ORAN, who learnt it himself in a
short time from one of his women.

He had hitherto professed great affection for HAMET, and HAMET was
deceived by his professions: for notwithstanding the irregularities of
his life, he did not think him capable of concealed malice; or of
offering injury to another, except when he was urged by impetuous
passions to immediate pleasure. As there was, therefore, an appearance
of mutual affection between them, ALMORAN, though the report of
ALMEIDA'S beauty had fired his imagination and fixed him in a resolution
to see her, did not think proper to attempt it without asking HAMET'S
consent, and being introduced by his order; as he made no doubt of there
being a connexion between them which would make him resent a contrary
conduct.

He took an opportunity, therefore, when they were alone in a summer
pavilion that was built on a lake behind the palace, to reproach him,
with an air of mirth, for having concealed a beauty near his apartments,
though he pretended to have no seraglio. HAMET instantly discovered his
surprize and emotion by a blush, which the next moment left his
countenance paler than the light clouds that pass by night over the
moon. ALMORAN took no notice of his confusion; but that he might more
effectually conceal his sentiments and prevent suspicion, he suddenly
adverted to another subject, while HAMET was hesitating what to reply.
By this artifice HAMET was deceived; and concluded, that whatever
ALMORAN had heard of ALMEIDA, had passed slightly over his mind, and
was remembered but by chance; he, therefore, quickly recovered that ease
and chearfulness, which always distinguished his conversation.

ALMORAN observing the success of his artifice, soon after, as if by a
sudden and casual recollection, again mentioned the lady; and told him,
he would congratulate Abdallah upon having resigned her to his bed. As
HAMET could not bear to think of ALMORAN'S mentioning ALMEIDA to her
father as his mistress, he replied, that he had no such intimacy with
ALMEIDA as he supposed; and that he had so high an opinion of her
virtue, as to believe, that if he should propose it she would not
consent. The imagination of ALMORAN caught new fire from beauties which
he found were yet unenjoyed, and virtue which stamped them with superior
value by rendering them more difficult of access; and as HAMET had
renounced a connection with her as a mistress, he wanted only to know
whether he intended her for