The jeweller was extremely surprised at what Ebn Thaher told him.  “What you say,” said he, “is of so much importance, that I cannot understand how Schemselnihar and the prince could have abandoned themselves to such a violent passion.  What inclination soever they may have for one another, instead of yielding to it, they ought to resist it, and make a better use of their reason.  Is it possible they can be insensible of the danger of their correspondence?  How deplorable is their blindness!  I anticipate all its consequences as well as yourself; but you are wise and prudent, and I approve your resolution; as it is the only way to deliver yourself from the fatal events which you have reason to fear.”  After this conversation the jeweller rose, and took his leave of Ebn Thaher.

Before the jeweller retired, Ebn Thaher conjured him by the friendship betwixt them, to say nothing of what he had heard.  “Fear not,” replied the jeweller, “I will keep this secret at the peril of my life.”

Two days after, the jeweller went to Ebn Thaher’s shop, and seeing it shut, he doubted not but he had executed his design; but, to be more sure, he asked a neighbour, if he knew why it was not opened?  The neighbour answered that he knew not, unless Ebn Thaher was gone a journey.  There was no need of his enquiring farther, and he immediately thought of the prince of Persia:  “Unhappy prince,” said he to himself, “what will be your grief when you hear this news?  How will you now carry on your correspondence with Schemselnihar?  I fear you will die of despair.  I pity you, and must repair your loss of a too timid confidant.”

The business that obliged him to come abroad was of no consequence, so that he neglected it, and though he had no knowledge of the prince of Persia, only by having sold him some jewels, he went to his house.  He addressed himself to one of his servants, and desired him to tell his master, that he wished to speak with him about business of very great importance.  The servant returned immediately to the jeweller, and introduced him to the prince’s chamber.  He was leaning on a sofa, with his head on a cushion.  As soon as the prince saw him, he rose up to receive and welcome him, and entreated him to sit down; asked him if he could serve him in any thing, or if he came to tell him any thing interesting concerning himself.  “Prince,” answered the jeweller, “though I have not the honour to be particularly acquainted with you, yet the desire of testifying my zeal has made me take the liberty to come to your house, to impart to you a piece of news that concerns you.  I hope you will pardon my boldness for my good intention.”