LXIV.

At last they reached a quarter most retired,
Where echo woke as if from a long slumber;
Though full of all things which could be desired,
One wondered what to do with such a number

Of articles which nobody required;

Here wealth had done its utmost to encumber

With furniture an exquisite apartment,

Which puzzled nature much to know what art meant.

LXV.

It seemed, however, but to open on

A range or suit of further chambers, which Might lead to heaven knows where; but in this one The moveables were prodigally rich : Sofas 't was half a sin to sit upon,

So costly were they; carpets every stitch Of workmanship so rare, they made you

wish

You could glide o'er them like a golden fish.

LXVI.

The black, however, without hardly deigning

A glance at that which wrapt the slaves in wonder, Trampled what they scarce trod for fear of staining, As if the milky way their feet was under With all its stars; and with a stretch attaining A certain press or cupboard niched in yonder In that remote recess which you may see― Or if you don't the fault is not in me,

LXVII.

I wish to be perspicuous; and the black,
I say, unlocking the recess, pulled forth

A quantity of clothes fit for the back

Of any Mussulman, whate'er his worth;

And of variety there was no lack—

And yet, though I have said there was no dearth; He chose himself to point out what he thought Most proper for the Christians he had bought.

LXVIII.

The suit he thought most suitable to each
Was, for the elder and the stouter, first

A candiote cloak, which to the knee might reach,
And trowsers not so tight that they would burst,
But such as fit an Asiatic breech ;

A shawl, whose folds in Cashmire had been nurst, Slippers of saffron, dagger rich and handy ;

In short, all things which form a Turkish Dandy.

LXIX.

While he was dressing, Baba, their black friend,

Hinted the vast advantages which they

Might probably obtain both in the end,

If they would but pursue the proper way Which Fortune plainly seemed to recommend ;

And then he added, that he needs must say, ""Twould greatly tend to better their condition, "If they would condescend to circumcision.

LXX.

"For his own part, he really should rejoice
"To see them true believers, but no less
"Would leave his proposition to their choice."
The other, thanking him for this excess
Of goodness, in thus leaving them a voice
In such a trifle, scarcely could express

66

Sufficiently (he said) his approbation

"Of all the customs of this polished nation.

LXXI.

"For his own share-he saw but small objection "To so respectable an ancient rite;

“And, after swallowing down a slight refection, "For which he owned a present appetite,

"He doubted not a few hours of reflection

"Would reconcile him to the business quite."

"Will it ?" said Juan, sharply; "Strike me dead "But they as soon shall circumcise my head!

LXXII.

"Cut off a thousand heads, before"-" Now, pray,' Replied the other, " do not interrupt:

"You put me out in what I had to say.
"Sir!-as I said, as soon as I have supt,
"I shall perpend if your proposal may
"Be such as I can properly accept;
"Provided always your great goodness still
"Remits the matter to our own free-will."

LXXIII.

Baba eyed Juan, and said " Be so good
"As dress yourself” and pointed out a suit
In which a Princess with great pleasure would
Array her limbs; but Juan standing mute,
As not being in a masquerading mood,

Gave it a slight kick with his christian foot;
And when the old negro told him to " Get ready,"
Replied, "Old gentleman, I'm not a lady."