that slave, and that this may not make you uneasy, and to prevent your excuses, I repeat again, that I will positively have it to be so; you will soon know my reason.  Go to your place, and continue to divert yourself.  When I return again, and come to you in a slave’s habit, chide me for staying so long, do not be afraid even to strike me.  I will wait upon you while you are at table till night; you shall sleep here, and so shall the lady, and to-morrow morning you may send her home with honour.  I shall afterwards endeavour to do you more important services:  go, and lose no time.”  Amgiad would have made him an answer, but the master of the horse would not suffer him, forcing him to return to the lady.  He had scarcely reentered the hall before Bahader’s friends, whom he had invited, arrived.  Bahader excused himself for not entertaining them that day, telling them they would approve of his reason when they should be informed of it, which they should be in due time.  When they were gone, he went and dressed himself in a slave’s habit.

Prince Amgiad returned to the lady much pleased at finding the house belonged to a man of quality, who had received him so courteously.  When he sat down again, he said, “Madam, I beg a thousand pardons for my rudeness.  I was vexed that my slave should tarry so long; the rascal shall pay for it when he comes:  I will teach him to make me wait so for him.”

“Let not that trouble you,” said the lady.  “The evil is his; if he is guilty of any faults, let him pay for it:  but do not let us think of him, we will enjoy ourselves without him.”

They continued at the table with the more pleasure, as Amgiad was under no apprehensions of the consequence of the lady’s indiscretion in breaking open the door.  The prince was now as merry as the lady:  they said a thousand pleasant things, and drank more than they ate, till Bahader arrived in his disguise.

Bahader entered like a slave who feared his master’s displeasure for staying out when he had company with him.  He fell down at his feet and kissed the ground, to implore his clemency; and when he had done, stood behind him with his hands across, waiting his commands.

“Sirrah,” said Amgiad, with a fierce tone, and angry look, “where have you been?  What have you been doing, that you came no sooner?”

“My lord,” replied Bahader, “I ask your pardon; I was executing your orders, and did not think you would return home so early.”

“You are a rascal,” said Amgiad, “and I will break your bones, to teach you to lie, and disappoint me.”  He then rose up, took a stick, and gave him two or three slight blows; after which he sat down again.