On one of these occasions, as he was passing
through a street in that part of the town inhabited only by the meaner
sort, he heard some people talking very loud; and going close to the
house whence the noise proceeded, he perceived a light, and three
sisters sitting on a sofa, conversing together after supper. By what
the eldest said, he presently understood the subject of their
conversation was wishes: "For," said she, "since we have got upon
wishes, mine shall be to have the sultan's baker for my husband, for
then I shall eat my fill of that bread which by way of excellence is
called the sultan's. Let us see if your tastes are as good as mine."
"For my part," replied the second sister, "I wish I was wife to the
sultan's chief cook, for then I should eat of the most excellent
dishes; and, as I believe the sultan's bread is common in the palace,
I should not want any of that. Therefore, you see," addressing herself
to her eldest sister, "that I have better taste than you."
The youngest sister, who was very beautiful, and had more charms and
wit than the two elder, spoke in her turn: "For my part, sisters,"
said she, "I shall not limit my desires to such trifles, but take a
higher flight; and since we are upon wishing, I wish to be the
emperor's queen consort. I would make him father of a prince whose
hair should be gold on one side of his head, and silver on the other;
when he cried, the tears from his eyes should be pearl; and when he
smiled, his vermilion lips should look like a rose-bud fresh blown.
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