Storia do Mogor 211.4.6

211.4.6

I was conscious at once that it was the prince who had put all this in play to amuse himself, and see if he could gain me over. But I feigned the ignoramus, and as if I had not noticed anything, returned the bow and proffered some compliments. Speaking French, I went up to her to kiss her, when at once she turned her back on me and fled. I ran after her as if wishing to embrace her ; but she ran faster than I did. However, I did my utmost to overtake her. Laughing, the prince cried out to me. At his voice I came back with slow steps close to him, much put out at not having succeeded in embracing the young person. When I had come close, he asked me what I had wanted to do. I replied boldly that I wanted to embrace and kiss the would-be young man. He assumed to be astonished at such a piece of audacity, then took to smiling at it ever so long, as did all the princesses. Afterwards he told me that the Farangi I had seen was not a man, but a woman, and if I would have her, he would give her to me, and she could serve to carry my medicines into the mahal. I answered, with a serious air, that she was no use for that, and medicines administered by a woman's hand produced no effect. The prince for a long time joked with the princesses over what I had said. This is the greatest amusement he has. All other Mahomedans also pass the greater part of their time among their women. This is so much the case that through them much important business at court is transacted.