an extensive empire; nor were the abilities of her mind unequal to the task of government.  In a few days the vizier offered to the supposed sultan his daughter in marriage; and his offer being accepted, the nuptials were celebrated with the utmost magnificence; but what was the astonishment of the bride, when, instead of being caressed, the sultan on retiring with her became cold and reserved, rose from her, and spent the night in prayer.  In the morning the sultana was questioned by her mother; who, on her relating the behaviour of the husband, observed, that possibly from his youth he might be over reserved; but that love would naturally in time operate its effect.  Several evenings past in the same manner, when the bride, mortified at such coldness, could no longer restrain herself, and said, “Why, my lord, if you disliked me, did you take me to wife? but if you love not as other men, tell me so, and I will suffer my misfortune in silence.”  The lady, moved by this remonstrance, replied, “Most virtuous princess, would that for your sake I were of the sex you suppose me; but, alas!  I am like you a woman, disappointed in love.”  She then related to her the wonderful adventures she had undergone since leaving her father’s house, at which the vizier’s daughter was so affected that she vowed for her a lasting friendship, agreed to keep her secret, and live with her till such times as chance should restore her lover.  In return for this kindness the lady promised that should the object of her affections ever arrive, he should marry them both, and that she should have the precedence in the ceremony of union.  The two friends having thus agreed, the vizier’s daughter regained her cheerfulness, and means were taken to convince her father, mother, and friends of the consummation of the nuptials.  From this time they lived in perfect happiness together, one exercising the authority of sultan to the satisfaction of the subject, and the other acting the part of a satisfied and obedient wife; but still both were anxious to meet their mutual husband.  As the capital of the kingdom was a mart for most nations of the world, the pretended sultan formed the following stratagem for discovering her beloved, not doubting but that he would travel over all parts of the world in search of the object of his affection.  She erected a most magnificent caravanserai, furnished with baths hot and cold, and every convenience for the weary traveller.  When it was finished, she issued a proclamation, that sojourners from all parts should be welcome to lodge in it, and be provided with every necessary till they could accommodate themselves in the city, or pursued, if only travellers, their journey to another part.  Over the gate of this edifice she placed an exact statue of herself, and gave orders to the guards that whatever stranger, on looking at it, should shew signs of agitation, or utter words signifying that he knew the original, should be immediately seized and confined in the palace.  Many weeks