CHAP. XIV. Wherein the Captive prosecuteth the pleasant narration of his Life. F IFTEEN dayes were not fully expired, when the Runnagate had bought him a very good Barke, able to hold thirty persons or more, and for the better colour and assurance of his businesse, hee made a Voyage to a place called Sargel, which is thirty leagues distant from Argiers toward the side of Oran, and is a great place of traffique for drie figs. Hee made this Voyage twice or thrice in company with the Tagarine, of whom wee made mention; and the name of Tagarino is in Barbary given to the Moores of Arragon, Granada and Mudesares. And in the Kingdome of Fez those Mudesares are called Elehes, and are the Nation which that King doth most imploy in warlike affaires. You shall therefore vnderstand, that every time hee passed by with his Barke, hee did cast Anchor in a little Creeke, twice the shot of a Cros-bow from the Garden wherein Zoraida attended; and there the Runnagate would in very good earnest exercise himselfe with the Moores that rowed, either to flie, or else to assault one another in jest, as hee meant to doe after in good earnest, and would now and then goe to Zoraidaes Garden and demand fruits, which her father would bestow upon him, without knowing what hee was; and although hee desired to have spoken with Zoraida, as hee told mee afterward himselfe, and have informed her how it was hee that was to carry her away by my direction into the land of Christians, and that shee should therefore live cheerefull and secure, yet was it never possible, for asmuch as the women of that Nation doe not suffer themselves to bee viewed by any Moore or Turke, if hee bee not their Husband, or that their Parents command them, yet doe they haunt and communicate themselves to Christian captives freely, and that sometimes more then is convenient, and truly it would have grieved mee, that he should have spoken to her, for perhaps it would have perplexed her extraordinarily, to see her affaire committed to the trust of a Runnagate; but God who did otherwise dispose it, did not concur with this good desire of our Runagate, who seeing how safely hee went and returned from Sargel, and that hee sounded when and where hee pleased, and that the Tagarino his Partner, did only what he liked, and that I was ransomed, and nothing else wanting but to finde out some Christian that would rowe; he bad me bethink my self, what men I would bring away with me, beside those that I had ransomed, and that I should warn them to be ready against the next Friday, wherein hee was resolved that we should depart. Seeing this, I spake to twelve Spaniards very lusty rowers, and those that could with most liberty get out of the Citty: and it was not a little matter to finde so many there at that time, for there were twenty Gallies abroade a robbing, which had carried all the other rowers with them, and these were left behinde, because their Master did keepe at home that Summer to finish a Galley that was on the Stockes a making. To these I said nothing else, but onely warned them that the Friday insuing in the evening, they should closely steale out by one and one, and goe towards Aguimorates Garden, and there expect mee untill I came unto them. I gave this advice to every one of them a part, with order also, that although they saw any other Christians there, they should tell them nothing else, but that I had commanded them to expect mee in that place. This diligence being used, yet wanted there another, which was the most expedient of all, to wit, to advise Zoraida of the termes wherein our affaires did stand, to the end she might be likewise ready and prepared, and not afrighted, though we did assault her before the time that she could imagine the Barke of the Christians to bee come to fetch her, and therefore I resolved to goe my selfe into the Garden, and see whether I might speake with her, and taking the occasion to goe and gather some Herbes; I went unto it the day before our departure, and the first person with whom I encountred, was her father, who demanded of mee in a language which in all Barbarie and Con stantinople is usually spoken by the Moores to their Captives, and is neyther Arabian, Spanish, nor of any other Nation, but rather a mixture of all languages, wherewith all of us understand one another: Hee, I say, in that kinde of speech demanded of mee, what I sought for in that his Garden, and to whom I did belong? I answered, that I was one Arnaute Mami his slave (and this, because I was very certainely in formed that hee was his entire friend) and that I came thither to gather of all sorts of herbs to make a Sallad: hee consequently asked of mee whether I was a man of Ran some or no, and how much my Master demanded for mee? And being in those que stions and demands, the beautifull Zoraida descended from the house into the Garden, who had espied mee a good while before: And as the Moorish women doe not great ly estrange themselves from the sight of Christians, nor are in their behaviour or con versation, with them, any thing squeamish, as wee have said already, shee did not greatly feare to approach the place where her Father talked with me, but rather her Fa ther perceiving that shee came on slowly, did call, and commanded her to draw neer. It were a thing impossible for mee to recount the g •• at beauty and gallant dispositi on, or the bravery and riches of attyre, wherein my beloved Zoraida then shewed her self to mine eyes. I will only say this, that there hanged more Pearles at her eares, su perlative faire neck and haire, then shee hath hayres on her head; about the wrests of her legs, which were naked, after the manner of her Countrey, shee wore two Car caxes (for so the manicles or bracelets of the feete are called in the Morisco tongue) of the finest Gold, wherein were inchaced so many Diamonds, that as shee told mee af ter, her father valued them at twenty thousand Crownes; and those about the wrests of her hands, were of equall esteeme, Her Pearles were many, and those most orient: for all the chief bravery and ornament of the Moorish Ladies consists in the adorning of themselves with Pearles and Pearle-seed, by reason whereof there is more Pearles and Pearle-seed to bee found among the Moores, then among all other Nations of the World: And Zoraidaes father had the fame to have many, and those the very best that were in Argiers; and also above two hundred thousand Ducats of Spanish gold: of all which was shee the Lady who now is mine. And if with all this ornament shee could then seeme faire, by the reliques that have remained unto her among so many la bours, may bee easily guessed, what shee would have beene in the time of prosperitie. For all of us doe know, that the beauty of some women hath limited dayes and seasons, and requireth certaine accidents either to diminish or increase it, and it is a thing natu rall to the passions of the minde, eyther to rayse or abase it; but most commonly they wholly destroy it. To bee briefe, I say, that shee arived to the place where wee dis coursed at that time most richly attyred, and beautifull beyond measure, or I at least deemed her the fairest that I had ever heheld untill then: and herewithall remembring the Obligation wherein shee had tyed mee, thought that some Deitie had pre sented it selfe to my view, being come from Heaven to the Earth, for my recreation and Reliefe. As soone as shee was arived, her father told her in her owne language, how I was his friend Arnaute Mami his captive, and that I came there to gather a Sallad: than shee taking the speech, demanded in that medley of tongues of which I have spoken, whether I was a Gentleman, and what the reason was why I redeemed not my selfe? I made answere that I was already ransomed, and by the Ransome might bee conjectu red, in how much my Master valued me, seeing hee had for my libertie a thousand and five hundred Coltamis. To this shee answered. In good sooth, if thou wert my fathers, I would cause him not to give thee for twice as much more; for you Christians are great Lyers, and doe make every one of your selves poore men, to defraud the Moores of their due Ransome. It may well bee so, Maddam, quoth I: But I have, for my part used all truth in this affayre with my Master, and doe, and will use truth with as many persons as I shall ever have occasion to treat with in this World. And when doest thou goe away, quoth Zoraida? To morrow, as I beleeve, quoth I. For there is a French Vessell here which sets forth to morrow, and I mean to de part in her. Were it not better, replyed Zoraida, to expect untill Vessells come out of Spain, and goe away with them, then with those of France which are not your friends? No, quoth I, although if it were true as the news runne, that there comes a Vessell from Spain, I would attend it; but yet it is more certain that I shall depart to morrow: for the desire I have to see my self at home in my Countrey, and with those persons whom I love, is so great, as it will not permit me to expect any other commoditie that fore-slowes it self, bee it never so good. Thou art doubtlesly mar ried in thy Countrie, said Zoraida; and therefore desir • st to goe see thy Wife. I am not married, quoth I; but I have passed my word to marry as soon as I am there safely arrived. And is shee beautifull to whom thou hast past it, quoth Zoraida? So beau tifull, said I, as to indeer it and tell you the truth, shee is very like unto your selfe. Hereat her Father laughed very heartily, and said, In good earnest, Christian, shee must bee very fair that may compare with my daughter, who is the most beautifull of all this Kingdom; and if thou wilt not beleeve me, look on her well, and thou shalt see that I tell thee but the truth. Hee himself, as most perfect in the tongue, did serve for the interpreter of most of our speeches; for although shee could speak that ille gitimate language which is there in use, yet did shee manifest her minde more by signes then by words. Whilst thus we reasoned of many matters, there came running towards us a certaine Moor, and told his Master how four Turkes had leaped over the Garden walls, and were gathering the fruits, although they were not yet ripe. The old man and his daugh ter Zoraida started hereat; for it is an universall and Naturall defect in the Moors to fear the Turks, but specially the Souldiers of that Nation, who are commonly so insolent, and have such command over the Moors that are their subjects, as they doe use them worse then if they were their slaves. Therefore Zoraida's father said unto her; Daugh ter, retire thy self into the house, and keep thy self in whilest I goe speake to those Doggs; and thou, Christian, goe and seek out thine Hearbs, and depart in a good hour, and I pray Ala to conduct thee safely to thy Countrey. I inclined my self to him, and hee departed to search out the Turks, leaving mee alone with Zoraida, who began to make adoe as if shee went whither her father had commanded her. But scarce was hee covered among the Trees of the Garden, when she returned to me with her eyes full of teares, said Amexi Christiano, Amexi? that is, Goest thou away Christian, goest thou away? I answered, yes Ladie, that I doe; but I will never depart with out thee: expect mee the next Friday, and bee not affrighted when thou shalt see us; for wee will goe to the Christian Countrey then without all doubt. This I said to her in such sort, as shee understood all my words very well; and casting her arme over my neck, shee began to travell with languishing steps towards the house; and fortune would (which might have been very ill, if Heaven had not rectified it) that as wee walked together in that manner and forme, her Father (who did by this return, after hee had caused the Turks to depart) espyed us; and wee saw also very well how hee had perceived us; wherefore Zoraida, who is very discreet would not take away her arme from my neck, but rather drew neerer unto me, and laid her head on my brest, and bowed her knees a little, with evident token that shee swouned; and I likewise made as though I did sustain her up by force. Her Father came running over towards us, and seeing his Daughter in that state, demanded the cause of her; but seeing shee made no answer, hee himself said, Shee doubtlesly is dismaid by the suddain affright shee took at the entrance of those Doggs: And taking her away from me, hee bowed her to his own brest; and shee breathing out a sigh, with her eyes yet full of teares, said again, Amexi Christiano, Amexi: Goe away Christian, goe away. To which her Father, replyed, There is no cause, Daughter, why the Christian should goe away, for hee hath done thee no harme, and the Turks are already departed. Sir, they have affrighted her (quoth I) as you have said; but yet since shee hath commanded me to goe away, I will not offend her; therefore rest in peace; for I will return, if it please you to give mee leave, for herbs to this garden when it is needfull; for my Master saies, none better are to be found for Sallads in any garden then you have in this. Come as oft as thou wilt said Aguimorato, for my daughter saies not this, in respect that thou or any other Christian hath offended her, but that, meaning to say, that the Turkes should goe away, she bad thee to depart, or else she spake it because it is time for thee to gather thine Herbs. With this I took leave of both, and shee seemed at the instant of my departure to have had her heart torne away from her as shee departed with her Father; and I under co lour of seeking Herbs, went about all the Garden at my leisure, and viewed all the sal lies, and the entrances thereof, the strength of the house, and the commodities that might bee offered to facilitate our enterprise. This being done, I came home and made a relation to the Runnagate and my other fellowes of all that had passed, and did long infinitely to see the houre wherein I might, without any af • right or danger, possesse that happinesse which fortune in the faire and lovely Zoraida offered unto me. In fine, the time passed over, and the so much desired day and terme arived, and every one of us following the order, which with mature consideration and long discourse wee had agreed on, wee found the good successe wee desired: For the very Friday following the day wherein I had spoken with Zoraida in the Garden, Morrenago (for so was the Runnagate called) neer night cast Anchor almost right before the place wherein the beautifull Zoraida remained. The Christians also that were to row were ready, and hidden in sundry places thereabouts. All were suspended, and resolutly expected my comming, desirous to set upon the Barke that was before their face; for they knew not of the agreement that was betweene me and the Runnagate; but rather made full account that they were to gain their liberty by force of Armes, and killing the Moors that came in that Vessell. It therefore befell, that as soon as I and my fellows appeared, all the rest that were hidden, and espyed us, made forthwith over towards us. This was at an hour when the Citie Gates were shut, and never a body abroad among all those Fields: And when wee were all together, wee were in doubt whether it would bee best first to goe and fetch Zoraida, or to imprison and stone the Tagerine Moors that rowed in the Frigat. And being in this doubt, the Runnagate came to us, asking upon what wee stayed, for it was now high time to bee going away, and all his Moors were wretchlesse and the greater number of them asleep. Wee told him then the cause of our stay: And hee answered, That it was of most importance first to subject the Vessell, which might bee done with very great facility, and without any perill; and that wee might goe after for Zoraida. His opinion liked us all very well; and therefore without lingring any longer, hee leading the way, wee came to the Vessell, and hee himself leaping in first of all, set hand to his Falchion, and said in Morisco, Let none of you that is here stir himself if hee love his life. And saying so, all the rest of the Christians entred. The Moors which were of little Spirit, hearing their Master say so, were marvellously a mazed, and without daring any one of them to set hand to their Armes, which were but a few at all, they suffered themselves very quietly to bee taken and bound by the Christians, which did it very dexteriously, threatning them, that if they did let slip the least out-cry, they should presently bee all put to the Sword. This being finished, and the half of our people remaining in their Guard, wee that were left, con ducted also by the Runnagate, went towards Aquimoratus Garden; the doore thereof did, by very good hap, open with as little noyse as if it had had no lock at all: Whereupon wee went with great quietnesse and silence towards the house, unseen or espied of any. The beautifull Zoraida was the while expecting us at a window, and as soon as shee saw people approach, demanded with a low voyce whether wee were Nizarans, as if shee would say or ask whether wee were Christians? I answered that wee were, and willed her to come down. As soon as shee knew me shee stayed not a Minute, but without answering any word came down in an instant; and opening the door shewed her self to us all, more beautifull and richly attyred then I am able in any sort to ex presse. As soon as I saw her I took her by the hand and kissed it: the same did the Runnagate, and my two Camarada's; and all the rest which knew not the matter, did as they had seen us doe before them; for it seemed that wee did no more but give her thanks, and acknowledge her the auctresse of all our liberties. The Runnagate de manded of her in her own language, whether her Father were in the Garden, or no? Shee answered that hee was, and that hee slept. Then will it bee requisite, quoth the Runnagate, to rouse him, and bear him and all the other things of worth in this Garden away with us. That shall not bee so (quoth shee) for I will have no man to touch my Father; and in this house there is nothing of value, but that which I mean to carrie away with my self, which is so much as will bee sufficient to cheer and inrich you all; as, if you will stay but a while, you shall perceive. And saying so, shee entred again in into the house, promising to return to us spee dily, and bade us stand still without making any noyse. I demanded of the Runnagate what speech had passed betwen them? And hee told mee all shee had said. And I an swered him again, that I would not have Zoraida's will transgrest in any sort. By this time she returned laden with a little Casket full of Gold, so that shee was scarceable to bear it. And her Father in the mean season, by bad fortune, awaked, and heard the noise that was beneath in his Garden, and looking out at a Window, hee perceived that they were all Christians that were in it; and therefore cried out in a loud and un measurable manner, in the Arabian tongue, Christians, Christians, Theeves, Theeves; by which cries wee were all of us structen into very great fear and confusion: but the Runnagate seeing the perill wherein wee were, and how neerly it concerned him to come off from that enterprize, before hee were discovered, ranne up very speedily to the place where Aquimorato stood, and some of our fellowes accompanied him (for I durst not abandon Zoraida, who had faln between mine armes all amazed:) and in conclusion, those which had mounted behaved themselves so well, as they brought Aquimorato down in a trice, having tyed his hands and set a gagg in his mouth which hind • ed his speech, threatning him that if hee did speak but a word it should cost him his life. When his Daughter saw him shee covered her eyes, because shee would not behold him: And hee marvelled, wholly ignoring with how good a will shee came away with us: but then considering that nothing was so requisite as our leggs, wee did with all velocitie and dilligence get into the Frigat; for our Companions did perplexedly ex pect our return, half afraid that some disgrace had befaln us. Scarce were two hours of the night overrunne, when wee were all imbarked: and then wee unmanacled Zoraida's Fathers hands, and took the cloth out of his mouth: But the Runnagate did again admonish him, that as hee tendred his life, hee should not speake one word. Hee beholding his Daughter likewise there, began to sigh very feelingly, but chiefly perceiving me to hold her so straightly embraced, and that shee made no resistance, nor did complain or seem coy, but stood quiet: But yet for all that hee kept silence, fearing lest they should put the Runnagates menaces in execution. Zoraida seeing her self now safe within the Barke, and that wee were ready to row away, look ing on her Father and the other Moors that were tyed therein, shee intreated the Run agate to tell mee how shee desired me to doe her the favour to set those Moors and her Father at liberty; for shee would rather cast her self into the Sea then see a Fa ther who had loved her so dearly carried away captive before her eyes, and that also by her occasion. The Runnagate told me her minde, and I answered how I was very well pleased it should bee so. But hee replyed, That it was in no sort expedient, by reason that if they were landed there, they would presently raise the Countrey and put the whole Citie into a tumult, and cause certaine light Frigots to bee maned and sent out in our pursuit; and lay both Sea and Land for us, in such sort as it would be impossible for us to escape; but what was at the present possible to bee done, was to give them libertie at the first Christian Countrey whereat wee happened to arive. All of us agreed to this opinion, and Zeraida also (to whom reason was given of the motives wee had, not to free them forthwith, and accomplish her will therein) re mained satisfied; and therefore presently with joyfull silence and cheerfull diligence every one of our lustie Rowers seizing upon his Oare, wee began, after wee had com mended our selves unto Almighty God, to lanch forth, and addresse our course to wards the • sles of Mallorca, which is the neerest Christian Countrey, but by reason that the winde blew somwhat from the Mountaines, and that the Sea began to be rough, it was not possible to continue that course, and so wee were forced to approach the shore, and goe by little and little towards Oran, not without great grief and anguish, for feare to bee espied by the towne of Sargel, which is on that coast, and falls some se ventie leagues beyond Argiers: and wee did likewise feare to meete in that passage some Galliot, of those which come ordinarily with Merchandize from Tetuan, al though every one of us for himselfe, and for all together did presume, that if wee in countred a Galliot of Merchandize, so it were not a Pyrate, that not only wee would not bee lost, but rather would take the Vessell, that therein wee might with more secu ritie finish our Voyage. Zoraida, whilest thus wee sailed, went with her head betweene my hands, because shee would not looke on her Father; and I felt her, how shee was still invoking of Lela Marien to assist us; and having sayled about some thirty leagues the morning overtook us about some three Musquet shot from Land, in a place that seemed to bee Desart, and free from all accesse of those that might discover us; and yet for all that, wee got by might and maine, somwhat further into the Seas that now was become a little calmer; and having entred some two leagues into the Maine, order was given that they should row by turnes, whilest they did refresh themselves and take a little sustenance; for the Barke was very well furnished with Victuals, although those which did row refused the offer, saying, that then it was no time to repose, and that they should set those that did not row to dinner; for they would not yet in any sort let goe their Oares. It being done as they had said, the winde did rise so much as it made us abandoning our Oares, to set sail, and direct our Boat towards Oran, being unable to take any other course: All was done with very great speed; and so wee made by the sail more then eight miles an hour, free from all other fear then that of encountring some Vessell of warre. Wee gave the Moors our Prisoners their dinner, and the Runnagate comforted them, saying, That they went not as Prisoners, for they should receive their Libertie upon the first commodity that were proffered: The same was likewise said of Zoraida's Father, who returned them this answer: I would easily expect and believe any other thing, O Christians, of your liberalitie and honourable manner of proceeding: but doe not think that I am so simple, as once to imagine that you will give me my Libertie; for you did never expose your self to the danger of despoyling me thereof with intention to return it me so prodigally again, especially knowing, as you doe, who I am, and the profit you may reap by giving me it again, to which profit if you will put a name, and tell me how much would you demand, I doe even from hence offer unto you all that which you will seek for me, and for that un fortunate Daughter of mine: or if you will not deliver me, I will give you it for her alone, who is the greatest and the best part of my Soul. And saying so, hee began to weep so bitterly, as hee moved us all to compassion and forced Zoraida to look upon him, who seeing him weep was so strangely moved, as arising from my feet, shee went and embraced her Father, and laying her face upon his they began together so tender a lamentation as many of us that were in the Bark were forced to keep them companie; but when her Father noted her to bee so richly adorned, and with so many Jewells on hee asked her in his own language, How haps this, Daughter, that yesternight late, before this terrible disaster befell us wherein wee are plunged, I saw thee attyred in thine ordinarie houshold array, and that now, without having had any leisure to apparell thy self, or having given thee any glad tidings, for whose solemnizing thou oughtest to adorn and publish thy selfe, I doe view thee thus clad in the richest attire which I could bestow upon thee when our fortune was most favourable? Answer me to this, for thou hast suspended and astonished me more then the very disgrace it self wherein I am. All that the Moor said to his Daughter, the Runnagate declared unto us; and shee did not answer a word to him: But when hee saw the little Coffers lie at one side of the Barke wherein shee was wont to keep her Jewells, and that hee knew very well shee had left at Argiers, and not brought to the Garden, hee was much more amazed, and demanded of her how that Coffer was come into our possession, and what things shee had there within it? To which the Runnagate, without attending that Zoraida should answer him, said, Sir, doe not trouble your self by demanding so many things of your Daughter Zoraida; for with one that I will say, I shall satisfie them all: and therefore you shall understand that shee is a Christian, and hath been the file that cut off our chains, and is the Libertie it self of our Captivity; and shee goeth along with us of her own free will, as content (if mine imagination doe not wrong me) to see her self in this State, as hee is that commeth out of darknesse to the light, from death unto life, and out of pain into glorie. Is it true, Daughter, which this man saies, quoth the Moor? (It is, answered Zoraida: ) That thou in effect art a Christian, replyed the old man, and shee that hath put her Father into his enemies hands? To which Zoraida answered, I am shee that is a Christian, but not shee that hath brought thee to this passe: for my desire did never so estrange it selfe from thee, as to abandon or harme thee, but only endeavoured to doe my self good. And what good hast thou done thy self, Daughter? Demand that, said shee, of Lela Marien, for shee can therein inform thee better then I can. Scarce had the Moor heard her say so, when with incredible haste hee threw him self headlong into the Sea, wherein hee had been questionlesly drowned, if the long apparell hee wore on had not kept him up a while above the water. Zoraida cryed out to us to save him: and so wee all presently ran, and laying hold on a part of his Turkish Robe, drew him up half drowned, and wholly devoid of feeling: Whereat Zoraida was so grieved, that shee lamented him as dolefully as if hee had been dead. There wee laid him with his mouth downward, and hee avoided a great quantity of water, and after the space of two hours returned to himself again: and in the mean time the winde also turning; it did drive us towards the Coast; so that wee were constrained to keep our selves by very force of Armes from striking upon it; and our good for tune directing us, wee arrived to a little Creek at the side of a certain Cape or Pro montorie, called by the Moors, The Cape of the Cava Rumia, which in our Language signifies The ill Christian Woman: and the Moors hold it for a tradition, that in the very same place was the Cava buried, for whom Spain was lost, and conquered by the Moors: For Cava in their language signifies an ill Woman, and Rumia a Christian: yea, and they hold it for a signe of misfortune to arrive or cast Anchor there, when meer necessity drives them thither; without which they never approach it: yet did it not prove to us the shelter of an ill woman, but the secure Heaven of our safety. Wee sent our Sentinels a shore, and never let the Oares slip out of our hands: Wee did likewise eate of the Runnagates Provision, and heartily besought Almighty God and our Ladie to assist and favour us with a happy end to so luckie a beginning: And wee agreed upon Zoraida's intreatie, to set her Father and the other Moors that we had tyed a land in that place; for shee was of so tender and compassionate a minde as shee could in no wise brook to see her Father tyed in her presence, or her countrey-men borne away Captives: wherefore wee made her a promise, that wee would at our departure let them all goe away, seeing wee incur'd no danger by leaving them in that inhabitable Desart: Our Prayers were not so vain but that they found gentle accep tance in Heaven which presently changed the Winde and appeased the Sea, inviting us cheerfully to returne to it again, and prosecute our commenced Voyage. Seeing that the weather was favourable wee loosed the Moors and set them all a land one by one; and comming to dis-imbarque Zoraida's Father, who was by that time wholly come to himself, hee said, For what doe you conjecture, Christians, that this bad woman is glad that you give me liberty? Doe you think that shee doth it for pittie that shee takes of me? No truely; but shee doth it only to remove the hin derance my presence gave her when shee would execute her unlawfull desires: Nor ought you to believe that shee is moved to change Religion, by reason that shee under stands yours to be better then her own; but only because she knows licentiousnesse to bee more publiquely and freely practised in your Countrey then among us: And then turning to Zoraida, whom I and another Christian held fast by both the armes lest shee should doe some desperate act, hee said, O infamous Gyrle, and ill-advised Mayden! where doest thou runne thus blinded and distracted, in the power of those Doggs our naturall enemies? Cursed bee the hour wherein I ingendred thee, and cursed the de lights and pleasures wherein thou wast nousled. I perceiving that hee was not like to make an end of his execrations so soon as I could wish, had him set on shore, and thence hee prosecuted his Maledictions and Plaints, praying unto Makomet that hee would intercede with Ala, that wee might bee all destroyed, confounded and cast away. And when wee could heare his words no longer, by reason that wee set sail, wee per ceived his works, that were, to pluck his Beard, teare his Haire, and cast himself on the ground; but once hee did lift vp his voyce so high, as that wee heard him say, Returne beloved Daughter, returne to the land, for I doe pardon thee all that thou hast done; and deliver that money to those men, for it is now their own; and return thou to com fort thy sad and desolate Father, who will forsake his life on these desolate sands, if thou do'st abandon him. Zoraida heard him say all this, and lamented thereat, but knew not how to speak, or answer him any other thing but this: Father mine, I pray Ala, that Lela Marien, who hath been the cause of my becomming a Christian, may likewise comfort thee in thy sor row. Ala knows well, that I could doe none other then I did, and that these Christians doe owe me nothing for my good will, seeing that though I had not come away with them, but remained at my house, yet had it been impossible (such was the haste where withall my soule pres • ed mee) not to have executed this my purpose; which seemes to mee to bee as good, as thou, O beloved Father, doest account it wicked. Shee said this in a time that neither her Father could heare her, nor wee behold him: and therefore, after I had comforted Zoraida, wee did thenceforth onely attend our Voyage, which was so much holpen by the favourable winde, as wee made full ac count to bee the next day on the Coast of Spaine: but, as good very seldome, or rather never betides a man thorowly and wholly, without being accompanied or followed by some evill which troubles and assaults it, our fortune would, or rather the maledictions of the Moore, powred on his Daughter: (for the Curses of any Father whatsoever are to bee feared) that being ingulfed three houres within night, and going before the winde with a full Sayle, and our Oares set up, because the pro sperous winde had rid us of the labour of rowing, wee saw neere unto us by the light of the Moone that shined very cleerely, a round vessell which with all her Sailes spread, did crosse before us into the Sea, and that so neerely, as wee were faine to strike downe her Saile, that wee might avoide the shog shee was like to give us; and those that were in her, had on the other side laboured also what they might, to turne her out of our way, standing all of them on the hatches to demand of us what wee were, from whence wee came, and whether wee did Saile? But by reason that they spake French, the Runnagate bade us not to speake a word, saying, Let none an swer, for these are French Pirates which make their booty of every body. For this cause none of us answered: and being passed a little forward, and that the Ship remained in the Lee of us, they suddenly shot off two Peeces of Artillery, and as I thinke, both of them had chaine Bullets, for with the one they cut our Mast asun der, and overthrew it and the Saile into the sea, and instantly after they discharged another, the Bullet alighting in our Barke, did pierce it thorow and thorow, with out doing any other hurt: but wee, seeing that our vessell began to sinke, began all to crie out, and request them to succour us, and prayed them that they would take us into their vessell, for wee were a drowning. Then they came amaine, and ca sting out their Cock-boate, there entred into it as good as a doozen Frenchmen, well appointed with their Harcabuzes and Matches lighted, and so approached un to us; and perceiving how few wee were, and that the Barke did sinke, they received us into their boate, saying, that because wee had used the discourtesie of not mak ing them answer, that mis-fortune had befalne us. Our Runnagate about this time tooke the coffer wherein Zoraida's treasures were kept, and threw it into the Sea unperceived of any. In conclusion, wee went all of us into the great vessell with the Frenchmen who after they had informed themselves of all that which they desired to know, as if they were our Capitall Enemies; they afterward dispoy • ed us of all that ever wee had about us, and of Zoraida they tooke all, even unto her very bracelets, that shee wore on the wrests of her feete. But the wrong they did to Zoraida did not afflict me so much as the feare I conceived, that after they had taken away from her, her most rich and precious Jewels, they would also deprive her of the Jewell of most prize, and which shee valued most. But the desires of that nation extend themselves no farther, then to the gaine of money: and their avarice in this is never thorowly satisfied; and at that time was so great, as they would have taken from us the very habits of slaves, that wee brough from Barbarie, if they had found them to have beene worth any thing: and some there were of opinion among them, that we should bee all inwreathed in a Saile, and throwne into the Sea, because they had intention to traffique into some havens of Spaine, under the name of Britaines, and that if they carried us alive, they should bee punished, their robbery being detected: but the Cap taine, who was hee that had pilled my beloved Zoraida, said, that hee was so conten ted with his bootie, as he meaned not to touch any part of Spaine, but would pas • e the streights of Gibraltar by night, or as hee might, and so returne againe to Rochel, from whence hee was come: and thereupon they all agreed to give us their Cock-boate, and all that was neces • ary for our short voyage, as indeede they performed the day ensuing when wee were in the view of Spaine, with the sight whereof all our griefes and poverties were as quite forgotten, as if wee never had felt any; so great is the delight a man takes to recover his Liberty. It was about mid-day when they put us into the Cocke, giving unto us two Barrells of water and some Bisket; and the Captaine moved with some compassion, as the beautifull Zoraida embarked her selfe, bestowed on her about forty Crownes in gold; nor would hee permit his Souldiers to dispoyle her of these very Garments, which then and now shee doth weare. Wee entred into the Cock-boate, and giving them thanks for the good they did, and shewing at our departure more tokens of thankfullnesse then of discontent, they sayled presently away from us towards the Straights, and wee without looking on any other North or Starre, then the land it selfe which appeared before us, did row towards it so lustily, that at Sun-set wee were so neere, as wee made full account to arive be fore the night were far spent. But by reason that the Moone did not shine, and the night was very darke, and that wee knew not where wee were, wee did not hold it the best course to approach the shoare too neere; yet others there were that thought it convenient and good, desiring that wee should make to it, although wee ranne the boate on the Rocks, and far from any dwelling; for by doing so, wee should free our selves from the feare which wee ought of reason to have, lest there should bee up and downe on that coast any Friggots of the Pyrates of Tituan, which are wont to leave Barbarie over-night, and bee on the coast of Spayne ere morning, and ordinarily make their bootie, and turne to their supper againe to Barbarie the night following; but of the contrary opinions, that which was followed was, that wee should draw neere the land by little and little, and that if the quietness of the Sea would permit it we should take land where we might best and most commodiously do it. This was done, and a little before midnight wee arived to the foote of a high and monstrous Mountaine, which was not altogether so neer to the Sea, but that it did grant a little patch of ground, whereon wee might commodiously disimbarke. Wherefore wee ranne our selves on the Sands, and came all a-Land and kissed the Earth, and with teeres of most joyfull content and delight, gave thanks unto our Lord God, for the incomparable favours which hee had done us in our Voyage: Then tooke wee out our Victu alls from the Boate, and drew it selfe up on the Shore, and ascended a great part of the Mountaine: for although wee were in that place, yet durst wee not assure our selves, nor did throughly beleeve that it was a Christian Countrey whereon wee did tread. The day breaking some what slower then I could have wished it; wee ascended the mountaine wholly, to see whether wee might discover any dwelling, or sheep folds from thence; but although wee extended our sight unto every quarter, yet could wee neither descry dwelling, person, path, nor high-way: yet did wee resolve notwithstanding to enter into the land, seeing that wee could not choose but dis cover ere long some body who might give us notice of the place where wee were: and that which afflicted mee most of all, was, to see Zoraida goe afoot thorow those rugged places; for although I did somtimes carry her on my shoulders, yet did the toyle I tooke more weary her, then the repose shee got could ease her; and therefore would never after the first time suffer mee to take that paines againe, and so shee went ever after a foote with great patience and tokens of joy, I holding her still by the hand, and having travelled little lesse then a quarter of a league, we heard the noyse of a little bell, an infallible argument that neere at hand there was some cattle; whereupon all of us looking very wistly, to see whether any body appeared, wee might perceive under a Corke-tree a young Sheepheard, who very quietly and carelesly was carving of a stick with a knife: Wee called to him, and hee leaped up lightly on foote, and (as we after wards learned) the first that hee got sight of, were the Runnagate and Zoraida; whom hee seeing apparelled in the Morisco habit, thought that all the people of Barbarie had beene at his heeles; and therefore running very swiftly into the Wood, hee cried all a long with marvelous lowdnesse, Moores, Moores are in the Land! Moores, Moores, arme, arme! These outcries strooke us anew into a great perplexitie, and scarce did wee know what wee should doe: but considering how the Sheepheards alarme would cause all the Countrey to rise up, and that the horsemen that kept the coast would pre sently come to see what it was; wee all agreed that the Runnagate should put off his Turkish attyre, and put on a captives cassocke, which one of the company gave un to him forthwith, although the giver remained after in his shirt: and thus commit ting the affaire unto almighty God, wee followed on by the same way, which wee saw the sheepheard had taken, alwaies expecting when the horsemen of the coast would fall upon us: and wee were not deceived in our expectation, for within two houres after, having issued out of those woods into a plane, wee discovered about some fifty horsemen which came running towards us as swiftly as their horses could drive, and having perceived them, wee stood still, and stayed untill they came to us, and saw in stead of the Moors they sought for, so many poore Christians, and remained somwhat ashamed thereat: and one of them demanded whether wee were the occasi on that a Sheapheard had given the alarme? Yes, quoth I, and as I was about to in forme what I was, and of all our Adventure, and from whence wee came, one of the Christians that came with us, did take notice of the horseman who had spoken unto us, and so interrupting my speech hee said, Sirs, let God bee praysed which hath brought us to so good a place as this is; for if I bee not deceived, the earth which wee tread, is of Veley Malaga; and if the yeeres of my captivity have not confounded my memorie, you likewise Sir, that demand what wee bee, are Peter of Bustamonte, mine Uncle. As soone as ever the Christian captive had spoken those words, the horseman leaping off his horse, ran and embraced him saying, O Nephew! as deere to mee as my soule and life now I doe know thee very well, and many a day since have I wept for thee, thinking thou wast dead, and so hath my sister thy Mother, and all the rest of thy friends which doe live yet, and God hath beene pleased to preserve their Lives, that they may enjoy the pleasure to behold thee once againe. Wee knew very well that thou wert in Argieres, and by the signes and tokens of thy clothes, and that of all the rest here of thy Companions; I surmise that your escape hath beene miraculous. Indeede it was so replyed the Captive, and wee shall have time I hope to recount unto you the manner. As soone as the horsemen had understood that wee were Christian Captives, they alighted off their horses, and every one of them invited us to mount upon his owne, to carry us to the City of Veley Malaga, which was yet a league and a halfe from that place and some of • hem went to the place where wee had left the Boate, to bring it to the Ci tie; whom we informed first of the place where it lay; others did mount us up on horseback behind themselves, and Zoraida rode behinde the captives uncle: all the peo ple issued to receive us, being premonished of our arivall by some one that had ridden before. They did not wonder to see captives freed, nor Moors captived there, being an ordinary thing in those parts, but that whereat they wondred was the surpassing beauty of Zoraida, which at that season and instant was in her prime, as well through the warmth she had gotten by her travell, as also through the joy shee conceived to see her selfe in Christian lands, secure from all feare of being surprised or lost, and these things called out to her face such colours, as if it be not that affection might then have decei ved me, I durst aver, that a more beautifull then she was, the world could not afford, at least amo • g those which I had ever beheld. Wee went directly to the Church to give thanks unto Almighty God for the be nefit received: And as soon as Zoraida entred into it, shee said there were faces in it that resembled very much that of Lela Marien. Wee told her that they were her images: And the Runnagate as well as the brevitie of the time permitted, instructed her what they signified, to the end shee should doe them reverence, as if every one of them were truely that same Lela Marien which had spoken unto her. Shee who had a very good understanding, and an easie and cleer conceit, comprehended presently all that was told unto her concerning Images. From thence they carried us and divided us among different houses of the Citie: But the Christian that came with us carried the Runnagate, Zoraida, and me to the house of his Parents, which were indifferently accommodated and stored with the goods of Fortune, and did entertain me with as great love and kindenesse as if I were their own sonne. We remained six dayes in Veley, in which time the Runnagate having made an information of all that which might concern him, hee went to the City of Granado to bee reconciled by the holy Inquisitions means, to the bosome of our holy Mother the Church: The rest of the freed Cap tives took every one the way that hee pleased; and Zoraida and I remained behinde with those Ducats only which the Frenchmans courtesie was pleased to bestow on Zoraida: and with part of that summe I bought her this beast whereon shee rides; I my selfe serving her hitherto as her Father and her Squire, and not as her Spouse, wee travail with intention to see if my Father bee yet living, or any of my Brothers have had more prosperous hap then my self, although seeing Heaven hath made me Zoraida's Consort, me thinks no other good Fortune could arrive, were it never so great, that I would hold in so high estimation. The patience wherewithall shee bears the incom modities usually annext unto Povertie, and the desires shee shews to become a Chri stian, is such and so great, as it strikes me into an admiration, and doth move me to serve her all the dayes of my life; although that the delight which I take to see my self hers, and shee mine, is oft times interrupted, and almost dissolved by the fear which I have, that I shall not finde in mine own Countrey some little Corner wherein I may entertain her; and that Time and Death have wrought such alteration in the Goods and Lives of my Father and Brothers, as I shall scarce finde any one at home that knows me. I have no more, good Sirs, to tell you of my lives Historie, then which, whether it bee pleasing and rare, or no, your cleer conceits are to judge: As for my self I dare say, that if it had been possible, I would have told it with more brevity; fearing it might bee tedious unto you, I purposely omitted many delightfull circumstances thereof.