Ebn Thaher, who had but just come from the prince of Persia’s lodgings, thought it not convenient to return so soon, and neglect his own important affairs; he therefore went not till the evening.  The prince was alone, and no better than in the morning.  “Ebn Thaher,” said he to him, as soon as he saw him, “you have doubtless many friends, but they do not know your worth, which you discover to me by your zeal, your care, and the trouble you give yourself to oblige me.  I am confounded with all that you do for me with so much affection, and I know not how I shall be able to express my gratitude.”  “Prince,” answered Ebn Thaher, “do not speak thus, I entreat you.  I am ready, not only to give one of my eyes to save one of yours, but to sacrifice my life for you.  But this is not the present business.  I come to tell you that Schemselnihar sent her confidant to ask me about you, and at the same time to inform me of her condition.  You may assure yourself that I said nothing but what might confirm the excess of your passion for her mistress, and the constancy with which you love her.”  Then Ebn Thaher gave him a particular account of all that had passed betwixt the trusty slave and him.  The prince listened with all the different emotions of fear, jealousy, affection, and compassion, which this conversation could inspire, making, upon every thing which he heard, all the afflicting or comforting reflections that so passionate a lover was capable of.

Their conversation continued so long that the night was far advanced, so that the prince of Persia obliged Ebn Thaher to stay with him.  The next morning, as this trusty friend returned home, there came a woman to him whom he knew to be Schemselnihar’s confidant, and immediately she spoke to him thus:  “My mistress salutes you, and I am come to entreat you in her name to deliver this letter to the prince of Persia.”  The zealous Ebn Thaher took the letter, and returned to the prince, accompanied by the confidant slave.

When Ebn Thaher entered the prince of Persia’s house with Schemselnihar’s confidant, he prayed her to stay, and wait for him a moment in the ante-room.  As soon as the prince saw him, he asked earnestly what news he had to communicate?  “The best you can expect,” answered Ebn Thaher:  “you are as dearly beloved as you love; Schemselnihar’s confidant is in your anteroom; she has brought you a letter from her mistress, and waits for your orders to come in.”  “Let her enter,” cried the prince, with a transport of joy; and so saying, sat up to receive her.

The prince’s attendants retired as soon as they saw Ebn Thaher, and left him alone with their master.  Ebn Thaher opened the door himself, and brought in the confidant.  The prince knew her, and received her with great politeness.  “My lord,” said she to him, “I am sensible of the affliction you have endured since I had the honour to conduct you to the boat which waited to bring you back; but I hope the letter I have brought will contribute to your cure.”  So saying, she presented him the letter.  He took it, and after he had kissed it several times, opened it, and read as follows: