LEMPRIERE- 
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 favour- 
ite wife of the emperor ; when her rivals, moved 
with envy, formed the detestable plan of destroy- 
ing her by poison. It was accordingly adminis- 
tered ; and though the strength of her constitu- 
tion enabled her to resist its mortal effects, they 
entirely ruined her health, and with it that beauty 
on which her influence depended. Her complex- 
ion was entirely 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 en- 
P gaging in a cure that threatened to be tedious. 
He resolved, however, to make a trial for a fort- 
night, and prescribed the requisite medicines. 
On departing, he was called to the apartment of 
the first wife, Lalla Batoom. This proposal was 
startling, as no permission was given, or could be 
intended 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 
