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