dispenser of life and death, honour and
disgrace, to millions. I had made up my mind how to behave; the poets I
had read had taught me but too well. Convinced that a little wilfulness
would, from its novelty, be most likely to captivate one who had been
accustomed to dull and passive obedience, I allowed my natural temper to
be unchecked. The second day after my arrival, the kislar aga informed
me that the sultan intended to honour me with a visit, and that the
baths and dresses were prepared. I replied that I had bathed that
morning, and did not intend to bathe again--as for the dresses and
jewels, I did not require them, and that I was ready to receive my lord,
the sultan, if he pleased to come. The kislar aga opened his eyes with
astonishment at my presumption; but not venturing to use force to one
who, in his opinion, would become the favourite, he returned to the
sultan, reporting to him what had passed. The sultan, as I expected,
was more amused at the novelty than affronted at the want of respect.
"Be it so," replied he, "this Georgian must have a good opinion of her
own charms."

In the evening the sultan made his appearance, and I prostrated myself
at his feet, for I did not wish to proceed too far at once. He raised
me up, and appeared delighted.

"You were right, Zara," said he, "no jewels or dress could add to the
splendour of your beauty."

"Pardon me, O gracious lord," replied I, "but if thy slave is to please
thee, may it be by her natural charms alone. If I have the honour to
continue in thy favour, let me adorn myself with those jewels which
ought to decorate the chosen of her master--but as a candidate I have
rejected them, for who knows but in a few days I may be deserted for one
more worthy of your preference?"

The sultan was delighted at my apology, and I certainly was pleased with
him. He was then about forty years of age, very handsome and well made;
but I was still more gratified to find that my conversation amused him
so much that he remained with me for many hours after his usual time for
retiring. This gave promise of an ascendancy which might survive
personal charms. But not to detain your highness, I will at once state,
the sultan soon thought but of me. Not only my personal attractions,
but my infinite variety, which appeared natural, but was generally
planned and sketched out previous to his visits, won so entirely upon
him, that so far from being tired, his passion, I ma