The ladies were still dancing, and the king, laid on a carpet,
with a great deal of pleasure was beholding them, especially
Imoinda, who that day appeared more lovely than ever, being
enlivened with the good tidings Onahal had brought her, of the
constant passion the prince had for her. The prince was laid on
another carpet at the other end of the room, with his eyes fixed on
the object of his soul; and as she turned or moved, so did they: and
she alone gave his eyes and soul their motions. Nor did Imoinda employ
her eyes to any other use than in beholding with infinite pleasure the
joy she produced in those of the prince. But while she was more
regarding him than the steps she took, she chanced to fall; and so
near him, as that leaping with extreme force from the carpet, he
caught her in his arms as she fell: and 'twas visible to the whole
presence, the joy wherewith he received her. He clasped her close to
his bosom, and quite forgot that reverence that was due to the
mistress of a king, and that punishment that is the reward of a
boldness of this nature. And had not the presence of mind of Imoinda
(fonder of his safety than her own) befriended him, in making her
spring from his arms, and fall into her dance again, he had at that
instant met his death; for the old king, jealous to the last degree,
rose up in rage, broke all the diversion, and led Imoinda to her
apartment, and sent out word to the prince to go immediately to the
camp; and that if he were found another night in court, he should
suffer the death ordained for disobedient offenders.
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