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would have been sufficient; but she has carried off every one, who gave her the least kind of umbrage: envious of wit, beauty, talents, and even virtue, it is enough to draw dawn her hatred, that any one should acquire eminence, or become very successful. As for me, continued Zumio, I am also one of her prisoners, though former1y her favourite page; I carried her most secret billets-doux: unhappily for me, she suspected my discretion, and has confined me in this melancholy place. I interrupted Zumio: For Heaven's sake: said I, satisfy my curiosity; and tell me the name of this monster, this abominable fairy.

Ah, my lord! replied Zumio, you will be much surprised; for she is as specious as she is wicked; and, when I had my liberty, I saw her company courted by the first among the genii, who had the simplicity to believe, on her word, that she possessed every virtue. In fine, Sir, the fairy by whom we are persecuted is Prudina.

I as petrified at the name; it was impossible for words to express my surprise and