“O my lord,” rejoined the Imam, “this is a thing exceeding hard to find; but I know a damsel unique in her loveliness and her age is fifteen years.  Her father was a Vizier, who resigned office of his own motion, and he abideth presently at home in his palace and is exceeding jealous over his daughter and her bringing up. [FN#120] Methinketh this damsel will suit your Highness’s mind, and she will rejoice in an Amir like your Highness, as also will her parents.”  Quoth Zein ul Asnam, “God willing, this damsel whereof thou speakest will answer my requirement and the accomplishment of our desire shall be at thy hands; [FN#121] but, O our lord the Imam, before all things my wish is to see her, so I may know an she be chaste or not.  As for her beauty, I am assured of [FN#122] your worship’s sufficiency and am content to trust to your word concerning her loveliness, to wit, that she is surpassing; but, for her chastity, you cannot avail to testify with certitude of her case.”  “And how,” asked the Imam, “can it be possible unto you, O my lord the Amir, to know from her face that she is pure?  An this be so, your highness is skilled in physiognomy.  However, an your highness will vouchsafe to accompany me, I will carry you to her father’s palace and make you known to the latter, and he shall bring her before you.”

Accordingly, [FN#123] the Imam Aboubekr took Zein ul Asnam and carried him to the Vizier’s house; and when they went in to him, the Vizier rose and welcomed the prince, especially when he knew that he was an Amir and understood from the Imam that he wished to marry his daughter.  So he let bring the damsel before him, and when she came, he bade her raise the veil from her face.  Accordingly she unveiled herself and Zein ul Asnam, looking upon her, was amazed at her grace and goodliness, for that never had he seen one to match with her in beauty; and he said in himself, “I wonder if I shall [FN#124] happen upon one like this damsel, since it is forbidden that she should be mine!” Then he brought out the mirror from his pocket and looked thereon; when, behold, its crystal was clear exceedingly, as it were virgin silver; and he observed her image in the mirror and saw it like a white dove.  So he forthright concluded the match and sent for the Cadi and the witnesses, who wrote the writ [FN#125] and enthroned the bride; [FN#126] after which Zein ul Asnam took the Vizier, the bride’s father, home with him to his house and sent the young lady jewels of great price.  Then they celebrated the wedding and held high festival, never was the like thereof, whilst Zein ul Asnam proceeded to entertain the folk and made them banquets for the space of eight days.  Moreover, he honoured Aboubekr the Imam and gave him gifts galore and brought the Vizier, the bride’s father, presents and great rarities.