“Madam,” replied the Sultan, “impute not to a shameful curiosity, an impatience, which the despair for having lost you, has alone suggested to me. It was not an usual trial of my ring, that I made on you; but I believed that I might, without breach of promise, make use of a resource, which restores you to my vows, and secures my heart to you forever.”

“Prince,” says the favorite, “I believe you; but pray restore the ring to the Genius, and let not his fatal present disturb your heart or empire for the future.”

Mangogul immediately made a prayer, and Cucufa appeared. “Almighty Genius,” said Mangogul, “take back your ring, and continue me your protection.”

“Prince,” answered the Genius, “divide your days between love and glory. Mirzoza will certainly afford you the first of these blessings; and I promise you the second.”

At these words the hooded spectre closed the tails of his owls, and went off, as he came, in a whirling motion.