the honor of visiting him. I had some apprehensions
for my heart. I dreaded my too great simplicity. I
trembled lest my father and your rivals should observe the preference I gave you, and which you so
highly deserved. I can now declare my sentiments.
I swear by the bull Apis, which after you is the thing
I respect the most in the world, that your proposals
have enchanted me. I have already supped with
you at my father's, and I will sup with you again,
without his being of the party. All that I request of
you is that your high almoner should drink with
us. He appeared to me at Babylon to be an excellent
guest. I have some Chiras wine remarkably good.
I will make you both taste it. I consider you as
the greatest of kings, and the most amiable of men."
This discourse turned the king of Egypt's head. He agreed to have the almoner's company.
"I have another favor to ask of you," said the princess, "which is to allow me to speak to my apothecary. Women have always some little ails that require attention, such as vapors in the head, palpitations of the heart, colics, and the like, which often require some assistance. In a word, I at present stand in need of my apothecary, and I hope you will not refuse me this slight testimony of confidence."
"Miss," replied the king of Egypt, "I know life too well to refuse you so just a demand. I will order the apothecary to attend you while supper is preparing. I imagine you must be somewhat fatigued by the journey; you will also have occasion for a
