“That may be,” replied Mangogul; “but now that I have a full view of the danger which I incurred, I solemnly swear to you by the eternal Pagoda, that you shall be excepted from the number of those, on whom I shall turn the ring.”

At these words Mirzoza brightened up, and fell to joking at the expense of the Toys which the Prince should hereafter interrogate. “Cydalisa’s Toy,” said she, “has many stories to tell, and if it be as indiscreet as its mistress, it will not require much intreaty. Haria’s Toy is no longer of this world, and your highness will obtain no tales from it of fresher date than the days of my grandmother. As for that of Glauce, I believe it is a proper one to be consulted. She is a coquet and pretty.”

“And for that reason precisely it is,” replied the Sultan, “that her Toy will be mute.”

“Why then,” said the Sultana, “apply to that of Phedima, she is ugly, and loves gallantry.”