Such were the adventures of the young man who was reading in the hospital.  We now recite those of the youth who was listening to him.  Upon the sultan’s inquiring his story, he began as follows.

Story of the Second Lunatic.

My lord, I was by profession a merchant, and on my commencing business the youngest of my trade, having but just entered my sixteenth year.  As I was one day busy in my warehouse, a damsel entering, put into my hands a packet, which, on opening, I found to contain several copies of verses in praise of myself, with a letter expressive of ardent affection for my person.  Supposing them meant only as banter, I foolishly flew into a passion, seized the bearer, and beat her severely.  On her departure, I reflected on my improper behaviour, dreaded lest she should complain to her relations, and that they might revenge themselves upon me by some sudden assault.  I repented of what I had done, but alas! it was when repentance would not avail.

Ten days had passed, when, as I was sitting in my warehouse as usual, a young lady entered most superbly dressed, and odoriferously perfumed.  She resembled in brightness the moon on its fourteenth night, so that when I gazed upon her my senses forsook me, and I was incapable of attention to any thing but herself.  She addressed me, saying, “Young man, have you in your warehouse any female ornaments?” to which I replied, “Of all sorts, my lady, that you can possibly require.”  Upon this she desired to see some bracelets for the ankles, which I shewed her, when holding out her foot, she desired me to try them on.  I did so.  After this, she asked for a necklace, and opening her veil, made me tie it on.  She then chose a pair of bracelets, and extending her hands, desired me to put them on her wrists, which I did; after which, she inquired the amount of the whole, when I exclaimed, “Fair lady, accept them as a present, and inform me whose daughter thou art.”  She replied, “I am the daughter of the chief magistrate;” when I said, “My wish is to demand thee in marriage of thy father.”  She consented that I should, but observed, “When you ask me of my father, he will say, I have only one daughter, who is a cripple, and wretchedly deformed.  Do thou, however, reply, that thou art willing to accept her, and if he remonstrates, still insist upon wedding her.”  I then asked when I should make my proposals.  She replied, “The best time to visit my father is on the Eed al Koorbaun, which is three days hence, as thou wilt then find with him all his relations and friends, and our espousals will add to his festivity.”

Agreeably to the lady’s instructions, on the third day following I repaired with several of my friends to the house of the chief magistrate, and found him sitting in state, receiving the compliments of the day from the chief inhabitants of the city.  We made our obeisance, which he graciously noticed, received us with kindness, and entered familiarly into conversation.  A collation was brought in, the cloth spread, and we partook with him of the viands, after which we drank coffee.  I then stood up, saying, “My lord, I am desirous of espousing the chaste lady your daughter, more precious than the richest gem.”