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diff --git a/old/54672-h/54672-h.htm b/old/54672-h/54672-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index d183b2a..0000000 --- a/old/54672-h/54672-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14911 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Les Bijoux Indiscrets, OR The Indiscreet Toys, by Denis Diderot. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -a:link {color: #000099;} - -v:link {color: #000099;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.caption {font-size: 0.7em; - font-family: arial; - text-align: center;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Les Bijoux Indiscrets, or, The Indiscreet -Toys, by Denis Diderot - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Les Bijoux Indiscrets, or, The Indiscreet Toys - -Author: Denis Diderot - -Release Date: May 6, 2017 [EBook #54672] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LES BIJOUX INDESCRETS, THE INDISCREET TOYS *** - - - - -Produced by Clare Graham & Marc D'Hooghe at Free Literature -(online soon in an extended version, also linking to free -sources for education worldwide ... MOOC's, educational -materials,...) Images generously made available by the -Internet Archive. - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" alt="1749 titlepage" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h1><i>Les Bijoux Indiscrets.</i></h1> - -<h3>OR,</h3> - -<h1>The Indiscreet Toys.</h1> - - -<h3>By</h3> - -<h2>Denis Diderot.</h2> - - -<h4>Translated from the Congese Language.<br /> -Printed at Monomotapa.</h4> - - -<h5>In Two Volumes.<br /> -Adorned with Copper-Plates.</h5> - - -<h4><i>TOBAGO:</i><br /> -Re-printed for <i>Pierrot Ragout</i>, with the<br /> -Approbation of <i>M——l S——xe</i>,<br /> -MDCCXLIX.</h4> - -<h5>And sold by R. Freeman, near St. <i>Paul's</i>;<br /> -and at all the Booksellers.</h5> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets000"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_000.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Frontispiece French edition 1749</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="TO_ZIMA" id="TO_ZIMA">TO -ZIMA.</a></h4> - - -<p>Zima, embrace the moment. -The Aga Narkis entertains -your mother, and your governess -is upon the watch in a balcony -for your father's return: take, -read, fear nothing. But even tho' -the <i>Bijoux indiscrets</i> should be -found behind your toilet, do you -think it would be a matter of -wonder? No, Zima, no; it is -well known, that the <i>Sopha</i>, the -<i>Tanzai</i>, and the <i>Confessions</i> have -been under your pillow. Do you -hesitate still? Know then, that -Aglaé has not disdained to set her -hand to the work, which you -blush to accept. "Aglaé," say -you, "the sober Aglaé!"—The -same. While Zima was straying -with, or perhaps contriving how -to get rid of the young Bonza Alleluia; -Aglaé amused herself innocently, -by relating to me the adventures -of Zaide, Alphana, Fannia, -&c.—furnished me with -the few strokes, which please -me in the history of Mangogul, -revised it, and pointed me out -the means of making it better: -for if Aglaé is one of the most -virtuous and least edifying women -in Congo; she is likewise one of -the least jealous of wit, and one -of the most witty. Can Zima -now think, that it becomes her -to play the scrupulous? Once -more, Zima, take, read, read all; -even without excepting the narrative -of the <i>Rambling Toy</i>, which -may be interpreted to you, without -any expence to your virtue, -provided the interpreter be neither -your spiritual director nor your -lover.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h5>CONTENTS.</h5> - - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#TO_ZIMA">Preface</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_I">Chap. I.</a></td><td align="left">Birth of Mangogul.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_II">Chap. II.</a></td><td align="left">Education of Mangogul.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_III">Chap. III.</a></td><td align="left">Which may be regarded as the first of this History.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_IV">Chap. IV.</a></td><td align="left">Evocation of the Genius.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_V">Chap. V.</a></td><td align="left">Mangogul's dangerous temptation.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_VI">Chap. VI.</a></td><td align="left">First Trial of the Ring, or Alcina.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_VII">Chap. VII.</a></td><td align="left">Second Trial of the Ring, or the Altars.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_VIII">Chap. VIII.</a></td><td align="left">Third Trial of the Ring, or the private Supper.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_IX">Chap. IX.</a></td><td align="left">The state of the Academy of Sciences at Banza.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_X">Chap. X.</a></td><td align="left">Less learned and less tedious than the preceding. Continuation of the Academical Sitting.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XI">Chap. XI.</a></td><td align="left">Fourth Trial of the Ring, or the Echo.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XII">Chap. XII.</a></td><td align="left">Fifth Trial of the Ring, or Play.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XIII">Chap. XIII.</a></td><td align="left">Sixth Trial of the Ring, or the Opera at Banza.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XIV">Chap. XIV.</a></td><td align="left">Orcotomus's Experiments.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XV">Chap. XV.</a></td><td align="left">The Bramins.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XVI">Chap. XVI.</a></td><td align="left">The Muzzles.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XVII">Chap. XVII.</a></td><td align="left">The two Devouts.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XVIII">Chap. XVIII.</a></td><td align="left">The Toyman's Return.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XIX">Chap. XIX.</a></td><td align="left">Seventh Trial of the Ring, or the stifled Toy.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XX">Chap. XX.</a></td><td align="left">Eighth Trial of the Ring, or the Vapors.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXI">Chap. XXI.</a></td><td align="left">Ninth Trial of the Ring, or Things lost and found.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXII">Chap. XXII.</a></td><td align="left">A sketch of Mangogul's Moral Philosophy.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXIII">Chap. XXIII.</a></td><td align="left">Tenth Trial of the Ring, or the Dogs.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXIV">Chap. XXIV.</a></td><td align="left">Eleventh Trial of the Ring, or the Pensions.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXV">Chap. XXV.</a></td><td align="left">Twelfth Trial of the Ring, or a Law-Case.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXVI">Chap. XXVI.</a></td><td align="left">Mirzoza's Metaphysical Essay, or the Soul.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXVII">Chap. XXVII.</a></td><td align="left">Sequel of the preceding Conversation.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXVIII">Chap. XXVIII.</a></td><td align="left">Thirteenth Trial of the King, or the little Mare.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXIX">Chap. XXIX.</a></td><td align="left">Mangogul's Dream, or a Voyage into the Region of Hypotheses.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXX">Chap. XXX.</a></td><td align="left">Fourteenth Trial of the Ring, or the Mute Toy.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXI">Chap. XXXI.</a></td><td align="left">Was Mangogul in the right?</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXII">Chap. XXXII.</a></td><td align="left">The fifteenth Trial of the Ring, or Alphana.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXIII">Chap. XXXIII.</a></td><td align="left">Sixteenth Trial of the Ring, or the <i>Petits-maitres</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXIV">Chap. XXXIV.</a></td><td align="left">Seventeenth Trial of the Ring, or the Comedy.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXV">Chap. XXXV.</a></td><td align="left">Conversation on Literature.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXVI">Chap. XXXVI.</a></td><td align="left">Eighteenth and nineteenth Trials of the Ring, or the flatted Spheroïd, and Girgiro the entangled.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXVIII">Chap. XXXVII.</a></td><td align="left">Mirzoza's Dream.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXVIII">Chap. XXXVIII.</a> </td><td align="left">Twenty-first and twenty-second Trials of the Ring, or Fricamona and Callipiga.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XXXIX">Chap. XXXIX.</a></td><td align="left">Dreams.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XL">Chap. XL.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-third Trial of the Ring, or Fannia.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLI">Chap. XLI.</a></td><td align="left">The History of Selim's Travels.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLII">Chap. XLII.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth Trials of the Ring, or, the Masquerade, and Sequel of the Masquerade.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLIII">Chap. XLIII.</a></td><td align="left">Selim at Banza.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLIV">Chap. XLIV.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-sixth Trial of the Ring, or the Rambling Toy.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLV">Chap. XLV.</a></td><td align="left">Cydalisa.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLVI">Chap. XLVI.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-seventh Trial of the Ring, or Fulvia.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLVII">Chap. XLVII.</a></td><td align="left">Prodigious Events of the Reign of Kanaglou, Mangogul's Grand-father.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLVIII">Chap. XLVIII.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-eighth Trial of the Ring, or Olympia.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_XLIX">Chap. XLIX.</a></td><td align="left">Twenty-ninth Trial of the Ring, or Zuleiman and Zaide.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_L">Chap. L.</a></td><td align="left">Platonic Love.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CHAP_LI">Chap. LI.</a></td><td align="left">Thirtieth and last Trial of the Ring, or Mirzoza.</td></tr> -</table></div> - - - -<p class="transnote">[Transcribers' Note: Chapters I.-XXI. of the second volume -of the 1749 publication have been renumbered XXXI.-LI. -Illustrations weren't present in the copy of the English edition we used, -we added those from the original French (at Gallica, Bibliothèque -nationale de France.]</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<h5><a name="LIST5_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</a></h5> - - -<div class="center"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">1.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets000">Cupid in Bed</a> (<i>frontispiece</i>).</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">2.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets001">Man, Woman and Cupid, or <i>Folly, Imagination,</i> and <i>Love</i></a>.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">3.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets002">Evocation of the Genius.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">4.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets003">Dogs and Lady in Bed.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">5.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets004">The Mare, &c.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">6.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets005">The Bubble-blower.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">7.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets006">Women walking on their hands.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">8.</td><td align="left"><a href="#bijouxindiscrets007">Man and Lady on a Sopha (Zuleiman).</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets001"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_001.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Imagination takes the feather from the hand of folly, and love -dictates.</p> -</div> -<hr class="r5" /> - -<h3>The Indiscreet Toys.</h3> - - -<h5><a id="CHAP_I"></a>CHAP. I.</h5> - -<h4><i>Birth of Mangogul.</i></h4> - - -<p>Hiaouf Zeles Tanzai had already -reigned long in great -Chechianea, and this voluptuous -prince still continued to be the -delight of his subjects. Acajou king -of Minutia had undergone the fate -predicted by his father: Zulmis was -no more: the Count De —— was -still living: Splendidus, Angola, Misapouf -and some other potentates of -the Indies and Asia were carried off by -sudden deaths. The people tired of -obeying weak sovereigns, had shaken -off the yoke of their posterity; and -the descendants of those unfortunate -monarchs rambled unknown, or not -regarded, in the provinces of their -empires. The grandson of the illustrious -Scheherazad was the only one -who maintain'd his throne: and he -was obeyed in Indostan by the name of -Schach Baam, at the time when Mangogul -was born in Congo. Thus it appears, -that the death of several sovereigns -was the mournful epoch of -his birth.</p> - -<p>His father Erguebzed did not summon -the Fairies round the cradle of -his son; because he had observed, -that most of the princes of his time, -who had been educated by these female -intelligences, were no better -than fools. He contented himself -with ordering his nativity to be calculated -by one Codindo, a person fitter -for a portrait than an acquaintance.</p> - -<p>Codindo, was head of the college -of Soothsayers at Banza, the ancient -capital of the empire. Erguebzed -had settled a large pension on him, -and had granted to him and his descendants, -on account of the merit -of their great uncle, who was an excellent -cook, a magnificent castle on -the frontiers of Congo. Codindo was -appointed to observe the flight of -birds, and the state of the heavens, -and to make a report thereof at court: -which office he executed very indifferently. -If it be true, that they had -at Banza the best theatrical pieces, -and the worst play-houses in all Africa; -in return they had the most beautiful -college in the world, and the -most wretched predictions.</p> - -<p>Codindo, informed of the business -for which he was summoned to Erguebzed's -palace, set out much embarrassed; -for the poor man could no -more read the stars than you or I. -He was expected with impatience. -The principal lords of the court were -assembled in the appartment of the -great Sultana. The ladies, magnificently -dress'd, stood round the infant's -cradle. The courtiers were -hurrying to congratulate with Erguebzed -on the great things, which -he was undoubtedly on the point of -hearing concerning his son. Erguebzed -was a father, and thought it quite -natural, to discern in the unform'd -lines of an infant, what he was to be. -In fine, Codindo arrived. "Draw -near," says Erguebzed to him: "as -soon as heaven had granted me -the prince before you, I ordered -the instant of his birth to be exactly -registered, and without doubt -you have been informed of it. -Speak sincerely to your Master, -and tell him boldly the destiny -which heaven has reserved for his -Son."</p> - -<p>"Most magnanimous Sultan," answered -Codindo, "the prince, born of -parents equally illustrious and happy, -can have no other than a great and -fortunate destiny: but I should impose -on your highness, if I plumed -myself with a science which I do not -possess. The stars rise and set for me -as for the rest of mankind; and I am -not more enlightened in futurity by -their means, than the most ignorant -of your subjects."</p> - -<p>"But," replied the Sultan, "are you -not an astrologer?" "Magnanimous -prince," answered Codindo, "I have not -that honour."</p> - -<p>"What the devil are you then?" -says the old, but passionate Erguebzed. -"An Aruspex! By the heavens -I did not imagine, that you -had so much as thought of it. -Believe me, Seigneur Codindo, -suffer your poultry to feed in quiet, -and pronounce on the fate of my -son, as you lately did on the cold -of my wife's parrot."</p> - -<p>Codindo immediately drew a glass -out of his pocket, took the infant's -left ear, rubb'd his eyes, turn'd his -spectacles again and again, peep'd at -that ear, did the like to the right ear, -and pronounced, "that the young -prince's reign would be happy, if it -proved long."</p> - -<p>"I understand you," replied Erguebzed: -"my son will do the finest -things in the world, if he has time. -But, zounds! what I want to have -told me is, that he will have time. -What matter is it to me, after he -is dead, that he would have been -the greatest prince upon earth, had -he lived. I have sent for you to -cast my son's horoscope, and you -make me his funeral oration."</p> - -<p>Codindo assured the prince, that he -was sorry he was not more knowing; -but beseeched his highness to consider, -that his knowledge was sufficient for -the little time he had been a conjurer. -In effect, the moment before, what -was Codindo?</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_II" id="CHAP_II">CHAP. II.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Education of Mangogul.</i></h4> - - -<p>I will pass lightly over Mangogul's -first years. The infancy of -princes is the same with that of the rest -of mankind; with this difference, -however, that princes have the gift -of saying a thousand pretty things, -before they can speak. Thus before -Erguebzed's son was full four years -old, he furnished matter for a volume -of Mangogulana. Erguebzed, who -was a man of sense, and was resolved -that his son's education should not -be so much neglected as his own had -been, sent betimes for all the great -men in Congo; as, painters, philosophers, -poets, musicians, architects, -masters of dancing, mathematicks, -history, fencing, &c. Thanks to the -happy dispositions of Mangogul, and -to the constant lessons of his masters, -he was ignorant in nothing of what -a young prince is wont to learn the -first fifteen years of his life; and at -the age of twenty he could eat, drink, -and sleep, as completely as any potentate -of his age.</p> - -<p>Erguebzed, whose weight of years -began to make him feel the weight of -his crown, tired with holding the reins -of the empire, frighted at the disturbances -which threatened it, full of -confidence in the superior qualifications -of Mangogul, and urged by sentiments -of religion, sure prognostics -of the approaching death or imbecility -of the great, descended from the -throne, to seat his son thereon: and -this good prince thought he was under -an obligation of expiating, by a -retirement, the crimes of the most -just administration, of which there -is any account in the annals of Congo.</p> - -<p>Thus it was, that in the year of the -world 15,000,000,032,000,021, of -the empire of Congo 390,000,070,003, -began the reign of Mangogul, the -1,234,500 of his race in a direct line. -Frequent conferences with his ministers, -wars carried on, and the management -of affairs, taught him in a -very short time what remained for him -to know at getting out of the hands of his -pedagogues; and that was somewhat.</p> - -<p>However, in less than ten years -Mangogul acquired the reputation of -a great man. He gained battles, -stormed towns, enlarged his empire, -quieted his provinces, repaired the disorder -of his finances, restored arts -and sciences, raised edifices, immortalized -himself by useful establishments, -strengthened and corrected -the legislative power, even founded -academies; and, what his university -could never comprehend, he executed -all these great things, without knowing -one word of Latin.</p> - -<p>Mangogul was not less amiable in -his Seraglio than great on the throne. -He did not take it into his head to -regulate his conduct by the ridiculous -customs of his country. He -broke the gates of the palaces inhabited -by his women; he drove out -those injurious guards of their virtue; -he prudently confided in themselves -for their fidelity: the entrance into -their appartments was as free for men -as into those of the canonesses of -Flanders; and doubtless their behaviour -as decent. Oh! how good a -Sultan he was! There never was his -equal, but in some French romance. -He was mild, affable, chearful, gallant, -of a charming figure, a lover of -pleasures, cut out for them, and contained -more wit and sense in his head, -than had been in those of all his predecessors -put together.</p> - -<p>'Tis easy to judge that, with such -uncommon merit, a number of the -sex aspired to make him their conquest: -Some few succeeded. Those who -miss'd his heart, endeavour'd to console -themselves with the grandees of -the court. Young Mirzoza was of -the number of the former. I shall -not amuse myself with detailing the -qualities and charms of Mirzoza: -the work would be without end, and -I am resolved that this history shall -have one.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_III" id="CHAP_III">CHAP. III.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Which may be regarded as the first of -this history.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mirzoza had already fixed Mangogul -for some years. These -lovers had said, and a thousand times -repeated, all that a violent passion -suggests to persons who have the most -wit. They were got as far as confidences, -and they would impute it to -themselves as a crime, to conceal the -most minute circumstance of their -lives from each other. These singular -suppositions, "If heaven, which -has placed me on the throne, had -given me an obscure low birth, would -you have deign'd to descend down to -me, would Mirzoza have crown'd -me?" "Should Mirzoza happen to -lose the few charms which she is -thought to have, would Mangogul -love her still?" These suppositions, -I say, which exercise the fancy -of ingenious lovers, which sometimes -make tender lovers quarrel, -and frequently oblige the most sincere -lovers to tell untruths, were quite -worn out between our pair.</p> - -<p>The favorite, who possess'd in a -supreme degree, the necessary and -uncommon talent of making a good -narrative, had drained the scandalous -history of Banza. As she had not -the best constitution, she was not always -disposed to receive the Sultan's -caresses, nor he always in the humour -of offering them. In short, there -were some days, in which Mangogul -and Mirzoza had little to say, hardly -any thing to do, and in which, without -any diminution of love, they amused -themselves but indifferently. -Those days were rare indeed, but -there were some; and this was one of -them.</p> - -<p>The Sultan was carelessly stretch'd -on a sopha, opposite to the favorite, -who was knotting in silence. The -weather did not permit them to take a -walk. Mangogul would not venture -to propose a party of piquet; and this -posture had lasted near a quarter of an -hour, when the Sultan, yawning several -times, said, "It must be allowed, -that Geliotta sung like an -angel." "And that your highness -is tired to death," answered the favorite. -"No, Madam," replied -Mangogul, endeavouring to smother -a yawn, "the minute that one -sees you, is not that of tiresomeness." -"If that is not a polite compliment, -'tis no body's fault but your -own," rejoin'd Mirzoza: "but you -ponder, you are absent, you yawn. -Prince, what ails you?" "I know -not," said the Sultan. "But I guess," -continued the favorite. "I was eighteen, -when I had the good fortune to -please you. It is full four years since -you began to love me. Eighteen and -four make twenty-two. Therefore I -am now very old." Mangogul smiled -at this calculation. "But if I am no -longer worth any thing for pleasure," -added Mirzoza, "I will at least demonstrate -that I am very good for advice. -The variety of amusements -which attend you, has not been able -to secure you against disgust. You -are disgusted. Prince, there is your -disease." "I do not allow, that you -have hit it off," says Mangogul: -"but supposing you have, do you -know a remedy?" Mirzoza answered -the Sultan, after a moment's pause, -that his highness seem'd to take so -much pleasure at the narratives she -made him of the gallantries of the -town, that she was sorry she had no -more to relate to him, or that she was -not better informed of those of the -court; that she would have tried that -expedient, till she thought of somewhat -better. "I think it a good one," -says Mangogul: "But who knows -the stories of all those fools; and -tho' they were known to any, who -could relate them like you?" "Let -us learn them however," replied Mirzoza. -"Whosoever it be that tells -them, I am certain that your highness -will gain more by the matter, than -you will lose by the form." "I shall -join with you, if you please, in -fancying the adventures of the -court ladies very diverting," says -Mangogul: "but tho' they were -to be a hundred times more so, -what does that avail, if it be impossible -to come at them?" "There -may be a difficulty in it," answers Mirzoza, -"but in my opinion, that is all. -The Genius Cucufa, your relation and -friend, has done greater things. Why -do you not consult him?" "Ah, joy -of my heart!" cried the Sultan, "you -are an admirable Creature. I make -no doubt but the Genius will employ -all his power in my favour. -This moment I shut myself up in -my closet, and invoke him."</p> - -<p>Accordingly Mangogul arose, kissed -the favorite on the left eye, pursuant -to the custom of Congo, and departed.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets002"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_002.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Evocation of the Genius.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_IV" id="CHAP_IV">CHAP. IV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Evocation of the Genius.</i></h4> - - -<p>The Genius Cucufa is an old -hypochondriac, who fearing lest -the concerns of the world, and dealings -with the rest of the genii, might -prove an obstacle to his salvation, -took refuge in the Void; in order to -employ himself quite at leisure on the -infinite perfections of the great Pagoda, -to pinch, scratch and make notches -in his flesh, to fret himself into madness, -and starve himself to death. In -that place he lies on a straw mat, his -body tuck'd up in a sack, his flanks -squeez'd with a cord, his arms crossed -on his breast, and his head sunk into -a hood, which suffers nothing to issue -but the end of his beard. He sleeps, -but one would think him in contemplation. -All his company is an -owl which nods at his feet, some rats -which gnaw his mat, and bats which -hover round his head. The manner -of evoking him, is, by repeating, to -the sound of a bell, the first verse of -the nocturnal office of the Bramins: -then he lifts up his hood, rubs his -eyes, puts on his sandals, and sets -out. Figure to yourself an old Camaldolian -Monk carried in the air by -two large horn-owls, which he holds -by the legs. In this equipage it was, -that Cucufa appear'd to the Sultan. -"May the blessing of Brama be within -these walls," says he, bowing. -"Amen," answered the prince. "What -do you want, my son?" "A very -small matter," says Mangogul; "to procure -me some pleasure at the expence -of the court ladies." "Oh, my son!" -replied Cucufa, "you have a larger appetite -than a whole monastery of -Bramins. What do you pretend to -do with this troop of extravagants?" -"To learn from themselves their present -and past adventures, that is all." "But -that is impossible," says the Genius. -"To have women confess their adventures, -is a thing that never was, -nor ever will be." "Yet it must be," -added the Sultan. At these words, the -Genius scratching his ear, and combing -his long beard with his fingers, -fell to thinking. His meditation was -short. "My child," said he to Mangogul, -"I love you, you shall be satisfied." -Instantly he plunged his -right hand into a deep pocket made -under his arm-pit on the left side of -his frock, and, together with images, -bless'd beads, little leaden pagoda's, -and musty sweatmeats, drew out a silver -ring, which Mangogul at first took -for one of St. Hubert's rings. "You -see this ring," said he to the Sultan, -"put it on your finger, my child: -every woman, at whom you shall -level the stone, will relate her intrigues -in a plain, audible voice. -Do not imagine however, that 'tis -by the mouth that they are to -speak." "By what then will they -speak?" says Mangogul. "By the -frankest part about them, and the -best instructed in those things which -you desire to know," says Cucufa; -"by their Toys." "By their Toys," replies -Mangogul bursting into laughter; -"that is particular. Talking Toys! -That is an unheard extravagance." -"My son," said the Genius, "I have -performed many greater prodigies -for your grandfather: therefore -depend on my word. Go, and -may Brama bless you. Make a -good use of your secret, and remember -that there are ill-placed -curiosities." This said, the old -hypocrite nodded his head, pull'd his -hood over his face, took his horn-owls -by the legs, and vanish'd in the -air.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_V" id="CHAP_V">CHAP. V.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Mangogul's dangerous Temptation.</i></h4> - - -<p>Scarcely was Mangogul in possession -of Cucufa's mysterious ring, when -he was tempted to make the first trial -of it on the favorite. I forgot to -mention, that besides the vertue of -obliging the Toys of those women, on -whom he turn'd the stone, to speak, -it had that also of rendering the person -invisible, who wore it on the little -finger. Thus could Mangogul transport -himself in the twinkling of an -eye to a thousand places where he was -not expected, and with his own eyes -see many things, which are frequently -transacted without witnesses. He had -nothing more to do than to put on -his ring, and say "I desire to be in -such a place," and he was there in an -instant. Behold him then in Mirzoza's -bed-chamber.</p> - -<p>Mirzoza, who gave over all hopes -of the Sultan's company, was in bed. -Mangogul approach'd her pillow softly, -and saw by the glimmering light of -a night taper, that she was asleep. -"Good," say he, "she sleeps, let us -quickly shift the ring on another -finger, resume our natural shape, -turn the stone on this fair sleeper, -and awake her Toy a little while.—But -what stops me?—I tremble.—Is -it possible that Mirzoza?—No, -it is not possible, Mirzoza is faithful -to me. Fly from me, injurious -suspicions, I will not, I ought -not to heed ye." He said, and -put his fingers on the ring: but taking -them off as hastily as if it had -been fire, he cried within himself. -"What do I do, wretched man! I -insult Cucufa's advice. For the -sake of satisfying a silly curiosity, -I am going to run the hazard of -losing my mistress and my life. If -her Toy should be in the humor -of talking extravagantly, I should -never see her more, and I should -dye of grief. And who knows -what a Toy may have in its soul?" -Mangogul's agitation made him in -some measure forget himself: he pronounced -these last words pretty loud, -and the favorite awoke. "Ah, -Prince," said she, less surprized than -charmed at his presence, "you are -here. Why did you not send me -notice? Must you condescend to -wait for my awaking?"</p> - -<p>Mangogul answered the favorite by -relating the success of his interview -with Cucufa, shew'd her the ring, and -did not conceal one of its properties -from her. "Ah! what a diabolical -secret has he given you!" cry'd -Mirzoza. "But pray, Prince, do -you intend to make any use of it." -"How," said the Sultan, "do I intend to -use it? I shall begin by you, if you -argue with me." At these terrible -words the favorite turn'd pale, trembled, -recover'd herself, and conjured -the Sultan by Brama, and all the Pagoda's -of the Indies and Congo, not -to try the experiment on her of a -secret power, which indicated a diffidence -of her fidelity. "If I have -been constantly honest," continued -she, "my Toy will not speak a word, -and you will have done me such an -injury as I shall never forgive. If -it happens to speak, I shall lose -your esteem and heart, and that will -make you run distracted. Hitherto -you have, in my opinion, found -your account in our connection; -why would you run the risk of -breaking it off? Prince, believe -me. Follow the advice of the -Genius; he has had great experience, -and advices of Genius are -always good to follow."</p> - -<p>"This is exactly what I was saying -to myself," answered Mangogul, "when -you awoke. And yet if you had -slept two minutes longer, I cannot -answer for what might have happened."</p> - -<p>"What would have happened," -says Mirzoza, "is, that my Toy -would have given you no information, -and that you would have lost -me for ever."</p> - -<p>"That may be," replied Mangogul; -"but now that I have a full view of the -danger which I incurred, I solemnly -swear to you by the eternal Pagoda, -that you shall be excepted from the -number of those, on whom I shall turn -the ring."</p> - -<p>At these words Mirzoza brightened -up, and fell to joking at the expence -of the Toys which the Prince should -hereafter interrogate. "Cydalisa's -Toy," said she, "has many stories to -tell, and if it be as indiscreet as its -mistress, it will not require much -intreaty. Haria's Toy is no longer -of this world, and your highness -will obtain no tales from it of -fresher date than the days of my -grandmother. As for that of Glauce, -I believe it is a proper one to be -consulted. She is a coquet and -pretty." "And for that reason precisely -it is," replied the Sultan, "that -her Toy will be mute." "Why then," -said the Sultana, "apply to that of -Phedima, she is ugly, and loves -gallantry." "Yes," continued the -Sultan; "and so ugly, that one must -be as ill-natured as you, to accuse her -of gallantry. Phedima is sober; 'tis -I who say it, and who know something -of the matter." "As sober as -you please," replied the favorite, -"but she has a sort of grey eyes that -speak the contrary." "Her eyes belye -her," said the Sultan warmly. "You -tire my patience with your Phedima. -Might not one say, that there is no -other Toy but this to examine." "But -may I presume, without offending -your highness," added Mirzoza, "to -ask which is the first you intend to -honour with your choice." "We -shall see anon," said Mangogul, "in the -circle of the Manimonbanda, (the -Congese name of the great Sultana). -We shall have a good deal of work -upon our hands and when we happen -to be tired of the Toys of my -court, we may chance make a tour -thro' Banza. Possibly we may find -those of the city women more reasonable -than those of dutchesses." "Prince," -said Mirzoza, "I have some acquaintance -with the former, and -can assure you, that they are only -more circumspect." "We shall soon -hear from them: but I cannot refrain -from laughter," continued Mangogul, -"when I think on the confusion and -surprize of these women at the first -words of their Toys, ha, ha, ha! Remember, -delight of my soul, that I -shall expect you at the great Sultana's, -and that I shall make no use of -my ring till you are come." "Prince," -said Mirzoza, "I rely on the promise -you have made me." Mangogul -smiled at her allarm, reiterated -his promise, sealed them with kisses, -and retired.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_VI" id="CHAP_VI">CHAP. VI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>First Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Alcina.</h4> - - -<p>Mangogul arrived before her at the -great Sultana's, and found all the -ladies very busy at cards. He survey'd -all those, whose reputation was established, -fully resolved to try his ring on -one of them, and his only difficulty -was in the choice. While, he was in -suspence by whom to begin, he spied -a young lady of the household of the -Manimonbanda in a window. She was -toying with her husband; which appear'd -singular to the Sultan, inasmuch -as they had been married above -eight days. They had made their appearance -in the same box at the Opera, -in the same coach at the Bois de Boulogne, -they had finished their visits; and -the fashion of the times exempted -them from loving or even meeting -each other. "If this Toy," says Mangogul, -"is as silly as its mistress, we -shall have a diverting soliloquy." -At this instant the favorite appear'd. -"Welcome," said the Sultan to her -in a whisper. "I have cast my -lead, waiting for you." "And on -whom?" ask'd Mirzoza. "On that -couple which you see sporting in that -window," answer'd Mangogul with a -wink. "Well set out," replied the -favorite.</p> - -<p>Alcina, for that was the young lady's -name, was sprightly and pretty. -The Sultan's court had few women -more amiable, and not one of a gayer -disposition. One of the Sultan's -Emirs had filled his head with her. -He was not left in ignorance of what -the chronicle had published concerning -Alcina: the report alarm'd him, but -he followed the custom: he consulted -his mistress about it. Alcina swore, -that it was pure calumny invented by -some coxcombs, who would have -been silent, if they had had any reason -for talking; but however, that -there was no harm done, and that he -was at full liberty to believe it or not, -as he thought proper. This answer, -delivered with an air of confidence, -convinced the amorous Emir of his -mistress's innocence. He closed the -affair, and assumed the title of Alcina's -husband with all its prerogatives.</p> - -<p>The Sultan levelled his ring at her. -A loud burst of laughter, which -seized Alcina at some comical saying -of her husband, was suddenly cut -short by the operation of the ring; -and immediately a murmuring noise -was heard under her petticoats. -"Well, now I am titled. Truly I am -glad on't. Nothing like having a -rank. If my first advices had -been heeded, I should have been -provided with something better -than an Emir: but yet an Emir is -better than nothing." At these -words all the ladies quitted the game, -to seek from what quarter the voice -issued. This movement made a -great noise. "Silence," says Mangogul, -"this deserves attention." They -obeyed, and the Toy continued. -"One would be apt to think, that a -husband is a guest of great importance, -by the precautions which -are taken to receive him. What -preparatives! What profusion of -myrtle water! Another fortnight -of this regimen would have demolished -me. I had disappear'd, -and the Emir might have sought -lodgings elsewhere, or have shipped -me off for the island Jonquille." -Here my author says, that all the ladies -grew pale, look'd at each other in deep -silence, and grew vastly serious; -which he ascribes to their fear, lest the -conversation should grow warm, and -become general. "Yet," continued -Alcina's Toy, "in my opinion the -Emir did neither require nor stand -in need of so many formalities: -but I must still acknowledge the -prudence of my mistress. She -guarded against the worst, and I -was treated for the great lord as for -his little page."</p> - -<p>The Toy was on the point of -continuing its extravagant harangue, -when the Sultan, observing that this -strange scene shock'd the modest -Manimonbanda, interrupted the orator -by turning off the ring. The -Emir had vanish'd at the first words -of his wife's Toy. Alcina, without -being disconcerted, pretended to take -a nap: mean while the ladies whispered -that she had the vapours. -"Yes," says a <i>Petit-maitre</i>, "—— Vapours: -Ch——y calls them hysterics, -as much as to say, things -which come from the lower region. -For this case he has a divine elixir; -it is a principle, principiating, -principiated, which revives——which——I -will propose it to the -lady." The company laugh'd at -this gibberish, and our Cynic resumed. -"Nothing more true, ladies: I, -who speak, have used it for a deperdition -of substance." "A deperdition -of substance, good marquiss," -said a young person, "pray what is -that?" "Madam," replied the marquiss, -"it is one of those casual accidents -which happen——but -every body knows it."</p> - -<p>By this time the pretended drowziness -went off. Alcina sat down to -play with as much intrepidity as if -her Toy either had not spoken a word, -or had made the finest speech in the -world. Nay, she was the only lady that -play'd without distraction. This sitting -was worth a considerable sum to her. -The rest did not know what they were -about, could not count the dots on -the cards, forgot their reckonings, neglected -their good luck, dealt wrong, -and committed a hundred other mistakes, -of which Alcina took the advantage. -In fine, they broke up play, -and every one withdrew.</p> - -<p>This adventure made great noise -not only at court and in town, but -all over Congo. Epigrams were handed -about on it. The discourse of Alcina's -Toy was published, revised, -corrected, enlarged and commented -by the Agreeables of the court. The -Emir was lampoon'd, and his wife -immortalized. She was pointed at in -the play-house, and followed in the -public walks. People flock'd about -her, and she heard them buzzing: -"Yes, 'tis she: her Toy made a -discourse two hours long." Alcina -bore her new reputation with admirable -tranquillity. She listened to -these expressions, and many more, -with a serenity, which the rest of the -women could not shew. They were -every moment under apprehensions of -some indiscretions being committed -by their Toys: but the adventure of -the following chapter compleated -their confusion.</p> - -<p>As soon as the company had broke -up, Mangogul gave his hand to the -favorite, and conduced her to her appartment. -She was far from having that -lively chearful air, which seldom quitted -her. She had lost considerably -at play, and the effect of the dreadful -ring had plunged her into a pensiveness, -out of which she was not -yet thoroughly recovered. She knew -the Sultan's curiosity, and she had -not sufficient confidence in the promises -of a man less amorous than despotic, -to be free from uneasiness. -"What ails you, my soul's delight?" -said Mangogul. "You are pensive." -"I played with bad luck without example," -answered Mirzoza. "I lost the -possibility. I had twelve tableaux, -and I don't think I mark'd three -times." "That is vexatious," replied -Mangogul; "but what think you of -my secret?" "Prince," said the favorite, -"I persist in deeming it diabolical. -Doubtless it will amuse you, -but that amusement will be attended -with dismal consequences. You are -going to spread discord in every family, -undeceive husbands, throw lovers -into despair, ruin wives, dishonour -daughters, and raise a thousand -other hurly-burlys. Ah! Prince, I -conjure you.——" "By the light," said -Mangogul, "you moralize like Nicole! -I would be glad to know why the -concern for your neighbour touches -you so to the quick. No, no, -madam; I will keep my ring. -And what do I matter those husbands -undeceived, those lovers -thrown into despair, those wives -ruined, those daughters dishonoured, -provided I amuse myself. Am -I then a Sultan for nothing? Good -night, madam, we must hope -that future scenes will be more comic -than the first, and that you -will take more pleasure in them by -degrees." "I do not believe it, sir," -replied Mirzoza. "And for my -part, I promise you, that you -will find pleasant Toys, nay, so -pleasant, that you cannot refuse -giving them audience. And what -would you do, if I sent them to you -in quality of ambassadors? I will -if you desire it, spare you the -trouble of their harangues; but -as to the recital of their adventures, -you shall hear it either from -their own mouths or mine. 'Tis a -determined point; and I can abate -nothing of it. Resolve to familiarize -yourself with these new -speech-makers." At these words -he embraced her, and went into his -closet, reflecting on the trial he had -made, and devoutly thanking the Genius -Cucufa.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_VII" id="CHAP_VII">CHAP. VII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Second trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Altars.</h4> - - -<p>The next evening there was to -be a private supper in Mirzoza's -appartment. The persons invited -came early. Before the prodigy of -the preceding day, people came by -inclination; this night they came -purely out of politeness. All the ladies -had an air of constraint, and -spoke in monosyllables. They were -upon the watch, and expected every -moment, that some Toy would join in -conversation. Notwithstanding their -itch of bringing Alcina's odd adventure -on the carpet, none of them -dared to undertake opening the topic. -Not that they were restrained by her -presence: tho' included in the supper-list, -she did not appear; it was -judged that she had a swimming in -her head. However, whether it was -that they became less apprehensive of -danger, as the whole day long they -had heard no body speak but from -the mouth; or whether they affected -to appear courageous, the conversation -revived, the women most suspected -composed their countenances, -put on an air of assurance, and Mirzoza -ask'd the courtier Zegris, if he -knew any entertaining news. "Madam," -replied Zegris, "you have -been informed of a match between -the Aga Chazour and young Siberina: -I assure you it is broke off." -"Upon what account?" interrupted the -favorite. "On account of a strange -voice," continued Zegris, "which -Chazour says he heard at the toilet -of his princess. Since yesterday, the -Sultan's court is full of people, who -go with their ears cock'd, in hopes -of catching, I can't say how, such -declarations, as most certainly the -persons concerned have no inclination -to make them."</p> - -<p>"That is silly," replied the favorite. -"Alcina's misfortune, if it be one, is -far from being averred. We have -not got to the bottom——"</p> - -<p>"Madam," interrupted Zelmaida, -"I have heard her most distinctly. -She spoke without opening her -mouth. The facts were well articulated, -and it was not very difficult -to guess whence this extraordinary -sound issued. I assure you, -that I should have died, were I in -her place."</p> - -<p>"Died!" replied Zegris. "Folks survive -other sorts of accidents." "How?" -cried Zelmaida. "Can there be a -more dreadful one than the indiscretion -of a Toy? Well, there is -no medium left. One must either -renounce gallantry, or resolve to -pass for a woman of pleasure." "Indeed," -said Mirzoza, "the option is -severe." "No, no, madam," replied -another lady, "you will see that women -will fix their resolution. They -will allow Toys to prate as much -as they please; and will go their -own way, without troubling themselves -with what the world shall -say. And after all, what does it -signify, whether it be a woman's -Toy or her lover that proves indiscreet? -Are things less exposed?"</p> - -<p>"Upon a serious consideration of -the whole affair," continued a third, "if -a woman's adventures must be divulged, -'tis better it should happen -by her Toy than her lover."</p> - -<p>"The notion is singular," said the favorite; -"and true," replied she who -had broach'd it: "for, pray, observe -that a lover is generally dissatisfied, -before he becomes indiscreet, and -therefore tempted to be revenged by -exaggerating every thing: whereas a -Toy talks without passion, and adds -nothing to the truth."</p> - -<p>"For my part," said Zelmaida, "I -am not of that opinion. In this -case it is not so much the importance -of the depositions, as the -strength of the evidence, that ruins -the criminal. A lover, who by his -discourse dishonours the Altar, on -which he has sacrificed, is a kind -of impious person, who deserves -no credit: but if the altar lifts up -its voice, what answer can be -made."</p> - -<p>"That the altar knows not what it -says," replied the second. Monima, -hitherto mute, broke silence, in order -to say in a dragging, lazy tone: -"Ah! let my Altar, since you call it -so, speak or be silent, I fear nothing -from its talk."</p> - -<p>Mangogul enter'd that very instant, -and Monima's last words did not -escape him. He levell'd his Ring at -her, and her Toy was heard to cry out: -"Do not believe her, she lies." Her -female neighbours, gazing at each -other, ask'd whose Toy it was that -made this answer. "'Tis not mine," -said Zelmaida; "nor mine," said another; -"nor mine," said Monima; "nor -mine," said the Sultan. Every one, -and the favorite among the rest, persisted -in the negative.</p> - -<p>The Sultan, taking the advantage -of this incertainty, and addressing the -ladies, said: "You have Altars then? -Pray, how are they feasted?" As -he was speaking, he nimbly turn'd -his Ring successively on all the women -except Mirzoza; and every one -of their Toys answering in its turn, -these words were heard in different -tones. "I am frequented, batter'd, -abandon'd, perfum'd, fatigu'd, ill -serv'd, disgusted, &c." They all -spoke their word, but so precipitately, -that no just application could be made. -Their jargon, sometimes rumbling, -sometimes yelping, accompanied with -loud laughs of Mangogul and his -courtiers, made a noise of a new kind. -The ladies agreed with a very grave -air, that it was very diverting. -"How," said the Sultan, "sure we -are too happy, that the Toys deign -to speak our language, and furnish -half the expence of the conversation. -Society must be a considerable -gainer by this duplication of -organs. Possibly we men shall -speak also in our turn, by something -else besides our mouths. Who -knows? What agrees so perfectly -well with Toys, may happen to be -destin'd to make questions and responses -to them: nevertheless my -anatomist is of a different opinion."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_VIII" id="CHAP_VIII">CHAP. VIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Third trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Private Supper.</h4> - - -<p>Supper was served up, the -company sate down at table, and -at first they diverted themselves at -Monima's charge: all the women unanimously -agreed that her Toy had -spoke first; and she must have sunk -under this confederacy, had not the -Sultan taken her part. "I do not -pretend," said he, "that Monima is -less gallant than Zelmaida; but I believe -her Toy has more discretion. -Besides, when the mouth and Toy -of a woman contradict each other, -which to believe?" "Sir," replied a -courtier, "I know not what Toys will -say hereafter; but hitherto they have -explain'd themselves on a subject, -which is very familiar to them. As -long as they shall have the prudence -to speak of nothing but what they -understand, I shall believe them as so -many oracles." "Others," said Mirzoza, -"of greater authenticity might -be consulted." "Pray, madam," replied -Mangogul, "what interest can these have in -disguising the truth? Nothing but a -chimæra of honour could be their motive: -but a Toy has none of these -chimæras. That is not the place of -prejudices." "A chimera of honour," -said Mirzoza, "prejudices! If your -highness had been exposed to the -same inconveniences with us, you -would become sensible, that whatever -touches virtue, is far from being -chimærical." All the ladies, -encouraged by the Sultana's answer, -insisted that it was superfluous to put -them to certain proofs; and Mangogul, -that these proofs were generally -dangerous at least.</p> - -<p>This conversation ushered in the -champagne: it moved briskly round, -they plied it close, and it warmed the -Toys. Then it was that Mangogul -had intended to resume his frolicks. -He turn'd his ring on a very gay -sprightly young lady, who sate pretty -near him, and directly opposite to her -husband: and immediately issued -from under the table a plaintive noise, -a weak languishing voice, which said: -"Oh, how I am harrassed! I can -bear it no longer, I am at death's -door." "How, by the Pagoda -Pongo Sabiam," cried Husseim, "my -wife's Toy speaks, and what can it -say?" "We are going to hear," answered -the Sultan.——"Prince, you will -permit me not to be of the number -of its auditors," replied Husseim; -"for if any thing ridiculous drop'd -from it, do you think?"——"I -think you are a fool," said the Sultan, -"to alarm yourself at the prattle -of a Toy: do we not know a good -part of what it can say, and may we -not guess the rest? Sit down, then, -and endeavour to divert yourself."</p> - -<p>Husseim sat down, and his wife's -Toy began to prate like a magpye. -"Shall I eternally have this huge -Flandrian Valanto? I have seen -some who have made an end; but -this man"——At these words -Husseim arose in a fury, snatch'd up a -knife, sprang to the other side of the -table; and would have pierced his -wife's breast, if his neighbours had -not prevented him. "Husseim," said -the Sultan, "you make too much -noise: the company cannot hear. -Might not one say, that your wife's -Toy is the only one that has not -common sense? And what would -become of these ladies, if their husbands -were of your humour? How! -you are out of your wits for a pitiful -little adventure of one Valanto, -who never made an end. Return -to your seat, behave like a man -of honour; see that you watch -yourself, and not commit a second -failure before a prince, who admits -you to his pleasures."</p> - -<p>While Husseim, stifling his rage, -was leaning on the back of a chair, -his eyes shut, and his hand on his forehead; -the Sultan dexterously levell'd -his Ring, and the Toy went on. -"Valanto's young page would suit -me pretty well: but I know not -when he will begin. In the mean -time till the one begins, and the -other makes an end, I practise patience -with the Bramin Egon. He -is a frightful figure, I must own: -but his talent is to make an end -and begin again. Oh, what a -great man a Bramin is!"</p> - -<p>By the time the Toy had got as far -as this exclamation, Husseim blush'd -to fret for a woman who was so unworthy, -and fell a laughing with the -rest of the company; but he kept -something in reserve for his spouse. -The entertainment being over, every -one went home directly, except Husseim, -who conducted his wife into a -house of veiled maidens, and there -shut her up. Mangogul being inform'd -of her disgrace paid her a visit. He -found the whole community busy in -comforting her, but still more in trying -to get the secret of her exile from -her. "'Tis for a mere trifle," said she, -"that I am here. Being last night at -supper with the Sultan, the Champagne -was whip'd about, the Tokay -gallop'd, people hardly knew -what they said, when my Toy must -needs fall to prating. I do not remember -on what subject it talk'd, -but it made my husband take dudgeon."</p> - -<p>"To be sure, Madam, he is in the -wrong," replied the nuns: "people -ought not to put themselves into such -passions for trifles!——How! your -Toy has spoke. Pray does it speak -still? How charm'd we should be to -hear it! It must certainly express itself -with wit and a good grace." They -were gratified: for the Sultan turn'd -his ring on the poor recluse, and her -Toy thank'd them for their civilities; -protesting to them at the same time, -that how pleased soever it was with -their company, that of a Bramin -would suit it better.</p> - -<p>The Sultan embraced the opportunity, -to learn some particulars of the -life of these virgins. His Ring interrogated -the Toy of a young recluse, -whose name was Cleanthis; and -the pretended virgin-Toy confessed -two gardeners, a Bramin, and three -cavaliers; and related how by the assistance -of a purging draught and two -bleedings, she had escaped giving -scandal. Zephirina owned, by the -organ of her Toy, that she was indebted -to the errand-boy of the house, -for the honourable title of mother. -But one thing that astonish'd the Sultan, -was, that tho' those sequester'd -Toys expressed themselves in very -indecent terms; the virgins, to whom -they belong'd, heard them without -blushing: which made him conjecture, -that if they failed of the practical part -in those retreats, they had in return a -large share of speculation.</p> - -<p>In order to clear up this point, he -turn'd his ring on a novice between -fifteen and sixteen years of age. -"Flora," said her Toy, "has more -than once ogled a young officer -thro' the grate. I am certain that -she had an inclination for him. -Her little finger told me so." -This was a mortifying stroke for -Flora. The ancient ladies condemned -her to two months silence and discipline; -and ordered prayers, that the -Toys of the community might remain -mute.</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_IX" id="CHAP_IX">CHAP. IX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The state of the academy of sciences -at Banza.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul had scarcely quitted the -recluses, among whom I left -him, when a report was spread -thro' Banza, that the virgins of -the congregation of Brama's Coccyx, -spoke by their Toys. This report, -to which Husseim's violent proceedings -had given credit, rouzed the -curiosity of the learned. The phænomenon -was thoroughly examined and -allowed: and the freethinkers began -to seek in the properties of matter, -the reasons of a fact, which they had at -first deemed impossible. The tattle of -the Toys gave birth to a great number -of excellent works; and this important -subject swell'd the collections -of the academies with several memoirs, -which may be esteemed the utmost -efforts of human understanding.</p> - -<p>In order to model and perpetuate -that of Banza, invitations with suitable -encouragement had been, and -still continued to be, given to all -persons of the brightest parts in Congo, -Monoémugi, Beleguanza, and the -circumjacent kingdoms. It took in, -under different titles, all those who -had distinguished themselves in natural -history, natural philosophy, mathematicks, -and the greatest part of -those, who promised to make a figure -in them one time or other. This -swarm of indefatigable bees labour'd -incessantly in the research of truth, -and every year the public reaped the -fruits of their labours in a volume -full of discoveries.</p> - -<p>It was at that time divided into two -factions, the one composed of Vorticists, -and the other of Attractionists. -Olibrio, an able geometrician and great -natural philosopher, founded the sect -of the Vorticists. Circino, an able -natural philosopher and great geometrician, -was the first Attractionist. -Both Olibrio and Circino proposed to -explain nature. Olibrio's principles -have at first sight a certain air of simplicity, -which seduces: in the gross -they account for the principal phænomena, -but they contradict themselves -in the detail. As for Circino, -he seems to set out upon an absurdity; -but 'tis the first step alone -that is expensive. The minute details, -which ruin Olibrio's system, -establish his. He follows a road, -dark at entrance, but which grows -more lightsome according as a person -advances. On the contrary, that of -Olibrio, lightsome at entrance, grows -darker and darker. The philosophy -of the latter requires less study than -understanding. One cannot be a disciple -of the former, without a large -share of understanding and study. -One enters without preparation into -Olibrio's school; every body has the -key of it. That of Circino is open to -none but geometricians of the first -class. Olibrio's Vortices are within the -reach of all capacities. Circino's central -powers are made for first rate Algebraists -only. Wherefore there will -always be an hundred Vorticists for -one Attractionist; and one Attractionist -will always be worth an hundred -Vorticists. Such was the state of -the academy of sciences at Banza, -when it handled the subject of the indiscreet -Toys.</p> - -<p>This phænomenon was very slippery: -it dodged the attraction, and -the subtile matter could not come -within reach of it. In vain did the -president summon all those who had -any notions, to communicate them: a -profound silence reigned in the assembly. -At length Persiflo the Vorticist, -who had published treatises on many -subjects, which he did not understand, -rose up and said: "The fact, gentlemen, -might well agree with the system -of the world. I should suspect -that it has in general the same -cause with the tides. For pray -take notice, that this day is the -equinoctial full moon. But before -I can depend on my conjecture, I -must wait to hear what the Toys -will say next month."</p> - -<p>The company shrug'd their shoulders: -they dared not remonstrate to -him, that he reasoned like a Toy; -but as he is a man of penetration he -perceived in an instant that they thought -as much.</p> - -<p>The Attractionist Reciproco opened, -and said: "Gentlemen, I have tables -calculated by a theory on the -highth of the tides in every port -of the kingdom. True it is, that -observations somewhat bely my calculations: -but I flatter myself -that this small inconvenience will -be repaired by the advantage that -will result from them, if the tattle -of Toys continues to square with -the phænomena of the ebb and -flow."</p> - -<p>A third person started up, went to -the board, traced his figure, and said -"let a Toy be A B, and——"</p> - -<p>Here the ignorance of the translators -has deprived us of a demonstration, -which without doubt the African -author had preserv'd. After a -blank of about two pages, we read: -Reciproco's reasoning was thought demonstrative; -and it was unanimously -agreed, from the essays he had given -on dialectics, that he would be able -one day or other to make this deduction: -women have from time immemorial -heard with their ears: therefore -they ought at this day to speak -by their Toys.</p> - -<p>Doctor Orcotomus, of the tribe of -Anatomists, spoke next, and said: -"Gentlemen, I am of opinion, that -it would be properer to drop a phænomenon, -than to seek its cause in -vapory hypotheses. For my part, -I would not have open'd my mouth, -if I had nought but trifling conjectures -to offer: but I have examined, -studied, meditated. I -have seen Toys in the paroxysm, -and I am got so far, by means of -my knowledge of the parts, and -experience, as to be convinced, that -that which in Greek we call Delphys, -has all the properties of the windpipe, -and that there are some who -can speak as well by the Toy as by -the mouth. Yes, gentlemen, the -Delphys is a string and wind instrument; -but much more a string than -a wind one. The outward air, -which lights on it, properly does -the office of a bow on the tendinous -fibres of the wings, which I -shall call ribbons or vocal strings. The -gentle collision of this air and the -vocal strings puts them into a -trembling motion; and it is by -their quicker or slower vibrations, -that they utter different sounds. -The person modifies these sounds at -discretion, speaks, and even might -sing.</p> - -<p>"As there are but two ribbons or -vocal strings, and as they are to the -eye of equal length, it will doubtless -be ask'd, how they suffice to -give the multitude of sounds, grave -and acute, strong and weak, of -which the human voice is capable. -I answer, in pursuing the comparison -of this organ with musical instruments, -that their lengthening -and shortening are sufficient to produce -these effects.</p> - -<p>"That these parts are capable of -distention and contraction, is needless -to be demonstrated in an assembly -of Literati of your rank: but -that in consequence of this distention -and contraction, the Delphys -can utter sounds more or less acute; -in a word, all the inflexions of the -voice, and modulation of singing; -is a fact, which I flatter myself I -shall put out of doubt. My appeal is -to experiments. Yes, gentlemen, -I engage to make both a Delphys -and a Toy reason, speak, nay, and -sing too, before ye."</p> - -<p>Thus harangued Orcotomus, promising -to himself nothing less than to -raise the Toys to the level of the windpipes -of one of his learned brethren, -whose success jealousy had attack'd in -vain.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_X" id="CHAP_X">CHAP. X.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Less learned and less tedious than the -preceding. Continuation of the academical -sitting.</i></h4> - - -<p>By the difficulties started against -Orcotomus, before he could -make his experiments, it appeared, -that his notions were judged to have -less of solidity than ingenuity. "If -Toys have the faculty of speech naturally," -say they, "why have they -not made use of it till now? If it -was an effect of the goodness of -Brama, who has been pleased to -endow women with so strong a -desire of talking, to double the organs -of speech in them; it is -very strange, that they have so -long been ignorant of, or at least -neglected this valuable gift of nature. -Why has not the same Toy -spoke more than once? Why has -none of them spoke of aught but -the same subject? By what mechanism -does it fall out, that one of -the mouths is forcibly kept shut, -while the other speaks? Moreover," -added they, "if we judge of the -prattle of Toys by the circumstances, -in which most of them have -spoken, and by the things they -have told; there is all the reason -in the world to believe it involuntary, -and that those parts would -continue mute, if it had been in -the power of their possessors to impose -silence on them."</p> - -<p>Orcotomus arose to answer these objections, -and insisted that Toys talk'd -in all ages; but so low, that what they -said was hardly heard, even by those -to whom they belonged. That it is -not surprizing, that they have raised -their voice in our days, when the -freedom of conversation is carried so -high, that one may without impudence -and indiscretion converse on those -things, which are the most familiar -to them: that if they have spoke -audibly but once, we are not to infer -that that will be the only time. -That there is a vast difference between -being mute and keeping silence; that -if they have talk'd but on one and the -same subject only, probably the reason -is, that it is the only one, of which -they have ideas. That those who -have not spoke as yet, will speak. -That if they remain silent, it is because -they have nothing to say, or -that they are ill made, or want ideas -and terms.</p> - -<p>"In a word," continued he, "to pretend -that it was an effect of the goodness -of Brama to grant to women the -means of gratifying their strong desire -of talking, by multiplying in -them the organs of speech; is to -grant, that if this benefaction drag'd -any inconveniences after it, it was an -effect of his wisdom to prevent them: -and this he has done, by compelling -one of the mouths to keep silence, -while the other speaks. It is already -but too inconvenient for us, that -women change their mind from one -instant to another: what then would -it have been, if Brama had left them -the power of being of two contradictory -sentiments at the same time? -Further, the gift of speech has been -given, purely in order to be understood; -but the women, who find it -a difficult talk to understand one -another with a single mouth each, -how could they possibly do it, if -they spoke with two at a time?"</p> - -<p>Thus Orcotomus answered several -things, and thought he had given -satisfactory solutions to all difficulties: -but he was mistaken. New doubts -were raised, and he was on the point -of sinking under them; when Cimonazes -came to his assistance. Then -the dispute became tumultuous. They -stray'd wide of the question, they -bewilder'd themselves, they return'd, -they bewilder'd themselves a second -time, they grew angry, they brawled; -from brawling they pass'd to -injurious words, and the academical -sitting ended.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XI" id="CHAP_XI">CHAP. XI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Fourth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Echo.</h4> - - -<p>While the prattle of the -Toys employed the academy, -in other companies it became the -news of the day, and the subject of -the morrow, and of several succeeding -days. It was an inexhaustible -text. True facts were blended with -false; every thing went down, the -prodigy had removed all incredulity. -In conversation people lived on it -upwards of six months.</p> - -<p>The Sultan had made but three -trials of his ring; and yet, in a -circle of ladies who were allowed a -stool at the Manimonbanda's, one of -them related a discourse held by the -Toy of a president's lady, next that -of a marchioness, then she disclosed -the pious secrets of a devotee, in fine -those of several women who were not -there: and God knows the stories -that were father'd on their Toys; nor -was there any parcimony of smutty -tales. From facts they came to reflections. -"I must confess," says one -of those ladies, "that this witchcraft -(for it is a spell cast on Toys) keeps -us in a cruel state. How! to be -eternally under apprehensions of -hearing an impertinent voice issuing -from one's self." "But madam," answered -another, "this fright astonishes -us with regard to you. When a Toy -has nothing ridiculous to tell, what -does it signify, whether it be silent -or speak?" "It signifies so much," replied -the first, "that I would freely -give half my jewels, to be assured -that mine will never speak." "Surely," -replied the second, "there must be -substantial reasons for keeping measures -with people, to purchase their -discretion at so high a price." "I -have not better reasons than another," -said Cephisa: "and yet I do -not eat my words. Twenty thousand -crowns, is not too large a -sum to buy tranquillity: for I will -frankly own, that I have not more -confidence in my Toy than in my -mouth, and many silly things have -slipt from me in my life. I hear -every day so many incredible adventures -unveiled, attested, detailed -by Toys, that even retrenching -three fourths, the remaining part -is sufficient to destroy a reputation. -If mine should prove but -half so great a lyer as all those, I -should be ruined. Was it not -enough then that our conduct was -in the power of our Toys, without -our reputation being dependent on -their discourses?" "For my part," -answered Ismene smartly, without entering -into endless arguments, "I allow -things to go their own way. If -it be Brama, that has given the faculty -of speech to Toys, as my Bramin -has convinced me, he will not -suffer them to lye. It would be impious -to assert the contrary. Wherefore -my Toy may talk as often and -much as it will. But after all what -will it say?"</p> - -<p>Then was heard a hollow voice, -which seemed to come out of the -ground, and answered by way of -Echo: <i>Many things</i>. Ismene, not -imagining whence the answer proceeded, -flew into a passion, attack'd -her neighbours, and increased the diversion -of the company. The Sultan, -charmed with her mistake, quitted -his minister, with whom he was -in conference in a corner, went -to her, and said: "I am afraid, -madam, you have heretofore admitted -some one of these ladies into -your confidence, and that their -Toys are so malicious as to recollect -histories, which your own -might have forgot."</p> - -<p>At the same time, by moving his -ring up and down with dexterity, -Mangogul caused a very singular dialogue -between the lady and her Toy. -Ismene, who had always conducted -her little affairs well enough, and -had never had a confidante, answer'd -the Sultan, that all the art of calumniators -would be ineffectual. "<i>Perhaps,</i>" -answer'd the unknown voice. -"How, perhaps," reply'd Ismene, piqued -at this injurious doubt, "what have I -to fear from them?" "<i>Every thing, if -they knew as much as I.</i>" "And -what do you know?" "<i>Many things, -I tell you.</i>" "Many things, that says -much, but means nothing. Can you -tell any particulars?" "<i>Without doubt.</i>" -"And of what nature? Have I been -really in Love?" "<i>No.</i>" "Have I had -intrigues, adventures?" "<i>Exactly.</i>" -"And with whom, pray? With -Petits-maitres, military men, senators?" -"<i>No.</i>" "Comedians?" "<i>No.</i>" "You -shall see, it was with my pages, my -footmen, my confessor, or my husband's -chaplain." "<i>No.</i>" "Mr Impostor, -you are at your wits end?" "<i>Not -quite.</i>" "Yet I can see no other person, -with whom one can possibly have -adventures. Was it before, was it -after my marriage? Answer me then, -impertinent." "<i>Ah, madam, spare invectives, -if you please. Compel not -the best of your friends to take some -disagreeable steps.</i>" "Speak, my -dear, tell, tell all. I value your -services as little as I fear your indiscretion. -Explain your self: I not -only give you full permission, but -even dare you to it." "<i>To what do -you reduce me, Ismene?</i>" said the -Toy, breathing a deep sigh. "To render -justice to vertue." "<i>Well then, -virtuous Ismene, have you quite -forgot young Osmin, the sangiac -Zegris, your dancing master Alaziel, -your music master Almoura?</i>" "Ah! -what horrid calumnies," cried Ismene. -"I had a mother, who was too vigilant -to expose me to such irregularities: -and my husband, were he here, would -testify that he found me just such as -he could wish." "<i>Very true,</i>" replied -the Toy, "<i>thanks to the secret of -your intimate friend Alcina.</i>"</p> - -<p>"This is so extravagantly and so -grossly ridiculous," said Ismene, "that -it deserves no refutation. I cannot -say," continued she, "which of these -ladies Toys it is, that pretends to be -so knowing in my affairs: but it -has related things, of which my own -does not know a syllable." "Madam," -answered Cephisa, "I can assure -you, that mine has gone no -farther than giving ear." The rest -said as much, and they sate down to -play, without precisely knowing the -interlocutor of the conversation above -related.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XII" id="CHAP_XII">CHAP. XII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Fifth Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Play.</h4> - - -<p>Most of the ladies who made -the party with the Manimonbanda, -play'd with great eagerness; -and it was not necessary to have Mangogul's -sagacity, to perceive it. The -passion of gaming is one of those that -puts on the least disguise. It shews -itself, whether in winning or losing, -by strong symptoms. "But whence -proceeds this fury?" said he within -himself. "How can the ladies bear -to pass whole nights round a Pharaoh -table, to tremble in expectation -of an ace or a seven? This -phrensy injures their health and -beauty, when they have any: without -reckoning the disorders into -which I am sure it precipitates -them. I have a great desire," said -he to Mirzoza in the ear, "to execute -here a thought just come into -my head." "And what is this fine -thought, which you meditate?" said -the favorite. "It is," answered Mangogul, -"to turn my ring on the most -unbridled of these brelandiers, to -interrogate her Toy, and to transmit -by that organ, a good advice -to all those weak husbands, who -allow their wives to stake the honour -and fortune of their house on -a card or a dye."</p> - -<p>"I like this notion mightily," replied -Mirzoza; "but know, Prince, that -the Manimonbanda has just now sworn -by her Pagoda's, that she would keep -no more drawing-room nights, if -ever she found herself again exposed -to the impudence of Engastrimuthes." -"What have you said, my soul's delight?" -interrupted the Sultan. "I -have," answered the favorite, "made -use of the name, which the modest -Manimonbanda gives to all those, whose -Toys have the faculty of speech." -"It is of the invention of her stupid -Bramin, who values himself upon -knowing the Greek, and being -ignorant of the Congese language," -replied the Sultan. "However, with -the Manimonbanda's leave, and that -of her chaplain too, I would desire -to question Manilla's Toy; and -it would be proper to make the -interrogatories here, for the edification -of the neighbours." "Prince," -said Mirzoza, "if you take my word, -you will spare the Manimonbanda -the uneasiness this proceeding must -give her: which you may do, without -balking your own curiosity or -mine. Why do you not go to Manilla's -house?" "I will go, since you -advise," said Mangogul. "But at -what hour?" said the Sultana. "About -midnight," answered the Sultan. -"At midnight she is at play," -said the favorite. "I will put off -my visit then till two in the morning," -replied Mangogul. "Prince, -you don't consider," rejoined the favorite: -"'tis the most pleasant hour -of the four and twenty for female -gamesters. If your highness will be -led by me, you will take Manilla -in her first sleep, between seven and -eight."</p> - -<p>Mangogul followed Mirzoza's advice, -and visited Manilla about seven. -Her women were going to put her to -bed. He judged by the sadness predominant -in her countenance, that -she had play'd with bad luck. She -walk'd to and fro, stopp'd, lifted -her eyes to heaven, stamp'd with her -foot, cover'd her eyes with her hands, -and muttered somewhat, which the -Sultan could not understand. Her -women, who were undressing her, -followed all these motions in panicks; -and if they at length compassed getting -her into bed, it was not done -without receiving harsh language and -something worse. Now Manilla is in -bed, having made no other night -prayer, but some curses against a -damned ace, which came seven times -successively to her loss. Scarcely had -she closed her eyes, when Mangogul -levell'd his ring at her. Instantly -her Toy exclaimed in a sorrowful -tone: "Now I am repiqued and capotted." -The Sultan smiled to hear -that every thing about Manilla, even -to her Toy, spoke gaming. "No," -continued the Toy, "I will never -play against Abidul: he knows -nothing but tricking. Speak to -me no more of Dares: with him -one runs the risq of some unlucky -hits. Ismal is a pretty fair player, -but every body has him not that -would. Mazulim was a treasure, -before he fell into the hands of -Crissa. I don't know a more whimsical -player than Zulmis. Rica is -less so; but the poor lad is run -dry. What can one do with Lazuli? -The prettiest woman of Banza -could not make him play high. -What a piddling player Mollius is! -In truth, desolation has spread among -the gamesters: and e'er long -we shall not know with whom to -make a party."</p> - -<p>After this Jeremiad, the Toy fell -to relating uncommon strokes, of -which it had been a witness; and excessively -extoll'd the constancy and -resources of its mistress in bad luck. -"Were it not for me," it said, "Manilla -would have ruin'd herself twenty -times over. All the Sultan's -treasures would not have discharged -the debts that I have paid. In one -match at breland she lost to a -farmer of the revenue and an <i>abbé</i>, -above ten thousand ducats. She -had nothing left but her jewels: -but her husband had so lately redeem'd -them, that she dared not -to venture them. Nevertheless she -took the cards, and had one of -those seducing hands, which fortune -sends, when she is on the -point of cutting your throat. They -urged her to speak. Manilla look'd -at her cards, put her hand into -her purse, whence she was sure to -pull nothing, return'd to her cards, -examined them again, but without -determining. 'Does madam stand it -at last?' said the farmer. 'Yes; I -stake,' said she,—'I stake—I stake -my Toy.' 'For what value?' replied -Turcares. 'For a hundred ducats,' -said Manilla. The <i>abbé</i> withdrew, -esteeming the Toy too high rated. -Turcares declared at it: Manilla lost -and paid.</p> - -<p>"The silly vanity of possessing a -titled Toy got the better of Turcares. -He offered to supply my -mistress with play-money, on condition -that I should be subservient -to his pleasures. The bargain was -struck in a moment. But as Manilla -play'd high, and the farmer -was not inexhaustible, we soon saw -the bottom of his coffers.</p> - -<p>"My mistress had appointed a -most brilliant party at Pharaoh. All -her acquaintance were invited. -They were to punt with nothing -under ducats. We depended on -the purse of Turcares. But the -morning of this great day, the -rascal wrote us word that he had -not a penny, and left us in the -utmost consternation. However, -we must extricate ourselves, and -there was not a moment to be -lost. We pitch'd on an old chief -of the Bramins, to whom we sold -at a dear rate some complaisances, -which he had sollicited a long time. -This sitting cost him double the -income of his ecclesiastical preferment.</p> - -<p>"Turcares returned notwithstanding, -in a few days. He said he -was excessively concerned that madam -had taken him at a nonplus: -he still reckon'd on her goodness. -'Indeed you reckon ill, my dear,' -replied Manilla: 'I cannot with decency -receive you more. When -you were in a condition to lend, -the world knew why I admitted -you: but now that you are good -for nothing, you would blast my -honour.'</p> - -<p>"Turcares was piqued at this discourse, -and so was I: for he was -perhaps the best lad in Banza. He -waved his usual politeness, and gave -Manilla to understand, that she cost -him more than three opera girls, -who would have amused him better, -'Alas!' cried he most mournfully, -'why did I not stick to my -little milliner? She loved me to -folly. I made her so happy with a -silk gown.'——Manilla, who did -not relish comparisons, interrupted -him in a tone, eno' to make one -tremble, and bade him begone in -an instant. Turcares knew her, -and chose rather to return peaceably -down stairs, than to leap -thro' the window.</p> - -<p>"After that, Manilla borrowed of -another Bramin, who came, said -she, to administer comfort in her -afflictions. The holy man succeeded -the farmer of the revenue, -and we reimbursed him his comforts -in the same coin. She lost me -several times more, and 'tis well -known that play-debts are the only -ones that are paid among the <i>Beau -Monde</i>.</p> - -<p>"If Manilla happens to play with -good luck, she is the most regular -woman in Congo. Excepting her -play, she takes surprising care of -her conduct: she is never heard to -swear an oath: she entertains well: -she pays her mercer and other -tradesmen, is liberal to her servants, -redeems her nicknacks sometimes, -and caresses her lap dog and her -husband: but thirty times a month -she risks these happy dispositions -and her money on an ace of spades. -Such is the life she leads, and will -lead: and God knows how many -times yet I shall be pawn'd."</p> - -<p>Here the Toy ceased, and Mangogul -went to take repose. He was -awaken'd at five in the afternoon, and -went to the opera, according to a promise -made to the favorite.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XIII" id="CHAP_XIII">CHAP. XIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Of the opera at Banza.</i></h4> - -<h4><i>Sixth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - - -<p>Of all the public diversions of -Banza, none supported itself -but the opera. Utmiutsol and Utremifasolasiututut, -two celebrated musicians, -one of whom was growing old, -and the other was but just new-fledged, -alternately occupied the lyric -scene. Each of these two original -authors had his partisans. The ignorant -and the grey-bearded dotards -stood up for Utmiutsol; the smart young -fellows and the Virtuosi were for Utremifasolasiututut: -and the people of -taste, as well young as old, held them -both in high esteem. -Utremifasolasiututut, said the latter, -is excellent when he is good, but he -sleeps at times; and, pray, to whom -does not that happen? Utmiutsol -holds up better, and is more uniform. -He is full of beauties; yet he has not -one, of which there are not examples -to be found, and even more striking, -in his rival; in whom there are -strokes to be observed, which are entirely -his own, and are not to be met -with any where but in his works. Old -Utmiutsol is simple, natural, smooth, -sometimes too smooth, and that is his -fault. Young Utremifasolasiututut is -singular, brilliant, composed, learned, -sometimes too learned: but perhaps that -is his hearer's fault. The one has but one -opening, beautiful indeed, but repeated -at the head of all his pieces. The other -has made as many openings as pieces, -and they all pass for masterpieces. -Nature guided Utmiutsol in the ways -of melody; study and experience discovered -the sources of harmony to -Utremifasolasiututut. Who ever knew -how to declaim, and who will ever -speak a part like the old man? Who -will compose light catches, voluptuous -airs, and symphonies in character -like the young one? Utmiutsol -is the only person who understood dialogue. -Before Utremifasolasiututut no -body distinguished the delicate touches, -which separate the tender from the voluptuous, -the voluptuous from the -passionate, the passionate from the lascivious. -Nay some partisans of the -latter pretend, that if Utmiutsol's dialogue -is superior to his, this is not so -much owing to the inequality of their -talents, as to the difference of the -poets, whom they made use of. -"Read, read," cried they, "the scene of -Dardanus, and you will be convinced, -that if we give good words -to Utremifasolasiututut, Utmiutsol's -charming scenes will be revived." -However that be, in my time, the -whole town flock'd to the tragedies of -the latter, and people stifled one another -at the interludes of the former.</p> - -<p>They were just then exhibiting in -Banza an excellent piece of Utremifasolasiututut, -which would never have -been represented but in nightcaps, had -not the favorite Sultana had the curiosity -to see it. And besides, the -periodical indisposition of Toys favored -the jealousy of the fiddles, -and made the principal actress flinch. -She, who supplied her place, had not -so good a voice, but as she made -amends by her manner of acting, nothing -hindered the Sultan and the favorite -from honouring the piece with -their presence.</p> - -<p>Mirzoza was already come, Mangogul -comes, the curtain is raised, -they begin. Every thing went on -marvellously well: Miss Chevalier -had effaced the memory of Miss le -Maure, and they were at the fourth -act, when the Sultan bethought himself, -in the middle of a chorus, which -he thought lasted too long, and had -already cost the favorite two yawns, -to point his ring on all the singers. -Never was there seen on the stage so -odd and comical a sight. Thirty women -were struck dumb on a sudden. -Their mouths were wide open, and -they kept the same theatrical attitudes -they held before. And at the same -time their Toys made their throats -sore with the violence of singing, this -a <i>Pont-neuf</i>, that a <i>Vaudeville polisson</i>, -another a very indecent parody, and all -of them extravagances relative to their -characters. On one hand was heard, -<i>oh vraiment ma comere, oui</i>; on the -other, <i>quoi douze fois?</i> Here, -<i>qui me baise, est-ce Blaise?</i> There, <i>rien, Pere -Cyprien, ne vous retient</i>. In fine, they -all wound themselves up into a strain, -so high, so rude, and so mad, that -they formed the most extravagant -brawling ridiculous choir, that had -been heard before and since that -of——no——d——on——</p> - -<p><i>Here the manuscript was worm-eaten.</i></p> - -<p>All this while the Orchestra went -on, and the loud laughs of the pit and -boxes joined to the sound of the instruments, -and the singing of the Toys, -compleated the cacophony.</p> - -<p>Some of the actresses, fearing lest -their Toys, tired with quavering impertinences, -might resolve to speak -them out, ran behind the scenes: but -they escaped with the fright only. -Mangogul being perswaded that the -public would learn nothing new, -turn'd off his ring. In an instant all -the Toys were silent, the bursts of -laughter ceased, the audience grew -calm, the play was resumed and finished -peaceably. The curtain drop'd, -the Sultana and Sultan went off, and -the Toys of our actresses went to their -several appointments, where they were -to have a different employment from -singing.</p> - -<p>This affair made a great noise. The -men laugh'd, the women were alarmed, -the Bonza's were scandalized, the -academicians rack'd their brains about -it. But what did Orcotomus say? Orcotomus -triumph'd. He had hinted in -one of his memoirs, that the Toys -would infallibly sing: they had sung -accordingly, and this phænomenon, -which disconcerted his brethren, was -to him a new ray of light, and compleated -the confirmation of his system.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XIV" id="CHAP_XIV">CHAP. XIV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Orcotomus's experiments.</i></h4> - - -<p>It was on the fifteenth of the moon -of ——, that Orcotomus had -read his memoir to the academy, and -communicated his thoughts on the -tattle of the Toys. As he then did -with the greatest assurance promise to -produce infallible experiments, which -he had repeated several times, and -always with success; the majority of -people was struck with his doctrine. -For some time the public preserved -the favorable impressions they had received: -and for full six weeks Orcotomus -pass'd for having made considerable -discoveries.</p> - -<p>Nothing was wanting to complete -his triumph, but performing before -the academy the famous experiments, -which he had preached so loudly. -The assembly that met on this occasion -was extremely brilliant. The -ministers of state graced the meeting: -the Sultan himself did not disdain to -be there, but invisible.</p> - -<p>As Mangogul was a great Monologue -maker, and the futility of the -conversations of his time had tainted -him with the habitude of soliloquy: -"Either Orcotomus," said he, "must be -an arrant quack, or the Genius my -protector, a great fool. If the -academician, who certainly is not -a conjurer, can restore speech to -dead Toys; the Genius who protects -me was in the wrong to make -a compact, and sell his soul to the -devil, for the sake of communicating -it to Toys full of life."</p> - -<p>Mangogul was puzzling himself -with such reflections, when he found -himself in the middle of his academy. -Orcotomus had for spectators, as appears, -all those in Banza, who were -knowing in the subject of Toys. In -order to be satisfied with his audience, -all he wanted was to give them -satisfaction: but the issue of his experiments -proved very unhappy. Orcotomus -took up a Toy, put his mouth -to it, blew into it till he was out of -breath, quieted it, returned, tried -another: for he had brought a variety -of them with him, of all ages, -sizes, conditions and colours: but in -vain did he blow; nothing was -heard but inarticulate sounds, vastly -different from what he had promised.</p> - -<p>Then ran a buzzing murmur thro' -the company, which disconcerted -him for a moment: but he recovered -himself, and alledged that such experiments -were not easy to be made -before so great a number of people: -and he was right.</p> - -<p>Mangogul got up in wrath, went -away, and in the twinkling of an eye -was in the favorite Sultana's appartment. -"Well, prince," said she upon -seeing him, "who has won the day, -you or Orcotomus? For his Toys -have performed wonders to be -sure." The Sultan took some turns -about the room without a word of -answer. "But," resumed the favorite, -"your highness seems dissatisfied." -"Oh! madam, the impudence -of that Orcotomus is not to be -match'd. Pray, do not so much -as mention him from this moment—What -will you say, -O future generations, when you -shall be informed, that the great -Mangogul allowed a hundred thousand -crowns in yearly pensions to -such fellows; while gallant officers, -who with their blood had watered -the laurels that surround his brow, -were reduced to twenty pound a -year?——By Jove, the thought -distracts me: I shall be out of humor -this month to come."</p> - -<p>Here Mangogul broke off, and continued -to walk about the room. He -hung down his head, marched to and -fro, stop'd, and now and then stamp'd -the floor with his foot. He sat down -a moment, rose up in a hurry, took -his leave of Mirzoza, forgot to kiss -her, and retir'd to his own appartment.</p> - -<p>The African author, who has immortalized -himself by the history of the -high and marvellous exploits of Erguebzed -and Mangogul, continues in -these words:</p> - -<p>By Mangogul's ill humor it was -thought, that he was on the point of -banishing all the learned out of his -dominions. Far from it, the next -day he arose in a gay mood, performed -his exercises at the riding-house in -the morning, in the evening supp'd -with Mirzoza and some favorites, under -a magnificent tent in the gardens -of the Seraglio, and never appeared -more disengaged from affairs of state.</p> - -<p>The dissatisfied and the disaffected -of Congo, and the newsmongers of -Banza, did not fail to spread their -reports of this conduct. For what -do not people of this stamp find fault -with? "Is this," said they in the public -walks and coffee-houses, "is this -governing a state? To spend the -day in tilting, and the night at -table." "Well, if I was Sultan," -cried a little Senator ruined by -gaming, parted from his wife, -and whose children had the worst -of education, "if I was Sultan, I -would make Congo a flourishing -empire. I would be the terror of -my enemies, and the darling of -my subjects. Within six months -I would reestablish the Police, the -laws, the army and the navy in -their full vigour. I would have a -hundred ships of the line. Our -heaths should soon be grub'd up, -and our high-ways repair'd. I -would abolish the taxes, or at least -reduce them to one half. As for -pensions, gentlemen of sublime -wit, by my faith, ye should but -just taste them with the tip of your -tongues. Good officers, Pongo -Sabiam, good officers, old soldiers, -magistrates like us, who devote -our labours and night studies to -dealing out justice to the people; -these are the men on whom I would -shed my bounty."</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," said an old toothless -politician, with greasy flat hair, a -coat worn out at elbows, and ragged -ruffles, "have ye quite forgot -our great emperor Abdelmalek, of -the Dynasty of the Abyssinians, who -reigned two thousand three hundred -and eighty five years ago? Have -ye forgot how he caused two astronomers -to be impaled, for an error -of three minutes in their prediction -of an eclipse; and his first -physician and surgeon to be dissected -alive, for having ordered him a -dose of manna at an improper -time?"</p> - -<p>"Moreover I ask you," continued -another, "what are those idle Bramins -good for, that vermin who -suck our blood, and grow fat on -it. Would not their immense overflowing -riches better become honest -folks like us."</p> - -<p>From another quarter was heard: -"Forty years ago, were the new -cookery and the liquors of Lorraine -so much as known? Our rulers are -plung'd deep into luxury, which -threatens approaching destruction to -the empire, a necessary consequence -of the contempt of the Pagoda's and -dissolution of morals. At the time -when people eat but coarse meats, -and drank but sherbet at Kanaglou's -table; what regard would be -paid to the cut-paper ornaments, -to Martin's varnishes, and to Rameau's -music? The opera girls -were not more cruel then than at -present, and were to be had much -cheaper. The prince, you see, -spoils many good things. But if -I was Sultan——"</p> - -<p>"If thou wert Sultan," answered in -wrath an old officer, who had escaped -the dangers of the battle of Fontenoy, -and had lost an arm close to his prince -in the fight of Laufelt; "thou wouldst -commit greater impertinences than -thou now dealst out. Eh, friend, -thou can'st not govern thy tongue, -and thou wouldst willingly rule an -empire: thou hast not sense to manage -thy family, and thou pretendst -to guide a state. Respect the powers -of the earth, and thank the Gods for -having given thee birth in the empire, -and in the reign of a prince, whose prudence -instructs his ministers, and -whose soldiery admire his valor; who -has made himself dreaded by his enemies, -and beloved by his people; -and whose only fault is the lenity with -which persons of thy stamp are treated -under his government."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XV" id="CHAP_XV">CHAP. XV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The Bramins.</i></h4> - - -<p>After the learned had spent -themselves on the Toys, the -Bramins took possession of them. -Religion laid claim to their chit-chat, -as a subject that came within its jurisdiction, -and its ministers pretended -that the hand of Brama manifested -itself in that work.</p> - -<p>There was held a general assembly -of Pontiffs, and a resolution was -taken to employ the best pens to prove -in form, that the thing was supernatural, -and that, till their works could -be published, it should be defended -by way of theses in the schools, in -private conversations, in the direction -of consciences, and in public -harangues.</p> - -<p>Now, altho' they unanimously -agreed that the thing was supernatural; -yet as the people of Congo admitted -two principles, and professed a sort -of Manicheism, they were divided in -opinion, to which of these two principles -the chit-chat of the Toys ought -to be attributed.</p> - -<p>Those who had seldom or never -been out of their cells, and had turned -over nothing but their books, ascribed -the prodigy to Brama. "There -is none but he," said they, "that can -interrupt the course of nature; -and time will shew, that in all this -he has most profound views."</p> - -<p>Those on the contrary, who frequented -the toilets, and were oftner -surprized at bed-sides than in their -closets, fearing lest some indiscreet -Toy or other might unveil their hypocrisy, -laid their prattle to the -charge of Cadabra, a mischief-making -deity, and a sworn enemy to -Brama and his servants. This latter -system was exposed to terrible objections, -and had not so direct a tendency -towards the reformation of morals. -Nay, its defenders did not impose on -themselves about it. But the business -was, to screen themselves: and in order -to compass that, religion had not -a single minister, who would not have -sacrificed the Pagodas and their Altars -a hundred times over.</p> - -<p>Mangogul and Mirzoza assisted regularly -at the religious service of -Brama, and the whole empire was -informed thereof by the news-papers. -On a certain day appointed for celebrating -one of the principal solemnities -in the great Mosq, they were -present. The Bramin, whose turn it -was to explain the law, mounted the -rostrum, pour'd forth a volley of -affected phrases and fulsome compliments -on the Sultan and his favorite; -and made an eloquent peroration on -the manner of sitting orthodoxly in -company. He had already demonstrated -the necessity thereof by numberless -authorities, when being instantaneously -seized with a fit of sacred enthusiasm, -he spoke this declamation, -which had the greater effect, as it -came in quite unexpected.</p> - -<p>"What do I hear in all assemblies? -a confused murmur, an unheard -noise strikes my ears. All things -are turn'd topsy-turvy, and the faculty -of speech, which the goodness -of Brama had hitherto appropriated -to the tongue, is now by an -effect of his vengeance transported -to other organs. And what organs? -You know, gentlemen. O -ungrateful people, was there a necessity -for a new prodigy, to rouze -ye from your lethargy; and had -not your crimes witnesses enough, -but their principal instruments -must raise their voice? Doubtless -their measure is filled up; since -the wrath of heaven has sought -new chastisements. In vain did -you envelop yourself in darkness, -in vain did you choose mute -accomplices: do you not hear them -at present? They have given depositions -against ye from every quarter, -and revealed your baseness to -the universe. O thou who governest -by thy wisdom! O Brama! just -are thy judgments. Thy law condemns -theft, perjury, lying and -adultery: it proscribes the blackness -of calumny, the intrigues of -ambition, the fury of hatred, and -the artifices of insincerity. Thy -faithful ministers have not ceased -declaring these truths to thy children, -and threatening them with -the chastisements, which thou in -thy just anger reservedst for prevaricators: -but in vain; the fools -have delivered themselves up to -the tide of their passions, they followed -the torrent, they have despised -our admonitions, they have -laughed at our threats, they have -regarded our anathema's as empty -noise; their vices are accumulated, -strengthen'd, multiplied; the voice -of their impiety has ascended even -to thy throne, and we have not -been able to prevent the tremendous -scourge, with which thou hast -smote them. After having long -implored thy mercy, let us now -extoll thy justice. Overwhelmed -by thy strokes, doubtless they will -return to thee, and acknowledge -the hand which is laid heavy on -them. But O prodigy of hardheartedness! -O excess of blindness! -They have imputed the effect -of thy power to the blind mechanism -of nature. They have said -in their hearts, Brama is not. All -the properties of matter are not -known to us, and the new proof -of its existence is but a proof of the -ignorance and credulity of those, -who object it to us. On this -foundation they have raised systems, -invented hypotheses, tried experiments: -but from the highth of his -eternal habitation, Brama has laugh'd -at their vain projects. He has confounded -audacious knowledge, and -the Toys have broke, as glass, the -impotent obstacles opposed to their -loquacity. Wherefore let those vainglorious -worms confess the weakness -of their reason, and the vanity of -their efforts. Let them cease to deny -the existence of Brama, or to prescribe -limits to his power. Brama -is, he is almighty, and he does not -shew himself to us more visibly in -his dreadful scourges, than in his -ineffable favours.</p> - -<p>"But who has drawn down these -scourges on this wretched country? -Is it not thy injustice, greedy -incredulous man? Thy gallantries -and silly amours, worldly immodest -woman! Thy excesses and -shameful debaucheries, infamous -man of pleasure! Thy hardheartedness -for our monasteries, miser! Thy -injustice, corrupt magistrate! Thy -usuries, insatiable money-dealer! -Thy effeminacy and irreligion, impious -and sycophant courtier.</p> - -<p>"And you, on whom this scourge -is particularly fallen, women and -maidens plunged into licentiousness; -tho' we, renouncing the duties -of our calling, should keep -profound silence with regard to -your irregularities, you carry about -you a more importunate voice than -ours: it accompanies you, and will -every where rebuke you for your -impure desires, your equivocal connections, -your criminal conversations, -such excessive care to please, -so many artifices to engage, so -much address to fix, and the impetuosity -of your transports, and -the fury of your jealousy. Why -then do you delay to shake off the -yoke of Cadabra, and return under -the mild laws of Brama? But let -us return to our subject. Well then -I was saying that worldlings sit -down heretically, and that for nine -reasons; the first, &c."</p> - -<p>This discourse made very different -impressions. Mangogul and the Sultana, -who were the only persons that -knew the secret of the ring, were -convinced that the Bramin had as -happily hit off the tattle of Toys by -the assistance of religion, as Orcotomus -by the light of reason. The court -ladies and petits-maitres declared the -sermon seditious, and the preacher a -visionary. The rest of the audience -esteem'd him a prophet, shed tears, -fell to prayers, and even flagellations, -and did not change their courses of -life.</p> - -<p>The noise of this sermon spread to -the very coffee-houses. A wit pronounced -in a decisive tone, that the -Bramin had but very superficially -handled the subject, and that his discourse -was but a cold insipid declamation: -but in the opinion of the devout -women and the enlightened, it -was the most solid piece of eloquence -that had been delivered in the temples -these hundred years. And in mine, -both the wit and the devout women -were in the right.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XVI" id="CHAP_XVI">CHAP. XVI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The Muzzles.</i></h4> - - -<p>While the Bramins were making -Brama speak, airing their -Pagoda's by processions, and exhorting -the people to repentance; others -were thinking how to reap benefit by -the prattle of Toys.</p> - -<p>Great cities swarm with persons, -whom misery renders industrious.—They -neither rob nor pick pockets: -but they are to pick-pockets, what -pick-pockets are to gamblers. They -know every thing, they do every -thing. They go up and down, they -insinuate themselves. They are found -at court, in the city, at Westminster -hall, at church, at the play, at ladies -toilets, in coffee-houses, at balls, opera's -and in academies. They are any thing -that you would have them be. Do -you sollicit a pension, they have the -minister's ear. Have you a law-suit, -they will sollicite for you. Do you -love gaming, they will make a party -with you; good chear, they keep a -good kitchen; women, they will introduce -you to Amina or Acaris. From -which of the two would you please to -purchase the distemper? Take your -choice, they will undertake your cure. -Their chief occupation is to find the -ridicules of private persons, and to make -advantage of the follies of the public. -From them it is, that papers are -distributed in the streets, at the gates -of temples, at the play-house doors, -and other public places, by which you -are advertised gratis, that such an one -living at the Louvre, St. John's, the -temple, or the abby, at such a sign, -dupes mankind at home from nine -in the morning to noon, and abroad -the rest of the day.</p> - -<p>Scarce had the Toys began to speak, -when one of these sharpers fill'd the -houses of Banza with a printed bill of -this form and tenor.——Advertisement -to the ladies. And underneath in -small Italic, by permission of my lord -the great Seneschal, and with the approbation -of the gentlemen of the -royal academy of sciences. And -lower down: The Sieur Eolipila of -the royal academy of Banza, Member -of the royal society of Monoémugi, -of the imperial academy of Biafara, -of the academy of the curious of Loango, -of the society of Camur in Monomotapa, -of the institute of Ereeco, -and of the royal academies of Beleguanza -and Angola; who has for many -years given courses of baubles, -with the applause of the court, the -town, and the province; has, in favour -of the fair sex, invented muzzles -or portable gags, which deprive -Toys of the use of speech, without -obstructing their natural functions. -They are neat and convenient. He -has some of all sizes, of all prices, -and for all ages: and he has had the -honour to serve persons of the highest -distinction with them.</p> - -<p>There is nothing like being a member -of a body of men. Be a work -ever so ridiculous, it is puff'd into -success. Thus it was, that Eolipila's -invention gain'd ground. People -flock'd to his house. The gay ladies -went thither in their own equipages, -prudent women in hackney-coaches; -the devouts sent their confessors or -footmen, and nuns their door-keepers. -Every body must have a muzzle, so -that not one from the dutchess down -to the cobler's Joan, but had one -either for the fashion or for reasons.</p> - -<p>The Bramins, who had declared -the prattle of Toys to be a divine punishment, -and flatter'd themselves -with a reformation of manners and -other advantages from it, could not -without horror see a machine, which -eluded the vengeance of heaven and -their hopes. Scarcely had they come -down from their pulpits, but they -mount again, thunder, roar, make -the oracles to speak, and pronounce -that a muzzle is an infernal machine, -and that there is no salvation for those -who shall use them. "Carnal women, -quit your muzzles; submit," -cried they, "to the will of Brama. Permit -the voice of your Toys to awaken -that of your consciences, and blush -not to acknowledge crimes, which -you have not been ashamed to commit."</p> - -<p>But their exclamations were of little -avail: the same fate attended muzzles, -that had formerly attended the gowns -without sleeves. The preachers were -left to catch cold in the temples. -All the women took gags, and quitted -them not, either till they found -them useless, or were tired of them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XVII" id="CHAP_XVII">CHAP. XVII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The two Devouts.</i></h4> - - -<p>For some days past the Sultan -left the Toys at rest. Important -affairs, on which he was busy, -suspended the effects of his ring. In -this interval it was, that two women -of Banza made diversion for the whole -town.</p> - -<p>They were professed devouts. -They had managed their intrigues -with all possible discretion, and were -in full enjoyment of a reputation, -which even the malice of those of -their own class paid respect to. In -the mosques nothing was talk'd of -but their virtue. Mothers proposed -them as patterns to their daughters, -and husbands to their wives. The -principal maxim of both was, that -scandal is the greatest of all sins. -This conformity of sentiments, but -above all, the difficulty of edifying -a clear-sighted and crafty neighbour -at an easy expence, had got the -better of the difference of their -tempers, and they were very good -friends.</p> - -<p>Zelida received Sophia's Bramin: -and it was at Sophia's house that Zelida -confer'd with her director; and -by a little self-examination, the one -could hardly be ignorant of what -concerned the other's Toy: but the -whimsical indiscretion of these Toys -kept them both in cruel apprehensions. -They held themselves as on -the point of being unmask'd, and of -losing that reputation of virtue, which -had cost them fifteen years dissimulation -and management, and which -now embarassed them very much.</p> - -<p>At some moments they would even -forfeit their lives, especially Zelida, -to be as much blasted as the greatest -part of their acquaintance. "What -will the world say? What will my -husband do?——What! that woman -so reserved, so modest, so -virtuous, that Zelida, like others, -is but——Alas! this thought distracts -me!——Yes, I wish I -never had any reputation," cried -Zelida in a passion.</p> - -<p>She was then with her female -friend, who was making the same reflections, -but without such violent -commotion. Zelida's last words -made her smile. "Laugh, madam, -without constraint. Burst out," -said Zelida, touched to the quick. -"To be sure you have good cause." -"I am as sensible of the impending danger, -as you can be," answered Sophia, -with an air of indifference; "but how -to shun it? For you will agree with -me, that there is no likelyhood that -your wish will be accomplish'd."</p> - -<p>"Contrive an expedient then," replied -Zelida: "Oh!" said Sophia, -"I am tired of rummaging my brain, -I can find none.——To bury one's -self in a country seat, is one way; -but to abandon the pleasures of Banza, -and renounce life, is what I will -never do. I perceive that my Toy -will never approve it." "What is to -be done then?" "What! to leave -all to providence, and laugh, as I do, -at what the world will say. I have -tried all shifts to reconcile reputation -with pleasures: but since it is decreed -that we must renounce reputation, let -us at least preserve pleasures. We -were uniques: but now, my dear, -we shall be like a hundred thousand -others; do you look on this as a -hard fate?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, without doubt," replied Zelida; -"to me it seems hard to be like -those, for whom I had put on a sovereign -contempt. In order to -avoid this mortification, methinks -I would fly to the world's end."</p> - -<p>"Set out, my dear," continued Sophia; -"for my part, I stay—But <i>à -propos</i>, I advise you to furnish yourself -with some secret, to prevent -your Toy from blabbing on the road."</p> - -<p>"Indeed," replied Zelida, "pleasantry -here has a very ill grace, -and your intrepidity——"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, Zelida, there is -not a grain of intrepidity in my proceeding. -To let things go their own -way, when we cannot stop them, is resignation. -I see that I am to be dishonoured: -well then, dishonour for -dishonour, I shall spare myself as -much of the uneasiness as I can."</p> - -<p>"Dishonour'd!" replied Zelida, -bursting into tears. "Dishonour'd! -What a shock! I cannot bear it.—Oh! -accursed Bonza, 'tis thou -that hast ruin'd me. I loved my -husband, I was born virtuous; I -should have loved him still, if -thou hadst not made a wicked use -of thy ministry and my confidence. -Dishonour'd, dear Sophia!——"</p> - -<p>She had not power to make an -end. Sobs intercepted her words, -and she fell on the carpet, quite in -despair. As soon as Zelida recovered -her speech, she cried out in a lamentable -tone: "Alas! my dear Sophia, -I shall die——I must die. No, -I shall never survive my reputation."</p> - -<p>"But Zelida, my dear Zelida, do -not be in a hurry to die: perhaps," -said Sophia——"No perhaps shall -stop me, I must dye."——"But -perhaps one might"——"One might -do nothing, I tell you"——"But -speak, my dear, what might one -do?"——"Perhaps one might -hinder a Toy from talking." "Ah! -Sophia, you endeavour to comfort -me by false hopes, you deceive -me." "No, no, I do not deceive -you; only hear me, instead of distracting -yourself like a mad creature. -I have heard talk of Frenicol, Eolipila, -gags and muzzles." "Pray, -what connexion is there between -Frenicol, Eolipila, muzzles, and the -danger which threatens us? What -business has my Toyman here, and -what is a muzzle?"</p> - -<p>"It is this, my dear. A muzzle is -a machine invented by Frenicol, approved -by the academy, and improved -by Eolipila, who claims the honour -of the invention." "But pray, -this machine invented by Frenicol, -approved by the academy, and improved -by that silly fellow Eolipila."——"Oh! -you are of a -vivacity that surpasses imagination. -Well then, this machine being applied -to a Toy, renders it discreet in spite -of its teeth."——"Can this be -true, my dear?" "It is so said." -"We must know it," replied Zelida, -"and immediately too."</p> - -<p>She rang, one of her women appeared, -and she sent for Frenicol. -"Why not for Eolipila?" said Sophia. -"Frenicol is less taken notice of," answered -Zelida.</p> - -<p>The Toyman came away with the -messenger. "Ah! Frenicol, are you -there," said Zelida, "you are welcome. -Make haste, my friend, to -extricate two women out of cruel -anxiety."—"What is the business, -ladies? Would you please to have -some rare Toys?"—"No, we have -two already, and we would willingly"—"Part -with them, I -suppose. Pray, ladies, let me see -them, I will take them, or we will -make an exchange."—"You are -mistaken, Mr. Frenicol, we have -nothing to truck."—"Well, I -understand you, you have some -ear-rings, which you would desire to -lose, so as that your husbands may -find them in my shop."——"Not -that neither; pray, Sophia, inform -him of the matter." "Frenicol," continued -Sophia, "we want two——What, -don't you understand?" "No, -madam: how would you have me -understand, when you say nothing?"——"'Tis," -said Sophia, "because -when a woman is modest, it gives -her pain to speak plain on certain -things." "But yet," replied Frenicol, -"she must speak plain. I am a Toyman, -not a Conjuror."——"You -must guess however."——"Faith, -ladies, the more I look on ye, the less -I comprehend ye. When a lady is -young, rich, and pretty as you are, -she is not reduced to artifice: moreover, -I declare sincerely, that I sell -them no longer. I have left the dealing -in those baubles to young beginners -in the trade."</p> - -<p>Our devouts found the Toyman's -mistake so ridiculous, that they both -burst out into a violent fit of laughter, -which disconcerted him. "Permit -me, ladies, to make my bow, and -withdraw. You might well have -spared yourselves the trouble of -sending for me three miles off, to -divert yourselves at my cost." "Stop, -stop, friend," said Zelida, still laughing -on. "That was not our intention. -But by your misapprehending -us, such ridiculous notions came into -your head."——"'Tis in your -power, ladies, to put juster into it. -What is the business?" "Oh! Mr. -Frenicol, let me laugh at ease, before -I answer you."</p> - -<p>Zelida laugh'd till she panted for -breath. The Toyman thought within -himself that she had the vapors, or -was out of her senses, and had patience. -At length Zelida ceased.——"Well," -said she, "the business relates -to our Toys, our own -Toys, do you understand me, -Mr. Frenicol? To be sure you cannot -be ignorant, that for some time -past several Toys have prattled like -magpyes: now we would be very -glad that ours would not follow -this bad example." "Ah! now I -take it, that is to say," replied Frenicol, -"that you want a muzzle each."——"Very -right, you have hit it off -truly. I have been told that Mr. -Frenicol was no fool." "Madam, -your goodness is very great. As to -what you require, I have of all sorts, -I go this moment to bring you some."</p> - -<p>Frenicol went accordingly: in the -mean while Zelida embraced her -friend, and thank'd her for her expedient: -and I, says the African author, -went to take a nap, waiting his -return.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XVIII" id="CHAP_XVIII">CHAP. XVIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The Toyman's return.</i></h4> - - -<p>The Toyman returned, and presented -the ladies with two -muzzles of the best sort.——"Ah! -mercy!" cried Zelida. "What enormous muzzles -are these! And who -are the unhappy women, whom -these will fit? This is an ell long. -Indeed, friend, you must certainly -have taken measure by the Sultan's -mare."——"Yes," said Sophia indolently, -after having measured them -with her fingers, "you are in the right; -and there is but the Sultan's mare and -old Rimosa, for whom these can do."——"I -protest, ladies, that they -are of the common size; and that -Zelmaida, Zyrphila, Amiana, and -a hundred other ladies, have of the -same sort." "That is impossible," -said Zelida.——"'Tis actually so -however," replied Frenicol: "but -they all said the same thing as ye -have: and as they have, so may -you undeceive yourselves by trying -them on." "Mr. Frenicol -may say what he will; but he shall -never perswade me that this will fit me," -said Zelida, "nor this me," said Sophia. -"Let him shew us others, if he has -any."</p> - -<p>Frenicol, who had often experienced -that women are not to be converted -on that article, shew'd them muzzles -for the age of thirteen. "Well," -cried both at the same time, "these -are such as we want." "I wish -they may prove so," whisper'd Frenicol aside. -"How do you sell them?" -said Zelida. "But ten ducats a -piece, madam."——"Ten ducats, you -forget yourself, Frenicol."——"Madam, -that is the price in conscience."——"You -make us pay for the -novelty."——"I protest, ladies, 'tis -but two sixpences for a shilling." "I -must own they are neatly made, -but ten ducats are a great deal of -money."——"I'll abate nothing."——"We -will go to Eolipila's."——"You -may, ladies: but there are workmen -and workmen, muzzles and muzzles." -Frenicol held firm, and Zelida came -to. She paid for the two muzzles, -and the Toyman went back, fully -perswaded that they would be too -little for them, and would soon be returned -on his hands for a fourth part -of the price he received for them. -He was mistaken. Mangogul not -happening to come within reach of -turning his ring on those two women, -their Toys were not seized with the -humor of talking louder than ordinary; -and happily for them: for Zelida -having tried her muzzle, found -it too little by one half. However, -she did not part with it, fancying -that it would be pretty near as inconvenient -to change it, as not to make -use of it at all.</p> - -<p>These circumstances came to light -from one of her women, who told -them in confidence to her lover, who -related them in confidence to others, -who spread them all over Banza under -the seal of secresy. Nor was Frenicol -silent: the adventure of the devouts -became public, and for sometime -afforded employment to the calumniators -of Congo.</p> - -<p>Zelida became inconsolable upon it. -This woman, more to be pitied than -blamed, conceived an aversion for her -Bramin, quitted her husband, and -shut herself up in a convent. As for -Sophia, she threw off the mask, despised -censures, patch'd and painted, -frequented public places, and had adventures.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XIX" id="CHAP_XIX">CHAP. XIX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Seventh trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The stifled Toy.</h4> - - -<p>Tho' the female cits of Banza -doubted whether Toys of -their rank would be honoured with -the gift of speech; yet they all furnish'd -themselves with muzzles. In -Banza muzzles became as common, -as a general court mourning in this -country.</p> - -<p>Here the African author observes -with astonishment, that neither the -lowness of the price, nor the commonness -of muzzles put them out of -fashion in the Seraglio. "This once," -says he, "utility got the better of -prejudice." So trite a reflection -was not worth the pains of repeating: -but to me it seems as if it was the defect -of all the ancient authors of Congo, -to fall into repetitions; whether they -thereby hoped to give a greater air of -truth and facility to their productions; -or that they were far from having as -much fecundity of invention as their -admirers ascribe to them.</p> - -<p>However that be, one day Mangogul, -walking in his gardens, attended -by his whole court, took the maggot -to level his ring at Zelais. She -was handsome, and suspected of several -adventures: yet her Toy did no -more than stammer, and utter'd only -some few mangled words, which had -no meaning, and which the Blasters -interpreted as they thought fit.——"Pshuh!" -says the Sultan, "here is a -Toy that has a vast impediment of -speech. Most certainly there must -be somewhat that impedes its respiration." -Wherefore he applied his ring -more intensely. The Toy made a -second effort to speak; and in some -measure surmounting the obstacle, -that stop'd its mouth, these words -were heard very distinctly. "Alas! -alas!—I am—I am—I am stifled. -I can no more.—Alas! alas! -I am stifled."</p> - -<p>Immediately Zelais found herself -going: she grew pale, her neck -swell'd, and she fell, with her eyes -shut and mouth half open, between -the arms of those who stood around -her.</p> - -<p>Any where else Zelais would have -been speedily relieved. 'Twas only -debarrassing her of her muzzle, and -allowing her Toy a freedom of respiration: -but how to lend the helping -hand in Mangogul's presence. "Quick, -quick, physicians," cried the Sultan, -"Zelais is dying."</p> - -<p>Some pages ran to the palace, -and returned, with the doctors gravely -marching after them. Orcotomus -was at their head. Some gave their -opinion for bleeding, others for the -<i>kermes mineral</i>; but the penetrating -Orcotomus ordered Zelais to be carried -to a neighbouring closet, examined -her, and cut the braces of her harness. -This muzzled Toy was one -of those, which he boasted to have -seen in the paroxysm.</p> - -<p>However, the bloating was excessive, -and Zelais would have continued -to suffer, had not the Sultan -had pity on her condition. He turn'd -off his ring, the fluids return'd to -their equilibrium. Zelais came to herself, -and Orcotomus assumed the honour -of this miraculous cure.</p> - -<p>Zelais's accident and her physician's -indiscretion, made the muzzles lose -much of their credit. Orcotomus, -without any regard to Eolipila's interest, -proposed to himself to raise his -own fortune on the ruins of the others; -advertised himself as a patentee physician -of Toys that had caught cold: -and some of his bills are to be seen at -this day in the by-streets. He began -by getting money, and ended by -falling into contempt. The Sultan -took pleasure in lowering the presumption -of the empiric. Did Orcotomus -boast of silencing a Toy that had never -utter'd a word? Mangogul had the -cruelty to make it speak. People went -so far as to remark, that any Toy that -was tired of silence, need only have -two or three visits from Orcotomus. -In a little time he was rank'd with -Eolipila in the class of quacks; and -they will both continue therein, until -it shall please Brama to take them -out.</p> - -<p>Shame was preferred to the apoplexy. -"The one kills," said the women, -"the other does not." Wherefore -they renounced their muzzles; let -their Toys talk on; and no body died -thereby.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XX" id="CHAP_XX">CHAP. XX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Eighth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Vapors.</h4> - - -<p>There was a time, as we -have seen, when the women -dreaded the prating of their Toys, -were stifled, and died away; but -another succeeded, when they set themselves -above this dread, threw away -their muzzles, and had nothing beyond -the vapors.</p> - -<p>The favorite, among her attendants, -had a very singular young lady. Her -humour was charming, tho' uneven. -She changed countenance ten times a -day; but whatever face she put on, -was pleasing. Unique in her melancholy, -as well as in her gaiety, there -slip'd from her, in her most extravagant -moments, things of exquisite -sense; and in her fits of sadness she -uttered very diverting extravagances.</p> - -<p>Mirzoza was so used to Callirhoe -(for that is the name of this young -mad girl) that she could hardly be -without her. One time that the Sultan -complain'd to the favorite of somewhat -restless and cold, which he remark'd -in her; "Prince," said she, -embarrassed at his reproach, "without -my three beasts, my nightingale, -my lap-dog and Callirhoe, I am -good for nothing; and you see -that I have not the last." "And why -is she not here?" said Mangogul. -"I can't tell," answered Mirzoza; -"but I remember, that some months -ago she told me, that if Mazul -made the campaign, she could not -avoid having the vapors; and -Mazul set out yesterday." "I easily -excuse her," said the Sultan: "for I look -on her vapors to be well grounded. -But upon what account do a hundred -other women take it into their heads -to be vapor'd, who have young -husbands, and besides take care to be -well provided with lovers?" "Prince," -answered a courtier, "'tis a fashionable -disease. It is genteel in a -woman to have the vapors. Without -a lover and the vapors, she -knows nothing of the world: and -there is not a citizen's wife in Banza, -who does not affect to have -them."</p> - -<p>Mangogul smiled, and resolved to -visit some of these vaporish women -immediately. He went directly to -Salica's house, and found her in -bed, with her neck quite bare, her -eyes flaming, and her hair dishevel'd; -and at her bed's side the little stammering -hump-back'd physician Farfadi, -telling her stories: while she was -stretching out, now one arm, then -another, yawning, sighing, putting -her hand to her head, and exclaiming -bitterly: "Alas I can't bear it—throw -the windows open—give me air—I -shall faint, I shall dye.——"</p> - -<p>Mangogul took advantage of the -moment that her affrighted women -were assisting Farfadi in lightening -the bed-cloaths, to turn his ring on -her, and instantly these words were -heard: "Oh! how tired I am of -this humor! behold, madam has -taken into her noddle to have the -vapors. This farce will last eight -days at least, and may I dye, if I -know the cause: for after Farfadi's -efforts to ferret out this disease, I -think it is in the wrong to continue."—"Good," -said the Sultan turning -off his ring, "I understand. This -dame has the vapors in favor of her -physician. Let us try elsewhere."</p> - -<p>He went from Salica's house to that -of Arsinoe, which is not far from it. -On entering her chambers he heard -loud bursts of laughter, and advanced, -thinking to find her in company: -but she was alone; and Mangogul -was not much surprized. "A woman -who gives herself the vapors," -says he, "gives them melancholy or -merry, as is most convenient." -He turn'd his ring on her, and presently -her Toy began to laugh unmercifully. -From these immoderate -laughing fits it made a sudden transition -to ridiculous lamentations on the -absence of Narces, whom it advised -as a friend to hasten his return; and -continued to sob, weep, groan, sigh, -and be comfortless, as if it had buried -all its relations.</p> - -<p>The Sultan, who could hardly refrain -from laughing aloud at so whimsical -an affliction, turn'd off his ring -and departed; leaving Arsinoe and her -Toy to lament at leisure, and inferring -the falsity of the proverb.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXI" id="CHAP_XXI">CHAP. XXI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Ninth Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Of Things lost and found.</h4> - -<h4><i>To serve as a Supplement to the learned -Treatise of Pancirollus, and to the -Memoirs of the Academy of Inscriptions.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul returning to his palace, -pondering on the ridiculous airs -which women give themselves, found -himself, whether thro' absence of mind, -or some blunder of his ring, under -the portico of the sumptuous building, -which Thelis has decorated with -the rich spoils of her lovers. He embraced -the opportunity, to interrogate -her Toy.</p> - -<p>Thelis was the wife of the Emir -Sambuco, whose ancestors had reign'd -in Guinea. Sambuco had acquired a -high reputation in Congo, by five or -six signal victories, which he had -gain'd over Erguebzed's enemies. As -he was not a less able negotiator than -a great captain, he had been employ'd -in embassies of the greatest consequence, -and executed his high trust -with superior talents. On his return -from Loango he saw Thelis, and was -smitten. He was then upon the brink -of fifty, and Thelis was not above -twenty-five. She was rather agreeable -than a beauty: the women said -she was well enough, and the men -thought her charming. Powerful -matches sought her; but whether she -had already fix'd her notions, or that -there was too great a disproportion of -fortune between her and her admirers, -they were all rejected. Sambuco saw -her, laid at her feet immense riches, -a great name, laurels, and titles inferior -to none but those of sovereigns, -and obtain'd her.</p> - -<p>Thelis was, or appear'd virtuous for -six whole weeks after her marriage. But -a Toy born voluptuous, seldom conquers -itself; and a quinquagenarian -husband, tho' otherwise ever so great a -hero, is a madman, if he flatters -himself with conquering such an enemy. -Altho' Thelis mix'd prudence -with her conduct, her first adventures -were not unknown. This was sufficient -for supposing afterwards, that -she had others undisclosed: and Mangogul, -desirous of full information, -hastened to pass from the porch of her -palace into her appartment.</p> - -<p>It was then the middle of summer. -The heat was excessive, and -Thelis, after dining, had thrown herself -on a couch, in a back closet -adorned with glasses and paintings. -She was a-sleep, her hand leaning on -a collection of Persian tales, which -had lull'd her to repose.</p> - -<p>Mangogul view'd her some time, -allowed that she had charms, and -turn'd his ring on her. "I remember -it as perfectly as if it had been -yesterday: nine proofs of love in -four hours. Ah! what moments! -Zermounzaid is a divine man! He -is not the old frozen Sambuco.—Dear -Zermounzaid, I had been ignorant -of true pleasures, real good: -you alone made me sensible of -them."</p> - -<p>Mangogul, desirous of learning the -particulars of Thelis's commerce with -Zermounzaid, which the Toy kept -from him, by dwelling on what affects -a Toy the most feelingly, rubb'd -the stone of his ring for some time -against his waistcoat, and levell'd it, -quite sparkling with light, at Thelis. -Its influence soon reach'd her Toy, -which being thereby better informed -of what was required of it, re-assumed -its discourse in a more historical -strain.</p> - -<p>"Sambuco commanded the Monoémugian -army, and I followed him -to the field. Zermounzaid served -under him in quality of a colonel, -and the general, who honoured him -with his confidence, had put us -under his escort. The zealous Zermounzaid -did not abandon his post: -he thought it too pleasing, to resign -it: and the danger of losing -it was the only one he fear'd during -the whole campaign.</p> - -<p>"While we were in winter quarters, -I entertained a few new guests; -Cacil, Jekia, Almamoun, Jasub, Selim, -Manzora, Nereskim, all military -men, who were commended -by Zermounzaid, but were inferior -to him. The credulous Sambuco -relied for his wife's virtue on herself, -and on Zermounzaid's care: -and being entirely taken up with -the immense business of the war, -and the great operations which he -was meditating for the glory of -Congo, he never had the least suspicion -either of the treachery of -Zermounzaid, or the infidelity of -Thelis.</p> - -<p>"The war continued; the armies -took the field, and we our litters. -As they went a very slow pace, -the main body of the army gain'd -ground of us, and we found ourselves -in the rear, which Zermounzaid -commanded. This gallant -youth, whom the sight of the greatest -dangers had never made to -swerve a foot from the path of -glory, could not resist that of -pleasure. He entrusted a subaltern -with the care of watching the motions -of the enemy, who harrassed -us; and got up into our litter: -but he was hardly there, when we -heard a confused noise of arms and -outcries. Zermounzaid, leaving his -business half done, attempts to -jump out: but he is level'd with -the ground, and we become a prey -to the conqueror.</p> - -<p>"Thus I began by swallowing up -the honor and services of an officer, -who from his valour and merit -might have expected the highest -military employments, if he had -never known his general's wife. -Upwards of three thousand men -fell in this action; and therefore of -so many good subjects have we -robb'd the nation."</p> - -<p>Let any one, if he can, imagine -Mangogul's surprize at this discourse. -He had heard Zermounzaid's funeral -oration, and did not know him by -these features. His father Erguebzed -had regretted this officer: the news-papers, -after lavishing the highest -eulogies on his fine retreat, had attributed -his defeat and death to the -enemy's superior numbers, which, as -they said, were found to be six to -one. All Congo had lamented a man, -who had done his duty so well. His -wife obtain'd a pension: his regiment -was given to his eldest son, and an -ecclesiastical preferment promised to -his younger.</p> - -<p>"What horror!" cried Mangogul, but -softly. "A husband dishonor'd, the -state betray'd, subjects sacrificed, crimes -not only concealed, but even rewarded -as virtues: and all that for a -Toy."</p> - -<p>Thelis's Toy, which had stopt to -take breath, continued: "Thus am -I abandoned to the enemy's discretion. -A regiment of dragoons -was ready to fall upon us. Thelis -seem'd quite frighted, and yet -wish'd nothing more ardently: -but the charms of the prey sowed -discord among the plunderers. The -scimiters were drawn, and thirty -or forty men were massacred in -the twinkling of an eye. The -noise of this disorder reach'd the -general officer. He ran thither, -calmed the furious soldiers, and -sequestrated us under a tent; where -we had not time to know ourselves, -when he came and demanded -the price of his good services. -'Woe to the vanquished,' cried Thelis, -falling backward on a bed: -and the whole night was spent in -feeling her misfortune.</p> - -<p>"The next day we found ourselves -on the banks of the Niger. A -saick was waiting for us, and my -mistress and I set out, in order to -be presented to the emperor of -Benin. In this twenty-four hours -voyage the captain of the vessel -offer'd himself to Thelis, and was -accepted: and I found by experience, -that the sea service is infinitely -brisker than the land service.</p> - -<p>"We saw the emperor of Benin. -He was young, ardent, voluptuous. -Thelis made a conquest of -him: but those of her husband -affrighted the monarch. He demanded -peace: and the price, at -which he purchased it, was but -three provinces and my ransom.</p> - -<p>"Different times, different fatigues. -Sambuco came to know, -I can't tell how, the reason of the -misfortunes of the preceding campaign; -and during this, he deposited -me with a friend of his, a -chief of the Bramins, on the frontiers. -The holy man made but a -weak defence: he was ensnared by -the wiles of Thelis, and in less -than six months devoured his -immense income, three lakes and -two forests."</p> - -<p>"Mercy," cried Mangogul, "three lakes -and two forests! What an appetite -for a Toy!"</p> - -<p>"'Tis a mere trifle," resumed the -Toy. "Peace was made, and Thelis -accompanied her husband in his -embassy to Monomotapa. She gamed, -and very fairly lost a hundred thousand -sequins in one day, which I -won back again in an hour. A -minister, whose master's affairs did -not fill up all his time, fell into -my clutches; and in three or four -months I eat him up a fine landed -estate, together with his castle well -furnish'd, a park, and equipage, -with the little pyed horses. A favor -of four minutes duration, but well -spun out, brought us in feasts, -presents and jewels: and the blind -or politic Sambuco did not disturb -us.</p> - -<p>"I shall not bring into the accompt," -added the Toy, "the marquisats, -counties, titles, coats of -arms, &c. which have been eclipsed -at my appearance. Apply to -my secretary, who will tell you what -is become of them. I have close-pared -the horns of the dominions -of Biafara, and am in possession -of an entire province of Beleguanza. -Erguebzed made overtures to me a -little before his death." At these -words Mangogul turn'd off his ring, -and silenced this gulph: he respected -his father's memory, and would hear -nothing that might tarnish the splendor -of the great qualities, which he -knew were in him.</p> - -<p>Returning to the seraglio, he entertained -the favorite with the vapored -ladies, and with the trial of his ring -on Thelis. "You admit this woman," -said he, "to your familiarity: but in -all probability you do not know -her as well as I." "I understand -you, sir," answered the Sultana. "Her -Toy has perhaps been foolish -enough to give you a narrative of -her adventures with the general Micokof, -the Emir Feridour, the senator -Marsupha, and the great Bramin -Ramanadanutio. But pray, -who is ignorant, that she keeps -young Alamir, and that old Sambuco, -who speaks not a word, is as -well apprized of it as you."</p> - -<p>"You have not hit the mark," replied -Mangogul. "I have compell'd her Toy -to make a full discharge." "Had it -swallowed any thing of yours," said -Mirzoza. "No," said the Sultan, -"but much belonging to my subjects, -to the grandees of my empire, to -the neighbouring potentates; as estates, -provinces, castles, lakes, forests, diamonds, -equipages, with the little pyed -horses." "Without reckoning their -reputation and virtue, sir," added -Mirzoza. "I cannot tell what benefit -you will reap by your ring; -but the more you try it, the more -odious my sex becomes to me: -even those, whom I thought I justly -held in some esteem, are not -expected. They have thrown me -me into such an humor, that I beg -your highness will allow me to indulge -it alone for some moments." -Mangogul, who knew that the favorite -was an enemy to all constraint, -kiss'd her right ear thrice, and retired.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXII" id="CHAP_XXII">CHAP. XXII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>A Sketch of Mangogul's moral Philosophy.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul, impatient to see the -favorite again, slept little, arose -earlier than usual, and was in her appartment -before sun-rising. She had -already rung the bell: a servant had -just opened the curtains, and her women -were preparing to dress her. -The Sultan look'd narrowly around -her, and seeing never a dog, he -asked her the reason of this oddity. -"I see," answered Mirzoza, "that you -think me singular in this article, -but there is nothing in it." "I assure -you," replied the Sultan, "that I -see dogs about all the women of my -court, and you will oblige me in -informing me why they have them, or -why you have none. Most of them -have several, and not one of them but -lavishes such caresses on her own, as -she seems not to bestow on her lover -without some difficulty. How come -these beasts to deserve the preference? -What use is made of them?"</p> - -<p>Mirzoza was puzzled at these questions: -however, she made this answer. -"To be sure, one keeps a dog -as a parrot or a canary bird. It may -be ridiculous to set one's heart on -these animals; but there is nothing -wonderful in having them: -they sometimes amuse, and never -injure. If they are caressed, 'tis -because such caresses are of no consequence. -Besides, do you believe, -prince, that a lover is satisfied -with a kiss, such as a woman -bestows on her pug-dog?" "Doubtless, -I believe it," says the Sultan. "By -Jupiter the man must be very nice, who -would not be satisfied."</p> - -<p>One of Mirzoza's women, who -had gain'd the good will of the Sultan -and his favorite by sweetness of -temper, good parts, and zeal, said: -"These animals are inconvenient and -nasty: they dirty one's clothes, -spoil the furniture, tare laces, and -do more mischief in a quarter of -an hour, than would be sufficient -to throw the most faithful lady's -woman into disgrace: and yet they -are kept."</p> - -<p>"Tho', according to madam, they -are good for nothing but that," added -the Sultan.</p> - -<p>"Prince," said Mirzoza, "we stick -to our fancies, and the keeping of -dogs must be one, like many -others, which would be no longer -fancies, if we could give a reason -for them. The reign of monkeys -is past, the parrots still support -themselves. Dogs fell, and now -they rise again. Squirrels have -had their time: and it is with animals, -as it has successively been with -Italian, English, geometry, farthingales, -and furbela's."</p> - -<p>"Mirzoza," replied the Sultan, shaking -his head, "has not all the knowledge -that may be acquired on this -subject; and the Toys——"</p> - -<p>"Is not your highness going to imagine," -said the favorite, "that you -will be inform'd by Haria's Toy, -why that woman, who saw her son, -one of her daughters, and her husband, -die without shedding a tear, -wept the loss of her lap-dog for a -whole fortnight."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" replied Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"Truly," says Mirzoza, "if our -Toys could explain all our whims, -they would be more knowing than -ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Pray, who disputes that with you?" -replied the Sultan. "For my part I -believe that the Toy makes a woman -do a hundred things, without her perceiving -it: and I have remark'd on -more occasions than one, that a woman, -who thought she was following -her head, was obeying her Toy. A -great philosopher placed the soul, I -mean ours, in the pineal gland. If I -allowed women to have one, I well -know where I would place it."</p> - -<p>"I excuse you from informing -me," rejoin'd Mirzoza hastily. -"But you will permit me at least," said -Mangogul, "to communicate some notions -to you, which my ring has suggested -to me concerning women, upon -a supposition that they have a soul. -The experiments, which I have made -with my ring, have made me a great -moralist. I have neither the wit of -La Bruyere, nor the logic of Port -Royal, nor the imagination of Montaigne, -nor the wisdom of Charron: -but I have collected facts, to which -perhaps they were strangers."</p> - -<p>"Speak, prince," answered Mirzoza -ironically, "I will hear you -with all my ears. Moral essays of a -Sultan of your age must be something curious."</p> - -<p>"The system of Orcotomus is extravagant, -with the leave of his fellow -academician Hiragu: yet I find some -sense in the answers which he gave to -the objections started against it. If I -allowed a soul to women, I would -willingly suppose with him, that Toys -have spoken from the beginning, but -softly: and that the effect of the Genius -Cucufa's ring is reduced to raising -their voice. Upon this foundation -nothing can be more easy than to define -the whole sex.</p> - -<p>"The sober woman, for example, -would be she whose Toy is silent, or -is not attended to.</p> - -<p>"The prude, she who pretends not -to listen to her Toy.</p> - -<p>"The intriguing woman, she whose -Toy desires a great deal, and who allows -it too much.</p> - -<p>"The voluptuous, she who gives ear -to her Toy with complaisance.</p> - -<p>"The courtezan, she on whom her -Toy is making demands every moment, -and who refuses it nothing.</p> - -<p>"The coquette, she whose Toy is -mute, or is not attended to; but who -gives hopes to all the men that come -near her, that her Toy will speak one -day or other, and it may happen that -she will not lend it a deaf ear.</p> - -<p>"Well, delight of my soul, what do -you think of my definitions?" "I -think," said the favorite, "that your -highness has forgot the tender woman."</p> - -<p>"If I have not mentioned her," answered -the Sultan, "'tis because I don't -know what the term means; and that -some able men pretend, that the word -tender, abstracting from all connection -with the Toy, is void of sense."</p> - -<p>"How, void of sense," cried Mirzoza. -"What! there is no medium -then; and a woman must absolutely -be a prude, an intriguer, a coquette, -a voluptuous woman, or a -libertin."</p> - -<p>"Delight of my soul," said the Sultan, -"I am willing to own the inaccuracy -of my enumeration, and will add -the tender woman to the preceding -characters; but on condition that you -will furnish me with a definition of -her, which will not coincide with any -of mine."</p> - -<p>"Most willingly," said Mirzoza. -"I hope to compass it without quitting -your system."</p> - -<p>"Let us see," added Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"Well then," replied the favorite—"a -tender woman is she——"</p> - -<p>"Courage, Mirzoza," said Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"Oh! I beg you won't disturb me. -The tender woman is she——who -has loved without a word utter'd -by her Toy, or——whose -Toy has never spoke, but in favor of -the single man whom she loved."</p> - -<p>It would not have been polite in the -Sultan to chicane the favorite, and ask -her what she understood by love: -wherefore he avoided it. Mirzoza -took his silence for consent, and proceeded, -proud of having extricated -herself from a difficulty, which to her -appeared considerable. "Ye men -believe, because we do not argue -in form, that we do not reason. -Know once for all, that we could -as easily discover the falsity of your -paradoxes, as ye that of our reasonings, -if we would give ourselves -the trouble. If your highness -was less in a hurry to satisfy -your curiosity on the subject of -lap-dogs, I would in my turn give -you a scrap of my philosophy. But -it shall not be lost: I will reserve it -for one of those days, that you -will have more time to bestow on -me."</p> - -<p>Mangogul assured her that he had -no better business, than to profit of -her philosophical notions; that the -metaphysics of a Sultana of twenty -two, ought not to be less singular -than the morals of a Sultan of his age.</p> - -<p>But Mirzoza apprehending that this -was pure complaisance in Mangogul, -begg'd some time to prepare, and thus -gave the Sultan a pretext for flying -whither his impatience might call him.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets003"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_003.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Sultan Mangogul in Haria's chamber.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXIII" id="CHAP_XXIII">CHAP. XXIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Tenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Dogs.</h4> - - -<p>Mangogul went immediately to -Haria's house; and as he took -pleasure in soliloquy, he said within -himself: "This woman never goes -to bed without her four dogs, and -either Toys know nothing of those -animals, or her's will give me -some account of them; for, thank -God, 'tis well known that she loves -her dogs to admiration." At the -end of this monology he found himself -in Haria's anti-chamber, and his -olfactory organ already informed him -of madam having her usual company -in bed with her. These were a little -shag-dog, a spaniel, and two pug-dogs. -The Sultan drew out his snuff-box, -took two pinches of Spanish by -way of preservative, and approached -Haria. She was asleep, but the pack, -who were upon the watch, hearing -some noise, fell to barking, and woke -her. "Peace, my children," said she, -but in so mild a tone, that she could -not be suspected of speaking to her -daughters, "go to sleep, go to sleep, -and don't disturb my rest nor your -own."</p> - -<p>Haria was formerly young and -pretty. She had had lovers of her -own rank, but they all disappear'd -even sooner than her charms. By way -of comforting herself for this desertion, -she gave into a whimsical sort of -pomp, and her footmen were the -handsomest fellows in Banza. She -grew older and older, and years -threw her into oeconomy: she restrained -herself to four dogs and two Bramins, -and became a model of edification. -And surely the most envenom'd -satyr could find no room to carp at -this management; and for above ten -years Haria was in peaceful possession -of a high reputation of virtue, and of -those animals. Nay, her tenderness -for the pug-dogs was so well known, -that the Bramins were no longer suspected -of sharing it.</p> - -<p>Haria renewed her intreaty to those -beasts, and they had the complaisance -to obey. Then Mangogul applied his -ring, and the superannuated Toy set -about relating the last of its adventures. -It was such a vast while since the first -were atchieved, that it had almost lost -the very remembrance of them. -"Withdraw, Pompey," it said with a -hoarse voice, "you fatigue me. I -like Dido better; I find her more -gentle." Pompey, who was absolutely -ignorant of the Toy's voice, -went on in his own way: but Haria -awaking, continued. "Get away, -then, you little rogue, you hinder -me from taking rest. That is well -some times: but too much is too -much." Pompey withdrew. Dido -took his place, and Haria fell asleep.</p> - -<p>Mangogul, who had suspended the -energy of his ring, turn'd it on, and -the antiquated Toy, uttering a deep, -sigh, fell to jabbering, and said: -"Alas! how I am grieved for the -death of my large grey-hound; -she was the best little wife, the most -caressing creature: she never ceased -giving amusement. She was so sensible, -so genteel. Ye are but beasts -in comparison of her. That naughty -master of mine killed her.——Poor -Zinzolina, I never think of -her, without watering my plants. -I thought it would have been the -death of my mistress. She neither -eat nor drank for two days, and -narrowly escaped losing her senses. -Judge of her sorrow: her director, -her friends, nay her very pug-dogs -were kept from me. Orders were -issued to her women to refuse the -door of her appartment to my master, -under the penalty of being -turn'd off.——'That monster has -robb'd me of my dear Zinzolina,' -cried she; 'let him not appear before -me, I am resolved never to see -him more.'"</p> - -<p>Mangogul, curious of learning the -circumstances of Zinzolina's death, -revived the electrical power of his ring -by rubbing it on the skirt of his doublet, -pointed it at Haria, and the Toy -resumed: "Haria, Ramadec's widow, -coiffed herself with Sindor. This -youth was of good birth, had no -other fortune, but a certain merit -which pleases the sex, and was, after -dogs, Haria's predominant taste. -Sindor's indigence conquered his -repugnance to Haria's years and -dogs. Twenty thousand crowns a -year blinded his eyes with regard to -the wrinkles of his mistress, and the -inconveniency of the pug-dogs; -and he married her.</p> - -<p>"He was in hopes of getting the -better of our beasts by his talents, -and complaisant behavior; and to -bring them into disgrace from the -very commencement of his reign; -but he was deceived. After the expiration -of some months, when he -thought he had merited much by his -services; he took into his head to -remonstrate to madam, that her -dogs were not as good company in -bed for him as for her; that it was -ridiculous to have more than three; -and that to admit more than one at -a time, was turning the nuptial bed -into a kennel.</p> - -<p>"'I advise you,' said Haria, in a -furious tone, 'to attack me with -such speeches. Truly it well becomes -a pitiful younger son from -Gascony, whom I have taken from a -garret, which was not good enough -for my dogs, to give himself airs of -nicety! To be sure, your sheets -were perfumed, my little squire, -when you dwelt in furnish'd lodgings. -Know this once for all, that -my dogs were long before you in -possession of my bed, and that you -may choose either to quit it, or -be content to share it with them.'</p> - -<p>"The declaration was peremptory, -and our dogs remain'd masters of -their post. But one night, as we -were all asleep, Sindor, in turning -unluckily kick'd Zinzolina. The -hound, not used to such treatment, -bit the calf of his leg; and madam -was immediately awaked by -Sindor's cries. 'What is the matter -with you, Sir, one would think -your throat was cutting: you -dream.' 'It is your dogs, madam, -that devour me, and your grey-hound -has just torn off a piece of -my leg.' 'Is that all?' says Haria, -turning from him. 'You make a -vast noise for nothing.'</p> - -<p>"Sindor, piqued at this discourse, -jump'd out of bed, swearing that he -would never set his foot in it again, -till the pack was banish'd thence. He -employ'd friends, in order to obtain -the exile of the dogs: but they all -failed in that important negotiation. -Haria's answer to them was, that -Sindor was a knight of the post, -whom she had drawn out of a -cock-loft, which he shared with -rats and mice; that it ill became -him to be so nice; that he slept the -whole night long; that she loved -her dogs; that they amused her; -that from her infancy she had taken -a liking to their caresses; and that -she was resolved never to deprive -herself of them till death. 'Tell -him besides,' continued she, addressing -the mediators, 'that if he -does not humbly submit to my will, -he will repent it while he lives; -that I will retract the donation I -have made him, and will add it to -the sums which I have bequeathed -by my will, for the support of my -dear children.'</p> - -<p>"Between you and me," added the -Toy, "Sindor must have been a -great fool, to hope that she would -do for him, what could not be obtained -by twenty lovers, a director, -a confessor, with a legion of Bramins, -who had all lost their Latin -on that head. Mean while, as often -as Sindor met our animals, he was -seized with such fits of passion, as -he could hardly conquer. One day -the unfortunate Zinzolina fell in his -way. He took her by the neck, -and threw her out of the window. -The poor creature was kill'd by the -fall. Then it was, that a fine noise -was made. Haria, with inflamed -countenance, and eyes bathed in -tears——"</p> - -<p>The Toy was going to repeat what -it had already told; for Toys willingly -fall into repetitions: but Mangogul -cut its words short. Its silence was -not of long duration: when the prince -thought he had put this doting Toy -out of its road, he restored it the freedom -of speech; and the Tatler, -bursting out into a loud laugh, resumed -by way of recollection: "But -<i>à propos</i>, I forgot to tell you what -pass'd on Haria's wedding-night. -I have seen a power of ridiculous -things in my life, but never one that -came up to this. After a splendid -supper, the bride and bridegroom -were conduced to their appartment. -Every body retired except madam's -women who undress her: she is undress'd, -put to bed, and Sindor -alone remains with her. Observing -that the shag-dog, the two pugs, -and the grey-hound, more alert -than himself, were taking possession -of his bride; 'permit me, madam,' -he said, 'to remove these rivals -a little.' 'My dear, do what -you can,' answered Haria: 'for my -part, I have not the courage to -drive them away; these little animals -are so attached to me; and I -have been so long without any -other company.' 'Perhaps,' replied -Sindor, 'they will have the politeness -this night to surrender the fort -to me, which I must take possession -of.' 'Try, sir,' said Haria.</p> - -<p>"At first Sindor tried gentle means, -and pray'd Zinzolina to retire to a -corner. But the untractable animal -fell to growling: the allarm -spread among the rest of the troop; -and the pug-dogs and shag-dog -bark'd as if their mistress's throat was -cutting. Sindor, losing all patience -at this noise, tosses away one of the -pugs, drives off the other, and -seizes Pompey by the paw. Pompey, -the faithful Pompey, abandoned -by his allies, endeavour'd to repair -this loss by the advantages of the -post. Fix'd on his mistress's thighs, -with eyes inflamed, hair standing -an end, and open mouth, he grin'd, -and shew'd the enemy two rows of -very sharp teeth. Sindor made several -assaults on him, and Pompey -repell'd him as often, with bitten -fingers and torn ruffles. The action -lasted above a quarter of an hour -with an obstinacy which gave diversion -to none but Haria; when -Sindor had recourse to a stratagem -against an enemy, whom he despaired -conquering by force. He -provoked Pompey with the right -hand. Pompey watching this motion, -did not observe that of the -left, and was seized by the neck. -He made most vigorous efforts to -disengage himself, but in vain. He -was obliged to quit the field of -battle, and surrender up Haria. -Sindor took possession of her, but -not without effusion of blood: in -all likelihood Haria had resolved -that her wedding-night should be -a bloody one: her animals made a -good defence, and disappointed not -her expectations."</p> - -<p>"There," says Mangogul, "is a Toy, -that could write a Gazette better than -my secretary." And now well knowing -what notions to form of lap -dogs, he return'd to the favorite.</p> - -<p>"Prepare yourself," said he, as -soon as he saw her, "to hear the -most extravagant things in the -world. 'Tis much worse than the -baboons of Palabria. Could you -believe, that Haria's four dogs -were the rivals, and the preferred -rivals of her husband; and that the -death of a greyhound has raised a -quarrel between that couple, never -to be made up."</p> - -<p>"What do you say," replied the favorite, -"of rivals and dogs. I am quite -in the dark. I know that Haria loves -her dogs excessively; but I know at -the same time that Sindor is a hot-temper'd -man, who perhaps did not -use all that complaisance, which women -require, to whom a man owes -his fortune. But yet, whatever has -been his conduct, I cannot conceive -that it has drawn rivals on him. Haria -is so venerable, that I could wish -your highness would vouchsafe to explain -yourself more intelligibly."</p> - -<p>"Listen," says Mangogul, "and agree -that women have excessively whimsical -tastes, to say nothing worse;" then -he related Haria's history to her word -for word, as the Toy had told it. -Mirzoza could not refrain from laughter -at the first night's battle: but presently -resuming a serious air: "I -can't tell," said she to Mangogul, -"what indignation seizes me. I shall -have an aversion for these animals -and all those who keep any, and I -shall declare to my women that I -will turn off the first, who shall -be even suspected of having a lap-dog."</p> - -<p>"Pray," replied the Sultan, "why will -you extend your hatred so far? You -women are always upon extremes. -These animals are good for hunting, -are necessary in the country, and -have many other uses, without reckoning -that which Haria makes of them."</p> - -<p>"In truth," said Mirzoza, "I begin to -believe that your highness will find it -a difficult task to light on a virtuous -woman."</p> - -<p>"I told you so," answered Mangogul; -"but let us not be over hasty: you may -one time or other upbraid me with -being indebted to your want of patience -for a declaration, which I pretend -to owe entirely to the trials of -my ring. I have some in my mind, -which will astonish you. All secrets -are not yet unveiled; and I expect to -draw more important discoveries from -those Toys, which remain to be consulted."</p> - -<p>Mirzoza was in perpetual apprehensions -for her own. Mangogul's discourse -threw her into such uneasiness, -as she was not able to conceal from -him: but the Sultan, who had bound -himself by an oath, and in his heart -had a regard for religion, used his -best endeavours to calm her mind, -gave her some very tender kisses, and -went to his council, whither affairs of -moment called him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXIV" id="CHAP_XXIV">CHAP. XXIV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Eleventh trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Pensions.</h4> - - -<p>Congo had been disturbed by bloody -wars in the reigns of Kanaglou -and Erguebzed; and those two monarchs -had immortalized themselves -by the conquests they had made over -their neighbours. The emperors of -Abex and Angola look'd on the youth -of Mangogul and the beginning of his -reign, as favourable conjunctures to -recover the provinces that had been -taken from them. Wherefore they -declared war against Congo, and attacked -it on every side. Mangogul had the -best council in all Africa: and old -Sambuco and the Emir Mirzala, who -were train'd up in the former wars, -were placed at the head of the troops, -gain'd victories on victories, and formed -generals capable of succeeding them; -an advantage of greater importance -than even their successes.</p> - -<p>Thanks to the activity of the council, -and the good conduct of the generals, -the enemy, who thought themselves -sure of overcoming the empire, -did not advance as far as the frontiers, -made a poor defence of their own, -and saw their fortified towns and provinces -ravaged. But, such constant -and glorious successes notwithstanding, -Congo grew weaker by aggrandizing -itself: the frequent raising of troops -unpeopled the towns and country: -and the treasury was exhausted.</p> - -<p>The sieges and battles had cost -a vast number of lives: the grand -Visir, very lavish of the blood of the -soldiery, was accused of having hazarded -battles that tended to nothing. -Every family was in mourning: not -one, but wept a father, a brother, or -a friend. The number of officers -slain was prodigious; and could be -compared to naught but their wives, -who sollicited pensions. The closets -of the ministers were beset with them. -They pestered the Sultan himself with -petitions, in which the merit and services -of the deceased, the grief of -their widows, the dismal condition of -their children, and other moving motives -were not forgotten. Nothing -seemed more equitable than their requests: -but on what fund to ground -pensions which amounted to millions?</p> - -<p>The ministers, after having exhausted -speeches, and sometimes -peevishness and rough language, were -obliged to deliberate on the means of -bringing this affair to a final issue: but -they had an excellent reason for concluding -nothing: there was not a penny -left.</p> - -<p>Mangogul, tired with the false reasonings -of his ministers and the lamentations -of the widows, hit upon the expedient, -which his ministry had been -so long hunting after. "Gentlemen," -said he to his council, "I am of -opinion that, before any pensions -are granted, it would be proper to -examine if they are lawfully due." -"This examination," answered the great -Seneschal, "will be immense, and of -prodigious discussion. Yet how to -resist the clamors and persecution of -these women, by whom you, sir, are -particularly teazed?" "It will not be -as difficult a talk as you imagine, -Mr. Seneschal," replied the Sultan; -"and I promise you that by to morrow -noon the whole affair shall be terminated, -by the laws of the strictest -equity. Do you only bring them -to my audience chamber by nine in -the morning."</p> - -<p>The council broke up, the Seneschal -went into his office, pondered profoundly, -and drew up the following -proclamation; which in three hours -time was printed, published by sound -of trumpet, and fixed up at all the -most public places of Banza.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>By the Sultan's most excellent majesty, -and my lord the grand Seneschal,</p> - -<p>We Gander-beak, grand Seneschal -of Congo, visir of the first bench, -train-bearer to the great Manimonbanda, -chief and super-intendant of the -sweepers of the divan, give notice, -that to-morrow morning at nine of -the clock, the magnanimous Sultan -will give audience to the widows of -the officers slain in his service, in order -to decree, on sight of their -pretensions, what to him shall seem meet. -Given at our office the twelfth of -the moon of Regeb, in the year -147200000009.</p></blockquote> - -<p>All the distressed women of Congo, -and a great number of them there -was, did not fail to read the proclamation, -or to send their footmen to -read it; and less still to be at the appointed -hour, in the lobby of the -audience chamber. "In order to -avoid a crowd, let no more enter," -said the Sultan, "than six of these -ladies at once. When we have -heard them, let them pass thro' -the back door, which leads to the -outward courts. You, gentlemen, -be attentive, and pronounce on their -demands."</p> - -<p>This said, he made a signal to the -first gentleman usher of the audiences; -and the six, who happen'd to be next -the door, were introduced. They -entered in long mourning robes, and -made low reverences to his highness. -Mangogul addressed the youngest and -handsomest of them, whose name was -Ifec. "Madam," said he, "how long -is it since you have lost your husband?" -"Three months," answered -Ifec weeping. "He was lieutenant general -in your highness's service. He -was kill'd in the last battle, and six -children are the only legacy he left -me"—"He left you?" interrupted a -voice, which, tho' issuing from -Ifec, was not exactly in the same -tone with her's. "Madam knows -better than she says. They were -all begun and finished by a young -Bramin, who daily came to comfort -her, while my master was in -the field."</p> - -<p>'Tis easy to guess, whence proceeded -the indiscreet voice, which pronounced -this answer. Poor Ifec, being -put out of countenance, grew pale, -trembled, fainted. "Madam is subject -to the vapors," said Mangogul -with an air of tranquillity: "let her -be carried into an appartment of -the Seraglio, and be taken care -of." Then immediately addressing -Phenice: "Madam," said he, "was -not your husband a Pacha?" "Yes, -sir," answered Phenice in a trembling -voice. "And how have you lost -him?" "Sir, he died in his bed, -quite exhausted with the fatigues of -the last campaign"—"With the fatigues -of the last campaign," replied -Phenice's Toy. "Go, madam, your -husband brought a firm and vigorous -state of health from the camp; -and he would still enjoy it, had -not two or three scoundrel players,—you -understand me, take -care of yourself." "Write," says -the Sultan, "that Phenice demands -a pension, for the good services, which -she has rendered to the state and her -husband."</p> - -<p>A third was interrogated on her -husband's age and name, who was -said to have died in the army of the -small-pox. "Of the small pox," said -the Toy, "a fine story indeed: say, -madam, of two good strokes of a -scymeter which he received from the -Sangiac Cavaglio, because he took it -ill, that his eldest son was said to be -as like the Sangiac, as one egg is to -another: and madam knows as well -as I," added the Toy, "that a likeness -was never better grounded."</p> - -<p>The fourth was going to speak -without being interrogated by Mangogul, -when her Toy was heard to -cry out from the lower regions, that -these ten years part, which the war -had lasted, she had made pretty -good use of her time; that two pages -and a huge scoundrel of a footman had -supplied her husband's place; and -that without doubt she designed the -pension, which she was solliciting, -for keeping an actor of the comic -opera.</p> - -<p>A fifth stept forward with intrepidity, -and with an air of confidence -demanded the reward of her late -husband's services, who was an aga -of the Janissaries, and lost his life -under the walls of Matatras. The -Sultan turn'd his ring on her, but to -no purpose. Her Toy was mute. "I -must own," says the African author, -who had seen her, "that she was so -ugly, that the by-standers would -be astonished, if her Toy had any -thing to say."</p> - -<p>Mangogul was got to the sixth, and -here are the express words of her Toy. -"Truly, it well becomes madam," -meaning her, whose Toy was obstinately -silent, "to sollicite pensions, -while she lives upon the poule, -keeps a breland table which brings -her in three thousand sequins a -year, makes private suppers at the -expence of the gamesters, and received -six hundred sequins from -Osman, to draw me to one of these -suppers, where the treacherous Osman——"</p> - -<p>"Due regard shall be paid to your -petitions, ladies," said the Sultan: "for -the present ye may withdraw." Then -directing his words to his counsellors, -he ask'd them, if it did not seem ridiculous -to them to grant pensions to -a herd of little bastards of Bramins -and others, and to women whose employment -it was to dishonor brave -men, who had enter'd into his service -in quest of glory, at the expence -of their lives.</p> - -<p>The Seneschal stood up, answered, -declaimed, resumed, and gave his -opinion obscurely as usual. While he -was yet speaking, Ifec recovered from -her fit, quite enraged at her adventure; -and, as she expected no pension -for herself, and would run distracted, -if any other obtain'd one, -which would have happened in all -likelihood, she went directly into the -antichamber, and whispered to two -or three of her female friends, that -they were summoned thither purely -to hear their Toys chatter; that she -herself heard one deliver horrid things -in the audience chamber; that she -would not name it for the world; but -that they must be fools, to expose -themselves to the same danger.</p> - -<p>This advice passed from hand to -hand, and dispersed the crowd of -widows. When the gentleman usher -opened the door to let in a second -parcel, not one was there. "Well, -Seneschal, will you believe me another -time?" said Mangogul informed -of the desertion, to the good -man, clapping him on the shoulder. -"I promised to rid you of these -female weepers, and I have done -it. Yet they were very assiduous -in making court to you, notwithstanding -your fourscore and fifteen -years of age. But whatever pretensions -you may possibly have: -for I am not ignorant of the facility -you had to form pretensions -on these ladies, I fancy you are -obliged to me for their retreat. -They gave you more <i>embarras</i> than -pleasure."</p> - -<p>The African author informs us, -that the remembrance of this trial is -kept up in Congo; and for that reason -it is, that the government is so -sparing of granting pensions: but this -was not the only good effect of Cucufa's -ring, as we shall see in the -following chapter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXV" id="CHAP_XXV">CHAP. XXV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twelfth Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>A Law Case.</h4> - - -<p>Rapes were severely punished -in Congo: and there happened -a most notorious one in Mangogul's -reign. This prince, at his accession -to the crown, had sworn, like all his -predecessors, never to grant a pardon -for that crime: but be laws ever so -severe, they seldom curb those, whom -a considerable advantage urges to infringe -them. The criminal was -condemned to lose that part of him, -by which he had sinned; a cruel operation, -of which he generally died; -as the person who performed it, used -less precaution than B——ll.</p> - -<p>Kerfael, a young man of a good -family, had now languished six months -in a dungeon, waiting for the day of -execution. Fatme, a young pretty -woman, was his Lucretia and accuser. -Every body knew, that they had been -very well together: Fatme's indulgent -husband took no exceptions against -it: therefore it would be ungenteel -in the public to intermeddle in their -affairs.</p> - -<p>After an undisturbed commerce of -two years, whether thro' inconstancy -or disgust, Kerfael took to a dancer at -the opera of Banza, and grew cold -towards Fatme, yet without coming -to an open rupture. He resolved to -make a decent retreat; which obliged -him to continue his visits in the house. -Fatme enraged for being thus forsaken, -meditated revenge, and made use of -this remnant of his assiduities to destroy -her unfaithful lover.</p> - -<p>One day, that the convenient husband -had left them <i>tête à tête</i>, and -that Kerfael, having ungirt his scymeter, -was endeavouring to allay Fatme's -suspicions by protestations, which cost -nothing to lovers, but never surprize -the credulity of a jealous woman; -she assumed an affrighted air, and -having tore her dress at five or six -pulls, shriek'd out horridly, and call'd -to her husband and domestics for help; -who ran immediately, and became -witnesses to the injury, which Fatme -said she received from Kerfael; and -shewing the scymeter, added: "This -the infamous villain lifted at my -head ten times to make me submit -to his will."</p> - -<p>The young man, struck dumb at -the blackness of the accusation, had -not power either to answer or make -his escape. He was seiz'd, dragg'd -to prison, and deliver'd up to justice -and the prosecution of the Cadilesker.</p> - -<p>The laws ordained that Fatme should -be visited. Accordingly she was; -and the report of the matrons proved -very unfavourable to the accused. -They had an original standard, by -which they could determine the condition -of a violated woman; and -every circumstance concurred against -Kerfael. The judges examined him, -Fatme was confronted with him, and -the evidence was heard. In vain did -he plead innocence, deny the fact, -and demonstrate by the commerce -which he held with his accuser above -two years, that she was not a woman -to be ravished. The circumstance of -the scymeter, the <i>tête à tête</i> solitude, -Kerfael's confusion at the sight of the -husband and domestics; taken all together -formed, in the opinion of the -judges, violent presumptions. Fatme -on her side, far from owning that she -had granted him favors, would not -even allow that she gave him the least -glimmering of hopes; and maintain'd -that her obstinate adherence to her -duty, from which she had never -flinch'd, was without doubt what -urged Kerfael to acquire by force, -what he despair'd obtaining by craft. -The verbal process drawn up by the -commissaries was another terrible piece. -Nothing more was requisite, than to -run it over, and compare it with the -articles of the Criminal Code, to read -unhappy Kerfael's condemnation therein. -He lost all expectations of life -either by his defence, or the credit of -his family; the magistrates had fixed -the definitive sentence to the thirteenth -of the month of Rebeg: and this was -even published by sound of trumpet, -according to custom.</p> - -<p>This affair became the topic of -conversations, and people were divided -upon it for a good while. Some old -hags, who had always been very safe -from any apprehensions of a rape, -ran about crying: "That Kerfael's -attack was enormous; that unless -a severe example were made of -him, innocence would be no longer -in security; and that an honest -woman would be exposed to insults, -even at the horns of the Altar." -Then they cited instances of little impertinent -puppies having attack'd the -virtue of several respectable ladies: -and the circumstances left no room to -doubt, but that those respectable ladies -mentioned by them were themselves: -and all these speeches were -made to Bramins less innocent than -Kerfael, and by devotes as chaste as -Fatme, by way of edifying conversations.</p> - -<p>The <i>Petits-Maitres</i> on the contrary, -and even some <i>Petites-Maitresses</i>, -asserted that a rape was a chimæra, -that a woman never surrendered but -by capitulation; and that, if a fort -was defended, tho' ever so little, it -was absolutely impossible to take it by -storm. Examples were alledged in -support of this reasoning: the women -knew some; the <i>Petits-Maitres</i> invented -others; and there was no end -of quoting instances of women, who -had not been ravished. "Poor Kerfael," -said they, "what the devil had he -in his head, to take to little Bimbreloqua," -which was the dancer's -name, "why did he not stick to -Fatme? They were extremely well -together, and the husband left them -at full liberty: what a blessing——Those -witches the matrons put on -their spectacles to no purpose, for -they saw nothing. And indeed, -who is the person that can see clear -in that place? And besides, the -senators are going to deprive him of -his joy, for having burst an open -door. The poor lad will die of it, -no doubt. After that, pray consider, -what will not dissatisfied women -be authorized to do."——"If -this execution takes place," interrupted -another, "I will make myself -a free mason."</p> - -<p>Mirzoza, naturally compassionate, -remonstrated to Mangogul, who was -joking her on Kerfael's case, that if -the laws spoke against Kerfael, good -sense deposed against Fatme. "Moreover," -added she, "it has never been -heard, that, in a wise government, -the letter of the law should be so -closely adhered to, that the simple -allegation of a female accuser should -be sufficient to endanger the life of -a subject. The reality of a rape -cannot be too clearly proved; and -you will allow, Sir, that this fact is -as much at least within the province -of your ring as of your senators. -It would be very singular, that the -matrons should be more knowing -on this head than the Toys themselves. -Hitherto your highness's -ring has done little more than -satisfy your curiosity. Might not -the Genius, from whom you had it, -have intended some more important -end? If you employ it for the discovery -of truth, and the happiness -of your subjects, can you think -the Genius will be offended? Try. -You are in possession of an infallible -method of drawing from Fatme a -confession of her crime, or a proof -of her innocence." "You are in -the right," replied Mangogul, "and -you shall be satisfied."</p> - -<p>The Sultan departed immediately: -and indeed there was no time to lose: -for it was the night of the twelfth of -the moon Rebeg, and the senate was -to pronounce sentence on the thirteenth. -Fatme was just got into bed, -the curtains were not quite closed. -A night taper threw a dull light on -her countenance. The Sultan thought -her beautiful, notwithstanding the -violent commotions which disfigured -her. Compassion and hatred, grief -and revenge, audaciousness and shame -were painted in her eyes, according -as they succeeded each other in her -heart. She uttered deep sighs, shed -tears, wiped them off, shed fresh -ones, remained some moments with -her head drooping and eyes dejected, -then suddenly raised them, and darted -furious looks towards the heavens. -What was Mangogul doing all this -time? He was talking to himself, and -saying. "These are the symptoms -of despair. Her former tenderness -for Kerfael has revived in all -its violence. She has lost sight of -the offence he committed, and has -nothing in view but the punishment -reserved for her lover." As soon -as he had finished these words, he -turned the fatal ring on Fatme, and -her Toy cried out with vehemence.</p> - -<p>"Twelve hours more, and we -shall be revenged. The treacherous -ingrateful man shall perish, -and his blood shall be shed." Fatme -affrighted at the extraordinary motion -which she felt within her, and -shock'd at the buzzing voice of her -Toy, clapt both hands on it, and put -herself upon duty to stop its mouth. -But the powerful ring continued to -act, and the ungovernable Toy breaking -thro' every obstacle, added: -"Yes, we shall be revenged. O! -thou who hast betray'd me, wretched -Kerfael, dye, and thou, whom he -has preferred to me, O Bimbreloqua, -despair!——Twelve -hours more! Alas! how tedious -will this time appear to me. -Hasten, sweet moments, when I -shall see the treacherous, the ingrateful -Kerfael under the executioner's -knife, his blood trickling -down——Ah! Wretch, what have -I said? Can I without horror see -the dearest object of my love perish? -Can I see the fatal weapon -lifted up?——Ah! far from me -this cruel thought.—He hates me, -'tis true; he has quitted me for -Bimbreloqua, but perhaps some time -or other——why do I say, perhaps? -Love will certainly recall him -under my yoke. That little Bimbreloqua -is a fancy that will fly off; -he must sooner or later be sensible of -the injustice of his preference, and the -ridiculousness of his new choice. -Comfort thyself, Fatme, thou shalt see -thy Kerfael again. Yes, thou shalt see -him again. Arise quickly, run, fly -to remove the dreadful danger which -threatens him. Dost thou not tremble -to come too late?—But whither -shall I run, mean wretch that I am. -Does not Kerfael's disdain foretel me, -that he has abandoned me for ever. -Bimbreloqua enjoys him, and 'tis for -her that I was going to save him: ah! -let him rather dye a thousand deaths. -If he lives no more for me, why -should I be concerned for his death?—Yes, -I am now convinced that my -wrath is just. The ingrateful Kerfael -has deserved all my hatred. I no -longer have any remorse. I had done -every thing to keep him, I will do -every thing to destroy him. Yet one -day later, and my revenge was disappointed. -But his evil genius delivered -him up to me, the very moment -that he thought to escape me. He is -fallen into the snare which I laid for -him. I have him fast. The appointment, -to which I contrived to bring -thee, was the last which thou intendedst -for me: but thou wilt not -so soon forget it.—With what address -did you bring him to your -beck? Fatme, how well concerted -was your disorder? Your shrieks, your -grief, your tears, your confusion, every -thing, even to your silence, has -ruin'd Kerfael. Nothing can snatch -him from his impending fate. Kerfael -is dead—You weep, wretched -woman. He loved another, of what -consequence is his life to you."</p> - -<p>Mangogul, filled with horror at this -discourse, turned off his ring; and -while Fatme was recruiting her spirits, -he flew back to the Sultana. "Well, -prince," said she, "what have you -heard? Is Kerfael still guilty, and -the chast Fatme"—"I beseech you -to excuse me," answered the Sultan, -"from repeating the abominations which -I come from hearing. How an exasperated -woman is to be dreaded! -Who could believe, that a body formed -by the graces, sometimes enclosed -a heart molded by the furies? But the -sun shall not set to-morrow on my -dominions, before they be purged of -a monster more dangerous than those -which are produced in my deserts."</p> - -<p>The Sultan immediately sent for -the Seneschal, and commanded him -to seize Fatme, to remove Kerfael into -one of the appartments of the seraglio, -and to inform the Senate, that -he reserved to himself the cognizance -of his affair. His orders were executed -that very night.</p> - -<p>The next morning at dawn of day, -the Sultan attended by the Seneschal -and an Effendi, went to Mirzoza's -appartment, and had Fatme brought -thither. This unfortunate woman -threw herself at Mangogul's feet, confessed -her crime with all its circumstances, -and conjured Mirzoza to intercede -for her. Mean while Kerfael -was conducted in. He expected nothing -but death: however he made -his appearance with that composed assurance, -which innocence alone can -give. Some ill-natured wags said, -that he would be in greater consternation, -if what he was threaten'd to -lose, was worth preserving. The women -were upon the tenters to know -the issue. He prostrated himself respectuously -before his highness. Mangogul -made him a signal to arise, and -giving him his hand, "You are -innocent," said he, "be free. Render -thanks to Brama for your preservation. -In order to make amends -for the misery you have suffered, -I grant you a pension of two -thousand sequins on my exchequer, -and the first commandery that -shall fall in the order of the Crocodile."</p> - -<p>The more favors were bestowed on -Kerfael, the more Fatme dreaded punishment. -The great Seneschal gave -his opinion for death, grounded upon -the law: <i>Si foemina ff. de vi C. -calumniatrix</i>. The Sultan was inclined -for perpetual imprisonment. Mirzoza -finding too much rigor in one -of these judgments, and too much -indulgence in the other, condemned -Fatme's Toy to the padlock. The -Florentine machine was publickly -clapt on, upon the same scaffold that -had been erected for Kerfael's execution. -Thence she was conducted to -a house of correction, together with -the matrons who had given their decisive -opinions with so much knowledge.</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXVI" id="CHAP_XXVI">CHAP. XXVI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Mirzoza's Metaphysics.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Souls.</h4> - - -<p>While Mangogul was interrogating -the Toys of Haria, -the widows, and Fatme, Mirzoza had -full time to prepare her philosophical -lecture. One evening, that the Manimonbanda -was performing her devotions, -that there was neither play nor -drawing room at court, and that the -favorite was almost certain of a visit -from the Sultan; she took two black -petticoats, put one on in the usual -manner, and the other over her shoulders, -passed her hands thro' the two -slits, put on the peruke of Mangogul's -Seneschal, and his chaplain's -square cap; and thought herself equipped -as a philosopher, whereas she had -disguised herself into a bat.</p> - -<p>In this masquerade dress, she walked -up and down her appartments, as -a professor of the royal college waiting -for his scholars. She affected -even to the gloomy pensive physiognomy -of a learned man in meditation. -Mirzoza did not hold this forced gravity -long. The Sultan entered with -some of his courtiers, and made a -low bow to the new philosopher; -whose gravity disconcerted her audience, -and was in its turn disconcerted -by the loud laughter it occasioned. -"Madam," said Mangogul, -"have you not advantage enough by -your wit and figure, without taking -the robe to your aid? without -which your words would have all -the weight that you could have -desired." "It seems to me, sir," answered -Mirzoza, "that you do not -much respect this robe, and that a -disciple should pay more regard to -what constitutes half the merit at least -of his master." "I perceive," replied -the Sultan, "that you have already -acquired the spirit and tone of your -new condition. I make no doubt -at present, but your capacity answers -to the dignity of your dress, -and I impatiently expect a proof of -it."—"You shall be satisfied this -minute," said Mirzoza, sitting down -in the center of a large carpet. The -Sultan and courtiers placed themselves -around her, and she began.</p> - -<p>"Have the philosophers, who presided -over your highness's education, -ever entertain'd you on the nature of -the soul?" "Oh! very often," said Mangogul; -"but all their systems had no -other end, but giving me uncertain -notions of it; and were it not for an -inward sentiment, which seems to -suggest to me, that it is a substance -different from matter, I should either -have denied its existence, or confounded -it with the body. Would -you undertake to clear up this -chaos?"</p> - -<p>"So far from it," replied Mirzoza, -"that I am not farther advanced on -that head than your pedagogues. The -only difference between them and me, -is that I suppose the existence of a -substance different from matter, and -that they hold it demonstrated. But -this substance, if it exists, must be -lodged somewhere. Have they not -preached many extravagances to you -on that article?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Mangogul: "they all pretty -generally agreed, that it resides in -the head; and this opinion to me -seemed probable. 'Tis the head that -thinks, imagines, reflects, judges, disposes, -commands; and we say every -day of a man who does not think, -that he has no brains, or that he wants -a head."</p> - -<p>"Well then," replied the Sultana, "the -result of your long studies and of all -your philosophy, is, to suppose a -fact, and to ground it on popular -expressions. Prince, what would you -say of your first geographer, if he -presented your highness with a map -of your dominions, in which he had -put the east in the west, and the north -in the south?"</p> - -<p>"That is too gross an error," answered -Mangogul, "for any geographer to -have ever committed."</p> - -<p>"That may be," continued the favorite; -"and in the case before us, -your philosophers are greater bunglers, -than the most bungling geographer -can be. They had not a vast empire -to survey; the business was not to -fix the limits of the four parts of the -world: all they had to do, was to -enter into themselves, and there mark -the true seat of their soul. Yet they -have placed the east in the west, and -the south in the north. They have -pronounced that the soul is in the -head, whereas the greatest part of -mankind dye, without it's ever inhabiting -that appartment; and its first -residence is in the feet."</p> - -<p>"In the feet!" interrupted the Sultan. -"That is the most empty notion that I -have ever heard."</p> - -<p>"Yes, in the feet," replied Mirzoza, -"and this opinion, which to you seems -so silly, will, upon thoroughly examining -it, become rational; contrary -to all those, which you allow as true, -and which upon a thorough examination -are found to be false. Your -highness agreed with me just now, -that the existence of our soul was -founded on the interior testimony -alone, which it bore to itself; and I will -now demonstrate, that all the proofs -imaginable of sense concur to fix the -soul in the seat which I have assigned -it."</p> - -<p>"There we expect you," said Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"I desire no favor," continued she; -"and I invite ye all to propose your -difficulties. Well then, I was saying -that the soul takes up its first residence -in the feet, that there it begins -to exist, and from the feet it advances -into the body. To experience I -appeal for this fact; and perhaps I am -going to lay the first foundations of -experimental metaphysics.</p> - -<p>"We have all experienced in our infancy, -that the benumbed soul remains -whole months in a state of -sleepiness. At that time the eyes -open without seeing, the mouth without -speaking, and the ears without -hearing. 'Tis elsewhere that the -soul endeavours to stretch itself and -awake; 'tis in other members that she -practises her first functions. 'Tis by -the feet that a child gives notice of -his formation. His body, head and -arms are immoveable in the mother's -womb; but his feet unfold and extend -themselves, and give proofs of -his existence, and perhaps of his exigences. -When he is on the point of -birth, what would become of his -head, body and arms? They would -never come out of their confinement, -had they not been assisted by the feet: -here the feet act the principal part, -and drive the rest of the body before -them. Such is the order of nature; -and whenever any other member -attempts to lead the van; when -the head, for example, takes the -place of the feet; every thing goes -wrong, and God knows what is the -consequence sometimes, both to the -mother and the child.</p> - -<p>"Is the child born? 'tis still in the -feet that the chief motions are performed. -We are obliged to confine -them: and this is never done without -some reluctance on their part. The -head is a block, with which we do -what we will; but the feet are sensible -of, shake off the yoke, and seem -jealous of the liberty, of which they -are deprived.</p> - -<p>"Is the child able to stand alone? -the feet make a thousand efforts to -move; they put every thing into action: -they command the other members, -and the obedient hands lean -against the walls, and advance forward -to prevent or break the falls, -and facilitate the action of the feet.</p> - -<p>"Whither do all the thoughts of a -child tend, what are his pleasures, -when, secure on his legs, his feet have -acquired the habit of moving? To -exercise them, to go to and fro', to -run, to leap, to bounce. This turbulence -pleases us, we take it for a -mark of sense; and we predict the -future stupidity of the child, when -we see him indolent and sullen. Have -you a mind to vex a child of four -years old? make him sit down for a -quarter of an hour, or imprison him -between four chairs: he will grow -peevish and ill-humor'd: for 'tis not -his legs alone that you deprive of exercise, -'tis his soul that you hold in -captivity.</p> - -<p>"The soul remains in the feet to -the age of two or three years; at four -it inhabits the legs; it gets up to the -knees and thighs at fifteen. Then -we love dancing, fencing, riding, -and the other violent bodily exercises. -This is the predominant passion of all -young folks, and the madness of -some. What! does not the soul reside -in those places, where she almost -only manifests herself, and where she -feels the most agreeable sensations? -But if her residence varies in infancy -and youth, why should it not vary -thro' every stage of life?"</p> - -<p>Mirzoza pronounced this discourse -with such rapidity as made her pant. -Selim, one of the Sultan's favorites, -embraced the moment while she was -taking breath, and said to her: -"Madam, I will make use of the -liberty you have granted the company, -of proposing their objections. -Your system is ingenious, -and you have delivered it with -equal grace and clearness: but I -am not so far seduced by it, as to -think it stands demonstrated. Methinks -one may say, that even in -infancy 'tis the head that commands -the feet, and from thence the spirits -flow, which, by means of the -nerves, running into all the members, -stop or move them at the -will of the soul seated on the pineal -gland: just as we see his -highness's orders issuing from the -sublime Porte, which set all his -subjects in action."</p> - -<p>"Doubtless," replied Mirzoza, "but -one would tell me a very obscure -thing; to which I should give no -other answer than by an experienced -fact. In infancy we have no certainty -that the head thinks; and even -you, my lord, who have so good an -one, and who in your tender years -passed for a prodigy of reason, do -you remember that you thought at -that time? But you might well assert, -that when you gamboled about like a -little Dæmon, so as to drive your governants -out of their wits, your feet then -governed your head."</p> - -<p>"That proves nothing," said the -Sultan. "Selim was lively, and so are a -thousand other children. They do -not reflect, but they think: time -slips away, the remembrance of -things wears out, and they remember -not that they thought."</p> - -<p>"But by what part did they think," -replied Mirzoza: "for that is the point -in dispute?"</p> - -<p>"By the head," answered Selim.</p> - -<p>"What! always this head, into which -one cannot peep," replied the Sultana. -"Pray, drop your dark lanthorn, in -which you suppose a light, that is seen -by none but by him who carries it: -hear my experiment, and own the -truth of my hypothesis. It is so constantly -true, that the soul begins its -progress in the body by the feet, that -there are some of both sexes, in whom -it never rose higher. My lord, you -have admired Nini's nimbleness and -Saligo's feats of activity a thousand -times: answer me then sincerely, do -you think that these creatures have -their souls any where else but in their -legs? And have you not remarked, -that in Volucer and Zelindor the head -is submissive to the feet? The eternal -temptation of a dancer is to contemplate -his legs. At every step his attentive -eye follows his paces, and his -head bows respectuously before his -feet, as do before his highness his invincible -Pacha's."</p> - -<p>"I allow the observation," said Selim: -"but I deny that it is a general -one."</p> - -<p>"Nor do I pretend," replied Mirzoza, -"that the soul always fixes in the -feet: she advances, she travels, she -quits a part, returns to it, and quits -it again; but I maintain that the other -members are subordinate to that -which she inhabits. All this varies -according to the age, temper and circumstances; -and thence arises the -difference of tastes, the diversity of -inclinations and characters. Do you -not admire the fecundity of my principle? -And is not its certainty evinced -by the number of phænomena, to -which it extends?"</p> - -<p>"Madam," answered Selim, "if you -applied it to some in particular, perhaps -it might give us a degree of -conviction, which we have not yet acquired."</p> - -<p>"Most willingly," replied Mirzoza, -who began to be sensible of the advantages -she gain'd: "you shall be satisfied, -only follow the chain of my -notions. I do not pretend to make -arguments in form. I speak from -my heart; this is the philosophy of -our sex, and you understand it almost -as well as we. It is probable enough," added -she, "that the soul occupies the -feet and legs to the age of eight or -ten: but about that time, or rather -later, she quits that lodging, either -of her own free motion, or by force. -By force, when a tutor employs certain -machines to drive her out of her -native place, and lead her into the -brain; where she is metamorphosed -generally into memory, and seldom -or never into judgment. This is the -fate of school-boys. In like manner, -if a weak governant labours hard to -form a young girl, stuffs her mind -with knowledge, and neglects the -heart and morals; the soul rapidly -flies towards the head, stops on the -tongue, or fixes in the eyes; and her -scholar is but a tiresome pratler, or a -coquet.</p> - -<p>"Thus the voluptuous woman is she -whose soul occupies her Toy, and -never strays from it.</p> - -<p>"The woman of gallantry, she -whose soul is sometimes in her Toy, -and sometimes in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"The affectionate woman, she whose -soul is habitually in the heart, but -sometimes also in her Toy.</p> - -<p>"The virtuous woman, she whose -soul is sometimes in her head, sometimes -in her heart, but never any -where else.</p> - -<p>"If the soul fixes in the heart, she -forms the characters of sensibility, -compassion, truth, generosity. If -she quits the heart without returning -thither, and retires to the head; then -she forms those whom we call hardhearted, -ungrateful, deceitful, cruel -men.</p> - -<p>"The class of those, in whom the -soul visits the head merely as a country-house, -where its stay is short, is -very numerous. It is composed of -<i>Petits-Maitres</i>, coquets, musicians, -poets, romancers, courtiers, and all -those who are called pretty women. -Listen to the reasoning of these entities, -and you will instantly discern -vagabond souls, which are influenced -by the different climes they -inhabit."</p> - -<p>"If that be the case," said Selim, -"nature has formed many useless -things. And yet our sages hold as -a constant maxim, that she has -produced nothing in vain."</p> - -<p>"Drop your sages and their lofty -expressions," answered Mirzoza; "and -as to nature, let us consider her with -the eyes of experience only, and we -shall learn from her, that she has -placed the soul in the body of man, as -in a spacious palace, of which she does -not always occupy the most beautiful -appartment. The head and heart are -principally destined for her, as the -center of virtue, and the residence of -truth: but most commonly she stops -on the road, and prefers a garret, a -suspicious place, a miserable inn, -where she drops asleep in perpetual -drunkenness. Ah! If I were allowed -for twenty-four hours only, to settle -the world according to my fancy, I -would divert you with a very strange -sight: in a moment I would deprive -each soul of the superfluous parts of -its habitation; and you would see -each individual characterised by the -part left him. Thus dancers would -be reduced to two feet, or two legs -at most; singers to a throat; most -women to a Toy; hero's and prize-fighters -to an armed hand; certain -learned men to a skull without brains; -a female gamester should be stinted to -two hands incessantly shuffling the cards; -a glutton to two jaws always in motion; -a coquet to two eyes; a rake -to the sole instrument of his passion; -the ignorant and lazy to nothing."</p> - -<p>"If you leave the women any hands -at all," interrupted the Sultan, "those -men whom you would reduce to the -sole instrument of their passions, -would be pursued. This chace -would be a pleasant sight: and if the -sex was as greedy of this game every -where else as in Congo, the species -would soon be extinct."</p> - -<p>"But," said Selim to the favorite, -"of what would you compose affectionate -and sensible women, constant -and faithful lovers?"</p> - -<p>"Of a heart," answered Mirzoza; -"and I well know," added she, darting -a tender glance on Mangogul, "that, -to which mine would wish to be -united."</p> - -<p>The Sultan could not stand against -this declaration: he sprung from his -seat to the favorite: the courtiers disappear'd, -and the new philosopher's chair -became the theatre of their pleasures: -he gave her repeated proofs that he -was not less charmed with her sentiments -than with her discourse; and -the philosophic equipage was thrown -into disorder. Mirzoza return'd the -black petticoats to her women, sent -my lord Seneschal his enormous peruke, -and to <i>Monsieur l'Abbé</i> his -square cap, with assurances that he -should be on the list at the next nomination. -What would he not have -attained, if he had been a genius? -A seat in the academy was the least -reward that he could expect: but unluckily -he knew but two or three -hundred words, and had never been -able from that stock, to compass the -composing of two <i>Ritournelles</i>.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXVII" id="CHAP_XXVII">CHAP. XXVII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Sequel of the preceding conversation.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul was the only person -that had given attention to -Mirzoza's philosophic lecture without -interrupting her; and as he was pretty -much inclined to contradict, she was -astonish'd at it. "Does the Sultan -allow my system from beginning to -end?" said she within herself. "No, -that is not probable: has he found -it too bad to deign to attack it? -that may be. My notions are not -the most just that have been broach'd -to this day; I grant it: but neither -are they the most false; and I am -apt to think that worse have been -invented."</p> - -<p>In order to clear up this doubt, the -favorite resolved to ask some questions -of Mangogul. "Well, prince," said -she, "what are your thoughts of -my system?" "It is admirable," answered -the Sultan; "I find but one defect -in it." "What defect is that?" -replied the favorite. "It is," said -Mangogul, "that it is as false as false -can be. Pursuant to your notions, -we must all be endowed with souls: -now observe, my soul's delight, that -there is not common sense in this supposition. -I have a soul: there is -an animal that acts most part of the -time as if he had none; and perhaps -in reality he has none, even -while he acts as if he had one. But -he has a nose made like mine; -I feel that I have a soul, and that I -think: therefore that animal has a -soul, and thinks likewise. This -argument has been made use of above -a thousand years, and it has been impertinent -full as long."</p> - -<p>"I own," said the favorite, "that it -is not always evident that others -think." "And add," replied Mangogul, -"that it is evident on an hundred -occasions that they do not think." -"But in my opinion," says Mirzoza, -"it would be going a great length, -to infer from thence, that they never -have or ever will think. A -person is not always a beast, for -having been so sometimes; and -your highness——"</p> - -<p>Mirzoza, fearing to offend the -Sultan, stopt short. "Continue, -madam," said Mangogul, "I understand -you; would you not have -said, has my highness never acted -the beast? I answer you, that I -have now and then, and that even -I excused others for taking me for -such: for you may easily imagine, -that they did not fail so to do, tho' -they dared not to speak out."——"Ah! -prince," cried the favorite, "if -men refused a soul to the greatest monarch -upon earth, to whom could -they allow one?"</p> - -<p>"Pray, forbear compliments," says -Mangogul. "I have for a moment -laid down the crown and scepter. I -have ceased to be Sultan, in order to -be a philosopher, and I can hear -and speak the truth. I believe I -have given you proofs of the one; -and you have hinted to me, without -offending me, and quite at your -ease, that I have been sometimes no -better than a beast. Permit me -thoroughly to fulfil the duties of -my new character.</p> - -<p>"Far from agreeing with you," -continued he, "that every creature -that has legs, arms, hands, eyes -and ears as I have, possesses a soul -like me; I declare to you, that I -am absolutely perswaded, that three -fourths of the men and all the women -are but mere machines."</p> - -<p>"There may possibly be as much -truth," answered the favorite, "as politeness -in what you say."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" says the Sultan, "madam -seems to be angry: and why the -devil do you take it into your head -to philosophize, if you will not allow -one to speak the truth? Is it in -the schools that politeness is to be -sought for? I have left you full -elbow-room; pray, allow me the -same, if you please. Well, then, -I was saying, that ye are all beasts."</p> - -<p>"Yes, prince; and this is what remained -to be proved," added Mirzoza.</p> - -<p>"Nothing more easy," answered -the Sultan. Then he set about -detailing all the impertinences which -had been said over and over, with as -little wit and delicacy as possible, -against a sex which possesses both -these qualities in a sovereign degree. -Never was Mirzoza's patience put to -a greater trial; and you would -never be so tired in your whole life, -as if I related all Mangogul's reasonings. -This prince, who did not -want good sense, was that day absurd -beyond all comprehension: of which -you shall be a judge. "It is so true, -by Jupiter," said he, "that a woman -is but an animal, that I'll wager, if -I turn Cucufa's ring on my mare, I -shall make her speak like a woman."</p> - -<p>"Without doubt," answered Mirzoza, -"there is the strongest argument -that has ever been, or ever will be -made against us." Then she burst out -into a loud fit of laughter. Mangogul, -vexed to see no end to her laughter, -went out in a hurry, resolved to -try the whimsical experiment, which -occur'd to his imagination.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets004"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_004.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">The mare of Sultan Mangogul.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXVIII" id="CHAP_XXVIII">CHAP. XXVIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Thirteenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Little Mare.</h4> - - -<p>I am not a great portrait-maker. -I have exempted the reader from -that of the favorite Sultana; but I can -never condescend to remit him that -of the Sultan's mare. She was of a -middling size, and had a pretty good -gait; the chief fault found with her -in that regard was, that she did not -bridle her head sufficiently. Her colour -was white, with blue eyes, small -hoofs, clean legs, firm hams, and light -haunches. She had been taught to -dance for a long time, and she made -her bows like a master of the ceremonies. -Upon the whole she was a -pretty beast enough, and remarkably -gentle: she was easily mounted, but -one must be an excellent horseman to -be able to keep the saddle. She had -belong'd to the senator Aaron: but on -a fine evening the skittish creature -took fright, threw the judge, and ran -full speed to the Sultan's studs, carrying -with her the saddle, bridle, furniture, -housings and caparisons of -value; which became her so well, that -it was not thought proper to send them -back.</p> - -<p>Mangogul went into his stables, accompanied -by his first secretary Ziguezague. -"Listen attentively," said he, -"and write."——That very instant -he turn'd his ring on the mare, -which fell to leaping, prancing, -kicking, bouncing, and neighing under -the tail.——"Where are your -thoughts," said the prince to his secretary, -"write then."——"Sultan," -replied Ziguezague, "I wait till your -highness begins."——"My mare," -says Mangogul, "will dictate to you this -once, write."</p> - -<p>Ziguezague, whom this order reduced -too low in his own opinion, -assumed the liberty of representing to -the Sultan, that he would always -esteem it a high honour to be his secretary, -but not that of his mare. -"Write, I tell you," said the Sultan -again. "Prince, I cannot," replied -Ziguezague: "I know not the orthography -of this sort of words."——"Write -however," said the Sultan -once more——"I am excessively -mortified, to be obliged to disobey -your highness," added Ziguezague; -"but"——"But you are a scoundrel," -interrupted Mangogul, incensed at -a refusal so much out of place; -"quit my palace, and never appear -there more."</p> - -<p>Poor Ziguezague disappear'd, having -learn'd by experience, that a man -of spirit ought not to enter the palaces -of most part of the great, without -leaving his sentiments at the gate. -His deputy was called. He was a -Provencal, frank, honest, and thoroughly -disinterested. He flew whither -he thought his duty and fortune -called him, made a low bow to the -Sultan, a lower still to his mare, and -wrote every thing that the beast -vouchsafed to dictate.</p> - -<p>I must beg leave to refer those, who -are curious to know her discourse, to -the archives of Congo. This prince -immediately ordered copies of it to -be distributed among all his interpreters -and professors of foreign languages, -both ancient and modern. One -said, that it was a scene of some old -Greek tragedy, which to him appear'd -very moving; another, by the -strength of his genius discovered, -that it was an important fragment of -Egyptian theology: a third pretended, -that it was the Exordium of Hannibal's -funeral oration in the Punic language; -and a fourth asserted, that the piece -was writ in Chinese, and that it was -a very devout prayer to Confucius.</p> - -<p>While the Litterati were trying -the Sultan's patience with their learned -conjectures, he recollected Gulliver's -travels, and made no doubt, but that -a person, who had lived so long as -this Englishman, in an island, where -horses have a government, laws, kings, -gods, priests, a religion, temples and -altars, and who seemed so perfectly -well instructed in their manners and -customs, was a thorough master of -their language. Accordingly Gulliver -read and interpreted the mare's -discourse off hand, notwithstanding -the orthographical errors, with which -it abounded. Nay, it is the only -good translation of it in all Congo. -Mangogul learned for his own private -satisfaction, and for the honour of -his system, that it was an historical -abridgment of the amours of an -old Pacha of three tails with the little -mare, which had been attack'd by an -infinite number of jack-asses before -him: a singular anecdote, the truth -of which however was not unknown, -either to the Sultan, or to any other -person at court, at Banza, and in the -rest of the empire.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets005"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_005.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">The dream of Sultan Mangogul.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXIX" id="CHAP_XXIX">CHAP. XXIX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The best perhaps, and the least read of -this history.</i></h4> - -<h4><i>Mangogul's dream, or a voyage -into the region of hypotheses.</i></h4> - - -<p>"Waa," says Mangogul, yawning -and rubbing his eyes, "my -head achs. Let nobody evermore talk -philosophy to me. Such conversations -are unwholsome. Last night I lay on -empty ideas; and instead of sleeping -like a Sultan, my brain work'd more -than those of my ministers do in a -year. You laugh; but to convince -you that I do not exaggerate, and to -take my revenge for the bad night -which your reasonings gave me, I enjoin -you the penance of hearing my -dream in its full extent.</p> - -<p>"As soon as I began to nod, and -my imagination to take its flight, I -saw an odd animal bounce by my side. -He had the head of an eagle, the -feet of a griffon, the body of a horse, -and the tail of a lion. I seized him, -notwithstanding his prancing; and -holding by his mane, I nimbly -sprung on his back. Immediately -he spread out long wings, which issued -from his flanks, and I felt myself -carried in the air with incredible -swiftness.</p> - -<p>"After driving a vast way, I espied, -in the emptiness of space, a building -suspended as by enchantment. It was -a vast one. I will not say that it was -faulty in its foundation; for it had -none. Its columns, which were not -half a foot in diameter, ran up out of -sight, and supported arches, which -would not have been visible, were it -not for the symmetrical lights made -in them.</p> - -<p>"At the entrance into this edifice it -was that my beast first stop'd. At first -I was in a doubt whether I should -alight: for I apprehended less danger -in sitting on my hippogriffon, than -in walking under this portico. However, -encouraged by the multitude -of its inhabitants, and by a remarkable -security, which was predominant -in their countenances, I alight, go -forward, mix with the crowd, and -make my observations on those that -composed it.</p> - -<p>"They were old men, either bloated -or feeble; without <i>Embonpoint</i> and -strength, and almost all deform'd. -The head of one was too little, the -arms of another too short. One was -hump-back'd, another bandy-legg'd. -Most of them had no feet, and walk'd -on crutches. A breath threw them -down, and they remain'd on the -ground, till some new comer was -pleased to lift them up. All these -defects notwithstanding, they pleased -at first sight. They had in their -physiognomy somewhat engaging and -confident. They were almost naked: -for all their cloathing consisted of -a small rag of stuff, which did not -cover the hundredth part of their -body.</p> - -<p>"I continued to pierce the crowd, -and got to the foot of a rostrum, -for which a cobweb served as a canopy. -The boldness of this rostrum -was of a piece with that of the building. -To me it seemed placed on the -point of a needle, and to support itself -there in æquilibrio. I trembled -a hundred times for the person, who -was in it. He was an old man, with -a long beard, as wither'd and naked -as any of his disciples: he had a cup -full of a subtil fluid before him, into -which he dipp'd a straw-pipe; then -put it to his mouth, and blew bubbles -to a crowd of spectators around him, -who were using their utmost endeavours -to drive them up to the -clouds.</p> - -<p>"'Where am I?' said I to myself, -all in confusion at these childish -tricks. 'What means this blower -of bubbles, and all these decrepit -infants employ'd in making them -fly about? Who will let me into -the secret of these things?'—Besides, -the little scraps of stuff had -struck me; and I observed that the -larger they were, the less those that -wore them interested themselves in the -bubbles. This singular remark embolden'd -me to accost him, who was -the least undress'd of the company.</p> - -<p>"I saw one, whose shoulders were -half covered with pieces so well fitted -together, that the seams were not to -be seen. He walk'd forward and -backward in the crowd, with very -little concern for what they were doing. -He had an affable air, a smiling -mouth, a noble gait, a mild look; -and I went directly to him, and asked -him without ceremony: 'Who are -you? Where am I? And who -are all these folks?'—He answered, -'I am Plato. You are in the region -of hypotheses, and these folks -are systematics.' 'But by what -chance,' replied I, 'is the divine -Plato here, and what does he do -among these madmen?'—'Raising -recruits,' said he. 'At a distance from -this Portico I have a sanctuary, whither -I conduct those who abandon -systems.' 'And how do you employ -them?' 'In knowing man, -practising virtue, and sacrificing to -the graces'—'These are noble employments: -but what mean these -shreds of fluff, whereby you look -more like beggers than philosophers?'—'Oh! -what a question do -you propose to me,' said he with a -sigh, 'and what thoughts do you bring -back to my mind? This temple was -formerly that of philosophy. Alas! -how much this place is changed! The -chair of Socrates was here.'—'How,' -said I, interrupting him, 'had Socrates -a straw, and did he blow -bubbles?'—'No, no,' replied Plato, -'it was not by such means that he -merited of the Gods the name of the -wisest of men. His constant occupation, -during life, was forming heads -and hearts. The secret was lost at -his death. Socrates died, and the -bright days of philosophy were no -more. These pieces of stuff, which -those very systematics think it an honour -to wear, are scraps of his garment. -Scarcely had his eyes been -closed, when those, who aspired to -the title of philosophers, seized his -robe, and tore it in pieces.' 'I understand,' -said I, 'these pieces served -as tickets both to them and their -long posterity.'—'Who will collect -these scraps,' continued Plato, 'and -restore us Socrates's robe?</p> - -<p>"While he was uttering these words, -I saw at a distance a child walking -towards us in a slow but sure pace. -He had a little head, slender body, -weak arms and short legs: but all -these parts increased in all dimensions, -according as he came forward. In -the progress of his successive growth, -he appear'd to me under a hundred -different forms; I saw him directing -a long telescope towards the heavens, -estimating the fall of bodies by means -of a pendulum, determining the -weight of the air by a tube fill'd with -quicksilver, and discomposing light -with a prism. He was now become -an enormous Colossus: his head touch'd -the heavens, his feet were lost in the -abyss, and his arms reach'd from one -to the other pole. With his right -hand he brandished a torch, whose -light spread a vast way in the sky, enlightened -even the bottom of the waters, -and penetrated into the entrails -of the earth. I ask'd Plato, what -that gigantic figure was, that was -coming towards us. 'It is experience,' -said he. Scarcely had he made me -this short answer, when I saw experience -draw near, and the columns of -the portico of hypotheses to shake, -its arches to sink in, and its pavement -to crack under our feet. 'Let -us fly,' said Plato, 'let us fly: this -edifice has but a moment to stand.' -At these words he departs, and I follow -him. The Colossus arrives, strikes -the portico, it tumbles down with a -frightful noise, and I awake."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Prince," cried Mirzoza, "'tis -you that ought to dream. I would -indeed be very glad, that you had -had a good night: but now that I -know your dream, I should be very -sorry that you had not dream'd it."</p> - -<p>"Madam," said Mangogul, "I could -point out nights better spent than that -of this dream, which gives you so -much pleasure; and if I had been -master of making the journey, or -not; it is very probable, that, not -hoping to find you in the country -of hypotheses, I should have bent -my course elsewhere. And then, -either I should not have the head-ach, -which I actually feel, or at least I -should have reason to make myself -easy under it."</p> - -<p>"Prince," replied Mirzoza, "it is to -be hoped, that it will soon go off; -and that one or two experiments of -your ring will rid you of it." "I must -try," said Mangogul. The conversation -lasted some time longer between -the Sultan and Mirzoza; so that he -did not quit her till eleven, when he -went upon the expedition related in -the following chapter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXX" id="CHAP_XXX">CHAP. XXX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Fourteenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The mute Toy.</h4> - - -<p>Of all the ladies, who shone at -the Sultan's court, none had -more charms and wit than young -Egle, the wife of his highness's great -cupbearer. She was of all Mangogul's -parties, who was much taken -with the chearfulness of her conversation: -and as if there could be -neither pleasure nor amusement without -Egle, she was also of all the parties -of the grandees of his court. -Balls, public diversions, drawing -rooms, feasts, private suppers, hunting -matches, play, every where Egle -was invited, and every where she appear'd: -it seem'd as if the taste of -amusements multiplied her, according -to the will of those who desired her -company. Wherefore it is needless -to say, that if no woman was as much -sought after as Egle, there was none -so diffused.</p> - -<p>She had been always pursued by a -crowd of lovers, and people were -persuaded that she had not treated -them all with severity. Whether it -were inadvertence, or thorough good -nature, her common politeness frequently -resembled premeditated regard: -and those who endeavour'd to -gain her, sometimes read affection in -her eyes, when she never intended -more than affability. Neither caustic, -nor detracting, she never open'd her -mouth but to say pleasing things: -which she did with such spirit and -vivacity, that on several occasions, -her encomiums raised a suspicion that -she had a choice to justify. Thus it -appears, that those, of whom Egle -was the ornament and delight, were -unworthy of her.</p> - -<p>It was natural to think, that a -woman, in whom no fault perhaps -was to be found, but an excess of -goodness, ought to have no enemies. -Yet she had some, and very bitter -ones. The devouts of Banza found -that she had too free an air, and -somewhat too loose in her carriage; -saw nothing in her conduct but a -rage of worldly pleasures; inferred -thence, that her morals were equivocal -at least, and charitably insinuated -this to all those that would hear -them.</p> - -<p>The court ladies did not treat Egle -with greater tenderness. They suspected -her intimacies, gave her gallants, -even honored her with some -great adventures, made her a party -concerned in others: they knew -particulars, and quoted witnesses. -"Good," whispered they, "she has -been surprized <i>tête à tête</i> with -Melraim in one of the groves of -the great park. Egle does not -want wit," added they; "but Melraim -has too much good sense to -be amused with her speeches alone, -at ten at night, in a grove."—"You -are mistaken," said a <i>Petit-Maitre</i>, -"I have walked with her -a hundred times in the dusk of -the evening, and found my account -in it. But <i>à propos</i>, do you -know that Zulemar is daily at her -toilette?"—"Doubtless, we know -it, and that she has no toilette -but when her husband is in waiting -at court."——"Poor Celebi," continued -another, "indeed his wife advertises -him by the aigrette and -diamond buckles, which she received -of the pacha Ismael."——"Is -that true, madam?"——"It is strict -truth, I have it from her own -mouth: but in the name of Brama -let this go no farther. Egle -is my friend, and I should be -very sorry"——"Alas," cried a third -sorrowfully, "the poor little creature -ruins herself very chearfully. -A great pity truly. But twenty -intrigues at a time, that seems rather -too much."</p> - -<p>The <i>Petits-Maitres</i> were not more -sparing of her. One related a hunting -match, in which she and he lost -themselves together. Another, out -of respect for the sex, suppress'd -the consequences of a very smart -conversation he held with her at a -masquerade, where he met her. A -third made a panegyric on her wit -and charms, and ended it by shewing -her portrait, which he declared -he had from the best hands. "This -portrait," said a fourth, "is more -like her than that, of which she -made a present to Jenaki."</p> - -<p>These stories at length came to -her husband's ears. Celebi loved -his wife, but still with such decency, -that no body had the least suspicion -of it. He repulsed the first -reports, but they return'd to the -charge from so many quarters, that -he thought his friends more clear-sighted -than himself: and the more -liberty he had granted to Egle, the -more he suspected that she had -abused it. Jealousy took possession -of his soul. He began by cramping -his wife. Egle bore this change -of behaviour with the greater impatience, -as she was conscious of her -innocence. Her vivacity and the -advices of her female friends, hurried -her into inconsiderate deportment, -which made all the appearances -turn against her, and had -like to cost her her life. The violent -Celebi for some time rack'd his -brain with a thousand projects of -revenge, steel, poison, the fatal noose, -&c. and at length resolved on a -slower and more cruel punishment, -by confining her to his country -seat: which is death indeed to a -court lady. In a word, orders are -given: Egle is inform'd of her destiny: -he is insensible to her tears -and deaf to her reasons, and she -is banish'd two hundred miles from -Banza, to an old castle, where she -is allowed no other company than -two maids and four black eunuchs, -who continually watch her.</p> - -<p>Scarcely was she set out, when -she was innocent. The <i>Petits-Maitres</i> -forgot her adventures; the women -forgave her her wit and charms, -and all the world bemoaned her. -Mangogul was apprized, from Celebi's -own mouth, of his motives -for the dreadful resolution he had -taken against his wife, and seem'd -to be the only person that approved -it.</p> - -<p>The wretched Egle had already -groaned near six months under her -exile, when Kerfael's adventure happened. -Mirzoza wish'd she might -prove innocent, but durst not indulge -those flattering hopes. However, -she one day said to the Sultan: -"Prince, might not your -ring, which has saved Kerfael's -life, put an end to Egle's banishment? -But I forget myself: -in order to that, her Toy should -be consulted; and the poor recluse -is dying with grief two -hundred miles hence."——"You -interest yourself much," answered -Mangogul, "in Egle's fate." "Yes -Prince," said Mirzoza; "especially -if she is innocent." "You shall -have tydings of this affair within -an hour," replied Mangogul. "Do -you not remember the properties of -my ring?"——At these words, he -went into the garden, turn'd his -ring, and in less than fifteen minutes -was in the park of the castle wherein -Egle dwelt.</p> - -<p>There he espied Egle alone and -overwhelm'd with sorrow: her head -was leaning on her hand, she was -tenderly repeating her husband's -name, and with her tears she was -watering the green turf, on which -she sate. Mangogul drawing near -turn'd his ring on her, and Egle's -Toy said in a mournful strain: "I -love Celebi." The Sultan waited -for the sequel; but as it came -not, he had recourse to his ring, -which he rubb'd two or three times -against his hat, before he levell'd -it on Egle: but his labour was vain. -The Toy repeated: "I love Celebi," -and stop'd short. "There is -a very discreet Toy," said the Sultan. -"Let us try once more, and -ply it closer." Whereupon he gave -to his ring all the energy, which -it was capable of receiving, and -turn'd it nimbly on Egle: but her -Toy continued mute. It either constantly -kept silence, or broke it -only by repeating these plaintive -words: "I love Celebi, and have -never loved any other man."</p> - -<p>Mangogul, being thoroughly satisfied, -returned to Mirzoza in fifteen -minutes. "What, Prince," said -she, "return'd already. Well, what -have you learnt? Do you bring -fresh matter for our conversations?" -"I bring nothing," answered -the Sultan. "What! nothing?"—"Nothing -at all. I never knew a -Toy so silent: I could get nothing -from it but these words. 'I love -Celebi, I love Celebi, and have -never loved any other man.'" "Ah! -Prince," replied Mirzoza with vivacity, -"what do you tell me? -What happy news! There is one -virtuous woman found at last. -Will you suffer her to remain -longer miserable?" "No," answered -Mangogul: "her banishment shall be -at an end, but have you no apprehensions -that it may be at the expence -of her virtue? Egle is chaste, -but consider, my heart's delight, -what you require of me; to re-call -her to my court, in order that she -may continue so: however you shall -be satisfied."</p> - -<p>The Sultan sent for Celebi immediately, -and told him; that having -made a strict inquiry into the reports -spread abroad concerning Egle, he -had found them false and calumnious, -and commanded him to bring -her back to court. Celebi obey'd, -and presented his wife to Mangogul: -she was going to throw herself at his -highness's feet, but the Sultan stopping -her said: "Madam, thank -Mirzoza. Her friendship for you -determined me to clear up the -truth of the facts imputed to you. -Continue to embellish my court; -but remember that a pretty woman -sometimes does herself as much -mischief by acts of imprudence, -as by adventures."</p> - -<p>The very next day Egle waited on -the Manimonbanda, who received her -with a smile. The <i>Petits-Maitres</i> redoubled -their insipidities towards her, -and the women all ran to embrace -and give her joy, and began again -to tear her in pieces.</p> - - -<h5>End of the First Volume.</h5> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/cover02.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXI" id="CHAP_XXXI">CHAP. XXXI.</a></h5> - -<h4>Was Mangogul in the right?</h4> - - -<p>From the time that Mangogul -had received the fatal present of Cucufa, -the ridicules and vices of -the sex were become the eternal subject -of his jokes: he was never done -with them, and his favorite's patience -was frequently quite tired out. Now, -two cruel effects of this teizing on her, -as well as on many others, was to put -her into a bad humor, and to sour her -temper. At those times woe to him -that came near her: she made no distinction -of persons, and the Sultan -himself was not spared.</p> - -<p>"Prince," said she to him, in one -of these peevish fits, "tho' you are -so knowing in many things, perhaps -you do not know the news of -the day."——"What is it?" said -Mangogul.——"It is, that every -morning you get by heart three -pages of Brantome, or of Ouville: -people do not determine which of -these two profound writers you prefer"——"They -are mistaken, madam," -answered Mangogul, "'tis Crebillon, -that"——"O, pray don't -excuse yourself from that sort of -reading," interrupted the favorite. -"The new calumnies that are invented -on us, are so insipid, that it is -better to revive the old. Truly -there are very good things in this -same Brantome: if to these little -stories you add three or four chapters -of Bayle, you alone will in a -thrice have as much wit as the marquiss -D'——, and the Chevalier -de Mouhi. That would spread a surprising -variety on your conversation. -When you have equipped -the ladies from head to foot, you -might then fall on the Pagoda's; -and from the Pagoda's you might -return on the women. In truth, -all that you want to make you quite -diverting, is a small collection of -impieties."</p> - -<p>"You are in the right, madam," answered -Mangogul, "and I will take care -to lay in a good stock. He who is -afraid of being duped in this world -and the next, cannot be too much -upon his guard against the power of -the Pagoda's, the probity of men, and -virtue of women."</p> - -<p>"Then, in your opinion, this -virtue is a very ambiguous thing?" -replied Mirzoza. "More so than -you imagine," answered Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"Prince," returned Mirzoza, "you -have a hundred times talk'd to me -of your ministers as the honestest -men in Congo. I have so often patiently -heard the praises of your -Seneschal, of the governors of your -provinces, of your secretaries, of -your treasurer, in a word, of all -your officers, that I am able to -repeat them by memory word for -word. It is strange, that the object -of your tenderness should be -the only person excepted from the -good opinion, which you have conceived -of those who have the honor -of being near your person."</p> - -<p>"And who told you that it is so?" -replied the Sultan. "Be perswaded, -madam, that the discourses, true or -false, which I make on women, do -by no means concern you, unless you -think proper to represent the sex in -general.——"</p> - -<p>"I should not advise madam to that," -added Selim, who was present at this -conversation. "She would gain nothing -by it but defects."</p> - -<p>"I do not," answered Mirzoza, -"relish compliments which are addressed -to me at the expence of my -sex. When any one takes it into -his head to praise me, I could wish -that nobody suffered by it. Most -of the fine speeches which are offered -to us, are like the sumptuous -entertainments which your -highness receives from your Pacha's: -they are always at the expence -of the public."</p> - -<p>"Let us pass that by," said Mangogul. -"But sincerely, are you not convinced -that the virtue of the women of Congo -is but a mere chimæra? Pray observe, -my soul's delight, what the -present fashionable education is, what -examples mothers set to their daughters, -and how the head of a pretty -woman is filled with the notion, that -to confine herself to domestic affairs, -to manage her family, and keep to -her husband, is to lead a dismal life, -to be eat up with vapors, and to bury -herself alive. And at the same time we -men are so forward, and a young unexperienced -girl is so raptured with being -attack'd. I have said that virtuous women -were rare, excessively rare; and -far from changing my sentiment, I -might add freely, that 'tis surprizing -they are not more so. Ask Selim what -he thinks of the matter."</p> - -<p>"Prince," answered Mirzoza, "Selim -has too great obligations to our sex, -to tear them in pieces without -mercy."</p> - -<p>"Madam," said Selim, "his highness, -who could not possibly meet with -cruel women, ought naturally to think -of the sex as he does: and you, who -have the good nature to judge of -others by yourself, can hardly have -any other sentiments than those which -you defend. I will own however, that -I am apt to believe there are women of -sense, to whom the benefits of virtue -are known by experience, and whom -a serious reflection has convinced of -the ill consequences of an irregular -life; women happily born, well educated, -who have learn'd to feel their -duty, who love it, and will never -swerve from it."</p> - -<p>"And not to lose ourselves in speculative -reasoning," added the favorite, -"is not Egle, with all her -sprightliness and charms, a model -of virtue? Prince, you cannot -doubt it, and all Banza knows it -from your mouth: now, if there -be one virtuous woman, there may -be a thousand."</p> - -<p>"Oh! as to the possibility," said -Mangogul, "I dispute it not."</p> - -<p>"But if you allow it possible," replied -Mirzoza, "who has revealed to -you, that they do not actually -exist?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing but their Toys," answered -the Sultan. "And yet I grant that this -evidence does not come up to the -strength of your argument. May I -be transform'd into a mole, if you -have not borrowed it from some Bramin. -Order the Manimonbanda's chaplain -to be called, and he will tell you that -you have proved the existence of virtuous -women, much as he demonstrates -that of Brama, in Braminology. -<i>A propos</i>, have you not taken a course -in that sublime school, before you -entered the Seraglio?"</p> - -<p>"No ill-natured jokes," replied -Mirzoza. "I do not draw my conclusion -from possibility: I ground -it on a fact, on an experiment."</p> - -<p>"Yes," continued Mangogul, "on a -lame fact, on a single experiment; -while, to your certain knowledge, I -have a multitude of trials for my opinion: -but I will not sour your temper -by farther contradictions."</p> - -<p>"It is a favor," said Mirzoza, -"that after two hours teizing, you -cease to persecute me."</p> - -<p>"If I have committed the fault," answered -Mangogul, "I will endeavour -to make amends for it. Madam, I -give up all my past advantages; and -if, in the trials which I shall hereafter -make, I light on a single woman really -and constantly virtuous."——"What -will you do?" interrupted Mirzoza -smartly.</p> - -<p>"I will declare to the world, if you -require it, that I am charmed with -your reasoning on the possibility of -virtuous women; I will support the -reputation of your logic with all my -might; and will give you my castle -of Amara, with all the Saxon Porcelaines -which adorn it; even without -excepting the little Sapajou, or red-faced -monkey in Enamel, and the -other valuable nick-nacks, which I -had out of the cabinet of Madame de -Verue."</p> - -<p>"Prince," says Mirzoza, "I will be -content with the Porcelaines of the -castle, and the little monkey."</p> - -<p>"A bargain," replies the Sultan, "Selim -shall be our judge. I only desire -a little respite before I examine Egle's -Toy. The court air, and her husband's -jealousy, must be allowed time -to operate."</p> - -<p>Mirzoza granted a month to Mangogul; -which was double the time he -required: and they parted equally filled -with hope.</p> - -<p>The city of Banza also would have -been full of wagers on either side, if -the Sultan's promise had been divulged. -But Selim kept the secret, and -Mangogul clandestinely prepared for -winning or losing. As he was quitting -the favorite's appartment, he -heard her call out to him from her -closet: "Prince, and the little monkey." -"And the little monkey," answered -Mangogul, and went out. He -was going directly to the private lodge -of a senator, whither we will attend -him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXII" id="CHAP_XXXII">CHAP. XXXII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The fifteenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Alphana.</h4> - - -<p>The Sultan was not ignorant, that -the young lords of the court -had private lodges; but he was lately -informed, that those retreats were -likewise used by some senators. He -was much surprized at this. "What -do they do there?" said he to himself. -(For in this volume he will -keep up the custom of monology, -which he contracted in the first.) "I -should think, that a man, whom I -have entrusted with the tranquillity, -fortune, liberty, and lives of my -people, ought not to have a private -lodge. But perhaps a senator's private -lodge is quite different from -that of a <i>Petit-Maitre</i>. Can a magistrate, -before whom the interests of -the greatest of my subjects are discussed, -who holds the fatal urn, out -of which he is to draw the widow's -lot, can he, I say, forget the dignity -of his state, and the importance -of his duty; and while Cochin fatigues -his lungs in vain by carrying -the cries of the orphan to his ear, -can he be studying subjects of gallantry, -which are to be ornaments -over the door of a place of secret -debauchery? That cannot be.——However, -let us see."</p> - -<p>He said, and departed for Alcanto, -where the senator Hippomanes has his -private lodge. He enters, walks round -the appartments, and examines the furniture. -Every thing has a gay appearance. The -private lodge of Agefilas, the -nicest and most voluptuous of his courtiers, -is not more elegant. He was on -the point of resolving to leave it, -without knowing what to think; (for -besides all the rich beds, the looking-glass -alcoves, the soft sofa's; the cabinet -of exquisite liquors, and every -thing else, were silent witnesses of -what he desired to know:) when he -espied a corpulent figure stretched on -a couch, and sunk in a deep sleep. -He turn'd his ring on her, and from -her Toy he obtained the following -anecdotes.</p> - -<p>"Alphana is the daughter of a -senator. If her mother's life had -been shorter than it was, I should -not have been here. The immense -wealth of the family was squandered -by the old fool: and she left little -or nothing to her four children, -three boys and a girl, whose Toy I -am, alas! to my great misfortune, -and to be sure for my sins. How -many indignities have I suffered! -How many more still remain to be -borne! The world said, that the -cloister agreed very well with the -fortune and figure of my mistress; -but I found it did not suit with me: -I preferred the military art to the -monastic state, and I made my first -campaigns under the Emir Azalaph. -I perfected myself under the great -Nangazaki. But the ingratitude of -the service disgusted me, and made -me quit the sword for the gown. -Thus I am upon the point of belonging -to a little scoundrel of a -senator, quite bloated with his talents, -his wit, his figure, his equipage, -and his birth. I am now -two hours in waiting for him. To -be sure he will come, because his -gentleman has apprized me, that -when he comes, it is his madness to -let people wait a long time."</p> - -<p>Alphana's Toy was thus far advanced, -when Hippomanes arrived. At the -bustle of his train, and the caresses -he bestowed on his favorite grey-hound, -Alphana awoke. "Oh! are -you there, my queen?" says the -little president. "'Tis very difficult -to come at you. How do you like -my little lodge; it is as good as -some others, is it not?"</p> - -<p>Alphana putting on a bashful, shy, -distressed air, "as if we had never seen -a private lodge before," says her Toy, -"and as if I had no share in her adventures," -cried out in a mournful manner. -"My lord president, I take an -unaccountable step for you. The -passion that drags me to you must -surely be very violent, since it shuts -my eyes to the dangers which I incur. -For what would the world -say, if there was any suspicion of -my being here?"</p> - -<p>"You are right," answered Hippomanes; -"your proceeding is liable to -misinterpretations. But you may -rely on my discretion."</p> - -<p>"But," replied Alphana, "I rely also -on your conduct."</p> - -<p>"Oh! as to that," says Hippomanes, "I -shall be very modest: and how is it -possible not to be as devote as an angel -in a private lodge? In truth, you -have a charming neck——"</p> - -<p>"Ha' done," says Alphana, "you break -your word already."</p> - -<p>"Not at all," replies the president: -"but you have not answered my question. -What do you think of this furniture?" -And then turning to his -grey-hound, "come hither, Folly, give -me thy paw, my child. Folly is a -good girl.——Will madam be -pleased to take a turn in the garden? -Let us walk on my terrass, it is a -charming one. I am overlooked by -some of my neighbours, but possibly -they will not know you.—"</p> - -<p>"My lord president, I am not -curious," says Alphana with an air -of dudgeon. "I think we are better -here."</p> - -<p>"Just as you please," answers Hippomanes. -"If you are tired, there is a -bed. If you have the least inclination, -I advise you to try it. Young -Asteria, and little Phenice, who are -great judges, assure me that it is a -good one." While Hippomanes was -talking thus impertinently to Alphana, -he pull'd off her gown by the sleeves, -unlaced her stays, untied her petticoats, -and disengaged her two clumsy -feet from two little slippers.</p> - -<p>When Alphana was almost naked, -then did she perceive that Hippomanes -was undressing her.—"What -are you doing?" cryed she quite -surprized. "President, you don't -consider. I shall be angry in -earnest."</p> - -<p>"Ah, my queen," answered Hippomanes, -"to be angry with a man who -loves you as I do, would be such an -oddity as you are not capable of. -May I presume to entreat you to walk -to this bed?"</p> - -<p>"To this bed," replied Alphana. -"Ah! my lord president, you abuse -my tenderness. I to go into a bed! -I, into a bed!"</p> - -<p>"No, no, my queen," answered Hippomanes. -"That is not the thing, who -desires you to go to it. But you -must, if you please, suffer yourself -to be conducted to it: for you may -easily conclude from your size, that I -cannot be in the humor of carrying -you to it."—Nevertheless he grasped -her about the waist, and making -some efforts, "Oh how weighty she is," -says he. "But, my child, if you do -not lend a helping hand, we shall -never reach it."</p> - -<p>Alphana was sensible that he spoke -truth, lent her assistance, compassed -getting on her legs, advanced towards -that bed, at which she had -been so scared, partly on her own -feet, and partly on the shoulders of -Hippomanes, to whom she pantingly -said: "Surely I must have been a -great fool to come hither. I confided -in your good conduct, and -your extravagance is quite unreasonable."—"Not -at all," answered -the president, "not at all. You see -that what I do is decent, very decent."</p> - -<p>'Tis probable that they said many -other genteel things of this sort; but -as the Sultan did not think proper -to spend more time in attending their -conversation, those things are lost to -posterity. What a pity!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXIII" id="CHAP_XXXIII">CHAP. XXXIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Sixteenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The <i>Petits-Maitres.</i></h4> - - -<p>Twice a week the favorite -kept a drawing room. The -preceding evening she named the women -whom she would willingly see, -and the Sultan gave the list of the -men. The company always came -richly dress'd. The conversation was -either general, or particular. When -the amorous history of the court -fail'd of furnishing real diverting adventures, -stories were invented, and -necessity sometimes compelled them -to run into bad tales; which were -called a continuation of the Arabian -nights entertainments. The men had -the privilege of saying all the extravagant -things that came into their -heads, and the women that of knotting, -while they gave ear to them. -At these meetings, the Sultan and -his favorite put themselves on a level -with their subjects: their presence -gave no sort of check to whatever -could amuse; and people seldom -found the time tedious. Mangogul -had learned early in his life, that -pleasures are not to be found above -the foot of the throne; and no man -descended from it with better grace, -or knew how to put off majesty more -<i>à propos</i>.</p> - -<p>While he was surveying the private -lodge of the Senator Hippomanes, -Mirzoza waited for him in the rose-colour'd -salon, with the youthful -Zaide, the chearful Leocris, the lively -Serica, Amina and Benzaira, the wives -of two Emirs, Orphisa the prude, and -Vetula the great Seneschal's lady, -temporal mother of all the Bramins. -It was not long before he appeared. -He enter'd attended by count Hannetillon -and the chevalier Fadaes. -Alciphenor an old rake, and his disciple -young Marmolin followed him; and -two minutes after, arrived the Pacha -Grifgrif, the Aga Fortimbek, and the -Selictar Velvet-Paw. These were the -most absolute <i>Petits-Maitres</i> of the -court. Mangogul call'd them together -designedly. Having heard a -thousand stories of their gallant exploits, -he resolved to be informed in -such a manner as might banish all future -doubt. "Well, gentlemen," -says he to them, "ye whom nothing -escapes, that passes in the empire of -gallantry, what news from thence? -how far are the Speaking Toys -got."</p> - -<p>"Sir," replied Alciphenor, "the racket -they make encreases daily; and if it -continues, we shall soon not be able -to hear ourselves. But nothing is so diverting -as the indiscretion of Zobeida's -Toy. It has given her husband a -catalogue of her adventures." "And a -prodigious one," says Marmolin: "it -mentions five aga's, twenty captains, -almost an entire company of janissaries, -twelve Bramins: and they say -that I am named too, but that is -a mere joke." "The best past of the -affair is," added Grifgrif, "that the affrighted -husband ran away with his -fingers in his ears."</p> - -<p>"This is quite horrible," said Mirzoza. -"Yes, madam," interrupted -Fortimbek, "horrible, frightful, execrable." -"More than all that, if -you please," replied the favorite, "to -dishonor a woman upon hearsay."</p> - -<p>"Madam, it is literally true, Marmolin -has not added one word to the -story," says Velvet-Paw. "It is fact," -says Grifgrif. "Good," says Hannetillon, -"there is an epigram already handed -about concerning it, and an epigram -is not made for nothing." "But -why should Marmolin be safe from the -prattle of the Toys? Cynara's Toy -has insisted on speaking in its turn, -and to blend me with people, who -do not stake their all. But how to -help that? The right thing is not, to -be disturbed at it," says Velvet-Paw. -"You are right," answered Hannetillon, -and instantly fell to singing:</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Mon bonheur fut si grand, que j'ai peine à le croire."</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My fortune was so great, that I can scarce believe it.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"Count," says Mangogul to Hannetillon, -"then you have been particularly -acquainted with Cynara?"</p> - -<p>"Sir," answered Velvet-Paw, "who -doubts, it? He has walk'd with her -for more moons than one? they have -been song'd; and all this would have -lasted to this day, if he had not at -length discovered that she was not -handsome, and that she had a large -mouth." "Allowed," replied Hannetillon; -"but that imperfection was ballanced -by an uncommon agreeableness."</p> - -<p>"How long since this adventure?" -ask'd the prude Orphisa. "Madam," -replied Hannetillon, "its epoch is not -present to my memory. I must have -recourse to the chronological tables of -my good fortune. There may be -seen the day and minute: but 'tis a -large volume, with which my servants -amuse themselves in the antichamber."</p> - -<p>"Hold," says Alciphenor; "I recollect -that it was precisely a year after Grifgrif -fell out with Madam la Seneschale. -She has the memory of an -angel, and can tell you exactly."—"That -nothing is more false than your -date," answered the Seneschal's lady -gravely. "'Tis well known that blockheads -were never of my taste." "Yet, -madam," replied Alciphenor, "you will -never persuade us, that Marmolin was -excessively wise, when he was conducted -into your appartment by the -back stairs, whenever his highness -summoned the Seneschal to council." -"There can be no greater extravagance -in my opinion," added Velvet-Paw, -"than to enter into a woman's chamber -by stealth, for nothing at all; for -people thought nothing more of his -visits than what was really fact, and -madam was already in full enjoyment -of that reputation of virtue, which -she has so well supported since that -time."</p> - -<p>"But that is an age ago," says Fadaes. -"It was pretty much about that same -time that Zulica made a slip from the -Selictar, who was her humble servant, -to take possession of Grifgrif, whom -she drop'd six months after; she is -now got as far as Fortimbek. I am -not sorry for my friend's little stroke -of good luck; I see her, I admire -her, but entirely without any pretensions."</p> - -<p>"Yet Zulica," says the favorite, "is -very amiable. She has wit, taste, -and something, I know not how, engaging -in her countenance, which -I should prefer to charms." "I grant -that, madam," answer'd Fadaes: "but -she is maigre, has no neck, and her -thigh is so skinny, that it raises one's -pity."</p> - -<p>"You are well acquainted with it, to -be sure," added the Sultana. "Oh! -madam," replied Hannetillon, "you may -guess that. I have visited Zulica but -seldom, and yet I know as much of -that affair as Fadaes." "I can easily believe -you," says the favorite.</p> - -<p>"But <i>à propos</i>, might one ask Grifgrif," -says the Selictar, "if he has been -long in possession of Zirphila. There -is what you may call a pretty woman. -She has an admirable shape." "And -who doubts it!" added Marmolin.</p> - -<p>"How happy is the Selictar," continued -Fadaes. "I give you Fadaes," interrupted -the Selictar, "for the best -provided gallant of the court. To -my knowledge he has the Visir's wife, -the two prettiest actresses of the opera, -and an adorable <i>Grisette</i>, whom -he keeps in his private lodge." "And -I," replied Fadaes, "would give up -the Visir's wife, the two actresses and -the <i>Grisette</i>, for one glance from a -certain woman, with whom the Selictar -is very well, and who has not -the least suspicion that the world -knows it;" and then stepping up to -Leocris, says, "your blushes are ravishing.——"</p> - -<p>"Hannetillon was a long time wavering," -says Marmolin, "between Melissa -and Fatima, two charming women. -One day he was for Melissa -the fair, the next for Fatima the nut-brown." -"The poor man," continues Fadaes, -"was strangely embarassed: -why did he not take them both?" "So -he did," says Alciphenor.</p> - -<p>Our <i>Petits-Maitres</i> were, as you -see, in a right cue not to stop here, -when Zobeida, Cynara, Zulica, Melissa, -Fatima and Zirphila sent in -their names. This ill-timed circumstance -disconcerted them for a moment; -but they soon recover'd from -their ruffle, and fell on other women, -whom their detraction had hitherto -spared, only because they had not -time to tear them to pieces.</p> - -<p>Mirzoza, quite out of patience at -their discourses, said: "Gentlemen, -considering the merit and probity -in particular, which must needs be -allowed ye, it cannot be doubted -but that you have enjoyed all the -good fortunes of which you boast. -I must own nevertheless, that I -would be very glad to hear the -Toys of these ladies on this head; -and that I would most heartily -thank Brama, if he would deign to -render justice to truth by their -mouths."</p> - -<p>"That is to say," replies Hannetillon, -"that madam would desire to hear the -same things twice over: well, to oblige -her, we'll repeat them."</p> - -<p>But Mangogul set about applying his -ring in order of seniority: he began -by Madame la Seneschale, whose Toy -cough'd three times, and with a -trembling and broken voice said: -"To the great Seneschal I am indebted -for the first fruits of my pleasures: -but I had not been his property -above six months, when a -young Bramin gave my mistress -to understand, that a woman can -do no injury to her husband, while -she thinks on him. I relished the -moral, and thenceforward thought -I might with a safe conscience admit -a senator, then a privy counsellor, -then a pontif, then one or -two masters of Requests, then a -musician"——"And Marmolin?" -says Fadaes.——"Marmolin," replies -the Toy, "I know him not, unless it -be that young coxcomb, whom my -lady ordered to be kick'd out of her -house, for some insolence, the particulars -of which I have forgot.——"</p> - -<p>Cynara's Toy took up the discourse, -and said: "Do you interrogate me -concerning Alciphenor, Fadaes, and -Grifgrif? I have indeed been pretty -well served; but this is the first -time that I ever heard these folks -named. However, I shall get some -account of them from Amalek the -Emir, Telenor the Financier, or -the Visir Abdiram, who know the -whole world, and are my good -friends."</p> - -<p>"Cynara's Toy is discreet," says Hannetillon: -"it mentions not Zarafis, Ahiram, -the old Trebister, and the young -Mahmoud, who is not made to be forgotten; -nor does it accuse the least -Bramin, tho' it has been running -thro' the monasteries these twelve -years."</p> - -<p>"I have received some visits in my -life," says Melissa's Toy, "but not -one from Grifgrif or Fortimbek, -and much less still from Hannetillon."</p> - -<p>"My little heart of a Toy," replied -Grifgrif, "you are mistaken. You may -disclaim Fortimbek and me, but as to -Hannetillon, he is better with you -than you allow. He has told me a -word or two on the subject, and he is -a spark of the greatest veracity in -Congo, a better man than any of those -whom you have known, and is still -capable of establishing the reputation -of a Toy."</p> - -<p>"The reputation of an impostor can -no more escape him than his friend -Fadaes," says Fatima's Toy with a -sob. "What have I done to these -monsters to dishonour me? The son -of the Abyssinian Emperor came to -Erguebzed's court: I pleased him; -he pursued me; but he would have -fail'd of success, and I should have -continued faithful to my husband -whom I loved; had not the traitor -Velvet-Paw and his base accomplice -Fadaes corrupted my women, and introduced -the young prince into my bath."</p> - -<p>The Toys of Zirphila and Zulica, -who had the same cause to defend, -spoke both at the same time, but with -such rapidity, that it was extremely -difficult to render each of them its due.—"Favors!" -cried one——"To -Velvet-Paw!" says the other——"Something -may be said for Zinzim"——"Cerbelon"——"Bemengel"——"Agarias"——"the -French slave Riqueli"——"the -young Ethiopian Thezaca"——"But -as for the insipid Velvet-Paw"——"the -insolent Fadaes"——"I swear by -Brama"——"I call the great Pagoda -and the Genius Cucufa to witness"——"I -know them not"——"I -never had the least dealings with -them.——"</p> - -<p>Zirphila and Zulica would have -run on, God knows how far, if -Mangogul had not turn'd off his ring: -but as this magic ring ceased acting on -them, their Toys closed their lips, -and a profound silence succeeded the -noise they made. Then the Sultan -rose up, and darting furious looks -on our young blockheads, said: -"You have taken the liberty to defame -women whom you never had the -honour of coming near, and who -hardly know your names. Who -has made ye insolent enough to lie -in my presence? Tremble, wretches." -At these words he grasped -his cymeter: but the screams of the -affrighted ladies stop'd his hand. "I -was going," says Mangogul, "to give ye -the death which you have merited: -but the ladies, whom you have injured, -have a right to determine -your fate: it shall depend on them, -either to crush ye, or to let ye live. -Speak, ladies, what are your commands?"</p> - -<p>"That they live," says Mirzoza, "and -hold their tongues, if possible."</p> - -<p>"Live," replies the Sultan, "these -ladies permit it: but if ever you -forget on what condition, I swear -by my father's soul——"</p> - -<p>Mangogul did not complete his -oath; being interrupted by one of the -gentlemen of his bed-chamber, who -inform'd him that the comedians were -ready. This prince had imposed it -on himself as a law never to retard the -public diversions. "Let them begin," -says he, and immediately -gave his hand to the favorite, whom -he accompanied to her box.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXIV" id="CHAP_XXXIV">CHAP. XXXIV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Seventeenth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The Comedy.</h4> - - -<p>Had the taste of good declamation -been known in Congo, -there were some comedians who -might well be spared. Of thirty -persons which composed the band, -there was but one great actor, and two -tolerable actresses. The genius of -authors was obliged to comply with -the mediocrity of the greatest number; -and there was no room to hope, -that a play would be performed with -any tolerable success, without taking -care to model the characters on the -defects of the comedians. This is -what was meant in my time by the -custom of the stage. Formerly the -actors were made for the pieces; but -now the pieces were made for the -actors. If you offer'd a new play, to -be sure it underwent an examination, -to know whether the subject was engaging, -the intrigue well connected, -the characters supported, and the diction -pure and flowing: but if there -were no parts for Roscius and Amiana, -it was refused.</p> - -<p>The Kislar Agasi, superintendant -of the Sultan's pleasures, had packed -a company of players together, as he -could find them; and this was the -first representation of a new tragedy -at the Seraglio. It was composed by -a modern author, who had gain'd -such reputation, that tho' his piece -had been but a string of impertinences, -it would assuredly have met -with a favorable reception. But he -did not debase his character. His -work was well written, his scenes conducted -with art, his incidents managed -with dexterity, the interest went -on increasing, and the passions in being -developed. The acts, naturally -link'd together, and full, constantly -held the audience in suspence -with regard to the sequel, and satisfied -with what was past: and they -were got to the fourth act of this -master-piece, to a very moving scene, -which was a preparation to another -still more interesting; when Mangogul, -in order to save himself from the -ridicule of listening to the tender -parts, pull'd out his glass, and acting -the inattentive, surveyed the several -boxes. In the front box he observed -a woman in great emotion, but of an -ill-timed sort, as having no relation -to the piece. His ring was instantly -levelled at her, and in the midst of -most pathetic commendations, a Toy, -panting for breath, was heard addressing -the player in these terms:</p> - -<p>"Ah!——Ah!——Pray stop, -Orgogli;——you melt me excessively——Ah!——Ah!——There's -no bearing it.——"</p> - -<p>The audience listened, and look'd -towards the place whence the voice -proceeded: and the word ran thro' -the pit, that it was a Toy that made -the speech. "Which Toy," says one, -"and what has it said?" And without -waiting for an answer, there was a general -clap and cry: <i>Encore, encore</i>. -The author, who was behind the -scenes, fearing that this unlucky accident -might interrupt the representation -of his piece, foamed with rage, -and gave the whole race of Toys to -Belzebub. The noise was great and -lasting; and had it not been for the -respect due to the Sultan, the play -would have stop'd short at this incident: -but Mangogul made a sign for -silence; the actors resumed their -parts, and went thro' the play.</p> - -<p>The Sultan, curious to know the -consequences of so public a declaration, -caused the Toy that made it, to -be observed. Word was soon brought -him, that the player was to go from -the stage to Eriphila's house. He -prevented him, thanks to the power -of his ring, and was in this lady's -appartment when Orgogli sent in his -name.</p> - -<p>Eriphila was under arms, that is, -in an amorous <i>deshabillé</i>, and wantonly -stretch'd on a couch. The comedian -entered with a solemn, haughty, -insipid air of a conqueror. With the -left hand he waved a plain hat with a -white feather in it, and caressed his -nostrils and upper lip with the tops of -the fingers of his right hand, a very -theatrical gesture, which was admired -by Connoisseurs. His bow was cavalier, -and his compliment familiar. -"Oh! my queen," cried he, in -an affected tone, stooping to Eriphila, -"what a trim you are in! But -do you know that in that careless -garb you are adorable.——"</p> - -<p>The tone of this scoundrel shock'd -Mangogul. The prince was young, -and might possibly be ignorant of certain -customs——"Then you like me, -my dear," answered Eriphila. "To ravishment, -I tell you."—"That gives -me great joy. I wish you would -repeat that passage which raised such -emotions in me a while ago. That -passage——there——yes——it -is that same——How seducing -a rogue he is?——But go on; -that moves me strangely."</p> - -<p>In pronouncing these words, Eriphila -darted such glances on her hero, as -bespoke every thing, and stretch'd out -her hand to him, which the impertinent -Orgogli kissed by way of acquittance. -Prouder of his talent than of -his conquest, he declaimed with emphasis, -and the lady was so enraptur'd, -that one minute she conjur'd him to -continue, and the next to stop. Mangogul -judging by her looks, that her -Toy would willingly play its part in -this rehearsal, chose rather to guess at -the rest of the scene, than to be present -at it. He disappear'd, and return'd -to the favorite, who expected -him.</p> - -<p>On the recital which the Sultan made -her of this adventure,——"Prince, -what do you say?" cried -she. "Then the women are fallen -into the lowest degree of meanness! -A comedian, the slave of the public! -A buffoon! Well, if those -folks had nothing against them but -their state of life: but most of -them have neither morals nor sentiments; -and even among them, -that Orgogli is but a machine. He -has never thought, and if he had not -learn'd some parts in plays, perhaps -he would never have spoken.——"</p> - -<p>"Delight of my heart," replied Mangogul, -"you run into lamentations -without considering the matter sufficiently. -Then have you forgot Haria's -pack? By Jove, a comedian, I -think, is as good as a pug-dog."</p> - -<p>"You say right, prince," resumed -the favorite. "I am a fool for interesting -myself for creatures that do -not deserve it. Let Palabria idolize -her boobies! Let Salica have -her vapors treated by Farfadi in -her own way! Let Haria live and -dye among her dogs! Let Eriphila -abandon herself to all the buffoons -of Congo! What is all this to me? -I only risque a castle thereby. Nay, -I perceive that I must have no -thoughts of it, and I have taken -my resolution accordingly."</p> - -<p>"Farewell then the little monkey," -says Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"Farewell the little monkey," replies -Mirzoza; "and the good opinion -which I had conceived of my -sex; I believe I shall never resume -it. Prince, you will allow me not to -suffer a women to enter these doors -this fortnight at least."</p> - -<p>"But you must have some company," -added the Sultan.</p> - -<p>"I shall enjoy your company, or -please myself in expecting it," replied -the favourite: "and if any moments -remain on my hands, I shall -dispose of them in favor of Ricaric -and Selim, who are attached to -me, and whose conversation I love. -When I happen to be tired of the -erudition of my lecturer, your -courtier will divert me with the -adventures of his youth."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXV" id="CHAP_XXXV">CHAP. XXXV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Conversation on literature.</i></h4> - - -<p>The favorite loved men of genius, -without pretending to -be a genius herself. On her toilette, -among jewels and other female ornaments, -the novels and pamphlets of -the time were to be met with, and -she talk'd of them wonderfully well. -From a Cavagnol and Biribi she passed -with ease and propriety to the -course of an academician, or other -learned man: and every body confessed, -that the natural delicacy of her -understanding made her discover -beauties or defects in those several -works, which had sometimes escaped -their lucubrations. Mirzoza astonished -them by her penetration, embarrassed -them by her questions; but -never abused the advantages which -her wit and beauty gave her: and -people were not sorry for being detected -in the wrong by her. Towards -the close of an evening, which she -had passed with Mangogul, Selim came, -and she sent for Ricaric. The African -author has reserved Selim's character -for another place: but he informs -us here, that Ricaric was a -member of the academy of Congo; -that his erudition had not hindered -him from being a man of wit; that -he had acquired a profound knowledge -of former ages; that he had a scrupulous -attachment to the ancient rules -which he cited eternally; that he was -a machine by principles; and that it -was impossible to be a more zealous -partisan of the first writers of Congo; -but more especially of one Miroufla, -who, about 3040 years before, had -composed a sublime poem in the Caffrian -language, on the conquest of a -great forest, out of which the Caffres -expelled the monkeys, who were in -possession of it from time immemorial. -Ricaric had translated it into -Congese, and published a very beautiful -edition of it, illustrated with notes, -Scholia, various readings, and all the -embellishments of a Benedictine edition. -Besides, they had of him two -bad tragedies writ according to all -the rules, a panegyric on crocodiles, -and some opera's.</p> - -<p>"I bring you, madam," says Ricaric -with a low bow, "a novel, which is -ascribed to the marchioness Tamazi; -but in which we unluckily discover -the hand of Mulhazen, the answer of -our president Lambadago to the discourse -of the poet Tuxigraphus, which we -received yesterday; and the Tamerlan -of this last."</p> - -<p>"This is admirable!" says Mangogul. -"The press goes on incessantly; and if -the husbands of Congo performed their -duty as well as the writers, in less -than ten years I might be enabled to -set sixteen hundred thousand men on -foot, and promise myself the conquest -of Monoémugi. We will read the -novel at leisure. Now let us see the -harangue, especially that part which -relates to me."</p> - -<p>Ricaric turn'd it over, and light on -this passage. "The ancestors of our -august emperor have rendered -themselves illustrious without doubt. -But Mangogul, greater than they, -has prepared quite different subjects -of admiration for future ages. -What do I say of admiration? Let -us speak more accurately; of incredulity. -If our ancestors had -cause to assert, that posterity would -esteem as fables the wonders of -Kanaglou's reign; how much more -reason have we to think, that our -descendants will refuse credit to -the prodigies of wisdom and valor, -of which we are witnesses?"</p> - -<p>"My poor Mr. Lambadago," says the -Sultan, "you are but retailer of phrases. -What I have reason to believe, is that -your successors will one day eclipse -my glory by that of my son, as you -make my father's vanish before mine; -and so on, as long as there will be -one academician left. What think -you, Mr. Ricaric?"</p> - -<p>"Prince, all that I can say," answered -Ricaric, "is, that the passage which -I have read to your highness, was extremely -relished by the public."</p> - -<p>"So much the worse," replied Mangogul. -"Then the true taste of eloquence -is lost in Congo? It was not -thus that the sublime Homilogo praised -the great Aben."</p> - -<p>"Prince," said Ricaric, "true eloquence -is nothing but the art of speaking in -a noble, and at the same time agreeable -and perswasive manner."</p> - -<p>"Add, and sensible," continued the -Sultan, "and upon this principle judge -your friend Lambadago. With all -the respect that I have for modern -eloquence, he is but a false declaimer."</p> - -<p>"But, prince," answered Ricaric, -"without passing the bounds of that, -which I owe your highness, will you -permit me——"</p> - -<p>"What I give you full permission to -do," replied Mangogul smartly, "is to -respect good sense beyond my highness, -and to tell me sincerely, if an -eloquent man can ever dispense himself -from shewing some signs of it."</p> - -<p>"No, prince," answered Ricaric, -and he was going to string up a long -bead-roll of authorities, and cite all -the rhetoricians of Afric, the two -Arabia's, and China, in order to prove -the most incontestable thing in the -world, when he was interrupted by -Selim.</p> - -<p>"All your authors," said the courtier, -"will never prove that Lambadago is -not a very awkward and indecent haranguer. -Pray, Mr. Ricaric, excuse -these expressions. I honour you in a -singular manner; but indeed, laying -aside the prejudice of confraternity, -can you avoid allowing with us, that, -as the Sultan now reigning is just, amiable, -beneficent, and a great warrior, -he does not stand in need of the embroidery -of your rhetoricians, to be -as great as his ancestors; and that a -son, who is exalted by depressing his -father and grandfather, would be very -ridiculously vain, if he were not -sensible, that in embellishing him with -one hand, he is disfigured by the -other. In order to prove that Mangogul -is as well-made a man as any of -his predecessors, do you think it necessary -to knock off the heads of the -statues of Erguebzed and Kanaglou?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Ricaric," says Mirzoza, "Selim -is in the right. Let every one enjoy -what belongs to him, and let us not -make the public suspect, that our panegyrics -are a sort of robberies committed -on the memory of our fathers: -declare this from me in the -next full meeting of the academy."</p> - -<p>"People are too long in possession of -this custom," replied Selim, "to expect -any benefit from this advice."</p> - -<p>"I believe, Sir, that you are mistaken," -said Ricaric to Selim. "The -academy is still the sanctuary of good -taste; and its best times do not afford -us either philosophers or poets, whom -we cannot match at this day. Our -stage has passed, and may still pass for -the first stage of Africa. Oh! what a work -is the Tamerlane of Tuxigraphus! -'Tis the pathetic of Eurisope, and the -loftiness of Azopha. 'Tis antiquity -quite pure."</p> - -<p>"I saw," said the favorite, "the first -representation of Tamerlane; and join -with you in thinking the work well -conducted, the dialogue elegant, and -the propriety of characters well observed."</p> - -<p>"What difference, madam," interrupted -Ricaric, "between such an author -as Tuxigraphus, fatted with the -perusal of the ancients, and most -part of our moderns."</p> - -<p>"Yet these moderns," said Selim, -"whom you demolish here at your ease, -are not so contemptible as you pretend. -What, don't you find genius, -invention, fire, details, characters, -and fine strokes of wit in them? -And of what importance are rules to -me, provided a writer pleases me? -Certainly it is neither the observations -of the wise Almudir and the learned -Abaldok, nor the art of poetry of the -deep-read Facardin, which I have -never perused, that makes me admire -the pieces of Aboulcazem, Muhardar, -Albaboukre, and many other Sarracens! -Is there any other rule but the -imitation of nature; and have we -not as good eyes as those who studied -her?"</p> - -<p>"Nature," answered Ricaric, "presents -us with different faces every instant. -They are all true, but all are not -equally beautiful. It is in these works, -on which you seem not to set any -great value, that we should learn to -choose. They are collections of their -own experiments, and also of those -which had been made before them. -Whatever strength of understanding -a person may have, things must be -observed successively; and one man -cannot hope to see in the short course -of his life, all that had been discovered -to his time. Otherwise we -may assert, that any one science -might owe its birth, progress, and -utmost perfection to one head: which -is contrary to experience."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Ricaric," replied Selim, "the only -consequence that I can draw from -your argument is, that as the moderns -are in possession of treasures amassed -up to their times, they must be -richer than the ancients; or, if this -comparison displeases you, that as -they are raised on the shoulders of -those giants, they ought to see farther -than them. And in fact, what is their -natural philosophy, their astronomy, -their navigation, their mechanics, -their calculations, in comparison of -ours? And why may not our eloquence -and poesy have the superiority -likewise?"</p> - -<p>"Selim," said the Sultana, "Ricaric -will, at some proper time, give you -the reasons of this difference. He -will tell you why our tragedy is inferior -to that of the ancients: for -my part, I willingly undertake to shew -you, that it is so. I will not accuse -you," continued she, "of not having -read the ancients. Your mind is too -well adorned, to be ignorant of their -stage. Now, abstracting from certain -notions relative to their customs, -manners and religion, which shock -you purely because circumstances are -changed; you will allow that their -subjects are noble, well-chosen, and -interesting; that the action naturally -develops itself; that their dialogue is -simple, and very near nature; that -the unravelling of their plot is not -strained; that the interest is not divided, -nor the action overloaded with -episodes. Transport yourself in idea -to the isle of Alindala; examine -every thing that passes there; attend -to all that is said, from the moment -that young Ibrahim and the crafty -Forfanti landed thereon: approach -the cave of the wretched Polipsile; -lose not a word of her complaints; -and then tell me, if any one circumstance -draws you out of the illusion. -Name me a modern piece that can -bear the same examination, and pretend -to the same degree of perfection; -and I grant you the victory."</p> - -<p>"By Brama," cried the Sultan, yawning, -"madam has made an academical -dissertation."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand the rules," -continued the favorite; "and much less -the learned words, in which they are -expressed: but I know that nothing -but the <i>True</i> can please and touch. I -also know that the perfection of a -dramatic piece consists in the exact -imitation of an action, so that the -spectator, continually deceived, imagines -he is present at the very action. -Now, pray, is there any thing like -this in the tragedies which you extol -to us?</p> - -<p>"Do you admire the manner in -which they are conducted? It is generally -so complicated, that it must -be a miracle, that so many things -should happen in so little time. The -ruin or preservation of an empire, the -marriage of a princess, the loss of a -prince; all this is done with the turn -of a hand. Is the subject a conspiracy? -It is sketch'd out in the first -act; it is connected and strengthened -in the second; all the measures are -taken, the obstacles removed, the -conspirators are quite ready for action -in the third; immediately there -shall be a revolt, an engagement, -perhaps a pitch'd battle; and you -will call this conduct, interest, fire, -verisimilitude: I can never excuse it, -in you especially, who are not ignorant, -what it sometimes costs to put -an end to a pitiful intrigue; and how -much time the smallest political affair -absorbs in taking measures, in previous -meetings, and in deliberations."</p> - -<p>"I grant, madam," answered Selim, -"that our pieces are a little overcharged; -but it is a necessary evil: without the -assistance of episodes, the audience -would be chill'd."</p> - -<p>"That is to say, that in order to give -spirit to the representation of a fact, it -must be made such as it neither is, -nor ought to be. This is ridiculous -in the highest degree; unless it be -still more absurd to make the violins -play up rigadoons and country-dances, -while the audience are in deep concern -for a prince, who is on the point -of losing his mistress, his throne and -his life."</p> - -<p>"Madam, you are are in the right," said -Mangogul: "the music should be -mournful on those occasions; and I -go to order you some of that kind." -Mangogul rose up, went out, and the -conversation was continued between -Selim, Ricaric, and the favorite.</p> - -<p>"At least, madam," replied Selim, -"you will not deny, that if the episodes -draw us out of the illusion, the -dialogue leads us back into it. I see -none who understand it like our tragic -writers."</p> - -<p>"Then, nobody understands it," resumed -Mirzoza. "The emphasis, wit -and affected decorations, which predominate -in it, are a thousand leagues -distant from nature. In vain does -the author endeavour to conceal himself, -my eyes are penetrating and I -discover him incessantly behind the -persons of the drama. Cinna, Sertorius, -Maximus, and Æmilius, are -Corneille's speaking trumpets in almost -every page. This is not the way -that people converse in our ancient -Sarracen authors. Ricaric will, if -you desire it, translate you some -scenes out of them; and then you -will hear pure nature speaking by their -mouths. I could willingly say to the -moderns: 'Gentlemen, instead of -dealing out wit to your personages -on every occasion, put them into -such circumstances as must inspire -them with some.'"</p> - -<p>"After what madam has declared on -the management and the dialogue of -our drama's; there is no great probability," -says Selim; "that she will -shew indulgence to the plots."</p> - -<p>"No certainly," replied the favorite: -"there are a hundred bad for one good. -This is not brought on properly, that -is quite miraculous. Is an author encumbered -with a personage, which he -has drag'd from scene to scene thro' -five acts, he dispatches him with a -stab of a ponyard: every body falls to -crying, and I burst into laughter. -Besides, did mortals ever speak as we -declaim? Do kings and princes walk -otherwise than a well-bred man? -Have they ever gesticulated like persons -possessed or raging mad? Do -princesses speak in a shrill squeaking -tone? It is generally supposed that -we have carried tragedy to a high -degree of perfection; and I on the -contrary think it is next to demonstration, -that of all the kinds of literary -works, to which the Africans have -applied themselves in these latter ages, -this is the most imperfect."</p> - -<p>The favorite was advanced thus far -in her sally against our theatrical -pieces, when Mangogul returned. -"Madam," said he, "you will oblige -me in continuing. You see I have -a secret to abridge a poetical subject, -when I find it tedious."</p> - -<p>"I suppose," continued the favorite, -"a person just arrived from Angola, -who had never heard a play mentioned, -but otherwise does not want good -sense and breeding, has some acquaintance -with the courts of princes, the -intrigues of courtiers, the jealousies of -ministers, and the double dealings of -women; to whom I say in confidence -'My friend, there are terrible -commotions actually in the Seraglio. -The prince, dissatisfied -with his son, in whom he suspects -a passion for the Manimonbanda, is -a man capable of taking the most -cruel vengeance of them both. -This adventure will, in all probability, -be attended with dismal consequences. -If you choose it, I will -make you an eye-witness of all that -passes.' He accepts my offer, and -I carry him into a box screen'd by a -blind, from whence he sees the stage, -which he takes for the Sultan's palace, -Do you believe, notwithstanding -the serious air I put on, that this -person's illusion can last a moment? -Will you not rather agree with me, -that the stiff-affected carriage of the -actors, the oddity of their dress, the -extravagance of their gestures, the -emphasis of a singular language in -rhyme and cadence, and a thousand -other shocking dissonances, must -make him laugh in my face before the -first scene is over, and tell me either -that I make game of him, or that the -prince and all his court are mad."</p> - -<p>"I own," said Selim, "that this supposition -strikes me: but may I not observe -to you, that people go to the play-house, -fully perswaded that they are -to see the imitation of an event, and -not the event itself."</p> - -<p>"And ought that perswasion," replied -Mirzoza, "to hinder the players from -representing the event in the most natural -manner?"</p> - -<p>"All this means, madam," interrupted -Mangogul, "that you put yourself -at the head of the censors."</p> - -<p>"And if your opinion be received," -continued Selim, "the empire is threatened -with the decay of good taste; -barbarism will revive, and we are in -danger of relapsing into the ignorance -of the ages of Mamurrha and Orondado."</p> - -<p>"My lord, pray have no such apprehensions. -I hate peevish humors, -and will not add to their number. Besides, -I have the glory of his highness -too much at heart, to think of -ever attempting to tarnish the splendor -of his reign. But if credit were -given to us, is it not true, Mr. Ricaric, -that literature would shine with -greater lustre?"</p> - -<p>"How," said Mangogul, "have you -not a memorial on this subject to present -to my Seneschal?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," answered Ricaric; "but after -having thanked your highness in -behalf of the Literati, for the new inspector, -which you have given them; -I would most humbly remonstrate to -your Seneschal, that the choice of -learned men appointed to revise manuscripts -is an affair of great nicety: -that this trust is committed to persons, -who seem to me very much inferior -to their employ; and from thence -results a crowd of evil effects, such as -curtailing good works, cramping the -best genius's, who not being at liberty -to write in their own way, either -write not at all, or send their productions -with considerable sums to foreigners; -giving a bad opinion of -those topicks which are prohibited to -be discussed, and a thousand other -inconveniencies, which it would be -too tedious to mention to your highness. -I would advise him to retrench -the pensions of certain literary leaches, -who are always craving unmercifully; -I mean glossators, antiquaries, commentators, -and others of this stamp, -who would be very useful, if they -did their business well; but who are -got into the wretched custom of passing -over obscure places, and of dwelling -upon passages that admit of no -difficulty. I would have him be very -attentive to suppress almost all posthumous -works; and not to suffer the memory -of a great author to be tarnished -by the covetousness of a bookseller, -who collects and publishes, a long time -after a man's death, such works as he -had condemned to oblivion in his lifetime." -"And I," continued the favorite, -"would point out to him a small -number of men of distinguished merit, -such as Mr. Ricaric, on whom he -may bestow your benefactions. Is it -not somewhat surprising, that the -poor man has no provision made for -him, while the precious chiromancer -of the Manimonbanda receives a -thousand sequins a year from your -treasury."</p> - -<p>"Well, madam,", answered Mangogul, -"I assign Mr. Ricaric the like sum -on my coffers, in consideration of -the wonderful things you tell me of -him."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Ricaric," said the favorite, "I -also must do something for you: in -your favor I sacrifice the small resentment -of my self-love; and in -consideration of the recompence -which Mangogul has granted to your -merit, I forget the injury he has done -me."</p> - -<p>"Pray, madam, may I ask you what -that injury is?" replied Mangogul.</p> - -<p>"You may, Sir, and I will tell you. -You yourself make us embark in a -conversation on the <i>Belles-Lettres</i>: -you begin by a piece of modern eloquence, -which is not extraordinary; -and when, to oblige you, we prepare -to pursue the disagreeable argument -which you have started, you -are seized with uneasiness and yawning, -you teize yourself in your seat, -you change your posture a hundred -times, without finding one easy one: -tired in fine of keeping your countenance, -tho' a sad one, you come to a -sudden resolution, you get up and -disappear: and then, whither do you -go? Perhaps to give ear to a Toy!"</p> - -<p>"I own the fact, madam, but I see -nothing in it that should give offence. -If a man happens to be disgusted at -fine things, and amuse himself with -hearing bad, so much the worse for -him. This unjust preference takes -nothing from the merit of what he has -quitted: he only declares himself a -bad judge. To this I could add, -madam, that while you were labouring -hard at Selim's conversion, I was -working with no better success to procure -you a castle. In fine, if I must -be culpable, since you have pronounc'd -me so, I can assure you that you -have had your revenge at the very -time."</p> - -<p>"Pray, how that?" said the favorite. -"Thus it is," answered the Sultan. "In -order to refresh myself from the fatigue -of the academical sitting which -I had undergone, I went to examine -some Toys."——"Well, prince"——"Well, -I never heard such insipid creatures -as the two which I light upon."——"This -gives me the highest joy," -replied the favorite.——They both -fell to talking an unintelligible language. -I have perfectly well retained -every thing they said; but let me die, -if I understand a word of it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXVI" id="CHAP_XXXVI">CHAP. XXXVI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Eighteenth and nineteenth trials of the -Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The flatted Spheroïd, and Girgiro -the entangled: catch who can.</h4> - - -<p>"That is singular," continued -the favorite. "Till this moment, -I always imagined, that the chief -fault found with Toys, was their -speaking too plainly." "Oh! madam," -replied Mangogul, "these two are not of -that tribe; understand them who can.</p> - -<p>"You know that little crumpling of -woman, whose head is sunk into -her shoulders, whose arms are hardly -to be seen, and whose legs are so -short, and her belly so lank, that one -might mistake her for a hedge-hog, -for a clumsy ill-develop'd embryo, -who bears the the nick-name of the <i>flatted -Spheroïd</i>; who has filled her head -with a notion that Brama called her -to the study of geometry, because he -has given her the figure of a bowl; -and who consequently might have -chosen the profession of artillery: for -considering her make, she must have -issued out of nature's bosom, as a -bullet out of the mouth of a cannon.</p> - -<p>"Willing to receive informations -from her Toy, I examined it. But -the vorticose creature spoke in terms -of such sublime geometry, that I did -not understand one word, nor perhaps -did it understand its own language. -It was nothing but right lines, concave -surfaces, given quantities, longitude, -latitude, profundity, solids, living -forces, dead forces, cone, cylinder, -conic sections, curves, elastic curves, -curve re-entring into itself, with its -point conjugated——"</p> - -<p>"I pray your highness to excuse me -from the rest," cried the favorite -mournfully. "You have a cruel memory, -enough to put one to death. -It has raised a swimming in my head, -which I dare say I shall not get rid of -these eight days. But was the other -so diverting?"</p> - -<p>"You shall be the judge," replied -Mangogul. "By Brama's great toe, I -have performed a prodigy. I have retain'd -its motly gibberish word for -word, tho' it be so thoroughly void of -sense and perspicuity, that if you give -me a subtile and critical explanation -of it, madam, you will make me an -acceptable present."</p> - -<p>"How have you said, prince?" cried -Mirzoza. "Let me die, if you have -not stolen that phrase from somebody."</p> - -<p>"I can't tell how it has happened," replied -Mangogul: "for these two Toys -are the only persons to whom I have -given audience this day. The last, -on whom I turned my ring, after a -moment's silence, said, as if addressing -an audience,</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"'Gentlemen,</p> - -<p>"'I shall take the liberty to avoid -seeking, to the contempt of my own -reason, a model of thinking and -expressing myself. But yet if I -advance any thing new, it shall not -be affectation, but the subject shall -have furnished me with it: if I repeat -what has been already said, it -will be my own thought, as well as -it has been that of others. Let -not irony come to turn this preamble -into ridicule, and accuse me -of either not having read, or of -having read to no purpose. A Toy -like me is not made for reading, or -profiting by its reading, or foreseeing -an objection, or answering it.</p> - -<p>"'I shall not debar myself of reflections -and ornaments proportioned -to my subject; the rather -because in this regard it is extremely -modest, and will not admit of any -great quantity or brilliancy. But -I will avoid sinking into those little -minute details, which fall to the -share of the barren orator. It would -be cause of great grief to me to be -suspected of this defect.</p> - -<p>"'After having informed ye, gentlemen, -of what you are to expect -from my discoveries and elocution, -some few strokes of the pencil will -be sufficient, to sketch you out my -character.</p> - -<p>"'You know, gentlemen, as well -as I, that there are two sorts of -Toys: proud Toys and modest -Toys. The former are haughty, -and always expect the place of honour. -The latter affect to be courteous, -and present themselves with -an air of submission. These two -intentions appear manifestly in the -execution of their projects, and -determine both sorts to act according -to the genius that guides them.</p> - -<p>"'I imagined, thro' attachment to -the prejudices of my first education, -that I should open to myself a safer, -easier, and more agreeable career, -if I preferr'd the part of humility to -that of pride; and I offered myself -with infantile bashfulness and winning -supplications to all, whom I had -the good fortune to meet.</p> - -<p>"'But oh! how unhappy are the -times. After ten times more <i>buts</i> -and <i>ifs</i> and <i>ands</i> than were sufficient -to make the most unemployed Toy -lose all patience, my services were -accepted. Alas! this job was of -short duration. My first possessor -giving himself up to the flattering -glory of a new conquest, discarded -me, and I found myself all at once -out of employment.</p> - -<p>"'My treasure was gone, and I did -not flatter myself that fortune -would make me amends for it. In -effect the vacant place was occupied, -but not filled by a Sexagenarian, -to whom good will was less -wanting than the means.</p> - -<p>"'He laboured with all his might -to make me forget my past state. -He had for me all that behavior, -which is esteemed polite and engaging -in the career that I pursued: -but his efforts did not conquer my -regret.</p> - -<p>"'If industry, which is said never -to fall short, made him find in the -treasures of the natural faculty some -abatement to my grief; this compensation -to me appeared insufficient, -in spite of my imagination, -which was daily on the rack to find -new resemblances, and even to suppose -imaginary ones, but to no -purpose.</p> - -<p>"'Such is the advantage of primacy, -that it seizes the idea, and -forms a barrier against every thing -that would afterwards present itself -under other forms: and such is, -shall I say it, to our shame, the ungrateful -nature of Toys, that they -never take the good-will for the -deed.</p> - -<p>"'This remark seems to me so natural, -that, without being indebted -to any body for it, I cannot think -that I am the only one who has -made it. But if any person before -me has been struck with it; at -least, gentlemen I am the first -who undertake, by demonstrating -it, to set its full value in a proper -light.</p> - -<p>"'I am far from laying the least -blame to the charge of those who -have raised their voice hitherto, for -having let this stroke escape them; -my self-love being abundantly satisfied, -to be able, after so great a -number of orators, to present my -observation as something new.—'"</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Ah! prince," cried Mirzoza smartly, -"I fancy I hear the chiromancer of -the Manimonbanda. Apply to him, -and you will have the subtile and critical -explanation, of which you would -in vain expect the agreeable present -from any other person."</p> - -<p>The African author says, that -Mangogul smiled, and continued. -"But I do not intend," says he, "to relate -the rest of his discourse. If this -beginning has not given as much -amusement as the first pages of <i>La -Fée Taupe</i>, the sequel would be more -tiresome than the last pages of the -<i>Fée Moustache</i>."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXVII" id="CHAP_XXXVII">CHAP. XXXVII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Mirzoza's dream.</i></h4> - - -<p>By the time that Mangogul had -finished the academical discourse -of Girgiro the entangled, night came -on, and the company went to bed.</p> - -<p>That night the favorite might well -flatter herself with sleeping soundly: -but the evening's conversation ran in -her head while asleep: and its ideas -mixing with others, produced an odd -dream, which she did not fail relating -to the Sultan, in these words.</p> - -<p>"I was in my first sleep, when I imagined -that I was transported into an -immense gallery quite full of books. -I shall say nothing of their contents: -they were to me at that time, what -they are to many others, who are not -asleep. I did not so much as look at -one title-page: a more striking sight -attracted my whole attention.</p> - -<p>"From space to space between the -presses, that contain'd the books, there -were pedestals, on which were placed -most beautiful busto's of marble and -Bronze. The injury of time had -spared them; and some little defects -excepted, they were entire and -perfect. That nobleness and elegance -which characterized the works of the -ancients, were stamped on them. -Most of them had long beards, large -foreheads like yours, and engaging -countenances.</p> - -<p>"I was anxious to learn their names, -and know their merit, when a woman -came thro' the casement of a window, -and accosted me. Her shape was -genteel, her gait majestic, and her -carriage noble, sweetness and loftiness -were blended in her looks, and -her voice had some inexpressible charm -that delighted. A helmet, a coat of -mail, and a flowing petticoat, made -up all her attire. 'I know your -anxiety,' said she to me, 'and am -going to satisfy your curiosity: the -men whose busto's have struck you, -were my favorites. They consecrated -their studies to the perfection -of the elegant arts, whereof -the invention is due to me. They -lived in the most polite countries of -the world, and their writings, -which were the delight of their contemporaries, -are the admiration of -the present age. Draw near, and -you will see carved on the several -pedestals in <i>Basso relievo</i>, -some remarkable subjects, which -will at least point out to you the -character of their writings.'</p> - -<p>"The first busto which I examined, -was that of a majestic old man, who -seem'd to have been blind. In all -probability he had sung of battles: -for such were the subjects on the sides -of his pedestal. The front was all -taken up with a single figure, which -was that of a young hero. His -hand grasped the handle of his cymeter, -and a woman's arm appear'd -holding him back by the hair of the -head, who seem'd to moderate his -wrath.</p> - -<p>"Opposite to this bust was placed -that of a young man: he was the -picture of modesty. His looks were -turned on the old man with uncommon -attention. He had also sung of -wars and combats: but these were -not the only subjects that employed -him: for of the <i>Basso relievo's</i> which -surrounded him, the principal one -represented on one side husbandmen -stooping on their ploughs, and tilling -the ground; on the other, shepheards -stretched on the grass, and played -on their flutes amidst their herds -and dogs.</p> - -<p>"The busto placed below the old -man on the same side, had a wild -look. His eye seem'd to pursue some -object that was flying from him: and -under him were represented a lyre -carelessly thrown aside, scattered laurels, -broken chariots, and fiery -horses running away in a vast plain.</p> - -<p>"Fronting this I saw a busto, which -made so deep an impression on me, -that I fancy I see him still. He had a -fine air, an aquiline pointed nose, a -steady look, and an arch smile. The -<i>Basso relievo's</i>, which adorned his -pedestal, were so full of matter, -that it would be an endless task to undertake -the description of them.</p> - -<p>"After examining some others, I began -to ask some questions of my -guide.</p> - -<p>"'Who is that,' said I, 'who bears -truth on his lips, and probity on -his countenance.' 'He was,' replied -she, 'the friend and victim to both. -He spent his life in improving his -fellow citizens in knowledge and virtue, -and these ingrateful citizens put -him to death.'</p> - -<p>"'And this busto placed below -him?' 'Which? That which appears -supported by the graces carved on -the sides of his pedestal?' 'The -same.'—'He is the disciple and -inheriter of the sense and principles -of the unfortunate virtuous man above -mentioned.'</p> - -<p>"'And this lusty jolly fellow, -crowned, with vine branches and -myrtle, who is he?'—'A lovely -philosopher, who made it his sole -business to sing and taste pleasure. -He died in the arms of voluptuousness.'</p> - -<p>"'And this other blind man?'—'He -is,' said she——But I waited not -for her answer. I imagined I was -got among my acquaintance, and hurried -to a busto placed opposite to -him. This was posed on a trophy of -different attributes of arts and sciences: -Cupids sported among them on one -of the sides of the pedestal: on -another was a group of the Genii of -politics, history, and philosophy. On -the third, on one hand appear'd two -armies drawn up in battle-array; -astonishment and horror dwelt on -every countenance, blended with -marks of admiration and pity. These -passions were probably excited by an -object, which was there express'd. It -was a young man expiring, and by -his side an aged warrior, who pointed -his sword to his own breast. These -figures were exquisitely beautiful, and -nothing could be more artfully touch'd -than the despair of the one, and the -mortal languor spread throughout the -limbs of the other. I drew nearer, -and under it I read this inscription -in gold letters: <i>Alas! this was his -son.</i></p> - -<p>"On the other hand was carved a -furious Sultan, plunging a ponyard -into the breast of a young person, in -sight of a multitude of people. Some -turn'd their heads aside, others melted -in tears: and round this relievo were -these words engraved: <i>Is it you, Nerestan?</i></p> - -<p>"As I was passing to other busto's, -a sudden noise made me look back. -It was made by a band of men cloath'd -in long black gowns. Some carried -censers, which exhaled a gross vapor; -others had garlands of flowers in their -hands, gather'd without choice, and -disposed without taste. They march'd -up to the busto's, and offered incense -to them, singing hymns in two unknown -languages. The smoak of -their incense stuck to the busto's, and -the crowns of flowers put on them -made a most ridiculous sight. But -the antiques soon resumed their beauty, -and I saw the crowns wither and -fall shriveled on the ground. There -arose a quarrel amongst this set of barbarians, -because some of them had -not bent the knee low enough in the -opinion of others; and they were on -the point of coming to blows, when -my guide dispersed them with one -look, and re-established tranquillity -in her habitation.</p> - -<p>"Scarcely were they eclipsed, when -I saw a long train of pigmies entering -by an opposite door. These little -men were not two cubits high, but -in recompense they had very sharp -teeth and very long nails. They divided -into several bands, and fell on -the busto's. Some endeavour'd to -scratch the <i>basso relievo's</i>, and the -floor was strewed with the broken -pieces of their nails. Others, with -greater insolence, mounted on one -another's shoulders, to the highth of -the heads, and gave them raps with -their fists. But what diverted me -much, was that these raps, instead of -reaching the nose of the bust, rebounded -on that of the pigmy; in -consequence of which, upon a close inspection, -I found most of them to be -flat-nosed.</p> - -<p>"'You see,' says my guide, 'the -impudence and chastisements of -these myrmidons. This war has -lasted a long while, and always to -their disadvantage. I use them -with less severity than the black -gowns. The incense of the latter -might possibly disfigure the busto's; -but the efforts of the former generally -end in augmenting their -beauty. But as you have not above -an hour or two to remain here, -I advise you to pass to other objects.'</p> - -<p>"A great curtain opened that instant, -and I saw a work shop occupied by -a different sort of pigmies. These -had neither teeth nor nails; but in -return they were armed with razors -and scissers. In their hands they -held heads, which seemed animated; -and they were very busy with these -heads, in cutting off the hair of one, -pulling off the nose and ears of another; -putting out the right eye of -this, the left of that, and in dissecting -almost all of them. After this fine -operation, they viewed them attentively, -and smiled, as if they thought -them the prettiest heads in the world. -In vain did the heads send forth loud -cries, they scarcely deign'd to make -them any answer. I heard one begging -back its nose, and remonstrating -that it could not possibly appear in -public without that piece. 'My -friend, head,' replied the pigmy, -'you are a fool. That nose, which -you regret, disfigured you. It -was long, long—You never would -have made your fortune with it. -But since it has been curtail'd and -pared, you are charming, and -you will have many a spark after -you.'</p> - -<p>"While the fate of those heads moved -my compassion, at a distance I saw -other more charitable pigmies, who -were crawling on the ground with -spectacles on. They were picking -up noses and ears, and fitting them -to some old heads, from which time -had disengaged them. There were -some of them, but those were few -in number, who succeeded: the rest -fixed the nose where the ear should -be, and the ear where the nose: and -this rendered the heads more disfigured -than before.</p> - -<p>"Being very desirous to know what -all those things meant, I ask'd my -guide: and she had just open'd her -lips, in order to give me an answer, -when I awoke in a fright."</p> - -<p>"That was cruel," says Mangogul: -"this female would have revealed a -number of mysteries to you. But in -her stead, I am of opinion that we -ought to address ourselves to my -juggler Bloculocus." "Who?" replied the -favorite. "That silly fellow, to whom -you have granted the sole privilege -of shewing the magic lanthorn in your -court." "The same," answered the Sultan. -"He will interpret your dream, -or no body can. Let Bloculocus be -called," says Mangogul.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXVIII" id="CHAP_XXXVIII">CHAP. XXXVIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-first and twenty-second Trials of -the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Fricamona and Callipiga.</h4> - - -<p>The African author does not -inform us what became of Mangogul, -while he waited for Bloculocus. -'Tis very probable that he went out, -catechized some Toys; and that satisfied -with the intelligence he received -from them, he returned to the favorite, -sending forth shouts of joy, which -begin this chapter. "Victory, victory!" -cried he. "You triumph, madam; -the castle, the porcelains, -and the little Sapajou are yours."</p> - -<p>"'Tis Egle, without doubt?" replied -the favorite. "No, madam, no, 'tis -not Egle," interrupted the Sultan, -"but another female." "Prince," says -the favorite, "envy me no longer the -comfort of knowing this Phoenix."——"Well, -'tis: who would have -thought it?" "It is?" says the favorite——"Fricamona," -replies Mangogul.——"Fricamona!" says Mirzoza: -"I see no impossibility in that. -This woman has spent the greatest -part of her youth in a convent; and -since she left it, she has led the most -edifying and most retired life imaginable. -No man has set his foot within -her doors, and she has, in some -measure, made herself the abbess of a -troop of young devotees, whom she -trains up to a state of perfection, and -of whom her house does not grow -thin. There was nothing there to -answer your purpose," added the favorite, -smiling and nodding her -head.</p> - -<p>"Madam, you are in the right," says -Mangogul. "I have interrogated her -Toy, but no answer. I doubled the -virtue of my ring, by rubbing it once -and again. Nothing came of it. -'To be sure,' said I to myself, 'this -Toy must be deaf:' and I was -preparing to leave Fricamona on the -couch where I found her, when she -began to speak, by the mouth I mean.</p> - -<p>"'Dear Acaris,' cried she, 'how -happy am I in those moments, -which I snatch from every thing -that employs me, to deliver myself -up to thee. After those which I -pass in thy arms, these are the -sweetest of my life.——Nothing -disturbs me; around me all is -silence: my curtains not quite -closed, let in but just as much day as is -necessary for moving me to tenderness, -and gazing on thee. I command -my imagination: it calls thee -forth, and immediately I see thee. -Dear Acaris, how beautiful thou -appear'st to me!——Yes, those -are thy eyes, thy smile, thy mouth. -Hide not that growing bosom from -me——Let me kiss it——I -have not sufficiently gazed on it.—Let -me kiss it again. Ah! let me -die on it——What fury seizes me?——Acaris, -dear Acaris, where art -thou?——Come then, dear Acaris. -Ah! dear and tender friend, I swear -to thee, that unknown sentiments -have taken possession of my soul. -It is filled with them, it is astonished -at them, it is not able to contain -them.——Flow, delightful tears, -flow, and ease the ardor which devours -me.——No, dear Acaris, -no; that Alizali, whom thou prefer'st -to me, will not love thee as -I do—-But I hear a noise—Ah! -'tis Acaris without doubt——Come, -dear female friend, come——'</p> - -<p>"Fricamona was not deceived," continued -Mangogul; "for it was Acaris -herself. I left them to entertain each -other; and firmly perswaded that -Fricamona's Toy would persevere in -its discretion, I hurried to let you -know that I have lost my wager." -"But," replied the Sultana, "I am -quite in the dark with regard to -this Fricamona. Either she must -be mad, or she is cruelly afflicted -with vapors. No, prince, no, I -have more conscience than you may -imagine. I have nothing to object -to this experiment: but yet I perceive -somewhat in it, that hinders -me from reaping any advantage by -it: and I am resolved to reap none. -If ever I accept your castle and porcelaines, -it must be upon a better -title."</p> - -<p>"Madam," answered Mangogul, "I do -not comprehend you. You are inconceivably -difficult. Sure you have -not well examined the little Sapajou."</p> - -<p>"Prince, I have thoroughly viewed -it," replied Mirzoza. "I know it -is a charming thing. But I suspect -that this Fricamona is not the person -I seek. If you desire that I should -enjoy it one day or other, apply -elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"Faith, madam," says Mangogul -after mature consideration, "I see none -but Mirolo's mistress that can make -you win the wager."</p> - -<p>"Ah! prince, you dream," answered -the favorite. "I am not acquainted -with your Mirolo; but -whosoever he be, since he has a -mistress, he does not keep her for -nothing."</p> - -<p>"Very true," says Mangogul; "and -yet I would lay another wager, that -Callipiga's Toy knows nothing at all."</p> - -<p>"Pray be consistent with yourself," -continued the favorite. "Of two -things one must happen, either that -Callipiga's Toy——But I was embarking -in a ridiculous argument—-Prince, -do whatever you think proper: -consult Callipiga's Toy; if it -keep silence, so much the worse for -Mirolo, and the better for me."</p> - -<p>Mangogul departed, and found himself -in an instant close to the jonquil -Sopha, embroidered with silver, on -which Callipiga was reposing. Scarcely -had he turned his ring on her, but -he heard an obscure voice, which -mutter'd out the following discourse. -"What do you ask me? I do not -comprehend your questions. I am -not as much as thought of: and -yet I fancy I am as good as another. -Mirolo, it is true, often passes by -my door, but——"</p> - -<p><i>There is a considerable deficiency in -this place. The Republic of Letters -would certainty have great obligations -to the person, who would restore -the discourse of Callipiga's Toy, of -which we have only the two last lines -remaining. We invite the learned to -study them, and consider whether -this deficiency be not a voluntary -omission of the author, dissatisfied -with what he had said, and who yet -found nothing better to say.</i></p> - -<p>——"It is said that my rival has altars -beyond the Alps. Alas! were it -not for Mirolo, the whole universe -would erect some to me."</p> - -<p>Mangogul returned immediately to -the seraglio, and repeated to the favorite -the complaint of Callipiga's -Toy, word for word: for he had a -wonderful memory. "Every circumstance -of this story, madam," -said he, "concurs to make you win: -I give up the whole wager; and -you will thank Callipiga when you -shall think proper."</p> - -<p>"Sir," answered Mirzoza seriously, -"'tis to the most confirmed virtue that -I am resolved to be obliged for the -wager, and not——"</p> - -<p>"But, madam," replied the Sultan, "I -know of none better confirmed than -that which has seen the enemy so near."</p> - -<p>"And for my part, prince," replied -the favorite, "I understand my own -meaning well: and here come Selim -and Bloculocus, who shall be our -judges."</p> - -<p>Selim and Bloculocus entered: -Mangogul stated the case to them, and -they both gave judgment in Mirzoza's -favor.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XXXIX" id="CHAP_XXXIX">CHAP. XXXIX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Dreams.</i></h4> - - -<p>"My lord," said the favorite to -Bloculocus, "you must render -me another piece of service. Last -night a crowd of extravagant fancies -disturbed my head. It was a dream -of a very odd kind: and I have been -assured that you are the most able -person of Congo in decyphering dreams. -Then give me quickly the interpretation -of this;" and withal she related -her own.</p> - -<p>"Madam," answered Bloculocus, "I am -but a middling Oneirocritic"——"Pray -spare these terms of art," cried the favorite: -"drop your learning, and talk -reason to me."</p> - -<p>"Madam, you shall be obeyed. I -have some singular notions relating to -dreams: and to this alone perhaps I -am indebted for the honour of conversing -with you, and for the epithet -of Saturnine. I will explain them to -you with all the perspicuity I am capable -of.</p> - -<p>"You are not ignorant, madam," -continued he, "of what the bulk of -philosophers, with the rest of mankind, -deliver on that subject. They -say, that the objects which most sensibly -struck us the preceding day, -employ our soul in the night. The -traces which they imprinted on the -fibres of our brain, subsist. The animal -spirits, accustomed to flow to -certain places, pursue a course which -is become familiar to them: and -thence arise these involuntary images -which afflict or rejoice us. In this system -I should think, that a happy -lover ought always to be well served -by his dreams. Nevertheless it frequently -happens that a person who -is not cruel to him, while he is awake, -in his sleep treats him like a slave; or -that instead of enjoying a charming -woman, he finds a little deformed -monster in his arms."</p> - -<p>"That is exactly my adventure of -last night," interrupted Mangogul: -"for I seldom pass a night without -dreaming. It is a family disease; -and we dream from father to son, -since the Sultan Togrul, who dream'd -in 743500000002, and began the -custom. Now, madam, last night -you appeared to me," says he to Mirzoza. -"'Twas your skin, your arms, -your breast, your neck, your shoulders, -this firm flesh, this easy shape, -this incomparable <i>Embonpoint</i>, in a -word it was yourself; excepting this -circumstance, that instead of that -charming face, that adorable head -which I expected to find, I found myself -nose to nose with the snout of a -Dutch pug.</p> - -<p>"I scream'd out dreadfully; my -chamberlain Kotluk ran to me, and -ask'd me what was the matter. 'Mirzoza,' -answered I, half asleep, 'has -just now undergone the most hideous -metamorphosis. She is become a -Dutch dog.' Kotluk did not think -proper to awake me: he withdrew, -and I fell asleep again: but I can -assure you that I knew you wonderfully -well, your body with a dog's -head. Will Bloculocus give me the -explanation of this phænomenon?"</p> - -<p>"I do not despair of doing it," answered -Bloculocus, "provided your -highness will agree with me in one -very plain principle; which is, that -all beings have many conformities -one with another, by qualities which -are common to them: and that it is a -certain combination of qualities which -characterizes and distinguishes them."</p> - -<p>"That is evident," replies Mirzoza. -"Ipsiphila has feet, hands, and a -mouth, like a woman of sense;" "and -Pharasmena," adds Mangogul, "wears -her sword like a man of courage."</p> - -<p>"If a person is not sufficiently acquainted -with the qualities, the combination -of which characterizes this -or that species; or if he passes a -hasty judgment, that this combination -does or does not belong to this or -that individual; he runs the risque of -mistaking copper for gold, a paste -for a brillant, a calculator for a geometrician, -a retailer of phrases for a -wit, Crito for an honest man, and -Phedima for a pretty woman," added -the Sultana.</p> - -<p>"Well, madam," replies Bloculocus, -"do you know what might be said of -those who pass these judgments?"</p> - -<p>"That they dream wide awake," says -Mirzoza.</p> - -<p>"Very well, madam," continued Bloculocus; -"and nothing is more philosophical -or more exact in a thousand -circumstances than this familiar expression: -<i>I believe you dream</i>: for -nothing is more common than men -who fancy that they reason, and in -reality only dream with their eyes -open."</p> - -<p>"'Tis of those," interrupted the favorite, -"one may literally say, that -their whole life is but a dream."</p> - -<p>"I cannot too much admire, madam," -replied Bloculocus, "the ease with -which you comprehend such abstruse -notions. Our dreams are but precipitate -judgments which succeed each -other with incredible rapidity, and -by bringing objects together, whose -sole connexion is by very distant qualities, -compose one whimsical image."</p> - -<p>"If I understand you right," said -Mirzoza, "as I think I do, a dream -is a piece of patch-work, the patches -of which are more in number, more -regularly fitted, according as the -dreamer has a more lively turn of -thought, a more rapid imagination, -and a more faithful memory. Might -not madness also consist in this? And -when an inhabitant of the <i>Petites Maisons</i> -cries out that he sees lightning, -hears the rattling of thunder, and that -gulphs gape under his feet; or when -Ariadne at her glass smiles at herself, -finds her eyes sparkling, her complexion -charming, her teeth white, -and her mouth little; might not one -justly say, that these two disordered -brains, deceived by very distant affinities, -look on imaginary objects as -present and real?"</p> - -<p>"You have hit it off, madam: yes, -a due examination of mad folks will -convince any body, that their condition -is but a continual dream."</p> - -<p>"I have," says Selim addressing himself -to Bloculocus, "some facts by me, -to which your notions are very applicable; -which makes me resolve to -adopt them. Once I dream'd that I -heard some brayings, and that I saw -two parallel rows of singular animals -coming out of the great mosque; -they walk'd gravely on their hinder -feet: the hoods in which their snouts -were muffled up, had two holes in -each, thro' which issued two long -moveable hairy ears; and very long -sleeves envelopped their fore feet. I -rack'd my brain at the time, to find -some meaning, in this vision: but I -now recollect that I had been at Montmartre<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> -the preceding evening."</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> A hill near Paris famous for asses.</p></div> - -<p>"Another time, while we were in -the field, commanded by the great -Sultan Erguebzed in person, and I, -harassed by a forced march, was taking -a nap in my tent, I thought I had -the conclusion of an important affair -to sollicite in the divan: I went to -appear before the council of regency: -but you may judge how much I had -reason to be surprized. I found the -hall full of racks, troughs, mangers, -and coops for fowls; in the great -Seneschal's easy chair I saw but an ox -chewing the cud; in the Seraskier's -place, a Barbary sheep; on the -Testesdar's bench, an eagle with a -hooked bill and long talons; instead -of the Kiaja and Kadilesker, two -large owls cloathed in fur; and for -Visirs, geese with peacocks tails. I -presented my petition, and instantly -heard a horrible racket, which awaked -me."</p> - -<p>"Is that a dream of very difficult interpretation?" -said Mangogul, "you had -at that time some affair in the divan, -and before you went thither, you -took a walk to the Menagerie: but -Signor Bloculocus, you tell me nothing -concerning my dog's head."</p> - -<p>"Prince," answer'd Bloculocus, "'tis -a hundred to one, that madam wore, -or you had observed some other lady -wear a sable tippet; and that the first -Dutch dog, which you saw, struck -your imagination. There you have -ten times more connections than is requisite -to employ your mind during -your sleep: the resemblance of colour -made you substitute hair for a -tippet, and in an instant you planted an -ugly dog's head in the place of a very -beautiful woman's head."</p> - -<p>"Your notions to me appear just," -replied Mangogul: "why do you not -publish them? they may contribute -to the progress of divination by dreams, -an important science, which was much -cultivated two thousand years ago; -and has since been too much neglected. -Another advantage of your system is, -that it would not fail throwing light -on several works, both ancient and -modern, which are but a string of -dreams; such as Plato's treatise of -idea's, the fragments of Hermes Trismegistus, -the literary paradoxes of father -Harduin, the Newton, the optic -of colours, and the universal mathematicks -of a certain Bramin. For -example, would you not inform us, -Mr. Conjurer, what Orcotomus had -seen in the daytime, when he dream'd -his Hypothesis; what father C—— had -dreamt, when he set about constructing -his organ of colours; and -what was Cleobulus's dream, when he -composed his tragedy?"</p> - -<p>"With a little meditation, Sir," answered -Bloculocus, "I might compass all -that: but I reserve these nice phænomena -for the time, when I shall put -out my translation of Philoxenus, for -which I beseech your highness to grant -me the privilege."</p> - -<p>"With all my heart," says Mangogul: -"but who is this same Philoxenus?"——"Prince," -replies Bloculocus, "he is a -Greek author, who was very knowing -in the subject of dreams."——"Then -you understand Greek?"——"Who I, -Sir, not a syllable."——"Have you not -told me that you are translating Philoxenus, -and that he wrote in Greek?" -"Yes, Sir; but in order to translate a -language, it is not necessary to understand -it: because translations are made -for those only, who understand it -not."</p> - -<p>"That is wonderful," says the Sultan; -"Signor Bloculocus, well then -translate Greek without understanding -it. I give you my word, that I will -keep the secret, and it shall not make -me honour you one jot the less."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XL" id="CHAP_XL">CHAP. XL.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-third Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Fannia.</h4> - - -<p>There still remain'd a good -part of the day, when this -conversation was closed: which determined -Mangogul to make one trial -of his ring, before he retired to his -appartment; tho' it were purely to -fall asleep on more chearful idea's -than those which had hitherto employ'd -him. He went directly to -Fannia's house; but found her not. -He return'd thither after supper; she -was still absent. Wherefore he put -off his experiment to the next morning.</p> - -<p>Mangogul, says the African author, -whose Journal we translate, was at -Fannia's house by half an hour after -nine this morning. She was but just -put to bed. The Sultan drew near -her pillow, view'd her for some time, -and could not conceive how, with so -few charms, she had run through so -many adventures.</p> - -<p>Fannia is fair even to insipidity, tall, -ungainly, with an indecent gait, no -features, few <i>Agrémens</i>, and an air of -intrepidity, intolerable any where but -at court. As for wit, she is allowed -to have just as much as gallantry can -communicate: and a woman must be -born very weak, if she has not acquired -a stock of jargon after a score -of intrigues; for Fannia was advanced -thus far.</p> - -<p>At this time she was possessed by a -man suited to her character. He gave -himself little or no concern about her -infidelities; tho' indeed he was not as -well informed as the public, how far -she carried them. He had taken Fannia -by caprice, and kept her by habit; like a -piece of furniture. They had spent -the night at the ball, went to bed at -nine, and fell asleep without ceremony. -Alonzo's indifference would not have -suited Fannia, were it not for her easy -humour. Thus our couple were -sleeping soundly back to back, when -the Sultan turn'd his ring on Fannia's -Toy. It instantly began to speak, -its mistress to snoar, and Alonzo to -awake.</p> - -<p>After yawning several times; "this -is not Alonzo, what's o'clock, who -wants me? your business," said the -Toy. "I think I have not been long -in bed, let me take another nap."</p> - -<p>The Toy was preparing to compose -itself to rest accordingly; but that -was not the Sultan's intention. "What -persecution," resumed the Toy. -"Once more who wants me, and for -what? 'tis a misfortune to be born -of illustrious ancestors: how unhappy -is the condition of a titled -Toy! if any thing could console -me for the fatigues of my state, it -would be the goodness of the nobleman, -whose property I am. Oh! he is certainly -the best man in the -world in that regard. He has never -given us the least uneasiness: -and in return we have made great -use of the liberty he granted us. -What would have become of me, -great Brama, if I had fallen to the -share of one of those insipid -wretches, who are always upon the -watch? what a fine life we should -have led!"</p> - -<p>Here the Toy added some words, -which Mangogul understood not, and -then with surprising rapidity fell to -sketching out a crowd of heroic, comic, -burlesque, and tragicomic adventures: -and it was almost out of breath, when -it continued in these terms. "You -see I have some memory. But I -am like all others; I have retained -but the smallest part of what I have -been intrusted with. Be satisfied -therefore with what I have related -to you, I can recollect no more at -present."</p> - -<p>"'Tis pretty well," said Mangogul -within himself; but still he urged -afresh. "Lud, how teizing you are," -resumed the Toy: "As if one had -nothing better to do than to prate. -Come then, since it must be so, -let us prate on: perhaps when I -have told all, I shall be permitted -to do something else.</p> - -<p>"My Mistress Fannia," continued the -Toy, "thro' an inconceivable spirit of -retirement, quitted the court, to -shut her self up in her house at Banza. -It was then the beginning of autumn, -and every body was out of town. -And if you ask me what she did there; -Faith, I can't tell. But Fannia never -did but one thing; and if she had -been employ'd that way, I should -have known it. Probably she was -out of work: true, I now recollect, -we spent a day and a half in perfect -idleness, which threw us into a cruel -fit of the vapors.</p> - -<p>"I was heart-sick of this sort of -life, when Amisadar was so good to -relieve us from it.—-'Ah! you -are there, my poor Amisadar, indeed -you give me great pleasure. -You come to me very opportunely.'——'And -who knew -that you were at Banza?' replied -Amisadar.—'No body truly; and -neither you nor any one else will -ever imagine what brought me hither. -Don't you guess at the -cause?'——'No, really, I cannot -comprehend it.'—'Not at all?'—'No, -not at all.'—'Well then know, -my dear, that I resolved to be converted'—'You, -to be converted?'——'Yes, I'——'Look on -me a little: but you are as charming -as ever, and I see nothing in that -countenance that bespeaks conversion. -This is all pleasantry'——'No, faith, -I am serious. I am determined to -renounce the world. I am tired of -it'——'This is a whim, that -will soon fly off. Let me die, if ever -you run into devotion'——'I will, -I tell you: there is no sincerity in -man'——'Pray has Mazul fail'd -you?'——'I have not seen him this -age.'——'Then it must be Zumpholo?'——'Less -still, I have ceased -seeing him, I can't tell how, -without thinking about it.'——'Ah! -I have it, 'tis young Imola?'—'Good, -who can fix such fribbles?'—'What -is it then?'——'I can't tell, I am -angry with the whole earth?'——'Ah! -Madam, you are in the wrong; -for this earth, at which you are angry, -might furnish you wherewithal to repair -your losses.'——'Then, Amisadar, -you sincerely believe that there are -still some good souls, who have -escaped from the corruption of the -age, and are capable of love?'——'How, -love! Is it possible that you -give into those pitiful notions? -you expect to be loved, you?'——'And -why not?'——'But reflect, -madam, that a man who loves, pretends -to be loved, and alone too. -You have too much good sense, to -enslave your self to the jealousies and -caprices of a tender and faithful -lover. Nothing so fatiguing as these -folks. To see but them, to love -but them, to dream of none but them, -to have no wit, humour, or charms -but for them; all this most certainly -does not suit you. It would be pleasant -to see you stive yourself up in, -what is called, the noble passion, and -give your self all the awkward airs of -a little female cit.' 'Well, Amisadar, -you seem to be in the right. -I verily think it would ill become us -to run into fawning love. Let us -change then, since it must be -so. Besides, I do not see, that -those loving women, whom they -set us as models, are happier than -others'——'Who told you so, -madam?'——'No body, but it is -easily foreseen.'——'Trust not to -such foresight? A loving woman -constitutes her own, and her lover's -happiness: but this part is not suited -to all women.'——'Faith, my -dear, it is suited to none: for all, -who attempt it, are sufferers. What -advantage is there in fixing to -one?'——'A thousand, a woman, -who fixes her affections, will -preserve her reputation; will be sovereignly -esteemed by the man she -loves; and you cannot imagine, -how much love owes to esteem.'——'I -do not comprehend your meaning, -you make a jumble of reputation, -love, esteem, and I can't tell what -besides. Would you be understood, -that inconstancy must dishonour -a woman? How, I take a -man, and find he does not answer -my expectations: I take another, -and am still disappointed: I change -him for a third, who does not turn -out a jot better: and because I have -had the misfortune to make a score -of wrong choices, instead of pitying -me, you would'——'I would, -madam, advise a woman who has -been deceived in her first choice, not -to make a second; for fear of being -deceived again, and running from one -error into another.'——'Good God, -what strange morality! I fancy, -my dear, that you preached me a -quite different sort just now. Might -one be informed what sort of woman -would hit your taste?'——'Most -willingly, madam but 'tis late, -and the discourse would run into too -great a length.'——'So much the -better: I am alone, and you will -be company for me. Thus the -affair is settled, is it not? Seat -yourself on this couch, and go on: -I shall hear you more at ease.'</p> - -<p>"Amisadar obey'd, and sate down -by Fannia. 'That mantelet of -yours, madam,' says he, leaning towards -her, and uncovering her bosom, -'wraps you up strangely.'—'You -say right.'——'Why then do -you hide such beautiful things?' added -he, kissing them.——'Come, -ha' done. Do you know -that you are mad? You are become -intolerably impudent. Mr. Moralist, -resume the conversation which you -began.'</p> - -<p>"'Well then,' said Amisadar, 'I -would be glad to find in my mistress -a good figure, good sense, -good sentiments, and decency -above all. I would have her approve -my attendance; not deceive -me by looks; make me thoroughly -sensible, once at least, that I am -agreeable to her; and even inform -me how I may become still more so; -not conceal from me the progress I -make in her heart; give ear to -none but me, have no eyes but for -me; neither think, nor even -dream, but of me; love but me; -busy herself about nothing but me; -do nothing but what may tend to -convince me of all this: and at -length yielding herself up to my -transports, let me plainly perceive -that I owe every thing to my love -and to hers. Oh, what a triumph, -madam! And how happy is the -man who possesses such a woman!'——'Alas, -my poor Amisadar, you -are certainly out of your senses. You -have drawn the portrait of woman -who does not exist.'——'Pardon me, -madam, there are some in being. I -own that they are rare; but yet I -have had the good fortune to light -of one. Alas! If death had not -snatch'd her from me, for 'tis death -alone that ever robs one of such -women, perhaps I should be in her -arms at present'——'But how -then did you behave with her?'—'I -loved to distraction, and miss'd no -opportunity of giving her proofs -of my passion. I had the sweet satisfaction -of seeing that they were -well received. I was scrupulously -faithful to her, and she to me. -The only disputes between us were, -whose love was strongest; and in these -little debates it was, that we laid -our hearts open. We were never so -fond as after this scrutiny of our -souls. Our caresses always became -more tender and vigorous after our -explanations. Oh! what love and -truth were then in our looks! I -read in her eyes, and she in mine, -that we burned with equal and mutual -ardor.'——'And whither did -all this lead ye?'——'To pleasures -unknown to all mortals less amorous -and sincere than us.'——'You -enjoyed?'——'Yes I enjoyed, -but a good on which I set an infinite -value. If esteem does not intoxicate, -at least it hightens the intoxication -considerably. We unbosom'd -ourselves without reserve, -and you can't imagine how much it -strengthened our passion. The -more I examined, the more perfections -I discovered, and the greater -were my transports. I spent -half my time at her feet, and I regretted -the loss of the rest. I made -her happiness, and she filled up the -measure of mine. I always saw -her with pleasure, and always quitted -her with pain. Thus we lived -together: and now, madam, you -may judge if loving women are so -much to be pitied'——'No they -are not, if what you tell me be true; -but I can scarcely believe it. There -is no such love as you describe. Nay, -I imagine, that such a passion as you -have felt, must make a man purchase -the pleasures it affords at the expence -of great uneasinesses.'——'I had some, -madam, but I was fond of them. -I felt some twitches of jealousy. -The least alteration which I remarked -in her countenance, spread the -alarm all over my soul.'——'What -extravagance! Upon mature -consideration, I conclude that it is -better to love in the present fashionable -way; to take a lover at one's ease, -keep to him while he amuses, quit -him when he becomes tiresome, or -that our fancy speaks for another. Inconstancy -affords a variety of pleasures -unknown to you languishing folks.'——'I -grant that that method may be -proper enough for little kept mistresses -and common women; but -does not suit with a man of tenderness -and delicacy. At most it may -amuse him, when his heart is disengaged, -and he is willing to make -comparisons. In a word, a woman -of gallantry is by no means of my -taste.'——'You are in the right, -my dear Amisadar, you have a ravishing -way of thinking. But do -you love any thing at present?'——'Nothing, -madam, but yourself; -and I dare not tell you so neither.'——'Ah! -my dear, dare on: you -may continue,' replied Fannia, gazing -on him stedfastly.</p> - -<p>"Amisadar understood this reply -thoroughly well, moved forward on -the couch, fell to playing with a ribbon, -which hung down on Fannia's -breast, and he was not interrupted. -His hand, meeting with no obstacle, -slipt down lower. She continued to -fire him with glances, which he did -not misinterpret. For my part," says -the Toy, "I found, he was a sensible -man. He took a kiss on that neck, -on which he had bestowed so many -encomiums. He was desired to stop, -but in such a tone as plainly shewed -that she would take it ill, if he obeyed; -and accordingly he did not. He -kissed her hands, returned to her -neck, passed to her mouth: nothing -resisted him. Insensibly Fannia's leg -was on Amisadar's thighs. He put -his hand on it: it was soft, and -Amisadar did not fail to remark it. -His elogy was heard with an air of -distraction. By favor of this inattention, -Amisadar's hand advanced, and -with rapidity reached her knees. -The absence of mind still continued; -and Amisadar was preparing for the -charge, when Fannia came to herself. -She accused the little philosopher of -want of respect; but he became so -absent in his turn, that he did not hear -one word, or at least made no other -answer to the reproaches she threw on -him, but by compleating his happiness.</p> - -<p>"What a charming man he appear'd -to me! Of the multitude of those, -who preceded and followed him, not -one was ever so much to my taste. I -cannot mention him without panting. -Pray suffer me to recover breath! I -think I have spoken a pretty sufficient -time, considering it is my first speech."</p> - -<p>Alonzo did not lose one single Word -of Fannia's Toy; and he was no less -impatient than Mangogul to hear the -remaining part of the adventure: -but neither of them had time to be -out of patience, when the tale-telling -Toy resumed in these words.</p> - -<p>"All that I can comprehend after serious -consideration, is, that in some -few days Amisadar went to the country, -that he was asked the reason -of his stay in town, and that he -related his adventure with my mistress. -For somebody of Amisadar's and her -acquaintance, passing by our door, -enquired either by chance or design, -if madam was at home, sent in his -name, and went up.——'Ah! -madam, who could imagine you -were in Banza? and how long are -you here?'——'An age, my -dear, this fortnight, that I have renounced -society.' 'May I presume to -ask, madam, upon what account?'——'Alas! -because I was tired of -it. Women are become such strange -libertines, that there is no bearing -them. One must either do as they -do, or pass for a silly creature; and -sincerely, I think both extremes -should be avoided.'——'Indeed, -madam, you are become quite edifying. -Pray, is it the conversation -of the Bramin Brelibibi, that -has wrought your conversion?'——'No, -'tis a squall of philosophy, -'tis a quint of devotion. It -seized me suddenly; and it is not -poor Amisadar's fault that I am not at -present practising the highest austerity.'——'Then -madam has seen -him lately?'——'Yes, once or -twice.'——'And you have seen -no body else.'——'No, truly. -He is the only thinking, reasoning, -active being, that has entered my -doors during the eternity of my retreat.'——'That -is singular'——'And -what singularity is there -in it?'——'Nothing but an adventure -which he had the other -day with a lady of Banza, alone -like you, devout like you, retired -from the world like you. But I -must tell you the story: perhaps it -will amuse you.'——'Without -doubt,' replied Fannia: and immediately -Amisadar's friend set about relating -his adventure word for word, as -I have done," says the Toy: "and when -he was advanced as far as I am now.——'Well, -madam,' said he, -'what do you think? Is not Amisadar -a lucky man?'——'But,' -answered Fannia, 'Amisadar is a lier -perhaps: do you imagine that there -are women so daring as to abandon -themselves without shame?'——'But -consider, madam,' replied -Maruspha, 'that Amisadar has named -no body, and it is very improbable -that he has imposed'——'I -begin to see thro' the affair,' says -Fannia: 'Amisadar has wit, and is a -handsome man, he has, to be sure, -infused some notions of sensual pleasure -sure into this poor recluse, which -have mastered her. Yes, this must -be it: this sort of folks are dangerous -to hear, and Amisadar is matchless in -that way.'——'How, madam,' interrupted Marsupha, -'is Amisadar the -only man that has the art of perswading, -and will you not do justice -to others, who deserve, as -much as he, a share in your esteem?—-'Pray, -whom do you mean?'——'Myself, -madam, who think -you a charming woman, and'——'I -fancy you joke. Look at me then, -Marsupha. I have neither paint nor -patches. My night-cap does not become -me. I make a frightful figure.'——'You -are mistaken, madam: -that undress sets you off surprisingly. -It gives you so winning and kind an -air!'——</p> - -<p>"To these gallantries Marsupha added -others. I insensibly joined in the -conversation; and when Marsupha -had finished with me, he resumed -with my mistress. 'Seriously, Amisadar -has attempted your conversion; -he has an admirable hand at -conversions. Could you give -me a sample of his morals? I -would lay a wager they are much -the same with mine.'——'We -have thoroughly handled some points -of gallantry. We have analysed the -difference between an affectionate woman -and a woman of gallantry. He -is for the affectionate women'——'And -you too without doubt?'——'Not -at all, my dear. I took great -pains to demonstrate to him, that we -were all alike, and that we acted upon -the same principles: but he is not -of this opinion. He establishes an -infinity of distinctions, which, I think, -exist nowhere but in his imagination. -He has formed to himself, I can't tell -what ideal creature, a chimæra of a -woman, a non-entity in a coif.'——'Madam,' -answered Marsupha, 'I -know Amisadar. He is a lad of -good sense, and has been very conversant -with the sex. If he has told -you that there were such'——'Oh! -whether there are such or not,' interrupted -Fannia, 'I could never conform -to their customs.'——'I believe it,' -said Marsupha: 'and accordingly -you have chosen another sort of -conduct more suitable to your birth -and merit. Those silly creatures -are to be abandoned to philosophers: -they would never be look'd on at -court.——"</p> - -<p>Here Fannia's Toy stopt short. -One of the principal perfections of -these orators was to break off their discourse -<i>à propos</i>. They talk'd as if -they had never done any thing else: -whence some authors have inferr'd, -that they were pure machines. In this -place the African author specifies all -the metaphysical arguments of the -Cartesians against the soul of brutes, -which he applies with all possible sagacity -to the prating of Toys. In a -word, his opinion is, that Toys speak -as birds sing; that is to say, so perfectly -without having been taught, -that, to be sure, they are prompted -by some superior intelligence.</p> - -<p>But you ask me how he disposes of -his prince. He sends him to dine -with the favorite: at least 'tis there -we shall find him in the following -chapter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLI" id="CHAP_XLI">CHAP. XLI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>The history of Selim's travels.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul, whose thoughts ran -solely on diversifying his pleasures, -and multiplying the trials of -his ring; after having interrogated -the most interesting Toys of the -court, had the curiosity to hear some -of the city Toys. But as he had no -advantageous opinion of what his -should learn from them, he would -willingly consult them at his ease, and -save himself the trouble of going to -find them out.</p> - -<p>How to bring them to him, was -what embarassed him. "You are -in great pain for a trifle," says Mirzoza. -"Sir, you have only to give a -ball, and I promise you this very -night a greater number of those -speech-makers than you will covet -to hear."</p> - -<p>"My heart's joy, you say right," replied -Mangogul; "and your contrivance -is the better still, because -we shall certainly -have none but those whom we -have occasion for." In a moment an -order was dispatch'd to the Kislar-Agasi, -and the master of the revels, -to prepare the ball, and to distribute -no more than four thousand tickets. -They were probably better judges in -that country than elsewhere, of the -room that six thousand persons would -take up.</p> - -<p>To amuse themselves till the hour -of the ball, Selim, Mangogul, and -the favorite set about telling news. -"Does madam know," says Selim to the -favorite, "that poor Codindo is dead?" -"This is the first word I heard of it, -but what did he the of?" says the favorite. -"Alas, madam," answered Selim, -"he fell a victim to attraction. He -filled his head with this system in his -youth, and it turn'd his brain in his -old days." "How so?" says the favorite.</p> - -<p>"He had found," continued Selim, -"by the methods of Halley and Circino, -two celebrated astronomers of Monoémugi, -that a certain comet, which -made so much noise towards the end -of Kanaglou's reign, was to return -the day before yesterday; and fearing -lest it might double its steps, and -he should not have the happiness of -being the first to see it; he resolved -to spend the night in his observatory, -and yesterday morning at nine -o'clock he had still his eye clung to -the telescope.</p> - -<p>"His son apprehending the consequences -of so long a sitting, went to -him at eight, pull'd him by the -sleeve, and called him several times: -<i>Father, Father</i>. Not a word of answer. -<i>Father, Father,</i> repeated the -young Codindo. 'It is just going to -appear,' replied Codindo: 'it will -appear; zounds! I shall see it.' -'But you do not consider, dear father, -that there is a dismal fog'——'I must -see it, I will see it, I tell thee.'</p> - -<p>"The young man, convinced by -these answers, that the fog had got -into his father's head, called out for -help. The family ran to him, and -sent for Farfadi; and I was with him -(for he is my physician) when Codindo's -servant came.——'Quick, -quick, Sir, make haste, old Codindo, -my master'——'Well, what -is the matter, Champagne? What has -befallen your master?'——'Sir, -he is run mad.'——'Thy master -is run mad'——'Oh! yes, Sir. -He cries out that he must see beasts, -that he will see beasts; that they -will come. The apothecary is with -him already, and they wait for -you. Come quickly.'——'<i>Maniacal</i>,' -says Farfadi, putting on his -gown, and hunting for his square-cap; -'<i>Maniacal</i>, a terrible maniacal -fit.' Then turning to the servant, he -ask'd: 'Does not thy master see butterflies? -Does he not pick the ends of -his coverlid?'——'Oh! no, Sir,' -replied Champagne. 'The poor man -is on the top of his observatory, -where his wife, daughters and son -have much ado to hold him. Come -quickly, you will find your square-cap -to-morrow.'</p> - -<p>"Codindo's disease seemed to me to -be of an odd kind: I took Farfadi -in my coach, and we drove to the -observatory. At the bottom of the -stairs we heard Codindo crying out in -a furious tone: 'I must see the comet, -I will see it: withdraw ye rascals -and jades.'</p> - -<p>"In all probability his family, finding -that they could not prevail on him to -go down to his bed-chamber, had ordered -his bed up to him: for we found -him lying in bed at the top of his -observatory. An apothecary of the -neighbourhood, and the Bramin of -the parish had been called before we -arrived. The latter was trumpeting -into his ear: 'Brother, dear brother, -your salvation is at stake: you cannot -with a safe conscience expect a -comet at this hour of the day: you -damn yourself.'——'That is -my business,' said Codindo. 'What -answer will you give to Brama, -before whom you are going to appear?' -replied the Bramin.——'Mr. -Rector,' says Codindo, without -stirring his eye from the telescope, -'my answer shall be, that it is your -trade to exhort me for my money, -and the apothecary's there, to extol -his warm water to me; that the physician -does his duty of feeling my -pulse, and learning nothing from it; -and I my own, of waiting for the -comet.'——In vain did they teize -him, they drew nothing more from -him: he continued to observe with -heroic courage; and he died on the -leads, his left hand on his eye of that -side, his right laid on the tube of the -telescope, and his right eye applied -close to the eye-glass; between his -son, who cried that he made a false -calculation; his apothecary, who -proposed him a clyster, his physician, -who with a toss of his head pronounced, -that there was nothing more to -be done; and his priest, who said to -him: 'brother, make an act of contrition, -and recommend yourself to -Brama.——'"</p> - -<p>"That is," says Mangogul, "what they -call dying in the bed of honour." "Let -us leave poor Codindo," added the favorite, -"to rest in peace, and pass to -some more agreeable subject." Then -addressing herself to Selim, "my lord," -says she, "as you are so gallant at this -time of life, have so much wit, talents, -and so good a mien, and lived -in a court devoted to pleasures; it is -no wonder if the Toys have formerly -celebrated your fame. But yet I suspect -that they have not told all they -knew of you. I do not require this -supplement: you may have good -reasons for refusing it. But after all -the adventures, with which this gentry -have honoured you, you ought to -know womankind: and this is one of -those things of no consequence, -which you may safely own."</p> - -<p>"This compliment, madam," replied -Selim, "would have flattered my -self-love at the age of twenty: but I -have gained some experience, and one -of my first reflections is, that the more -one practises this business, the less -knowledge he obtains. I, to know -women! that I have studied them -much, may be allowed." "Well, what -do you think of them?" said the favorite. -"Madam," answered Selim, -"whatsoever their Toys might have -published concerning them, I esteem -the whole sex as most respectable."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, my friend," says the Sultan, -"you deserve to be a Toy; you would -have no occasion for a muzzle." "Selim," -added the Sultana, "abandon the satyrical -strain, and speak the truth." -"Madam," replied the courtier, "I may -possibly mix some disagreeable strokes -with my narrative: do not impose the -task on me of offending a sex, which -has always used me well enough, and -which I revere by"——"What, always -veneration! I know nothing so -caustic as those sweet-tongued folks, -when they set on," intermitted Mirzoza; -and imagining that it was -through regard for her that Selim excused -himself, "Let not my presence -restrain you," added she: "we are contriving -to amuse ourselves; and I -promise upon my honour to apply to -myself all the obliging things you -shall say of my sex, and to leave the -rest to other women. Well, you -have studied women much? Pray, -give us an account of the course of -your studies: it must have been very -brilliant, if I may judge of it by -what is known of the success: and it -is reasonable to presume, that this will -not be contradicted by what is unknown." -The old courtier complied -with her desire, and began thus.</p> - -<p>"The Toys, I own, have talked a -good deal of me: but they have not -told all. Those who were capable -of completing my history, either are -no more, or are not in our climate: -and those who have begun it, have -but lightly touched the subject. I -have hitherto inviolably kept the secret -which I had promised them; although -I was better made to speak -than they: but since they have broke -silence, I think they have dispensed -me from the obligation of keeping -it.</p> - -<p>"Born with a fiery constitution, I -loved almost as soon as I knew what -a beautiful woman was. I had governants -which I detested; but in return -I was much pleased with my -mother's waiting-women. They were -for the most part young and pretty: -they conversed, dressed, and undressed -before me without ceremony; -they have even enticed me to take liberties -with them, and my temper -naturally inclining to gallantry, turned -every thing to advantage. With -these elements of instruction, at five -or six years of age I was put under -the care of men; and God knows -how forward I was in improving -them, when the ancient authors were -put into my hands, and my tutors -explained certain passages, of which -possibly they themselves did not penetrate -into the sense. My father's -pages taught me some pretty college -tricks: and the perusal of <i>Aloysia</i>, -which they lent me, gave me a vehement -desire of becoming perfect. -I was then fourteen years of age.</p> - -<p>"I cast my eyes around, seeking -among the women who frequented -the house, one to whom I might make -my addresses: but they all appeared -equally proper to ease me of my irksome -load of innocence. A commenced -acquaintance, and still more -the courage I felt to attack a person of -my own age, and which failed me with -regard to others, determined my -choice in favor of one of my cousins. -Emilia was young, and so was I: I -thought her pretty, and she liked me: -she was not difficult, and I was enterprizing: -I had a mind to learn, -and she was not less curious to know. -We frequently asked one another very -frank and strong questions: and one -day she deceived the vigilance of her -governants, and we instructed each -other. Ah! how great a master is -nature! it soon set us in the high -road of pleasure, and we abandoned -ourselves to its impulse, without the -least thought of the consequences: -and this was not the way to prevent -them. Emilia had indispositions, -which she took the less pains to hide, -as she did not suspect the cause. Her -mother examined her, extorted a -confession of our commerce, and my -father was informed of it. He made -me some reprimands blended with an -air of satisfaction; and it was immediately -resolved that I should travel. -I set out with a governor, who -was charged to watch my conduct attentively, -but not to put me under -any restraint: and five months after, -the gazette informed me, that Emilia -died of the small pox; and a letter -from my father, that her tenderness -for me had cost her her life. The first -fruit of my love serves with distinction -in the Sultan's army: I have always -supported him by my credit, and to -this day he knows me solely as his -protector.</p> - -<p>"We were at Tunis, when I received -the news of his birth and his mother's -death. Her fate touched me to the quick, -and I believe I should have been inconsolable, -had I not embarked in an -intrigue with a sea-captain's wife, who -did not afford me time to run into despair. -The Tunetine was intrepid, -and I was fool-hardy: for with the -assistance of a rope-ladder, which she -threw to me, I passed every night -from my lodging on her terrass, and -thence into a closet, where she put the -finishing hand to my instructions; -Emilia having only made a beginning. -Her husband return'd from a -cruize, just at the time, that my governor, -who had received his instructions, -urged me to cross over into -Europe. I embarked on board a vessel -bound for Lisbon, but not without several -times taking leave of Elvira, -from whom I received this diamond.</p> - -<p>"The vessel, in which we sailed, -was laden with merchandise; but the -most valuable commodity on board, -to my taste, was the captain's wife. -She was not quite twenty: and her -husband was as jealous of her as a tyger, -and not quite without cause. We -all soon understood one another: -Donna Velina perceived that I had -a liking for her; I, that I was not indifferent -to her; and her husband, -that he incommoded us. The sailor -resolved not to lose sight of us till we -were landed at Lisbon. I read in the -eyes of his dear wife, how much she -fretted at her husband's assiduity: -mine testified the same things to her, -and the husband understood us wonderfully -well. We spent two whole -days in an inconceivable thirst of -pleasure; which would certainly -have kill'd us, had not heaven assisted -us: but it always assists souls in pain. -Just upon our passing the Streights -of Gibraltar, a furious tempest arose. -I would not fail, madam, to raise -the winds about your ears, and make -thunder rattle over your head; to set -the heavens on fire with lightning; -raise the billows up to the clouds, and -describe the most horrid tempest -which you have ever met with in any -romance; were I not giving you a -history. I shall only tell you, that the -captain was compelled by the sailors -cries to quit his room, and expose -himself to one danger for fear of another. -He went up on deck together -with my governor, and I threw -myself without hesitation into the -arms of my fair Portuguese; quite -forgetting that there was any such -thing in nature as a sea, storms, or -tempests; that we were on board a -tottering vessel; and abandoning myself -without reserve to the perfidious -element. Our course was rapid, and -you may well judge, madam, by -the weather at that time, that I saw a -great deal of land in a few hours. We -put in at Cadiz, where I left a promise -with the Signora to meet her at -Lisbon, if my Mentor agreed to it, -whose design was to go directly to -Madrid.</p> - -<p>"The Spanish women are more closely -confined, and more amorous than -ours. Love is managed in that country -by a sort of ambassadresses, who -have orders to catechize strangers, to -make proposals to them, to conduct -them forward and backward; and the -ladies undertake the task of making -them happy. I was not obliged to -go through this ceremony, thanks to -the conjuncture. A great revolution -had lately placed a prince of the -blood royal of France on the throne of -this kingdom: his arrival and coronation -occasioned festivals at the court, -where I then appeared. I was accosted -at a masquerade; and a meeting was -proposed me for the next day: I accepted -the challenge, and went into a -little house, where I found only one -man mask'd, his nose wrapp'd in his -cloak, who delivered me a letter, in -which Donna Oropeza put off the -party to the next day at the same hour. -I returned, and was introduced into -an appartment sumptuously furnish'd, -and well illuminated with wax tapers. -My goddess did not make me wait -long. She enter'd just at my heels, -and rush'd into my arms without -speaking a word, or taking off her -mask. Was she ugly? Was she -handsome? was what I knew not. I -only perceived on the couch, to which -she drew me, that she was young, -well-made, and loved pleasure. When -she found herself satisfied with my -panegyricks, she unmask'd, and -shewed me the original of this -picture, which you see in my snuff-box."</p> - -<p>Selim open'd, and at the same time -presented the favorite with a gold box, -of exquisite work, and richly adorn'd -with jewels. "The present is gallant," -says Mangogul: "what I esteem most -in it," added the favorite, "is the portrait. -What eyes! What a mouth! -what a neck! But is not all this -hightened?" "So little, madam," replied -Selim, "that Oropeza would probably -have fixed me at Madrid, -if her husband, informed of our -commerce, had not disturbed it by -his threats. I loved Oropeza, but I -loved life better still. Besides, my governor -was not of opinion, that I should -expose myself to be poniarded by the -husband, for the sake of enjoying -his wife some few months more. -Wherefore I wrote to the fair Spanish -Donna a very moving farewel letter, -which I stole out of some romance of -that country, and set out for France.</p> - -<p>"The monarch, who then reigned in -France, was the king of Spain's -grandfather, and his court was justly -esteemed the most magnificent, most -polite, and most gallant in Europe. -I appeared there as a phænomenon. -'A young lord of Congo,' says a -beautiful marquise. 'That must be -surely very diverting: those men -are better then ours. I think Congo -is not far from Morocco.' Suppers -were given, to which I was invited. -Let my discourse have ever so little -sense in it, it was found fine, admirable: -people retracted, who had -at first done me the honour to suspect -that I had not common sense. 'He -is a charming man,' says another court -lady briskly: 'it would be murther to -suffer so pretty a figure to return into -a wretched country, where the women -are narrowly watched by men -who are no longer so. Is it true, -sir? 'Tis said, that they have nothing. -That is very unseemly in a -man.'——'But,' adds another, -'we must keep this great boy here, -(for he is well born) tho' he were only -made a knight of Malta. I engage, -if you will, to procure him an employment; -and the dutchess Victoria, -my old friend, will speak to the king -in his favor, if it be requisite.'</p> - -<p>"I soon had indubitable proofs of -their good-will, and I put the marquise -into a condition of pronouncing -on the merit of the inhabitants of -Morocco and Congo. I found that the -employment, which the dutchess and -her friend had promised me, was difficult -to execute, and therefore gave -it up. It was in this recess that I -learned to form those noble passions -of twenty-four hours. I circulated -during six months in a vortex, where -the beginning of an adventure did -not wait for the end of another; because -enjoyment was the only thing -intended. Or if that was slow in -coming, or as soon as it was obtained, -we ran upon the scent of new pleasures." -"What do you tell me, Selim?" -interrupted the favorite. "Decency is -then unknown in those countries?" -"Pardon me, madam," replied the old -courtier. "They have scarcely any -other word in their mouths. But the -French women are no more slaves to -the thing than their neighbors." "What -neighbors?" says Mirzoza. "The English -women," replied Selim, "who are -cold and scornful in appearance, but -passionate, voluptuous, vindictive; -less witty and more rational than the -French women. These love the jargon -of sentiment, those prefer the -expression of pleasure. But at London -as at Paris, people love, separate, rejoin -to separate again. From the -daughter of a lord bishop (these are -a sort of Bramins who do not keep -celibacy) I passed to a baronet's -wife. While he was warmly supporting -the interest of the nation in -the house of commons, against the -attempts of the court; his wife and -I had quite different debates in his -house. But the session was closed, -and madam was obliged to attend her -knight to his manor. I then light -upon a colonel's wife, whose regiment -was quartered along the sea-coast: -I afterwards belong'd to the -lady mayoress. Ah, what a woman! -I should never have seen Congo -again, if the prudence of my governor, -who saw me wasting away, -had not redeemed me from this gally. -He counterfeited letters from my family, -which recalled me with all -possible expedition, and we embarked -for Holland: our design was to -travel through Germany into Italy, -where we expected frequent opportunities -of vessels to carry us to Afric.</p> - -<p>"We saw Holland only in riding -post; and did not tarry much longer -in Germany. All the women of rank -there resemble important citadels, -which must be besieged in form. They -are to be reduced, but the approaches -require so many measures, there are so -many <i>ifs</i> and <i>buts</i>, when the articles -of capitulation are to be settled, that -those conquests soon tired me.</p> - -<p>"I shall never forget the expression -of a German lady of the first quality, -on the subject of granting me what -she had not refused to several others. -'Alas!' cried she mournfully, 'what -would my father the great Alkizi -say, if he knew that I abandon myself -to such a low creature as a Congese.' -'He shall say nothing, madam,' replied -I: 'so much grandeur affrights me, -and I withdraw.' It was wisely done -of me; for if my mediocrity had -compromised with her highness, I -might have repented it. Brama, who -protects the wholesome climes, which -we inhabit, inspired me without -doubt in this critical moment.</p> - -<p>"The Italian ladies, whom we frequented -afterwards, are not mounted -on so high a pin. It was with them -that I learned the modes of pleasure. -There is indeed much caprice and -whim in those refinements; but you -will pardon me, ladies, if I say, that -sometimes there is no pleasing you -without them. From Venice and -Rome I brought some merry receipts -before my time unknown in our barbarous -country. But I restore all the -glory of them to the Italian women, -who communicated them to me.</p> - -<p>"I spent about four years in Europe, -and returned through Egypt into this -empire, modelled as you see, and -stock'd with the rare secrets of Italy, -which I soon divulged."</p> - -<p>Here, says the African author, Selim -perceiving that the common place -language, which he held to the favorite -on his adventures in Europe, and -on the characters of the women of -the countries through which he passed, -had plunged Mangogul into a deep -sleep, was afraid of awaking him; -and therefore drew near to the favorite, -and continued in a lower voice.</p> - -<p>"Madam," said he, "were I not apprehensive -that I have tired you by a -narrative, which has perhaps been -already too long; I would relate you -the adventure, by which I commenced -my operations on my arrival at Paris: -I cannot think how it has escaped me."</p> - -<p>"Tell it, my good friend," answered -the favorite; "I will double my attention, -and make amends, as much as -I am able, for the Sultan's inattention, -who sleeps."</p> - -<p>"At Madrid," continued Selim, "we -had taken recommendations for some -lords of the court of France, and at -our setting foot in Paris we found -ourselves loaded with protestations -of friendship. It was then the pleasant -season of the year, and in the -evenings my governor and I went -to walk in the gardens of the Palais -Royal. One day we were joined there -by some <i>Petits-Maitres</i>, who shewed -us the most celebrated beauties, and -gave us their history, true, or false, -not forgetting themselves on every -occasion, as you may well imagine. -The garden was already stock'd by a -great number of women; but there -arrived a considerable reinforcement -about eight o'clock. By the quantity -of their jewels, the magnificence of -their dress, and the crowd of their -attendants, I took them for dutchesses -at least. I spoke my thoughts to one -of the young lords of the company, -whose answer was, that he found I -was a connoisseur; and if I was inclined, -I should have the pleasure of -supping that very night with some of -the most lovely of them. I accepted -his offer, and in an instant he slipt -a word into the ears of two or three of -his friends, who dispersed themselves -into different parts of the walks, and -in less than a quarter of an hour returned -to give us an account of their -negotiation. 'Gentlemen,' said they -to us, 'you are expected this night to -supper at the dutchess Asteria's.' Those -who were not of the party, congratulated -us on our good fortune: and -after some turns in the gardens, they -left us, and we went into our coach, -in order to reap the benefit of it.</p> - -<p>"We alight at a little door, at the -foot of a very narrow pair of stairs, -where we climbed up to a second floor; -and I found the appartments more -spacious and better furnished than -they would appear to me at present. -I was presented to the mistress of the -house, to whom I made one of the -most profound reverences, which I -accompanied with so respectuous a -compliment, that she was almost unhinged. -Supper was served up, and I -was seated next to a little charming -person, who fell to acting the -dutchess to admiration. Truly I -can't tell how I dared to fall in love -with her: but so it was."</p> - -<p>"Then you have loved once in your -life," interrupted the favorite. "Oh! -yes, madam," replied Selim, "as people -love at eighteen years of age, with -extreme impatience to conclude an -affair just broach'd. I had not a wink -of sleep all that night, and at dawn -of day I set about composing a most -gallant letter to my <i>Belle</i>. I sent it, -received an answer, and obtained a -meeting. Neither the style of the -answer, nor the yielding temper of -the lady, did undeceive me; and I -flew to the place of assignation, -strongly perswaded that I was going -to enjoy the wife or daughter of a -prime minister. My goddess was -waiting for me on a grand couch: I -threw myself at her feet, took her -hand, kissed it with uncommon eagerness, -and felicitated myself on the favor -which she condescended to grant me. -'Is it true,' said I, 'that you permit -Selim to love you, and to tell you -so; and that he may, without -offending you, flatter himself with -the sweetest hope?' On ending -these words, I snatch'd a kiss from -her neck; and as she was recumbent -I was preparing to support the attack -with vigor, when she stop'd me, and -said: 'Hold, my friend, you are a -pretty lad, you have wit at will, -you talk like an angel; but I must -have four <i>Louis d'or's</i>.' 'What do -you say,' interrupted I.——'I tell -you,' replied she, 'there is nothing to -be done, if you have not brought -four <i>Louis</i>'——'How, miss,' said I -quite amazed, 'is that your full value? -It was well worth my while, to be -sure, to come from Congo for such a -trifle.' And in a moment I put myself -in order, hurried down stairs, and -left her.</p> - -<p>"I began, madam, as you see, to -mistake actresses for princesses." "I am -quite astonished at it," replied Mirzoza, -"surely the difference is very -great." "I doubt not," said Selim, "but -they were guilty of a hundred impertinences. -But what then? A young -man, and a stranger too, is not so -nice an observer. And I had heard -so many bad stories in Congo, on the -liberties taken by the European women.——"</p> - -<p>Here Mangogul awak'd, and yawning -and rubbing his eyes, said: "By -the L—d, he is still at Paris. -Might one ask you, good Mr. Story-teller, -when you expect to be return'd -to Banza, and how long I am -doomed to sleep: for 'tis proper you -should know, my friend, that it is -not possible to broach an account of -travels without throwing me into -yawnings. It is a bad habit, which -I contracted in reading Tavernier and -other travellers."</p> - -<p>"Prince," answered Selim, "it is above -an hour since I am come back to -Banza."</p> - -<p>"I congratulate you thereupon," replied -the Sultan; and then turning to -the Sultana, "madam," said he, "the -hour appointed for the masquerade is -come: we will set out, if the fatigue -of the journey permits you."</p> - -<p>"Prince," answered Mirzoza, "I am -ready." Mangogul and Selim slipt on -their Domino's, and the favorite took -hers likewise: the Sultan handed her -to the ball-room where they separated, -in order to mix in the crowd. Selim -followed them, "and so did I," says the -African author; "tho' I had a stronger -inclination to take a nap than to see -the dancing."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLII" id="CHAP_XLII">CHAP. XLII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth trial of -the ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Masquerade, and sequel of the masquerade.</h4> - - -<p>The most extravagant Toys of -Banza did not fail flocking -whither pleasure called them. Some -came in city-coaches, some in public -vehicles, and some few on foot. "I -should never finish," says the African -author, whose trainbearer I have the -honour to be, "if I enter'd into a detail -of the tricks which Mangogul play'd -on them." He gave more exercise to -his ring that night alone, than it ever -had had, since the Genius presented -him with it. He turn'd it sometimes -on one, sometimes on another, and -frequently on twenty together; -and then it was, that the noise they -made was ravishing; One cried out -with a squeaking voice, "Violins, pray -give us <i>le Carillon de Dunkerque</i>;" -another in a hoarse voice, "I will have -the <i>Sautriots</i>;" "and I the <i>Tricotets</i>," -said a third: and a multitude at once -call'd for old country-dances, such as <i>la -Bourée, les quatre faces, la Calotine, -la Chaine, le Pistolet, la Mariée, le -Pistolet, le Pistolet, le Pistolet</i>. All -these cries were interlarded with a million -of extravagances. On one side -was heard: <i>Plague take the noodle, -let him be sent to school.</i> On another, -<i>Must I return then without my earnest?</i> -Here, <i>who pays my coach?</i> There, <i>he -has slipt away from me, but I'll hunt -him till I find him.</i> And again, <i>till -to-morrow; but twenty Louis's at least, -or there's nothing to be done.</i> And -every where in short, speeches, which -expressed desires or exploits.</p> - -<p>In the crowd, a citizen's daughter, -young and pretty, singled out Mangogul, -pursued him, and provoked -him so, that he turned his ring on her. -Then was her Toy heard to cry out: -"Why do you fly me? Stop, charming -mask, be not insensible to the -ardor of a Toy, which burns for -you." The Sultan shock'd at this -rash declaration, was determined to -punish the forward creature. He disappear'd, -and sought among his -guards some one who was pretty much -of his make, gave him his mask and -Domino, and abandoned him to the -pursuits of the little female cit; who -being still deceived by appearances, -continued to say a thousand ridiculous -things to him, whom she took for -Mangogul.</p> - -<p>The sham Sultan was no fool, he -was one of those who could talk by -signs: he made one, which drew the -<i>Belle</i> into a lonesome place, where, for -above an hour, she imagined herself -the favorite Sultana, and God knows -what mighty projects were working -in her brain. But the enchantment -lasted not long. After she had surfeited -the pretended Sultan with caresses, -she pray'd him to unmask; -which he did, and shewed a physiognomy -armed with a large pair of -whiskers, which did not belong to -Mangogul. "Oh! fy," cried the little -wench, "fie"—"Fell mine little Shoul," -answered the Swiss, "fat you ail? -Me tought mee done you kood services -enof, dat you no be angry at -nowing mee." But his goddess, -without answering him, slipt nimbly -thro' his hands, and was lost in the -crowd.</p> - -<p>But even such of the Toys as did -not aspire to so great honours, did -not fail of lighting on pleasure: and -they all took the road back to Banza, -thoroughly satisfied with their journey.</p> - -<p>As the company was withdrawing, -Mangogul overheard two of his principal -officers at high words. "She -is my mistress," says one, "I have -kept her these twelve months, and -you are the first who has taken it -into his head to tread on my heels. -Why do you make me uneasy? -Nasses, my friend, apply elsewhere; -you will find a hundred lovely women, -who will think themselves -too happy to possess you." "I love -Amina," replied Nasses. "I see none -but her, who takes my fancy. She -has given me hopes, and you will -give me leave to pursue them." -"Hopes!" replied Alibeg——"Yes, -hopes"——"Zounds, that is not"——"I -tell you, Sir, that it is, and -I expect satisfaction this moment for -the lye you give me." Down they -went immediately into the court yard; -their scymeters were already drawn, -and they were on the point of ending -their dispute in a tragical manner, -when the Sultan stop'd them, and forbid -them to fight, before they had -consulted their <i>Helena</i>.</p> - -<p>They obeyed, and went to Amina's -house, and Mangogul close after -them. "The ball has quite spent -me," said she: "my eyes are dropping -out of my head. You are -very cruel folks, to come the moment -I was ready to get into bed: -but both of ye look very oddly. -May I be informed what brings ye -hither?"——"A trifle," replied -Alibeg. "This gentleman boasts, and -even loftily," added he, shewing his -friend, "that you give him hopes. -Madam, how stands this matter?"—Amina -was opening her mouth, but -the Sultan turning his ring that very -instant, she closed it, and her Toy -answered for her——"In my opinion -Nasses is mistaken: no, it is -not he that madam chooses. Has -he not a lusty footman who is a better -man? Oh! how foolish these men -are in imagining that dignities, honours, -titles, names, words void -of meaning, impose on Toys. -Every one has his own philosophy, -and ours consists in distinguishing -personal merit, true merit, from -that which is but imaginary. With -Monsieur de Claville's leave, he -knows less of that subject than we; -which I will prove.</p> - -<p>"You are both acquainted," continued -the Toy, "with the marchioness -Bibicosa. You know her -amours with Cleandor, as also her -disgrace, and the high devotion she -professes at this day. Amina is a -good friend; she has constantly -kept up her former intimacy with -Bibicosa, and has not ceased frequenting -her house, where all sorts -of Bramins are met with. On a -certain day one of these pressed my -mistress to speak to Bibicosa in his -favor. 'Pray, what would you have -me ask of her?' replied Amina. -'She is a drowned woman, who can -do nothing for herself. To be -sure, she will be much obliged to -you for treating her still as a person -of consequence. Believe me, -my friend, prince Cleandor and -Mangogul will never do any thing -for her, and you may freeze in the -anti-chambers.'——'But, madam,' -replied the Bramin, 'the affair -is but a trifle, which entirely depends -on the marchioness: and this -it is. She has built a little chapel -in her house, doubtless for the -Sala, which supposes an Iman: -and 'tis this place which I ask'——'What -say you?' says Amina. 'An -Iman: you don't consider: the -marchioness wants only a Marabou, -whom she will call from time to -time, when it rains, or when she -chooses to have the Sala, before -she goes to bed: but an Iman lodged, -cloathed, dieted in her house, with -a salary, does not suit Bibicosa. I -know her affairs. The poor woman -has not six thousand Zecchins a -year, and you expert her to give -two thousand of it to an Iman. -Surely this is a strange fancy.'——'By -Brama,' replied the holy man, -'I am sorry for it: for if I had once -got to be her Iman, I should soon -become more necessary to her; and -when one is got thus far, it rains -gold and pensions. Howsoever I -may appear to you, I am of Monomotapa, -and do my duty extremely -well.'——'Upon second thoughts,' -answered Amina, with panting interruptions, -'your affair is not perhaps -impossible. Pity it is, that -the merit you speak of is not -known.'——'One runs no risque -in doing good offices to persons of -my country,' replied the Monomotapan, -'pray behold.'——He -forthwith gave Amina a complete -proof of such surprising merit, -that from that moment you lost in -her eyes half the value she put on -you. Well! long live the Monomotapans."</p> - -<p>Alibeg and Nasses made long faces, -and look'd on each other without uttering -a word: but when they had recovered -from their astonishment, they -mutually embraced; and casting disdainful -looks on Amina, they ran -prostrate themselves at the Sultan's -feet, and thank him for having undeceived -them with regard to this woman, -and preserved their lives and reciprocal -friendship. They arrived just -as Mangogul, return'd to the favorite, -was relating Amina's history to her. It -made Mirzoza laugh, but did not -augment her esteem for the court ladies -and the Bramins.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLIII" id="CHAP_XLIII">CHAP. XLIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Selim at Banza.</i></h4> - - -<p>From the masquerade Mangogul -went immediately to take rest; -but the favorite finding that she had -no inclination to sleep, sent for Selim, -and pressed him to continue the history -of his amours. Selim obeyed, -and resumed the discourse in these -terms.</p> - -<p>"Madam, galantry did not fill up -all my time: I snatched some moments -from pleasure, which I bestowed -on serious occupations; and the -intrigues in which I was embarked, -did not prevent my learning fortification, -riding, fencing, music and -dancing; observing the customs and -arts of the Europeans, and studying -their politicks and military art. On -my return to Congo, I was presented -to the Emperor, grandfather to the -Sultan, who granted me an honourable -post in his troops; and I soon -was made one of all the parties of -the prince Erguebzed, and consequently -concerned in the adventures -of pretty women. I was acquainted -with some of all nations, ages, and -conditions, and found very few cruel; -whether it was that my rank dazzled -them, that my prattle pleased them, -or my person struck them. At that -time I had two qualities, with which -a rapid progress is made in love-affairs; -assurance and presumption.</p> - -<p>"At first I dealt among the women -of quality. I took them in the -evening in the circle, or at play at -the Manimonbanda's: I passed the -night with them, and we hardly -knew each other in the morning. -One of the occupations of these ladies, -is to procure lovers, nay, to decoy -them away from their best female -friends; and the other, to get rid of -them. Thro' apprehensions of ever -being unprovided, while they are enjoying -the sweets of one intrigue, -they squint at two or three others. -They possess a number of little arts to -attract the man they have in view, -and a thousand tricks in reserve, to -disengage themselves from their present -spark. This has always been, -and always will be. I shall name no -body; but I knew every woman of -Erguebzed's court, who had any reputation -for youth and beauty; and -all these engagements were formed, -broken off, resumed, forgot, in less -than six months.</p> - -<p>"Disgusted with that world, I passed -into its antipodes. I visited the citizen's -wives, whom I found dissembling, -vain of their beauty, perched -on the pinacle of honour, and almost -constantly beset with savage brutal -husbands, or certain splaw-footed -cousins, who acted the passionate -lovers with their female cousins from -morning till night, and were very -disagreeable to me. It was impossible -to be alone with these women one -moment. Those animals broke in -upon us perpetually, disconcerted a -rendezvous; and thrust themselves -into all our conversations. These obstacles -notwithstanding, I brought -five or six of these prattling creatures -to my intended point, before I finished -with any one of them. What diverted -me much in their commerce, -was, that they piqued themselves, on -delicacy of sentiments, and I must -value myself on the same; and they -talk'd on that subject eno' to make -one die with laughing. Besides, they -required assiduity of attendance; and -in their dialect I was continually deficient -in this point. They preached -such correct love, that there was a necessity -of renouncing it. But the -worst of all was, that they had your -name eternally in their mouths, and -that sometimes one was obliged to -appear in public with them, and incur -all the ridicule of a city adventure. -Wherefore on a fine summer's day I bid -adieu to their shops and the whole rue -St. Denis for ever.</p> - -<p>"People had then the madness of -keeping private lodges. I hired one -in the eastern suburb, and there successively -had some of those girls who -are seen and not seen; to whom one -speaks, and says not a word; and -whom we discard, when tired of them. -I frequently mustered a set of friends -and opera actresses together, and gave -little suppers, which prince Erguebzed -now and then honoured with his -presence. Ah! madam, I had delicious -wines, exquisite cordials, and -the best cook in Congo.</p> - -<p>"But nothing gave me so great amusement -as an enterprize which I executed -in a province remote from the -capital, where my regiment was in -quarters. I set out from Banza to -review it; and as that was my only -business, I should have been quickly -back, were it not for the extravagant -project to which I devoted myself. At -Baruthi there was a monastery of very -beautiful nuns. I was young and -beardless; and I contrived how to get -admission under the disguise of a widow, -who sought an asylum against -the dangers of the age. I ordered -womens cloaths to be made for me, -then dressed myself, and went to offer -myself at the grate of those recluses. -I met with a very tender reception: -they comforted me for the loss of my -husband; the price of my board was -agreed on, and in I went.</p> - -<p>"The appartment appointed me had -a communication with the dormitory -of the novices. They were very numerous, -most of them young, and -of a surprising bloom. I was extremely -polite to them, and soon became -their bosom friend. In less than -eight days I was let into all the interests -of the little republic, informed -of the several characters, and instructed -in their secret history; I received -confidences of all colours, and found -that detraction and calumny are not -better managed by us profane mortals. -I observed their rules with severity, -catch'd the wheedling air and smooth -canting tone: and they whispered to -each other, that the community -would be happy, if I took the habit.</p> - -<p>"No sooner had I thought my reputation -established in the house, but -I fixed upon a young virgin, who had -just taken the first veil. She was an -adorable nut-brown girl: she called me -her mamma, and I called her my -little angel. She gave me innocent -kisses, and I returned very tender -ones. Youth is curious: Zirziphila -put me daily on the subject of matrimony, -and the pleasure of husbands, -and desired me to inform her: I artfully -whetted her curiosity; and from -question to question I led her to the -practice of the lessons which I gave -her. She was not the only novice -that I instructed; and some young -nuns came likewise to be edified in -my cell. I managed the hours and -meetings so dexterously, that no one -interfered with another. In fine, -madam, what shall I tell you? The -pious widow made a numerous progeny. -But when the scandal, which -caused many a secret sigh, broke -out, and a council of discreet matrons -met, and sent for the physician of -the convent; I meditated my retreat. -Wherefore in the dead of the night, -when the whole house was asleep, I -scaled the garden wall, and disappeared. -I went to the waters of Piombino, -whither the physician had -sent half the convent; and there, in -the habit of a cavalier, I finished the -work, which I had begun under that -of a widow. This, madam, is a -fact which the whole empire remembers, -and of which you alone know -the author.</p> - -<p>"The rest of my youth," added Selim, -"was spent in the like amusements, -always women, and of all sorts, seldom -any mystery, a number of -oaths, and no sincerity." "But at this -rate," says the favorite, "you have -never been in love?" "Psha!" replied -Selim, "I thought much of love -at that time; I aim'd at pleasure only, -and at those women who were -most likely to afford it me"——"But," -interrupted the favorite, "is -there any pleasure without loving? -What can it be, when the heart says -nothing?" "Alas! madam," rejoined -Selim, "is it the heart that speaks at -the age of eighteen or twenty?"</p> - -<p>"But in fine, what is the result of -all these experiments? What have -you pronounced on women?"</p> - -<p>"That most women have no character -at all," says Selim. "That they -are most powerfully influenced by -three things, interest, pleasure and -vanity; that perhaps there is not one -of them who is not governed by one -of these passions; and that those who -join all the three together, are monsters."</p> - -<p>"As for pleasure, that I can allow -them," said Mangogul, who had just -then joined the company: "though -little dependance can be had on this -sort of women, yet they are to be -excused. When the constitution is -wound up to a certain pitch, it is an -unruly horse, which carries his rider -over hedges and ditches; and most -women are mounted astride on that -beast." "'Tis probably for that reason," -says Selim, "that the dutchess Menega -calls the Chevalier Kaidar her master -of the horse."</p> - -<p>"But is it possible," says the Sultana -to Selim, "that you have not had the -least adventure, in which the heart -was concerned. Will your sincerity -tend only to dishonour a sex which -constituted your pleasures, if you -were their darling. What! in so -great a number of women, not one -that desired, and even deserved to be -beloved; that is not to be conceived."</p> - -<p>"Ah! madam," replied Selim, "I feel, -by the readiness with which I obey -you, that years have not weakened -the empire of a lovely woman over -my heart. Yes, madam, I have -loved like other folks. You desire to -know all; I am going to tell all, and -you will judge if I have performed -a lover's part in all the forms."</p> - -<p>"Are there any travels in this part of -your history?" says the Sultan. "No, -prince," replied Selim. "So much the -better," says Mangogul, "for I find no -propensity to sleep."</p> - -<p>"For my part," rejoined the favorite, -"Selim will allow me to take a little -rest."</p> - -<p>"Let him go to bed likewise," says -the Sultan; "and while ye both are -reposing, I will interrogate Cypria."</p> - -<p>"But, prince," answered Mirzoza, -"your highness does not reflect, that -that Toy will lead you into a string of -voyages without end."</p> - -<p>The African author informs us in -this place, that the Sultan, struck with -Mirzoza's observation, took care to -provide a most powerful antihypnotic. -He adds, that Mangogul's physician, -being his intimate friend, had given -him the prescription, and that he had -put it in to the preface of his book: -but of that preface there remains no -more than; the three last lines, which -are as follow.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Take of——</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">of——</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">of——</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">of <i>Mariamne, and the Paysan Par</i>, four pages.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">of the <i>Egaremens du Coeur</i>, one sheet.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">of the <i>Confessions</i>, twenty five lines and a half.</span><br /> -</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLIV" id="CHAP_XLIV">CHAP. XLIV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-sixth trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>The rambling Toy.</h4> - - -<p>While the favorite and Selim -were reposing after the fatigues -of the preceding day, Mangogul -was viewing with astonishment -the magnificent appartments of Cypria. -This woman had, by means -of her Toy, made a fortune equal to -that of a general farmer of the revenue. -After having been through a -long row of chambers, each surpassing -the other in richness and elegance of -furniture, he came to the great salon; -where, in the midst of a numerous -circle, he distinguished the mistress of -the house by the enormous quantity of -jewels, which disfigured her; and -her husband, by the good-manship -painted on his countenance. Two -<i>Abbés</i>, a wit, and three academicians -of Banza, were posted at the sides of -Cypria's easy chair; and towards the -end of the salon fluttered about two -<i>Petits-Maitres</i>, and a young magistrate -full of airs, blowing on his -ruffles, incessantly adjusting his peruke, -visiting his mouth, and complimenting -himself in the glass that -his paint held on so well. Except -these three butterflies, all the company -was in profound veneration for the -honorable mummy, who was seated -in an indecent posture, yawned, -spoke while she yawned, judged of -every thing, judged ill of every -thing, and was never contradicted. -"How," said Mangogul within himself, -who had not talked alone of a -long time, and was chagrined at it; -"how came she to have it in her -power to dishonor a man of a -good family, with so wrong a turn -of mind, and such a figure as she -makes?" Cypria would fain pass for -fair; tho' her skin, tawney striped -with red, had a good resemblance -with a variegated Tulip. With large -eyes, she was short-sighted; she was -of a squat shape, crowded features, -with a long slender nose, a flat mouth, -hollow cheeks, and a narrow forehead; -no neck, a dry hand, and -skinny arm. With those charms it -was, that she inchanted her husband. -The Sultan turn'd his ring on her, and -instantly she began to open. The -company were deceived, thinking -that Cypria spoke from her mouth, -and that she was going to pass judgment: -whereas her Toy began in -these words.</p> - -<p>"The history of my travels. I -was born in Morocco, in the year -17000000012; and I danced on the -stage of the opera, when Mehemet -Tripathoud, who kept me, was named -ambassador extraordinary from our -potent emperor to the monarch -France. I followed him in this ambassy. -The charms of the French -women soon robbed me of my lover; -and I speedily made reprisals. The -courtiers greedy of novelty, would -needs try Maroquine: for thus they -nick-named my mistress. She treated -them with great humanity; and her -affability in six months brought her in -twenty thousand crowns in jewels, as -much more in cash, and a neat well -furnished house. But the French are -fickle, and I soon ceased to be in -fashion. I did not mispend my time -in galloping about the provinces: -great talents require vast theatres. I -suffered Tripathoud to return without -me; and I devoted myself to the metropolis -of another kingdom.</p> - -<p>"Un my lord tres opulent, qui voyageoit en France, m'entraina a -Londres. Oui, c'etoit la vraiment un homme. Il m'arrosoit six fois -par jour, et six autres fois par nuit. Son v--t lancoit des dards de -feu, comme la queue d'une Comete. Jamais n'ai-je ressenti des bottes -si vives et si bien appliquées. Mais il n'etoit pas possible à la -prouesse humaine de continuer ce train long tems: aussi se rallentit-il -peu à peu, et je recus son ame distillée par son _Penis_. Il me fit -present de cinquante mil guinées. A ce noble Seigneur succederent -deux amateurs nouvellement revenus de course. Comme ils etoient amis -intimes, ils me chevauchoient, comme ils avoient voyagés, en compagnie; -chacun faisant tous ses efforts pour surpasser l'autre en vigeur et en -feu. Pendant que l'un etoit a la rade, je remorqueois l'autre par son -v--t, et je le preparois à une nouvelle attaque. Par un calcul tres -moderé je contai cent quatre-vingt coups de balles, que je recus en -huit jours. Mais je m'ennuiai bientot de tenir un compte si exacte: car -leurs bordées ne finissoient pas. Ils me payerent douze mil guinées -pour ma part des captures qu'ils avaient faites. Dés que l'hiver fut -passé, ils furent contraints de mettre à la voile; et ils auroient bien -voulu m'engager en qualité d'Allege: mais j'avois deja fait contract -avec un Comte Allemand.</p> - -<p>"Duxit me Viennam in Austria patriam suam, ubi venereâ voluptate, -quantâ maximâ poteram, ingurgitatus sum, per menses tres integros ejus -splendidè nimis epulatus hospes. Illi, rugosi et contracti Lotharingo -more colei, et eo usque longa crassaque mentula, ut dimidiam nondum -acciperem, quamvis iterato coitu fractus rictus mihi miserè pateret. -Immanem ast usu frequenti vagina tandem admisit laxè gladium; novasque -excogitavimus artes, quibus fututionum quotidianaram vinceremus -fastidium. Modò me resupinum agitabat; modò ipsum, eques adhærescens -inguinibus, motu quasi tolutario versabam. Sæpe turgentem spumantemque -admovit ori priapum, simulque appressis ad labia labiis, fellatrice -me linguâ perfricuit. Etsi veneri nunquam indulgebat posticæ, à tergo -me tamen adorsus, cruribus altera sublato, altera depresso, inter -femora subibat, voluptaria quærens per impedimenta transire. Amatoria -Sanchesii præcepta calluit ad unguem, et festivas Aretini tabulas -sic expressit, ut nemo melius. His a me laudibus acceptis, multis -florenorum millibus mea solvit obsequia, et Romam secessi.</p> - -<p>"Quella Citta è il tempio de Venere, ed il soggiorno delle delizie. -Tuttavia mi dispiaceva, que le natiche leggiadre sossero là encora più -festeggiate delle più belle potte; quello che provai il terno giorno -del mio arrivo in quel paese. Una Cortigiana illustre si offerisce a -farmi guadagnare mila scudi, s'io voleva passar la sera con esso lei in -una vigna. Accettai l'invito; salimmo in una carozza, e giungemmo in un -luogo da lei ben conosciuto, nel quale due cavaliere colle braghenesse -rosse si fecero incontro à noi, e ci condussero in un boschetto spesso -e solto, dove cavatosi subito le vesti, vedemmo i più furiosi cazzi -che risaltero mai. Ogn'uno chiavò la sua. Il trastullo poi si prese -à quadrille, dopo per farsi guattare in bocca, poscia nelle tette; -alla perfine, uno de chiavatori impadronissi del mio rivale, mentro -l'altro mi lavorava. L'istesso fu fatto alla conduttrice mia; e ciò -tutto dolcemente condito di bacci alla fiorentina. E quando i campioni -nostri ebbero posto fine alla battaglia, facemmo la fricardella per -risvegliar il gusto a quei benedetti Signori, i quali ci pagarono con -generosita. In più volte simili guadagnai con loro sessanta mila scudi; -e due altre volte tanto, con colloro che mi proccurava la Cortigiana. -Mi ricordo di uno che visitava mi spesso, e che sborrava sempre due -volte senza cavarlo; e d'un altro il quale usciva da me pian piano, per -entrare sotilmente nel mio vicino; e per questo bastava fare sù e giù -le natiche. Ecco una uzanza curiosa che si prattica in Italia."</p> - -<p>Cypria's Toy continued her history; -in a strain half Congese and half Spanish. -In all probability it was not a -sufficient master of the latter language, -to employ it alone. "A language -is not learnt," says the African -author, who would sooner hang -himself, than miss a common observation, -"without talking it much:" and -Cypria's Toy had little or no time to -talk at Madrid.</p> - -<p>"I fled from Italy," said the Toy, -"notwithstanding some secret desires -that called me back, influxo malo -del clima! y tuve luego la resolucion -de ir me a una tierra donde pudiesse -gozar mis fueros, sin partir los -con un usurpador. I travelled into -old Castille, where I was brought -back to my simple functions: but -this did not gratify my revenge. Le -impuse la tarea de batter el compas en -los bayles che celebrava de dia y de -noche; and he performed so well, -that we were reconciled. We appear'd -at the court of Madrid as -good friends. Al entrar de la ciudad, -I link'd con un Pape venerable por -sus canas: happily for me: for -he had compassion for my youth, and -gave me a secret, the fruit of sixty -years experience, para guardar me del -mal de que merecieron los Franceses -ser padrinos, por haver sido sus primeros -pregones. With this receipt, -and a relish for cleanliness, which I -vainly endeavoured to introduce in -Spain, I preserved myself from all accidents -at Madrid, where my vanity -alone was mortified. My mistress, -you know, has a very little foot. Esta -prenda es el incentivo mas poderoso -de una imaginacion Castellana. A -little foot, serves for a pasport at Madrid -to a girl, que tiene la mas dilatada -fima entre las piernas. I resolved -to quit a country, where I owed the -greatest part of my triumphs to a -foreign merit; y me arrime a un definidor -muy virtuoso que passava a las -Indias. Under the wings of his reverence -I saw the land of promise, -that country where the happy mortal -without scandal carries gold in his -purse, a ponyard under his girdle, -and his mistress behind him. How -delightful a life is spent there! What -nights! Gods, what nights! Hay -de mi! al recordarme de tantos gustos -me méo——Algo mas——Ya, -ya—-Pierdo il sentido——Me -muero——</p> - -<p>"After spending a year at Madrid, -and in America, I embarked for Constantinople. -There I could not relish -the customs of a people, by whom -Toys are lock'd up; and I soon quitted -a country, in which my liberty -was in danger. However, I practised -sufficiently with the Mussulmans, to -perceive that they are much improved -by their commerce with the Europeans: -and I found in them the levity -of the French, the ardor of the English, -the strength of the Germans, the -longanimity of the Spaniards, together -with strong tinctures of the Italian -refinements: in a word, a single -Aga is worth a cardinal, four dukes, -a lord, three grandees of Spain, and -two German princes.</p> - -<p>"From Constantinople I came, as you -know, gentlemen, to the court of -the great Erguebzed, where I formed -the most amiable of our nobility: -and when at length I became good for -nought, I threw myself on that odd -figure there," says the Toy, singling -out Cypria's husband by a certain familiar -gesture. "Gods, what a fall!"</p> - -<p>The African author closes this chapter -with an advertisement to the ladies, -who might be tempted to order -a translation of those parts of the -the narrative, where Cypria's Toy expressed -itself in foreign languages. "I -should be wanting," says he, "to the -duty of an historian, by suppressing -them; and to the respect which I -bear the sex, by preserving them in -my work; without acquainting -virtuous ladies, that Cypria's Toy -had excessively spoil'd its speech in -travelling, and that its narratives -are infinitely more free than any of -the clandestine lectures which it -ever made."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLV" id="CHAP_XLV">CHAP. XLV.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Cydalisa.</i></h4> - - -<p>Mangogul returned to the favorite, -where Selim was come before -him. "Well, prince," said Mirzoza, -"has the account of Cypria's travels -done you any good?" "Neither good nor -harm," answered the Sultan: "I understood -it not." "Why so?" replied the -favorite. "Because," says the Sultan, -"her Toy speaks like a Polyglot, all -languages but mine. It is an impertinent -Story-teller, but would make -a excellent interpreter." "What!" replied -Mirzoza, "did you gather nothing -at all from her narrative?" "But one -thing, madam," answered Mangogul, -"and that is, that travelling is more -pernicious, if possible, to the modesty -of the women, than to the religion -of the men; and that there is -very little merit in knowing many -languages. For one may be master of -Greek, Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, -and the language of Congo, -and yet have no more sense than a -Toy. Is this your opinion, madam? -and what is Selim's? Now let him -begin his story: but above all, no -more travels. They fatigue me to -death." Selim promised the Sultan, -that the scene should be confined to -one place, and spoke thus.</p> - -<p>"I was about thirty years of age when -I lost my father: I married to keep up -my family, and I lived with my wife as -becomes a husband; regards, attentions, -politeness, decent behavior -without much familiarity. The -prince Erguebzed came to the throne: -I had been in his good graces long -before his reign: he continued me in -them to his death, and I endeavour'd -to do justice to this mark of distinction -by my zeal and fidelity. The -place of inspector general of his -armies became vacant: I obtained it, -and this post obliged me to take frequent -journies to the frontiers."</p> - -<p>"Frequent journies?" cried the Sultan. -"A single one is sufficient to -make me sleep till to morrow. -Think of that."</p> - -<p>"Prince," continued Selim, "it was in -one of these tours that I became acquainted -with the wife of a colonel of -the Spahi's, whose name was Ostaluk, -a man of bravery, and a good officer, -but by no means an agreeable husband, -jealous as a tyger, and his person -was a sufficient warrant to justify -that madness: for he was horribly -ugly.</p> - -<p>"He had lately espoused Cydalisa, -young, lively, handsome; one of -those uncommon women, for whom, -at the first interview, one feels somewhat -more than politeness, from -whom one parts with regret, and who -return a hundred times to your -thoughts, till you see them again.</p> - -<p>"Cydalisa had a just way of thinking, -expressed herself with grace: -her conversation was engaging, and -if a person was never tired of seeing -her, he was still less so of hearing her. -With these qualities she had a right to -make strong impressions on every -heart, and I felt their effects. I -esteemed her much; from esteem I -soon ran into tenderness, and all my -proceedings immediately assumed the -true colour of a strong passion. The -ease with which I obtained my former -triumphs, had somewhat spoiled me: -when I attacked Cydalisa, I imagined -she would not hold out long; and -that being very much honoured by -the pursuit of Mr. Inspector General, -she would only make a decent defence. -Judge then at the surprise I was -thrown into by the answer which she -made to my declaration. 'My -lord,' said she, 'altho' I had the -presumption to believe that you are -touched with some charms, which -I am thought to have; yet I should -be a fool to listen seriously to those -same discourses with which you -have deceived thousands, before -you addressed them to me. Without -esteem, what is love? A trifle, -and you do not know me sufficiently -to esteem me. Whatever -judgment and penetration a person -may have, he cannot in two days -time enter deep enough into the -character of a woman, to say that -she deserves to be adored. Mr. -Inspector General seeks an amusement; -he is in the right; and so -is Cydalisa too, in amusing no -body.'</p> - -<p>"In vain did I swear to the sincerity -of my passion, that my happiness -was in her hands, and that her -indifference would poison the rest of -my life. 'Jargon,' said she, 'pure -jargon. Either think no more of -me, or do not believe me stupid -enough to be catch'd by those trite -protestations. What you have just -said to me, every body says without -thinking of it, and every body hears -without believing it.'</p> - -<p>"If I had had but a bare liking to -Cydalisa, her severity would have -mortified me: but as I loved her, it -afflicted me. I set out for the court: -her image followed me thither; and -absence, far from weakening the -passion which I had conceived for her, -did but augment it.</p> - -<p>"Cydalisa had so far taken possession -of me, that I thought a hundred -times to make a sacrifice to her of -the employments and rank which -bound me to the court: but the uncertainty -of success always withheld me.</p> - -<p>"In the impossibility of flying to the -place where I left her, I formed a -project to bring her where I was. I -took advantage of the confidence -with which Erguebzed honoured me, -by extolling the merit and valor of -Ostaluk. He was named lieutenant -of the Spahi's of his guard, an office -which fixed him near the prince; and -Ostaluk appeared at court, and with -him Cydalisa, who instantly became -the beauty of the day."</p> - -<p>"You did well," says the Sultan, "to -keep your employments, and call -your Cydalisa to court: for I swear to -you by Brama, that I should have -suffered you to set out alone for the -province she was in."</p> - -<p>"She was ogled, surveyed, beset, -but all in vain," continued Selim. "I -enjoyed the sole privilege of seeing her -every day. The more I visited her, -the more graces and good qualities I -perceived in her, and the more desperately -I became enamoured. I -fancied that possibly the remembrance -of my numerous adventures might -injure me in her mind; in order to -efface it, and convince her of the sincerity -of my love, I banished myself -from company, and I saw no women -but those which chance threw in my -way at her house. It seemed to me -as if this conduct had some effect on -her, and that she relaxed somewhat of -her former severity. I doubled my -diligence, I asked for love, and she -granted me esteem. Cydalisa began -to treat me with distinction. I had -some share in her confidence: she often -consulted me on her family affairs, -but was quite silent on those of her -heart. If I expressed myself in tender -sentiments, she answered me in -maxims, which made me mad. This -painful state had lasted a long time, -when I took up the resolution to get -out of it, and to know positively once -for all, what I might depend on." -"How did you set about it?" said Mirzoza. -"Madam, you will soon be informed," -answered Mangogul: and -Selim continued.</p> - -<p>"I have told you, madam, that I saw -Cydalisa every day: I began by seeing -her less frequently, I went on by slackening -my visits more and more, till -infine I scarce saw her at all. Whenever -I happened to converse with her -<i>tête à tête</i>, I spoke as little of love as -if I had never felt the least spark of it. -This change astonished her: she suspected -me of some secret engagement, -and one day, as I was making her a -narrative of the galantries of the court, -'Selim,' said she to me with an air of -confusion, 'you tell me nothing concerning -yourself: you relate the good -fortune of others charmingly, but -you are very discreet with regard to -your own.' 'Madam,' answered I, ''tis -probably because I have none, or that -I think it is proper to conceal it.' 'To -be true,' interrupted she, ''tis of vast -consequence to conceal those things to -day, which all the world will know -to morrow.' 'Be that as it will, madam,' -replied I, 'yet at least nobody -shall have them from me.' 'Indeed,' -said she, 'you are quite marvellous with -your reserves; but pray who does not -know that you have designs upon the -fair Misis, the little Zibelina, and -the nut-brown Sephera?' 'And on -whom you please besides, madam,' -added I coldly. 'Truly,' replied she, -'I can easily believe that these are not -all: these two months past, that the -sight of you is a favour, you have not -been idle, and business goes on fast -with those ladies.' 'I, to remain idle,' -answered I; 'I should never forgive -myself. My heart is made to love, -and somewhat to be beloved too; and -I will go so far as to own that it is: -but ask me no farther questions on this -head, perhaps I have already said too -much.'</p> - -<p>"'Selim,' replied she seriously, 'I have -no secret for you, and you shall have -none for me, if you please. How -far are you advanced?'——'Almost -to the end of the novel'——'And -with whom?' said she earnestly——'You -know Marteza'—'Yes, sure; she -is a very amiable woman.' 'Well -then, after having in vain tried all -means to please you, I turned to -that side. I was wished for above -half a year; two interviews levell'd -the outworks, a third will compleat -my happiness; and this very -night Marteza expects me to supper. -Her conversation is amusing, -light, and a little caustic; but, -that excepted, she is the best creature -in the world. A person transacts -his little affairs better with -those giggling women, than with -those lofty dames, who.'——'But, -my Lord,' interrupted Cydalisa -with a down-cast look, 'in complimenting -you on your choice, may -one observe to you, that Marteza is -not new, and that before you, she has -reckoned lovers?'——'What is -that to me, madam?' replied I. 'If -Marteza loves me sincerely, I look -on myself as her first. But the -hour of my appointment draws near, -permit me.'——'One word -more, my Lord. Is it really true that -Marteza loves you?——'I believe -it.'——'And you love her?' added -Cydalisa.——'Madam,' answered I, -''tis you that have thrown me into -the arms of Marteza: I need say -no more to you.'——I was departing, -but Cydalisa pull'd me by my -Doliman, and turned back in a hurry.——'Does -madam want to speak -with me? Has she any commands -for me?'——'No, Sir, how, -are you there still? I thought you -were a good way off by this time.'——'Madam, -I will double my pace.'——'Selim'——'Cydalisa.'——'Then -you are going?'——'Yes, madam.'——'Ah! -Selim, to whom do you sacrifice -me? Was not Cydalisa's esteem of -greater value than the favors of a Marteza?'——'Without -doubt, madam,' -replied I, 'if I had nothing more -than esteem for you. But I loved -you.'——'It is not so,' cried she -with transport: 'if you had loved me, -you would have distinguished my real -sentiments; you would have been prepossessed -with them, you would have -flattered yourself, that your perseverance -would in time get the better of -my pride: but you grew tired, you -have abandoned me, and perhaps in -the very moment'——At this word -Cydalisa stopt short, a sigh slipt from -her, and her eyes were wet.—'Speak, -madam,' said I, 'make an end. If my -tenderness lasted still, notwithstanding -your rigorous treatment, could -you.'——'I can do nothing, you do no -longer love me, and Marteza waits for -you.'——'If Marteza was indifferent -to me; if Cydalisa was dearer -to me than ever, what would -you do?'—'It would be folly to explain -myself on suppositions.'——'Cydalisa, -I beseech you to answer -me, as if I had supposed nothing. -If Cydalisa was constantly the most -lovely of her sex in my eyes; and -if I never had the least design on -Marteza; once again what would -you do?'——'What I have always -done, ingrateful man,' answered at -length Cydalisa: 'I would love you.'—'And -Selim adores you,' said I, falling -on my knees, and kissing her -hands which I water'd with my -tears. Cydalisa was struck dumb, -this unexpected change threw her into -the utmost confusion: I took advantage -of her disorder, and our reconciliation -was sealed by certain marks -of tenderness, which she had not power -to refuse."</p> - -<p>"And what did the good natured -Ostaluk say to this?" interrupted Mangogul. -"Doubtless he allowed his -dear half to be generous to a man, to -whom he was indebted for his lieutenancy -of the Spahi's."</p> - -<p>"Prince," replied Selim, "Ostaluk shewed -great gratitude, whilst I was not -listened to; but no sooner was I made -happy, but he became troublesome, -ill-humour'd, insupportable to me, -and brutal to his wife. Not content -with disturbing us in person, he caused -us to be watched, we were betrayed, -and Ostaluk, convinced of his -pretended dishonour, had the impudence -to challenge me to a duel. We -fought in the great park of the Seraglio: -I gave him two wounds, and obliged -him to own himself indebted to -me for his life.</p> - -<p>"While he was under cure of his -wounds, I never quitted his wife: -but the first use that he made of his -recovery, was to part us and ill-use -Cydalisa. She sent me a pathetic account -of her unhappy situation: I proposed -carrying her off, to which she -consented, and our jealous pate, returning -from the chase, wherein he -attended the Sultan, was vastly surprized -to find himself a widower. -Ostaluk, instead of giving vent to his -passion in useless complaints against -the author of the rape, instantly meditated -revenge.</p> - -<p>"I had Cydalisa in a country house, -two leagues from Banza; and every -other night I stole out of town, and -went to Cisara. Mean while Ostaluk -set a price on the head of his false one, -bribed my servants, and was let into -my park. That evening I was enjoying -the refreshing breeze there with -Cydalisa; we were got to the remoter -end of a dark walk, and I was on -the point of lavishing the most tender -caresses on her, when an invisible -hand pierced her breast with a ponyard -before my eyes. It was the hand -of cruel Ostaluk. The same fate hung -over my head: but I prevented Ostaluk, -I drew my dagger, and Cydalisa -was revenged. I ran to the dear -woman: her heart still panted: I -hastened to carry her to the house, but -before I reached it she expired, her -mouth closely pressing on mine.</p> - -<p>"When I perceived Cydalisa's limbs -to grow stiff in my arms, I cryed out -with vehemence: my people ran to -me, and forced me away from this -place of horror. I returned to Banza, -and shut myself up in my palace, excessively -grieved at Cydalisa's death, -and loading myself with the most -cruel reproaches. I loved Cydalisa -sincerely, and was passionately beloved -by her; and I was at full leisure -to consider the greatness of the loss, -which I had sustained, and to mourn -for her."</p> - -<p>"But at length," said the favorite, -"you comforted your self?" "Alas! madam," -replied Selim, "I thought I never -should; but this one thing I have -learnt by it, that there is no grief eternal."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Mirzoza, "let me hear -no more of the men: there they are -all. That is to say, Signor Selim, -that this poor Cydalisa, whose history -has moved us to compassion, and -whom you have so much regretted, -was a great fool to rely on your oath; -and that, while Brama perhaps chastises -her severely for her credulity, -you pass your time pleasantly enough -in the arms of another."</p> - -<p>"Pray, madam," replied the Sultan, -"calm your self: Selim loves again, -Cydalisa will be revenged." "Sir," answered -Selim, "your highness may possibly -be misinformed. Ought I not -to have learnt, once for my whole life, -by my adventure with Cydalisa, that -true love was too prejudicial to -happiness?"—"Without doubt," interrupted -Mirzoza, "and yet I would lay a wager, -notwithstanding your philosophical -reflections, that you actually -love another more ardently than—"</p> - -<p>"More ardently," replied Selim, "I dare -not assert: these five years past I am attached, -but attached from my heart to -a charming woman. It was not without -difficulty, that I made her listen -to me, for she had always been of a -virtue!"—"Virtue!" cried the Sultan; -"courage, my friend, I am charmed, -when one talks to me of the virtue -of a court lady." "Selim," said the favorite, -"continue your story:" "and -always believe, as a good mussulman, -in the fidelity of your mistress," added -the Sultan. "Ah! prince," replied Selim -with vivacity, "Fulvia is faithful -to me:" "faithful, or not," answered -Mangogul, "what is that to your happiness? -You believe it, and that is sufficient?" -"Oh then! 'tis Fulvia that -you are now in love with," said the -favorite. "Yes, madam," answered Selim. -"So much the worse, my friend," -added Mangogul: "I have not a grain -of faith in her. She is perpetually beset -by Bramins, and these Bramins -are terrible fellows: besides, I find -she has little Chinese eyes, with a -turn'd up nose; and an air thoroughly -inclining to the side of pleasure. -Between us, is this true?" "Prince," answered -Selim, "I believe she has no -aversion to it." "Well," replied the Sultan, -"every thing gives way to that charm: -which you ought to know better than -I, or you are not"—"You are mistaken," -replied the favorite, "a man -may have all the sense in the world, -and not know that. I wager"—"Always -wagers," interrupted Mangogul: -"I am out of all patience; those women -are incorrigible. Pray, madam, -win your castle, and lay wagers afterward."</p> - -<p>"Madam," says Selim to the favorite, -"might not Fulvia be of use to you in -some station or other?" "As how?" -ask'd Mirzoza. "I have observed," answered -the courtier, "that the Toys -have seldom or never spoke, but in -presence of his highness; and I have -fancied, that the Genius Cucufa, who -has done so many surprising things -in favour of Kanaglou the Sultan's -grand-father, might have endowed -his grand-son with the gift of making -them speak. But Fulvia's Toy has not -as yet opened its mouth, as far as -I could ever learn: might it not be -possible to interrogate it, in order to -procure you the castle, and to convince -me of the fidelity of my mistress?" -"Doubtless," replied the Sultan; -"what is your opinion, madam?" "Oh! -I shall not meddle in so ticklish an -affair. Selim is too much my friend, -to expose him, for the sake of a castle; -to the risque of being made unhappy -the rest of his days." "But you do -not consider," replied the Sultan: "Fulvia -is virtuous: Selim would run his -hand into the fire to prove it. He -has said it, and he is not a man to -flinch from his word." "No, Prince," -answered Selim, "and if your highness -will give me a meeting at Fulvia's -house, I will certainly be there before -you." "Be cautious of what you propose," -replied the favorite. "Selim, my -poor Selim, you go very fast, and how -worthy soever you are of being beloved"—"Fear -not, madam; since the -dye is cast, I will hear Fulvia: the -worst that can befal me, is to lose a -faithless woman." "And to die of regret," -added the Sultana, "for having -lost her." "What a romance," says -Mangogul. "You believe then that Selim -is become very weak. He has -lost the lovely Cydalisa, and yet there -he is full of life; and you pretend, -that if he happened to find Fulvia unfaithful -to him, it would kill him. -I'll insure him to you as immortal, -if he is never demolished but by that -stroke. Selim, to morrow at Fulvia's, -do you hear? you will have notice of -the hour." Selim bow'd, Mangogul -quitted the company: the favorite -continued to remonstrate to the old -courtier, that he play'd a high game. -Selim thank'd her for her tokens of -good will, and each retired in expectation -of the great event.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLVI" id="CHAP_XLVI">CHAP. XLVI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-seventh Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Fulvia.</h4> - - -<p>The African author, who had -promised to bring Selim's character -into some part of his book, has -thought fit to place it here: and I -have too much esteem for the works -of antiquity, to assert that it would -come in better some where else. "There -are," says he, "some men, whose merit -gives them access every where, who -by their graceful person, and free -easy wit, are in their youth the darlings -of many women; and whose -gray hairs are respected, because having -known how to reconcile their -duties with their pleasures, they have -rendered their middle stage of life -illustrious, by services done for the -state: in a word, men, who at all -times are the delight of society. Such -was Selim. Though he had reached -sixty years, and that he had entered the -list of pleasure early; a strong constitution -and some management had preserved -him from the infirmities of -age. A noble air, an easy carriage, -insinuating language, a great knowledge -of the world, founded on long -experience, the habit of dealing with -the sex, made him to be regarded at -court, as a man whom every body -would chuse to resemble, but -who would be unsuccessfully copied, for -want of being endowed by nature -with the talents and genius which had -distinguished him.</p> - -<p>"Now I desire to know," continues -the African author, "if this man had -reason to make himself uneasy on the -score of a mistress, and to spend the -night like a mad man? For the fact -is, that a thousand reflexions rolled -in his head; and the more he loved -Fulvia, the more he feared to find -her unfaithful. 'Into what labyrinth -have I thrust my self?' said he to -himself. 'And to what purpose? -What advantage will accrue to -me, in case the favorite should -win a castle; and what will be -my fate, if she loses it? But why -should she lose it? Am I not certain -of Fulvia's love? Ah! I am -in the sole and entire possession of -her; and if her Toy speak, it will -be of me alone.—But if the treacherous—no, -no, I should have had -some previous notion of it; I should -have observed some unevenness in -her temper. Some time or other, -these five years past, she would -have betrayed herself.—Yet the -trial is dangerous.——But it is -now no longer time to recoil, I -have lifted the vessel to my mouth, -I must finish, tho' I were to spill -the liquor.——Perhaps also -the oracle will be in my favour.—Alas! -what can I expect from it? -Why must others have failed in -their attacks on that virtue, over -which I have triumphed?——Ah! -dear Fulvia, I wrong thee by -my suspicions, and I forget what -it cost me to conquer thee. A ray -of hope enlightens me, and I flatter -myself that thy Toy will obstinately -keep silence.——'"</p> - -<p>Selim was in this agitation of mind, -when he received a card from the Sultan, -which contained these words: -<i>This night, precisely at half an hour -after eleven, you will be where you know.</i> -Selim took his pen, and answered with -a trembling hand: <i>Prince, I will obey.</i></p> - -<p>Selim passed the rest of the day, as -he had done the preceding night, -fluctuating between hope and fear. -Nothing is truer, than that lovers have -an instinct: if their mistress be unfaithful, -they are seized with an horror -much like to that, which animals -feel at the approach of bad weather. -The suspicious lover is a cat, whose -ear itches in cloudy weather. Animals -and lovers have this property -also in common, that domestic animals -lose this instinct, and that it -grows dull in lovers, when they are -converted into husbands.</p> - -<p>The hours seemed very tedious to -Selim, he look'd a hundred times on -his watch: infine the fatal moment -came, and the courtier went to visit -his mistress. It was late, but as he -had admission at all hours, Fulvia's -appartment was opened for him——"I -had given you over," said she, "and -I went to bed with a swimming in -my head, which I owe to the impatience you have thrown me -into"——"Madam," answered Selim, -"business and respect have detained me -with the Sultan; and since I parted -from you, I have not been master of -myself one moment." "And for my -part," replied Fulvia, "I have been -in a dreadful humour. How! two -whole days without seeing you."—"You -know," answered Selim, "what my -rank obliges me to: and let the favour -of the great appear ever so fixed"——"How," -interrupted Fulvia, -"has the Sultan shewn you any coldness? -Has he forgot your services? -Selim, you are pensive, you do not -answer me.——Alas! if you love -me, of what avail is the prince's -good or bad reception to your happiness. -It is not in his eyes, it is in -mine, 'tis in my arms that you are -to seek it."</p> - -<p>Selim listened attentively to this discourse, -examined the countenance of -his mistress, and in its motions sought -that character of truth, in which a -person is not deceived, and which -is impossible to counterfeit well: when -I say impossible, I mean to us men: -for Fulvia was so perfectly composed, -that Selim began to blame himself for -having suspected her, when Mangogul -entered the room. Fulvia was silent -in an instant, Selim trembled; and the -Toy said: "In vain does my lady -make pilgrimages to all the Pagoda's -of Congo, she will have no -children; for reasons well known -to me, who am her Toy.——"</p> - -<p>At this declaration a deadly paleness -seized Selim: he attempted to rise, -but his trembling knees failed him, -and he fell back into his seat. The -invisible Sultan step'd up to him, and -whispered in his ear: "Have you -enough?" "Alas! Prince," replied the -melancholic Selim, "why did I not -follow the advice of Mirzoza; and -the misgivings of my own heart? -My happiness is eclipsed, I am a -lost man: I die, if her Toy does -not speak; if it does, I am a dead -man: let it speak out however. I -expect frightful intelligences; but I -fear them less than I hate the state -of perplexity, in which I am.——"</p> - -<p>In the mean time Fulvia's first motion -was to put her hand on her Toy, -and to shut its mouth: what it had -hitherto said, might bear a favorable -interpretation: but she dreaded the -sequel. As she began to take courage -on account of its remaining silent, the -Sultan, urged by Selim, turned his -ring: Fulvia was obliged to spread her -fingers, and the Toy went on.</p> - -<p>"I will never hold, I am too much -harassed. The too assiduous visits -of so many holy men will always -obstruct my intentions, and madam -will not have any children. -If I had been regaled by none but -Selim, I might possibly prove fruitful: -but I lead the life of a gally-slave. -This day fatigued by one, -to morrow by another; and always -at the oar. The last man which -Fulvia sees, is always the person, -whom she believes destined by -heaven to perpetuate her race. -None can be safe from this fancy. -O how tiresome is the condition of -the Toy of a titled lady, who has -no heirs! These ten years past, -I am exposed to people, who were -not made even to lift their eyes up -to me."</p> - -<p>Here Mangogul was of opinion that -Selim had heard enough, to cure him -of his perplexity: wherefore he exempted -him from the remaining part, -turned off his ring, and went away, -abandoning Fulvia to the reproaches -of her lover.</p> - -<p>At first the miserable Selim was petrified: -but his fury giving him -strength and speech, he darted a scornful -look on his unfaithful mistress, and -said: "Ingrateful, perfidious woman, -if I loved you still, I would -take revenge: but as you are unworthy -of my affection, so you are likewise -of my wrath. A man like me, -Selim to be mixed with a pack of -scoundrels.——"</p> - -<p>"Truly," interrupted Fulvia smartly, -in the strain of an unmasked courtisan, -"it much becomes you to give yourself -airs for a trifle: instead of thanking -me for concealing matters from -you, which would have made you -mad at the time of their transacting; -you take fire, you fly into a rage, as -if you had been injured. And pray, -Sir, what reason can you have for preferring -yourself to Rickel, to Seton, to -Mollio, to Tachmas, to the most amiable -cavaliers of the court, from whom their -mistresses won't be at the pains even of -cloaking the slips they make. Consider, -Selim, that you are exhausted, infirm, -and long incapable of engrossing -a pretty woman, who is not a fool. -Acknowledge then, that your presumption -is ill-timed, and your rage -impertinent. Infine you may, if you -are dissatisfied, leave the field open to -others, who will make better use of -it." "So I do, and most heartily," -replied Selim with excessive indignation: -and went away, fully -resolved never more to see that woman.</p> - -<p>He went home, and shut himself -up for some days, less grieved for his -loss, than for his long error. Not -his heart, but his vanity suffered. -He dreaded the reproches of the favorite, -and the jokes of the Sultan; and -he shun'd the one and the other.</p> - -<p>He was upon the point of resolving -to renounce the court, to go into retirement, -and turn philosopher for -the remaining part of a life, of which -he had thrown away a great part in -quality of a courtier; when Mirzoza, -who guess'd his thoughts, undertook -to comfort him, sent for him to the -Seraglio, and made him this speech. -"Well, my poor Selim, then you -abandon me? 'Tis not Fulvia, -it is me that you punish for her -infidelity. We are all concerned -for your adventure, we agree that -it is vexatious: but if you set any -value on the Sultan's protection -and my esteem, you will continue -to enliven our company, and you -will forget that Fulvia, who never -was worthy of a man like you."</p> - -<p>"Madam," answered Selim, "age admonishes -me that it is high time for -me to retire. I have sufficiently seen -the world; and four days ago I would -have boasted that I knew it. But Fulvia's -stroak confounds me. Women -are indefinable, and I should hate -them all, if you had not been included -in the sex, of which you have all -the charms. May Brama grant, that -you never imbibe their perverseness. -Farewell, madam, I am going to give -myself up to useful reflections in solitude. -The remembrance of the favours, -with which you and the Sultan -have honoured me, will follow me -thither; and if my heart forms any -vows henceforth, they will be for -your happiness and his glory."</p> - -<p>"Selim," replied the favorite, "your -chagrine is your adviser. You are -afraid of mockery, which you will -less avoid by withdrawing from court, -than by remaining at it. Have as -much philosophy as you will, this is -not the time to put it in practice; -your retreat will be attributed to peevishness -and melancholy. You are -not framed to confine yourself in a -desert; and the Sultan——"</p> - -<p>Mangogul's arrival interrupted the -favorite: she informed him of Selim's -design. "Then he is turn'd fool," -says the prince; "is it possible that -the base usage of that little Fulvia -has turn'd his head." And then -addressing himself to Selim——"That -shall not be, my friend, you -shall stay," continues he: "I want -your counsel, and madam your -company. The welfare of my empire, -and Mirzoza's satisfaction -require it, and it shall be."</p> - -<p>Selim, moved with the sentiments -of Mangogul and the favorite, bowed -respectuously, staid at court, was -loved, cherished, sought for, and distinguished -by his favour with the Sultan -and Mirzoza.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets006"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_006.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">"During the reign of Mangogul's grand-father Kanaglou the -women start walking on their hands and tumbling, fulfilling the prediction of a fairy."</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLVII" id="CHAP_XLVII">CHAP. XLVII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Prodigious events of the Reign of Kanaglou, -Mangogul's Grand-father.</i></h4> - - -<p>The favorite was very young. -Born towards the end of Erguebzed's -reign, she had scarce any -idea at all of the court of Kanaglou. -A word accidentally dropt had given -her a curiosity to know the prodigies, -which the genius Cucufa had wrought -in favour of that good prince; and -none could more faithfully inform -her than Selim. He had been an eye-witness -and even a sharer in them, -and was throughly versed in the history -of his time. One day that he -was alone with her, Mirzoza put him -on that topic, and asked him if the -reign of Kanaglou, which made so -great noise, had seen greater wonders, -than those, which then engrossed the -attention of Congo?</p> - -<p>"I have no interest, madam," answered -Selim, "in preferring times -past to those of the reigning prince. -Great things are come to pass under -him, but they are perhaps no -more than specimens of those which -will continue to render Mangogul -illustrious; and my time is too -far advanced, to flatter my self -with seeing them." "You are -mistaken," replied Mirzoza; "you -have acquired, and will keep the -epithet of eternal. But tell me what -you have seen."</p> - -<p>"Madam," continued Selim, "Kanaglou's -reign was long, and our poets -have named it the golden age. This -title suits it upon several accounts. -It has been signalized by successes and -victories: but the advantages were -blended with crosses, which prove -that this gold was sometimes mixed -with bad alloy. The court, which -sets the example to the rest of the -empire, was very gallant. The Sultan -had mistresses, the nobility piqued -themselves on imitating him, and -the lower people insensibly assumed -the same air. The magnificence in -dress, furniture, and equipages, was -excessive. Delicacy in feasting was -reduced to an art. People gam'd -high, ran in debt, paid no body, -and spent while they had either money -or credit. There were very good -laws enacted against luxury, but not -put in execution. Towns were taken, -provinces conquered, palaces begun, -and the empire drained of men and -money. The people sung victory, -and were starving at the same time. -The great had stately castles and delightful -gardens, and their lands lay -uncultivated. A hundred ships of -war had rendered us masters of the -sea, and the terror of our neighbours: -but a good calculator made an exact -estimate what it cost the government -to keep these hulks in good order; -and notwithstanding the remonstrances -of the rest of the ministry, -they were ordered to be turned into -a bon-fire. The royal treasury was -a great empty coffer, which this -wretched oeconomy did not fill; -gold and silver became so scarce, -that the mints were, on a summer's -morning, converted into paper-mills. -To compleat our happiness, Kanaglou -suffered himself to be persuaded -by a set of fanatics, that it was of -the utmost importance, that all his -subjects should resemble him, and -that they should have blue eyes, snub -noses, and red whiskers, as well as -he: and he expelled from Congo above -two millions of people, who were -not blessed with these regimentals, -or who refused to counterfeit them. -Such, madam, was this golden age; -such those good old times, which you -daily hear regretted: but let those -dotards prate on, and do you believe -that we have our Turennes and our -Colberts, that, all things considered, -the present is better than the time -past; and that if the people are happier -under Mangogul than they were -under Kanaglou, his highness's reign -is more illustrious than that of his -grandfather, because the happiness of -the subject is the exact measure of -the greatness of the prince. But let -us return to the particulars of Kanaglou's -reign.</p> - -<p>"I will begin by the origin of the -Pantins." "Selim, I will excuse you, -I know that story by heart," says the -favorite, "proceed to other matters." -"Madam," answered Selim, "might one -ask from whom you have it?" "Why," -says Mirzoza, "it is published." "True -Madam," replied Selim, "and by people, -who knew nothing of the matter. I -am out of humour, when I see little -obscure private persons, who have -never been near princes, but at a public -entry into the metropolis, or -some such other ceremony, pretend -to write their history.</p> - -<p>"Madam," continued Selim, "we had -spent the night at a masquerade in the -great salons in the Seraglio, when the -genius Cucufa, a vowed protector of the -reigning family, appeared to us, and -commanded us to go to bed, and sleep -twenty four hours on a stretch. He -was obeyed, and at the expiration of -this term, the Seraglio was found to -be transformed into a vast and magnificent -galery of Pantins. At one -end appeared Kanaglou seated on his -throne: a long pack-thread, almost -worn out, hung down between his -legs: an old decrepit fairy was incessantly -pulling it, and with a turn -of her wrist, moved an innumerable -multitude of subaltern Pantins, to -whom fine imperceptible threads answered, -which issued from Kanaglou's -fingers and toes. She pulled, -and in an instant the seneschal drew -up, and sealed ruinous edicts; or pronounced -a panegyric on the fairy, -which was prompted by his secretary: -the minister of war sent card matches -to the army; the superintendant of -the finances built houses, and suffered -the soldiery to starve; and so of the -other Pantins.</p> - -<p>"When any of the Pantins happened -to execute their movements aukwardly, -by not lifting up their arms sufficiently, -or not bowing their knee -in a proper manner, the fairy cut -their threads with a jerk of her left -hand, and they became paralytic. I -shall never forget two most valiant -emirs, whom she found deficient in -their duty, and who were ever after -deprived of the use of their arms.</p> - -<p>"The threads which issued from -every part of Kanaglou's body, were -extended to immense distances, and -from the palace of Congo, put whole -armies of Pantins into motion or winter -quarters, even to the remotest -parts of Monoémugi. With one pull of -the pack-thread, a town was besieged, -the trenches were opened, they battered -in breach, and the enemy was -preparing to capitulate; but upon a -second pull, the besiegers fire slackened, -the attacks were not carried on -with the same vigour, troops came -to the relief of the place, dissentions -were kindled among the generals: -we were attacked, surprized, beaten, -and routed.</p> - -<p>"These bad tidings never gave any -concern to Kanaglou: he seldom heard -them, till they were forgot by his -subjects: and the fairy would not -suffer him to be informed of them, -but by Pantins, who had each a thread -fastned to the tip of their tongue, and -who said no more than what she -thought proper, on pain of being -struck dumb.</p> - -<p>"Another time we young fools were -all charmed with an adventure, which -gave bitter scandal to the godly. -The women all at once became tumblers, -and fell to walking with their -heads down, their legs up in air, and -their hands in their slippers.</p> - -<p>"This threw all our former knowledge -into confusion; and we were -obliged to commence a course of studies -on these new physiognomies. -Many were slighted, who ceased to be -thought lovely, as soon as they shewed -themselves; and others, who were -never so much as talked of, gained -vastly by making themselves known. -Their petticoats and gowns falling -over their eyes, put them in danger, -either of losing their way, or stumbling: -wherefore the former were -shortened, and the latter cut open before. -Such is the origin of short petticoats -and open gowns. When the -women returned to the use of their -feet, they retained this part of their -dress as it was: and if we thoroughly -consider the petticoats of our fine ladies, -we shall easily perceive, that -they were not made to be worn, as -they are worn at this day.</p> - -<p>"Any mode, that has but one drift, -will soon pass away: in order to -make it lasting, it ought to answer -two ends at least. In those same days -a secret was discovered for plumping -the breasts downward: and it is used -at this day for plumping them upward.</p> - -<p>"The devout women, surprized to -find their heads down, and their heels -up in the air, at first covered themselves -with their hands: but this attention -made them lose their poise, -and stumble in their walks. By the advice -of the Bramins, they afterwards -tied their petticoats about their legs -with little black ribbons. The gay -part of the sex found this expedient -ridiculous, and publickly declared, -that it incommoded their respiration, -and threw them into the vapours. -This prodigy was attended with happy -consequences; it occasioned a -number of marriages, or somewhat -like them, and a crowd of conversions. -All those, who had disagreeable -buttocks, ran headlong into the -religious party, and took little black -ribbons. Four missions of Bramins -would not have made so many proselytes.</p> - -<p>"We had scarcely got rid of this -trial, when we underwent another, -less universal indeed, but not less instructive. -The young girls, one and -all, from thirteen to eighteen, nineteen, -twenty years of age, and upwards, -rose on a fine summer's morning, -the middle finger caught, guess -where, madam?" says Selim to the favorite. -"It was not in their mouth, -nor in their ear, nor infine, <i>à la Turque</i>. -Their disease was easily guess'd, -and the remedy quickly applied. From -that time may our custom be dated of -marrying children, who are fit for -nothing but dressing their dolls.</p> - -<p>"Another blessing: Kanaglou's court -swarmed with <i>Petits-maitres</i>, and I -had the honour to be of the number. -One day as I was entertaining them -with the young French nobility, I -perceived our shoulders working upwards, -till they became higher than -our heads: but that was not all; in -an instant we all fell to whirling about -on one heel." "And what rarity was -there in that?" said the favorite. "Nothing, -madam," replied Selim, "but -that the first metamorphosis is the -origin of the round shoulders, so -much in vogue in your infancy; and -the second, that of the scoffers, whose -reign is not yet over. Then, as now, -a discourse was begun to some one -person, which by a sudden twirl on -the heel, was continued to a second, -and finished to a third, to whom it -became half unintelligible, half impertinent.</p> - -<p>"Another time we all found our -selves short sighted, and were forced -to have recourse to Bion: the rogue -made us pay ten sequins for glasses, -which we continued to use, even after -recovering our sight. Thence come, -madam, the opera spy glasses.</p> - -<p>"I could never learn what the fine -ladies did to the Genius Cucufa about -this time; but he took severe vengeance -of them. At the end of a certain -year, whereof they had spent the -nights in balls, banquets, and gaming, -and the days in dressing, or between the -arms of their lovers, they were all -astonished to find themselves horridly -ugly. One was as black as a -mole, another bronzed over; a third -pale and lean, a fourth of a sickly -yellow, and full of wrinkles. There -was a necessity to palliate this fatal -enchantment, and our chemists found -out the white, the red, pomatums, -waters, venus's handkerchiefs, virgins -milk, patches, and a thousand -other cosmetics, which they employed, -to avoid appearing ugly, and becoming -frightful. Cucufa still held -them under this curse, when Erguebzed, -who loved beautiful women, became -their intercessor. The Genius -did all that he could; but the charm -was so powerful, that he was not able -to dissolve it thoroughly; and the -court ladies remained such as you see -them at this day."</p> - -<p>"Was the fate of the other charms -the same?" says Mirzoza. "No, madam," -answered Selim, "they lasted -some longer, some shorter: the round -shoulders sunk by degrees, and people -stood upright: and for fear of being -thought hump-back'd, they turned -up their noses to the wind, and -danced as they walked. The whirlgig -motion continued, and they whirl -about to this day. Broach a serious -or sensible conversation in presence of -a young lord of the <i>bel air</i>; and <i>Zeste</i>, -you shall see him wheel away from -you in an instant, and go mutter out -a parody to some body, who asks -him the news of the war, or of his -health; or to whisper in his ear, that -he supped last night with Miss Rabon, -and that she is an adorable girl; that -there is a new romance coming abroad; -that he has read some pages of it, and -that it is fine, very fine: and then -another twirl or two towards a lady, -whom he asks if she has seen the -new opera, and answers her, that -Miss Dangeville has performed to a -miracle."</p> - -<p>Mirzoza found these ridicules very -diverting, and asked Selim if he -had been a sharer in them. "How, -madam," replied the old courtier, -"was it possible not to have them, -without passing for a man come -from the other world? I put on -the round shoulders, I stood erect, -I danced in walking, I cock'd -the spy-glass, I whirled about, I -hissed like the rest: and the utmost -efforts of my judgment went -no farther than to be one of the first -in taking up these several biasses, -and none of the last in shaking -them off." Selim was got thus far, -when Mangogul appeared. The African -author does not inform us, what -was become of him, or what were -his occupations during this preceding -chapter. Probably the princes -of Congo may be allowed to perform -indifferent actions, to say miserable -things sometimes, and to resemble -the rest of mankind, who spend a -great part of their lives in doing nothing, -or such things at least, as are -not worthy of being known.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLVIII" id="CHAP_XLVIII">CHAP. XLVIII.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-eighth Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Olympia.</h4> - - -<p>"Rejoice, madam," says Mangogul, -coming in to the favorite's appartment. -"I bring you an agreeable -piece of news. The Toys are a parcel -of little fools, who know not what -they say. Cucufa's ring can indeed -make them speak, but not extort the -truth from them." "And how has -your highness caught them in a lye?" -says the favorite. "You shall hear," -answered the Sultan. "Selim promised -you an account of all his adventures, -and you make no doubt but that he -has kept his word. Well then, I -am just come from consulting a Toy, -who accuses him of a naughty trick, -which he has not confessed to you, -and which most certainly he has not -play'd, as it is quite contrary to his -character. To tyrannize over a pretty -woman, to lay her under contribution, -on pain of military execution: -can you discover Selim in -this proceeding?" "Pray, why not, -Sir?" replied the favorite. "There is -no malice of this sort, of which Selim -has not been capable: and if he has -concealed the adventure which you -have discovered, possibly it is, that -he is reconciled to this Toy, that they -are well together, and that he thought -he might keep that peccadillo from -me, without swerving from his promise."</p> - -<p>"The perpetual falsity of your conjectures," -replied Mangogul, "ought to -cure you of the disease of ever making -any. There is nothing of what you -imagine in the affair: it is one of the -first flights of Selim's youthful days. -It regards one of those women, who -are gained in a minute, but are never -kept long."</p> - -<p>"Madam," says Selim to the favorite, -"in vain do I examine my self, -I can recal nothing more to my memory; -and at present I find my conscience -quite clear."</p> - -<p>"Olympia," says Mangogul—"Ah! -Prince," interrupted Selim, "I know -the thing; but this little story is so -old, that it is no wonder that it has -escaped me."</p> - -<p>"Olympia," continued Mangogul, "wife -of the chief cashier of Hasna, had -coiffed herself with a young officer, -captain in Selim's regiment. Her -lover came to her one morning in -deep concern, to inform her that -orders were issued for all the officers -to set out and join their respective -corps. My grandfather Kanaglou -had resolved that year to open the -campaign early: and an admirable -project, which he had formed, miscarried, -purely through the making -these orders too publick. The politicians -murmured, the women exclaimed, -each party had their reasons. -I have told you those of Olympia. -This woman took the party -of seeing Selim, and, if possible, to -prevent the departure of Gabalis: for -that was her lover's name. Selim already -passed for a dangerous man. -Olympia thought it was proper to -have an escort: and two of her female -friends, as handsome as her -self, offered to accompany her. Selim -was at home when they came. -He received Olympia, who appeared -alone, with that easy politeness, which -you know he is master of, and asked -what had procured him this agreeable -visit? 'Sir,' says Olympia, 'I interest -my self for Gabalis: he has -some important affairs on his hands, -which make his presence necessary -at Banza, and I come to you to -beg six months leave of absence for -him.'</p> - -<p>"'Six months leave, Madam? You -do not consider,' replied Selim: 'the -Sultan's orders are precise: I am -heartily concerned, that I cannot -make a merit towards you of a favour, -which would infallibly ruin -me.' New instances on Olympia's side: -on Selim's new refusals—'The Grand -Vizir has promised me, that I should -be comprehended in the next promotion. -Can you desire me, madam, -to drown my self, in order -to oblige you?' 'No, Sir, you may -oblige me, without drowning your -self'—'Madam, it is impossible: but -if you go to the Visir'—'Alas! Sir, -to whom do you send me, that man -never did any thing for the ladies'—'I -rack my brain to no purpose: for -I should be highly rejoiced in being -able to render you service, and I can -see but one way.' 'And which is -that?' asked Olympia with eagerness.—'Your -intention,' answered Selim, 'would -be to make Gabalis happy for six -months: but, madam, could you -not dispose of one quarter of an -hour of those pleasures which you -design for him?' Olympia understood -him wonderfully well, blushed, stammered; -and concluded by exclaiming -at the severity of the condition. 'Let -us say no more of the affair,' replied -the colonel with a cold air, 'Gabalis -shall join his regiment: the prince's -service must be done. I might venture -to take somewhat on my self: -but you are inflexible. At least, -madam, if Gabalis departs, it is you -that send him away.' 'I,' cry'd Olympia -sharply: 'Ah! Sir, make out -his warrant quickly, and let him remain -here.' The essential preliminaries -of the treaty were ratified on a -sopha, and the lady thought she -had made sure of Gabalis; when the -traitor, who stands before you, took -it into his head to ask her, who those -two ladies were, who came with her, -and whom she left in the next appartment. -'They are two of my intimate -friends,' replied Olympia; 'and -of Gabalis too,' added Selim, 'beyond -all doubt. This supposed, I do not -believe they will refuse to execute -each a third part of the articles of -the treaty. Yes, this to me seems -just: and to you, madam, I commit -the care of disposing them to -it.' 'Indeed, Sir,' says Olympia, 'you -are a strange man. I protest, these -ladies have no pretentions to Gabalis: -but in order to extricate them -and my self from this <i>embarras</i>, if -you think me responsible, I will endeavour -to discharge the bill of exchange, -which you draw on them.' -Selim accepted the offer. Olympia did -honour to her word: and there, madam, -is what Selim ought to have -informed you of."</p> - -<p>"I excuse him," says the favorite: -"Olympia was not so good an acquaintance, -that I should condemn him for -having forgot her. I cannot imagine -whither you go to hunt out that -sort of women: indeed, prince, your -conduct is that of a man, who has -no desire to lose a castle."</p> - -<p>"Madam, to me it seems, as if you -had entirely changed your notions -within these few days," answered Mangogul: -"do me the favour to recollect -the first trial of my ring, which I proposed -to you; and you will see, it -was not my fault that I have not lost -it ere now."</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the Sultana, "I know, -you have sworn to me, that I should -be excepted out of the number of -speaking Toys; and that since that -time you have applied to such women -only as have forfeited their character; -to an Amina, a Zobeida, a Thelis, a Zulica, -whose reputations were already -pretty well settled."</p> - -<p>"I grant," says Mangogul, "that it -would be ridiculous indeed to rely on -those Toys: but for want of others, I -was necessitated to confine myself to -them. I have already told you, and -I now repeat it: good company with -respect to Toys is scarcer than you -think; and if you will not resolve to -gain yourself——"</p> - -<p>"I," interrupted Mirzoza smartly, "I -shall never have a castle while I live, -if I must use those means for obtaining -one. A speaking Toy! Fy! -That is so indecent.——Prince, in -one word, you know my reasons, and -with great seriousness I now reiterate -my menaces."</p> - -<p>"But, either do not complain of my -trials, or at least hint at some persons, -to whom you think we may have recourse: -for I am quite uneasy that the -affair is not terminated. Libertin -Toys, and what next? Libertin Toys, -and always Libertin Toys."</p> - -<p>"I have great confidence," says Mirzoza, -"in Egle's Toy; and I wait -with impatience for the end of the -fortnight which you demanded of me."</p> - -<p>"Madam," replied Mangogul, "that -term expired yesterday; and while -Selim was telling you stories of the old -court, I learnt from Egle's Toy, that, -thanks to the ill humor of Celebi, and -the constant attendance of Almanzor, -it's mistress can do you no service."</p> - -<p>"Ah! Prince," cry'd the favourite, -"what have you said?" "'Tis fact," replied -the Sultan; "I will regale you -with that story some other time: but -in the mean while seek another string -to your bow."</p> - -<p>"Egle, the virtuous Egle, has at -length given herself the lye," says the -favorite in a surprize; "indeed I cannot -recover myself." "I see you are -quite unhinged," replies Mangogul, "and -know not whither to turn yourself."</p> - -<p>"Not so," says the favorite; "but I -own to you that I depended much on -Egle." "Pray think no more about it," -added Mangogul; "only tell us if she -was the only virtuous woman that you -know."</p> - -<p>"No, Prince, there are a hundred -others, and amiable women too, -whom I will name to you," replied -Mirzoza. "I will answer, as much -as for myself, for——for——"</p> - -<p>Mirzoza stop'd short, without having -pronounced any one name. Selim -could not refrain from smiling, and the -Sultan from bursting out into laughter, -at the favorite's embarrassment, who -knew so many virtuous women, and -could not recollect any one.</p> - -<p>Mirzoza, piqued at this, turned -to Selim, and said: "pray, Selim, help -me out, you, who are so great a connoisseur. -Prince," continued she directing -her discourse to the Sultan, -"apply to——whom shall I name? -prithee, Selim, assist me." "To Mirzoza," -says Selim. "You make your -court to me very ill," replied the favorite. -"I am not afraid of the trial, -but I abhor it. Name some one else -quickly, if you would have me pardon -you."</p> - -<p>"One may try," says Selim, "if Zaide -has found the reality of the ideal lover, -which she formed to herself, and to -whom she was formerly wont to compare -all those who made love to her."</p> - -<p>"Zaide?" replys Mangogul. "I must -own that she is a very proper subject -to make me lose." "She is," added the favorite, -"perhaps the only woman, whose -reputation has been spared by the -prude Arsinoe and the coxcomb Janeki."</p> - -<p>"This is strong," says Mangogul: -"but the trial of my ring is a better -argument. Let us go directly to her -Toy.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"<i>That Oracle is surer much than Calchas.</i>"</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>"How," adds the favorite smiling: -"you retain your Racine, like a player."</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<a id="bijouxindiscrets007"></a> -<img src="images/Les_bijoux_indiscrets_007.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Sultan Mangogul and the Favourite.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_XLIX" id="CHAP_XLIX">CHAP. XLIX.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Twenty-ninth Trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Zuleiman and Zaide.</h4> - - -<p>Mangogul, without answering the -favorite's joke, departed instantly, -and went to Zaide's house. He -found her retired in a closet, at a small -table, on which he observed some -letters, a portrait, and some trifles -scatter'd here and there, which came -from a cherished lover, as it was easy -to presume, by the fondness she expressed -for them. She was writing; -tears ran down her cheeks, and wetted -the paper. Every now and then -she kiss'd the portrait with transport -opened the letters, wrote some words, -returned to the portrait, snatched up -the above mentioned trifles, and pressed -them to her breast.</p> - -<p>The Sultan's astonishment was incredible; -he had never seen any tender -woman, but the favorite and Zaide. -He thought himself beloved by Mirzoza: -but did not Zaide love Zuleiman -better still? And were not this -pair the only true lovers of Congo.</p> - -<p>The tears, which Zaide shed in writing, -were not tears of sorrow. 'Twas -love that made them flow. And in -that moment, a delicious sentiment, -which arose from a certainty of possessing -the heart of Zuleiman, was the -only one that affected her. "Dear -Zuleiman," cry'd she, "how I love -thee! how dear thou art to me! -How agreeably thou employest -me! In those instants, when -Zaide has not the happiness -of seeing thee, she writes to thee -how much she is thine: separated -from Zuleiman, his love is the only -conversation which gives her pleasure."</p> - -<p>Zaide was thus far advanced in her -amorous meditation, when Mangogul -pointed his ring at her. Immediately -he heard her Toy send forth a sigh -and repeat the first words of her -mistress's monology. "Dear Zuleiman, -how I love thee! how dear -thou art to me! how agreeably -thou employest me!" Zaide's heart -and Toy were too well agreed, to -vary in their discourse. Zaide was -surprized at first; but she was so sure -that her Toy would say nothing, -but what Zuleiman might hear with -pleasure, that she wish'd him present.</p> - -<p>Mangogul repeated his trial, and -Zaide's Toy repeated with a soft tender -voice: "Zuleiman, dear Zuleiman, -how I love thee! how dear thou -art to me!" "Zuleiman," says the -Sultan, "is the happiest mortal of my -empire. Let us abandon this place, -where the image of a happiness greater -than mine is presented to my sight, -and afflicts me." Accordingly he withdrew, -and went to his favorite with an -air of inquietude and pensiveness. -"Prince," says she, "what ails you, you -say nothing to me of Zaide?"——"Zaide -is an adorable woman, madam," -replied Mangogul. "She loves beyond -any thing that ever loved"—"So much -the worse for her," says Mirzoza. -"What do you say?" replied the Sultan.——"I -say," answers the favorite, -"that Kermades is one of the -most disagreeable persons of Congo; -that interest and the authority of -the parents made that match; and -that there never was a couple worse -sorted than Kermades and Zaide."</p> - -<p>"But, madam," replies Mangogul, "it -is not her husband that she loves"——"Who -then?" says Mirzoza.——"'Tis -Zuleiman," replies Mangogul——"Adieu -then to the Porcelains and -the little Sapajou," added the Sultana——"Ah!" -says Mangogul -whispering to himself, "this Zaide has -struck me: she pursues me, she occupies -my thoughts; I must absolutely -see her again." Mirzoza interrupted -him by some questions, which -he answered in monosyllables. He -refused a game of piquet which she -proposed, complain'd of a head-ach -which he counterfeited, retired to his -appartment, went to bed without supping, -which he had never done before, -and had no sleep. The charms and -tenderness of Zaide, the qualities and -happiness of Zuleiman tormented -him the whole night.</p> - -<p>One may easily imagine, that he -had no business so much in his head -this day, as to return to Zaide. He -walk'd out of his palace, even without -enquiring after Mirzoza, the first -time that ever he fail'd in this point. -He found Zaide in the same closet as the -preceding day, and Zuleiman with her; -who held his mistresses hands between -his own, and had his eyes fixed on her. -Zaide on her knees, and inclining -forward, darted glances animated with -the most ardent passion on Zuleiman. -They continued some time in this attitude: -but both in the same instant -yielding to the violence of their desires, -they rush'd into each others -arms, and embraced with eagerness. -The profound silence, which had hitherto -reigned about them, was disturbed -by their sighs, the sound of -their mutual kisses, and some inarticulated -words, which slip'd from -them——"You love me!"——"I -adore you"——"Will you love me -constantly?"——"Alas! the last sigh -of my life shall be for Zaide!——"</p> - -<p>Mangogul overwhelm'd with sorrow, -threw himself into an easy chair, -and covered his eyes with his hand. -He dreaded seeing things, which are -easily imagined, and yet did not happen. -After a silence of some moments, -"Ah! dear and tender lover," -says Zaide, "why have I not always -found you such as you are at present? -I should not love you the less, nor -should I have any reproach to throw -on myself.——But you weep, -dear Zuleiman. Come, dear and -tender lover, come, and let me wipe -off your tears. Zuleiman, you cast -down your eyes, what ails you? Pray -look on me.——Come, dear friend, -come, that I may comfort thee: cling -thy lips on my mouth, breathe thy -soul into me, receive mine; suspend——Ah! -no——no"——Zaide -finished her discourse with a deep -sigh, and was silent.</p> - -<p>The African author informs us, -that this scene touched Mangogul most -sensibly, that he built some hopes on -the impotence of Zuleiman, and that -some secret proposals were made on -his behalf to Zaide, who rejected -them, and never made any merit of -it with her lover.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_L" id="CHAP_L">CHAP. L.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Platonic Love.</i></h4> - - -<p>"But is this Zaide an unique? -Mirzoza is no ways inferior -to her in charms, and I have a thousand -proofs of her affection. I desire -to be loved, I am, and who -has told me that Zuleiman is more -so than I? I was a fool to envy -another's happiness. No, there is -no man under the heavens happier -than Mangogul." Thus began the -remonstrances, which the Sultan -made to himself. The author has -surpressed the rest, and contents himself -with apprizing us, that the prince -paid more regard to them, than to -those which his ministers presented -him with, and that Zaide never after -returned on his mind.</p> - -<p>One of those evenings, that he was -entirely satisfied with his mistress or -with himself, he proposed sending for -Selim, to walk in the groves of the -Seraglio. These were verdant closets, -where many things may be said and -done without witnesses. In their -way thither, Mangogul turn'd the conversation -on the reasons people have -for loving. Mirzoza, mounted on -grand principles, and fill'd with idea's -of virtue, which certainly did not -suit with her rank, person, or age, -maintain'd that people very frequently -loved for the sake of loving; and -that connections begun by a likeness -of characters, supported by esteem, -and cemented by mutual confidence, -were very lasting and constant; -without any pretensions to favors on -the man's side, or on the woman's -any temptation to grant them.</p> - -<p>"Thus it is, Madam," replied the -Sultan, "that you have been spoil'd -by romances. In them you have seen -hero's respectuous, and princesses virtuous -even to folly; without reflecting -that those Beings never existed but -in the brains of authors. If you -ask Selim, who thoroughly well knows -the catechism of Cythera, 'what is love?' -I would lay a wager that he would -answer you, that love, is nothing else -but——"</p> - -<p>"Would you lay a wager," interrupted -the Sultana, "that delicacy of sentiments -is but a chimæra, and that without -hopes of enjoyment, there would not -be a grain of love in the world? If so, -you must certainly entertain a very -bad opinion of the human heart."</p> - -<p>"So I do," replied Mangogul, "our -virtues are not more disinterested than -our vices. The brave pursues glory -by exposing himself to dangers; the -coward loves tranquility and life; -and the lover desires enjoyment."</p> - -<p>Selim declaring himself of the Sultan's -party, added, that if two things -happened, love would be banished -from society, never more to make its -appearance again.</p> - -<p>"And which are those two things?" -says the favorite. "They are," replied -Mangogul, "if you and I, madam, and -all the race of mankind, chanced to -lose what Tanzai and Neadarne found -in a dream."</p> - -<p>"What! You believe," interrupted -Mirzoza, "that without those pitiful -things, there would be neither esteem -nor confidence between two persons of -different sexes? A woman adorn'd -with talents, wit and beauty, would -not touch? A man bless'd with an -amiable person, a fine genius, and excellent -character, would not be heeded?"</p> - -<p>"No, madam," replies Mangogul; -"for pray tell me what he would say?"</p> - -<p>"A number of pretty things, which -I think would always afford much -pleasure to hear," answers the favorite.</p> - -<p>"Observe, madam," says Selim, "that -those things are said every day without -love. No, no, madam, I have -complete proofs, that without a well -organised body, there is no love. -Agenor, the handsomest young man -of Congo, and the most refined wit of -the court, would, if I had been a -woman, in vain shew me his genteel -leg, turn his large blue eyes on me, -squander on me the most artful praise, -and set himself off with every other -advantage of which he is master; I -would say but one word, and if he did -not give an express answer to this word, -I might have all possible esteem for -him, but I should not love him."</p> - -<p>"That is positive," added the Sultan, -"and you yourself will allow the justness -and utility of this mysterious word, -when one loves. You ought indeed, -for your instruction, to cause the conversation -of a wit of Banza with a -school-master to be related to you. -You could comprehend in an instant, -how the wit, who sustained -your thesis, confessed in the end that -he was in the wrong, and that his -antagonist reasoned like a Toy. But -Selim, of whom I had it, will you -tell the story."</p> - -<p>The favorite imagined, that a story, -which Mangogul would not relate to -her, must be very mortifying: and -therefore she went into one of the arbors, -without asking it of Selim, and -happy it was for him; for with all -his wit, he would have ill satisfied the -favorite's curiosity, or much allarm'd -her modesty. But in order to amuse -her, and make her forget the story of -the school-master, he related the following.</p> - -<p>"Madam," says the courtier, "in a vast -country near the sources of the Nile, -lived a young man, beautiful as Adonis. -Before he was eighteen years of age, -all the maidens contended for his -heart, and there were few women, -who would not accept of him for their -lover. Born with an amorous heart, -he loved as soon as he was in a condition -to love.</p> - -<p>"On a certain day, while he was in -the temple assisting at the public worship -of the great Pagoda; and was, -according to the usual ceremony, preparing -to make the seventeen genuflexions -prescribed by the law; the -beauty, with which he was captivated, -chanced to pass by, and darted a -glance on him accompany'd with a -smile, which threw him into such distraction, -that he lost his poize, fell -on his nose, scandalized the congregation -by his fall, forgot the number -of genuflexions, and performed but -sixteen.</p> - -<p>"The great Pagoda irritated at the -offence and scandal, punished him -cruelly. Hilas, for that was his name, -the poor Hilas felt himself instantly -inflamed with the most violent desires, -and smack-smooth as the palm of -his hand, deprived of the means of -gratifying them. Equally surprized -and grieved at so great a loss, he consulted -the Pagoda. 'Thou shalt never -be restored to thy pristine state,' answered -she sneezing, 'but between the -arms of a woman, who shall not love -thee the less for knowing thy misfortune.'</p> - -<p>"Presumption is generally the companion -of youth and beauty. Hilas -fancied that his wit and the comeliness -of his person would soon gain him a -heart of nice sentiments; who content -with what he had remaining, would -love him for himself, and soon restore -to him what he had lost. He first addrest -himself to the lady, who had been -the innocent cause of his misfortune. -She was young, brisk, voluptuous -and a coquet. Hilas adored her, and -obtained a meeting; where by a train -of allurements he was drawn into the -road leading to a place which it was -impossible for him to reach. In vain -did he torment himself, and in the arms -of his mistress seek the accomplishment -of the oracle: nothing appeared. -When the lady was tired of waiting, -she set herself to rights in a moment, -and quitted him. The worst -of the affair was, that the foolish girl -told it in confidence to one of her female -friends, who, out of her great -discretion, related it but to three or -four of hers, who did the same to as -many others: so that Hilas, two days -before the darling of all the sex, was -despised, pointed at, and looked on -as a monster.</p> - -<p>"The wretched Hilas, cried down -in his native country, resolved to travel, -and seek a remedy for his disease -in remote climes. He set out alone, -and arrived incognito at the court of the -Abyssinian emperor. The young -stranger was singled out by the ladies, -and the contest was, who should have -him but Hilas prudently avoided -all engagements, in which he had apprehensions -of not finding his account, -proportionable to his certainty that -the women who pursued him would -not find theirs in him. But observe -and admire the penetration of the sex: -'a man so young, so comely, and so -modest,' said they, 'is quite a prodigy:' -and the union of these qualities -in him had almost made them suspect -his real defect; so as, for fear of allowing -him what an accomplished -man should have, to refuse him the -very thing which he wanted.</p> - -<p>"After having for some time studied -the chart of the country, Hilas -linked an acquaintance with a young -woman, who, by some unknown caprice, -had passed from refined gallantry -to the highest devotion. He gradually -insinuated himself into her confidence, -espoused her notions, copied -her practices, handed her in and out -of the temples, and conversed with -her so frequently on the vanity of -worldly pleasures, that he insensibly -revived her taste, as well as remembrance -of them. They had now, -for above a month, frequented the -mosques, assisted at sermons, and visited -the sick together, when he prepared -himself for a thorough cure; -but all in vain. His devote friend, -tho' intimately acquainted with all -the transactions of heaven, knew as -well as others, how a man should be -made on earth: and the poor lad -lost in a moment all the fruits of his -good works. If any thing consoled -him, it was, that his secret was inviolably -kept. One word would have -rendered his disease incurable; but -this word was not uttered, and Hilas -linked in with some other pious women, -whom he took, one after another, -for the specific ordained by the -oracle, and who did not break his -enchantment, because they loved him -only for what he was not. The habit, -they had acquired of spiritualizing -all objects, was of no service -to him. They required sense, but it -was of that sort which springs from -pleasure. Hilas complained that they -did not love him. But their answer -was, 'pray, sir, are you ignorant, that -people should know each other, before -they love; nay, you must acknowledge, -that, disgraced as you -are, you are not lovely even when you -are known.'</p> - -<p>"'Alas!' said he retiring, 'this pure -love, so much talked of, is no where -to be found; this delicacy of sentiments, -upon which both sexes value -themselves, is a mere chimæra. The -oracle has deceived me, and my disease -is for life.'</p> - -<p>"In his way, he met some of -those women, who allow no other -commerce with man, but that of -the heart, and who hate a forward -spark like a toad. They so seriously -recommended to him to let nothing -gross and terrestrial enter into his -views, that he conceived great hopes -of his cure. He complied heartily, -and was quite astonished, after the -amorous conversations, which they -held with him, that he still remained -as he was. 'I must certainly be -cured,' said he to himself, 'but perhaps -otherwise than by words:' -and he sought an occasion of placing -himself according to the intentions -of the oracle. Thus it soon offered. -A young female platonic, who was -excessively fond of walking, led him -into a lonesome wood and when -they had penetrated far from the reach -of any impertinent eye, the fair one -was seized with a fainting fit. Hilas -threw himself on her, and neglected -nothing in his power to relieve her; -but all his endeavours were fruitless: -of which she soon became as sensible -as himself. 'Ah! Sir,' cried she, disengaging -herself from his arms, 'what -sort of man are you? I shall be very -cautious of ever venturing thus into -lonesome places, where I have been -taken so ill, and may dye a hundred -times for want of help.'</p> - -<p>"Others knew his condition, pitied -him, protested to him, that the tenderness -they had conceived for him, -should not change; and never saw -him more.</p> - -<p>"The miserable Hilas, with his graceful -figure, and the most refined sentiments, -gave great dissatisfaction to -many ladies."</p> - -<p>"Then he was a fool," interrupted -the Sultan. "Why did he not address -some of the vestals, of which -our monasteries are full? They would -be charmed with him, and he would -infallibly receive his cure through a -grate."</p> - -<p>"Prince," replied Selim, "chronicles -assure us, that he tried that method, -and found by experience, that the -sex of all conditions do not care to -love to their certain loss." "If that be -the case," said the Sultan, "I take his -distemper to be incurable." "So did he -himself as well as your highness," continued -Selim; "and tired out with unsuccessful -trials, he plunged himself -into solitude, on the word of an -infinite number of women, who had -expresly declared to him, that he was -useless in society.</p> - -<p>"He had already been several days -rambling in a desert, when he heard -some sighs issuing from a lonely place. -He listened, the sighs began again, -he drew near, and saw a young -maiden, fair as the morn, her head -leaning on her hand, her eyes bathed -in tears, and the rest of her body -in a pensive and mournful posture. -'What seek you here, madam?' said -he to her. 'And are these deserts -made for you?' 'Yes,' replied she -in a melancholy strain: 'I can at least -afflict myself here quite at my ease.' -'And what is the cause of your -affliction?'—'Alas!'—'Speak, -madam, what is the cause?'——'Nothing'——'How, -nothing?'——'No, -nothing at all, I say, is the cause -of my grief: two years ago I had -the misfortune to offend a Pagoda, -who deprived me of my all: and it -was so small a matter, that in so -doing, she gave no great proof of -her power. Since that time, all the -men shun me, and will shun me, said -the Pagoda, until I meet with one, -who knowing my misfortune, will -cleave to me, and love me in the -state, in which I am.'</p> - -<p>"'What do I hear!' cried Hilas. 'This -wretch, whom you behold at your -feet, has nothing, and that is -his distemper likewise. Some time -since he had the misfortune to -offend a Pagoda, who deprived him -of all that he had, and without vanity -it was somewhat. From that -time all the women shun him, and -will shun him, said the Pagoda, until -he meets with one, who, knowing -his misfortune, will cleave to him, -and love him in the state, in which -he is.'</p> - -<p>"'Is this possible?' says the young -maiden.——'Is what you have told -me true?' says Hilas.——'See,' answered -the maiden. 'See,' answered -Hilas.</p> - -<p>"They both convinced each other -beyond all doubt, that they were -two objects of the celestial wrath. -Their common misfortune united -them. Iphis, this was the young -maiden's name, was made for Hilas, -Hilas was made for her. They loved -each other in a platonic manner, as -you may easily imagine; for they -could not well love otherwise: but -in an instant the inchantment was -broken, they uttered cries of joy on -the event, and platonic love vanished.</p> - -<p>"During several months, that they -continued together in the desert, -they had full time to be persuaded -of their change. When they quitted -it, Iphis was perfectly cured; but as -to Hilas, the author says that he was -threatned with a relapse."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h5><a name="CHAP_LI" id="CHAP_LI">CHAP. LI.</a></h5> - -<h4><i>Thirtieth and last trial of the Ring.</i></h4> - -<h4>Mirzoza.</h4> - - -<p>While Mangogul was entertaining -himself with the favorite -and Selim, news was brought -him of the death of Sulamek. Sulamek's -rise began by being appointed -the Sultan's dancing-master, and that -even contrary to the intentions of -Erguebzed: but some intriguing ladies, -whom he had taught certain -dangerous steps, pushed him with all -their might, and so bestirred themselves, -that he was preferred to Marcel -and others, whose deputy he was -not worthy of being. He possessed -the spirit of trifling, the court jargon, -the gift of telling diverting stories, -and of amusing children; but he -knew nothing of the high dance. -When the post of Grand Vizir became -vacant, by dint of cringing, he -supplanted the great Seneschal, who -was an indefatigable dancer, but stiff-necked, -and bowed with a bad grace. -His ministry was not signalized by -any events glorious to the nation. -His enemies, (and who is there without -them? true merit has many) accused -him of playing ill on the violin, -and of having no knowledge of choregraphy; -of having suffered himself -to be duped by the Pantomimes of -Prester John, and to be affrighted by -a bear from Monoémugi, who danced -one day before him; of having given -millions to the emperor of Tombur -to keep him from dancing, at a time -when he had the gout, and spent -yearly five hundred thousand Zecchins -in resin, and more in persecuting all -the fidlers, who played any other -minuets but his own: in a word, -of having slept fifteen years of a -stretch, at the sound of a cymbal of -a clumsy native of Guinea, who accompanied -his instrument with some -Congo songs. True it is, that he -had introduced the fashion of Dutch -lime trees, &c.</p> - -<p>Mangogul had an excellent heart: -he regretted Sulamek, and ordered -him a magnificent burial, with a -funeral oration, which the orator -Brrrouboubou was ordered to make.</p> - -<p>On the day appointed for the ceremony, -the chief Bramins, the whole -Divan in a body, and the Sultanas -led by their eunuchs, went to the -great mosque. Brrrouboubou proved -for two hours together, with surprizing -rapidity, that Sulamek had -risen to his high station by superior -talents, made prefaces on prefaces, -did not forget either Mangogul or his -exploits during the administration of -Sulamek; and he had almost spent -himself in exclamations, when Mirzoza, -to whom a lye gave the vapors, -fell into a fit of the lethargy.</p> - -<p>Her officers and women ran to her -assistance; she was put into her palanquine, -and instantly carried to the -Seraglio. Mangogul, being informed -of the danger she was in, ran to her; -and the whole Pharmacopoeia was -rummaged. The Garus, general la -Motte's drops, the English drops, -were all tried, but to no purpose. -The distressed Sultan, one moment -weeping over Mirzoza, the next -swearing at Orcotomus, at length was -deprived of all hopes, except some -glimmerings which might remain in -his ring. "If I have lost you, delight -of my soul," cried he, "your -Toy, as well as your mouth, must -keep eternal silence."</p> - -<p>In an instant he commanded every -body to withdraw: he was obeyed; -and being alone with the favorite, he -turned his ring on her. But Mirzoza's -Toy, which was tired at the sermon, -as it happens to others every day, -and besides had probably a touch of the -lethargy, at first only mutter'd some -confused and ill articulated words. The -Sultan repeated the experiment, and -the Toy then very distinctly said: -"Separated from you, Mangogul, -what would become of me?—Faithful -even to the grave, I would -have sought you; and if love and -constancy have any recompence -among the dead, dear prince, I -would have found you—Alas! without -you the delightful palace where -Brama dwells, and which he has -promised to his true believers, would -prove a disagreeable residence to -me."</p> - -<p>Mangogul, transported with joy, -did not perceive that the favorite was -recovering from her lethargy; and -that, if he did not turn off his ring, -she would hear the last words of her -Toy: which happened accordingly. -"Ah! prince," said she, "what is become -of your oaths? You have then -cleared up your unjust suspicions? -Nothing has withheld you, neither -the condition I was in, the injury -you were doing me, nor the word -you had given me?"</p> - -<p>"Madam," replied the Sultan, "impute -not to a shameful curiosity, an impatience, -which the despair for having -lost you, has alone suggested to me. -It was not an usual trial of my -ring, that I made on you; but I -believed that I might, without breach -of promise, make use of a resource, -which restores you to my vows, and -secures my heart to you for ever."</p> - -<p>"Prince," says the favorite, "I believe -you; but pray restore the ring to the -Genius, and let not his fatal present -disturb your heart or empire for the -future."</p> - -<p>Mangogul immediately made a -prayer, and Cucufa appeared. "Almighty -Genius," said Mangogul, -"take back your ring, and continue -me your protection". "Prince," answered -the Genius, "divide your days -between love and glory. Mirzoza -will certainly afford you the first of -these blessings; and I promise you -the second."</p> - -<p>At these words the hooded spectre -closed the tails of his owls, and went -off, as he came, in a whirling motion.</p> - - -<h5>The End.</h5> - - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Les Bijoux Indiscrets, or, The -Indiscreet Toys, by Denis Diderot - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LES BIJOUX INDESCRETS, THE INDISCREET TOYS *** - -***** This file should be named 54672-h.htm or 54672-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/6/7/54672/ - -Produced by Clare Graham & Marc D'Hooghe at Free Literature -(online soon in an extended version, also linking to free -sources for education worldwide ... MOOC's, educational -materials,...) 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