LETTER CXLVIII
Usbek to the Chief Eunuch, at the Seraglio at Ispahan
RECEIVE by this letter unlimited power over the whole seraglio;
give your orders with as much authority as I do; let fear and terror accompany
you; carry penance and chastisement from room to room; let dismay be upon
all, and tears flow from every eye in your presence; examine the whole
seraglio, beginning with the slaves; spare not my love: let all bow before
your dreaded tribunal; bring to light the most hidden secrets; purify that
infamous place, and restore banished virtue. For, from this moment,
on your head shall be the slightest fault that may be committed.
I imagine it was Zelis to whom the letter you intercepted was addressed:
examine that matter with the eyes of the lynx.
* * *, the 11th of the moon of Zilhage, 1718.