The grand vizier had just made an end of speaking when the slave came in, and cast himself at king Schahzaman’s feet.  My lord, said he, I am very sorry to be the messenger of ill news to your majesty, which I know must create your fresh affliction.  My lord the prince is distracted; he fancies a fine lady has lain with him all night, and has used me thus ill for questioning it.  Then he proceeded to tell all the particulars of what prince Camaralzaman had said to him.

The king, who did not expect to hear any thing of this kind, said to the prime minister.  Now you see how much you are mistaken in the remedy of a prison!  This is very different from what hopes you give me just now.  Run immediately, and see what is the matter, and come and give me a speedy account.

The grand vizier obeyed; and going into the prince’s chamber, found him sitting on his bed in good temper, and with a book in his hand, which he was reading.

After mutual salutations, the vizier sat down by him, and said, My lord, I would willingly have a slave of yours punished, who has come to fright the king your father with news that has put him under great disturbance.

What news is that, replied the prince, which could give my father so great uneasiness?  I have much greater cause to complain of that slave.

My lord, answered the vizier, God forbid that the news should be true which he has told your father concerning you, and which indeed myself find to be false, by the good temper I observe you in, and which I pray God to continue!  It may be, replied the prince, he did not make himself well understood; but since you are come, who ought to know something of the matter, give me leave to ask you who that lady was that lay with me last night?

The grand vizier was almost struck dumb at this demand; however, he recovered himself, and said, My lord, be not surprised at the confusion I was under upon your question.  Is it possible, think you, my lord, that any lady, or any other person in the world, should penetrate by night into this place without entering at the door, and walking over the belly of your slave?  I beseech you, my lord, recollect yourself, and you will find this only a dream which has made this impression on you.

I give no ear to what you say, said the prince, in an angry and high tone; I must know of you absolutely what is become of the lady; and if you scruple to obey me, I am in a place where I shall soon be able to force you to tell me.

At these stern words the grand vizier began to be under greater confusion than before, and was thinking how he could in the best manner get away.  He endeavoured to pacify the prince by good words; and begged of him, in the most humble manner, to tell him if he had seen this lady.

Yes, yes, answered the prince; I have seen her, and am very well satisfied that you sent her to tempt me.  She played the part you had given her admirably well, for I could not get a word from her:  she pretended to be asleep; but I was no sooner got into a slumber, than she rose and left me.  You know all this, as well as myself; for I do not doubt but that she has gone to make her report of her dexterity.