On this evening he set out from
his palace accompanied by Giafar, his grand vizier, and Mesrour, chief
of the household, all three disguised as merchants. He it was, who, in
passing through the street, was attracted by the noise of the music
and of the peals of loud laughter, and had desired his grand vizier to
knock at the gate, and to demand shelter and admittance as for three
strangers who knew not where to seek shelter for the night. Safie, who
had opened the door, came back and obtained permission of her sisters
to admit the newly arrived strangers.
The caliph and his attendants, upon their entrance, most courteously
made obeisance to the ladies and to the calenders. The ladies returned
their salutations, supposing them to be merchants. Zobeide, as the
chief, addressed them with a grave and serious countenance and said,
"You are welcome. But while you are here you must have eyes but no
tongues; you must not ask the reason of anything you may see, nor
speak of anything that does not concern you, lest you hear and see
what will by no means please you."
"Madam," replied the vizier, "you shall be obeyed. It is enough for us
to attend to our own business, without meddling with what does not
concern us." After this, each seated himself, and the conversation
became general, and they drank to the health of the new guests.
While the vizier Giafar entertained them, the caliph ceased not from
admiring the beauty, elegance, and lively disposition of the ladies;
while the appearance of the three calenders, all blind of the right
eye, surprised him very much.
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