CHAPTERXXXIX
　　WHEREINTHECAPTIVERELATESHISLIFEANDADVENTURES
　　MYfamilyhaditsorigininavillageinthemountainsofLeon，andnaturehadbeenkinderandmoregeneroustoitthanfortune；
　　thoughinthegeneralpovertyofthosecommunitiesmyfatherpassedforbeingevenarichman；andhewouldhavebeensoinrealityhadhebeenascleverinpreservinghispropertyashewasinspendingit。
　　Thistendencyofhistobeliberalandprofusehehadacquiredfromhavingbeenasoldierinhisyouth，forthesoldier'slifeisaschoolinwhichtheniggardbecomesfree-handedandthefree-handedprodigal；
　　andifanysoldiersaretobefoundwhoaremisers，theyaremonstersofrareoccurrence。Myfatherwentbeyondliberalityandborderedonprodigality，adispositionbynomeansadvantageoustoamarriedmanwhohaschildrentosucceedtohisnameandposition。Myfatherhadthree，allsons，andallofsufficientagetomakechoiceofaprofession。Finding，then，thathewasunabletoresisthispropensity，heresolvedtodivesthimselfoftheinstrumentandcauseofhisprodigalityandlavishness，todivesthimselfofwealth，withoutwhichAlexanderhimselfwouldhaveseemedparsimonious；andsocallingusallthreeasideonedayintoaroom，headdressedusinwordssomewhattothefollowingeffect：
　　“Mysons，toassureyouthatIloveyou，nomoreneedbeknownorsaidthanthatyouaremysons；andtoencourageasuspicionthatIdonotloveyou，nomoreisneededthantheknowledgethatIhavenoself-controlasfaraspreservationofyourpatrimonyisconcerned；
　　therefore，thatyoumayforthefuturefeelsurethatIloveyoulikeafather，andhavenowishtoruinyoulikeastepfather，I
　　proposetodowithyouwhatIhaveforsometimebackmeditated，andaftermaturedeliberationdecidedupon。Youarenowofanagetochooseyourlineoflifeoratleastmakechoiceofacallingthatwillbringyouhonourandprofitwhenyouareolder；andwhatIhaveresolvedtodoistodividemypropertyintofourparts；threeI
　　willgivetoyou，toeachhisportionwithoutmakinganydifference，andtheotherIwillretaintoliveuponandsupportmyselfforwhateverremainderoflifeHeavenmaybepleasedtograntme。ButI
　　wisheachofyouontakingpossessionofthesharethatfallstohimtofollowoneofthepathsIshallindicate。InthisSpainofoursthereisaproverb，tomymindverytrue-astheyallare，beingshortaphorismsdrawnfromlongpracticalexperience-andtheoneIrefertosays，'Thechurch，orthesea，ortheking'shouse；'asmuchastosay，inplainerlanguage，whoeverwantstoflourishandbecomerich，lethimfollowthechurch，orgotosea，adoptingcommerceashiscalling，orgointotheking'sserviceinhishousehold，fortheysay，'Betteraking'scrumbthanalord'sfavour。'Isaysobecauseitismywillandpleasurethatoneofyoushouldfollowletters，anothertrade，andthethirdservethekinginthewars，foritisadifficultmattertogainadmissiontohisserviceinhishousehold，andifwardoesnotbringmuchwealthitconfersgreatdistinctionandfame。
　　EightdayshenceIwillgiveyouyourfullsharesinmoney，withoutdefraudingyouofafarthing，asyouwillseeintheend。NowtellmeifyouarewillingtofollowoutmyideaandadviceasIhavelaiditbeforeyou。“
　　Havingcalleduponmeastheeldesttoanswer，I，afterurginghimnottostriphimselfofhispropertybuttospenditallashepleased，forwewereyoungmenabletogainourliving，consentedtocomplywithhiswishes，andsaidthatmineweretofollowtheprofessionofarmsandtherebyserveGodandmyking。Mysecondbrotherhavingmadethesameproposal，decidedupongoingtotheIndies，embarkingtheportionthatfelltohimintrade。Theyoungest，andinmyopinionthewisest，saidhewouldratherfollowthechurch，orgotocompletehisstudiesatSalamanca。Assoonaswehadcometoanunderstanding，andmadechoiceofourprofessions，myfatherembracedusall，andintheshorttimehementionedcarriedintoeffectallhehadpromised；andwhenhehadgiventoeachhisshare，whichaswellasIrememberwasthreethousandducatsapieceincashforanuncleofoursboughttheestateandpaidforitdown，nottoletitgooutofthefamily，weallthreeonthesamedaytookleaveofourgoodfather；andatthesametime，asitseemedtomeinhumantoleavemyfatherwithsuchscantymeansinhisoldage，I
　　inducedhimtotaketwoofmythreethousandducats，astheremainderwouldbeenoughtoprovidemewithallasoldierneeded。
　　Mytwobrothers，movedbymyexample，gavehimeachathousandducats，sothattherewasleftformyfatherfourthousandducatsinmoney，besidesthreethousand，thevalueoftheportionthatfelltohimwhichhepreferredtoretaininlandinsteadofsellingit。Finally，asIsaid，wetookleaveofhim，andofourunclewhomIhavementioned，notwithoutsorrowandtearsonbothsides，theychargingustoletthemknowwheneveranopportunityofferedhowwefared，whetherwellorill。Wepromisedtodoso，andwhenhehadembracedusandgivenushisblessing，onesetoutforSalamanca，theotherforSeville，andIforAlicante，whereIhadheardtherewasaGenoesevesseltakinginacargoofwoolforGenoa。
　　Itisnowsometwenty-twoyearssinceIleftmyfather'shouse，andallthattime，thoughIhavewrittenseveralletters，Ihavehadnonewswhateverofhimorofmybrothers；myownadventuresduringthatperiodIwillnowrelatebriefly。IembarkedatAlicante，reachedGenoaafteraprosperousvoyage，andproceededthencetoMilan，whereIprovidedmyselfwitharmsandafewsoldier'saccoutrements；
　　thenceitwasmyintentiontogoandtakeserviceinPiedmont，butasIwasalreadyontheroadtoAlessandriadellaPaglia，IlearnedthatthegreatDukeofAlvawasonhiswaytoFlanders。Ichangedmyplans，joinedhim，servedunderhiminthecampaignshemade，waspresentatthedeathsoftheCountsEgmontandHorn，andwaspromotedtobeensignunderafamouscaptainofGuadalajara，DiegodeUrbinabyname。SometimeaftermyarrivalinFlandersnewscameoftheleaguethathisHolinessPopePiusVofhappymemory，hadmadewithVeniceandSpainagainstthecommonenemy，theTurk，whohadjustthenwithhisfleettakenthefamousislandofCyprus，whichbelongedtotheVenetians，alossdeplorableanddisastrous。ItwasknownasafactthattheMostSereneDonJohnofAustria，naturalbrotherofourgoodkingDonPhilip，wascomingascommander-in-chiefofthealliedforces，andrumourswereabroadofthevastwarlikepreparationswhichwerebeingmade，allwhichstirredmyheartandfilledmewithalongingtotakepartinthecampaignwhichwasexpected；andthoughIhadreasontobelieve，andalmostcertainpromises，thatonthefirstopportunitythatpresenteditselfIshouldbepromotedtobecaptain，Ipreferredtoleaveallandbetakemyself，asIdid，toItaly；anditwasmygoodfortunethatDonJohnhadjustarrivedatGenoa，andwasgoingontoNaplestojointheVenetianfleet，asheafterwardsdidatMessina。Imaysay，inshort，thatItookpartinthatgloriousexpedition，promotedbythistimetobeacaptainofinfantry，towhichhonourablechargemygoodluckratherthanmymeritsraisedme；andthatday-sofortunateforChristendom，becausethenallthenationsoftheearthweredisabusedoftheerrorunderwhichtheylayinimaginingtheTurkstobeinvincibleonsea-onthatday，Isay，onwhichtheOttomanprideandarrogancewerebroken，amongallthatweretheremadehappyfortheChristianswhodiedthatdaywerehappierthanthosewhoremainedaliveandvictoriousIalonewasmiserable；for，insteadofsomenavalcrownthatImighthaveexpectedhaditbeeninRomantimes，onthenightthatfollowedthatfamousdayIfoundmyselfwithfettersonmyfeetandmanaclesonmyhands。
　　Ithappenedinthisway：ElUchali，thekingofAlgiers，adaringandsuccessfulcorsair，havingattackedandtakentheleadingMaltesegalleyonlythreeknightsbeingleftaliveinit，andtheybadlywounded，thechiefgalleyofJohnAndrea，onboardofwhichI
　　andmycompanywereplaced，cametoitsrelief，anddoingaswasboundtodoinsuchacase，Ileapedonboardtheenemy'sgalley，which，sheeringofffromthatwhichhadattackedit，preventedmymenfromfollowingme，andsoIfoundmyselfaloneinthemidstofmyenemies，whowereinsuchnumbersthatIwasunabletoresist；inshortIwastaken，coveredwithwounds；ElUchali，asyouknow，sirs，madehisescapewithhisentiresquadron，andIwasleftaprisonerinhispower，theonlysadbeingamongsomanyfilledwithjoy，andtheonlycaptiveamongsomanyfree；fortherewerefifteenthousandChristians，allattheoarintheTurkishfleet，thatregainedtheirlonged-forlibertythatday。
　　TheycarriedmetoConstantinople，wheretheGrandTurk，Selim，mademymastergeneralatseaforhavingdonehisdutyinthebattleandcarriedoffasevidenceofhisbraverythestandardoftheOrderofMalta。Thefollowingyear，whichwastheyearseventy-two，IfoundmyselfatNavarinorowingintheleadinggalleywiththethreelanterns。ThereIsawandobservedhowtheopportunityofcapturingthewholeTurkishfleetinharbourwaslost；forallthemarinesandjanizzariesthatbelongedtoitmadesurethattheywereabouttobeattackedinsidetheveryharbour，andhadtheirkitsandpasamaques，orshoes，readytofleeatonceonshorewithoutwaitingtobeassailed，insogreatfeardidtheystandofourfleet。ButHeavenordereditotherwise，notforanyfaultorneglectofthegeneralwhocommandedonourside，butforthesinsofChristendom，andbecauseitwasGod'swillandpleasurethatweshouldalwayshaveinstrumentsofpunishmenttochastiseus。Asitwas，ElUchalitookrefugeatModon，whichisanislandnearNavarino，andlandingforcesfortifiedthemouthoftheharbourandwaitedquietlyuntilDonJohnretired。OnthisexpeditionwastakenthegalleycalledthePrize，whosecaptainwasasonofthefamouscorsairBarbarossa。ItwastakenbythechiefNeapolitangalleycalledtheShe-wolf，commandedbythatthunderboltofwar，thatfatherofhismen，thatsuccessfulandunconqueredcaptainDonAlvarodeBazan，MarquisofSantaCruz；andIcannothelptellingyouwhattookplaceatthecaptureofthePrize。
　　ThesonofBarbarossawassocruel，andtreatedhisslavessobadly，that，whenthosewhowereattheoarssawthattheShe-wolfgalleywasbearingdownuponthemandgaininguponthem，theyallatoncedroppedtheiroarsandseizedtheircaptainwhostoodonthestageattheendofthegangwayshoutingtothemtorowlustily；andpassinghimonfrombenchtobench，fromthepooptotheprow，theysobithimthatbeforehehadgotmuchpastthemasthissoulhadalreadygottohell；
　　sogreat，asIsaid，wasthecrueltywithwhichhetreatedthem，andthehatredwithwhichtheyhatedhim。
　　WereturnedtoConstantinople，andthefollowingyear，seventy-three，itbecameknownthatDonJohnhadseizedTunisandtakenthekingdomfromtheTurks，andplacedMuleyHametinpossession，puttinganendtothehopeswhichMuleyHamida，thecruelestandbravestMoorintheworld，entertainedofreturningtoreignthere。TheGrandTurktookthelossgreatlytoheart，andwiththecunningwhichallhisracepossess，hemadepeacewiththeVenetianswhoweremuchmoreeagerforitthanhewas，andthefollowingyear，seventy-four，heattackedtheGolettaandthefortwhichDonJohnhadlefthalfbuiltnearTunis。Whilealltheseeventswereoccurring，Iwaslabouringattheoarwithoutanyhopeoffreedom；atleastIhadnohopeofobtainingitbyransom，forI
　　wasfirmlyresolvednottowritetomyfathertellinghimofmymisfortunes。AtlengththeGolettafell，andthefortfell，beforewhichplacestherewereseventy-fivethousandregularTurkishsoldiers，andmorethanfourhundredthousandMoorsandArabsfromallpartsofAfrica，andinthetrainofallthisgreathostsuchmunitionsandenginesofwar，andsomanypioneersthatwiththeirhandstheymighthavecoveredtheGolettaandthefortwithhandfulsofearth。ThefirsttofallwastheGoletta，untilthenreckonedimpregnable，anditfell，notbyanyfaultofitsdefenders，whodidallthattheycouldandshouldhavedone，butbecauseexperimentprovedhoweasilyentrenchmentscouldbemadeinthedesertsandthere；forwaterusedtobefoundattwopalmsdepth，whiletheTurksfoundnoneattwoyards；andsobymeansofaquantityofsandbagstheyraisedtheirworkssohighthattheycommandedthewallsofthefort，sweepingthemasiffromacavalier，sothatnoonewasabletomakeastandormaintainthedefence。
　　ItwasacommonopinionthatourmenshouldnothaveshutthemselvesupintheGoletta，butshouldhavewaitedintheopenatthelanding-place；butthosewhosaysotalkatrandomandwithlittleknowledgeofsuchmatters；forifintheGolettaandintheforttherewerebarelyseventhousandsoldiers，howcouldsuchasmallnumber，howeverresolute，sallyoutandholdtheirownagainstnumberslikethoseoftheenemy？Andhowisitpossibletohelplosingastrongholdthatisnotrelieved，aboveallwhensurroundedbyahostofdeterminedenemiesintheirowncountry？Butmanythought，andI
　　thoughtsotoo，thatitwasspecialfavourandmercywhichHeavenshowedtoSpaininpermittingthedestructionofthatsourceandhidingplaceofmischief，thatdevourer，sponge，andmothofcountlessmoney，fruitlesslywastedtheretonootherpurposesavepreservingthememoryofitscapturebytheinvincibleCharlesV；asiftomakethateternal，asitisandwillbe，thesestoneswereneededtosupportit。Thefortalsofell；buttheTurkshadtowinitinchbyinch，forthesoldierswhodefendeditfoughtsogallantlyandstoutlythatthenumberoftheenemykilledintwenty-twogeneralassaultsexceededtwenty-fivethousand。Ofthreehundredthatremainedalivenotonewastakenunwounded，aclearandmanifestproofoftheirgallantryandresolution，andhowsturdilytheyhaddefendedthemselvesandheldtheirpost。AsmallfortortowerwhichwasinthemiddleofthelagoonunderthecommandofDonJuanZanoguera，aValenciangentlemanandafamoussoldier，capitulateduponterms。TheytookprisonerDonPedroPuertocarrero，commandantoftheGoletta，whohaddoneallinhispowertodefendhisfortress，andtookthelossofitsomuchtoheartthathediedofgriefonthewaytoConstantinople，wheretheywerecarryinghimaprisoner。Theyalsotookthecommandantofthefort，GabrioCerbellonbyname，aMilanesegentleman，agreatengineerandaverybravesoldier。Inthesetwofortressesperishedmanypersonsofnote，amongwhomwasPaganoDoria，knightoftheOrderofSt。John，amanofgenerousdisposition，aswasshownbyhisextremeliberalitytohisbrother，thefamousJohnAndreaDoria；andwhatmadehisdeaththemoresadwasthathewasslainbysomeArabstowhom，seeingthatthefortwasnowlost，heentrustedhimself，andwhoofferedtoconducthiminthedisguiseofaMoortoTabarca，asmallfortorstationonthecoastheldbytheGenoeseemployedinthecoralfishery。TheseArabscutoffhisheadandcarriedittothecommanderoftheTurkishfleet，whoprovedonthemthetruthofourCastilianproverb，that“thoughthetreasonmayplease，thetraitorishated；“fortheysayheorderedthosewhobroughthimthepresenttobehangedfornothavingbroughthimalive。
　　AmongtheChristianswhoweretakeninthefortwasonenamedDonPedrodeAguilar，anativeofsomeplace，Iknownotwhat，inAndalusia，whohadbeenensigninthefort，asoldierofgreatreputeandrareintelligence，whohadinparticularaspecialgiftforwhattheycallpoetry。Isaysobecausehisfatebroughthimtomygalleyandtomybench，andmadehimaslavetothesamemaster；andbeforewelefttheportthisgentlemancomposedtwosonnetsbywayofepitaphs，oneontheGolettaandtheotheronthefort；indeed，I
　　mayaswellrepeatthem，forIhavethembyheart，andIthinktheywillbelikedratherthandisliked。
　　TheinstantthecaptivementionedthenameofDonPedrodeAguilar，DonFernandolookedathiscompanionsandtheyallthreesmiled；andwhenhecametospeakofthesonnetsoneofthemsaid，“BeforeyourworshipproceedsanyfurtherIentreatyoutotellmewhatbecameofthatDonPedrodeAguilaryouhavespokenof。“
　　“AllIknowis，“repliedthecaptive，“thatafterhavingbeeninConstantinopletwoyears，heescapedinthedisguiseofanArnaut，incompanywithaGreekspy；butwhetherheregainedhislibertyornotIcannottell，thoughIfancyhedid，becauseayearafterwardsIsawtheGreekatConstantinople，thoughIwasunabletoaskhimwhattheresultofthejourneywas。“
　　“Wellthen，youareright，“returnedthegentleman，“forthatDonPedroismybrother，andheisnowinourvillageingoodhealth，rich，married，andwiththreechildren。“
　　“ThanksbetoGodforallthemercieshehasshownhim，“saidthecaptive；“fortomymindthereisnohappinessonearthtocomparewithrecoveringlostliberty。“
　　“Andwhatismore，“saidthegentleman，“Iknowthesonnetsmybrothermade。“
　　“Thenletyourworshiprepeatthem，“saidthecaptive，“foryouwillrecitethembetterthanIcan。“
　　“Withallmyheart，“saidthegentleman；“thatontheGolettarunsthus。“
　　CHAPTERXL
　　INWHICHTHESTORYOFTHECAPTIVEISCONTINUED。
　　SONNET
　　“Blestsouls，that，fromthismortalhusksetfree，Inguerdonofbravedeedsbeatified，AbovethislowlyorbofoursabideMadeheirsofheavenandimmortality，WithnoblerageandardourglowingyeYourstrength，whilestrengthwasyours，inbattleplied，Andwithyourownbloodandthefoeman'sdyedThesandysoilandtheencirclingsea。
　　Itwastheebbinglife-bloodfirstthatfailedThewearyarms；thestoutheartsneverquailed。
　　Thoughvanquished，yetyeearnedthevictor'scrown：
　　Thoughmourned，yetstilltriumphantwasyourfallForthereyewon，betweentheswordandwall，InHeavengloryandonearthrenown。“
　　“Thatisitexactly，accordingtomyrecollection，“saidthecaptive。
　　“Wellthen，thatonthefort，“saidthegentleman，“ifmymemoryservesme，goesthus：
　　SONNET
　　“Upfromthiswastedsoil，thisshatteredshell，Whosewallsandtowershereinruinlie，Threethousandsoldiersoulstookwingonhigh，Inthebrightmansionsoftheblesttodwell。
　　TheonslaughtofthefoemantorepelBymightofarmallvainlydidtheytry，Andwhenatlength'twasleftthembuttodie，Weariedandfewthelastdefendersfell。
　　AndthissamearidsoilhatheverbeenAhauntofcountlessmournfulmemories，Aswellinourdayasindaysofyore。
　　ButneveryettoHeavenitsent，Iween，Fromitshardbosompurersoulsthanthese，Orbraverbodiesonitssurfacebore。“
　　Thesonnetswerenotdisliked，andthecaptivewasrejoicedatthetidingstheygavehimofhiscomrade，andcontinuinghistale，hewentontosay：
　　TheGolettaandthefortbeingthusintheirhands，theTurksgaveorderstodismantletheGoletta-forthefortwasreducedtosuchastatethattherewasnothinglefttolevel-andtodotheworkmorequicklyandeasilytheymineditinthreeplaces；butnowhereweretheyabletoblowupthepartwhichseemedtobetheleaststrong，thatistosay，theoldwalls，whileallthatremainedstandingofthenewfortificationsthattheFratinhadmadecametothegroundwiththegreatestease。FinallythefleetreturnedvictoriousandtriumphanttoConstantinople，andafewmonthslaterdiedmymaster，ElUchali，otherwiseUchaliFartax，whichmeansinTurkish“thescabbyrenegade；“forthathewas；itisthepracticewiththeTurkstonamepeoplefromsomedefectorvirtuetheymaypossess；thereasonbeingthatthereareamongthemonlyfoursurnamesbelongingtofamiliestracingtheirdescentfromtheOttomanhouse，andtheothers，asIhavesaid，taketheirnamesandsurnameseitherfrombodilyblemishesormoralqualities。This“scabbyone“rowedattheoarasaslaveoftheGrandSignor'sforfourteenyears，andwhenoverthirty-fouryearsofage，inresentmentathavingbeenstruckbyaTurkwhileattheoar，turnedrenegadeandrenouncedhisfaithinordertobeabletorevengehimself；andsuchwashisvalourthat，withoutowinghisadvancementtothebasewaysandmeansbywhichmostfavouritesoftheGrandSignorrisetopower，hecametobekingofAlgiers，andafterwardsgeneral-on-sea，whichisthethirdplaceoftrustintherealm。HewasaCalabrianbybirth，andaworthymanmorally，andhetreatedhisslaveswithgreathumanity。Hehadthreethousandofthem，andafterhisdeaththeyweredivided，ashedirectedbyhiswill，betweentheGrandSignorwhoisheirofallwhodieandshareswiththechildrenofthedeceasedandhisrenegades。I
　　felltothelotofaVenetianrenegadewho，whenacabinboyonboardaship，hadbeentakenbyUchaliandwassomuchbelovedbyhimthathebecameoneofhismostfavouredyouths。HecametobethemostcruelrenegadeIeversaw：hisnamewasHassanAga，andhegrewveryrichandbecamekingofAlgiers。WithhimIwenttherefromConstantinople，rathergladtobesonearSpain，notthatI
　　intendedtowritetoanyoneaboutmyunhappylot，buttotryiffortunewouldbekindertomeinAlgiersthaninConstantinople，whereIhadattemptedinathousandwaystoescapewithouteverfindingafavourabletimeorchance；butinAlgiersIresolvedtoseekforothermeansofeffectingthepurposeIcherishedsodearly；forthehopeofobtainingmylibertyneverdesertedme；andwheninmyplotsandschemesandattemptstheresultdidnotanswermyexpectations，withoutgivingwaytodespairIimmediatelybegantolookoutfororconjureupsomenewhopetosupportme，howeverfaintorfeebleitmightbe。
　　InthiswayIlivedonimmuredinabuildingorprisoncalledbytheTurksabanoinwhichtheyconfinetheChristiancaptives，aswellthosethataretheking'sasthosebelongingtoprivateindividuals，andalsowhattheycallthoseoftheAlmacen，whichisasmuchastosaytheslavesofthemunicipality，whoservethecityinthepublicworksandotheremployments；butcaptivesofthiskindrecovertheirlibertywithgreatdifficulty，for，astheyarepublicpropertyandhavenoparticularmaster，thereisnoonewithwhomtotreatfortheirransom，eventhoughtheymayhavethemeans。Tothesebanos，asIhavesaid，someprivateindividualsofthetownareinthehabitofbringingtheircaptives，especiallywhentheyaretoberansomed；becausetheretheycankeeptheminsafetyandcomfortuntiltheirransomarrives。Theking'scaptivesalso，thatareonransom，donotgoouttoworkwiththerestofthecrew，unlesswhentheirransomisdelayed；forthen，tomakethemwriteforitmorepressingly，theycompelthemtoworkandgoforwood，whichisnolightlabour。
　　I，however，wasoneofthoseonransom，forwhenitwasdiscoveredthatIwasacaptain，althoughIdeclaredmyscantymeansandwantoffortune，nothingcoulddissuadethemfromincludingmeamongthegentlemenandthosewaitingtoberansomed。Theyputachainonme，moreasamarkofthisthantokeepmesafe，andsoIpassedmylifeinthatbanowithseveralothergentlemenandpersonsofqualitymarkedoutasheldtoransom；butthoughattimes，orratheralmostalways，wesufferedfromhungerandscantyclothing，nothingdistressedussomuchashearingandseeingateveryturntheunexampledandunheard-ofcrueltiesmymasterinflictedupontheChristians。Everydayhehangedaman，impaledone，cutofftheearsofanother；andallwithsolittleprovocation，orsoentirelywithoutany，thattheTurksacknowledgedhediditmerelyforthesakeofdoingit，andbecausehewasbynaturemurderouslydisposedtowardsthewholehumanrace。TheonlyonethatfaredatallwellwithhimwasaSpanishsoldier，somethingdeSaavedrabyname，towhomhenevergaveablowhimself，ororderedablowtobegiven，oraddressedahardword，althoughhehaddonethingsthatwilldwellinthememoryofthepeoplethereformanyayear，andalltorecoverhisliberty；
　　andfortheleastofthemanythingshedidwealldreadedthathewouldbeimpaled，andhehimselfwasinfearofitmorethanonce；andonlythattimedoesnotallow，Icouldtellyounowsomethingofwhatthatsoldierdid，thatwouldinterestandastonishyoumuchmorethanthenarrationofmyowntale。
　　Togoonwithmystory；thecourtyardofourprisonwasoverlookedbythewindowsofthehousebelongingtoawealthyMoorofhighposition；andthese，asisusualinMoorishhouses，wereratherloopholesthanwindows，andbesideswerecoveredwiththickandcloselattice-work。Itsohappened，then，thatasIwasonedayontheterraceofourprisonwiththreeothercomrades，trying，topassawaythetime，howfarwecouldleapwithourchains，webeingalone，foralltheotherChristianshadgoneouttowork，Ichancedtoraisemyeyes，andfromoneoftheselittleclosedwindowsIsawareedappearwithaclothattachedtotheendofit，anditkeptwavingtoandfro，andmovingasifmakingsignstoustocomeandtakeit。
　　Wewatchedit，andoneofthosewhowerewithmewentandstoodunderthereedtoseewhethertheywouldletitdrop，orwhattheywoulddo，butashedidsothereedwasraisedandmovedfromsidetoside，asiftheymeanttosay“no“byashakeofthehead。TheChristiancameback，anditwasagainlowered，makingthesamemovementsasbefore。Anotherofmycomradeswent，andwithhimthesamehappenedaswiththefirst，andthenthethirdwentforward，butwiththesameresultasthefirstandsecond。SeeingthisIdidnotlikenottotrymyluck，andassoonasIcameunderthereeditwasdroppedandfellinsidethebanoatmyfeet。Ihastenedtountiethecloth，inwhichIperceivedaknot，andinthisweretencianis，whicharecoinsofbasegold，currentamongtheMoors，andeachworthtenrealsofourmoney。
　　ItisneedlesstosayIrejoicedoverthisgodsend，andmyjoywasnotlessthanmywonderasIstrovetoimaginehowthisgoodfortunecouldhavecometous，buttomespecially；fortheevidentunwillingnesstodropthereedforanybutmeshowedthatitwasformethefavourwasintended。Itookmywelcomemoney，brokethereed，andreturnedtotheterrace，andlookingupatthewindow，Isawaverywhitehandputoutthatopenedandshutveryquickly。Fromthiswegatheredorfanciedthatitmustbesomewomanlivinginthathousethathaddoneusthiskindness，andtoshowthatweweregratefulforit，wemadesalaamsafterthefashionoftheMoors，bowingthehead，bendingthebody，andcrossingthearmsonthebreast。Shortlyafterwardsatthesamewindowasmallcrossmadeofreedswasputoutandimmediatelywithdrawn。ThissignledustobelievethatsomeChristianwomanwasacaptiveinthehouse，andthatitwasshewhohadbeensogoodtous；butthewhitenessofthehandandthebraceletswehadperceivedmadeusdismissthatidea，thoughwethoughtitmightbeoneoftheChristianrenegadeswhomtheirmastersveryoftentakeaslawfulwives，andgladly，fortheypreferthemtothewomenoftheirownnation。Inallourconjectureswewerewideofthetruth；sofromthattimeforwardoursoleoccupationwaswatchingandgazingatthewindowwherethecrosshadappearedtous，asifitwereourpole-star；butatleastfifteendayspassedwithoutourseeingeitheritorthehand，oranyothersignandthoughmeanwhileweendeavouredwiththeutmostpainstoascertainwhoitwasthatlivedinthehouse，andwhethertherewereanyChristianrenegadeinit，nobodycouldevertellusanythingmorethanthathewholivedtherewasarichMoorofhighposition，HadjiMoratobyname，formerlyalcaideofLaPata，anofficeofhighdignityamongthem。Butwhenweleastthoughtitwasgoingtorainanymorecianisfromthatquarter，wesawthereedsuddenlyappearwithanotherclothtiedinalargerknotattachedtoit，andthisatatimewhen，asontheformeroccasion，thebanowasdesertedandunoccupied。
　　Wemadetrialasbefore，eachofthesamethreegoingforwardbeforeIdid；butthereedwasdeliveredtononebutme，andonmyapproachitwasletdrop。IuntiedtheknotandIfoundfortySpanishgoldcrownswithapaperwritteninArabic，andattheendofthewritingtherewasalargecrossdrawn。Ikissedthecross，tookthecrownsandreturnedtotheterrace，andweallmadeoursalaams；againthehandappeared，ImadesignsthatIwouldreadthepaper，andthenthewindowwasclosed。Wewereallpuzzled，thoughfilledwithjoyatwhathadtakenplace；andasnoneofusunderstoodArabic，greatwasourcuriositytoknowwhatthepapercontained，andstillgreaterthedifficultyoffindingsomeonetoreadit。AtlastIresolvedtoconfideinarenegade，anativeofMurcia，whoprofessedaverygreatfriendshipforme，andhadgivenpledgesthatboundhimtokeepanysecretImightentrusttohim；foritisthecustomwithsomerenegades，whentheyintendtoreturntoChristianterritory，tocarryaboutthemcertificatesfromcaptivesofmarktestifying，inwhateverformtheycan，thatsuchandsucharenegadeisaworthymanwhohasalwaysshownkindnesstoChristians，andisanxioustoescapeonthefirstopportunitythatmaypresentitself。Someobtainthesetestimonialswithgoodintentions，othersputthemtoacunninguse；forwhentheygotopillageonChristianterritory，iftheychancetobecastaway，ortakenprisoners，theyproducetheircertificatesandsaythatfromthesepapersmaybeseentheobjecttheycamefor，whichwastoremainonChristianground，andthatitwastothisendtheyjoinedtheTurksintheirforay。InthiswaytheyescapetheconsequencesofthefirstoutburstandmaketheirpeacewiththeChurchbeforeitdoesthemanyharm，andthenwhentheyhavethechancetheyreturntoBarbarytobecomewhattheywerebefore。Others，however，therearewhoprocurethesepapersandmakeuseofthemhonestly，andremainonChristiansoil。Thisfriendofmine，then，wasoneoftheserenegadesthatIhavedescribed；hehadcertificatesfromallourcomrades，inwhichwetestifiedinhisfavourasstronglyaswecould；andiftheMoorshadfoundthepaperstheywouldhaveburnedhimalive。
　　IknewthatheunderstoodArabicverywell，andcouldnotonlyspeakbutalsowriteit；butbeforeIdisclosedthewholemattertohim，I
　　askedhimtoreadformethispaperwhichIhadfoundbyaccidentinaholeinmycell。Heopeneditandremainedsometimeexaminingitandmutteringtohimselfashetranslatedit。Iaskedhimifheunderstoodit，andhetoldmehedidperfectlywell，andthatifI
　　wishedhimtotellmeitsmeaningwordforword，Imustgivehimpenandinkthathemightdoitmoresatisfactorily。Weatoncegavehimwhatherequired，andhesetabouttranslatingitbitbybit，andwhenhehaddonehesaid：
　　“AllthatishereinSpanishiswhattheMoorishpapercontains，andyoumustbearinmindthatwhenitsays'LelaMarien'itmeans'OurLadytheVirginMary。'“
　　Wereadthepaperanditranthus：
　　“WhenIwasachildmyfatherhadaslavewhotaughtmetopraytheChristianprayerinmyownlanguage，andtoldmemanythingsaboutLelaMarien。TheChristiandied，andIknowthatshedidnotgotothefire，buttoAllah，becausesincethenIhaveseenhertwice，andshetoldmetogotothelandoftheChristianstoseeLelaMarien，whohadgreatloveforme。Iknownothowtogo。IhaveseenmanyChristians，butexceptthyselfnonehasseemedtometobeagentleman。Iamyoungandbeautiful，andhaveplentyofmoneytotakewithme。Seeifthoucanstcontrivehowwemaygo，andifthouwiltthoushaltbemyhusbandthere，andifthouwiltnotitwillnotdistressme，forLelaMarienwillfindmesomeonetomarryme。
　　Imyselfhavewrittenthis：haveacaretowhomthougivestittoread：trustnoMoor，fortheyareallperfidious。Iamgreatlytroubledonthisaccount，forIwouldnothavetheeconfideinanyone，becauseifmyfatherknewithewouldatonceflingmedownawellandcovermewithstones。Iwillputathreadtothereed；tietheanswertoit，andifthouhastnoonetowritefortheeinArabic，tellittomebysigns，forLelaMarienwillmakemeunderstandthee。SheandAllahandthiscross，whichIoftenkissasthecaptivebademe，protectthee。“
　　Judge，sirs，whetherwehadreasonforsurpriseandjoyatthewordsofthispaper；andbothoneandtheotherweresogreat，thattherenegadeperceivedthatthepaperhadnotbeenfoundbychance，buthadbeeninrealityaddressedtosomeoneofus，andhebeggedus，ifwhathesuspectedwerethetruth，totrusthimandtellhimall，forhewouldriskhislifeforourfreedom；andsosayinghetookoutfromhisbreastametalcrucifix，andwithmanytearssworebytheGodtheimagerepresented，inwhom，sinfulandwickedashewas，hetrulyandfaithfullybelieved，tobeloyaltousandkeepsecretwhateverwechosetorevealtohim；forhethoughtandalmostforesawthatbymeansofherwhohadwrittenthatpaper，heandallofuswouldobtainourliberty，andhehimselfobtaintheobjecthesomuchdesired，hisrestorationtothebosomoftheHolyMotherChurch，fromwhichbyhisownsinandignorancehewasnowseveredlikeacorruptlimb。Therenegadesaidthiswithsomanytearsandsuchsignsofrepentance，thatwithoneconsentweallagreedtotellhimthewholetruthofthematter，andsowegavehimafullaccountofall，withouthidinganythingfromhim。Wepointedouttohimthewindowatwhichthereedappeared，andhebythatmeanstooknoteofthehouse，andresolvedtoascertainwithparticularcarewholivedinit。WeagreedalsothatitwouldbeadvisabletoanswertheMoorishlady'sletter，andtherenegadewithoutamoment'sdelaytookdownthewordsIdictatedtohim，whichwereexactlywhatIshalltellyou，fornothingofimportancethattookplaceinthisaffairhasescapedmymemory，oreverwillwhilelifelasts。This，then，wastheanswerreturnedtotheMoorishlady：
　　“ThetrueAllahprotectthee，Lady，andthatblessedMarienwhoisthetruemotherofGod，andwhohasputitintothyhearttogotothelandoftheChristians，becauseshelovesthee。Entreatherthatshebepleasedtoshowtheehowthoucanstexecutethecommandshegivesthee，forshewill，suchishergoodness。Onmyownpart，andonthatofalltheseChristianswhoarewithme，Ipromisetodoallthatwecanforthee，eventodeath。Failnottowritetomeandinformmewhatthoudostmeantodo，andIwillalwaysanswerthee；forthegreatAllahhasgivenusaChristiancaptivewhocanspeakandwritethylanguagewell，asthoumayestseebythispaper；withoutfear，therefore，thoucanstinformusofallthouwouldst。Astowhatthousayest，thatifthoudostreachthelandoftheChristiansthouwiltbemywife，IgivetheemypromiseuponitasagoodChristian；andknowthattheChristianskeeptheirpromisesbetterthantheMoors。
　　AllahandMarienhismotherwatchoverthee，myLady。“
　　ThepaperbeingwrittenandfoldedIwaitedtwodaysuntilthebanowasemptyasbefore，andimmediatelyrepairedtotheusualwalkontheterracetoseeiftherewereanysignofthereed，whichwasnotlonginmakingitsappearance。AssoonasIsawit，althoughI
　　couldnotdistinguishwhoputitout，Ishowedthepaperasasigntoattachthethread，butitwasalreadyfixedtothereed，andtoitItiedthepaper；andshortlyafterwardsourstaroncemoremadeitsappearancewiththewhiteflagofpeace，thelittlebundle。Itwasdropped，andIpickeditup，andfoundinthecloth，ingoldandsilvercoinsofallsorts，morethanfiftycrowns，whichfiftytimesmorestrengthenedourjoyanddoubledourhopeofgainingourliberty。
　　ThatverynightourrenegadereturnedandsaidhehadlearnedthattheMoorwehadbeentoldoflivedinthathouse，thathisnamewasHadjiMorato，thathewasenormouslyrich，thathehadoneonlydaughtertheheiressofallhiswealth，andthatitwasthegeneralopinionthroughoutthecitythatshewasthemostbeautifulwomaninBarbary，andthatseveraloftheviceroyswhocametherehadsoughtherforawife，butthatshehadbeenalwaysunwillingtomarry；andhehadlearned，moreover，thatshehadaChristianslavewhowasnowdead；allwhichagreedwiththecontentsofthepaper。WeimmediatelytookcounselwiththerenegadeastowhatmeanswouldhavetobeadoptedinordertocarryofftheMoorishladyandbringusalltoChristianterritory；andintheenditwasagreedthatforthepresentweshouldwaitforasecondcommunicationfromZoraidaforthatwasthenameofherwhonowdesirestobecalledMaria，becausewesawclearlythatsheandnooneelsecouldfindawayoutofallthesedifficulties。Whenwehaddecideduponthistherenegadetoldusnottobeuneasy，forhewouldlosehislifeorrestoreustoliberty。Forfourdaysthebanowasfilledwithpeople，forwhichreasonthereeddelayeditsappearanceforfourdays，butattheendofthattime，whenthebanowas，asitgenerallywas，empty，itappearedwiththeclothsobulkythatitpromisedahappybirth。Reedandclothcamedowntome，andIfoundanotherpaperandahundredcrownsingold，withoutanyothercoin。
　　Therenegadewaspresent，andinourcellwegavehimthepapertoread，whichwastothiseffect：
　　“Icannotthinkofaplan，senor，forourgoingtoSpain，norhasLelaMarienshownmeone，thoughIhaveaskedher。Allthatcanbedoneisformetogiveyouplentyofmoneyingoldfromthiswindow。
　　Withitransomyourselfandyourfriends，andletoneofyougotothelandoftheChristians，andtherebuyavesselandcomebackfortheothers；andhewillfindmeinmyfather'sgarden，whichisattheBabazongateneartheseashore，whereIshallbeallthissummerwithmyfatherandmyservants。Youcancarrymeawayfromtherebynightwithoutanydanger，andbringmetothevessel。Andrememberthouarttobemyhusband，elseIwillpraytoMarientopunishthee。Ifthoucanstnottrustanyonetogoforthevessel，ransomthyselfanddothougo，forIknowthouwiltreturnmoresurelythananyother，asthouartagentlemanandaChristian。Endeavourtomakethyselfacquaintedwiththegarden；andwhenIseetheewalkingyonderIshallknowthatthebanoisemptyandIwillgivetheeabundanceofmoney。Allahprotectthee，senor。“
　　Thesewerethewordsandcontentsofthesecondpaper，andonhearingthem，eachdeclaredhimselfwillingtobetheransomedone，andpromisedtogoandreturnwithscrupulousgoodfaith；andItoomadethesameoffer；buttoallthistherenegadeobjected，sayingthathewouldnotonanyaccountconsenttoonebeingsetfreebeforeallwenttogether，asexperiencehadtaughthimhowillthosewhohavebeensetfreekeeppromiseswhichtheymadeincaptivity；forcaptivesofdistinctionfrequentlyhadrecoursetothisplan，payingtheransomofonewhowastogotoValenciaorMajorcawithmoneytoenablehimtoarmabarkandreturnfortheotherswhohadransomedhim，butwhonevercameback；forrecoveredlibertyandthedreadoflosingitagaineffacefromthememoryalltheobligationsintheworld。Andtoprovethetruthofwhathesaid，hetoldusbrieflywhathadhappenedtoacertainChristiangentlemanalmostatthatverytime，thestrangestcasethathadeveroccurredeventhere，whereastonishingandmarvellousthingsarehappeningeveryinstant。Inshort，heendedbysayingthatwhatcouldandoughttobedonewastogivethemoneyintendedfortheransomofoneofusChristianstohim，sothathemightwithitbuyavesselthereinAlgiersunderthepretenceofbecomingamerchantandtraderatTetuanandalongthecoast；andwhenmasterofthevessel，itwouldbeeasyforhimtohitonsomewayofgettingusalloutofthebanoandputtingusonboard；especiallyiftheMoorishladygave，asshesaid，moneyenoughtoransomall，becauseoncefreeitwouldbetheeasiestthingintheworldforustoembarkeveninopenday；butthegreatestdifficultywasthattheMoorsdonotallowanyrenegadetobuyorownanycraft，unlessitbealargevesselforgoingonrovingexpeditions，becausetheyareafraidthatanyonewhobuysasmallvessel，especiallyifhebeaSpaniard，onlywantsitforthepurposeofescapingtoChristianterritory。ThishoweverhecouldgetoverbyarrangingwithaTagarinMoortogoshareswithhiminthepurchaseofthevessel，andintheprofitonthecargo；andundercoverofthishecouldbecomemasterofthevessel，inwhichcasehelookeduponalltherestasaccomplished。ButthoughtomeandmycomradesithadseemedabetterplantosendtoMajorcaforthevessel，astheMoorishladysuggested，wedidnotdaretoopposehim，fearingthatifwedidnotdoashesaidhewoulddenounceus，andplaceusindangeroflosingallourlivesifheweretodiscloseourdealingswithZoraida，forwhoselifewewouldhaveallgivenourown。WethereforeresolvedtoputourselvesinthehandsofGodandintherenegade's；andatthesametimeananswerwasgiventoZoraida，tellingherthatwewoulddoallsherecommended，forshehadgivenasgoodadviceasifLelaMarienhaddeliveredit，andthatitdependedonheralonewhetherweweretodeferthebusinessorputitinexecutionatonce。Irenewedmypromisetobeherhusband；
　　andthusthenextdaythatthebanochancedtobeemptysheatdifferenttimesgaveusbymeansofthereedandclothtwothousandgoldcrownsandapaperinwhichshesaidthatthenextJuma，thatistosayFriday，shewasgoingtoherfather'sgarden，butthatbeforeshewentshewouldgiveusmoremoney；andifitwerenotenoughweweretoletherknow，asshewouldgiveusasmuchasweasked，forherfatherhadsomuchhewouldnotmissit，andbesidesshekeptallthekeys。
　　Weatoncegavetherenegadefivehundredcrownstobuythevessel，andwitheighthundredIransomedmyself，givingthemoneytoaValencianmerchantwhohappenedtobeinAlgiersatthetime，andwhohadmereleasedonhisword，pledgingitthatonthearrivalofthefirstshipfromValenciahewouldpaymyransom；forifhehadgiventhemoneyatonceitwouldhavemadethekingsuspectthatmyransommoneyhadbeenforalongtimeinAlgiers，andthatthemerchanthadforhisownadvantagekeptitsecret。InfactmymasterwassodifficulttodealwiththatIdarednotonanyaccountpaydownthemoneyatonce。TheThursdaybeforetheFridayonwhichthefairZoraidawastogotothegardenshegaveusathousandcrownsmore，andwarnedusofherdeparture，beggingme，ifIwereransomed，tofindoutherfather'sgardenatonce，andbyallmeanstoseekanopportunityofgoingtheretoseeher。IansweredinafewwordsthatIwoulddoso，andthatshemustremembertocommendustoLelaMarienwithalltheprayersthecaptivehadtaughther。Thishavingbeendone，stepsweretakentoransomourthreecomrades，soastoenablethemtoquitthebano，andlest，seeingmeransomedandthemselvesnot，thoughthemoneywasforthcoming，theyshouldmakeadisturbanceaboutitandthedevilshouldpromptthemtodosomethingthatmightinjureZoraida；forthoughtheirpositionmightbesufficienttorelievemefromthisapprehension，neverthelessIwasunwillingtorunanyriskinthematter；andsoIhadthemransomedinthesamewayasIwas，handingoverallthemoneytothemerchantsothathemightwithsafetyandconfidencegivesecurity；without，however，confidingourarrangementandsecrettohim，whichmighthavebeendangerous。
　　CHAPTERXLI
　　INWHICHTHECAPTIVESTILLCONTINUESHISADVENTURES
　　BEFOREfifteendayswereoverourrenegadehadalreadypurchasedanexcellentvesselwithroomformorethanthirtypersons；andtomakethetransactionsafeandlendacolourtoit，hethoughtitwelltomake，ashedid，avoyagetoaplacecalledShershel，twentyleaguesfromAlgiersontheOranside，wherethereisanextensivetradeindriedfigs。TwoorthreetimeshemadethisvoyageincompanywiththeTagarinalreadymentioned。TheMoorsofAragonarecalledTagarinsinBarbary，andthoseofGranadaMudejars；butintheKingdomofFeztheycalltheMudejarsElches，andtheyarethepeoplethekingchieflyemploysinwar。Toproceed：everytimehepassedwithhisvesselheanchoredinacovethatwasnottwocrossbowshotsfromthegardenwhereZoraidawaswaiting；andtheretherenegade，togetherwiththetwoMoorishladsthatrowed，usedpurposelytostationhimself，eithergoingthroughhisprayers，orelsepractisingasapartwhathemeanttoperforminearnest。AndthushewouldgotoZoraida'sgardenandaskforfruit，whichherfathergavehim，notknowinghim；butthough，asheafterwardstoldme，hesoughttospeaktoZoraida，andtellherwhohewas，andthatbymyordershewastotakehertothelandoftheChristians，sothatshemightfeelsatisfiedandeasy，hehadneverbeenabletodoso；fortheMoorishwomendonotallowthemselvestobeseenbyanyMoororTurk，unlesstheirhusbandorfatherbidthem：withChristiancaptivestheypermitfreedomofintercourseandcommunication，evenmorethanmightbeconsideredproper。ButformypartIshouldhavebeensorryifhehadspokentoher，forperhapsitmighthavealarmedhertofindheraffairstalkedofbyrenegades。ButGod，whoordereditotherwise，affordednoopportunityforourrenegade'swell-meantpurpose；andhe，seeinghowsafelyhecouldgotoShershelandreturn，andanchorwhenandhowandwhereheliked，andthattheTagarinhispartnerhadnowillbuthis，andthat，nowIwasransomed，allwewantedwastofindsomeChristianstorow，toldmetolookoutforanyIshouldhewillingtotakewithme，overandabovethosewhohadbeenransomed，andtoengagethemforthenextFriday，whichhefixeduponforourdeparture。OnthisIspoketotwelveSpaniards，allstoutrowers，andsuchascouldmosteasilyleavethecity；butitwasnoeasymattertofindsomanyjustthen，becausethereweretwentyshipsoutonacruiseandtheyhadtakenalltherowerswiththem；andthesewouldnothavebeenfoundwereitnotthattheirmasterremainedathomethatsummerwithoutgoingtoseainordertofinishagalliotthathehaduponthestocks。TothesemenIsaidnothingmorethanthatthenextFridayintheeveningtheyweretocomeoutstealthilyonebyoneandhangaboutHadjiMorato'sgarden，waitingformethereuntilIcame。ThesedirectionsIgaveeachoneseparately，withordersthatiftheysawanyotherChristianstheretheywerenottosayanythingtothemexceptthatIhaddirectedthemtowaitatthatspot。
　　Thispreliminaryhavingbeensettled，anotherstillmorenecessarystephadtobetaken，whichwastoletZoraidaknowhowmattersstoodthatshemightbepreparedandforewarned，soasnottobetakenbysurpriseifweweresuddenlytoseizeuponherbeforeshethoughttheChristians'vesselcouldhavereturned。Idetermined，therefore，togotothegardenandtryifIcouldspeaktoher；andthedaybeforemydepartureIwentthereunderthepretenceofgatheringherbs。ThefirstpersonImetwasherfather，whoaddressedmeinthelanguagethatalloverBarbaryandeveninConstantinopleisthemediumbetweencaptivesandMoors，andisneitherMorisconorCastilian，norofanyothernation，butamixtureofalllanguages，bymeansofwhichwecanallunderstandoneanother。Inthissortoflanguage，Isay，heaskedmewhatIwantedinhisgarden，andtowhomIbelonged。IrepliedthatIwasaslaveoftheArnautMamiforIknewasacertaintythathewasaverygreatfriendofhis，andthatIwantedsomeherbstomakeasalad。HeaskedmethenwhetherIwereonransomornot，andwhatmymasterdemandedforme。Whilethesequestionsandanswerswereproceeding，thefairZoraida，whohadalreadyperceivedmesometimebefore，cameoutofthehouseinthegarden，andasMoorishwomenarebynomeansparticularaboutlettingthemselvesbeseenbyChristians，or，asIhavesaidbefore，atallcoy，shehadnohesitationincomingtowhereherfatherstoodwithme；moreoverherfather，seeingherapproachingslowly，calledtohertocome。Itwouldbebeyondmypowernowtodescribetoyouthegreatbeauty，thehigh-bredair，thebrilliantattireofmybelovedZoraidaasshepresentedherselfbeforemyeyes。Iwillcontentmyselfwithsayingthatmorepearlshungfromherfairneck，herears，andherhairthanshehadhairsonherhead。Onherankles，whichasiscustomarywerebare，shehadcarcajesforsobraceletsorankletsarecalledinMoriscoofthepurestgold，setwithsomanydiamondsthatshetoldmeafterwardsherfathervaluedthemattenthousanddoubloons，andthoseshehadonherwristswereworthasmuchmore。Thepearlswereinprofusionandveryfine，forthehighestdisplayandadornmentoftheMoorishwomenisdeckingthemselveswithrichpearlsandseed-pearls；andofthesetherearethereforemoreamongtheMoorsthanamonganyotherpeople。
　　Zoraida'sfatherhadtothereputationofpossessingagreatnumber，andthepurestinallAlgiers，andofpossessingalsomorethantwohundredthousandSpanishcrowns；andshe，whoisnowmistressofmeonly，wasmistressofallthis。Whetherthusadornedshewouldhavebeenbeautifulornot，andwhatshemusthavebeeninherprosperity，maybeimaginedfromthebeautyremainingtoheraftersomanyhardships；for，aseveryoneknows，thebeautyofsomewomenhasitstimesanditsseasons，andisincreasedordiminishedbychancecauses；andnaturallytheemotionsofthemindwillheightenorimpairit，thoughindeedmorefrequentlytheytotallydestroyit。Inawordshepresentedherselfbeforemethatdayattiredwiththeutmostsplendour，andsupremelybeautiful；atanyrate，sheseemedtomethemostbeautifulobjectIhadeverseen；andwhen，besides，IthoughtofallIowedtoherIfeltasthoughIhadbeforemesomeheavenlybeingcometoearthtobringmereliefandhappiness。
　　AssheapproachedherfathertoldherinhisownlanguagethatIwasacaptivebelongingtohisfriendtheArnautMami，andthatIhadcomeforsalad。
　　Shetookuptheconversation，andinthatmixtureoftonguesI
　　havespokenofsheaskedmeifIwasagentleman，andwhyIwasnotransomed。
　　IansweredthatIwasalreadyransomed，andthatbythepriceitmightbeseenwhatvaluemymastersetonme，asIhadgivenonethousandfivehundredzoltanisforme；towhichshereplied，“Hadstthoubeenmyfather's，Icantellthee，Iwouldnothavelethimpartwiththeefortwiceasmuch，foryouChristiansalwaystellliesaboutyourselvesandmakeyourselvesoutpoortocheattheMoors。“
　　“Thatmaybe，lady，“saidI；“butindeedIdealttruthfullywithmymaster，asIdoandmeantodowitheverybodyintheworld。“
　　“Andwhendostthougo？”saidZoraida。
　　“To-morrow，Ithink，“saidI，“forthereisavesselherefromFrancewhichsailsto-morrow，andIthinkIshallgoinher。“
　　“Woulditnotbebetter，“saidZoraida，“towaitforthearrivalofshipsfromSpainandgowiththemandnotwiththeFrenchwhoarenotyourfriends？”
　　“No，“saidI；“thoughiftherewereintelligencethatavesselwerenowcomingfromSpainitistrueImight，perhaps，waitforit；
　　however，itismorelikelyIshalldepartto-morrow，forthelongingI
　　feeltoreturntomycountryandtothoseIloveissogreatthatitwillnotallowmetowaitforanotheropportunity，howevermoreconvenient，ifitbedelayed。“
　　“Nodoubtthouartmarriedinthineowncountry，“saidZoraida，“andforthatreasonthouartanxioustogoandseethywife。“
　　“Iamnotmarried，“Ireplied，“butIhavegivenmypromisetomarryonmyarrivalthere。“
　　“Andistheladybeautifultowhomthouhastgivenit？”saidZoraida。
　　“Sobeautiful，“saidI，“that，todescribeherworthilyandtelltheethetruth，sheisverylikethee。“
　　Atthisherfatherlaughedveryheartilyandsaid，“ByAllah，Christian，shemustbeverybeautifulifsheislikemydaughter，whoisthemostbeautifulwomaninallthiskingdom：onlylookatherwellandthouwiltseeIamtellingthetruth。“
　　Zoraida'sfatherasthebetterlinguisthelpedtointerpretmostofthesewordsandphrases，forthoughshespokethebastardlanguage，that，asIhavesaid，isemployedthere，sheexpressedhermeaningmorebysignsthanbywords。
　　Whilewewerestillengagedinthisconversation，aMoorcamerunningup，exclaimingthatfourTurkshadleapedoverthefenceorwallofthegarden，andweregatheringthefruitthoughitwasnotyetripe。TheoldmanwasalarmedandZoraidatoo，fortheMoorscommonly，and，sotospeak，instinctivelyhaveadreadoftheTurks，butparticularlyofthesoldiers，whoaresoinsolentanddomineeringtotheMoorswhoareundertheirpowerthattheytreatthemworsethaniftheyweretheirslaves。HerfathersaidtoZoraida，“Daughter，retireintothehouseandshutthyselfinwhileIgoandspeaktothesedogs；andthou，Christian，pickthyherbs，andgoinpeace，andAllahbringtheesafetothyowncountry。“
　　Ibowed，andhewentawaytolookfortheTurks，leavingmealonewithZoraida，whomadeasifshewereabouttoretireasherfatherbadeher；butthemomenthewasconcealedbythetreesofthegarden，turningtomewithhereyesfulloftearsshesaid，Tameji，cristiano，tameji？”thatistosay，“Artthougoing，Christian，artthougoing？”
　　Imadeanswer，“Yes，lady，butnotwithoutthee，comewhatmay：beonthewatchformeonthenextJuma，andbenotalarmedwhenthouseestus；formostsurelyweshallgotothelandoftheChristians。“
　　ThisIsaidinsuchawaythatsheunderstoodperfectlyallthatpassedbetweenus，andthrowingherarmroundmyneckshebeganwithfeeblestepstomovetowardsthehouse；butasfatewouldhaveitanditmighthavebeenveryunfortunateifHeavenhadnototherwiseorderedit，justasweweremovingoninthemannerandpositionI
　　havedescribed，withherarmroundmyneck，herfather，ashereturnedafterhavingsentawaytheTurks，sawhowwewerewalkingandweperceivedthathesawus；butZoraida，readyandquickwitted，tookcarenottoremoveherarmfrommyneck，butonthecontrarydrewclosertomeandlaidherheadonmybreast，bendingherkneesalittleandshowingallthesignsandtokensofainting，whileIatthesametimemadeitseemasthoughIweresupportingheragainstmywill。Herfathercamerunninguptowherewewere，andseeinghisdaughterinthisstateaskedwhatwasthematterwithher；she，however，givingnoanswer，hesaid，“Nodoubtshehasfaintedinalarmattheentranceofthosedogs，“andtakingherfromminehedrewhertohisownbreast，whileshesighing，hereyesstillwetwithtears，saidagain，“Ameji，cristiano，ameji“-“Go，Christian，go。“Tothisherfatherreplied，“Thereisnoneed，daughter，fortheChristiantogo，forhehasdonetheenoharm，andtheTurkshavenowgone；feelnoalarm，thereisnothingtohurtthee，forasIsay，theTurksatmyrequesthavegonebackthewaytheycame。“
　　“Itwastheywhoterrifiedher，asthouhastsaid，senor，“saidItoherfather；“butsinceshetellsmetogo，Ihavenowishtodispleaseher：peacebewiththee，andwiththyleaveIwillcomebacktothisgardenforherbsifneedbe，formymastersaystherearenowherebetterherbsforsaladthenhere。“
　　“Comebackforanythouhastneedof，“repliedHadjiMorato；“formydaughterdoesnotspeakthusbecausesheisdispleasedwiththeeoranyChristian：sheonlymeantthattheTurksshouldgo，notthou；orthatitwastimefortheetolookforthyherbs。“
　　WiththisIatoncetookmyleaveofboth；andshe，lookingasthoughherheartwerebreaking，retiredwithherfather。WhilepretendingtolookforherbsImadetheroundofthegardenatmyease，andstudiedcarefullyalltheapproachesandoutlets，andthefasteningsofthehouseandeverythingthatcouldbetakenadvantageoftomakeourtaskeasy。HavingdonesoIwentandgaveanaccountofallthathadtakenplacetotherenegadeandmycomrades，andlookedforwardwithimpatiencetothehourwhen，allfearatanend，IshouldfindmyselfinpossessionoftheprizewhichfortuneheldouttomeinthefairandlovelyZoraida。Thetimepassedatlength，andtheappointeddaywesolongedforarrived；and，allfollowingoutthearrangementandplanwhich，aftercarefulconsiderationandmanyalongdiscussion，wehaddecidedupon，wesucceededasfullyaswecouldhavewished；forontheFridayfollowingthedayuponwhichI
　　spoketoZoraidainthegarden，therenegadeanchoredhisvesselatnightfallalmostoppositethespotwhereshewas。TheChristianswhoweretorowwerereadyandinhidingindifferentplacesroundabout，allwaitingforme，anxiousandelated，andeagertoattackthevesseltheyhadbeforetheireyes；fortheydidnotknowtherenegade'splan，butexpectedthattheyweretogaintheirlibertybyforceofarmsandbykillingtheMoorswhowereonboardthevessel。Assoon，then，asIandmycomradesmadeourappearance，allthosethatwereinhidingseeinguscameandjoinedus。Itwasnowthetimewhenthecitygatesareshut，andtherewasnoonetobeseeninallthespaceoutside。WhenwewerecollectedtogetherwedebatedwhetheritwouldbebetterfirsttogoforZoraida，ortomakeprisonersoftheMoorishrowerswhorowedinthevessel；butwhilewewerestilluncertainourrenegadecameupaskinguswhatkeptus，asitwasnowthetime，andalltheMoorswereofftheirguardandmostofthemasleep。Wetoldhimwhywehesitated，buthesaiditwasofmoreimportancefirsttosecurethevessel，whichcouldbedonewiththegreatesteaseandwithoutanydanger，andthenwecouldgoforZoraida。Weallapprovedofwhathesaid，andsowithoutfurtherdelay，guidedbyhimwemadeforthevessel，andheleapingonboardfirst，drewhiscutlassandsaidinMorisco，“Letnoonestirfromthisifhedoesnotwantittocosthimhislife。“BythisalmostalltheChristianswereonboard，andtheMoors，whowerefainthearted，hearingtheircaptainspeakinthisway，werecowed，andwithoutanyoneofthemtakingtohisarmsandindeedtheyhadfeworhardlyanytheysubmittedwithoutsayingawordtobeboundbytheChristians，whoquicklysecuredthem，threateningthemthatiftheyraisedanykindofoutcrytheywouldbeallputtothesword。Thishavingbeenaccomplished，andhalfofourpartybeinglefttokeepguardoverthem，therestofus，againtakingtherenegadeasourguide，hastenedtowardsHadjiMorato'sgarden，andasgoodluckwouldhaveit，ontryingthegateitopenedaseasilyasifithadnotbeenlocked；andso，quitequietlyandinsilence，wereachedthehousewithoutbeingperceivedbyanybody。ThelovelyZoraidawaswatchingforusatawindow，andassoonassheperceivedthattherewerepeoplethere，sheaskedinalowvoiceifwewere“Nizarani，“
　　asmuchastosayoraskifwewereChristians。Iansweredthatwewere，andbeggedhertocomedown。Assoonassherecognisedmeshedidnotdelayaninstant，butwithoutansweringawordcamedownimmediately，openedthedoorandpresentedherselfbeforeusall，sobeautifulandsorichlyattiredthatIcannotattempttodescribeher。
　　ThemomentIsawherItookherhandandkissedit，andtherenegadeandmytwocomradesdidthesame；andtherest，whoknewnothingofthecircumstances，didastheysawusdo，foritonlyseemedasifwewerereturningthankstoher，andrecognisingherasthegiverofourliberty。TherenegadeaskedherintheMoriscolanguageifherfatherwasinthehouse。Sherepliedthathewasandthathewasasleep。
　　“Thenitwillbenecessarytowakenhimandtakehimwithus，“
　　saidtherenegade，“andeverythingofvalueinthisfairmansion。“
　　“Nay，“saidshe，“myfathermustnotonanyaccountbetouched，andthereisnothinginthehouseexceptwhatIshalltake，andthatwillbequiteenoughtoenrichandsatisfyallofyou；waitalittleandyoushallsee，“andsosayingshewentin，tellingusshewouldreturnimmediatelyandbiddinguskeepquietmakinganynoise。
　　Iaskedtherenegadewhathadpassedbetweenthem，andwhenhetoldme，IdeclaredthatnothingshouldbedoneexceptinaccordancewiththewishesofZoraida，whonowcamebackwithalittletrunksofullofgoldcrownsthatshecouldscarcelycarryit。Unfortunatelyherfatherawokewhilethiswasgoingon，andhearinganoiseinthegarden，cametothewindow，andatonceperceivingthatallthosewhoweretherewereChristians，raisingaprodigiouslyloudoutcry，hebegantocalloutinArabic，“Christians，Christians！thieves，thieves！”bywhichcrieswewereallthrownintothegreatestfearandembarrassment；buttherenegadeseeingthedangerwewereinandhowimportantitwasforhimtoeffecthispurposebeforewewereheard，mountedwiththeutmostquicknesstowhereHadjiMoratowas，andwithhimwentsomeofourparty；I，however，didnotdaretoleaveZoraida，whohadfallenalmostfaintinginmyarms。Tobebrief，thosewhohadgoneupstairsactedsopromptlythatinaninstanttheycamedown，carryingHadjiMoratowithhishandsboundandanapkintiedoverhismouth，whichpreventedhimfromutteringaword，warninghimatthesametimethattoattempttospeakwouldcosthimhislife。
　　Whenhisdaughtercaughtsightofhimshecoveredhereyessoasnottoseehim，andherfatherwashorror-stricken，notknowinghowwillinglyshehadplacedherselfinourhands。Butitwasnowmostessentialforustobeonthemove，andcarefullyandquicklyweregainedthevessel，wherethosewhohadremainedonboardwerewaitingforusinapprehensionofsomemishaphavingbefallenus。Itwasbarelytwohoursafternightsetinwhenwewereallonboardthevessel，wherethecordswereremovedfromthehandsofZoraida'sfather，andthenapkinfromhismouth；buttherenegadeoncemoretoldhimnottoutteraword，ortheywouldtakehislife。He，whenhesawhisdaughterthere，begantosighpiteously，andstillmorewhenheperceivedthatIheldhercloselyembracedandthatshelayquietwithoutresistingorcomplaining，orshowinganyreluctance；
　　neverthelessheremainedsilentlesttheyshouldcarryintoeffecttherepeatedthreatstherenegadehadaddressedtohim。
　　Findingherselfnowonboard，andthatwewereabouttogivewaywiththeoars，Zoraida，seeingherfatherthere，andtheotherMoorsbound，badetherenegadeaskmetodoherthefavourofreleasingtheMoorsandsettingherfatheratliberty，forshewouldratherdrownherselfintheseathansufferafatherthathadlovedhersodearlytobecarriedawaycaptivebeforehereyesandonheraccount。Therenegaderepeatedthistome，andIrepliedthatIwasverywillingtodoso；butherepliedthatitwasnotadvisable，becauseiftheywerelefttheretheywouldatonceraisethecountryandstirupthecity，andleadtothedespatchofswiftcruisersinpursuit，andourbeingtaken，byseaorland，withoutanypossibilityofescape；andthatallthatcouldbedonewastosetthemfreeonthefirstChristiangroundwereached。Onthispointweallagreed；andZoraida，towhomitwasexplained，togetherwiththereasonsthatpreventedusfromdoingatoncewhatshedesired，wassatisfiedlikewise；andtheningladsilenceandwithcheerfulalacrityeachofourstoutrowerstookhisoar，andcommendingourselvestoGodwithallourhearts，webegantoshapeourcoursefortheislandofMajorca，thenearestChristianland。Owing，however，totheTramontanarisingalittle，andtheseagrowingsomewhatrough，itwasimpossibleforustokeepastraightcourseforMajorca，andwewerecompelledtocoastinthedirectionofOran，notwithoutgreatuneasinessonourpartlestweshouldbeobservedfromthetownofShershel，whichliesonthatcoast，notmorethansixtymilesfromAlgiers。MoreoverwewereafraidofmeetingonthatcourseoneofthegalliotsthatusuallycomewithgoodsfromTetuan；althougheachofusforhimselfandallofustogetherfeltconfidentthat，ifweweretomeetamerchantgalliot，sothatitwerenotacruiser，notonlyshouldwenotbelost，butthatweshouldtakeavesselinwhichwecouldmoresafelyaccomplishourvoyage。AswepursuedourcourseZoraidakeptherheadbetweenmyhandssoasnottoseeherfather，andIfeltthatshewasprayingtoLelaMarientohelpus。
　　Wemighthavemadeaboutthirtymileswhendaybreakfoundussomethreemusket-shotsofftheland，whichseemedtousdeserted，andwithoutanyonetoseeus。Forallthat，however，byhardrowingweputoutalittletosea，foritwasnowsomewhatcalmer，andhavinggainedabouttwoleaguesthewordwasgiventorowbybatches，whileweatesomething，forthevesselwaswellprovided；buttherowerssaiditwasnotatimetotakeanyrest；letfoodbeservedouttothosewhowerenotrowing，buttheywouldnotleavetheiroarsonanyaccount。
　　Thiswasdone，butnowastiffbreezebegantoblow，whichobligedustoleaveoffrowingandmakesailatonceandsteerforOran，asitwasimpossibletomakeanyothercourse。Allthiswasdoneverypromptly，andundersailweranmorethaneightmilesanhourwithoutanyfear，exceptthatofcomingacrosssomevesseloutonarovingexpedition。WegavetheMoorishrowerssomefood，andtherenegadecomfortedthembytellingthemthattheywerenotheldascaptives，asweshouldsetthemfreeonthefirstopportunity。
　　ThesamewassaidtoZoraida'sfather，whoreplied，“Anythingelse，Christian，Imighthopefororthinklikelyfromyourgenerosityandgoodbehaviour，butdonotthinkmesosimpleastoimagineyouwillgivememyliberty；foryouwouldhaveneverexposedyourselvestothedangerofdeprivingmeofitonlytorestoreittomesogenerously，especiallyasyouknowwhoIamandthesumyoumayexpecttoreceiveonrestoringit；andifyouwillonlynamethat，Ihereofferyouallyourequireformyselfandformyunhappydaughterthere；orelseforheralone，forsheisthegreatestandmostpreciouspartofmysoul。“
　　AshesaidthishebegantoweepsobitterlythathefilledusallwithcompassionandforcedZoraidatolookathim，andwhenshesawhimweepingshewassomovedthatsherosefrommyfeetandrantothrowherarmsroundhim，andpressingherfacetohis，theybothgavewaytosuchanoutburstoftearsthatseveralofuswereconstrainedtokeepthemcompany。
　　Butwhenherfathersawherinfulldressandwithallherjewelsabouther，hesaidtoherinhisownlanguage，“Whatmeansthis，mydaughter？Lastnight，beforethisterriblemisfortuneinwhichweareplungedbefellus，Isawtheeinthyeverydayandindoorgarments；
　　andnow，withouthavinghadtimetoattirethyself，andwithoutmybringingtheeanyjoyfultidingstofurnishanoccasionforadorningandbedeckingthyself，Iseetheearrayedinthefinestattireitwouldbeinmypowertogivetheewhenfortunewasmostkindtous。
　　Answermethis；foritcausesmegreateranxietyandsurprisethaneventhismisfortuneitself。“
　　TherenegadeinterpretedtouswhattheMoorsaidtohisdaughter；
　　she，however，returnedhimnoanswer。Butwhenheobservedinonecornerofthevesselthelittletrunkinwhichsheusedtokeepherjewels，whichhewellknewhehadleftinAlgiersandhadnotbroughttothegarden，hewasstillmoreamazed，andaskedherhowthattrunkhadcomeintoourhands，andwhattherewasinit。Towhichtherenegade，withoutwaitingforZoraidatoreply，madeanswer，“DonottroublethyselfbyaskingthydaughterZoraidasomanyquestions，senor，fortheoneanswerIwillgivetheewillserveforall；IwouldhavetheeknowthatsheisaChristian，andthatitisshewhohasbeenthefileforourchainsandourdelivererfromcaptivity。Sheishereofherownfreewill，asglad，Iimagine，tofindherselfinthispositionashewhoescapesfromdarknessintothelight，fromdeathtolife，andfromsufferingtoglory。“
　　“Daughter，isthistrue，whathesays？”criedtheMoor。
　　“Itis，“repliedZoraida。
　　“ThatthouartintruthaChristian，“saidtheoldman，“andthatthouhastgiventhyfatherintothepowerofhisenemies？”
　　TowhichZoraidamadeanswer，“AChristianIam，butitisnotIwhohaveplacedtheeinthisposition，foritneverwasmywishtoleavetheeordotheeharm，butonlytodogoodtomyself。“
　　“Andwhatgoodhastthoudonethyself，daughter？”saidhe。
　　“Askthouthat，“saidshe，“ofLelaMarien，forshecantelltheebetterthanI。“
　　TheMoorhadhardlyheardthesewordswhenwithmarvellousquicknessheflunghimselfheadforemostintothesea，wherenodoubthewouldhavebeendrownedhadnotthelongandfulldressheworeheldhimupforalittleonthesurfaceofthewater。Zoraidacriedaloudtoustosavehim，andweallhastenedtohelp，andseizinghimbyhisrobewedrewhiminhalfdrownedandinsensible，atwhichZoraidawasinsuchdistressthatsheweptoverhimaspiteouslyandbitterlyasthoughhewerealreadydead。Weturnedhimuponhisfaceandhevoidedagreatquantityofwater，andattheendoftwohourscametohimself。Meanwhile，thewindhavingchangedwewerecompelledtoheadfortheland，andplyouroarstoavoidbeingdrivenonshore；butitwasourgoodfortunetoreachacreekthatliesononesideofasmallpromontoryorcape，calledbytheMoorsthatofthe“Cavarumia，“whichinourlanguagemeans“thewickedChristianwoman；“foritisatraditionamongthemthatLaCava，throughwhomSpainwaslost，liesburiedatthatspot；“cava“intheirlanguagemeaning“wickedwoman，“and“rumia““Christian；“moreover，theycountitunluckytoanchortherewhennecessitycompelsthem，andtheyneverdosootherwise。Forus，however，itwasnottheresting-placeofthewickedwomanbutahavenofsafetyforourrelief，somuchhadtheseanowgotup。Wepostedalook-outonshore，andneverlettheoarsoutofourhands，andateofthestorestherenegadehadlaidin，imploringGodandOurLadywithallourheartstohelpandprotectus，thatwemightgiveahappyendingtoabeginningsoprosperous。AttheentreatyofZoraidaordersweregiventosetonshoreherfatherandtheotherMoorswhowerestillbound，forshecouldnotendure，norcouldhertenderheartbeartoseeherfatherinbondsandherfellow-countrymenprisonersbeforehereyes。Wepromisedhertodothisatthemomentofdeparture，forasitwasuninhabitedwerannoriskinreleasingthematthatplace。
　　OurprayerswerenotsofarinvainastobeunheardbyHeaven，forafterawhilethewindchangedinourfavour，andmadetheseacalm，invitingusoncemoretoresumeourvoyagewithagoodheart。
　　SeeingthisweunboundtheMoors，andonebyoneputthemonshore，atwhichtheywerefilledwithamazement；butwhenwecametolandZoraida'sfather，whohadnowcompletelyrecoveredhissenses，hesaid：
　　“Whyisit，thinkye，Christians，thatthiswickedwomanisrejoicedatyourgivingmemyliberty？Thinkyeitisbecauseoftheaffectionshebearsme？Nayverily，itisonlybecauseofthehindrancemypresenceofferstotheexecutionofherbasedesigns。Andthinknotthatitisherbeliefthatyoursisbetterthanoursthathasledhertochangeherreligion；itisonlybecausesheknowsthatimmodestyismorefreelypractisedinyourcountrythaninours。“
　　ThenturningtoZoraida，whileIandanotheroftheChristiansheldhimfastbybotharms，lestheshoulddosomemadact，hesaidtoher，“Infamousgirl，misguidedmaiden，whitherinthyblindnessandmadnessartthougoinginthehandsofthesedogs，ournaturalenemies？CursedbethehourwhenIbegotthee！CursedtheluxuryandindulgenceinwhichIrearedthee！”