a genesat,
istum fullanah, cum dera kargos belgarasah eseum balgo bartigos
triangulissimus!_ However, added he, it behoveth thee to consider and
ponder well upon the perils and the multitudinous dangers in the way of
that wight who thus advanceth in all the perambulation of adventures:
and verily, most valiant sire and Baron, I hope thou wilt demean thyself
with all that laudable gravity and precaution which, as is related in
the three hundred and forty-seventh chapter of the Prophilactics, is of
more consideration than all the merit in this terraqueous globe. Yes,
most truly do I advise thee unto thy good, and speak unto thee, most
valiant Munchausen, with the greatest esteem, and wish thee to succeed
in thy voyage; for it is said, that in the interior realms of Africa
there are tribes that can see but just three inches and a half beyond
the extremity of their noses; and verily thou shouldest moderate
thyself, even sure and slow; they stumble who walk fast. But we shall
bring you unto the Lady Fragrantia, and have her opinion of the matter.
He then took from his pocket a cap of dignity, such as described in
the most honourable and antique heraldry, and placing it upon my head,
addressed me thus:--"As thou seemest again to revive the spirit of
ancient adventure, permit me to place upon thy head this favour, as a
mark of the esteem in which I hold thy valorous disposition."

The Lady Fragrantia, my dear friends, was one of the most divine
creatures in all Great Britain, and was desperately in love with me. She
was drawing my portrait upon a piece of white satin, when the most noble
Hilaro Frosticos advanced. He pointed to the cap of dignity which he had
placed upon my head. "I do declare, Hilaro," said the lovely Fragrantia,
"'tis pretty, 'tis interesting; I love you, and I like you, my dear
Baron," said she, putting on another plume: "this gives it an air more
delicate and more fantastical. I do thus, my dear Munchausen, as your
friend, yet you can reject or accept my present just as you please; but
I like the fancy, 'tis a good one, and I mean to improve it: and against
whatever enemies you go, I shall have the sweet satisfaction to remember
you bear my favour on your head!"

I snatched it with trepidation, and gracefully dropping on my knees, I
three times kissed it with all the rapture of romantic love. "I swear,"
cried I, "by thy bright eyes, and by the lovely whiteness of thine
arm, that no savage, tyrant, or enem