son, she believed him; so she rose forthright; and, putting her
hand in his, said, "O my father, what hast thou brought me to
ride?" He replied, "O my lady, thou shalt ride the horse thou
camest on;" and she, "I cannot ride it by myself." Whereupon he
smiled and knew that he was her master and said, "I will ride
with thee myself." So he mounted and, taking her up behind him
bound her to himself with firm bonds, while she knew not what he
would with her. Then he turned the ascent-pin, whereupon the
belly of the horse became full of wind and it swayed to and fro
like a wave of the sea, and rose with them high in air nor
slackened in its flight, till it was out of sight of the city.
Now when Shams al-Nahir saw this, she asked him, "Ho thou! what
is become of that thou toldest me of my Prince, making me believe
that he sent thee to me?" Answered the Persian, "Allah damn the
Prince! he is a mean and skin-flint knave." She cried, "Woe to
thee! How darest thou disobey thy lord's commandment?" Whereto
the Persian replied, "He is no lord of mine: knowest thou who I
am?" Rejoined the Princess, "I know nothing of thee save what
thou toldest me;" and retorted he, "What I told thee was a trick
of mine against thee and the King's son: I have long lamented the
loss of this horse which is under us; for I constructed it and
made myself master of it. But now I have gotten firm hold of it
and of thee too, and I will burn his heart even as he hath burnt
mine; nor shall he ever have the horse again; no, never! So be of
good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear; for I can be of
more use to thee than he; and I am generous as I am wealthy; my
servants and slaves shall obey thee as their mistress; I will
robe thee in finest raiment and thine every wish shall be at thy
will." When she heard this, she buffeted her face and cried out,
saying, "Ah, well-away! I have not won my beloved and I have lost