LXIV. At last they reached a quarter most retired, 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, 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 A candiote cloak, which to the knee might reach, 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 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. LXXIII. Baba eyed Juan, and said " Be so good Gave it a slight kick with his christian foot; |