“Yes,” continued the Sultan; “and so ugly, that one must be as ill-natured as you, to accuse her of gallantry. Phedima is sober; ’tis I who say it, and who know something of the matter.”

“As sober as you please,” replied the favorite, “but she has a sort of grey eyes that speak the contrary.”

“Her eyes belie her,” said the Sultan warmly. “You tire my patience with your Phedima. Might not one say, that there is no other Toy but this to examine.”

“But may I presume, without offending your highness,” added Mirzoza, “to ask which is the first you intend to honour with your choice.”

“We shall see anon,” said Mangogul, “in the circle of the Manimonbanda, (the Congese name of the great Sultana). We shall have a good deal of work upon our hands and when we happen to be tired of the Toys of my court, we may chance make a tour through Banza. Possibly we may find those of the city women more reasonable than those of dutchesses.”