beholden to my sister, and have failed in my duty in not visiting her, but I will do so forthwith." And she made ready to go taking with her rare gifts for her sister. Now she was the youngest daughter of the King, who had seven children, and when he heard she was about to visit his eldest daughter he brought from his treasuries meat and drink and money and jewels and rarities which beggar description. But the old woman again presented herself and said, "Thy sister, Queen Nur alHuda, biddeth thee clothe thy two sons in the coats of mail she made for them and send them to her by me." And the Princess was troubled and said, "O mother, I tremble when thou namest my children, for from the time of their birth none hath looked on their faces, neither Jinn, nor man, nor woman." And Shawahi replied, "Dost thou fear for them from thy sister? Indeed, the Queen would be wroth with thee if thou disobeyed her. And, O my daughter, thou knowest my tenderness and love for thee and thy children. I will take them under my care, so be of cheerful heart and send them her." So she equipped her little sons and clad them in the coats of mail and delivered them to the old woman, who took them and sped on her way like a bird by another road than that the Princess would travel. So she brought them into the Queen's presence, who rejoiced greatly and embraced them, and seated them, one on the right side and the other on the left. Then she bid them summon Hasan. But Shawahi said, "If I bring him wilt thou reunite him with his
