I am not writing a dedicatory epistle and I seek no protection for this book [1] : people will read it if it is good, and if it is bad, I do not care whether they read it or not.
I have selected out these first letters to test the public’s taste ; I have many more in my files which I could (…)
"I am not writing a dedicatory epistle..." Letter 2
Usbek [1] to his friend Rustan in Isfahan [2]
We spent but one day at Com. [3] Once we had performed our devotions on the tomb of the virgin who gave birth to twelve prophets, [4] we set forth again, and yesterday, the twenty-fifth (…)
Letter 1 Letter 3
Usbek to the principle black eunuch [1] in his seraglio in Isfahan [2]
You are the faithful guardian of the loveliest women in Persia. I have placed in your hands all that is dearest to me : in them you hold the keys to those fateful gates that open for none but me. (…)
Letter 2 Letter 4
Zachi [1] to Usbek
in Tauris
We ordered the head eunuch to take us to the country. He will tell you that we encountered no difficulties. When we had to cross the river and leave our litters, we each climbed into boxes as is the custom ; two slaves bore us on their (…)
Letter 3 Letter 5
Zephis [1] to Usbek in Erzerum [2]
That black monster has finally decided to drive me to despair : he insists on taking away my slave Zelide – Zelide, who serves me with such affection, and whose skillful hands place ornaments and elegance everywhere ; it is not enough (…)
Letter 4 Letter 6
Rustan to Usbek in Erzerum You are the subject of every conversation in Isfahan [1] ; people talk about nothing but your departure. Some attribute it to flightiness, others to some problem ; only your friends defend you, and they persuade no one. No one understands how (…)
Letter 5 Letter 7
Usbek to his friend Nessir in Isfahan
At one day’s journey from Erivan, [1] we left Persia to enter lands of Turkish obedience ; twelve days later we reached Erzerum, where we will stay for three or four months.
I must admit, Nessir, that I felt an inner pang when I (…)
Letter 6 Letter 8
Fatmé [1] to Usbek in Erzerum
It has been two months since you left, [2] my dear Usbek, and in my present dejection, I still cannot make myself believe it. I circulate through the seraglio as if you were here, and am not disabused. What do you expect a woman who loves (…)
Letter 7 Letter 9
Usbek to his friend Rustan in Isfahan
I received your letter at Erzerum [1], where I am now. I had suspected my departure would get about ; I did not worry about it. What would you have me follow, the prudence of my enemies, or my own ?
I came to court in my earliest (…)
Letter 8 Letter 10
The principal eunuch to Ibbi [1] in Erzerum
You follow your former master in his travels ; you survey provinces and realms. Worries could make no impression on you : each moment reveals new things to you ; everything you see is a diversion to you and makes you pass (…)
Montesquieu
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