--Notes on Vathek, p. 322.]
"Yes, sir," replied he gravely, "if I do not mistake, it is the
disease of the princess which procures me this unmerited honor."
"That is the real case," replied the sultan. "You will give me new
life if your prayers, as I hope they may, restore my daughter's
health."
"Sir," said the good man, "if your majesty will be pleased to let her
come hither, I am in hopes, through God's assistance, that she will be
effectually cured."
The prince, transported with joy, sent immediately for his daughter,
who soon appeared with a numerous train of ladies and attendants,
veiled, so that her face was not seen. The chief of the dervishes
caused a carpet to be held over her head, and he had no sooner thrown
the seven hairs upon the burning coals than the genie uttered a great
cry and, without being seen, left the princess at liberty; upon which
she took the veil from her face, and rose up to see where she was,
saying, "Where am I, and who brought me hither?"
At these words, the sultan, overcome with excess of joy, embraced his
daughter and kissed her eyes; he also kissed the sheik's hands, and
said to his officers, "What reward does he deserve that has thus cured
my daughter?"
They all cried, "He deserves her in marriage."
"That is what I had in my thoughts," said the sultan; "and I make him
my son-in-law from this moment."
Some time after, the prime vizier died, and the sultan conferred the
office on the dervish.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77