and, after a long visit, as the twain were about to crave dismissal they said, “Thanks be to Almighty Allah, O our sister, who hath shown us this happy day.  One boon have we to ask of thee:  to wit, that when the time shall come for thee to be delivered of a child, we may assist as midwives at thy confinement, and be with thee and nurse thee for the space of forty days.”  The Queen in her gladness made reply, “O sisters mine, I fain would have it so; for at a time of such need I know f none on whom to rely with such dependence as upon you.  During my coming trial your presence with me will be most welcome and opportune; but I can do only what thing the Shah biddeth anor can I do aught save by his leave.  My advice is thus:—­Make known this matter to your mates who have always access to the royal presence, and let them personally apply for your attendance as midwives; I doubt not but that the Shah will give you leave to assist me and remain by my side, considering the fond relationship between us three.”  Then the two sisters returned home full of evil thoughts and malice, and told their wishes to their husbands who, in turn, bespake Khusrau Shah, and proffered their petition with all humility, little knowing what was hidden from them in the Secret Purpose.  The King replied, “When I shall have thought the matter over in my mind, I will give you suitable orders.”  So saying he privately visited the Queen and to her said, “O my lady, an it please thee, methinks ’twould be well to summon thy sisters and secure their aidance, when thou shalt be labouring of child, in lieu of any stranger:  and if thou be of the same mind as myself let me at once learn and take steps to obtain their consent and concert ere thy time arriveth.  They will wait on thee with more loving care than any hired nurse and thou wilt find thyself the safer in their hands.”  Replied the Queen, “O my lord the Shah, I also venture to think that ’twould be well to have my sisters by my side and not mere aliens at such an hour.”  Accordingly he sent sword to them and from that day they dwelt within the palace to make all ready for the expected confinement; and on this wise they found means to carry out their despiteful plot which during so many days they had devised to scanty purpose.  When her full tale of months had been told, the Banu was brought to bed of a man-child marvellous in beauty, whereat the fire of envy and hatred was kindled with redoubled fury in the sisters’ breasts.  So they again took counsel not suffered ruth nor natural affection to move their cruel hearts; and presently, with great care and secrecy, they wrapped the new-born in a bit of blanket and putting him into a basket cast him into a canal which flowed hard by the Queen’s apartment.[FN#353] They then placed a dead puppy in the place of the prince and showed it to the other midwives and nurses, averring that the Queen had given birth to such abortion.  When these untoward tidings reached the King’s ear he was sore discomforted and waxed wroth with exceeding wrath.—­ And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till