maiden with arch glances and tempting gestures leading him insensibly on, yet giving him but scant hope. She fled that he might follow; she taunted and pouted and derided that she might find pleasure in his discomfiture; she put herself in his power only to repulse him rudely when he attempted to presume upon his advantage. But at last, when in despair he drew a dagger and threatened to plunge it into his heart if she would not have pity upon him and give him the only happiness he longed for, she burst into tears, and bitterly reproaching herself, threw herself without conditions into his arms. Next came a choir of youths and damsels, who sang a long hymn in praise of love; and, finally, the stronger lights were veiled, some delicious spices were burnt in two huge bronze vases which stood before Antar and Damma, and, amid the smoke of the incense, four perfectly-formed girls, clad in light and flowing garments, and decked with rare flowers, were seen dancing with bared feet to the renewed strains of the hidden music Their
