I wish to be perspicuous; and the black, I say, unlocking the recess, pull’d forth A quantity of clothes fit for the back Of any Mussulman, whate’er his worth; And of variety there was no lack— And yet, though I have said there was no dearth, He chose himself to point out what he thought Most proper for the Christians he had bought. The suit he thought most suitable to each Was, for the elder and the stouter, first A Candiote cloak, which to the knee might reach, And trousers not so tight that they would burst, But such as fit an Asiatic breech; A shawl, whose folds in Cashmire had been nurst, Slippers of saffron, dagger rich and handy; In short, all things which form a Turkish Dandy. While he was dressing, Baba, their black friend, Hinted the vast advantages which they Might probably attain both in the end, If they would but pursue the proper way Which fortune plainly seem’d to recommend; And then he added, that he needs must say, ‘’Twould greatly tend to better their condition, If they would condescend to circumcision. ‘For his own part, he really should rejoice To see them true believers, but no less Would leave his proposition to their choice.’ The other, thanking him for this excess Of goodness, in thus leaving them a voice In such a trifle, scarcely could express ‘Sufficiently’ (he said) ‘his approbation Of all the customs of this polish’d nation. ‘For his own share—he saw but small objection To so respectable an ancient rite; And, after swallowing down a slight refection, For which he own’d a present appetite, He doubted not a few hours of reflection Would reconcile him to the business quite.’ ‘Will it?’ said Juan, sharply: ‘Strike me dead, But they as soon shall circumcise my head! ‘Cut off a thousand heads, before—’—‘Now, pray,’ Replied the other, ‘do not interrupt: You put me out in what I had to say. Sir!—as I said, as soon as I have supt, I shall perpend if your proposal may Be such as I can properly accept; Provided always your great goodness still Remits the matter to our own free-will.’ Baba eyed Juan, and said, ‘Be so good As dress yourself—’ and pointed out a suit In which a Princess with great pleasure would Array her limbs; but Juan standing mute, As not being in a masquerading mood, Gave it a slight kick with his Christian foot; And when the old negro told him to ‘Get ready,’ Replied, ‘Old gentleman, I’m not a lady.’ ‘What you may be, I neither know nor care,’ Said Baba; ‘but pray do as I desire: I have no more time nor many words to spare.’ ‘At least,’ said Juan, ‘sure I may enquire The cause of this odd travesty?’—‘Forbear,’ Said Baba, ‘to be curious; ’twill transpire, No doubt, in proper place, and time, and season: I have no authority to tell the reason.’