which they were obliged to prop up in several parts, threatened immediate ruin. How happy, therefore, was Don Manuel in marrying me! more than half my money was employed in reparations; and the rest served to put us in a con-
122 CIL BLAS.
dition of making' a figure in the country. Behold me then (to use the expression) in a new world, changed into the nymph of a castle^, and lady of a parisii. Here was a metamorphosis 1 and I was too good an actress, not to support, with dignity, the splendour with which I was invested by my rank, I assumed lofty theatrical airs, which made the village conceive an high idea of my birth. How merry would they have been at my expense, had they known the truth of the matter ! the nobility in the neighbourhood would have betowed upon me a thousand taunts, and the peasants abated a great deal of the respect they shewed me.
" I had lived happily near six years with Don Manuel, when he died, leaving ray affairs in great perplexity, with your sister Beatrice, then going in her fifth year. The castle, which was all the estate we had, was unluckily engaged to several credi- tors, the chief of whom was one Bernard Astuto*, whose name seemed veiy well adapted to his cha- racter : he practised at Valencia the business of an attorney, which he exercised with consum- mate skill, having studied the law, in order to qualify himself for cheating with the greatest dex- terity. What a terrible creditor he was ! a castle under the claws of such an attorney is like a pigeon in the talons of a kite. Accordingly, Signor As- tuto, as soi;u as he understood the death of my
* Aslulo is a Spanish word, siguiCying craft or cunning.
CIL BLAS.
123
husband, did not fail to besiege the castle, which he would undoubtedly have blown up by the mines which chicanery began to prepare, had not my good genius interposed, and ordered it so, as that my besieger becan e my slave. I had the good fortune to captivate him, during an interview we had on the subject of the law-suit. I spared no- thing, I own, to inspire him with a passion for me : the desire of saving my land made me practise upon him all those languisliing airs which had often suc- ceeded so well. Notwithstanding all my art, I was afraid of being baffled by the attorney, who was so ingulphed in business, that he did not seem susceptible of an amorous impression. Never- theless, this sullen awkward scrawler took more pleasure in looking at me than I imagined. ' Ma- dam (said he), I know not how to make love : I have already applied to my profession so closely as to neglect the methods and customs of gal- lantry ; but, however, I am not ignorant of the essential part ; and, therefore, to come to the point, I assure you, that if you will give me your hand, we will burn the whole proceedings ; I will bubble the other creditors who join in the suit against you : you shall enjoy the life-rent, and your daughter the property of the land.' My own in- terest, and that of Beatrice, did not permit me to hesitate ; I accepted the proposal, and the attor- ney kept his promise, lie turned his arms against the rest of the trtditors, and secured me in the
124 GIL BLAS.
possession of my castle ; and this, perhaps, was the first time of his having befriended the widow and the orphan.
'' I became, therefore, an attorney's wife, with- out ceasing to be lady of the parish. But this new marriage cost me the esteem of the gentry in Va- lencia. The women of fashion looked upon me as one who had degenerated, and therefore would not visit me; so that I was obliged to confine myself to an acquaintance among citizens : a cir- cumstance that gave me some uneasiness at first ; because I had been for sis years accustomed to correspond with none but ladies of distinction : but I soon consoled myself, and became acquainted with the wives of a scrivener and two attornies, whose characters were pleasant enough; there was something ridiculous in their behaviour, that di- verted me very much. These small gentry believed themselves ladies of some consideration. 'Alas! (said I, sometimes to myself, when I saw them forget themselves) this is the way of the world : every one thinks herself better than her neigh- bour. I imagined that actresses were the only people that did not know themselves ; but I find that citizens' wives are not a whit more reason- able. I wish that, by way of punishment, they were obliged to keep in their houses the pictures of their grandfathers : in good faith, they would not place them in the most remarkable apart- njtnt.'
GIL BLAS.
12:
" After haviug been niarried four years, Signor Bernardo Astuto fell sick, and died without chil- dren ; so that, with what he had settled upon me at our marriage, and the money I was left in pos- session of, I found myself a ricli widow, and had the reputation of being so. On this report, a Sicilian gentleman, whose name was Colitichini, resolved to attach himself to me, in order to ruin or espouse me, for he left me the choice. He had come from Palermo to see Spain, and after having aatisfied his curiosity, waited (as he said), at Va- lencia, for an opportunity of repassing into Sicily. This gentleman was not more than five and twenty years of age, genteelly shaped, though small ; in short, I liked his appearance. He found means to speak with me in private, and I will frankly own that I became madly fond of him in our first inter- view. On his side, the little rogue seemed quite captivated by my charms ; and I believe, God for- give me, we should have married one another im- mediately, had the attorney's death, which was still recent, permitted me to contract a new engage- ment so soon : but, ever since I had fallen into the state of matrimony, I maintained the punctilios of decorum.
" We agreed, therefore, to defer our marriage for some time, out of decency : in the mean time Colifichini continued his addresses, and his pas- sion, far from abating, seemed to increase daily. The poor young man was not \c\-y well provided
126 GIL ELAS,
with cash : I perceived it^ and he no longer wanted money : for, besides that I was almost twice his age, I remembered that I had laid the men under contribution in my youth, and I looked upon what I now did as a restitution that acquitted my con- science. We waited as patiently as we could for the expiration of the time prescribed by custom for women to remain in a state of widowhood ; and then went to the altar, where we mutually, bound ourselves in the indissoluble ties of wed- lock ; we afterwards retired to my castle, where, I may say, we lived two years, not so much like husband and wife, as two tender lovers. But, alas ! we were not destined to be long happy in one another ; a fatal pleurisy robbed rae of my dear Colifichini."
Here I interrupted my mother, crying, '' How! madam : your third husband dead too ! you must certainly be a very dangerous tenement." — ''What could I do, son ? (answered Lucinda). Was it in my power to prolong the days that heaven had numbered ? If 1 have lost three husbands, I could not help it. Two of them I regretted very much : he for whom I had the least regard was the attor- ney : as T married him out of interest, I easily con- soled myself for his death. But (added she), to return to Colifichini ; I must tell you, that a few months after his decease, having a nu'nd to go and see, with my own eyes, a country-house near Palernjo, which he had assigned to me as a join-
GIL BL\5. 1127
ture in our contract of marriage, I embarked with my daughter for Sicily ; but we were taken in our passage by the vessels of the Dey of Algiers^ and conducted into this city. Happily for us, you chanced to be on the spot where we were put up to sale, otherwise we might have fallen into the hands of some barbarous master, who would have mal- treated us, and under whom we might have passed our whole life in bondage, without your knowing any thing of the matter."
Such was my mother's narration ; after which, gentlemen, I gave her the best apartment of my house, with the liberty of living as she should think proper ; a permission that she relished very much. She had contracted such a habit of being in love, from the repeated attacks of that passion, that she must absolutely have either a husband or a gallant. At first she cast her eyes on some of my slaves ; but Haly Pegelin, a Greek renegado, who came frequently to the house, soon engrossed her attention. She conceived a more violent pas- sion for him than ever she felt for Colifichini, and she was so much mistress of the art of pleasing, that she found the secret of charming him also. I winked at their intelligence, and thought of no- thing then but my return into Spain. The Dey having already permitted me to fit out a vessel, to cruise and commit piracy, I was busied in making preparations ; and, eight days before they were finished, said to Lucinda, " ?-Iadam, we shall
128 GIL BLAS.
depart from Algiers in a very little time, and lose sight of that place which you detest so much."
My mother grew pale at these words, and re- mained speechless : at which being strangely sur- prised ; " What do I see, madam ! (said I) what is the meaning of that consternation in your looks ? You seem to be afflicted, rather than rejoiced at what I tell you ! I thought I should have made you happy with the news of every thing being ready for our departure. Have you no longer any desire then of repassing into Spain ?" — '^'None at all, son (answered my mother) ; I have had so much affliction in that kingdom that I renounce it for ever."—'' What do I hear ! (cried I, in a transport of grief). Ah ! say rather, that love de- laches you from it. O heavens ! what a change is here ! when you arrived in this city, every object that presented itself was odious to your eyes ; but Haly Pegelin has altered your disposition." — '' I don't deny it (replied Lucinda) ; I love that rene- gade, whom I design to take for my fourth hus- band."—'' What an abandoned project ! (said I, interrupting her with horror) would you marry a Mussulman ? You forget that you are a Christian ; or rather, you never was one but in name. Ah ! mother, what are you about to do ? you have re- solved upon your own perdition, by voluntarily embracing that which I was compelled to do by necessity."
I used many more arguments to dissuade her
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from her design ; but I harangued to no purpose : she had formed her resohition ; and not contented with following her own wicked inclination, and quitting me to live with that renegade, she wanted to carry Beatrice along with her also ; but this I opposed. '* Ah, wretched Lucinda ! (said I to her) if nothing is able to restrain you, at least abandon yourself only to the fury that possesses your ima- gination ; do not drag a young innocent creature to the precipice from whence you intend to throw yourself." Lucinda went away without making any reply, and I belived that a remaining ray of reason enlightened and hindered her from being obstinate in demanding her daughter. But how little was I acquainted with my mother ! Two days after, one of my slaves said to me, '' Signor, take care of yourself ; one of Pegelin's captives has im- parted a thing to me, of which you cannot take the advantage too soon. Your mother has changed her religion, and to punisii you, for having refused to let her carry off Beatrice, is resolved to inform the Dey of your intended flight." I did not doubt one moment that Lucinda was capable of doing what my slave mentioned : I had opportunities of studying the lady, and perceived, that by the habit of acting sanguinary parts in tragedies, she was so familiarised to guilty that she could have caused me to be burnt alive, and, I believe, would have been no more affected with r;iy death, than with the catastrophe of a dramatic perforniance.
VOL. II. R
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Willing, therefore, not to neglect the advice of nij slave, I hastened the embarkation, and hired Turks, according to the custom of the corsairs of Algiers, when thej go on a cruise : but I hired no more than such as were necessary to keep me un- suspected, and set sail as soon as possible, with all my slaves, and my sister Beatrice. You may well believe that I did not forget to carry off, at the same time, all my jewels and money, which might amount to the value of six thousand ducats. When we got to sea we began by securing the Turks, whom we easily chained, because my slaves were more numerous than they ; and we had such a favoui'able wind, that in a little time we made the coast of Italy, and arrived, without the least bad accjdent, in the harbour of Leghorn, where, I be- lieve, the whole city crowded to see us come ashore. The father of my slave Azarini being among the spectators, by accident or curiosity, surveyed all the captives with great attention, as they disembarked ; but though he sought among them the features of his son, he little expected to see him again. What transports and embraces were the consequence of their meeting, when they recollected one another !
As soon as Azarini had told his father who I was, and what brought me to Leghorn, the old man obliged me as well as Beatrice to lodge at his house. I shall pass over in silence the detail of a thousand things that T was obliged to performin
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being re- admitted into the bosom of the church ; and only observe, that I abjured Mahoractanism much more heartily than I had embraced it. After having entirely purged myself of the gall of Algiers, I sold my vessel, and set all ray slaves at liberty ; as for the Turks, they were detained in prison at Leghorn, in order to be exchanged for Christians. I received the best of treatment from both the Azarinis, the younger of whom married my sister Beatrice, who was indeed no bad match for him, being a gentleman's daughter, and heiress of the castle of Xercia, which my mother had taken care to farm out to a rich peasant of Paterna, when she resolved upon her passage into Sicily.
Having staid some time at Leghorn, I set out for Florence, which I longed much to see ; and "whither I did not go without letters of recommen- dation. Azarini the father had friends at the Grand Duke's court, to whom he introduced me as a Spanish gentleman, his ally; and I prefixed Don to my name, imitating in that a great many Spanish plebeians, who, when they are out of their own country, assume that title of honour without ceremony. I boldly, therefore, called myself Don Raphael ; and, as I had brought from Algiers a sufficiency to support my dignity, appeared at court in a splendid manner. The gentleman to whom Azarini had wrote in my favour gave out that I was a person of quality; so that his testimony, logether with the airs I assumed, n.ude me easily
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pass for a man of importance, I sooii got ac- quainted with the principal noblemen, N>ho pre- sented me to the Grand Duke, whom I had the good fortune to please; upon which, I bent my whole endeavour to make m_y court to that prince, and study his