AMONGST the spoyls which the English carried from Cales , a certain Captain , by name Manly , Admiral of a Squadron of Ships , took away a young Maid about six years old , without the knowledge of the Earl of Essex , whom the Childs Parents petitioned , That since he had been pleased to take away their Estates , and leave their Persons free , he would not permit their Child should be Ravish'd from them , and carried into Captivity : Upon which he Issued out his Orders to search all the Ships , and commanded , upon pain of Death , whoever had this Spanish Child should forthwith return her to her Parents . But notwithstanding the said Orders and this Penalty , Captain Manly retained his Captive , so much was he taken with the incomparable Beauty of Izabella , for so was this Child called . In fine , the Parents remained sad and disconsolate for their loss , and the Captain , wonderfully pleased , carried her to London , and presented her to his Wife , as the richest and best Prize he had taken in that Expedition . It happened , that the Captains Family , tho they openly appeared to be of the Queens Religion , were in secret Roman Catholics ; of this number was his Son Ferdinando , then aged about twelve years , being instructed by his Parents firmly to adhere to the Roman Catholick Religion . Captain Manlys wife took so great a kindness to Izabella , that she gave her the best Education she could have done to her own and onely Daughter ; she taught her to Read and Write more than indifferently well , and all things commendable in a Gentlewoman ; she danc'd , and play'd well upon several sorts of musical Instruments , and when she sung to any of them it charm'd and inchanted all that heard her . Time and good Usage made our young Captive endure with patience the loss of her Liberty , Parents , and Country , she did not however so wholly forget them , but that she often sigh'd and lamented her condition : and altho she learnt to speak English , she did not forget her Native Language ; for the Captain took care to bring secretly to his House divers Spaniards to discourse with her , so that not forgetting Spanish she spoke English , as if it had been her native Tongue . All these good Qualities , accompanied with an excellent Humor , caus'd love in Ferdinando , for whom also she had a great Esteem , as being the Son of her Patron .

At first he loved her as a Sister , his desires tending no farther ; he took great pleasure in being in her Company , to admire her extraordinary Endowments and incomparable Beauty . As she increased in Age , so did she also in Perfections : She was now twelve years old when Ferdinando fell desperately in Love with her , and the good will he had for her changed itself into a desire of possessing and enjoying her ; not that he hoped to arrive at this felicity by any other way but by making her his Wife ; neither would he , if he might ; for he being a Person of Honour , and having such an esteem for her , never harboured a thought unworthy of himself and her .

He Was a thousand times about to declare his Intentions to his Parents , but as oft chang'd his mind , knowing their intentions to marry him to a Scotch Lady of a noble Family and very Rich ; and believing they would not consent he should marry a Slave , ( if that appellation be proper to Izabella ) when they had provided a Gentlewoman for him . Being thus doubtful , and not knowing which way to turn himself , he led a painful and troublesom Life , nay he wanted but little to lose it ; but reflecting that 't was a great weakness to let himself dye without attempting some remedy , he at last took heart and resolved to declare his mind to Izabella .

All the Family were much afflicted for Ferdinandos sickness , especially his Parents , he being their only Child .

The Fysicians could make nothing of his Disease , and he would not , nay , he durst not discover the cause ; but at last he resolved to to break through all difficulties , and one day when Izabella came to visit him , seeing her alone , with a weak and trembling voice he spoke to her after this manner ; Most beautiful Izabella , you have brought me into this condition , if you do not desire that I should finish my life in unexpressible torments , have pity on me , and conform your will to mine .

I humbly desire to have you for my Wife , without the knowledge of my Parents , because I fear , that they , not knowing your merits so well as I do , should deny me that boon which I more desire than life itself . If you vouchsafe to give me your promise to be my wife , I from henceforward as a true Catholick , and a man of Honour , give you mine to be yours . Nor will I desire any further Favour from you , till I have my Parents , and the Churches Blessing . I 'll satisfie my self in the mean time with hopes , and this will be sufficient to restore me to my health , and to make me contented , till I attain to the highest pitch of felicity , the lawful Enjoyment of my dearest Izabella .

While Ferdinando spoke this , Izabella was very attentive , and fix'd her Eyes upon the ground ; shewing , by that posture , that her Descretion was not inferior to her Beauty , nor her Honesty to her Prudence ; and perceiving he had done speaking , she answered in these Words ,

Since my propitious , or malevolent Stars , for I know not to which to attribute it , have taken me from my Parents , noble Ferdinando , and alotted me to live with yours ; being obliged by the many Courtesies and infinite Favours they have shewed me , I determined that my Will should never vary from theirs . If therefore , with their Consent , I may be so happy ; from this hour I offer my self to you : and , till that be obtained , you may entertain your Desires with Hope , and I will beg Heaven to pour down all its Blessings upon you .

Here ended the discreet Words of Izabella , and here began the Recovery of Ferdinando , and the Hopes of his Parents to see him return to his Health .

This said , they parted , he weeping for Joy , she amaz'd to perceive him so much in love with her .

Ferdinando rose presently from his Bed , as if he had been cur'd by a Miracle , and resolved to discover his mind to his Parents without delay .

He began with his Mother , and after other discourses , he told her , That if his Parents should refuse to marry him to Izabella , 't would be the same thing as to kill him , for he could not live without her ; in fine , he he did so extol her Vertues , that his Mother believed the Match would be more advantagious to Ferdinando , than to the fair Spanish Captive ; she gave him good words , and encouragement to hope that she would work so effectually with his Father , as to get his Consent .

She acquainted her Husband with what had passed betwixt Ferdinando and her ; to which , without any difficulty , he consented , and resolved to find some Excuses fairly to break off the Scotch Match , which had not been only treated of , but almost agreed upon .

Ferdinando was now twenty years old , and Izabella fourteen ; but in her florid Spring there appear'd a mature Autumn of Discretion . Now Ferdinandos Happiness began to approach , his Parents resolving after four days he should be married with Izabella .

The Wedding Cloaths were made , the Kindred and Friends invited , and there remained nothing but to give the Queen notice of the intended Nuptials . For in that Kingdom Persons of Quality may not marry without the Soveraigns Consent ; they not at all doubting , but that the Queen would give them leave , did not ask it , till all things were in this forwardness . In the evening of one of those four days , which were allotted to make preparations for the Wedding , there unexpectedly arrived a Messenger , commanding Captain Manly to bring the Spanish Captive next Morning to her Majesty , the Captain reply'd , he would not fail to obey her Majestys Commands ; with this Answer the Messenger returned , leaving him and all the Guests full of Consternation . Ah Wretch that I am , cryed the Captains Wife , what will become of us , if her Majesty should know , that we have bred this Lady in the Roman Catholic Religion ? and thence infer that all our Family is of the same ; and if her Majesty should ask her what she has learnt these eight years she has been in our house , what can the poor Soul answer , which will not turn to our Confusion ! which Izabella hearing , thus replied ,

Madam , trouble not your self with any such Fear ; for I trust in God , he will infuse into me such Answers , that shall redound to your profit , not to your Damage .

The Captain trembled , his Mind presaging some sinister Accident ; Ferdinando endeavour'd to keep up his Spirits , and plac'd his Confidence in the Prudence of Izabella : to whom he recommended above all things , that she would take all possible Care , that they might not be detected to be Roman Catholicks ; tho he was disposed in his Mind to suffer Martyrdom for his Religion , yet his Flesh was weak , and loath to come to that bitter Trial.

Izabella assur'd them more than once , that altho she knew not what the Queen might ask her , yet she did not doubt but to answer so , that they should have no reason to complain .

They passed that night , discoursing about many things , and placed their hopes in that , that if the Queen had known them to be Roman Catholics , she would not have sent them so considerable a Messenger , thence they inferr'd , that her Majesty had only a mind to see Izabella ; the Report of whose Beauty and vertuous Qualities might probably have reach'd Whitehal .

Tho they were conscious of their Error in not having presented Izabella to the Queen before , yet they thought to excuse it by saying , that from the beginning they designed to marry her to their Son . And altho they were blameable in so doing without the Queens Consent , yet it seem'd to them , that for such a small Crime , they did not merit any heavy Chastizement .

This afforded them a little Comfort ; the next day they dress'd Izabella , after the Spanish fashion , in a green Velvet Gown , embroidered with Diamonds , and lin'd with a rich Cloth of Gold , the Apertures fasten'd with Buttons of Diamonds ; upon her Neck a rich Necklace of Pearl ; in her Hand a Fan , one of that sort the greatest Spanish Ladies wear ; she had nothing upon her Head but her own yellow Hair , curiously interwoven and stuck with Diamonds and Pearls : with these Ornaments , and her marvellous Beauty and most graceful and sweet Air , she took Coach , drawing upon her the Hearts and Eyes of all that saw her .

The Captain , his Wife and Ferdinando were in the same Coach ; which was followed by many Gentlemen , their Friends and Relations , well mounted , and richly habited .

This Honour Captain Manly shew'd the Spanish Captive , to incline the Queen to treat her , as the Person he design'd to be his Sons Wife .

Being arriv'd at Whitehal , she was conducted into a great Room , where she appear'd with so much Splendor , that it exceeds all imagination .

The Company stopt at the door , and Izabella went before alone , and seem'd a Star , or Exhalation moving through the Region of Fire in a serene Night ; they thought they saw the Sun-rays darting out between two Mountains , or rather a Comet prognosticating the firing of of as many Souls as saw her . She made up to the Queen , and with great Reverence kneel'd at her Feet , and spake thus ,

Madam , I most humbly desire your Majesty , that you would vouchsafe this your Slave to kiss your Royal Hands , who hence forward shall put a value upon her self , since she has been so happy as to have seen , and been taken notice of by your sacred Majesty .

The Queen stood a good while looking upon her without speaking one word , being surpriz'd to behold such admirable Beauty ; and imagin'd , as she said afterwards to some of her Ladies , that there was before her the starry Heaven full of Lights , which the many Diamonds did resemble ; that her Eyes and Face seem'd the Sun and Moon in the same Sphere ; that considering her altogether , or part by part , she was a Miracle of Beauty .

The Court Ladies wish'd they had as many Eyes as Argus , and might at once behold every part of her , which to view singly , would take up an Age. Some praised the Liveliness of her Eyes , others her Complexion , some the Slenderness of her Wast , and the Proportion of her Body , and all the Sweetness of her Speech ; those that envied her , had nothing to say but this , 't is true , the Spaniard is not unhandsome , but we do not like her Dress .

After the Queens Admiration was over , she bid her rise , and said to her , Speak Spanish Madam , for I understand it , and shall be pleased to hear you pronounce it ; then turning to Captain Manly , she said , Captain , you deserve blame for having so long hid this Treasure from me : yet I confess that you had reason to guard her with Care :

You must restore her to me , for she is mine by right . Madam , reply'd the Captain , I confess my Error , if it was an Error , to have kept her , till she was fit to appear before your Majesty ; I humbly petition your Majesty to consent , that she may be my Sons Wife ; so that in presenting her to your Majesty , I may give all that I have in the World with Izabella .

Is she my Namesake , said the Queen , 't is what I desired , and I now see nothing wanting in her ; but Captain , how is it , that without my license you have promised her to your Son ?

Madam , replied he , I trusted that the Services my Ancestors and my self had done the Crown , might obtain of your Majesty Favours of greater moment than this ; but however I have not yet much transgress'd , for my Son is not married .

Nor shall be , said the Queen , till he has deserved her : your Services and those of your Ancestors shall not prevail for your Son , if he does not put himself in a way to serve me , and merit this Beautiful Prisoner , whom I look upon as my Daughter .

Izabella had scarce heard her Majesty pronounce these last Words , but she drew nearer , fell upon her knees , and spoke thus in Spanish , The Disgraces , Misfortunes and Changes which have happened to me , most serene and most potent Queen , I shall now look upon as Favours from Heaven , since your Majesty has vouchsafed to give me the honourable Title of your Daughter ; having this Pledge what Ill can I fear , what Good may I not hope for ? Izabella pronounc'd this with such a grace , that the Queen took a great affection to her , and entertained her in her Service , recommending her to the chief Lady of the Bed-chamber to instruct her .

Ferdinando , who reckon'd they had taken away his Life , was ready to sink down void of Sense and Judgment ; all in confusion and trembling , cast himself at her Majestys feet , and said , 'T is not necessary , Madam , that I should be invited to serve your Majesty with any other rewards , than what my Ancestors have received for having faithfully served your Majesty and your glorious Predecessors ; yet since your Majesty commands I should render you some new and signal Service : I most humbly crave , you would vouchsafe to tell me wherein it is , that I may obey your Royal Commands .

Two of my Ships , said the Queen , are going out a Cruising under the command of the Baron of Tinmouth ; I 'll make you Captain of one of them , and if he should miscarry , for he is fat and not very healthful , you shall command them both , in confidence that the Blood , from which you proceed , will supply your want of Experience and Years . You ought to consider , that I do you a favour in giving you this opportunity to serve your Queen , and to shew what you are , what and you can do , and that your Valour is answerable to the opinion I have of it ; this is the way to obtain the greatest Reward you can desire . I will take care of Izabella , tho she is safe enough under the guardianship of her Vertues , of which her Looks and Actions give sufficient proof . Go , God preserve you , and because you are in Love I expect great things from your Valour ; happy is that Prince who has in his Army ten thousand Lovers , who propose to themselves for a reward of their Service , the Glory of Victory , and the Enjoyment of their Loves . Rise , continued the Queen , and dispatch what you have to say to Izabella , for I intend you shall be separated to morrow .

Ferdinando kiss'd the hemm of the Queens Garment , and went presently and kneel'd before Izabella designing to speak to her , but he was dumb , and Tears trickled down his Cheeks ; which he could not so well dissemble , but that the Queen took notice of them . Be not asham'd , said she of those Tears ; for 't is an easier thing to meet an Enemy , than to part with a Mistress . You Izabella , embrace Ferdinando , and bid him adieu , for he well deserves your Love .

Izabella surpriz'd to see Ferdinando in that posture , did not attend to what the Queen said , but fell a weeping so bitterly that she could not stir from the Place , but seem'd a sweating or weeping Statue of Marble . This Tenderness of the two Lovers , drew Tears from the Eyes of most of the Spectators .

In this manner they parted , without speaking one word . Captain Manly and his Company , making an humble Bow to the Queen , departed full of Compassion and Disgust .

Izabella was left behind like an Orfan , who had newly buried her Parents , full of Fear lest her new Mistress should force her to quit the Religion , wherein she had been educated .

Two days after Ferdinando put to Sea ; being combated amongst other troublesome thoughts , with two especially ; one was , that he ought to give such proof of himself , as to deserve Izabella : the other how he could do this and not offend his Religion , which forbad him to draw his Sword against Roman Catholics ; if he did not , he should be reputed a Coward , and lose the hopes of obtaining his Mistress ; tho he determined to prefer his Religion before his Love . He therefore earnestly beg'd of Heaven to afford him an Opportunity , wherein he might shew his Valour , and not expose his Religion ; serve the Queen , and not offend his Conscience .

They sailed six days with a fair wind towards the Isle of Terceras , where they doubted not but to meet with some Portugal Ships , which usually touch there , in there return from the East-Indies , or going to the West : After six days there arose a South Wind and blow'd so strong and continued so long , that they could not make to the Land , but were driven towards the Coasts of Spain , near the Streights mouth , when they discovered three Vessels , one great , and two smaller .

Ferdinando made up to the Commander to receive his Orders ; but coming near , he perceived a black Flag , and heard Trumpets and Fifes sound dolefully , clear signs some Person of Note was dead in the Ship ; being come up to her , they desired him to come Aboard and take possession of her , for the Baron dyed the day before of an Appoplexy .

This accident inwardly rejoyced Ferdinando , not that the Barons death was pleasant to him , but because he was now at his own disposing , having none to be a Spy upon his Actions ; he presently went Aboard , and was received with huzzas .

He put all things in order for a fight , when he perceived two of these Ships to make up to him ; and by the Half Moons which they bore , he knew them to be the Turkish Vessels , which caused in him great joy , and to thank Heaven that had afforded him an opportunity of shewing his courage , without offending his Religion .

The Turks imagin'd his Ships were returned from the Indies , and would make no resistance . Ferdinando let them come within reach of his Guns , then he pour'd a Broadside into one of them , with such success , that a great breach was made , and she had sunk , had not the other tow'd her off ; Ferdinando pursued them , and rain'd his small Shot so thick upon them , that they quitted her , and fastened her to the great Ship , making what sail they could to save themselves ; but Ferdinando pressed so hard upon them , that they could not tack or make use of their Oars . The Christian Slaves broke their Chains and enter'd pelmel with the Turks ; Ferdinando ordered his Men to aim at the Turks , and not willingly kill any Christians : in this manner many Turks were slain , but the greatest part of them were cut in pieces , by the Christian Slaves , who made use of the kill'd Turks Arms , and laid about them couragiously to recover their Liberty . Thus most of the Turks being killed , and the rest disarm'd and secur'd ; some persons appear'd upon the deck calling Ferdinando in Spanish , to come and enjoy the fruit of his Victory , for they took them for Spanish Vessels , Ferdinando , the better to conceal himself , bearing the Flag of that Nation : Ferdinando ask'd what and whence they were ? they answered , that they came from the Portugal Indies , and that they had aboard in Spices , Pearls and Diamonds , the value of a Million in Gold , that they were forced by stormy Weather upon that Coast , disabled , and shatter'd , and almost starved ; that those Gallies were commanded by Arnaut Mami a Turkish Pyrate , who had taken them the day before , and intended to tow them to the Canal of Rascia , not far distant from thence .

Ferdinando answered that his Ships were not of Spain , but belonged to the Queen of England ; which News put them into great Consternation ; but he bid them fear nothing , for he would secure them from harm , and give them their Liberty , if they would presently yield without making any resistance . They reply'd , If we would , we are not in a condition , having no Guns , for we were obliged to cast them over-board in the late Storm ; we apply our selves to your Generosity , that since you have freed us from the intolerable yoke of Turkish slavery you would complete your Benefaction , and not carry us Captives into England .

Ferdinando called a Council to know what they would advise him to do with the Spaniards and the rest , and how he might convey them to Spain without any danger to himself , and so to secure them , that they might not , when they should find their number , and the paucity of the English , make head against them .

Some gave their opinion , to cause them one by one to pass into the English Ship , and then cut their their Throats , that one should not know what had befaln his Companion , and then with the rest of the Ships make for London . But Ferdinando answered , Since it hath pleased God to put into our hands so great Riches , we ought not to make him such a return ; nor is it convenient to use Extremities , when other means will be as effectual . I will not therefore , that any Catholic die by your hand , not that I have a kindness for their Religion , but for my self ; committing such barbarous Cruelty would lay a perpetual infamy upon our Country , and we should be esteem'd base Cowards ; for Cruelty and Valour are inconsistent .

None of the Officers contradicted what Ferdinando said ; some of them applauding him for a valiant and generous Person , and others thought him more inclin'd to Popery , as they call'd it , than they could wish .

Ferdinando added , My opinion is , that we remove the great Guns , and the rest of the Arms and Provisions out of one of ours into the great Ship , and sail in her to England , leaving the empty one , with as much provisions as are necessary for so short a Voyage , to the Spaniards , wherein they may shift for themselves ; to which they all consented . Then Ferdinando with fifty Harquebusiers went aboard the Prize , where were more than three hundred Christians , who escaped out of the Turkish Galleys , he ask'd for the Captain to give him the Register of the Ship , they answered , the Captain was drown'd , and the Register with him .

Immediately Ferdinando set all hands at work , and in a little time clear'd his Ship , and then commanded the Spaniards to enter into it ; leaving provisions more than sufficient for their Voyage ; for they were so near Spain , that they could discern the Mountains of Culpe and Abila ; he gave them also four Crowns a piece , to defray their charges to their homes , from the place of their landing . The last that was to embark , which was the first that spoke in the behalf of the rest , thus accosted Ferdinando , Generous and Valiant Captain , you 'll do me a greater kindness to take me with you into England , for I do not desire to return into Spain , tho it be my native Country , out of which I have been but six days , I can find nothing in it but what affords me Discontent . Know Sir , that in the Sack of Cales , I lost mine only Daughter and Child , which I suppose your Countrymen carried to England , and with her the Staff of my Age , and the Light of mine Eyes , which have seen nothing they could take pleasure in , since that time . This , and the loss of a considerable Estate at the same time , did so afflict me , that I neither would , nor could , any longer follow my Business , which was merchandizing , by which I had got the reputation of being the richest of that Profession in Cales ; and indeed I was so , for besides what I had abroad , which was to the value of several hundred thousand Crowns ; my stock at home was more worth than forty thousand Ducats of Gold . I lost all , but should have accounted it nothing , had I kept my Daughter . Besides this general Misery , Poverty came so fiercely upon me , that I could not withstand it , whereupon I resolv'd to go to the Indies , the usual Asylum of distressed and decay'd Gentlemen , and take with me my Wife , which is that poor miserable Woman you see sitting there , we embark'd in an Advice boat , six days ago ; we were no sooner out of Cales , but we were taken by the Turks ; thus renewing our Miseries , which yet would have been much greater , if they had not taken the Portugal Ship , which kept them here , till they fell into your hands .

Ferdinando ask'd him his Daughters Name , he reply'd Izabella ; which made him suspect , that this Spaniard might be Father to his Mistress ; but , without giving him any news of her , he said he would willingly carry them to London , where perhaps they might have tidings of their Daughter ; so causing them to enter his Ship , and put a guard into the Portuguese Vessel , he set sail that Night , bearing off from the Spanish Coasts , leaving one of his Ships to the Spaniards , amongst whom there were about twenty Turks , to whom he also gave their Liberty : making the Spaniards promise , that after their Landing they should permit them to go whither they pleased . This he did to make his Men believe , that his Courtesies proceeded rather from his Generosity , than from his Inclination to the Roman Catholic Religion .

The Wind , which at first was good , began to slacken , and , in fine , his Ship was becalmed , which caused great Consternation among the Seamen ; fearing least those they had set at liberty , should , at their arrival in Spain , give advice what and where they were ; and if it should so happen , that there should be any armed Galeots in the Port , they might be sent out against them , and , by the advantage of the Calm , either take or sink them .

Ferdinando did the best he could to settle their Minds ; which whilst he was endeavouring , a brisk and favourable Wind arose , that served them to the end of their Voyage , which they finished in eight days , and arrived safe within sight of London ; having , in the space of one Month , put a period to that Expedition .

Ferdinando , because the Commander in chief was dead , would not enter the Port with signs of Joy , but caused his Trumpets to sound sometimes a chearful and sometimes a sad Tune , and his Drums , which beat merrily , to be answered by Wind-Musick in a hoarse and melancholy Sound ; and he caused the Turkish Standard to be hung revers'd from his Fore castle , and on the other side another long Flag of black Velvet , whose Bottom touch'd the superficies of the Water , with those contrary Signs , the valiant Ferdinando appear'd , having left the Portuguese Ship lower down in the River , fearing she should draw more Water than he should find there .

These extraordinary Signs wrought Admiration in all the Concourse of People , which perceived them from the shore , they knew that was the Baron of Tinmouths Ship , but could not imagine what that great one was which lay at Blackwal . In fine , their Doubts and Suspence ceas'd , when they saw Ferdinando come off his Ship , richly arm'd , on foot ; and , armed as he was , he immediately went to Whitehal , followed by a numerous Company of People , desirous to know the Adventures he had met with .

Ferdinando , who was tall , well proportion'd , and in shining gilt Armour , appear'd very graceful ; he had no Helmet on , but a Beaver garnish'd with a Plume of Feathers of various colours , a long Sword hanging by a rich Belt , his Breeches of the French Fashion ; in this manner he appeared . Some compared him to the God of War , others , by the beauty of his face , to Venus , so disguised to put a trick upon Mars .

Being come to White-Hall , where the Queen having notice of his arrival expected him , environ'd with a circle of the Court Ladies , amongst which was Izabella dress'd after the English mode , and did not appear less beautiful than in the Spanish Garbe . Ferdinando drew near to the Queen , and falling down upon his knees , Her Majesty was graciously pleas'd to let him have the honour of kissing her hand ; which done , Her Majesty bid him rise and give her an account of his Expedition ; making a low bow , he began thus .

Most Serene and Potent Queen , after my Commander in chiefs Death , and my succeeding him by Your Majesties special Grace and Favour , fortune presented me with a welcom occasion of taking and sinking Two Turkish Galleys . I assaulted them ; your men according to their Custom , fought valiantly , by force of Your Majesties Fortune , which I did my utmost to second . We destroyed the Pyrates , and took from them a considerable Prize . Upon one of Your Majesties Ships I sent away the Christian Slaves which were in the Turkish Galleys , to whom , In Your Majesties Name , I gave liberty . I have only brought with me a Spanish Gentleman and his Wife , who are come out of curiosity to see Your Majesty . The Prize which I took was a Portuguese Ship , who returning from the Indies fell into the hands of the Turks ; the Spices , Pearls and Diamonds in it , are worth more than a Million of Gold , as they who came in it affirm ; no bulk is broken , nothing is touched , either by us or the Turks : And I commanded that it should be carefully guarded for Your Majesty , of whom I beg only one Jewel , with which I should esteem my self well rewarded , if I had presented Your Majesty with ten such Ships ; that Jewel is Izabella ; having her , I shall account my self to be richly recompenced for all the services I have yet done , and which I hope to do , to make my self worthy , if not altogether , yet in some part , of so great a reward .

Rise Ferdinando , said the Queen , and believe me , should I make you pay for Izabella what she is worth , and according to the value I set upon her , you could not purchase her with the Riches of that Ship , nor of the Indies . I give you her because of my promise , and because she is worthy of you , and you of her : You have kept for me the riches of the Ship , and I have preserved Izabella for you . It may be , you think it no great obligation to receive your own , but I know I do you a signal Favour ; for things that the buyer has an ardent desire to purchase , are worth the price the seller pleases to put them at . Izabella is yours , take possession of her when you please , 't will be , I believe , with her good liking , for she can discern how true your Love is . Go home , and refresh your self , and let me see you again to morrow , and I 'll hear the particulars of the Expedition ; and bring with you the two Spaniards , who , you said , desired to come to see mee , that I may thank them .

There were some , that envied Ferdinandos reception , who did not stick to say , 't was vanity and folly in him to appear thus arm'd in the Court ; but others excused him , thinking , it pardonable in a young Souldier and a Lover .

After this Ferdinando went home , and was received with all the caresses and kindness imainable by his Parents and Kindred . And the Londoners to testifie their Joy for his happy success , fill'd the streets with Bonfires , and the windows with Illuminationss .

Now were the Father and Mother of Izabella arriv'd at Captain Manlys House , of whose condition Ferdinando had informed them , but beg'd they would not tell them any news of their Daughter , but leave that discovery to him . That night they began to unload the great ship , which was eight days a doing .

The next day Ferdinando went to the Court , taking with him the Father and Mother of Izabella , clothed after the English Fashion , telling them it would be grateful to the Queen . Her Majesty attended by the Court Ladies , as a mark of Her Favour , had placed Izabella close to her , drest in the same Spanish Cloaths wherein she appear'd first at Court ; her Father and Mother , amaz'd to see so much grandeur and magnificence ; looking about , at last fixed their Eyes upon Izabella with a certain heart-beating , and not an unpleasant trouble , not believing it presaged the good which they so much desired , and was so near to them .

The Queen asked Ferdinando the particulars of his Engagement , which he told , attributing the success to God , to the happy Stars of Her Majesty , and to the valour of his Seamen , praising them all in general , and particularlizing some who had signalized their selves in that Action . The Queen ordered them all to be rewarded , distributing to some who had behaved themselves extraordinarily , greater marks of her Favour .

Then Ferdinando told Her Majesty , this Man and this Woman , pointing to Izabellas Parents , are the two Spaniards I mentioned to Your Majesty yesterday : They are of Cales , and I believe , by what I have remarked in their Discourse and Conversation , of an honorable Quality . The Queen bid them draw near ; Izabell'a look'd earnestly upon them , hearing they were Spaniards and of Cales , with intention to enquire of them after her Parents ; and turning towards her mother , who stood staring upon her , she had a confused remembrance of her , that she had some where seen her : Her Father was in the same confusion , and durst not believe what they saw .

Ferdinando observed all of them , but was not able to determine whether they knew one another or not .

The Queen took notice with what attention and concern the Spaniards viewed Izabella , and that she also was in great perplexity , sweating , and often putting her hand to her head to adjust her hair ; longing to hear her speak whom she thought to be her Mother , hoping her Ears might free her from the confusion which her Eyes had brought upon her ; good fortune answered her wish ; for the Queen commanded her to ask them , why they would not take hold of the Liberty which Ferdinando offered them ; that being a good beloved , and priz'd not only by Men , but by Beasts themselves ?

This did Izabella ask her Mother ; who , without answering one word , ran to her , not considering where , and in whose company she was ; and putting her hand to her left Ear , perceived there a black mole , which put an end to her doubts ; now certainly she knew it was her Daughter , she embrac'd her most passionatly ; and broke out into these Words : Oh my dear Life ! but not being able to say any more , she fell into a Swond , holding Izabella in her Arms. Her Husband being not less prudent , than compassionate , shew'd his Affection not with Words , but Tears flowing down from his Eyes .

Izabella turning her Eyes towards her Father after such a manner , that they shew'd the Pain and Pleasure that Sight afforded her . The Queen was amazed , and told Ferdinando , this was a Contrivance of his , that it could not be by chance , and that he might have cause to repent of it : for it as often happens that sudden Joy , as surprizing bad news , had prov'd mortal : then she ordered Izabella to be taken from her Mother , who having some cold water spurted in her Face , came to her self ; and being recovered , she cast her self at the Queen's feet , and said , I most humbly beg your Majesty to pardon my Rudeness ; 't is not to be wondered at , that the Joy to find my dear Pledge , should make me lose my Senses , and behave my self so undecently in your Majestys presence .

The Queen replied , 't was a good Excuse , and that she took nothing amiss , she also appointed them Lodgings in the Court , that they might , with more opportunity and leisure , enjoy their Daughters Company .

Ferdinando returned the Queen most humble thanks for this favour , withal desiring her Majesty to give him Izabella , if he had merited her ; and if he had not , that she would without delay employ him in some service , which might render him worthy of that he so ardently desired .