Narsit to Usbek in Paris

The great eunuch has just died, [1] magnificent Lord. As I am the oldest of your slaves, I have replaced him until you have made known on whom you wish to cast your eyes.

Two days after his death one of your letters addressed to him was brought to me. I had no thought of opening it : I respectfully wrapped it up, and put it away until you have made your sacred intentions known.

Yesterday a slave came in the middle of the night to tell me that he had found a young man in the seraglio. [2] I arose, I examined the situation, and I concluded that it was an illusion.

I kiss your feet, sublime lord, and beg you to rely upon my zeal, my experience, and my old age.

The Isfahan seraglio this 5^th day of the moon of Gemmadi I, 1718 [3]