but if I tell you what I know, who is there that can say I speak
the truth? You must produce the person who can confirm my
words.'

Her heart sank, for she feared that her long-kept secret was now
to be noised abroad. But she said merely: 'Explain yourself.'

'I shall explain myself fully when you bring here the negro whom
you hide beneath your throne.'

Here the king shouted in wonderment: 'Explain yourself, young
man! What negro does my daughter hide beneath her throne?'

'That,' said the prince, 'you will see if you order to be brought
here the negro who will be found beneath the throne of the
princess.'

Messengers were forthwith despatched to the garden house, and
after awhile they returned bringing a negro whom they had
discovered in a secret chamber underneath the throne of
Mihr-afruz, dressed in a dress of honour, and surrounded with
luxury. The king was overwhelmed with astonishment, but the girl
had taken heart again. She had had time to think that perhaps
the prince had heard of the presence of the negro, and knew no
more. So she said haughtily: 'Prince! you have not answered my
riddle.'

'O most amazingly impudent person,' cried he, 'do you not yet
repent?'