Hungarian. Ah! you have heard of Tekeli, and of L'eau de la Reine
d'Hongrie. How is that?
Myself. I have seen a play acted, founded on the exploits of
Tekeli, and have read Pigault Le Brun's beautiful romance, entitled
the "Barons of Felsheim," in which he is mentioned. As for the
water, I have heard a lady, the wife of a master of mine, speak of
it.
Hungarian. Was she handsome?
Myself. Very.
Hungarian. Did she possess the water?
Myself. I should say not; for I have heard her express a great
curiosity about it.
Hungarian. Was she growing old?
Myself. Of course not; but why do you put all these questions?
Hungarian. Because the water is said to make people handsome, and
above all, to restore to the aged the beauty of their youth. Well!
Tekeli was my countryman, and I have the honour of having some of
the blood of the Tekelis in my veins, but with respect to the
queen, pardon me if I tell you that she was not an Hungarian; she
was a Pole--Ersebet by name, daughter of Wladislaus Locticus King
of Poland; she was the fourth spouse of Caroly the Second, King of
the Magyar country, who married her in 1320. She was a great woman
and celebrated politician, though at present chiefly known by her
water.
Myself. How came she to invent it?
Hungarian.
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