The Pacha of Many Tales

h slave was summoned to

recollects where I lest off yeste

nning of your story; but I hope you will finish it this evenin

ay recollect tha

e pacha; "such was our condescension t

was seated on a sofa, between my mother

recollect now

ped in the h

lied the pacha

y of my own invention, to dec

and continue your story. Is a pacha nothing? Is the lion to be chafed by a jacka

replied the slave, with great coolness

OF THE

even years, when I found myself in company with a number of others, from the squalling infant of a few da

until the age of ten, when an old lady who came to the Asylum, took a fancy to me; for I often heard it

, and a negative smile, was

ties; but as the old lady used to prove my acquirements by making me read to her, as she knotted, we neither of us could help fulfilling our engagements. By dint of bullying and beating, at last I was sufficiently enlightened to be able to read a romance to my mistress, or answer an invitation-note in the negative or affirmative. My mistress had two nieces who lived with her, both nearly grown up when I entered the family. They taught me dancing for their own amusement, as well as many other things, and by their care I improved very much, even in reading and writing. Although a child, I had a pleasure in being taught by two pretty girls. But it is necessary that I should be more particular in my description of these two young ladies. The eldest, whose name wa

the cavaliers. Two had gained the victory over the rival candidates-Don Perez was the favoured suitor of Donna Emilia, while Don Florez was proud to wear the chains of the lively Teresa. Donna Isabella had, however, no in

han most boys of my age, I made no remarks either to my mistress or to the young ladies. We had returne

es, if I was

to induce you to keep

From her, o

at I must give him a billet, which she put into my hand. Of course, having received my payment before hand, I consented. At the time mentioned

little page,

ing it out of my vest. He put a doubloon

pocket, and returned into the house. I had hardly come into the hall, when Donna Teresa, t

id for it," repl

ill keep that little tongue

plied I, "it m

there is a senor waiting below for a note, which you must take him." I took the note, and when I came to the gate, found a c

retty boy,"

I cannot allow my mistress to be affronted. Her favours are beyond all price, but still they are always coupled with gold. Since you a

ou. Add this to the other,"-and he put a quarter-doubloon in my hand and disappeared. I returned to the h

how carefully I have brought you up. Now tell me, can you keep a sec

s are followed by some of the gay cavaliers, who saw them at Madr

," replied I; "

d Pedro, here are two reals

as a young man who was entitled to large property, at the death of an uncle, to whom he was heir by entail. Don Florez, on the contrary, was in possession of a splendid fortune, and able to choose for himself. From fear of discovery, the notes were both in a disguised hand, and not signed by the respective Christian names of the ladies. Donna Emilia's ran thus:-"I found your note in the spot agreed, but my aunt has taken away the key of the shrubbery, and is I believe suspicious.-Why are you so urgent?-I trust your affection, like mine, will but in

ointed hour, Don Perez met his supposed mistress in the saloon. The two sisters were confidantes, and as I was in their secret, they made no scruple of talking before me. The next day, when their aunt left the room, t

an, the handsomest I ever saw-but still the beautiful dark e

s Don Florez, who is in love with my sister." I perceived that I had made a mistake when I delivered the notes, and Teresa c

ollow her. As soon as I had joined her, she said, "Now, Pedro, tell the truth: did you n

in the greatest distress: at last she wiped her eyes, and after much reflection, she took up paper and wrote a note.-"Pedro, take this note to the direction; recollect it is for the dark cavalier that it is intended." Teresa had read the note of Emilia to Don Perez, which had been received by Don

l not fail; I know now why she could not receive me last night; I only hope I may be as fortunate as Don

Emilia." I did so, and he gave me a quarter-doubloon as before. "I thank you, senor," replied I

to pay you better than I do, or I shall not be served so faithfully.-Here's a doubloon and a half, which, with

r into her chamber, and told her the answer of Don Florez, with his observation, "that he hoped he should be as fortunate as Don Perez was last night." She coloured with shame and vexation; and I then told her how I had met Don Perez, and what had passed. I then gave her the note, and asked whether I should del

done me a service-you have been my p

lowance of kisses, t

e hand-writing, wrote as follows:-"I must submit to your wishes, Donna Emilia; and while your sister blesses Don Florez, must yield to the severity o

my sweet child.-What c

never be able to tell how I came by it." She smiled mournfully as she received my doub

into my hand; but I would not act without Donna Teresa knowing what took place, and it occurred to me, that it would be very possible to repair the mischief, which my mistake had

ven knows my heart is but too yielding. I will arrange a meeting as soon as I possibly can; but as I befo

the breast, and as silent in the tongue. I now tell you candidly, that I shall consider it as an insult, if ever you refer to the meeting of last night; and to punish you for your arrogant request of another, shall treat you with the same reserve as before. Recollect that the lea

Florez, for they had no secrets from each other. Perez opened the note, and appeared a

leaving them: she, on the contrary, considers that you are under greater obligations than before; and ass

they should hold their uninterrupted sway before. I feel more attached to her than ever, and if she chooses to pl

a, stating his intention to abide by her wishes, and state

e to you, that the tenderness last night, intended for Don Florez, was by your mistake, and the darkness and silence prescribed at t

and the next morning, I was sitting as usual by my mistress,

dam," re

t is it,

n asked me to give a le

it for,

m, for I refused to

e next time he offers you a lett

madam,"

you, child-have you sp

to my friend Teresa, who opened it:-"At last my affection has borne down my resolution, and I consent to se

sa, "and you may call at Don Fl

d it, Don Florez entered the room.-"Congratulate me, my dear

ite, but that I bless her for her kindness, and shall not fail to meet her.-Do you understand? Well, what are you waiting for? Oh! you little rogue, I unders

lthough no more doubloons fell into my hands, after the marriages took place. It appears that Don Perez was so much afraid of offending Donna Emilia, that he never ventured to speak of the meeting, which he supposed he had had with her in the saloon, until after marriage: then, feeling himself quite at liberty, he had laughed at her on the subject. Donna Emilia was all astonishment, declared most positively that it ha

from Donna Teresa, refusing him a meeting, at the same tim

You have taken an unworthy advantage of the circumstance, and have met my sister. Never make me believe, Don Perez, that you were not aware of the mistake, when she received

is wife had stated, he determined to make sure by referring to me. He came to Don Florez' house, and after staying a little while with him and his wife, during which he appeared so uneasy that they asked him whether he was unwell, he went away m

that it was not Donna Teresa who met you, I can certify, for I was in her room

uld it be,"

ause she had sent me to bed, and I knew that I should have been scolded for

owledge it. Still he was far from being satisfied. He returned home to explain what he had gathered to his wife, but found that she had left the house some time before

I am afraid that all will be discovered. It is

nced by her jealousy, that her sister had an attachment to Don Perez, and that there had been a mutual understanding, she stated to Don Florez the whol

n; but, thank heaven, it is not too late to be revenged. Don Perez, you shall pay dearly for this." So saying, he quitted Donna Emilia, uncertain whether he should first wreak

I have been anxiousl

us villain, voi

ho is half mad by a cruel mistake which has occ

with the point of my rapier. If you are not as great

it of no reply. I am at

re

t of his adversary, who never spoke again. Don Perez viewed the body with a stern countenance, wiped his sword, took up his cloak, and walked straight to the house of Don Florez. "Donna Teresa," said he (I only was present), "I

t last-"for my sins, it is true; but you know, too well, that I never was false in h

is mischief would not have happened-and your husband wou

rez immediately quitted the house. I hastened to her

ing my love to overcome the dictates of virtue, by being too fond of my husband, I have murdered him. Oh God! I have murdered

uddered as it passed by, when I recollected how principal a part I had acted in the tragedy. I soon gained the information, and brought it to Donna Teresa. She dressed herself in deep mourning, and, desiring me to follow her, kn

and I must not be refused; lead me to her,

ot aware that Emilia wo

way, and we were usher

as Donna Teresa entered,

abho

we have grown up together; never did we have a secret from each other, till this unfortuna

usband, Teresa; it is more ne

milia; he is now plea

fallen by the s

milia s

that I never was aware of the mistake, until the boy discovered it to me, on the ensuing day. If you knew the shame, the vexation, the fear of discovery which racked my frame, when I was but too sure of it,

reproach again. Your punishment has been greater than your offence. It is to you, madam, I must address myself, who, by not believing in the words of truth, have caused me to slay my dearest friend and brother, and, after having unwittingly wounded him in the tenderest point, add to the injury by taking away his life. Are you yet satisfied, madam? Are you satisfied with having em

, but continued wit

his sword, and fell upon it. "Now, Emilia, let the sacrifice of my life be a proof to you of my si

n an agony of grief.-"I do, I do believe-Perez, I do, I do! Oh! indeed I do believe-speak to me, Perez-O God, he is dying!-Sister, Teresa, come, come, he'll speak to you-he's not angry with you-Sister, sister, speak-O God! O God!" screamed the unhappy woman, "he's dead-and I have

I do believe you-I do believe, Teresa; God forgive me! kiss m

esa, bursting into tears: "Oh! how

g in our nature-the only remnant of heaven left us since our fall. I too have allowed my passion to overcome me; but whence has it arisen?-from hatred

, and after an affectionate interview, took the veil in the convent to which she had retired-endowing the church with her property. Donna Teresa did not take the veil; but employed herself in the more active duties of charity and benevolence-but she gradually wasted away-her heart was broken. I stayed with her for three years, when she died, leaving a considerable sum to me, and the remainder of her wealth to benefic

*

above reasons, but because she was aware that the questions which might be asked about me would tend to the injury of her character. In less than a fortnight the establishment at Seville was broken up, and we retired to the country, where I was made happy by the possession of my Clara. I now considered myself as secure from any discovery, and although I had led a life of duplicity, meant by future good conduct to atone for the past. Whether Donna Celia was my mother or not, I felt towards her as if she was, and after some time from habit considered it an established fact. My Clara was as kind and endearing as I could desire, and for five years I was as happy as I could wish. But it was not to last; I was to be punished for my deceit. My marriage

e night passed merrily away, more visitors occasionally dropping in. My cousin was much elated with wine, and made several ill-natured remarks, which were meant for me. I took no notice for some time, but, as he continued, I answered with such spirit, as to arou

ill oblige the company; although perhaps the real way to oblige

nced one of my most successful airs: I sang it in my best style, and it electrified the whole party. Shouts proclaimed my victory, and the defeat of my relative. Some embraced me i

le with the key of my lodgings in my pocket. The landlord waited until his rent was due, when, not hearing anything of me, he broke open the door and found the chest. This he opened, and discovered the false tonsure and friar's gown. Knowing the monastic order to which it belonged, and suspecting some mischief, he took it to our convent, and all the habits of the monks being numbered in the inside, it was immediately recognised as mine: the false tonsure also betrayed that I must have been breaking through the rules of my order, and the most rigorous search after me was made for some time without success. Possessed of this information, my vindictive relative repaired to Seville to ascertain the exact date of my quitting the convent, and found that it was about a fortnight previous to Donna Celia having quitted Seville. He then repaired to the landlord for further information. The landlord stated that the lodgings had been taken by a monk, for his brother, who had occupied them. He described the brother's person, which exactly corresponded with mine; and my relatio

bore a high character as a Spanish cavalier. I desired to be informed the moment that he returned from Seville; and when the intelligence c

-there are others at your house by th

hat your noble family has received, by your cousin having formed an alliance with one of unknown parentage. I have long borne with your pointed insults, out of respect for her who gave me birth; I am now about to throw myself upon your generosity, a

Don Alvarez, with agitation; "I would

f my birth by accident, and the steps which I had taken. "I am aware," continued I, "that I have been much to blame, but my love for Donna Clara made m

f the Inquisition are at your house." As he uttered these words, a loud knocking at the door announced that they had followed me. "This must not be, Don Pe

n Alvarez, have you no

in hand, and has gone I do not know in what direction; but he cannot be far-saddle all the horses in my stable and

olence of rage, the inquisitors had no suspicion, but hastened to comply with

the sincerity of my assertion; b

and mother. I could bear it all with firmness, but for them" (and I

nesty is the best policy!' Had you communicated to me the mystery of your birth, this never would h

afflict them, but they will recover from their grief in time; but to know that I am murdered by the

then went to his scrutoire, and taking out a bag of one thousand pistoles-"This is all the money that I have at present-it will serve you for some time. Put on one of my servant's dresses, and I will accompany you to a se

before we were clear of the Straits of Gibraltar, we were attacked by one of the cruisers of the state. We fought desperately, but were overpowered by n

*

ard, "which I trust has afforded some

swer of the pach

and much about it," continued the pacha, turning round to Mustapha, "bu

; "who was Lokman, that they talk of his wisdom? Ar

of the country?"

es which you allow to remain there, are employe

ow. Let the Kafir taste of our bounty. Give hi

he point of death. At the time of my capture it was thrown on one side, and I preserved it as curious. It refers to the first discovery of an island. As your high

it be put into Arabic by the Greek slave, who shall rea

replied Mustapha, bowing low, as