When the sultan had heard these verses, he remained for some time immersed in thought; then whispering his vizier, said, “This quotation was certainly meant in allusion to ourselves, and I am convinced they must know that I am their sultan, and thou vizier, for the whole tenor of their conversation shews their knowledge of us.”  He then addressed the lady, saying, “Your music, your performance, your voice, and the subject of your stanzas have delighted me beyond expression.”  Upon this she sang the following verse: 

“Men endeavour to attain station and riches during an age of toil and oppression, while, alas! their accounts to heaven and their graves are decreed from their very birth.”

The sultan, from the purport of these last verses, was more assured than ever that she knew his quality.  She did not leave off singing and playing till day-light, when she retired, and brought in a breakfast, of which the sultan and the vizier partook; after which she said, “I hope you will return to us this night at the conclusion of the first watch, and be our guests.”  The sultan promised, and departed in admiration at the beauty of the sisters, their accomplishments, and graceful manners; saying to the vizier, “My soul is delighted with the charms of these elegant women.”

The following evening the sultan and vizier, disguised as usual, repaired to the house of the sisters, taking with them some purses of deenars, and were received with the same respectful welcome.  Being seated, supper was set before them, and after it basins and ewers to wash their hands.  Coffee was then served up, and conversation on various subjects amused them till the prayer time of the first watch; they then arose, performed their ablutions, and prayed.  When, their devotions were ended, the sultan presented a purse of a thousand deenars to the youngest sister, and said, “Expend this upon your necessary occasions.”  She took the purse with a profound obeisance, kissed his hands, and was convinced, as she had before suspected, that he must be the sultan; at the same time hinting privately to her mother and sisters the quality of their guests, and prostrating herself before him.

The other ladies upon this arose, and followed the example of their sister; when the sultan said aside to his vizier, “They certainly know us:”  and then turning to the ladies, addressed them saying, “We are merely dervishes, and you pay us a respect only due to sovereigns; I beseech you refrain.”  The youngest sister again fell at his feet, and repeated the following verse: 

“May prosperous fortune daily accompany thee in spite of the malice of the envious!  May thy days be bright and those of thy enemies gloomy!”

“I am convinced thou art the sultan, and thy companion thy vizier.”  The sultan replied, “What reason have you for such a supposition?” She answered, “From your dignified demeanour and liberal conduct, for the signs of royalty cannot be concealed even in the habit of a recluse.”