I saw a door standing open just before me, through which I entered into a large hall.  Here I found forty young ladies of such perfect beauty as imagination could not surpass:  they were all most sumptuously appareled.  As soon as they saw me they arose, and without waiting my salutations, said to me, with demonstrations of joy, “Noble Sir, you are welcome.”  And one thus addressed me in the name of the rest, “We have long been in expectation of such a gentleman as you; your mien assures us, that you are master of all the good qualities we can desire; and we hope you will not find our company disagreeable or unworthy of yours.”

They obliged me, notwithstanding all the opposition I could make, to sit down on a seat that was higher than their own; and when I expressed my uneasiness, “That is your place,” said they, “you are at present our lord, master, and judge, and we are your slaves, ready to obey your commands.”

Nothing, madam, so much astonished me, as the solicitude and eagerness of those fair ladies to do me all possible service.  One brought hot water to wash my feet, a second poured sweet scented water on my hands; others brought me all kinds of necessaries, and change of apparel; others again brought in a magnificent collation; and the rest came with glasses in their hands to fill me delicious wines, all in good order, and in the most charming manner possible.  I ate and drank; after which the ladies placed themselves about me, and desired an account of my travels.  I gave them a full relation of my adventures, which lasted till night came on.

When I had finished my narrative to the forty ladies, some of them who sat nearest me staid to keep me company, whilst the rest, seeing it was dark, rose to fetch tapers.  They brought a prodigious number, which by the wonderful light they emitted exhibited the resemblance of day, and they disposed them with so much taste as to produce the most beautiful effect possible.

Other ladies covered a table with dry fruits, sweetmeats, and everything proper to relish the liquor; a side-board was set out with several sorts of wine and other liquors.  Some of the ladies brought in musical instruments, and when everything was ready, they invited me to sit down to supper.  The ladies sat down with me, and we continued a long while at our repast.  They that were to play upon the instruments and sing arose, and formed a most charming concert.  The others began a kind of ball, and danced two and two, couple after couple, with admirable grace.

It was past midnight ere these amusements ended.  At length one of the ladies said to me, “You are doubtless wearied by the journey you have taken to-day; it is time for you to retire to rest; your lodging is prepared:  but before you depart choose which of us you like best to be your bedfellow.”  I answered, “That I knew not how to make my own choice, as they were all equally beautiful, witty, and worthy of my respects and service, and that I would not be guilty of so much incivility as to prefer one before another.”