“On that couple which you see sporting in that window,” answer’d Mangogul with a wink.

“Well set out,” replied the favorite.

Alcina, for that was the young lady’s name, was sprightly and pretty. The Sultan’s court had few women more amiable, and not one of a gayer disposition. One of the Sultan’s Emirs had filled his head with her. He was not left in ignorance of what the chronicle had published concerning Alcina: the report alarm’d him, but he followed the custom: he consulted his mistress about it. Alcina swore, that it was pure calumny invented by some coxcombs, who would have been silent, if they had had any reason for talking; but however, that there was no harm done, and that he was at full liberty to believe it or not, as he thought proper. This answer, delivered with an air of confidence, convinced the amorous Emir of his mistress’s innocence. He closed the affair, and assumed the title of Alcina’s husband with all its prerogatives.