“No, Prince,” answered Selim, “and if your highness will give me a meeting at Fulvia’s house, I will certainly be there before you.”

“Be cautious of what you propose,” replied the favorite. “Selim, my poor Selim, you go very fast, and how worthy soever you are of being beloved⁠—”

“Fear not, madam; since the die is cast, I will hear Fulvia: the worst that can befall me, is to lose a faithless woman.”

“And to die of regret,” added the Sultana, “for having lost her.”