Ebn Thaher,” said he, when he had recovered his speech, “I may indeed hinder my tongue from revealing the secrets of my heart, but I have no power over my tears, upon such an alarming subject as Schemselnihar’s danger.  If that adorable and only objets of my desires be no longer in the world, I shall not survive her a moment.”  “Reject so afflicting a thought,” replied Ebn Thaher; “Schemselnihar is yet alive, you need not doubt it:  if you have heard no news of her, it is because she could find no opportunity to send to you, and I hope you will hear from her to-day.”  To this he added several other consoling arguments, and then withdrew.

Ebn Thaher had scarcely reached his own house, when Schemselnihar’s confidant arrived with a melancholy countenance, which he reckoned a bad omen.  He asked news of her mistress.  “Tell me yours first,” said the confidant, “for I was in great trouble to see the prince of Persia go away in that condition.”  Ebn Thaher told her all that she wished to know, and when he had done, the slave began thus:  “If the prince of Persia has suffered, and does still suffer for my mistress, she suffers no less for him.  After I departed from you, I returned to the saloon, where I found Schemselnihar not yet recovered from her swoon, notwithstanding all the assistance they endeavoured to give her.  The caliph was sitting near her with all the signs of real grief.  He asked all the women, and me in particular, if we knew the cause of her disorder; but we kept all secret, and told him we were altogether ignorant of it.  In the mean time we all wept to see her suffer so long, and forgot nothing that might any ways relieve her.  In a word, it was almost midnight before she came to herself.  The caliph, who had the patience to wait the event, was rejoiced at her recovery, and asked Schemselnihar the cause of her illness.  As soon as she heard him speak, she endeavoured to recover her seat; and after she had kissed his feet, before he could hinder her, ‘Sir,’ said she, ‘I have reason to complain of heaven, that it did not allow me to expire at your majesty’s feet to testify thereby how sensible I am of your favours.’

“‘I am persuaded you love me,’ replied the caliph, ‘and I command you to preserve yourself for my sake.  You have probably exceeded in something to-day, which has occasioned this indisposition; take care, I entreat you; abstain from it for the future.  I am glad to see you better, and advise you to stay here to-night, and not return to your chamber, for fear the motion should affect you.’  He then commanded a little wine to be brought to strengthen her; and taking leave of her, returned to his apartment.