When the fisherman, well pleased with his good fortune, was gone, the caliph, taking the two fishes in his hand, went to look after the grand vizier and Mesrour; he first met Jaaffier, who, not knowing him, asked what he wanted, and bade him go about his business.  The caliph fell a laughing; by which the vizier recognising him, “Commander of the true believers,” said he, “is it possible it can be you?  I knew you not; and I ask a thousand pardons for my rudeness.  You are so disguised that you may venture into the hall without any fear of being discovered by Scheich Ibrahim.”  Stay you here with Mesrour,” said the caliph, “while I go and play my part.”

The caliph went up to the hall, and knocked at the door.  Noor ad Deen hearing him first, told Scheich Ibrahim of it, who asked who was there?  The caliph opened the door, and stepping a little way into the hall to shew himself, “Scheich Ibrahim,” said he, “I am the fisherman Kerim, who being informed of your design to treat some of your friends, have brought you two very fine fishes, fresh caught, to ask if you have any occasion for them.”

Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian were pleased to hear him name fish.  “Pray,” said the latter to Scheich Ibrahim, “let him come in, that we may look at them.”  Scheich Ibrahim, by this time, was incapable of asking this counterfeit fisherman how or which way he came thither, his whole thought being only to oblige the fair Persian.  With much ado he turned his head towards the door, being quite drunk, and, in a stammering tone, calling to the caliph, whom he took to be a fisherman, “Come hither, thou nightly thief,” said he, “and let us see what thou hast got.”

The caliph went forwards, and counterfeiting all the actions of a fisherman, presented the two fishes.  “These are very fine ones indeed,” said the fair Persian, “and if they were well dressed and seasoned, I should be glad to eat some of them.”  “The lady is in the right,” answered Scheich Ibrahim; “but what can you do with your fish, unless it were dressed?  Go, dress it thyself, and bring it to us; thou wilt find every thing necessary in my kitchen.”

The caliph went back to the grand vizier.  “Jaaffier,” said he, “I have been very well received; but they want the fish to be dressed.”  “I will take care to dress it myself,” said the grand vizier, “and they shall have it in a moment.”  “Nay,” replied the caliph, “so eager am I to accomplish my design, that I will take that trouble myself; for since I have personated the fisherman so well, surely I can play the cook for once; in my younger days, I dealt a little in cookery, and always came off with credit.”  So saying, he went directly towards Scheich Ibrahim’s lodgings, and the grand vizier and Mesrour followed him.

They all fell to work; and though Scheich Ibrahim’s kitchen was not very large, yet there was every thing in it that they wanted.  The fish was quickly cooked; and the caliph served it up, putting to every one’s place a lemon to squeeze into the sauce, if they thought proper.  They all ate very heartily, but especially Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian; and the caliph stood before them.