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the scene was real, or the effect of a warm imagination, he re- 

 mained for some moments lost in astonishment; when the lovely 

 stranger, throwing aside her veil, discovered Zeida, decked with 

 every charm that youth and beauty could assume on such an 

 interesting visit. 



When his surprise subsided, Zeida informed him the marriage 

 had turned out unfortunate; in hopes of happier days she had 

 hitherto forbore to trouble him with complaints; but seeing no 

 amendment she seized the opportunity of her husband's absence 

 to repair to the durbar, in hopes of regaining that affection which 

 had formerly constituted her happiness. Fearful of a cool recep- 

 tion, she had previously consulted the most celebrated cunning- 

 woman in the city ; who prepared a box of ointment, which she 

 was to apply by stealth, as near as possible to the heart of the 

 object beloved ; and, if so far successful, she might be assured of 

 accomplishing her wishes. Zeida knew not the character of her 

 friend; he resisted the tear of beauty, and the eloquence of love; 

 and having; convinced her of the difference between their former 

 attachment, and the crime of adultery, persuaded her to return 

 home before the approaching dawn discovered the impropriety 

 of her visit. 



Oriental poets paint the tender passion with all the glow of 

 fancy and power of language: as Sir William Ousley observes, 

 " in their descriptions of beauty, they indulge the most extrava- 

 gant license; the earth affords few objects sufficiently amiable or 

 beautiful, to be admitted into their similies; the blushing rose 

 Avithcrs at the superior glow of a mistress's cheek; and the lofty 



