“I will not absolutely contradict you,” replied Danhasch; “but, my pretty lady, you must give me leave to be of opinion, till I have seen your prince, that no mortal upon earth can equal my princess in beauty.”  “Hold thy tongue, cursed sprite,” replied Maimoune.  “I tell thee once more thou art wrong.”  “I will not contend with you,” said Danhasch, “but the way to be convinced, whether what I say be true or false, is to accept of my proposal to go and see my princess, and after that I will go with you to your prince.”

“There is no need I should be at so much trouble,” replied Maimoune; “there is another way to satisfy us both; and that is, for you to bring your princess, and place her at my prince’s bed-side:  by this means it will be easy for us to compare them together, and determine the dispute.”

Danhasch consented, and determined to set out immediately for China.  But Maimoune drew him aside, and told him, she must first shew him the tower whither he was to bring the princess.  They flew together to the tower, and when Maimoune had strewn it to Danhasch, she cried, “Go fetch your princess, and do it quickly, you will find me here.”

Danhasch left Maimoune, and flew towards China, whence he soon returned with incredible speed, bringing the fair princess along with him asleep.  Maimoune received him, and introduced him into the chamber of Kummir al Zummaun, where they placed the princess by the prince’s side.

When the prince and princess were thus laid together, there arose a sharp contest between the genie and the fairy about the preference of their beauty.  They were some time admiring and comparing them without speaking; at length Danhasch said to Maimoune, “You see, and I have already told you, my princess was handsomer than your prince; now, I hope, you are convinced.”

“How! convinced!” replied Maimoune; “I am not convinced, and you must be blind, if you cannot see that my prince excels in the comparison.  That the princess is fair, I do not deny; but if you compare them together without prejudice, you will soon see the difference.”

“How much soever I may compare them,” returned Danhasch, “I shall never change my opinion.  I saw at first sight what I now behold, and time will not make me see differently:  however, this shall not hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if you desire it.”  “What! have you yield to me as a favour!  I scorn it,” said Maimoune, “I would not receive a favour at the hand of such a wicked genie.  I will refer the matter to an umpire, and if you do not consent, I shall win by your refusal.”

Danhasch, who was ready to have shewn a different kind of complaisance, no sooner gave his consent, than Maimoune stamped with her foot.  The earth opened, and out came a hideous, hump-backed, squinting, and lame genie, with six horns upon his head, and claws on his hands and feet.  As soon as he was come out, and the earth had closed, perceiving Maimoune, he threw himself at her feet, and then rising on one knee, inquired her commands.