There is no need of taking so much pains, replied Maimoune; there is another way to satisfy us both; and that is, for you to bring your princess, and place her at my prince’s bed-side:  by this means it will be easy for us to compare them together, and to see which is the most handsome.

Danhasch consented to what Maimoune had proposed, and was resolved to set out immediately for China upon that errand:  but Maimoune, drawing him aside, told him, she must first show him the place whither he was to bring the princess.  They flew together to the tower; and when Maimoune had shown him the place, she cried, Go now, fetch your princess:  do it quickly, and you shall find me here.

Danhasch left Maimoune, and flew towards China, whence he soon returned with incredible speed, bringing the fair princess along with him asleep.  Maimoune introduced him into the chamber of prince Camaralzaman, and they placed the princess by the prince’s side.

When the prince and princess were thus laid together, all the while asleep, there rose a great contest between the genius and the fairy about the preference of beauty.  They were some time admiring and comparing them; but at length Danhasch broke silence, and said to Maimoune, You see, and I have already told you, my princess was handsomer than your prince; now, I hope, you are convinced of it.

How! convinced of it! replied Maimoune; I am not convinced of it:  and you must be blind, if you cannot see that my prince has the better of the comparison.  The princess is fair, I do not deny it; but if you compare them together without prejudice, you will quickly see the difference.

Though I should compare them ever so often, said Danhasch, I could never change my opinion.  I saw what I now see at first sight, and time will not be able to make me see more; however, this shall not hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if you desire it; but I would have you yield to me as a favour!  I scorn it, said Maimoune; and I would not receive a favour at such a wicked genius’ hands:  I refer the matter to an arbitrator; and if you will not consent, I shall get the better by your refusal.

Danhasch, who had ever a great deal of complaisance for Maimoune, immediately consented, which he had no sooner done, but Maimoune stamping with her foot, the earth opened, and out came a hideous, hump-backed, blind, and lame genius, with six horns on his head, and claws on his hands and feet.  As soon as he was come out, and the earth had closed up, he, perceiving Maimoune, cast himself at her feet, and then, rising upon one knee, asked what she would please to have with him.

Rise, Cascheasch, said Maimoune; I caused you to come hither to determine a difference between me and that cursed Danhasch there.  Look on that bed, and tell me, without partiality, which is the handsomest of those two who lie there asleep, the young man or the young lady.