entertaining the beautiful Aldea. His haughty soul
despising, without malice, Formosanta's inattention,
had conceived for her more indifference than resentment. "She is handsome," said he, "I acknowledge,
but she appears to me one of those women who are
entirely taken up with their own beauty, and who
fancy that mankind are greatly obliged to them when
they deign to appear in public. I should prefer an
ugly complaisant woman, that exhibited some amiability, to that beautiful statue. You have, madam,
as many charms as she possesses, and you, at least,
condescend to converse with strangers. I acknowledge to you with the sincerity of a Scythian, that I
prefer you to your cousin."
He was, however, mistaken in regard to the character of Formosanta. She was not so disdainful as she appeared. But his compliments were very well received by the princess Aldea. Their conversation became very interesting. They were well contented, and already certain of one another before they left the table. After supper the guests walked in the groves. The king of Scythia and Aldea did not fail to seek for a place of retreat. Aldea, who was sincerity itself, thus declared herself to the prince:
"I do not hate my cousin, though she be handsomer than myself, and is destined for the throne of Babylon. The honor of pleasing you may very well stand in the stead of charms. I prefer Scythia with you to the crown of Babylon without you. But this crown belongs to me by right, if there be any right in
