not a word; so he went out from her and going in to the Queen,
told her what had passed between himself and the Lady
Bedrulbudour.

The Queen, so she might not leave the Sultan angry with the Lady
Bedrulbudour, said to him, `'O King of the Age, this is the wont
of most brides, on their wedding-day, to be shamefast and show
somewhat of coyness. So be not vexed with her and after a day or
two she will return to herself and proceed to speak with the
folk; but now, O King of the Age, shame hindereth her from
speaking. However, I purpose to go to her and see her."
Accordingly she arose and donning her clothes, repaired to her
daughter's apartment. Then, going up to her, she gave her
good-morrow and kissed her between the eyes; but the Lady
Bedrulbudour returned her no manner of answer and the Queen said
in herself, "Needs must some strange thing have befallen her, to
trouble her thus." So she asked her, saying, "O my daughter, what
is the cause of this thy behaviour? Tell me what aileth thee,
that I come to thee and give thee good-morrow and thou returnest
me no answer."

The Lady Bedrulbudour raised her head and said to her, "Blame me
not, O my mother; indeed, it behoved me receive thee with all
reverence and worship, since thou honourest me by coming to me;
but I beseech thee hear the cause of this my case and see how
this night I have passed hath been for me the sorriest of nights.
Hardly had we lain down, O my mother, when one, whose fashion I
know not, took up the bed and transported us to a place dark,
foul [FN#397] and mean." Then she told her mother the queen all
that had betided her that night and how they had taken her