Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-03
ErRoM THE NATIONAL GAZETTE

Saladin, Sultan OF Egypt, was descended from
. French Princess. lt.appears, that noiwith-
standing the breast from which he drew his
FIRST nourishment, and the supersttions OF his
religion, nature had endowed him with every
virtue that could render him worthy OF his IL
lustrious origin. He was generous, magnificent,
aGable, faithful in his friendships, lover ofvir
tue. sensible to good actions, and capable, in the
highest degree, OF executing them; good SOL
der, great captain, as skilful In the arts oil
peace and Of The cabinet as in those OF the held.
This is the compendium OF the character oil Sa-
ladin, ofwhose life intend 20 give but one cir
cumstance 10 exemplify The greatness oil soul,
and the generosity OF this Prince. tie had en-
tered into truce with the Christians, and wish
ed TO employ it usefully in travelling through
Europe ,ncogniio; in order TO witness and 10 OBJ
tain a knowledge Of the forces ofthose Chris
tian Princes who were leagaed against him. He
was not to be dismayed by the dangers attend
ing such an undertaking; but began his journey
under the garb Of an Armenian merchant, ac-
companied by FIVE of the principal mobiles OF his
court disguised in the same manner. They ar
rived safely al Venice, andpursuing their route
from that place, encountered about night-iall,
in forest near Bologna, the Count Of Bentivog
lio who was returning from the chase. This
nobleman seeing strangers withoui guide, eX-
posed to the danger ef being entansled in
wood infested by bandr,i tina, every day attack
ed and plundered the travellers whom they en-
countered, drew near to them, and representing
the danger which they would incur, begged their
acceptance of his Castle as restingspiace for
that night, at the same time making himself
known 10 them as the Count Of BeDtivoSlio.
This invitation was willingly accepted by our
disguised Armenians, and after many recipro-
OH hat he
er Armenians paid great respectto Saladin; and
as his person had character of grandeur and
majesty about it, which princes can with diff
Guilty conceal, the Count experienced degree
of consideration and respect for him, which in
creased in proportion as they engaged further
in conversation; and as SaladIn and his oompa-
Mons were well skilled in the Italian language.
il was easy for him to exhibit his talents tn he
best advantage. They arrived, at length al the
castle, where the countess, being Informed OF
the intentions Of her husband, received them
with every mark Of esteem aud welcome. A.
ter supper, he assigned them. each, Sump,uous
apa. tments. DESTROYS of discovering who they
were, he invited Saladin and his attendants TO
accompany him on hunting excursion; Sala-
din promptly acceded TO his request, and the
Count, leading them on from diversion 10 diver
sion, caused them 10 remain with him for three
DAYS in the midst Of pleasures, during which
period Saladin exhibited SO much understand
ing and information that the Count could not
separate himself from him. He won their al
lection also in another manner, by caressins ex-
tremely the young Marquis of Bentivoglio, son
of the Count and Countess.
The three days having elapsed, Saladin re-
solved to prosecute his journey, but wishing,
before his departure, TO give his llusIious hosts
a mark Of his particular esteem, he requested
permission of the count to make present to
the countess which would serve often to recall
him to her recollection. At first he was unwil-
ling to consent, but after many earnest solicita-
tions, was at length Obliged to yield. Saladln
then offered the countess diamond ut so great
value, that his lady, who regarded 1t only IN the
light of a simple expression OF friendship, de-
clined accepting il; but Ssladin protested, tha,
he would consider he1 refusal as an afront, and
assured her that the gift which she thought SO
was nothing in comparison with
that which he could desire to give her In return
for all her bounty In fine, he supplica,ed her with
so much grace, that the count was constrained
10 cause his wife to accept the diamond. She,
on her side, in order 10 show her gratitude to
him, and TO give him farther proofs Of her es.
TEEN, presented him with magnificent vest
borderrd with gold and ornamenIed with pearls, |
which she herself had worked, and destined for
the count her husband. This was received by
Saladin with great pleasure, whilst he express
ed his thanks in terms which plainly showed
thar the good will accompanying it was far
more gratifying TO him than the gift ITSELF
The time of parting at length arrived, and they
took leave of each other with tenderness and
regret.
Saladin set out upon bis journey again, with
his suite, which was augmented by the attend |
auce Of a gentleman and an escort, sent by the
count to conduct them in safety to Bologna
The pretended merchants requested their guide
10 take them 10 the best inn which the city af-
forded. He'promised TO TO so, and conducted
them to superb Palace, where they were serv-
ID with great magni6cence. Saladin, surpris-
a at this circumstance, requested an e1Plana-
ion. bu, not being able to obtain any satisiac-
ion from his guide was endeavonring to pene-
rate the mystery by himself, when ne was
enlightened by the arrival Of ithe