He is shaped and formed as the Sultan thy sire hath described, nor useth he any weapons save the Nabbut[FN#345] or quarter staff of steel.  And see now I will send for him, but be not thou dismayed at sighting him.”  Replied Prince Ahmad, “If he be in truth thine own brother what matter how he looketh?  I shall be pleased to see him as when one welcometh a valued friend or a beloved kinsman.  Wherefore should I fear to look upon him?” Hearing these words Peri-Banu despatched one of her attendants who brought to her from her private treasury a chafing-dish of gold; then she bade a fire be lit therein, and sending for a casket of noble metals studded with gems, the gift of her kinsmen, she took therefrom some incense and cast it upon the flames.  Herewith issued a dense smoke spireing high in air and spreading all about the palace; and a few moments after, Peri-Banu who had ceased her conjurations cried, “Lookye my brother Shabbar cometh! canst thou distinguish his form?” The Prince looked up and saw a mannikin in stature dwarfish and no more than three feet high, and with a boss on breast and a hump on back; withal he carried himself with stately mien and majestic air.  On his right shoulder was borne his quarter staff of steel thirteen score pounds in weight.  His beard was thick and twenty cubits in length but arranged so skilfully that it stood clear off from the ground; he wore also a twisted pair of long mustachios curling up to his ears, and all his face was covered with long pile.  His eyes were not unlike unto pig’s eyes; and his head, on which was placed a crown-like coiffure, was enormous of bulk, contrasting with the meanness of his stature.  Prince Ahmad sat calmly beside his wife, the Fairy, and felt no fear as the figure approached; and presently Shabbar walked up and glancing at him asked Peri-Banu saying, “Who be this mortal who sitteth hard by thee?” Hereto she replied, “O my brother, this is my beloved husband, Prince Ahmad, son of the Sultan of Hindostan.  I sent thee not an invitation to the wedding as thou wast then engaged on some great expedition; now, however, by the grace of Almighty Allah thou hast returned triumphant and victorious over thy foes, wherefore I have summoned thee upon a matter which nearly concerneth me.”  Hearing these words Shabbar looked graciously at Prince Ahmad, saying, “O my beloved sister, is there any service I can render to him?” and she replied, “The Sultan his sire desireth ardently to see thee, and I pray thee go forthright to him and take the Prince with thee by way of guide.”  Said he, “This instant I am ready to set forth;” but said she, “Not yet, O my brother.  Thou art fatigued with journeying; so defer until the morrow thy visit to the King, and this evening I will make known to thee all that concerneth Prince Ahmad.”  Presently the time came; so Peri-Banu informed her brother Shabbar concerning the King and his ill-counsellors; but she dwelt mainly upon the misdeeds of the old woman, the Witch; and how she had schemed to injure