dispatched as proxy, with a brilliant suite,,, tressful situation, and call aloud for justice. to marry her in the name of our, hero. The Nadir's favourites look at them and bid approaching Hymen, however, and the them " suffer patiently." If the monarch grand procession that preceded it, were all enquires why the environs of his palace interrupted, in consequence of an event, are so crowded? he is answered, that the which must have been foreseen long since people rejoice at their prosperity under so Death broke asunder the worn-out springs glorious a sovereign. Nadir believes them, of the monarch's weakened existence. Ad because he wishes it to be so, and derives mitting that his life had been abridged, some consolation from the assertion, for he Nadir had nothing to reproach himself was far from being happy himself, being with on that score. The interesting news constantly engaged in settling domestic was soon whispered about the town. "Do broils. you know the Prince is dead? Who is to be his successor?"-" It is very immaterial indeed, since a King it will be," was the answer. Thus it appeared, that the nation objected not to the accession of a new dynasty. In the mean time the council was assembled, and what with considerable bribes, and still more extravagant promises (which he was determined never to fulfil), Nadir was unanimously elected to fill the

throne.

Whoever was desirous of obtaining a post, was continually harassing him with calumnies against the man who filled it. In his amours, Nadir had as many rivals as there were profligate debauchees at court; and he is at a loss to find a friend, a single mortal in whose company he might, for a moment, unburthen himself of his grandeur, or who would sympathize in his sorrows. None approach him but to offer advice suggested by selfish motives, and vile cupidity: the most humble courtiers, when in his presence, were the most tyrannical in his absence, and trampled under

foot the lower orders.

exhausted, the

Nadir suffered great distress already, when he was informed that the daughter of the late King refused to give him her hand; also that she had sought the protection of a foreign despot. Notwithstanding his resources were members of his privy council, who expected to derive great profit from it, advised our hero to go to war; and war he accordingly declared, which, it is well known, is always attended with a long train of calamitous disasters. The enemy soon overpowered an undisciplined army, of which the sovereign had not been allowed to take the command. Whole provinces were invaded; the rest being oppressed, dissatisfaction soon assumed a most serious aspect a conspiracy was organized, and such as were determined to obtain redress, or seek revenge, had found means to carry on their plan without being exposed to de

Now then Nadir having over his head the ethereal palace of the Being who has kingdoms at his disposal, it is to be presumed that he will think he has reached the summit of happiness. He will now behold only respectful countenances; his most extravagant wishes will be considered as oracles; the most distinguished among his subjects will solicit the honour of an audience; the fairest among the fair will sue for a mysterious tête-à-tête. Entertainments, however, are not to interfere with public business. Nadir himself will direct the course of national affairs; he will seek for, and be made acquainted with the real truth; be proposes to see every thing with his own eyes, to hear every transaction through his own ears. Noble destiny! but will he be adequate to the task? His hands are but weak, and his head, turned giddy, cannot withstand the too rapid progress of the imperial car: the beams of truth are intercepted by the clouds that surround it; haughty falsehood sits by the side of him, and seizes the slackened reins of the state. Nadir, in his confused state of mind, forgets the respectable, industri-tection, although some of their adherents ous manufacturer, the poor mechanic under were inmates of the sovereign's palace. his humble roof, and the extensive fields, that cannot supply the wants of his numerous family, The people, however, on their knees before the throne, lament their dis

The hour of his punishment was come. As he was trying, in a sweet slumber, to steep his senses in forgetfulness, the door of his apartment was broke open, and he was

sun!

Nadir, in his fury, wished at one time to be liberated, only that he might execute the most sanguinary projects. Sometimes, in a fit of cowardly despair, he would call | death to his assistance. He might, perhaps, at other times, have struggled against his adversity, had it been the mere consequence of blind fortune's sports; but it was the result of his own transactions, and that recollection alone aggravated the weight of

his sorrows.

seized upon, notwithstanding his most "that I am now watering with my tears earnest representations and intreaties. the pavement of a gloomy dungeon. Could What could equal his surprise and terror she whom I have so grievously offended, when he was carried away in a grated || pity me still? Alas! how could I credit waggon; when he was forced to alight at that she was no longer herself? How the entrance of a citadel, which, in his could I hope ever to find an excuse for name, his ministers had erected close mine own inconstancy? She had ceased to the sea shore; when he was thrown into writing to me! But from whom did I a dungeon, impervious to the rays of the hear it?-from a perfidious man, entirely destitute of principles. Has not sad experience taught me that the generality of men were deceitful? Wherefore did not I return hastily into the country? Elma could not have treated me with disregard or inattention. I ought at least, when I met her, to have cleared my doubts, confessed my errors, and have deserved being pardoned. Alas! I no longer knew how to love, I only wished to please I have presumed to offer gold to Elma! I knew her not ;-I did not even know myself:the dangerous little book had metamor phosed my being:-let mine enemies keep it, and they will be sufficiently punished! They have left me, however, a treasure, of which I ought to have known the real value. How sweet were Elma's accents when, presenting me with a lock of her hair, she said, 'That will bring Elma back to your remembrance.' Ah! if, since I had only shewn it to Elma, it would have brought Nadir back to the remembrance of his friend. By uttering one single word I might have resumed the figure under which I had inspired an innocent, tender affection; but I was devoured with ambition, I wished to command others, and had not a sufficient command over myself. How came to forget Elma, to offer to unite my destiny to that of another woman whom I had never seen ?—because she brought me a throne for her portion! I am ruined beyond redemption. In the company of men, and in the intoxication of power, I have contracted errors, and the most odious vices. I am no longer deserving of Elma; a faithful and virtuous man alone is worthy of possessing those charms, that heart which I knew not how to appreciate.-Respectable Alzor, keep watch over her; let her be happy, and I shall die content."

He no

Several months had elapsed, and Nadir began to be accustomed, in some measure, to his cruel captivity, of which he could not foresee the end. He was kindly thankful for being supplied with books, which served to adorn his memory and improve his mind. He was, moreover, allowed to walk into the garden belonging to the citadel, from which his health reaped great benefit, and he received great enjoyment. He was no longer the forsaken author, who had beheld with indifference the animated scenery of nature. longer thought himself alone when within the narrow limits of a parterre, or of a forest of myrtle or lemon trees. Now the simple verdure, the sweet warbling of the birds created the most pleasing sensations; the harmony of the heavens raised his thoughts towards the Father of all beings, and caused him to smile contemptuously at the importance with which we view our mean projects, our insignificant contentions. By degrees he accustomed himself to pronounce with respect the name of Alzor, whom he had almost forgotten in the days of his prosperity. He could only upbraid the sprite with too much condescension, and would often repeat:-Learn how to moderate thy wishes. However, the recollection of Elma was constantly uppermost in his mind. An inward voice whis pered to him that Elma still existed. "She very little suspects," would Nadir say.

At these words Nadir fell, extended on the cold pavement, into a lethargic slumber, that bore the appearance of eternal

sleep. Meanwhile, what was the loving Elma doing? Having lost all hopes of ever meeting with her lover again, and in order to avoid the disgraceful pursuit of the steward, she had returned to the rural spot where every object seemed to reflect the image of the man she adored. There she spent her days in deep melancholy and solitude. Upon the first report of Nadir's disasters, Alzor went to visit her; but, contrary to his usual habit, condescended to speak to the innocent maid. He gave her a brief account of our hero's different metamorphoses, which twice put her to the blush. He easily prevailed on her to accompany him; and it may as easily be guessed, towards what part they directed their course. Wrapped up in a cloud, they could hear whatever Nadir said: Alzor was delighted at the sensations which every word created in the agitated mind of Elma, who cast upon the sprite a glance, of which he plainly understood the meaning, and he presented her Nadir's pardon and discharge. To Love it was reserved to break off the ponderous fetters. Alzor next touched Nadir's eye-lids with

the lock of hair. Our hero started, and his eyes were scarcely opened when he met those of Elma.-How is their ecstacy to be expressed!

Alzor carried the two lovers to the spot where they had first enjoyed happiness. He united them, gave them salutary advice, and would often come to witness the felicity which was the result of their adherence to it. He intended at first to bestow on Nadir a gift to forget his own history; but upon second thoughts, he was satisfied with saying: "The experience we derive from the errors which we have committed, and the fatal consequences that have attended them, must in future guard us against either."

As soon as I had pronounced aloud the above moral sentence, I held my tongue. The company that had been listening to me, then exclaimed, in a chorus :-" You might very well have dispensed taking the trouble of translating that little work. Except Elma's fidelity, it is all as in Baby

lon."

And they all went away, regretting Alzor's little book.

YOUTHFUL ERRORS AMENDED, AND THE REWARD OF CONJUGAL

FIDELITY.

A TALE FROM THE SPANISH.

THERE is no city more famed for the libertines of the same age as himself. His exercise of science and every liberal art, || fortune by no means answered to his birth; than that of Toledo; there the youth of and being allowed but a very moderate Spain receive the best instruction, and pension from his father during the time of there they have an opportunity of obtain-his studies, he lent an ear to the dangerous ing that fine polish of manner, which ena- advice of those by whom he was surroundbles them to shine in the first classes of so-ed, and had recourse to gambling and ciety. At the same time it is a dangerous situation for those who know not how to master their passions and inclinations, as it is the abode of pleasure, as well as of learn- || ing, and it abounds with women of the most fascinating beauty and manners, who are very far from cruel.

other kind of arts unworthy of a gentleman, in order to satisfy his thirst for pleasure. All these vices were concealed under a fair outside, and by the most sprightly and insinuating manners, so that he was always a welcome guest among the ladies. He was very ambitious of being introduced to a young stranger, who had lately lost her father and mother, and having no other re

Don Ferdinand was a nobleman of an ancient and illustrious family of Castille, and he soon became a victim to the licen-lations left, she lived at Toledo, and might tiousness too much practiced at Toledo, and engaged in those scenes of excess which were held out to him by young

be said to be entirely her own mistress.

Her extreme vivacity made her only desirous of seeing amongst her numerous ad

talismans, and by these means she often duped the credulous.

Lucretia, for that was her name, had not, with these occult sciences, found out the art of a preservative against love. Don Ferdinand appeared to her so amiable, that she conceived for him a violent passion, and she had the art to let him know it, without committing herself: she wrote to

mirers those who could divert her; yet in the choice of a husband she looked for a man of sensibility. Notwithstanding the libertinism of Don Ferdinand, he became constant to his amiable mistress, and spared no paius to render himself agreeable. All his little winning attentions produced the desired effect; and the lady flattered herself she could be happy with him, if his views were honourable: she was not, how-him a letter, wherein she told him, that ever, a stranger to his excesses, but she looked on them as the follies of youth, which more ripened age would reform; and self-love told her, that an union with herself might render him more correct.

Don Ferdinand soon perceived that in spite of the vivacity of Donna Juana, he should never obtain her favour, but through honourable means. He spoke, therefore, of her to all her most intimate acquaintance, as one whom he desired ardently to hail by the title of his wife, and threw out hints to her servants, that it was his intention to marry their mistress. It was then the summer season, and Donna Juana past a long part of the night at her balcony, where Don Ferdinand took care to divert her: accompanied by a party of his friends they performed burlettas, masques, and concerts under her windows, and this assiduity to please, was crowned with success; for it touched the heart of Donna Juana. Ferdinand soon drew from her the soft confession of her love, so dangerous for a female to make to one of so frivolous a character.

He knew but too well how to take advantage of the frankness and susceptibility of Juana's disposition. Since the death of 'his father, which took place a few months before, he depended solely on his mother, and he assured Donna Juana, that he would marry her as soon as he could obtain her consent.

For six months the love of Don Ferdinand testified no abatement, and Donna Juana, judging of his heart by her own, imagined him to be sincere. Her confidence rendered her the dupe of an Italian, with whom she had lately formed an intimacy, and this woman, though in the wane of her charms, was yet pleasing in her person, and captivating in her manners. She pretended to a knowledge in astrology, and declared she knew how to compose

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while she thought his engagement with Juana was an honourable one, she would not think of disputing with her the conquest of his heart; but now finding it was nothing but a commerce of gallantry, which was, of course, very expensive to him, she offered to support him, and left it to his choice as a man of sense, how to decide.

Though her beauty, when in its first brilliancy, could never have been equal to that of Donna Juana, Don Ferdinand suffered himself to be led away by his natural propensity to change: his affairs were much deranged, and though he did not break entirely with Juana, he lent a willing ear to the proposals of Lucretia. His conduct raised suspicions in the breast of Juana, and she was soon convinced they were not without foundation. proached him with his infidelity, but seeing her reproaches were of no awail, she dissembled her grief, and waited with patience till time might bring with it a remedy for her sorrows. Don Ferdinand, covered with confusion, returned to her, and she seemed dearer to him than ever; but Lucretia perceiving this, redoubled her presents and caresses.

She re

Donna Juana was conscious of the superiority her youth and beauty gave her over her rival; she, therefore, thought there must be something supernatural in this business, and she attributed to magic her ascendancy over the heart of Don Ferdinand; she fell dangerously ill, but her youth, and naturally good constitution, triumphed over her disorder; yet a languid melancholy remained on her spirits, and Don Ferdinand, notwithstanding his infatuation, saw her frequently, and tried by every tender attention to comfort her, while he carefully evaded the promise he had made of marrying her; and he laid plans with Lucretia, to separate himself en

tirely from her, when Juana herself spared him the trouble. During her sickness, she had made many serious reflections on the character and conduct of Ferdinand, and she thought it was not possible for her to be happy with a man who gave himself up to such depravity of manners. She was in possession of youth and beauty; she was gay and lively to a degree of indiscretion, but her heart was excellent: that heart had rendered her miserable by its sensibility, and she determined to quit a world wherein she had been made to suffer the stings of ingratitude from the person she most loved. She sent for Don Ferdinand, and making him sit down by her couch, she told him she wished to speak with him on what interested him as well as herself; that she saw too late, how ill their sentiments agreed, and that she gave him back the promise he had made her of becoming her husband; informing him, at the same time, of her determination of ending her days in a convent.

Don Ferdinand dissembled the joy he felt on this occasion, and appeared to be penetrated with grief at this determination, and as soon as the lovely victim of his perfidy had entered her convent, he went to congratulate his Italian on their mutual deliverance.

Lucretia having got rid of her rival, left Don Ferdinand more at his liberty. He frequented the billiard tables, and other gaming societies, where his losses were prodigious, so that he borrowed immense sums, in the hopes of being soon able to reimburse them by the death of his mother, who was now very old and infirm. This good lady, hearing of his rupture with Donna Juana, resolved on his marrying, in order to render him, if possible, more steady. She cast her eyes on the daughter of a merchant of immense wealth, or reputed to be so, and Donna Clara was his only child she was beautiful, virtuous, and sensible, but from amongst her numerous admirers she had selected a young Mar quis, by whom she was tenderly beloved.

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accepted, the marriage was solemnized, and Don Ferdinand, fully persuaded of the opulence of his father-in-law, expected he would defray all his debts. The merchant not being in a situation to answer these expectations, quitted Toledo one month after the marriage of his daughter, by night, repaired to Seville, and embarked for the Indies, leaving his daughter exposed to all the fury of her husband, and his own affairs in the utmost disorder.

This young libertine had only contracted this marriage with the view of living more at his ease, and finding himself now without money and without hopes, he treated his wife extremely ill. The mother of Don Ferdinand, knowing her to be innocent of the faults of her father, behaved towards the unfortunate young lady with the greatest kindness, and was resolved to be her friend on every occasion.

Lucretia, who was furious at the marriage of Ferdinand, forbade him her house; he had no one else to whom he could apply for money, and he fell dangerously ill. Lucretia, who could not hear this news without inquiétude, as soon as he was recovered sufficiently to go out, recalled him ; but Donna Clara became the object of her vengeance, and she fomented the rage which Ferdinand had already conceived against his innocent wife, whom the death of Ferdinand's mother now deprived of all support.

The Marquis had always felt for Donna Clara the same sentiments; he could not hear the account of her misfortunes without being sensibly touched, and he sought every occasion to be of service to her; but she would neither see him nor receive any letters from him. Her coustant virtue rendered the libertinism of her husband yet more odious, and her own conduct more deserving of applause. At length, the life he led with Lucretia was so scandalous, that the corregidor thought proper to interfere: hearing of his design, they made a precipitate flight, and under borrowed names, retired to Seville; Don Ferdinand Don Ferdinand heard of all this, but he leaving his wife with four children, without was not dismayed; he was fully persuaded any means of supporting themselves. of the good sense and virtue of Donna Clara, Clara, not knowing what was become of and he looked upon a marriage with her her husband, was obliged to part with her as a certain means of arranging the dis-only servant, and to endeavour to support tracted state of his affairs: his offers were herself and her family by the labour of her

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