When this Part of her Plot had succeded she put on all her Charms again, and seem’d the most satisfy’d happy Lady in the World.
In a few Days after her Manumission, the Emperor sent his chief Eunuch, to fetch her to his Bed-Chamber: The pious Lady came, but with Hands up-lifted, with an Alcoran held fast between them, told the Emperor, she could not be so happy to partake of the Honour of his Bed now she was no more a Slave, but she would consult the Mufti, and if he could dispense with it, she would with the utmost Joy comply.
The Mufti, who knew what he was to do, declar’d she could never enter Mahomet’s Paradise, if she yielded to the Emperor’s Desires without being his Wife.
The Emperor, well satisfy’d with the Mufti’s Answer, had the Marriage-Rites perform’d, and gave her 5000 Sultana’s for her pearly Dowry.
Being satisfy’d so far, she now proceeded to procure the Death of Mustapha. She got counterfeit Letters convey’d to the Sultan, that shew’d that innocent Prince in a false and guilty Light.
But this not having the quick Effect she wish’d, she endeavour’d to cut him off by Poison, but to no purpose, for he escap’d the Trap. She at last procur’d a Letter that Mustapha was contracted to the Daughter of the King of Persia.
This wrought so much upon Solyman, that he dwelt no longer upon the Ruin of his Son.
In order to this he sent Ruftan with an Army to fetch his Son. But finding the Prince prepar’d for him, he return’d, told Solyman, he was so belov’d by the Army he commanded, that he thought it Prudence to return as he went.
This so inrag’d the Emperor, that he went in Person with an Army to Aleppo[(Y)], where he sent for the unfortunate Prince; and notwithstanding he was forewarn’d of his Danger, yet he resolv’d to pay Obedience to his Father’s Commands. When he was near the City the crafty Rustan sent several great Officers with the Janizaries to meet him, and then insinuated to the Emperor the Love the People bore him in going in Crouds to meet him.
Mustapha approach’d his Father’s Tent with few of his Followers: At the Entrance he threw by his Dagger, as the Custom is when any Person enters the Tent of the Sultan.