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marvelled and said, ‘How came ye by these?’ ‘O Amir,’ replied Saadan, ‘I went forth one day with my sons and five of my slaves in quest of booty, but finding no spoil in our way, we dispersed over deserts and plains and fared on, so haply we might happen on somewhat of prey and not return empty-handed, till we found ourselves in the land of the Persians. Presently, we espied a cloud of dust in the distance and sent one of our slaves to reconnoitre, who returned after awhile and said, “O my lord, this is the princess Fekhr Taj, daughter of Sabour, King of the Persians and Medes and Turcomans, who is on a journey, attended by two thousand horse.” Quoth I, “Mayst thou be gladdened with good news! We could have no finer purchase than this.” Then I and my sons fell upon the Persians and slew of them three hundred men and took the princess and twelve hundred cavaliers prisoners, together with all that was with her of treasure and riches, and brought them hither.’
Quoth Gherib, ‘Hast thou offered any violence to the princess Fekhr Taj?’ ‘Not I,’ replied Saadan, ‘as thy head liveth, and by the virtue of the faith I have [but now] embraced!’ ‘It was well done of thee, O Saadan,’ said Gherib; ‘for her father is king of the world and he will surely despatch troops in quest of her and lay waste the dwellings of those who took her. And whoso looks not to the issue of events, Fate is no friend to him. But where is the damsel?’ And Saadan, ‘I have set apart a pavilion for her and her damsels.’ Quoth Gherib, ‘Show me her lodging,’ and Saadan answered, ‘I hear and obey.’ So he carried him to the pavilion, where he found the princess mournful and cast down, weeping for her former estate of honour and delight. When Gherib saw her, he thought the moon was near him and magnified God the All-hearing and seeing. The princess also looked at him and saw him a princely cavalier, with valour shining from
