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took boat there, whereupon I signed to the ground, as who should say, “I kiss it before thee.” She went off, laughing, and I stood, watching her, till I saw her land and enter a palace, which when I considered, I knew it for the palace of the Khalif El Mutawekkil. So I turned back, with all the trouble in the world fallen on my heart, for she had had of me three thousand dinars, and I said in myself, “She hath taken my money and ravished my wit, and belike I shall lose my life for love of her.”
Then I returned home and told my mother all that had befallen me, and she said, “O my son, beware how thou have to do with her after this, or thou art a lost man.” When I went to my shop, my factor in the drug-market, who was a very old man, came to me and said, “O my lord, how is it that I see thee in ill case and with marks of chagrin upon thee? Tell me what ails thee.” So I told him all that had befallen me with her and he said, “O my son, this is one of the women of the palace of the Commander of the Faithful and indeed she is the Khalif’s favourite: so do thou reckon the money [expended] for the sake of God the Most High[1] and occupy thyself no more with her. If she come again, beware lest she have to do with thee and tell me of this, that I may contrive thee somewhat, lest perdition betide thee.” Then he went away and left me with a flame of fire in my heart.
At the end of the month she came again and I rejoiced in her with an exceeding joy. Quoth she, “What ailed thee to follow me?” And I said, “Excess of passion that is in my heart urged me to this,” and I wept before her. She wept out of pity for me and said, “By Allah, there is not in thy heart aught of passion, but in mine is more! But how shall I do? By Allah, I have no resource but to see thee thus once a month.” Then she gave me a bill, saying, “Carry this to such an one, who is my factor, and
- ↑ i.e. for nothing.
