expenses aside. If the princess would condescend to explain this
[seeming wonder] with her own lips, then, my mind being set at ease,
I shall set out for the country of _Nimroz_; and reaching it by some
means or other, after having learned all the particulars [of the
strange circumstance], I will return, if God should spare my life,
to the presence of the princess, and attain the desires of my heart."

On hearing these words, the princess herself said, "O youth, if you
have a strong desire to know the exact nature of these circumstances,
then stay here to-day also. I will send for you in the evening,
and the account of my vast riches shall be unfolded to you without
any reservation." After this assurance, I retired to my place of
residence, and waited anxiously, (saying,) "when will the evening
arrive, that my curiosity may be gratified?" In the meantime a eunuch
brought some covered trays on the heads of porters, and laid them
before me, and said, "The princess has sent you a dinner [220] from
her own table; partake of it." When he uncovered the trays before
me, the rich fragrance [of the meats] intoxicated my brains, and my
soul became satiated. I ate as much as I could, and sent away the
rest, and returned my grateful thanks [to the princess.] At last,
when the sun, the traveller of the whole day, wearied and fatigued,
reached his home, and the moon advanced from her palace, attended by
her companions, then the female servant came to me and said, "Come,
the princess has sent for you."

I went along with her; she led me to the private apartment; the
effect of the lights was such that the _shabi kadr_ [221] was nothing
to it. A _masnad_, covered with gold, was placed on rich carpets,
with a pillow studded with jewels; over it an awning of brocade was
stretched, with a fringe of pearls on [silver] poles studded with