■ if^i. j4zaita, a tale. i?3 



kind of litter. At this sight, Azakia appeared overwhehn. 

 ed with grief; but instead of vain lamentation, ftie exerted 

 all pofsible care and afsiduity to be of service to him. 

 Though flie had several slaves at command, (he depended 

 only on herself, for vf hat might contribute to the relief of 

 her guest. Her activity equalled her solicitude. One 

 would have said, that it was a lover watching over the pre- 

 cious life of her beloved. Few could help drawing the 

 luost flattering consequences, on such an occasion j and 

 this was what St. Castins did. His desires and his hopes 

 revived with his strength. One only point disconcerted 

 his views, which was the services and attentions of Ouabi. 

 Could he deceive him, without adding ingratitude to per- 

 fidy ? " But," said St. Castins, arguing the case with him- 

 self, " the good-natured Ouabi is but a savage, and he can- 

 not be so scrupulous herein, as many of our good folks in 

 Europe." This reason, which was no reason in fact, ap- 

 peared very solid to the amorous Frenchman. He renewed 

 his tender advances, and was surprised to meet with new 

 refusals. " Stop I Celario," which was the savage name that 

 was given to St. Castins ; " Stop 1" said Azakia to him j 

 " the fliivers of the rod which I have broken with Ouabi, 

 have not yet been reduced to afhes. A part remains still 

 in his power, and another in mine. As long as they last 

 I am his, and cannot be thine," These words, spoken in 

 9 peremptory manner, quite disconcerted St. Castins. He 

 dared not insist upon the matter farther, and fell into a 

 melancholy reverie. Azakia was deeply affected by it. 

 •' What can I do ;" said flie to him j " J cannot become thy 

 xpmpanion, but by ceasing to be the companion of Ouabi j 

 and I cannot quit Ouabi, without causing in him the same 

 sorrow thou feelest in thyself. Answer me, has he deser- 

 vi;d it ?" — " No I" cried out Celario, " no I He deserves to 

 be imixely preferred before me j but I must abandon bis 



