Q 
DECLARATION OF LOVE, 73 
opened, and a number of young odalisks 
entered to blend the brilliancy of their charms 
and appearance with that of the enchanted 
scene. 
In the centre of the seraglio a splendid pavi- 
lion shaded the Grand Seignior, who negligently 
reclined on costly skins; while the lords of his 
court, habited in their richest attire, were seated 
at his feet to behold the dances. of the lovely 
women of the court in all the luxurious display 
of their light and dazzling dresses. These some- 
times encircled, and at others glided round the 
vases of tulips, whose beauty they sung. It 
was not seldom that a cloud rested on the 
sultan’s brow; then he looked upon all around 
with a stern and severe aspect. What! could 
chagrin then enter the soul of that all-powerful 
mortal? Had he lost one of his provinces? 
Did he fear the revolt of his fierce janissaries ? 
Ah no! two poor slaves alone had troubled his 
heart. He had observed, during the gaieties 
of the feast, a young page presenting a tulip to 
a beautiful girl who had captivated him. The 
sultan was ignorant of their secrets, but a 
vague feeling of inquietude took possession of 
his heart—jealousy tormented and beset him. 
But what is the jealousy of a sultan, or what 
are bolts and bars, against love? A look anda 
flower are enough for that wicked god to change 
a horrid seraglio into a place of delight, and te 
avenge beauty outraged by chains. 




