“I saw,” said the favorite, “the first representation of Tamerlane ; and join with you in thinking the work well conducted, the dialogue elegant, and the propriety of characters well observed.”

“What difference, madam,” interrupted Ricaric, “between such an author as Tuxigraphus, fatted with the perusal of the ancients, and most part of our moderns.”

“Yet these moderns,” said Selim, “whom you demolish here at your ease, are not so contemptible as you pretend. What, don’t you find genius, invention, fire, details, characters, and fine strokes of wit in them? And of what importance are rules to me, provided a writer pleases me? Certainly it is neither the observations of the wise Almudir and the learned Abaldok, nor the art of poetry of the deep-read Facardin, which I have never perused, that makes me admire the pieces of Aboulcazem, Muhardar, Albaboukre, and many other Sarracens! Is there any other rule but the imitation of nature; and have we not as good eyes as those who studied her?”