TRAVELS IN BARBARA. 
themselves within the limits of common deeorunr. 
It seemed, at first, vain to attempt moving for- 
ward ; but the eunuch, by employing the most 
violent measures, effected a passage, though the 
crowd still followed to the door of the apartment* 
The Sultana, whom they found sitting cross-legged 
on a mattress, was named Lalla Zara, and was in a 
very melancholy situation. Some years ago she 
had been extremely beautiful, and the favourite 
wife of the emperor ; when her rivals, moved with 
envy, formed the detestable plan of destroying her 
by poison. It was accordingly administered ; and 
though the strength of her constitution enabled 
her to resist its mortal effects, they entirely ruined 
her health, and with it that beauty on which her 
influence depended. Her complexion was entire- 
ly altered, her countenance ghastly, her teeth 
spoiled, and her skin changed to a sickly brown. 
Lempriere's humanity struggled with his desire 
to depart, which would be opposed by engag- 
ing in a cure that threatened to be tedious. He 
resolved, however, to make a trial for a fortnight, 
and prescribed the requisite medicines. On de-> 
partings he was called to the apartment of the 
first wife, Lalla Batoom. This proposal was start- 
ling, as no permission was given, or could be in- 
tended by the emperor, thus to perform the cir- 
cuit of the seraglio. Curiosity, however, prevail- 
ed. He found Lalla Batoom a model of Moorish 
beauty, about forty, immoderately fat, with round 
