“And I,” continued the favorite, “would point out to him a small number of men of distinguished merit, such as Mr. Ricaric, on whom he may bestow your benefactions. Is it not somewhat surprising, that the poor man has no provision made for him, while the precious chiromancer of the Manimonbanda receives a thousand sequins a year from your treasury.”

“Well, madam,” answered Mangogul, “I assign Mr. Ricaric the like sum on my coffers, in consideration of the wonderful things you tell me of him.”

“ Mr. Ricaric,” said the favorite, “I also must do something for you: in your favor I sacrifice the small resentment of my self-love; and in consideration of the recompence which Mangogul has granted to your merit, I forget the injury he has done me.”

“Pray, madam, may I ask you what that injury is?” replied Mangogul.