When the fair Persian had ended her song, Noor ad Deen poured out a cup of wine, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim.  “Scheich Ibrahim,” said he, “I entreat you, drink this to our healths.”  “Sir,” replied he, starting back, as if he abhorred the very sight of the wine, “I beseech you to excuse me; I have already told you that I have forsworn the use of wine these many years.”  “Then since you will not drink our healths,” said Noor ad Deen, “give me leave to drink yours.”

While Noor ad Deen was drinking, the fair Persian cut half an apple, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim.  “Though you refused drinking,” said she, “yet I believe you will not refuse tasting this apple; it is very excellent.”  Scheich Ibrahim had no power to refuse it from so fair a hand; but taking it with a very low bow, put it in his mouth.  She said a great many pleasant things on the occasion; and Noor ad Deen, falling back upon a sofa, pretended to fall fast asleep.  The fair Persian presently advanced towards Scheich Ibrahim, and speaking in a low voice, “Look at him,” said she, “thus in all our merry parties he constantly serves me; and no sooner has he drunk a cup or two, but he falls asleep, and leaves me alone; but I hope you will have the goodness to keep me company till he awakes.”

At this the fair Persian took a cup, and filling it with wine, offered it to Scheich Ibrahim.  “Here,” said she, “drink off this to my health; I am going to pledge you.”  Scheich Ibrahim made a great many difficulties, and begged her to excuse him from drinking; but she pressed him so, that overcome by her charms and entreaties he took the cup, and drank off every drop of the wine.

The good old man loved a chirruping cup to his heart, but was ashamed to drink among strangers.  He often went to the tavern in private, as many other people do; and he did not take the precaution recommended, but went directly where he was well known (night serving him instead of a cloak), and saved the money that Noor ad Deen had ordered him to give the messenger who was to have gone for the wine.

While Scheich Ibrahim was eating fruit after his draught, the fair Persian filled him out another, which he received with less difficulty than the former, but made none at all at the third.  In short, a fourth was quaffing, when Noor ad Deen started up from his pretended sleep; and bursting out into a violent fit of laughter, and looking at him, “Ha! ha!” said he, “Scheich Ibrahim, have I caught you at last? did you not tell me you had forsworn wine? and now you have drunk it all up from me.”

Scheich Ibrahim, not expecting to be surprised, blushed a little; however, that did not spoil his draught; but when he had done, “Sir,” said he laughing, “if there is any crime in what I have done, it lies at this fair lady’s door, not mine:  for who could possibly resist so many charms?”

The fair Persian, who perfectly understood Noor ad Deen, took Scheich Ibrahim’s part.  “Let him talk,” said she, “Scheich Ibrahim, take no notice of him, but let us drink on and be merry.”  Awhile after Noor ad Deen filled out a cup for himself and the fair Persian; but when Scheich Ibrahim saw that Noor ad Deen had forgotten him in his turn, he took his cup, and presenting it to the fair Persian, “Madam,” said he, “do you suppose I cannot drink as well as you?”