“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.”

“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.