“Would you lay a wager,” interrupted the Sultana, “that delicacy of sentiments is but a chimaera, and that without hopes of enjoyment, there would not be a grain of love in the world? If so, you must certainly entertain a very bad opinion of the human heart.”

“So I do,” replied Mangogul, “our virtues are not more disinterested than our vices. The brave pursues glory by exposing himself to dangers; the coward loves tranquility and life; and the lover desires enjoyment.”

Selim declaring himself of the Sultan’s party, added, that if two things happened, love would be banished from society, never more to make its appearance again.

“And which are those two things?” says the favorite.

“They are,” replied Mangogul, “if you and I, madam, and all the race of mankind, chanced to lose what Tanzai and Neadarne found in a dream.”