I finished weighing the gold, and while I was putting it into the bag, the eunuch turned to the lady, and told her I was satisfied; that being the word they had agreed upon between themselves.  Presently after, the lady rose and took her leave; telling me she would send her eunuch to me, and that I had only to obey the directions he might give me in her name.

I carried each of the merchants their money, and waited some days with impatience for the eunuch.  At last he came.

I received the eunuch very kindly, and inquired after his mistress’s health.  “You are,” said he, “the happiest lover in the world; she is impatient to see you; aud were she mistress of her own conduct, would not fail to come to you herself, and willingly pass in your society all the days of her life.”  “Her noble mien and graceful carriage,” I replied, “convinced me, that she was a lady beyond the common rank.”  “You have not erred in your judgment on that head,” said the eunuch; “she is the favourite of Zobeide the caliph’s wife, who is the more affectionately attached to her from having brought her up from her infancy, and intrusts her with all her affairs.  Having a wish to marry, she has declared to her mistress that she has fixed her affections upon you, and has desired her consent.  Zobeide told her, she would not withhold her consent; but that she would see you first, in order to judge if she had made a good choice; in which case she meant herself to defray the expenses of the wedding.  Thus you see your felicity is certain; since you have pleased the favourite, you will be equally agreeable to the mistress, who seeks only to oblige her, and would by no means thwart her inclination.  All you have to do is to come to the palace.  I am sent hither to invite you.”  “My resolution is already formed,” said I, “and I am ready to follow you whithersoever you please.”  “Very well,” said the eunuch; “but you know men are not allowed to enter the ladies’ apartments in the palace, and you must be introduced with great secrecy.  The favourite lady has contrived the matter well.  On your side you must act your part discreetly; for if you do not, your life is at stake.”

I gave him repeated assurances punctually to perform whatever he might require.  “Then,” said he, “in the evening, you must be at the mosque built by the caliph’s lady on the bank of the Tigris, and wait there till somebody comes to conduct you.”  To this I agreed; and after passing the day in great impatience, went in the evening to the prayer that is said an hour and a half after sun-set in the mosque, and remained there after all the people had departed.