do; but it is lawful to slay this accursed, so we may be
delivered from his uncleanness who hath made me rue thy
separation and that of my father." Then Alaeddin ate and drank
with his wife that which stayed his hunger and rising at once,
went forth the palace; whereupon the Lady Bedrulbudour summoned
her tirewoman, who busked her and adorned her, and she rose and
donned fine clothes and perfumed herself. Whilst she was thus
engaged, the accursed Maugrabin presented himself and was
exceeding rejoiced to see her on this wise, more by token that
she received him with a smiling face, contrary to her wont; so he
redoubled in distraction for her love and longing for her. Then
she took him and seating him by her side, said to him, "O my
beloved, an thou wilt, come hither to me this night and we will
sup together. Enough of mourning; for that, an I sat grieving a
thousand years, what were the profit? Alaeddin cannot return from
the tomb and I have considered and believe [FN#601] that which
thou saidst to me yesterday, to wit, that most like my father the
Sultan hath slain him, in the excess of his grief for my loss.
Nay, marvel not at me to-day, that I am changed since yesterday,
for that I have bethought me to take thee to beloved and
companion in Alaeddin's stead, seeing there is left me no man
other than thou. Wherefore it is my hope that thou wilt come
to-night, so we may sup together and drink somewhat of wine with
each other, and I will have thee let me taste of the wine of thy
country Africa, for that belike it is better [than ours]. Wine,
indeed, I have by me; but it is that of our country, and I desire
exceedingly to taste the wine of your country."

When [FN#602] the Maugrabin saw the love which the Lady
Bedrulbudour professed to him and that she was changed from her