It happened to be Bahader, master of the horse to the king of the magicians.  This mansion belonged to him, but he commonly resided in another; and seldom came to this, unless to regale himself with two or three chosen friends He always sent provisions from his other house on such occasions, and had done so this day by some of his servants, who were just gone when the lady and Amgiad entered.

Bahader came as he used to do, in disguise, and without attendants, and a little before the time appointed for the assembling of his friends.  He was not a little surprised to find the door broken open; he entered, making no noise, and hearing some persons talking and making merry in the hall, he stole along under the wall, and put his head half way within the door to see who they were.

Perceiving a young man and a young lady eating at his table the victuals that had been provided for his friends and himself, and that there was no great harm done, he resolved to divert himself with the adventure.

The lady’s back was a little turned towards him, and she did not see the master of the horse, but Amgiad perceived him immediately.  The glass was at the time in his hand, and he was going to drink; he changed colour at the sight of Bahader, who made a sign to him not to say a word, but to come and speak to him.

Amgiad drank and rose:  “Where are you going?” inquired the lady.  The prince answered, “Pray, madam, stay here a little; I shall return directly.”  Bahader waited for him in the vestibule, and led him into the court to talk to him without being overheard by the lady.

When Bahader and Amgiad were in the court, Bahader demanded of the prince, how the lady came into his house? and why they broke open his door?  “My lord,” replied Amgiad, “you may very reasonably think me guilty of a very unwarrantable action:  but if you will have patience to hear me, I hope I shall convince you of my innocence.”  He then related, in a few words, what had happened, without disguising any part of the truth; and to shew him that he was not capable of committing such an action as to break into a house, told him he was a prince, and informed him of the reason of his coming to the city of the magicians.

Bahader, who was a good man, was pleased with an opportunity of obliging one of Amgiad’s rank:  for by his air, his actions, and his well-turned conversation, he did not in the least doubt the truth of what he had asserted.  “Prince,” said Bahader, “I am glad I can oblige you in so pleasent an adventure.  Far from disturbing the feast, it will gratify me to contribute to your satisfaction in any thing.  Before I say any more on this subject, I must inform you my name is Bahader; I am master of the horse to the king of the magicians; I commonly reside in another house, which I have in the city, and come here sometimes to have the more liberty with my friends.  You have made this lady believe you have a slave, though you have none; I will personate