Mirzoza, fearing to offend the Sultan, stopped 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, though 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?”

“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.