The Arabian Nights Entertainments, vol 3 | Page 2

will talk with
him." The merchant was introduced, and seated in a convenient place,
from whence he might easily have a full view of the king, and hear him
talk familiarly to those that stood near his person. The king observed
this rule to all strangers, in order that by degrees they might grow

acquainted with him; so that, when they saw with what freedom and
civility he addressed himself to all, they might be encouraged to talk to
him in the same manner, without being abashed at the pomp and
splendour of his appearance, which was enough to deprive those of
their power of speech who were not used to it. He treated the
ambassadors also after the same manner. He ate with them, and during
the repast asked them several questions concerning their health, their
journey, and the peculiarities of their country. After they had been thus
encouraged, he gave them audience.
When the assembly was over, and all the company had retired, the
merchant, who was the only person left, fell prostrate before the king's
throne, with his face to the earth, wishing his majesty an
accomplishment of all his desires As soon as he arose, the king asked
him if the report of his having brought a slave for him was true, and
whether she were handsome.
"Sire," replied the merchant, "I doubt not but your majesty has many
very beautiful women, since you search every corner of the earth for
them; but I may boldly affirm, without overvaluing my merchandise,
that you never yet saw a woman that could stand in competition with
her for shape and beauty, agreeable qualifications, and all the
perfections that she is mistress of." "Where is she?" demanded the king;
"bring her to me instantly." "Sire," replied the merchant, "I have
delivered her into the hands of one of your chief eunuchs; and your
majesty may send for her at your pleasure."
The fair slave was immediately brought in; and no sooner had the king
cast his eyes on her, but he was charmed with her beautiful and easy
shape. He went directly into a closet, and was followed by the merchant
and a few eunuchs. The fair slave wore, over her face, a red satin veil
striped with gold; and when the merchant had taken it off, the king of
Persia beheld a female that surpassed in beauty, not only his present
ladies, but all that he had ever had before. He immediately fell
passionately in love with her, and desired the merchant to name his
price.
"Sire," said he, "I gave a thousand pieces of gold to the person of whom
I bought her; and in my three years' journey to your court, I reckon I
have spent as much more: but I shall forbear setting any price to so
great a monarch; and therefore, if your majesty likes her, I humbly beg

you would accept of her as a present." "I am highly obliged to you,"
replied the king; "but it is never my custom to treat merchants, who
come hither for my pleasure, in so ungenerous a manner; I am going to
order thee ten thousand pieces of gold; will that be sufficient?" "Sire,"
answered the merchant, "I should have esteemed myself happy in your
majesty's acceptance of her; yet I dare not refuse so generous an offer. I
will not fail to publish your liberality in my own country, and in every
place through which I may pass." The money was paid; and before he
departed, the king made him put on a rich suit of cloth of gold.
The king caused the fair slave to be lodged in the apartment next his
own, and gave particular orders to the matrons, and the female slaves
appointed to attend her, that after bathing they should dress her in the
richest habit they could find, and carry her the finest pearl necklaces,
the brightest diamonds, and other richest precious stones, that she
might choose those she liked best.
The officious matrons, whose only care was to please the king, were
astonished at her beauty; and being good judges, they told his majesty,
that if he would allow them but three days, they would engage to make
her so much handsomer than she was at present, that he would scarcely
know her again. The king could hardly prevail with himself to delay so
long the pleasure of seeing her, but at last he consented.
The king of Persia's capital was situated in an island; and his palace,
which was very magnificent, was built on the shore: his apartment
looked on the water; the fair slave's, which was near it, had also the
same prospect, and was the more agreeable, on account of the sea's
beating almost against the walls.
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