At the sight of the two pieces of gold, Scheich Ibrahim, who was a great admirer of that metal, laughed in his sleeve:  he took them, and leaving Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian by themselves, went to provide what was necessary; for he was alone.  Said he to himself with great joy, “these are generous people; I should have done very wrong, if, through imprudence, I had ill-treated and driven them away.  A tenth part of the money will suffice to treat them; and the rest I will keep for my pains.”

While Scheich Ibrahim was gone to fetch something for his own supper, as well as for his guests Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian walked up and down the garden, till at last they came to the pavilion of pictures.  They stood awhile to admire its wonderful structure, size, and loftiness; and after taking a full view of it on every side, went up many steps of fine white marble to the hall-door, which they found locked.

They were but just returned to the bottom of the steps, when Scheich Ibrahim arrived, loaded with provisions.  “Scheich Ibrahim,” said Noor ad Deen, in great surprise, “did you not tell us that this was your garden?” “I did,” replied Scheich Ibrahim, “and do so still.”  “And does this magnificent pavilion also belong to you?” Scheich Ibrahim was staggered at this unexpected question.  “If,” said he to himself, “I should say it is none of mine, they will ask me how I can be master of the garden and not of the pavilion.’  As he had made them believe the garden was his, he said the same of the pavilion.  “My son,” said he, “the pavilion is not distinct from the garden; but they both belong to me.”  “If so,” said Noor ad Deen, “since you invite us to be your guests to-night, do us the favour to shew us the inside of it; for if we may judge by the outward appearance, it must certainly be extraordinarily magnificent.”

It would have been a great piece of incivility in Scheich Ibrahim to refuse this favour, after what he had already done:  moreover, he considered that the caliph not having given him notice, according to his usual custom, it was likely he would not be there that night, and therefore resolved to treat his guests, and sup with them in the pavilion.  He laid the provisions on the first step, while he went to his apartment for the key:  he soon returned with a light, and opened the door.

Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian entered the hall, and were never tired with admiring the beauty and richness of the place.  Indeed, without saying anything of the pictures. which were admirably well drawn, the sofas were very noble and costly; and besides lustres suspended from every arch, there was between each a silver branch supporting a wax candle.  Noor ad Deen could not behold these glorious objects without recollecting his former splendour, and sighing.

In the mean time Scheich Ibrahim was getting supper ready; and the cloth being laid upon a sofa, and every thing in order, Noor ad Deen, the fair Persian, and he sat down and ate together.  When supper was finished, and they had washed their hands, Noor ad Deen opened a lattice, and calling the fair Persian to him, “Come hither,” said he, “and with me admire the charming prospect and beauty of the garden by moon-light; nothing can be more agreeable.”  She came to him; and they both enjoyed the view, while Scheich Ibrahim was busy in taking away the cloth.