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.

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 teased?”

“It will not be as difficult a talk as you imagine, Mr. Seneschal,” replied the Sultan; “and I promise you that by tomorrow 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.”