The Lady Fragrantia, my dear friends, was one of the most divine creatures in all Great Britain, and was desperately in love with me.  She was drawing my portrait upon a piece of white satin, when the most noble Hilaro Frosticos advanced.  He pointed to the cap of dignity which he had placed upon my head.  “I do declare, Hilaro,” said the lovely Fragrantia, “’tis pretty, ’tis interesting; I love you, and I like you, my dear Baron,” said she, putting on another plume:  “this gives it an air more delicate and more fantastical.  I do thus, my dear Munchausen, as your friend, yet you can reject or accept my present just as you please; but I like the fancy, ’tis a good one, and I mean to improve it:  and against whatever enemies you go, I shall have the sweet satisfaction to remember you bear my favour on your head!”

I snatched it with trepidation, and gracefully dropping on my knees, I three times kissed it with all the rapture of romantic love.  “I swear,” cried I, “by thy bright eyes, and by the lovely whiteness of thine arm, that no savage, tyrant, or enemy upon the face of the earth shall despoil me of this favour, while one drop of the blood of the Munchausens doth circulate in my veins!  I will bear it triumphant through the realms of Africa, whither I now intend my course, and make it respected, even in the court of Prester John.”

“I admire your spirit,” replied she, “and shall use my utmost interest at court to have you despatched with every pomp, and as soon as possible; but here comes a most brilliant company indeed, Lady Carolina Wilhelmina Amelia Skeggs, Lord Spigot, and Lady Faucet, and the Countess of Belleair.”

After the ceremonies of introduction to this company were over, we proceeded to consult upon the business; and as the cause met with general applause, it was immediately determined that I should proceed without delay, as soon as I obtained the sovereign approbation.  “I am convinced,” said Lord Spigot, “that if there be any thing really unknown and worthy of our most ardent curiosity, it must be in the immense regions of Africa; that country, which seems to be the oldest on the globe, and yet with the greater part of which we are almost utterly unacquainted; what prodigious wealth of gold and diamonds must not lie concealed in those torrid regions, when the very rivers on the coast pour forth continual specimens of golden sand!  ’Tis my opinion, therefore, that the Baron deserves the applause of all Europe for his spirit, and merits the most powerful assistance of the sovereign.”

So flattering an approbation, you may be sure, was delightful to my heart, and with every confidence and joy I suffered them to take me to court that instant.  After the usual ceremonies of introduction, suffice it to say that I met with every honour and applause that my most sanguine expectations could demand.  I had always a taste for the fashionable je ne sais quoi of the most elegant society, and in the