Explore "Les Bijoux Indiscrets" by Denis Diderot on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
The Private Supper.
Supper was served up, the company sate down at table, and at first they diverted themselves at Monima's charge: all the women unanimously agreed that her Toy had spoke first; and she must have sunk under this confederacy, had not the Sultan taken her part. "I do not pretend," said he, "that Monima is less gallant than Zelmaida; but I believe her Toy has more discretion. Besides, when the mouth and Toy of a woman contradict each other, which to believe? " "Sir," replied a courtier, "I know not what Toys will say hereafter; but hitherto they have explain'd themselves on a subject, which is very familiar to them. As long as they shall have the prudence to speak of nothing but what they understand, I shall believe them as so many oracles. " "Others," said Mirzoza, "of greater authenticity might be consulted. " "Pray, madam," replied Mangogul, "what interest can these have in disguising the truth? Nothing but a chimera of honour could be their motive: but a Toy has none of these chimeras.