come of age.  Nay, says Noureddin aloud, I must acknowledge that this project is admirable; such a marriage will perfect our union, and I willingly consent to it.  But then, brother, says he further, if this marriage should happen, would you expect that my son should settle a jointure on your daughter?  There is no difficulty in that, replies the elder; for I am persuaded, that, besides the usual articles of marriage-contract, you will not fail to promise in his name at least three thousand sequins, three good manors, and three slaves.  No, said the younger, I will not consent to that; are we not brethren, and equal in title and dignity?  Do not you and I both know what is just?  The male being nobler than the female, it is your part to give a large dowry with your daughter.  By what I perceive, you are a man that would have your business done at another’s charge.

Though Noureddin spoke these words in jest, his brother, being of an ill temper, was offended; and falling into a passion, A mischief upon your son, said he, since you prefer him before my daughter; I wonder you had so much confidence as to believe him worthy of her; you must needs have lost your judgment, to think that you are my equal, and say we are colleagues:  I would have you to know, you fool, that, since you are so impudent, I would not marry my daughter to your son, though you would give him more than you are worth.  This pleasant quarrel between two brothers, about the marriage of their children before they were born, went so far, that Schemseddin concluded with threatening:  Were I not to-morrow, says he, to attend the sultan, I would treat you as you deserve; but, at my return, I shall make you sensible that it does not become a younger brother to speak so insolently to his elder brother as you have done to me.  Upon this he retired to his apartment, and his brother went to bed.

Schemseddin rose very early next morning, and goes to the palace to attend the sultan, who went to hunt about Cairo, near the pyramids.  As for Noureddin, he was very uneasy all night, and considering that it would not be possible for him to live longer with a brother who treated him with so much haughtiness, he provided a good mule, furnished himself with money, jewels, provisions, and victuals; and having told his people that he was going a private journey for two or three days, he departed.  When he was out of Cairo, he rode by the desert toward Arabia; but his mule happening to tire by the way, he was forced to pursue his journey on foot.  A courier that was going to Balsora, by good fortune overtaking him, took him up behind him.  As soon as the courier came to Balsora, Noureddin alighted, and returned him thanks for his kindness.  As he went about to seek for a lodging, he saw a person of quality, with a great retinue, coming along, to whom all the people showed a mighty respect, and stood still till he passed by, Noureddin stopping among the rest.  This was the grand vizier to the sultan of Balsora, who walked