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commission which she had entrusted to her. The cadi was in the mosque, anxious to hear the answer which he expected from his slave, whom he had or dered to speak to Leonisa during his absence, as Mahomet, he said, would furnish him an opportunity of doing, although Halima was at home. Leonisa encouraged Halima's guilty passion, giving her reason to hope that Mario would comply with all her wishes, but telling her that two moons must elapse before he could grant that which he desired even more than she; which delay he requested, to fulfil a vow which he had made, of offering up prayers to God for his deliverance. Halima was satisfied with this account of her beloved Mario, and with his excuse, but she was quite willing to give him his liberty before the expiration of the term of his vow, if he would only requite her passion; and so she asked Leonisa to request that he would dispense with the delay, for that she would give him whatever the cadi should ask for his ransom.

that they might see Constantinople. Her intention was the same as Mahomet's, being to concert with him and Ricardo the seizure of the vessel on the way; but she would not acquaint them with it until they had embarked. Her design was to go to some Christian country, there to return to Christianity, which she had formerly quitted, and to marry Ricardo, since it was most likely that having so much riches with her, if she turned Christian, he would not fail to take her for his wife.

Ricardo, meanwhile, had another interview with Leonisa, in which he acquainted her with the whole of his design, and she told him of that which Halima had formed, and had communicated to her; each enjoined secrecy to the other; and both commending themselves to the care of providence, they awaited the day of departure. When it arrived, Hassan attended them to the sea-side with all his soldiers; nor did he quit them until they set sail, and even then he gazed after the brigantine, as it lessened to the view, until he could see it no longer.

He went immediately to put into execution a plan which, after mature deliberation, he had, some days previous to the cadi's departure, resolutely determined upon. In another port, he had armed and equipped a vessel of seventeen benches of oars; in this he put fifty soldiers, all attached to his person, and whom he had obliged by numerous gifts and promises, and ordered them to pursue and take the cadi's vessel and his riches, to put to the sword all that were in it, excepting the captive Leonisa, the only treasure which he desired to possess of the many which the brigantine carried, and to sink the vessel. so that no indication might be left of the fate of the passengers. The thirst for plunder made them get on board, and set out

Before Ricardo gave his master an answer, he consulted with Mahomet about what he should say to him, and it was agreed between them that they should give him no hopes, but advise him to set out with the fair captive as soon as possible for Constantinople; telling him, that on the way, either with her consent or against it, he might gratify his passion; and that, as for satisfying the Grand Signior, the best way would be, to buy another Christian slave; then, during the voyage, to feign or procure Leonisa's illness, and some night to throw the other Christian damsel overboard; pretending that it was Leonisa, the Grand Signior's captive, who had died of her sickness; that this might be done in such a manner that the truth would never be discovered, and that so he would ensure to himself the possession of the captive without incurring the dis-on their expedition with the utmost alacrity,―it put pleasure of the sultan.

So infatuated was the wretched old man, that if they had told him a thousand extravagancies, he would have believed them, so that they did but tend to the fulfilment of his wishes: but their present advice seemed to him to be exceedingly wise and practicable; and so it might have proved, had not the intention of his two counsellors been to possess themselves of the vessel on the way, and to reward his insane project by putting him to death. Another difficulty, however, presented itself to the cadi, which seemed to him to be the greatest of all; it was, that his wife Halima would not be willing to let him go to Constantinople, unless he took her with him: but an expedient soon occurred to him; for he said, that in lieu of the Christian slave whom they meant to buy, and throw into the sea instead of Leonisa, Halima should serve their purpose, as he desired above all things to get rid of her. With the same readiness that he bethought himself of this expedient, it was approved of by Mahomet and Ricardo.

wings to their feet and courage in their hearts, though indeed they knew that those in the brigantine could make but little resistance, going, as they were, unarmed, and without suspicion of any such attack.

The first two days that the brigantine was at sen appeared to the cadi to be two ages, for he would fain have carried his determination into effect on the first of them; but his slaves told him that it was advisable first of all, to contrive that Leonisa should appear to fall sick, in order to give a coloring of probability to the story of her death, and that her illness must continue for several days; he, however, was for having it said that she had died suddenly, in order that he might accomplish his purpose at once and without delay, by despatching his wife, and gratifying the desire which burned within him; yet he was at least obliged to yield to the opinions of his two counsellors. Halima had already declared her intention to Mahomet and Ricardo; and they had resolved to execute it at a certain stage of their voyage, which they thought most convenient; but the cadi pressed them so eagerly, that they at length determined to do it the first opportunity. On the sixth day of their

In the course of twenty days he fitted out a brigantine of fifteen benches of oars, and manned it with good Moorish rowers and some Greek Christians. In voyage, the cadi, thinking that Leonisa's feigned this vessel he embarked all his riches, nor did Halima leave any of her valuables behind; she also asked her husband's permission to take her parents with her

indisposition had lasted long enough, importuned his slaves that the next day they should despatch Halima, wrap her up in a shroud, and throw her

into the sea, saying that she was the Grand Signior's | quitted Hassan's ship for that of the cadi, and at the captive. first fire killed above half a score of the Turks who had entered it. He then proceeded to board it with great resolution; but scarcely had he and his men set foot on deck, before the cadi discovered that his new assailant, instead of being a Christian, was no other than Ali Pacha, the enamoured of Leonisa, who had been lying in wait for him with the same intention with which Hassan had sent in pursuit of him, and who, in order that he might commit his theft with ́ greater secrecy, had clothed his soldiers in the Christian costume. The cadi knowing the intentions of the enamoured and treacherous Pachas, raising his voice, began thus to denounce their wickedness:How is this, Ali Pacha, thou traitor, that, being a Mussulman, thou fallest upon me in the disguise of a Christian ?—and you, ye traitorous soldiers of Hassan, what demon hath instigated you to commit so vile an outrage? How comes it that, to gratify the loose desires of him who has sent you hither, you thus lift your hands against your natural superior?"

ever.

At the dawn of the next day, which, according to the intention of Ricardo and Mahomet, was to witness either the fulfilment of their design or their own destruction, they dicovered a vessel which, with all the force of sail and oar, was giving them chase. They feared it was a Christian corsair, from which they were none of them likely to escape without illusage: the Turks expected to be made captive, and the Christians, although they would regain their liber ty, to be stripped and robbed. Mahomet and Ricardo would indeed have been quite satisfied with obtaining Leonisa's liberty and their own; but they knew that evil was to be apprehended from the brutality of the pirates; the profession of piracy being one of those which render all who follow them, of whatever country or religion, cruel and brutal. All, therefore, prepared for defence, rowing at the same time with all their might; but, in a few hours, they found their pursuers gaining upon them so fast, that, in less than two hours more, they were within cannon shot. Seeing this, they struck sail, quitted the oars, took up their arms, and awaited the attack; although the cadi told them not to be in any fear, for that the vessel was Turkish, and would do them no harm whatHe immediately ordered a white flag, in token | of peace, to be displayed at the stern of his vessel, in order that it might be seen by those who, in their eagerness for plunder, were rushing at a furious rate upon the devoted and almost defenceless brigantine. Willingly would the cad: at that moment have surrendered all his anticipated enjoyments to have found himself safe within the walls of Nicosia, so great was his perturbation; but his attention was quickly called to those in the pursuing vessel, who, without any regard to his flag of amity, or to the religion which they professed, boarded the cadi's ship with such violence that they had nearly sunk it. The cadi then discovered that his assailants were soldiers from Nicosia. He divined what was the object of their pursuit, and gave himself up for lost and murdered; and, indeed, had not the soldiers been more eager to plunder than to slay, neither the cadi nor any of his people would have been left alive. But at the time when they were most ardently engaged in the work of pillage, a Turk suddenly cried out, "Soldiers, to arms! a Christian vessel is bearing down upon us." And such appeared to be the case; for a vessel with Christian ensigns and colors, assailed Hassan's vessel as furiously as the latter had attacked that of the cadi; one at the prow asked, in the Turkish language, what vessel that was? and was answered that it belonged to Hassan Pacha, viceroy of Cyprus. How comes, it, then," resumed the Turk, “that you, who are Mussulmans, attack, and plunder this vessel, which we know that the cadi of Nicosia is aboard of?" To this, Hassan's men answered, that they knew nothing more of the matter than that he had ordered them to take the vessel, and that they, as his soldiers, bound to obey him,

had executed his command.

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The captain of the vessel that came with Christian colors, having thus learned what he wanted to know

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At these words the conflict was suspended-the soldiers on each side looking at and recognising each other, for they had all served under the same captain, and fought under the same banner; and being confounded by the remonstrance of the cadi and the consciousness of their crime, their resolution failed them, and they were disposed to sheath their scymi. tars. Ali alone shut his eyes and his ears to every thing; and, rushing upon the cadi, gave him such a cut on the head, that, had it not been defended by a hundred yards of muslin, which were wrapped round it, he would undoubtedly have cloven it in two. The cadi was, however, struck down between the benches; and as he fell he exclaimed, "Oh! cruel renegade, and enemy of the prophet, is there no one who will lift his hand to chastise thy enormous cruelty and insolence? How hast thou dared to lift thy hand and thy weapon against thy cadi-against a minister of Mahomet ?"

This appeal of the cadi gave additional effect to his previous denunciation, and the soldiers of Hassan, fearing lest those of Ali should snatch from their hands the prize which they had already considered as their own, resolved to continue the conflict. One of them, setting the example, was followed by all the rest; and they fell upon Ali's men with such vigơ and impetuosity, that the latter, though much superior in number, were soon reduced to a few. They who were left, however, attacking in their turn, amply revenged their comrades, not leaving more than four of Hassan's men alive, and those severely wounded. Ricardo and Mahomet were observing them by now and then putting their heads through the scuttle of hatchway of the after-cabin, to see in what all this clashing of arms was to end. Finding that nearly all the Turks were slain, and the survivors severely wounded, so that they might easily be despatched, they called to their assistance two cousins of Halima's, whom she had brought with her in order that they might assist in seizing the vessel; and, together with them and with her father, they leaped into the gangway, snatched up scimitars belonging to the slain,

shouted "Liberty! liberty!" and, aided by the stout rived at the island of Corfu, where they took in waGreek rowers, they succeeded, with safety to them-ter: they proceeded immediately, passing by the Acroselves, in despatching the exhausted Turks. Then ceraunian rocks; and on the second day they discopassing into Ali's galiot, which was left without de-vered at a distance the promontory of Passaro, the fence, they took possession of it and all that it con- ancient Pachinus of the fertile Trinacria-one of the tained. One of the first that fell in the second en- names given, on account of its triangular form, to the counter was Ali Pacha himself, who was cut down by fruitful island of Sicily. The vessel flew on her prosa Turk, in revenge of the cadi. perous course, within sight of that cape and of the then famed island of Malta, and in four days more, following the Sicilian coast, they discovered the island of Lampedosa, and soon after that on which the corsair galiot had been wrecked, at the sight of which Leonisa shuddered, recollecting the imminent peril in which she had there been. The next day they saw before them their long desired country.

By the advice of Ricardo, they all immediately set to work to remove whatever was valuable in their own vessel, and in Hassan's, into Ali's galiot, which was larger, and adapted to any cargo or voyage. Its rowers, too, were Christians, who, being gratified with their liberty, and with many things which Ricardo distributed among them, offered to work the vessel to Trapani, or to the world's end, if he chose to order them. This being settled, Mahomet and Ricardo, rejoicing for the happy event, went to Halima, and told her that if she was disposed to return to Cyprus, they would man her own vessel with good rowers, and would give her half the treasures which she had embarked; but she having, through all the terrors which she had experienced, preserved her passion for Ricardo, said that she would go with them to a Christian land; and at this her parents were exceedingly rejoiced.

The cadi's senses returned; they dressed his wound as well as the circumstances would admit of their doing, and then told him that he must choose one of two things; either to be taken to a Christian country, or to return in his own vessel to Nicosia. He answered, that since fortune had been so unkind to him, he thanked them for the liberty which they gave him, and he wished to go to Constantinople and complain to the Grand Signior of the wrong that had been done him by Hassan and Ali. But when he learned that Halima was leaving him, and meant to turn Christian, he was almost mad with rage and vexation. How ever, they fitted out his own vessel, provided him with every thing necessary for his voyage, and also gave him a few of the zechins which had lately been his own. Having now resolved to return to Nicosia, he took leave of them all, but entreated that before he set sail, Leonisa would embrace him; which single favor, he said, would suffice to chase from his mind the memory of his misfortune. They all asked Leonisa to grant him that indulgence, as she might do it without offence to her modesty. She consented; the cadi then asked her to lay her hands upon his head, that he might have hopes of the cure of his wound; and she satisfied him in that particular also. This being done, and having bored and sunk Hassan's vessel, being favored by a fresh breeze from the east, which seemed to court the sails, they gladly hoisted them, and in a very few hours they lost sight of the cadi's vessel, who, with tears in his eyes, was gazing in the direction in which the winds were wafting from him his wife, his treasures, his enjoyment, and almost his existence.

In the galiot had been found a chest full of small silk flags and streamers of different colors, with which Ricardo had the vessel adorned. It was a little after day-break, when they found themselves within a league of the city; and, rowing by divisions, and raising at intervals a joyful shout, they were approaching the harbor, about which they soon saw an immense number of people assembled, who, having observed this gaily adorned vessel coming so leisurely to land, had hastened down to the shore to obtain a nearer view. Meanwhile Ricardo had asked as a favor of Leonisa, that she would put on the very same dress and ornaments in which she had entered the tent of the two pachas, as he had a mind to put a pleasant deception upon her parents, with a view to give them an agreeable surprise. She did so; adding decoration to decoration, and beauty to beauty, for her counte nance brightened with joy as she approached her native shore; and after all, smiles enhance the charms of a lovely face no less than tears-as the rose which seems to triumph in bloom and gladness, is beheld with a more lively though less tender feeling of delight than the pale and drooping lily. Ricardo, likewise, put on a Turkish dress, as did also Mahomet, and all the Christians at the oar; the clothes of the Turks who had been slain, affording an ample supply.

When they reached the mouth of the harbor, it was about eight in the morning, which was so bright and serene, that the heavens seemed to smile upon their joyous arrival. Before they entered the harbor, Ricardo had the artillery of the galliot discharged, consisting of one piece of cannon and two falconets, which were answered from the city by the like number of guns. The people on shore were in suspense, awaiting the arrival of the gallant-looking vessel. But when they descried the white turbans of those on board, whom they consequently took for Turks, they began to suspect some stratagem; the militia of the town seized their arms and ran down to the port, and the horsemen spread themselves along the shore; all which was very entertaining to those on board the galiot; who having entered the harbor, dropped anchor close to the shore; and immediately fixing the Ricardo and Mahomet pursued their voyage, with gang-board, all at once laying up their oars, they stepvery different reflections from those of the cadi: they ped ashore one by one, as in procession, and kissed the resolved not to touch at any place on the way; so they ground again and again, shedding tears of joy; a clear passed within sight of Alexandria, and without slack-sign to those who stood gazing at them that they were ening sail, or having occasion to use the oars, they ar- Christians, who had made themselves masters of a

Turkish vessel. In the rear of the procession came the treasure which you ought to value above all Halima, with her father and mother and her two cou- | valuable things; and you, beauteous Leonisa,—you sins, all in Turkish dresses: and last of all came the beautiful Leonisa, in the same splendid attire in which the Jew had sold her, having her face, as on that occasion, covered with a veil of crimson taffety. She walked between Ricardo and Mahomet; and the eyes of the assembled multitude were instantly fixed upon them on stepping ashore, they, like the rest, prostrated themselves and kissed their native soil.

see that I give you to him who has ever borne you in remembrance; this I do indeed wish to be considered as an act of generosity, compared with which, to part with wealth, life, and honor, is nothing. Receive her, too happy youth,-receive her,—and if thou art capable of appreciating such a treasure, thou art indeed the happiest upon earth. With her I will give thee all that falls to my share of the prize which heaven has given to us all."

Ricardo here ceased; upon which Leonisa answered him in these terms:-"If, Ricardo, you imagine that during the time when you were enamoured and jealous of me, I granted any favor to Cornelio, you may well believe that it did not exceed the bounds of decorum, since it was under the guidance of my parents, who permitted it because they were desirous of obtaining him for my husband. If you are satisfied

The governor of the city now approached them, as he clearly perceived that they were the most important persons of the party; but he had no sooner come near enough to observe their features, than he recognised Ricardo, and ran with open arms and with symptoms of great pleasure, to embrace him. With the governor came Cornelio and his father, and the parents and relatives of Leonisa, together with those of Ricardo; all of them being persons of the first consequence in the city. Ricardo embraced the gover-on that point, you will not, I think, have been less so nor and returned his gratulations. He then took Cornelio's hand, who, having discovered who he was, turned pale and almost trembled with fear at feeling his grasp. With his other hand at the same time hold. ing Leonisa's, Ricardo said, "I pray you, my friends, of your courtesy, that before we enter into the city, and into the temple, to render due thanks to God for the great mercies he has vouchsafed to us in our misfortunes, that you listen to a few words which I am desirous of addressing to you.

"You must well remember, my friends, the misfortune which happened to me a few months ago, in the garden by the salt mines, together with the loss of Leonisa. Neither can you have forgotten how solicitous I was to procure her liberty; since, forgetting my own, I offered for her ransom all that I possessed; though, indeed, I can presume but little on the merit of this apparent generosity, since it was but to ransom my dearer self. All that has since happened to us both, requires more leisure, a fitter opportunity, and a more tranquil mind than I at this moment possess, to relate it. Suffice it for the present to say, that after various and extraordinary adventures, and after a thousand times despairing of any remedy for our misfortunes, heaven, in its infinite mercy, has at length restored us to our long-desired country, in happiness and wealth. I have risked my life, much more for the sake of Leonisa's liberty than for my own; and although to the mind of one more grateful, these might be obligations of some importance, yet I desire not that they should be so regarded; I only wish this one to be considered so, which I now confer."

So saying, he raised his hand, and with all gentleness and delicacy uncovered the face of Leonisa. He then continued-" Here, Cornelio, I deliver to you

with the experience which you have had of the 100desty and propriety of my deportment. I will now risk appearing forward, that I may not appear ungrateful; and so, worthy Ricardo, my choice, which has hitherto been reserved, hesitating, and doubtful, declares itself in your favor. Hence men may learn that women are not all ungrateful, since I hereby shew my gratitude at least; I am yours, Ricardo, and yours I will be until death,-unless indeed some worthier object induce you to deny me your hand."

At these words, so unexpected, Ricardo was transported with joy. So much was he affected, that he could not answer Leonisa otherwise than by falling on his knees before her, and taking her hands, which he kissed again and again, bathing them in tears of tenderness and love. Cornelio wept for vexation, the parents of Leonisa for joy, and the bystanders with admiration and sympathy.

The bishop or archbishop of the city was present, and took the betrothed pair, with his benediction and licence, to the great church, where, dispensing with the usual delay, he united them immediately. The rejoicing was general throughout the city, and was testified that night by a great number of illuminations, and for many days after by the games and entertainments given by the relatives of Ricardo and Leonim. Mahomet and Halima returned to the bosom of the church; and the latter, finding it impossible for her to become the wife of Ricardo, consoled herself by espousing Mahomet, who, with the faith of his fathers, had resumed his Christian name of Francesco. ‹ Ricardo's generosity gave to her parents and her cousins, out of his share of the prize, an ample sufficiency for their maintenance. In short, they now were all free. happy, and contented.

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WHERE Jordan rolls his wild, impetuous stream,
And shading willows catch the day's first beam;
Where, mountain hid, the fruitful vale once stood,
And drank with joy the fertilizing flood;

High on those hills, which now no verdure yield,
Once Siddim's pride, her glory, and her shield,
Their stately palms aloft their branches threw,
The rising sun's first kiss at morn to woo-
To catch at eve the dying sun's last rays,
When in the west his lingering beam delays,
And, brightly gilt, that crest of living green,
Lent a new tint of softness to the scene.
There, too, at morn, the shepherd led his fold,
By sun-lit streams that shone as molten gold,
And while the tamarisk waved his head above,
The lute awoke soft strains of hope and love.
But now, how changed! Is this the happy vale,
Whose spicy perfume filled the murmuring gale?
Is this the land where once the happy throng
Breathed in full choir to heav'n the heartfelt song?
Is this the land where drooped the purple vine,
And the prest cluster yielded forth its wine?
Is this the land-these grass deserted rocks-
Where watchful shepherds led their wandering flocks?
Alas, how changed!-no vestige now appears
Of pomp and splendor in long faded years.
No grazing herds, no verdant fields are here,
No grateful fragrance fills her atmosphere.
No shepherd now beneath the spreading shade,
Weaves his gay dreams of pleasures-soon to fade:
Born, like the brilliance of the sunset sky,
To glow a moment, and as soon to die.
Yet, why this change -shull this weak voice aspire
To tell the tale of God's avenging ire?
Fears not this faltering tongue thy wrath to tell-
How on our rebel race thy judgments fell;
When seraph forms, that tune their harps of love,
And fill with joy the boundless courts above,
Pause, as with fear they view thy blighting path,
When from high heaven descending in thy wrath?
These lips were mute-were not those judgments
given,

To warn the guilty and remind of heaven?
Then, whilst devotion prompts the awful theme,
Faith lifts her eye to catch th' inspiring gleam:
Led on by thee-enlightened by thy ray,
Its vastness sinks-its darkness turns to day.

Yes! once of yore, were Sodom's people blest,
"Till wealth alone engrossed each craving breast;
Then luxury came-attendant sure of power,
And fatal charm of fortune's happier hour.

No more her sons-as once when nature reigned,
Nor sickening crimes the heart's pure waters stained-
Loved in the quiet walks of life to stray,
Where mild contentment smoothes the downy way:
But led by gain, by wild ambition fired,
No wealth sufficed-no countless honors tired.
Crimes hideous sprung-her innocence defiled-
Corruption foul stalked o'er the scene and smiled;
Wide o'er the land the voice of brutal mirth
And lawless revel filled each guilty hearth,
And from on high brought down th' avenging blow
That laid in dust her pomp and grandeur low.
Forth his strong arm th' Almighty Ruler thrust,
And the proud city dwindled into dust.
His matchless power let bending forests sing,
And the bowed heavens proclaim their God and King!
He spreads the glorious canopy on high,
He decks with gems the garment of the sky;
He says to Judah," from thy sleep arise!"
And from the land its desert stillness flies.
He bids the deeps from their foundations fly,
And lo! the channels of the sea are dry.
He smote the rock when Israel prayed athirst,
And from its breast the trembling fountain burst.
He bade the curse on Sodom's city full,
And one o'erwhelming ruin swallow'd all.
Sing then his power, ye distant nations! sing,
And bow with awe, submissive to your King!
Let the glad song re-echo thro' the lands-
"Lo! Israel's God a sure foundation stands !"

'Twas morn; the sun had scarcely beamed on high,
Ere the dark folds invest the azure sky.
Afar low sounds were heard, as, thickly spread,
The deep'ning clouds came rolling o'er the head.
Above the vale there hung an awful form,
Shapeless, like some vast genius of the storm.
The saddening sun behind it veiled his head,
Afraid to view his monarch's blighting tread.
Now nature pauses-now, from all around,
Burst the bright lightnings and the earthquake sound.
Ope the black clouds-the skies asunder rend,
And wasting flames from heaven's high arch descend.
Hark! that wild cry, as cliff from cliff is riven,
And dreadful thunders shake the vaulted heav'n.
Ten thousand eyes their moistened lids upturn,
Ten thousand hearts with deepest anguish burn.
Pale, ghastly forms, and quivering limbs are there,
And shrieks of terror pierce the heated air.
Fast fall the flames! beneath the valleys shake!
The streams are choked-the snow-capt mountains

quake;

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