In fact, as they looked towards the court, they saw Schemselnihar’s confidant coming towards them, followed by ten black women, who, with much difficulty, carried a throne of massive silver curiously wrought, which they set down before them at a certain distance; the black slaves then retired behind the trees, to the entrance of a walk.  After this came twenty handsome ladies richly appareled alike; they advanced in two rows, each singing and playing upon instruments which she held in her hands, and placed themselves on each side of the throne.

All these things kept the prince of Persia and Ebn Thaher in so much the greater expectation, as they were curious to know how they would end.  At length they saw advancing from the gate through which the ten black women had proceeded ten other ladies equally handsome, and well dressed, who halted a few moments, expecting the favourite, who came out last, and placed herself in the midst of them.

Schemselnihar was easily distinguished from the rest, by her fine shape and majestic air, as well as by a sort of mantle, of a very fine stuff of gold and sky-blue, fastened to her shoulders, over her other apparel, which was the most handsome, most magnificent, and best contrived that could be imagined.

The pearls, rubies, and diamonds, which adorned her, were well disposed; not many in number, but chosen with taste, and of inestimable value.  She came forward, with a majesty resembling the sun in its course amidst the clouds, which receive his splendour without hiding his lustre, and sat upon the silver throne that had been brought for her.

As soon as the prince of Persia saw Schemselnihar, his eyes were rivetted on her.  “We cease inquiring,” said he to Ebn Thaher, “after what we seek, when once it is in view; and no doubt remains, when once the truth is made apparent.  Do you see this charming beauty?  She is the cause of all my sufferings, which I bless, and will never forbear to bless, however severe and lasting.  At the sight of this objets, I am not my own master; my soul is disturbed, and rebels, and seems disposed to leave me.  Go then, my soul, I allow thee; but let it be for the welfare and preservation of this weak body.  It is you, cruel Ebn Thaher, who are the cause of this disorder, in bringing me hither.  You thought to do me a great pleasure; but I perceive I am only come to complete my ruin.  Pardon me,” he continued, interrupting himself; “I am mistaken.  I would come, and can blame no one but myself;” and at these words he burst into tears.  “I am glad,” said Ebn Thaher, “that you do me justice.  When I told you at first, that Schemselnihar was the caliph’s chief favourite, I did it on purpose to prevent that fatal passion which you please yourself with entertaining.  All that you see here ought to disengage you, and you are to think of nothing but of acknowledging the honour which Schemselnihar has done you, by ordering me to bring you with me; recall then your wandering reason, and prepare to appear before her, as good breeding requires.  See, she advances:  were we to begin again, I would take other measures, but since the thing is done, I pray God we may not have cause to repent.  All that I have now to say to you is, that love is a traitor, who may involve you in difficulties from which you will never be able to extricate yourself.”