Prince Caraaralzaman, waking next morning, looked to see if the lady was by him whom he had seen the night before.  When he found she was gone, he cried out, I thought indeed that this was a trick the king my father designed to play me!  I am much obliged to him for the favour, yet have fairly escaped his trap.  Then he awaked the slave, and bid him come and dress him, who accordingly brought him a basin of water; and washing himself, and saying his prayers, he took a book, and began to read.

After those ordinary exercises, he called the slave, and said to him, Come hither, and be careful that you do not tell me a lie.  How came the lady hither who lay with me tonight, and who brought her?

My lord, answered the slave with great astonishment, I know not what lady your highness speaks of.  I speak, said the prince, of her who came hither, and lay with me tonight, or rather who was brought for that purpose.  My lord, replied the slave, I know of no such lady; and if there was any such, how should she come in without my knowledge, since I lay at the door?

Are you in the contrivance, then, villain? replied the prince, Slave, you lie! for there was a lady here.  In saying these words, he gave him a box on the ear, pushed him along upon the ground, and then stamped upon him for some time; till at length, taking the well-rope, and tying it under his arms, he plunged him several times into the water.  I will drown thee, wretch! cried he, if thou dost not speedily tell me who the lady was, and who introduced her’!

The slave, half dead, said within himself, Doubtless, my lord the prince must have lost his senses through grief, and I shall not know how to escape being murdered, if I do not tell him a lie.  My lord, then cried he, in an humble and supplicant tone, I beseech your highness to spare my life, and I will tell you how the matter is.

Then the prince drew the slave up, and pressed him to begin.  As soon as he was out of the well, My lord, said he, trembling, your highness may perceive it is not proper for me to relate any thing to you in this condition:  I beg you to give me leave to go and change my clothes, and I will satisfy you all I am able.  Do it, then, quickly, said the prince; and be sure you conceal nothing; for if you do, you must expect the worst of usage.

The slave, being at liberty, went out; and having locked the door upon the prince, ran to the palace in the pickle he was in.  The king was at that time in discourse with his prime vizier, to whom he had just related the agonies he had undergone that night on account of his son’s disobedience.

The wise minister endeavoured to comfort his master, by telling him that he did not doubt but the prince would soon be reduced to obedience.  Sir, said he, your majesty need not repent of having used your son after this rate; I dare promise it will contribute towards reclaiming him.  Have but patience to let him continue a while in prison, and no doubt the heat of youth will abate, and he will submit entirely to your pleasure.