“Hitherto I had secured myself against all her snares, but at length I fell under the last effort of her jealousy; and, had it not been for you, must now have been exposed to inevitable death.  I question not but she had corrupted one of my slaves, who last night, in some lemonade, gave me a drug, which causes such a dead sleep, that it is easy to dispose of those who have taken it; for that sleep is so profound, that nothing can dispel it for the space of seven or eight hours.  I have the more reason to judge so, because naturally I am a very bad sleeper, and apt to wake at the least noise.

“Zobeide, the better to put her design in execution, has availed herself of the absence of the caliph, who went lately to put himself at the head of his troops, to chastise some neighbouring kings, who have formed a league of rebellion.  Were it not for this opportunity, my rival, outrageous as she is, durst not have presumed to attempt any thing against my life.  I know not what she will do to conceal this action from the caliph, but you see it highly concerns me that you should keep my secret.  My life depends on it.  I shall be safe in your house as long as the caliph is from Bagdad.  It concerns you to keep my adventure private; for should Zobeide know the obligation I owe you, she would punish you for having saved me.

“When the caliph returns, I shall not need to be so much upon my guard.  I shall find means to acquaint him with all that has happened, and I am fully persuaded he will be more earnest than myself to requite a service which restores me to his love.”

As soon as Haroon al Rusheed’s beautiful favourite had done speaking, Ganem said, “Madam, I return you a thousand thanks for having given me the information I took the liberty to desire of you; and I beg of you to believe, that you are here in safety; the sentiments you have inspired are a pledge of my secrecy.

“As for my slaves, they may perhaps fail of the fidelity they owe me, should they know by what accident and in what place I had the happiness to find you.  I dare assure you, however, that they will not have the curiosity to inquire.  It is so natural for young men to purchase beautiful slaves, that it will be no way surprising to them to see you here, believing you to be one, and that I have bought you.  They will also conclude that I have some particular reasons for bringing you home as they saw I did.  Set your heart, therefore, at rest, as to that point, and remain satisfied that you shall be served with all the respect that is due to the favourite of so great a monarch as our sovereign the caliph.  But great as he is, give me leave, madam, to declare, that nothing can make me recall the present I have made you of my heart.  I know, and shall never forget, ‘that what belongs to the master is forbidden to the slave;’ but I loved you before you told me that you were engaged to the caliph; it is not in my power to overcome a passion which, though