exceeding chagrined, for that he had thought to greaten his son
and advance him by making him the King's son-in-law; so he
bethought himself and was perplexed anent the matter and what was
to do therein; [FN#414] and indeed it irked him sore that the
marriage should be dissolved, for that he had long
besought [FN#415] the Ten [FN#416] that he might compass the like
of that affair; [FN#417] so he said to his son, "Have patience, O
my son, so we may see [how it will be] to-night, and we will set
over you guards to guard you; but do not thou let slip this great
honour, for that it hath fallen to none other than thyself."
Therewith he left him and returning to the Sultan, told him that
the Lady Bedrulbudour's story was true; whereupon quoth the
Sultan, "Since the case is thus, we need no
wedding-festivities." [FN#418] And he bade forthright break off
the rejoicings and the marriage was dissolved. The folk and the
people of the city marvelled at this strange thing, especially
when they saw the Vizier and his son go forth the palace in a
pitiable plight for stress of chagrin and despite, and they fell
to asking, "What hath happened and why is the marriage avoided
and the rejoicings broken off?" But none knew what was to do save
Alaeddin, the suitor, [FN#419] who laughed in his sleeve. So the
marriage was annulled; but the Sultan had forgotten his promise
to Alaeddin's mother and never again bethought him thereof,
neither he nor the Vizier; nor knew they whence came that which
had happened.

Alaeddin waited till the three months had elapsed, after which
the Sultan had promised that he would marry him to his daughter,
the Lady Bedrulbudour, then despatched his mother to the Sultan
to require him of the performance of his promise. So she repaired