I pass my evenings in long galleries solely, And that's the reason I'm so melancholy.

desired,

One wonder'd 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.

It seem'd, however, but to open on
A range or suite 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, that made you
wish

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

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 seeOr if you don't the fault is not in me:

I wish to be perspicuous; and the black,
I say, unlocking the recess, pull'd 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.

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.

While he was dressing, Baba, their black friend,

Hinted the vast advantages which they
Might probably attain both in the end,

If they would but pursue the proper way Which Fortune plainly seem'd to recommend; And then he added, that he needs must say, "Twould greatly tend to better their condition,

If they would condescend to circumcision.

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
"Sufficiently (he said) his approbation
Of all the customs of this polish'd nation.

"Then if I do," said Juan, “I'll be—” "Hold!"

Rejoin'd the Negro, "pray be not provoking; This spirit 's well, but it may wax too bold, And you will find us not too fond of joking.' “What, sir,” said Juan, “shall it e'er be told That I unsex'd my dress?" But Baba stroking The things down, said-"Incense me, and I call.

Those who will leave you of no sex at all.

I offer you a handsome suit of clothes: A woman's, true; but then there is a cause Why you should wear them."—"What, though my soul loathes The effeminate garb?"-Thus, after a short pause,

jection

To so respectable an ancient rite; And after swallowing down a slight refection, For which he own'd 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!

oaths,

"What the devil shall I do with all this gauze?"

Thus he profanely term'd the finest lace Which e'er set off a marriage-morning-face.

inspired?

Baba retire, which he obey'd in style,
As if well-used to the retreating trade;
And taking hints in good part all the while,
He whisper'd Juan not to be affaid,
And looking on him with a sort of smile,
Took leave with such a face of satisfaction,
As good men wear who have done a vir-
tuous action.