The Young King of the Black Isles (2)

The Young King of the Black Isles (2)

  " One day, after dinner, while she was at the bath, I found myself inclined to repose, and lay down upon a sofa. Two of her ladies, who were then in my chamber, came and sat down, one at my head and the other at my feet, with fans in their hands to moderate the heat, and to prevent the flies from disturbing me.

  They thought I was asleep, and spoke in whispers ; but as I only closed my eyes, I heard all their conversation.

  " One of them said to the other, ' Is not the queen wrong, not to love so amirable a prince ? '  ' Certainly, ' replied her companion;
' I do not understand the reason, neither can I conceive why she goes out every night, and leaves him alone !  Is it possible that he does not perceive it ? '

  ' Alas ' said the first, ' how should he ? She mixes every evening in his liquor the juice of a certain herb, which makes him sleep so sound all night that she has time to go where she pleases, and as day begins to appear she comes and wakes him by the smell of something she puts under his nostrils. '  

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