VOLUME ONE, CHAPTER THREE.
"Mustapha," said the pacha the next day, when they had closed the hallof audience, "have you the other Giaour in readiness?"
"Bashem ustun! Upon my head be it, your highness. The infidel dogwaits but the command to crawl into your sublime presence."
"Let him approach, that our ears may be gratified. Barek Allah! Praisebe to God. There are others who can obtain stories besides the CaliphHaroun."
The slave was ordered into the pacha's presence. He was a dark man withhandsome features, and he walked in with a haughty carriage, whichneither his condition nor tattered garments could disguise. When withina few feet of the carpet of state he bowed and folded his arms insilence. "I wish to know upon what grounds you asserted that you wereso good a judge of wine the other evening, when you were quarrellingwith the Greek slave."
"I stated my reason at the time, your highness, which was, because I hadbeen for many years a monk of the Dominican order."
"I recollect that you said so. What trade is that, Mustapha?" inquiredthe pacha.
"If your slave is not mistaken, a good trade everywhere. The infidelmeans that he was a mollah or dervish among the followers of Isauri(Jesus Christ)."
"May they and their fathers' graves be eternally defiled," cried thepacha. "Do not they drink wine and eat pork? Have you nothing more tosay?" inquired the pacha.
"My life has been one of interest," replied the slave; "and if it willplease your highness, I will narrate my history."
"It is our condescension. Sit down and proceed."
STORY OF THE MONK.
May it please your highness, I am a Spaniard by birth, and a native ofSeville; but whether my father was a grandee, or of more humbleextraction, I cannot positively assert. All that I can establish is,that when reason dawned, I found myself in the asylum instituted bygovernment, in that city, for those unfortunate beings who are broughtup upon black bread and oil, because their unnatural parents either donot choose to incur the expense of their maintenance, or having, in thefirst instance, allowed unlawful love to conquer shame, end bypermitting shame to overcome maternal love.
It is the custom, at a certain age, to put these children out todifferent trades and callings; and those who show precocity of talentare often received into the bosom of the church.
Gifted by nature with a very fine voice and correct ear for music, I wasselected to be brought up as a chorister in a Dominican convent of greatreputation. At the age of ten years, I was placed under the charge ofthe leader of the choir. Under his directions, I was fully occupiedreceiving my lessons in singing, or at other times performing the junioroffices of the church, such as carrying the frankincense or large waxtapers in the processions. As a child my voice was much admired; andafter the service was over, I often received presents of sweetmeats fromthe ladies, who brought them in their pockets for the little Anselmo.As I grew up, I became a remarkable proficient in music; at the age oftwenty, I possessed a fine counter-tenor; and flattered by thesolicitations of the superior of the convent and other dignitaries ofthe church, I consented to take the vows, and became a member of thefraternity.
Although there was no want of liberty in our convent, I was permittedeven more than the rest of the monks. I gave lessons in music andsinging, and a portion of my earnings were placed in the superior'shands for the benefit of the fraternity. Independent of this, myreputation was spread all over Seville; and hundreds used to attend themass performed in our church, that they might hear the voice of brotherAnselmo. I was therefore considered as a valuable property, and theconvent would have suffered a great deal by my quitting it. Although Icould not be released from my vows, still I could by application havebeen transferred to Madrid; and the superior, aware of thiscircumstance, allowed me every indulgence, with the hopes of my beingpersuaded to remain. The money which I retained for my own exigenciesenabled me to make friends with the porter, and I obtained egress oringress at any hour. I was a proficient on the guitar; and incongruousas it may appear with my monastic vows, I often hastened from theservice at vespers to perform in a serenade to some fair senhora, whose_inamorata_ required the powers of my voice to soften her to his wishes.
My sedillas and canzonettas were much admired; and eventually noserenade was considered as effective, without the assistance of thecounter-tenor of Anselmo. I hardly need observe that it was veryprofitable; and that I had the means of supplying myself with luxurieswhich the rules of our order did not admit. I soon became irregular anddebauched; often sitting up whole nights with the young cavaliers,drinking and singing amorous songs for their amusement. Still, however,my conduct was not known, or was overlooked for the reasons which I havestated before.
When once a man indulges to excess in wine, he is assailed by, andbecomes an easy prey to every other vice. This error soon led me intoothers; and, regardless of my monastic vows, I often felt more inclinedto serenade upon my own account than on that of my employers. I had theadvantage of a very handsome face, but it was disguised by the shavencrown and the unbecoming manner of cutting the hair; the coarse andunwieldy monastic dress belonging to our order hid the symmetry of mylimbs which might have otherwise attracted notice on the Prado. I soonperceived that, although my singing was admired by the other sex, theiradmiration went no farther. They seemed to consider that in every otherpoint I was, as I ought to have been, dead to the world.
There was a young lady, Donna Sophia, whom I had for some timeinstructed in music, who appeared to be more favourably inclined. Shewas an excellent performer, and passionately fond of the science: and Ihave always observed, your highness, that between the real amateurs ofharmony there is a sympathy, a description of free-masonry, whichimmediately puts them on a level, and on terms of extreme intimacy; somuch so, that were I a married man, and my wife extremely partial tomusic, I should be very careful how I introduced to her a person of asimilar feeling, if I possessed it not myself. I was very much in thegood graces of this young lady, and flattered myself with a successfulissue: when one day, as we were singing a duet, a handsome young officermade his appearance. His hair, which was of the finest brown, curled innatural ringlets: and his clothes were remarkably well-fitted to hisslender and graceful figure. He was a cousin, who had just returnedfrom Carthagena; and as he was remarkably attentive, I soon perceivedthat all my advances had been thrown away, and that I was more and morein the background each morning that I made my appearance.
Annoyed at this, I ventured to speak too freely; and during his absencecalumniated him to the Donna Sophia, hoping by these means to regain myplace in her affections; but I made a sad mistake: for not only were myservices dispensed with for the future, but, as I afterwards discovered,she stated to her cousin the grounds upon which I had been dismissed.
I returned to the convent in no pleasant mood, when I was informed thatmy presence had been demanded by the superior. I repaired to theparlour, where he stated that my licentious conduct had come to hisears; and after much upbraiding, he concluded by ordering me to submitto a severe penance. Aware that disobedience would only be followed upby greater severity, I bowed with humility in my mien, but indignationin my breast; and returning to my cell, resolved upon immediatelywriting for my removal to Madrid. I had not been there many minuteswhen the porter brought me a note. It was from Donna Sophia, requestingto see me that evening, and apologising for her apparent ill-usage,which she had only assumed the better to conceal her intentions; beingafraid, at our last interview, that her mother was within hearing.
I was in raptures when I perused the note, and hastened to comply withher request. Her directions were to repair to the back door, whichlooked out upon some fields, and give three taps. I arrived, and assoon as I raised my hand to give the signal, was seized by four men inmasks, who gagged and bound me. They then stripped off my friar'sdress, and scourged me with nettles, until I was almost frantic with thepain. When their vengeance was satisfied, they cast me loose, removedthe gag, and ra
n away. As I then suspected, and afterwards discoveredto be true, I was indebted to the young officer for this treatment, inreturn for what I had said, and which his mistress had repeated.Smarting with pain, and boiling with rage, I dragged on my clothes aswell as I could, and began to reflect in what manner I should act.Conceal my situation from the other members of the convent I could not;and to explain it would not only be too humiliating, but subject me tomore rigorous discipline. At last I considered that out of evil mightspring good; and gathering a large bundle of the nettles which grewunder the walls, I crawled back to the convent. When I attained mycell, I threw off my gown, which was now unbearable from the swelling ofmy limbs, and commenced thrashing the walls of my cell and my bed withthe nettles which I had procured.
After a short time, I moaned piteously, and continued so to do, louderand louder, until some of the friars got up to inquire the reason; whenthey found me, apparently, castigating myself in this cruel manner.When they opened the door, I threw myself on the bed, and cried stillmore vociferously. This certainly was the only part of my conduct whichwas not deceptive, for I was in the most acute agony. To theirinquiries, I told them that I had been guilty of great enormities: thatthe superior had reproved me, and ordered me penance; and that I hadscourged myself with nettles; requesting them to continue theapplication as my strength had failed me. With this injunction theywere too humane to comply. Some went for the surgeon of the convent,while others reported the circumstance to the superior. The formerapplied remedies which assuaged the pain: the latter was so pleased atmy apparent contrition, that he gave me absolution, and relieved me fromthe penance to which I had been subjected. When I recovered, I was morein favour, and was permitted the same indulgences as before.
But I was some days confined to my bed, during which I was continuallyreflecting upon what had passed. I perceived, to my misery, the palewhich I had placed between me and the world, by embracing a monasticlife and how unfit I was, by temperament, to fulfil my vows. I cursedmy father and mother, who had been the original cause of my presentsituation. I cursed the monastic dress which blazoned forth my unhappycondition. Then I thought of the treacherous girl, and planned schemesof revenge. I compared my personal qualifications with those of theyoung officer; and vanity suggested, that were it not for my vileprofessional disguise, the advantage was on my side. At last I decidedupon the steps that I would take.
As I before stated, my purse was well supplied from the lessons which Igave in music, and from assisting at the serenades. When I wassufficiently recovered to go out, I proceeded to a barber, and on theplea of continual headache, for which it had been recommended that Ishould shave my head, requested him to make me a false tonsure. In afew days it was ready, and being very well made, no difference could beperceived between the wig and my own hair, which was then removed. Sofar I had succeeded; but as the greatest caution was necessary in aproceeding of this nature, to avoid suspicion, I returned to theconvent, where I remained quiet for several days. One evening I againsallied forth, and when it was quite dark repaired to the _friperie_shop of a Jew, where I purchased a second-hand suit of cavalier'sclothes, which I thought would fit me. I concealed them in my cell, andthe next morning went in search of a small lodging in some obscure part,where I might not be subject to observation. This was difficult, but Iat last succeeded in finding one to let, which opened upon a generalstaircase of a house, which was appropriated to a variety of lodgers,who were constantly passing and repassing. I paid the first month inadvance, stating, it would be occupied by a brother whom I dailyexpected, and in the mean time took possession of the key. I bought asmall chest, which I conveyed to my lodgings, and having removed mycavalier's dress from the convent, locked it up. I then remained quietas before, not only to avoid suspicion, but to ingratiate myself withthe superior by my supposed reformation.
After a few days I sallied forth, and leaving a note for one of the mostskilful perruquiers of Seville, desired him to call at my lodgings at anhour indicated. Having repaired there to be ready to receive him, Itook off my monk's dress and false tonsure, which I locked up in mychest; I tied a silk handkerchief round my head and got into bed,leaving my cavalier's suit on the chair near to me. The perruquierknocked at the appointed time. I desired him to come in, apologised formy servant being absent on a message, and stating that I had beenobliged to shave my head on account of a fever, from which I had nowrecovered, requested that he would provide me with a handsome wig. Iexplained at his request the colour and description of hair which I hadlost; and in so doing, represented it as much lighter than my own reallywas, and similar to that of the young officer, whose ringlets had beenthe cause of my last disaster. I paid him a part of the price down, andhaving agreed upon the exact time at which it should be delivered, hedeparted; when I rose from my bed, I resumed my monastic dress andtonsure, and returned to the convent.
During the whole of the time occupied by these transactions, I had beenassiduous in laying up money, which before I had squandered as fast as Iobtained it, and had realised a considerable sum. I could not helpcomparing myself to a chrysalis previous to its transformation. I hadbefore been a caterpillar, I was now all ready to burst my confinement,and flit about as a gaudy butterfly. Another week I continued myprudent conduct, at the end of which I was admitted to my superior, inwhose hands I placed a sum of money which I could very convenientlyspare, and received his benediction and commendations for having weanedmyself from my former excesses. With a quickened pulse I hastened to mylodgings, and throwing off my hateful gown and tonsure, dressed myselfin my new attire.
The transformation was complete. I could not recognise myself. Ihardly could believe that the dashing young cavalier that confronted mein the mirror was the brother Anselmo. "Is this a face," said I,communing with myself, "to be disfigured with a vile tonsure? are theselimbs to be hid under the repulsive garment of a monk?" Again Isurveyed myself, and it was with difficulty that I could tear myselfaway from contemplating my metamorphosis. I was indeed a butterfly. Atlast I determined upon sallying forth. I locked up my monastic dressand descended the staircase. I must acknowledge that it was withtrepidation I ventured into the street, but I had soon reason to takeconfidence, for I was met by one of my most intimate friends, who lookedin my face and passed on without the slightest recognition. Overjoyedat this circumstance, I took courage, and boldly proceeded to the Prado,where I was greeted with favourable glances from the women, and sneersfrom the men, both of which I considered equally flattering. In theevening I returned to my lodgings, resumed the habit of my order, andgained the convent. I now felt that there was no chance of discovery,and anticipated the happiness which had been denied me. I subsequentlyordered the most fashionable and expensive clothes, hired my lodgingsfor six months, assumed the name of Don Pedro, made the acquaintance ofmany young men, and amongst others of the officer who had treated me soill. He took a fancy to me, which I encouraged to further my views. Ibecame his confidant, he informed me of his amour with his cousin,adding that he was tired of the business, and wished to break with her;also, as an excellent joke, the punishment which he had inflicted uponthe friar Anselmo.
He was a great proficient with the small sword, an accomplishment which,of course, had been neglected in my education, and which I accounted forby stating, that until the death of my elder brother I had been intendedfor the church. I accepted his offer to be my instructor, and my firstrudiments in the science were received from him. Afterwards I appliedto a professor, and constantly practising, in the course of a few monthsI knew, from occasional trials of skill with the officer, that I was hissuperior. My revenge, which hitherto had been controlled, was now ripe.
But in narrating my adventures abroad, it must not be supposed that Ineglected every thing that prudence or caution could suggest to avoiddiscovery. On the contrary, now that I had the means of enjoyingmyself, I was more careful that I did not by any indiscretion excitesurmises. I generally devoted four days out of
the seven in the week tothe convent and to my professional occupation as music-master. Toincrease the difficulty of identification, I became more serious in mymanner, more dirty in my person, as the brother Anselmo. I pretended tohave imbibed a fancy for snuff, with which I soiled my face and monasticattire, and seldom if ever spoke, or if I did, in a very solemn voice.So far from suspicion, I every day gained more and more the good will ofthe superior. My absence in the day-time was not noticed, as it wasknown that I gave lessons in music, and my irregularity during the nightwas a secret between the porter and myself.
I hardly need observe that, as Don Pedro, I always lamented not havingbeen gifted with a voice, and have even in the presence of mycompanions, sent a billet to brother Anselmo to serenade a lady whom Icourted as Don Pedro. I do not believe until ulterior circumstances,that there was ever in the mind of any the slightest idea that, under mydissimilar habits, I was one and the same person.
But to continue: one day the young officer, whose name was Don Lopez,informed me that he did not know how to act; he was so pestered with thejealousy and reproaches of his mistress, and requested my advice as tohow to proceed. I laughed at his dilemma. "My dear Lopez," replied I,"introduce me to her, and depend upon it that she will give you no moretrouble. I will make love to her, and pleased with her new conquest shewill soon forget you."
"My good fellow," replied he, "your advice is excellent: will you comewith me this afternoon?"
Once more I was in the presence of her whom I had loved, but loved nomore, for I now only felt and lived for revenge. She had not the mostdistant recognition of me. Piqued as she was with Don Lopez, andfascinated with my exertions to please, I soon gained an interest; butshe still loved him between the paroxysms of her hate. Trying all shecould to recover him at one moment, and listening to my attentions atanother, he at last accused her of perfidy and took his leave for ever.Then her violence broke out, and as a proof of my attachment, shedemanded that I should call him to account. I wished no better, andpretending to be so violently attached to her that I was infatuated, Itook occasion of his laughing at me to give him the lie, and demandsatisfaction. As it was in the presence of others, there was no recalor explanation allowed. We met by agreement, alone, in the very fieldwhere I received my chastisement; I brought with me my monastic habitand tonsure, which I concealed before his arrival among the very nettleswhich he had gathered for my chastisement. The conflict was not long;after a few thrusts and parries he lay dying at my feet. I immediatelythrew over my dress that of the friar, and exchanging the wig for thetonsure, stood by him. He opened his eyes, which had closed from thefainting occasioned by the sudden gush from his wound, and looked at mewith amazement.
"Yes, Don Lopez," said I, "in Don Pedro behold the friar Anselmo; hewhom you scourged with nettles; he who has revenged the insult." I thenthrew off the monk's dress, and exposed to him the other beneath it, andchanging my tonsure for the wig, "Now you are convinced of the truth,"added I, "and now I have my revenge."
"I am, I am," replied he faintly; "but if you have slain me as DonPedro, now that I am dying I entreat you, as brother Anselmo, to give meabsolution. Carry not your revenge so far as to deny me this."
I could not refuse, and I gave absolution in the one costume to the manwho had fallen by my hand in the other: for my own part I thought it wasan absurdity, but my revenge was satisfied, and I would not refuse himsuch a poor consolation.
A few minutes afterwards he expired, and I hastened to my lodgings,changed my dress, and repaired to the convent, where as Don Pedro Iwrote to Donna Sophia, in forming her of what had taken place, and of myhaving absconded until the hue and cry should be over. For three weeksI remained in the convent, or only appeared abroad as the fatherAnselmo. I brought a considerable sum to the superior for the use ofthe church, partly to satisfy the qualms of conscience which assailed mefor the crime which I had committed; partly that I might continue in hisgood graces.
At the expiration of the time I sent a note to the young lady, as fromDon Pedro, acquainting her with my return, and my intention to call uponher in the dusk of the evening. I went to my lodgings, dressed myselfas Don Pedro, and tapping at her door was admitted; but instead of beingcordially greeted, as I expected, I was repulsed, loaded with abuse, anddeclared an object of detestation. It appeared that, although in herrage at the desertion of her lover, she had listened to the dictates ofrevenge, now that he was no more all her affection for him had revived.I returned her upbraiding, and quitted the room to leave the house; butshe had no intention that I should escape, and had stationed two of herrelations below, ready to intercept me.
She called to them as I descended the stairs; when I arrived at thehall, I found them with drawn swords to dispute my passage. I had noresource but to fight my way; and charging them furiously, I severelywounded one, and shortly afterwards disarmed the other, just as theenraged fair one, who perceived that I was gaining the day, had runbehind me and seized my arms; but she was too late: I threw herindignantly upon the wounded man, and walked out of the house. As soonas I was in the street, I took to my heels, gained my lodgings, changedmy dress, and repaired to the convent.
This adventure sobered me much. I now remained quiet for some months,never assuming my dress as Don Pedro, lest the officers of justiceshould lay hold of me. I became more rigid and exact in my duties, andmore austere in my manner.
The several confessional chairs in our church were usually occupied bythe senior monks, although, when absent from sickness or other causes,the juniors occasionally supplied their place. One of the monks hadbeen taken ill, and I knew that the mother of the young lady, who wasvery strict in her religious duties, confessed at that chair everyFriday; I took possession of it, with the hopes that I should find outsome means of prosecuting my revenge. The young lady also confessed atthe same chair, when she did come, which was but seldom. Since thedeath of her lover, she had never made her appearance.
As I anticipated, the mother came, and after having run over a string ofpeccadilloes, for which I ordered a slight penance, I inquired, throughthe punctured communication on the side of the confessional chair,whether she had not children, to which she answered in the affirmative.I then asked, when her daughter had confessed last. She mentioned along date, and I commenced a serious expostulation upon the neglect ofparents, desiring that her daughter might be brought to confess, orotherwise I should be obliged to inflict a penance of some hundredPater-Nosters and Ave-Marias upon herself, for not attending to herparental duties. The old lady, who had no wish to submit to her ownpenance, promised to bring her daughter the next day, and she was trueto her word. Donna Sophia appeared to come very unwillingly. As soonas she had taken her seat by the confessional chair, she made aconfession of a hundred little nothings, and having finished hercatalogue, stopped as if waiting for absolution.
"Have you made no reservation?" inquired I, in the low muttering tonewhich is used at the confessional; for although neither party candistinguish the person of the other, I did not wish her to recognise myvoice.
"Everything," replied she, in a faint whisper.
"My daughter," replied I, "by your trembling answer, I know that you aredeceiving yourself and me. I am an old man, and have been too manyyears in this chair, not to ascertain by the answers which I receive,whether the conscience is unloaded. Yours, I am convinced, hassomething pressing heavily upon it; something for which you would fainhave absolution, but which you are ashamed to reveal. If not aprincipal, you have been a party to crime; and never shall you haveabsolution until you have made a full confession." Her heart swelledwith emotion, she attempted to speak, and burst into tears. "These areharbingers of good," observed I; "I am now convinced that my suppositionwas correct: pour out your soul in tribulation, and receive that comfortwhich I am empowered to bestow. Courage, my daughter! the best of usare but grievous sinners." As soon as she could check her sobbing, shecommenced her confession; narrating her penchant for me, her subsequentatta
chment to the young officer, my abuse of him, and the punishmentwhich had ensued--his desertion, the introduction of Don Pedro, herpique at having instigated him to kill her lover, his death, and allthat I have narrated to your highness.
"These are serious crimes, my daughter! grievous indeed; you haveyielded to the tempter in your own person, caused the death of one man,you have led another astray, and have deceived him, when he claimed thereward of his iniquity; but all these are trifles compared to theoffence upon the holy monk, which is the worst of sacrilege. And whatwas his fault? that he cautioned you against a person, whose subsequentconduct has proved, that the worthy man was correct in his suppositions.
"In every way you have offended Heaven; a whole life will be scarcesufficient for the task of repentance, laying aside the enormous crimeof sacrilege, which, in justice, ought to be referred to theinquisition. Excommunication is more fitting in your case thanabsolution." I waited some time before I again spoke, during which shesobbed bitterly. "My daughter," observed I, "before I can decide uponwhat is to be done to save you from everlasting perdition, it isnecessary that you humble yourself before the religious man, whoseperson you have abused. Send to the convent to which he belongs, andentreat him to come; and when you have confessed your crime, offer tohim the same implements of punishment, which through your instigationwere so sacrilegiously applied. Submit to his sentence, and the penancewhich he may prescribe. When you have done that, repair again to me. Ishall be in this chair the day after to-morrow."
The girl muffled up her face, waited a few minutes to compose herself,and then returned to her mother, who wondered what could have detainedher so long.
That evening, I received a note from Donna Sophia, requesting me to callon the ensuing day. I found her in her room, she had been weepingbitterly, and when I entered coloured up with shame and vexation; butshe had been too much frightened on the day before, to resist theinjunctions which she had received: a large bundle of nettles lay on thechair; and when I entered she turned the key of the door, and fallingdown on her knees, with many tears made a full confession. I expressedthe utmost horror and surprise; she embraced my knees, implored mypardon, and then, pointing to the nettles, requested I would use them ifI thought proper. Having said this, she covered her face with herhands, and remained on her knees in silence.
I must confess, that when I called to mind the punishment which had beeninflicted on me through her means, and the manner in which she hadattempted to betray me to my death, I felt very much inclined to revengemyself by scourging her severely; but although the affection I once feltfor her had passed away, I had a natural tenderness for the sex, whichmade me abandon this petty revenge. My object was to remove her, sothat I might not be recognised in my worldly attire; and she, I knew,was the only person who could prove that I had killed her lover. Itherefore raised her up, and telling her that I was satisfied with herrepentance, and, as far as I was personally concerned, forgave her illtreatment, desired her to repair to her confessor, who was the properperson to award a punishment for such a catalogue of heinous crimes.The next day I was in the confessional, when she narrated all that hadpassed: I then told her she had nothing to do, but to propitiate Heavenby dedicating her musical talents to its service; pointing out, that heronly chance of salvation was from immediately taking the veil. Irefused to listen to any other species of penance, however severe, forwhich she gladly would have compromised the sentence. Goaded by herconscience, miserable at the desertion and death of her lover, andalarmed at the threats of excommunication, in less than a week sherepaired to the Ursuline Convent; and, after a short probation, she tookthe veil, and was admitted as one of the sisterhood.
As soon as my only accuser was fairly locked up, I occasionally resumedmy dress and wig. I say occasionally, because in the society which Ichiefly delighted in, and in which I became the connoisseur of goodwine, that I asserted myself to be, when your highness overheard me, Ihad no occasion for it, being quite as well received when I sang andplayed the guitar in my monkish dress, as I should have been in myother. Besides which, I never had to pay when in that costume, as I wasobliged to do when I sported the other; which was only put on when Iwished to make myself agreeable to any fair one. I hardly need observe,that I took great care to avoid the society in the one dress with whichI mixed in the other. This disguise I continued very successfully forthree years, when a circumstance occurred, which ended in my discovery,and my eventually becoming a slave in your highness's dominions.
For some time I had taught the niece of an elderly lady, who was ofnoble family and very rich. The aunt was always present at the lessons;and, knowing that she was very devout, I rejected all songs that were ofan amorous tendency, and would only practise such as were unimpeachable.In my demeanour I was always sedate and respectful--full of humility,and self-accusation. When I received my money from the old lady, I usedto thank her in the name of our convent, for whose use it was to beappropriated, and call her donation a charity, for which Heaven wouldreward her. Her confessor died, and the old lady chose me to supply hisplace. This was what I was anxious to obtain, and I redoubled my zeal,my humility, and my flattery.
It was not that I had originally any design upon the affections of theniece, although she was a very pretty girl, but upon the old lady'spurse, for I knew that she could not last for many years. On thecontrary, I was anxious, if possible, to have the niece removed, as itwas supposed that she would inherit the old lady's doubloons; but thisrequired time and opportunity, and, in the meanwhile, I assiduouslycultivated the old lady's good graces. She used to confess once a week;and I often observed that she acknowledged as a sin, thinking too muchof one who had led her from her duty in former days, and for whom shestill felt too much worldly passion. One evening when the clock hadstruck ten, we had laid down the cards, which we occasionally played, itbeing the day and her usual hour for confessing. Again she repeated thesame offence, and I then delicately hinted, that she might be more atease if she were to confide to me the circumstances connected with hercompunctions. She hesitated; but on my pointing out to her that thereought to be no reservation, and that the acknowledgment of thecompunction arising from a sin was not that of the sin itself, sheacquiesced. Her confession referred to her early days, when, attachedto a young cavalier, against the wishes of her parents, under a solemnpromise of marriage, she had consented to receive him into her chamber.The intercourse continued for some time, when it was discovered. Herlover had been way-laid and murdered by her relations, and she had beenthrown into a convent. There she had been confined, and the childremoved as soon as it was born: she had resisted all the force andthreats employed to induce her to take the veil; and at the death of herfather had been released and came into possession of her property, ofwhich they could not deprive her: that she made every endeavour to findout to where her child had been removed, and at last discovered that ithad been sent to the Foundling Asylum; but this information was notobtained until some years afterwards, and all the children sent there atthe period had been dispersed. Never having married, her thoughts wouldrevert to the scenes which had taken place with her adored Felix,although years had rolled away, and she felt that she was wrong to dwellupon what in itself had been so criminal.
I listened to her story with great interest, for the idea occurred tome, that I might be the unfortunate offspring of their loves, and ifnot, that in all probability the old lady might be induced so tobelieve. I inquired whether her child had any marks by which he couldbe recognised. She answered, that she made most particular inquiries ofthe people who attended her, and that one of the women had stated thatthe child had a large wart upon the back of its neck: this however wasnot likely to remain, and she had abandoned all hopes of its discovery.
I observed that warts were easily removed when contracted accidentally,but that those which appeared at the birth were no more to be removedthan moles. I then turned the conversation, by stating, that I couldnot consider her conduct criminal; it was
more than could be expectedfrom human nature, that she should not retain affection for one who hadlived with her as a husband, and died for her sake. I gave herabsolution for half a dozen Ave-Marias, and took my leave for the night.When I lay on my pallet, I reflected upon what had passed; the year andmonth agreed exactly with the time at which I had been sent to theAsylum. A wart, as she very truly observed, might disappear. Might notI be the very son whom she was lamenting? The next morning I repairedto the Asylum, and demanded the date of my reception, with all theparticulars, which were invariably registered in case of the infantsbeing eventually claimed. It was in the month of February. There wasone other entry in the same month, same day, and nearly the same hour asmy own.
"At nine at night, a male infant left at the door in a basket, partiesabsconded, no marks, named Anselmo."
"At ten at night, a male infant brought to the door in a capote, partiesabsconded, no marks, named Jacobo."
It appeared then that there were two children brought within an hour ofeach other to the Asylum, and that I was one of them. In the evening Ireturned to the old lady, and accidentally resumed the subject of hernot having made further search for her child, and asked if she had theprecise date. She answered that she had it in her memory too well, thatit was on the 18th of February; and that when she referred to theAsylum, they had informed her that the children brought in February hadno marks; that they had all been sent away, but where they could nottell, as the former governor had died, and he was the only person whocould give the information. That either I or the other was her childwas clear, but to prove which, was impossible. It however made me lessscrupulous about my plan of proceeding, which was to identify myselfwith the child she had lost. It was useless to prove that I was sent inon that day as there was a competitor; besides which, my monastic vowswere at variance with my speculation: I therefore resolved to satisfyher, if I could not satisfactorily prove it to myself or to the rest ofthe world, and I took my measures accordingly.
It was in my worldly disguise, that I determined to attempt my purpose;and as it was necessary to have a wart on my neck, I resolved to obtainone as soon as possible. This was easily managed: a friar of theconvent was troubled with these excrescences, and I jocularly proposed atrial to see whether it was true that the blood of them would inoculate.In a fortnight, I had a wart on my finger which soon became large, andI then applied the blood of it to my neck. Within three months I had alarge wart on the back of my neck, or rather a conglomeration of them,which I had produced by inoculation, assisted by constant irritation:during this period I was not so frequent in my attendance upon the oldlady, excusing myself on account of the duties of the convent whichdevolved upon me. The next point was, how to introduce myself in myother apparel. This required some reflection, as it would be butoccasionally that I could make my appearance. After some reflection, Idetermined that the niece should assist me, for I knew that even if Isucceeded in my plans, she would be a participator in the property whichI wished to secure. Often left in her company, I took opportunities oftalking of a young friend whom I highly extolled. When I had raised hercuriosity, I mentioned in a laughing manner, that I suspected he wasvery much smitten with her charms, as I had often found him watching atthe house opposite. An admirer is always a source of gratification to ayoung girl; her vanity was flattered, and she asked me many particulars.I answered them so as to inflame her curiosity, describing his personin a very favourable manner, and extolling his good qualities. I alsominutely described his dress. After the music lesson was over, Ireturned to my lodgings, arrayed myself in my best suit, and putting onmy curling ringlets, walked up and down before the window of the house.The niece soon recognised me as the person whose dress and appearance Ihad so minutely described, one moment showing herself at the window, atanother darting away with all the coquetry of her sex. I perceived thatshe was flattered with her conquest; and, after parading myself for ashort time, I disappeared.
When I called the next day in my monastic costume, I had a billet-douxready in my pocket. The singing commenced: I soon found out that shehad a prepossession, from her selecting a song which in the presence ofher aunt I should have put on one side, but it now suited my purposethat she should be indulged. When the aunt made her appearance westopped, and commenced another: by this little ruse I became a sort ofconfidant, and the intimacy which I desired was brought about. When wehad practised two or three songs, Donna Celia, the aunt, left the room:I then observed that I had seen the young cavalier whom I had mentioned,and that he appeared to be more infatuated than ever: that he hadrequested me as a favour to speak on his behalf, but that I hadthreatened to acquaint her aunt if he mentioned the subject; for Iconsidered that my duty as a confessor in the family would be veryirreconcilable with carrying clandestine love messages. I acknowledgedthat I pitied his condition; for to see the tears that he shed, andlisten to the supplications which he had made, would have softenedalmost anybody; but that notwithstanding my great regard for him, Ithought it inconsistent with my duty to interfere in such a business: Iadded, that he had told me that he had walked before the house yesterdayafternoon, with the hopes of meeting one of the servants, whom he mightbribe to convey a letter; and that I had threatened to acquaint DonnaCelia if he mentioned the subject again. Donna Clara (for such was hername) appeared very much annoyed at my pretended rigour, but saidnothing. After a little while, I asked her if she had seen him; shereplied in the affirmative without further remarks. Her work-box layupon the sofa, upon which she had been seated, and I put the note in itwithout being perceived. The lesson was finished, and I repaired to heraunt's apartments to pay her a visit in the quality of confessor. Afterhalf-an-hour's conversation, I returned through the saloon, where I hadleft Donna Clara: she was at her embroidery, and had evidently seen andread the note, for she coloured up when I entered. I took no notice,but, satisfied that she had read it, I bade her adieu. In the note, Ihad implored her for an answer, and stated that I should be under herwindow during the whole night. As soon as it was dark, I dressed myselfas Don Pedro, and repaired to the street, striking a few notes on theguitar to attract her attention. I remained there more thanhalf-an-hour, when the casement opened, and a little hand threw out abillet, which fell at my feet: I kissed it with apparent rapture, andretired. When I gained my lodgings, I opened it, and found it asfavourable as I could hope. My plan then was to act as her confidant.
When I called the next day, I told her that, satisfied with thehonourable intentions of the young cavalier, he had overcome myscruples, and I had consented to speak in his behalf: that I thought itwas not right; but the state of the young man was so deplorable, that Icould not withstand his entreaties; but that I expected that no stepswould be taken by either party without my concurrence; and with thisproviso, if she was pleased with the young cavalier, I would exert myinfluence in their behalf. Donna Clara's face beamed with delight at mycommunication: and she candidly acknowledged, as she had before in thenote, that his person and his character were by no means displeasing. Ithen produced another note, which I said he had prevailed upon me todeliver. After this, affairs went on successfully. I repeatedly mether in the evening; and although I at first was indifferent, yet I soonbecame attached from the many amiable and endearing qualities which lovehad brought to light. She one day observed that there was a strongresemblance between Don Pedro and me, but the possibility of a seriousshaven monk, and a gay cavalier with his curling locks, being one andthe same person, never entered her head. When I considered mattersripe, I called upon Donna Celia, and, with the preamble that I hadsomething of importance to communicate, informed her I had discoveredthat a young man was attached to her niece; and that I stronglysuspected the regard was reciprocal; that I knew the young cavalier verywell, who was very amiable, and possessed many good qualities, but thereseemed to be a mystery about his family, as he never mentioned them. Iended by observing, that I considered it my duty to acquaint her withthe circumstance; as, if she objected
to the match, or had other viewsfor her niece, an immediate stop ought to be put to the correspondence.
The old lady was very much astonished at the information, and very angrythat her niece should have presumed to make an acquaintance without herknowledge. I waited until she had said all she could think of, and thencalmly took up the right of a confessor, pointing out that she hadherself fallen into the same error in her youthful days; that the youngman had confessed to me that his views were honourable; but had not anidea, at the time, that I was acquainted with the family. Donna Celiathen appeared to be more pacified, and asked many questions: all thatshe seemed to object to, was the mystery about his family, which at herrequest I promised to clear up before any other steps should be taken.Cautioning her against any violence of language to her niece, I took myleave. As I went out I spoke a few words to Clara, informing her of the_denouement_ which had taken place, and recommending her by no means toirritate her aunt, but to be very penitent when she was reproved. Claraobeyed my injunctions, and the next day, when I called, I found hersitting by the side of Donna Celia, who was apparently reconciled. Imotioned Clara out of the room, when Donna Celia informed me that shehad acknowledged her error; and as she had promised for the future to beregulated by her advice, she had overlooked her indiscretion. When shehad finished: "Prepare yourself, madam," said I, "for strange tidings--the ways of Heaven are wonderful. Last evening I had an explanationwith the young cavalier, Don Pedro, and he proves to be--that son whoseloss you have so much lamented."
"Merciful Heaven!" cried the old lady, and she fainted away. As soon asshe recovered, she cried out, "Oh where is he! bring him to me--let amother's eyes be blessed with his sight--let the yearnings of a mother'sheart be recompensed in his embraces--let the tears of affection be weptupon his bosom."
"Calm yourself, my dear madam," replied I: "the proofs you have not yetseen. First be satisfied, and then indulge in your delightfulanticipation. When I pressed Don Pedro upon the subject of his family,I told him candidly that his only chance of success was unlimitedconfidence: he acknowledged that he had been sent to the Asylum when aninfant, and that he did not know his parents; that the mystery andconsequent stigma on his birth had been a source of mortification to himthrough life. I asked him if he knew his age, or had a copy of theregister of his reception. He took it out of a small cabinet; it was onthe 18th of February, in the same year that your child was sent there.Still as I was not sure, I stated that I would call upon him thismorning, and see what could be done; assuring him that his candid avowalhad created strong interest in his favour. This morning I repaired tothe Asylum, when I examined the register. Two children were brought inon that night: here is the extract, and I feel much mortified, as youwill observe, that no marks are mentioned. If, therefore, the wart youspoke of was not still remaining, the uncertainty would have been asgreat as ever. When I returned to him about an hour since, I renewedthe subject, and stated that I thought it was the custom to make a noteof any particular marks upon the children, by which they might beeventually reclaimed. He replied that it was customary when they wereindelible, but not otherwise: that he had no indelible mark, although alarge wart had been on the back of his neck as long as he couldremember; `but,' added he, `it is of no use,--all hopes of finding myparents have long since been abandoned, and I must submit to myunfortunate destiny. I have thought upon what has passed, and I feelthat I have acted wrong. Without family and without name, what righthave I to aspire to the hand of any young lady of good parentage? Ihave made the resolution to conquer my feelings; and before the intimacyhas been carried on to an extent that a rupture would occasion any pangsto her that I adore, I will retire from Seville, and lament in solitudemy unfortunate condition.'
"`Are you capable of making such a sacrifice, Don Pedro?' said I. `Iam, Father Anselmo,' replied he: `I will always act as a man of honourand of family, although I cannot prove my descent.'
"`Then,' said I, `Don Pedro, do me the favour to call upon me thisevening at my convent, and I hope to have some pleasing intelligence toimpart.' I then left him, to come here and acquaint you with the joyfuldiscovery."
"But why did you not bring him here immediately?" cried Donna Celia.
"Madam, I have important duties at my convent which will occupy me withthe superior till late at night. These must be attended to; and it isnot impossible that the affairs of our convent may require my absencefor some time, as there are new leases of our lands to be granted, and Ihave reason to expect that the superior may despatch me on thatbusiness. I will acquaint the young man with what has been discovered,and will then send him to your arms; but it were advisable that youallow a few hours to repose after the agitation which you haveundergone, and previous to the affecting scene that will naturally takeplace. I wish I could be present; for it is not often, in this world,that we can witness the best affections of the heart in their virtuousaction."
I then took my leave, requesting Donna Celia to inform her niece of thecircumstances, as I presumed there would now be no obstacle to themutual attachment of the young people.
My reason for an early departure was that I might arrange the story Ishould tell, when, as Don Pedro, my new mother would demand from me theevents of my life. I had also to request leave of absence, which Iobtained in expectation of some property being left to the convent by anelderly gentleman residing at Alicant, who was expected to die, and fromwhom I produced a letter, requesting my presence. As I was on the bestterms with the superior, and there was a prospect of obtaining money,his consent was given. That I should be there in time, I was permittedto depart that evening. I took my leave of the superior, and the restof the monks, intending never to return, and hastened to my lodgings,where I threw off my monastic habit, which from that hour has never beenresumed. I repaired to Donna Celia's house, was admitted and usheredinto a room, to await her arrival. My person had been set off to thebest advantage. I had put on a new wig, a splendid velvet cloak, silkdoublet and hose; and as I surveyed myself for a second or two in themirror, I felt the impossibility of recognition, mingled with pride atmy handsome contour. The door opened, and Donna Celia came in,trembling with anxiety. I threw myself on my knees, and in a voiceapparently choked with emotion, demanded her blessing. She tottered tothe sofa overpowered by her feelings; and still remaining on my knees, Iseized her hand, which I covered with kisses.
"It is--it is my child," cried she at last; "all powerful nature wouldhave told me so, if it had not been proved," and she threw her armsround my neck, as she bent over me and shed tears of gratitude anddelight. I do assure your highness that I caught the infection, andmingled my tears with hers; for I felt then, and I even now firmlybelieve, that I was her son. Although my conscience for a momentupbraided me, during a scene which brought back virtuous feelings to mybreast, I could not but consider, that a deception which could produceso much delight and joy, was almost pardonable. I took my seat besideher, and she kissed me again and again, as one minute she would hold meoff to look at me, and the next strain me in her embraces.
"You are the image of your father, Pedro," observed she, mournfully,"but God's will be done. If he has taken away, he also hath given, andtruly grateful am I for his bounty." When we had in some degreerecovered our agitation, I intreated her to narrate to me the history ofmy father, of whom I had heard but little from the good brother Anselmo,and she repeated to me those events of her youthful days which she hadcommunicated before.
"But you have not been introduced to Clara: the naughty girl littlethought that she was carrying on an amour with her own cousin."
When Donna Celia called her down, I made no scruple of pressing the deargirl to my heart, and implanting a kiss upon her lips: with our eyesbeaming with love and joy, we sat down upon the sofa, I in the centre,with a hand locked in the hand of each. "And now, my dear Pedro, I amanxious to hear the narrative of your life," said Donna Celia: "that ithas been honourable to yourself, I feel convinced." Thanking her forher good opin
ion, which I hoped neither what had passed, or might infuture occur, would be the means of removing, I commenced the history ofmy life in the following words...
"Commenced the history of your life?" interrupted the pacha. "Does theslave laugh at our beards? What then is all this you have been tellingus?"
"The truth, your highness," replied the Spaniard.
"What I am about to tell, is the history of my life, which I invented todeceive the old lady Donna Celia, and which is all false."
"I understand, Mustapha, this kafir is a regular kessehgou [Easternstory-teller], he makes one story breed another; but it is late; seethat he attends to-morrow afternoon, Bero! Go, infidel, the muezzincalls to prayers."
The Spaniard quitted the sublime presence, and in obedience to the callof the muezzin, the pacha and Mustapha paid their customary eveningdevotions--to the bottle.
The Pacha of Many Tales Page 3