Read "Les Bijoux Indiscrets" by Denis Diderot online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
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.