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, though issuing from Ifec, was not exactly in the same tone with hers. “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.”