bring them] hither. This is what I seek of thee." "Hearkening and
obedience," answered the genie, "and if thou have a service [to
require of me] other than this, command me whatsoever thou
seekest." And Alaeddin said to him, "I have no present
requirement save that whereof I have bespoken thee." So the slave
disappeared and Alaeddin returned to finish his supper [FN#389]
with his mother.

When he deemed it time for the genie's coming, he arose and
entered his chamber; and after a little, the Marid appeared with
the bridal pair in their bed; whereat Alaeddin rejoiced with
exceeding great joy and said to the slave, "Bear this gallowsbird
hence and couch him in the house of easance." [FN#390] The genie
accordingly took up the bridegroom and couched him in the
draught-house; moreover, ere he left him, he blew on him a blast
wherewith he dried him up, and the Vizier's son abode in woeful
case. Then he returned to Alaeddin and said to him, "An thou need
otherwhat, tell me." And Alaeddin said to him, "Return in the
morning, so thou mayst take them [back] to their place."
"Hearkening and obedience," answered the genie and was gone;
whereupon Alaeddin arose,--and indeed he had scarce believed that
the thing should succeed with him,--and when he saw the Lady
Bedrulbudour in his house, he entreated her with respect, albeit
he had long burned for love of her, and said to her, "O princess
of the fair, think not that I have brought thee hither to soil
shine honour. God forbid! Nay, it was that I might not let
others [FN#391] enjoy thee, for that thy father the Sultan gave me
his word upon thee; so be thou in peace and assurance."
As [FN#392] for the princess, when she found herself in that mean
dark; house and heard Alaeddin's words, fear and trembling get