And though she
had some decays in her face, she had none in her sense and wit; she
was there agreeable still, even to Aboan's youth: so that he took
pleasure in entertaining her with discourses of love. He knew also
that to make his court to these she-favorites was the way to be great;
these being the persons that do all affairs and business at court.
He had also observed that she had given him glances more tender and
inviting than she had done to others of his quality. And now, when
he saw that her favor could so absolutely oblige the prince, he failed
not to sigh in her ear, and to look with eyes all soft upon her, and
gave her hope that she had made some impressions on his heart. He
found her pleased at this, and making a thousand advances to him:
but the ceremony ending, and the king departing, broke up the
company for that day, and his conversation.
Aboan failed not that night to tell the prince of his success, and
how advantageous the service of Onahal might be to his amour with
Imoinda. The prince was overjoyed with this good news, and besought
him if it were possible to caress her so as to engage her entirely,
which he could not fail to do, if he complied with her desires: "For
then," said the prince, "her life lying at your mercy, she must
grant you the request you make in my behalf." Aboan understood him,
and assured him he would make love so effectually that he would defy
the most expert mistress of the art to find out whether he
dissembled it, or had it really.
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