These considerations, added to the prospect of obtaining a kingdom for the prince her husband, in case she found him again, made her resolve to do what king Armanos would have her, to marry his daughter.  So, after having stood silent some minutes, she, with blushes which the king took for a sign of modesty, answered, Sir, I am infinitely obliged to your majesty for your good opinion, for the honour you do me, and the great favour you offer, which I cannot pretend to merit, and dare not refuse.

But, sir, continued she, I cannot accept of this alliance, on any other condition, than that your majesty will assist me with your counsel, and that I do nothing without first having your approbation.

The marriage treaty being thus concluded and agreed on, the ceremony was put off till next day.  In the mean time the princess Badoura gave notice to her officers, who still took her for prince Camaralzaman, what she was about to do, that they might not be surprised at it, assuring them that the princess Badoura consented to it.  She talked also to her women, and charged them to keep the secret she had intrusted them with as they valued their lives.

The king of the isle of Ebene rejoiced that he had got a son-in-law so much to his satisfaction.  The next morning he summoned his council, and acquainted them with his design of marrying his daughter to prince Camaralzaman, whom he introduced to them, and made him sit down by them, taking the princess Badoura for him; told them he resigned the crown to him, and required them to obey and swear fealty to him.  Having said this, he descended from his throne, and the princess Badoura, by his order, mounted it.  When she was placed, the lords of the court did her homage, and took an oath of allegiance.  As soon as the council broke up, the new king was proclaimed through the city; several days of rejoicing were appointed, and couriers despached all over the kingdom, to see the same ceremonies observed with the like demonstrations of joy.

At night there was an extraordinary feasting at the palace-royal; and the princess Haiatalnefous* [Footnote:  This is an Arabic word, which signifies Life and Soul.], dressed like a royal bride, was led to the princess Badoura, whom every body took for a man.  The wedding was solemnized with the utmost splendour; and the rites being performed, they were put to bed.  In the morning the princess Badoura went to receive the compliments of the nobility in a hail of audience, where they congratulated her on her marriage and accession to the throne.  In the mean while, king Armanos and the queen went to the apartment of the new queen their daughter, and asked how she had spent the night.  Instead of answering them, she held down her head, and by her looks they perceived that she was not contented.