ing was spent with all the usual ceremonies and
great rejoicings till midnight, when the grand vizier's son, on a
signal given him by the chief of the princess's eunuchs, slipped away
from the company, and was introduced by that officer into the
princess's apartment, where the nuptial bed was prepared. He went to
bed first, and in a little time after, the sultaness, accompanied by
her own women, and those of the princess, brought the bride, who,
according to the custom of new-married ladies, made great resistance.
The sultaness herself helped to undress her, put her into bed by a
kind of violence: and after having kissed her, and wished her good
night, retired with the women to her own apartments.

No sooner was the door shut, than the genie, as the faithful
slave of the lamp, and punctual in executing the command of those
who possessed it, without giving the bridegroom the least time to
caress his bride, to the great amazement of them both, took up
the bed, and transported it in an instant into Alla ad Deen's
chamber, where he set it down.

Alla ad Deen, who had waited impatiently for this moment, did not
suffer the vizier's son to remain long in bed with the princess. "Take
this new-married man," said he to the genie, "shut him up in the
out-house, and come again tomorrow morning before day-break." The
genie instantly forced the vizier's son out of bed, carried him
whither Alla ad Deen had commanded him; and after he had breathed upon
him, which prevented him stirring, left him there.

Passionate as was Alla ad Deen's love for the princess, he did
not talk much to her when they were alone; but only said with a
respectful air, "Fear nothing, adorable princess, you are here in
safety; for, notwithstanding the violence of my passion, which
your charms have kindled, it shall never exceed the bounds of the
profound adoration I owe you. If I have been forced to come to
this extremity, it is not with any intention of affronting you,
but to prevent an unjust rival's possessing you, contrary to the
sultan your father's promise in favour of myself."

The princess, who knew nothing of these particulars, gave very
little attention to what Alla ad Deen could say. The fright and
amazement of so surprising and unexpected an adventure had
alarmed her so much that he could not get one word from her.
However, he undressed himself, took the bridegroom's place, but
lay with his back to the princess, putting a sabre between
himself