The next day, before I was introduced to Zobeide, her favourite instructed me how to conduct myself, mentioning what questions she would probably put to me, and dictating the answers I was to return.  She then carried me into a very magnificent and richly furnished hall.  I had no sooner entered, than twenty female slaves, advanced in age, dressed in rich and uniform habits, came out of Zobeide’s apartment, and placed themselves before the throne in two equal rows; they were followed by twenty other younger ladies, clothed after the same fashion, only their habits appeared somewhat gayer.  In the middle of these appeared Zobeide with a majestic air, and so laden with jewels, that she could scarcely walk.  She ascended the throne, and the favourite lady, who had accompanied her, stood just by her right hand; the other ladies, who were slaves, being placed at some distance on each side of the throne.

As soon as the caliph’s lady was seated, the slaves who came in first made a sign for me to approach.  I advanced between the two rows they had formed, and prostrated myself upon the carpet that was under the princess’s feet.  She ordered me to rise, did me the honour to ask my name, my family, and the state of my fortune; to all which I gave her satisfactory answers, as I perceived, not only by her countenance, but by her words.  “I am glad,” said she, “that my daughter,” (so she used to call the favourite lady,) “for I look upon her as such after the care I have take of her education, has made this choice; I approve of it, and consent to your marriage.  I will myself give orders for having it solemnized; but I wish my daughter to remain with me ten days before the solemnity; in that time I will speak to the caliph, and obtain his consent:  mean while do you remain here; you shall be taken care of.”

Pursuant to the commands of the caliph’s lady, I remained ten days in the women’s apartments, and during that time was deprived of the pleasure of seeing the favourite lady:  but was so well used by her orders, that I had no reason to be dissatisfied.

Zobeide told the caliph her resolution of marrying the favourite lady; and the caliph leaving to her the liberty to act in the business as she thought proper, granted the favourite a considerable sum by way of settlement.  When the ten days were expired, Zobeide ordered the contract of marriage to be drawn up and brought to her, and the necessary preparations being made for the solemnity, the musicians and the dancers, both male and female, were called in, and there were great rejoicings in the palace for nine days.  The tenth day being appointed for the last ceremony of the marriage, the favourite lady was conducted to a bath, and I to another.  At night I had all manner of dishes served up to me, and among others, one seasoned with garlic, such as you have now forced me to eat.  This I liked so well, that I scarcely touched any of the other dishes.  But to my misfortune, when I rose from table, instead of washing my hands well, I only wiped them; a piece of negligence of which I had never before been guilty.