"
The three calenders, the caliph, the grand vizier Giafar, the captain
of his guards, and the porter were all in the middle of the hall,
seated upon a carpet in the presence of the three ladies, who reclined
upon a sofa, and the slaves stood ready to do whatever their
mistresses should command.
The porter spoke first, and briefly related the adventures of the
morning with Amina, and the kind favors to him of herself and her fair
sisters in the evening, which he declared to be the whole of his
history.
When the porter had concluded, Zobeide said, "Save thyself and begone,
nor ever let us see thee again."
"I beg of you, madam," replied he, "to let me remain a little longer.
It would be unfair that I should not hear their histories, after they
have had the pleasure of hearing mine."
Saying this, he took his place at the end of the sofa, truly delighted
at finding himself free from the danger which so much alarmed him.
One of the calenders, addressing himself to Zobeide, next spoke.
THE HISTORY OF THE FIRST CALENDER
Madam, I am the son of a sultan. My father had a brother, who reigned
over a neighboring kingdom. His son, my cousin, and I were nearly of
the same age. I went regularly every year to see my uncle, at whose
court I amused myself for a month or two, and then returned home.
On one occasion I arrived at my father's capital, where, contrary to
custom, I found a numerous guard at the gate of the palace.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61