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, though otherwise ever so great a hero, is a madman, if he flatters himself with conquering such an enemy. Although 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 apartment.

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 asleep, her hand leaning on a collection of Persian tales, which had lull’d her to repose.

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.”