Every one who even thinks of you
seems to rob me of a part of your being. Besides, I am weary of pomp and
palaces. I should like to live in a sparry grot, and sleep upon a couch
of sweet leaves!'
This interesting discussion was disturbed by a dwarf, who, in addition
to being very small and very ugly, was dumb. He bowed before the
Princess; and then had recourse to a great deal of pantomimic action, by
which she discovered that it was dinnertime. No other person could
have ventured to disturb the royal pair, but this little being was a
privileged favourite.
So Alroy and Schirene entered the serail. An immense cresset-lamp, fed
with perfumed oil, threw a soft light round the sumptuous chamber. At
the end stood a row of eunuchs in scarlet dresses, and each holding a
tall silver staff. The Caliph and the Sultana threw themselves upon
a couch covered with a hundred cushions; on one side stood a group
consisting of the captain of the guard and other officers of the
household, on the other, of beautiful female slaves magnificently
attired.
The line of domestics at the end of the apartment opened, and a body of
slaves advanced, carrying trays of ivory and gold, and ebony and silver,
covered with the choicest dainties, curiously prepared.
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