Page 47 - Bulbul Hezar

himself, to take notice of the regularity observed by the
magistrates. Passing through a street in that part of the town

where the meaner sort of people lived, he heard some
people talking very loud; and going up close to the house
from whence the noise came, and looking through a crack in
the door, perceived the light, and three sisters on a sofa, who
were entered into a chit-chat after supper. By what the eldest
said, he presently understood the subject of their discourse
was wishes; for, said she, since we have got upon wishes,

mine shall be to have the sultan's baker for my husband; for
then I shall eat my belly-full of that bread, which, by way of
excellence, is called the sultan's bread: Now let us see if your
tastes are as good as mine. For my part, replied the second
sister, I wish I was the sultan's chief cook's wife, for then I
should eat of the most excellent ragouts; and as I am
persuaded that the sultan's bread is common in the palace, I
should not want any of that: therefore you see, sister,
addressing herself to her eldest sister, that I have a better

fancy than you.
Then the youngest sister, who was very beautiful, and had
more charms and wit than the two eldest, spoke in her turn.
For my part, sisters, said she, I shall not limit my desires,
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