him time to justify himself.”  He made so much haste to Noor ad Deen’s house, as to get thither soon enough to acquaint him with what had passed at court, and give him time to provide for his own and the fair Persian’s safety.  He knocked so violently at the door, that Noor ad Deen, who had been a great while without any servant, ran immediately to open it.  “My dear lord,” said Sangiar, “there is no safety for you in Bussorah; you must lose no time, but depart hence this moment.”

“How so?” demanded Noor ad Deen.  “What is the reason I must be gone so soon?” “Make haste away, sir,” replied Sangiar, “and take your slave with you.  In short, Saouy has been just now acquainting the king, after his own way of telling it, all that passed between you and him; and the captain of the guards will be here in an instant, with forty soldiers, to seize you and the fair Persian.  Take these forty pieces of gold to assist you in repairing to some place of safety.  I would give you more if I had it about me.  Excuse my not staying any longer; I leave you with reluctance.”  Sangiar gave Noor ad Deen but just time to thank him, and departed.

Noor ad Deen acquainted the fair Persian with the absolute necessity of their going that moment.  She only put on her veil; they both stole out of the house, and were fortunate enough not only to get clear of the city, but also safely to arrive at the Euphrates, which was not far off, where they embarked in a vessel that lay ready to weigh anchor.

As soon as they were on board, the captain came on deck amongst his passengers.  “Children,” said he to them, “are you all here? have any of you any more business to do in the city? or have you left any thing behind you?” They were all there, they answered him, and ready; so that he might sail as soon as he pleased.  When Noor ad Deen came aboard, the first question he asked was, whither the vessel was bound? and being told for Bagdad, he rejoiced at it.  The captain, having weighed anchor, set sail; and the vessel, with a very favourable wind, lost sight of Bussorah.

The captain of the guards came to Noor ad Deen’s house, and knocked at the door; but no one answering, he ordered his soldiers to break it open, who immediately obeyed him, and rushed in.  They searched the house; but neither he nor the fair Persian were to be found.  The captain of the guards made them inquire of the neighbours; and he himself asked if they had seen them lately.  It was all in vain; for if they had seen him go out of his house, so universally beloved was Noor ad Deen by the people, that not one of them would have said the least word to his prejudice.  While they were rifling the house, and levelling it to the ground, he went to acquaint the king with the news.  “Look for them,” said he, “every where; for I am resolved to have them.”

The captain of the guards made a second search, and the king dismissed the vizier Saouy with honour.  “Go home,” said he, “trouble yourself no farther to punish Noor ad Deen; I will revenge your injuries.”