I gioielli indiscreti

Zima, embrace the moment. The Aga Narkis entertains your mother, and your governess is upon the watch in a balcony for your father's return: take, read, fear nothing. But even tho' the _Bijoux indiscrets_ should be found behind your toilet, do you think it would be a matter of wonder? No, Zima, no; it is well known, that the _Sopha_, the _Tanzai_, and the _Confessions_ have been under your pillow. Do you hesitate still? Know then, that Aglaé has not disdained to set her hand to the work, which you blush to accept. "Aglaé," say you, "the sober Aglaé!"--The same. While Zima was straying with, or perhaps contriving how to get rid of the young Bonza Alleluia; Aglaé amused herself innocently, by relating to me the adventures of Zaide, Alphana, Fannia, &c.--furnished me with the few strokes, which please me in the history of Mangogul, revised it, and pointed me out the means of making it better: for if Aglaé is one of the most virtuous and least edifying women in Congo; she is likewise one of the least jealous of wit, and one of the most witty. Can Zima now think, that it becomes her to play the scrupulous? Once more, Zima, take, read, read all; even without excepting the narrative of the _Rambling Toy_, which may be interpreted to you, without any expence to your virtue, provided the interpreter be neither your spiritual director nor your lover. CONTENTS. Preface Chap. I. Birth of Mangogul. Chap. II. Education of Mangogul. Chap. III. Which may be regarded as the first of this History. Chap. IV. Evocation of the Genius. Chap. V. Mangogul's dangerous temptation. Chap. VI.…