Page 289 - Bulbul Hezar

finding that it was his pleasure, they at last obeyed.
The sultan, who had himself had a great deal of wit, and had

made a considerable progress in the arts and sciences, and
particularly in history, foresaw that the princes, out of modesty
and respect, would not take the liberty of beginning any
conversation; therefore, to give them an opportunity, he
furnished them with subjects all dinner-time; but whatever they
talked on, they shewed so much wit, judgment, and
discernment, that he was struck with admiration. Were these

my own children, said he to himself, and I had given them all
the education suitable to their births, they could not have been
better instructed, or known more. In short, he took so great a
pleasure in their conversation, that, after having sat at table
longer than usual, he went into his closet, where he discoursed
a long time with them, and at last said to them, I never believed
that there were young gentlemen in the country who had so
much wit and politeness; and I never was better pleased in my
life with any conversation: But it is time now we should regale

our senses with some diversion of my court, and nothing is
more capable of enlivening the mind than music; you shall hear
a vocal and instrumental concert, which may not be
disagreeable to you.

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