_Venetian_,)
yonder is a Lady of my Acquaintance, who lies under a Vow of Silence as
you were, I must therefore beg your Pardon, and fly to her Relief': 'She
can never be conquer'd, who has such a Champion,' (reply'd the
Gentleman) upon which _Belvideera_ turning from him, interpos'd between
the Gentleman and her Sister, saying, 'This Lady, Sir, is under an
Obligation of Silence, as a Penance imposed by her Father-Confessor.'
'Madam, (reply'd the Gentleman) whoever impos'd Silence on these fair
Lips, is guilty of a greater Offence than any, such a fair Creature
cou'd commit.' 'Why, Sir, (said _Belvideera_) have you seen the Lady's
Beauty': 'Yes, Madam, (answer'd he) for urging her to talk, which I
found she declin'd, I promis'd to disengage her from any farther
Impertinence, upon a Sight of her Face; she agreed by paying the Price
of her Liberty, which was ransom enough for any Thing under Heavens, but
her fair Company'; he spoke in an Accent that easily shew'd him a
Stranger; which _Belvideera_ laying hold of, as an Occasion of Railery,
'Sir, (said she,) your Tongue pronounces you a great Stranger in this
Part of the World, I hope you are not what that Turbant represents;
perhaps, Sir, you think your self in the Seraglio'; 'Madam,
(reply'd he,) this Turbant might have been in the _Turkish_ Seraglio,
but never in so fair a one as this; and this Turbant (taking it off) is
now to be laid at the Foot of some Christian Lady, for whose safety, and
by whose protecting Influence, I had the Happiness to win it from the
Captain of the _Turkish_ Admiral Galley.' We were all surpriz'd, knowing
him then the young _English_ Gentleman, we were so curious of seeing;
_Belvideera_ presently talk'd _English_ to him, and made him some very
pretty Complements upon his Victory, which so charm'd the young Soldier,
that her Tongue claim'd an equal Share in his Heart with _Maria's_ Eyes;
'Madam, (said he to her) if you have the Beauty of that Lady, or if she
has your Wit, I am the most happy, or the most unfortunate Man alive.'
'Sir,' said the _Venetian_ coming up, 'pray give me leave to share in
your Misfortunes.' 'Sir, (said _Belvideera_ very smartly) you must share
in his good Fortunes, and learn to conquer Men, before you have the
Honour of being subdu'd by Ladies, we scorn mean Prizes, Sir.' 'Madam,
(said the _Venetian_ in some Choler) perhaps I can subdue a Rival.'
'Pray, Sir, (said the Stranger) don't be angry with the Lady, she's not
yo