The sultan alighted, as did also his courtiers, and entered the palace.  They were surprised and delighted at the splendour of the first court, but much more so at the superior magnificence of a second; into which they were ushered, and introduced into a spacious hall, where they found the venerable shekh sitting to receive them.  The sultan made a low obeisance; upon which the sage just moved his head, but did not rise.  The sultan then sat down, when the shekh greeted him, and they entered into conversation on various subjects; but the senses of the sultan were confounded at the dignified demeanour of his host, and the splendid objects around him.  At length the shekh desired his pupil to knock at a door and order breakfast to be brought in, which he did:  when lo! the door opened, and there entered a hundred slaves, bearing upon their heads golden trays, on which were placed dishes of agate, cornelian, and other stones, filled with various eatables, which they arranged in order before the sultan.  He was astonished, for he had nothing so magnificent in his own possession.  He then partook of the sumptuous collation, as did also the venerable shekh, and all the courtiers, till they were satisfied; after which they drank coffee and sherbets of various sorts, when the sultan and the sage conversed on religious and literary subjects, and the former was edified by the remarks of the latter.

When it was noon the shekh again desired his pupil to knock at another door, and order dinner to be brought in.  He had no sooner done so, than immediately a hundred slaves, different from the former, entered, bearing trays of the richest viands.  They spread the cloth before the sultan, and arranged the dishes, which were each thickly set with precious stones, at which he was more astonished than before.  When all had eaten till they were satisfied, basins and ewers, some of gold and others of agate, were carried round, and they washed their hands; after which the shekh said to the sultan, “Have you fixed what my son must give as the dower of your daughter?” To this, the sultan replied, “I have already received it.”  This he said out of compliment; but the shekh replied, “My lord, the marriage cannot be valid without a dower.”  He then presented a vast sum of money, with many jewels, for the purpose to his pupil; after which he retired with the sultan into a chamber, and arrayed him in a splendid habit; rich dresses were also given to each of his attendants according to their rank.  The sultan then took leave of the shekh, and returned with his intended son-in-law to the palace.

When evening arrived the young man was introduced into the apartment of the princess, which he found spread with the richest carpets, and perfumed with costly essences, but his bride was absent:  at which he was somewhat surprised, but supposed her coming was put off till midnight, for which he waited with impatience.  Midnight came, but no bride appeared; when a thousand uneasy sensations afflicted his mind, and he continued in restless anxiety till morning:  nor were the father and mother of the princess less impatient; for supposing she was with her husband, they waited anxiously, and were mortified at the delay.