These were
in turn offered to the Caliph and the Sultana by their surrounding
attendants. The Princess accepted a spoon made of a single pearl,
the long, thin golden handle of which was studded with rubies, and
condescended to partake of some saffron soup, of which she was fond.
Afterwards she regaled herself with the breast of a cygnet, stuffed
with almonds, and stewed with violets and cream. Having now a little
satisfied her appetite, and wishing to show a mark of her favour to a
particular individual, she ordered the captain of the guard instantly
to send him the whole of the next course[74] with her compliments. Her
attention was then engaged with a dish of those delicate ortolans that
feed upon the vine-leaves of Schiraz, and with which the Governor of
Nishapur took especial care that she should be well provided. Tearing
the delicate birds to pieces with her still more delicate fingers, she
insisted upon feeding Alroy, who of course yielded to her solicitations.
In the meantime, they refreshed themselves with their favourite sherbet
of pomegranates, and the golden wine of Mount Lebanon.[76] The Caliph,
who could eat no more ortolans, although fed by such delicate fingers,
was at length obliged to call for 'rice,' which was synonymous to
commanding the banquet to disappear.
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