his slave is; and, if you got such a treasure for a
thousand ducats, be assured you were a most fortunate man. I swear to
you that she can read the Koran in seven different methods--that she
excels equally in seven different styles of penmanship--that she
embroiders to admiration in silk, in silver, and in gold--and that you
will soon get your money out of her, if it were but by the sale of her
works in the market-place."

The crier also put in his word. "O sir," quoth he to Alischar, "it is
obvious that Providence has an especial kindness for you: she is a
pearl and a jewel. You are about to be the happiest of men."

Alischar could not help smiling when he heard all this.

"How!" said he to himself, "last night I went supperless to bed, and
yet these people all fancy I am in a condition to pay a thousand
ducats for a dark-eyed slave!"

He shook his head, for he would fain escape the pain of saying openly
that he was too poor to think of such a purchase.

"Quick," said the beautiful slave, "let me speak to the young man
myself: I must talk to him a little in private, for I am determined
that he, and he only, shall buy me."

The crier took her by the hand, and, leading her to Alischar, retired
a few paces to allow them opportunity of conversation.

"Amiable young man!" whispered she to the youth, "will you not buy
me?"

Alischar shook his head sorrowfully.

"Aha!" said she, "I have it. Perhaps you think I am too dear? Will you
give nine hundred ducats for me?"

"No."

"Eight hundred?"

"No."

"Seven hundred?"

"No, no."

And in this way she came down to one hundred ducats, receiving always
the same melancholy monosyllable in reply.

"I have not a hundred ducats in the world," said Alischar, and a deep
sigh came from his breast.

"Perhaps you could give ninety--eighty--seventy?"

At last he could not help himself, and whispered in her ear,--"Angel
of light!" said he, "I have neither gold nor silver, not to talk of
ducats; I have not a penny in the world: you must find another
purchaser."

"Do what I bid you," answers she. "Take hold of my hand, and kiss me
on the side of the cheek, for that is the signal of the bargain being
completed."

Alischar, scarcely conscious of his proceedings, obeyed the girl. The
instant afterwards she drew a purse from her bosom, and said, "Take
that, my love; you will find a thousand ducats in it: pay nine hundred
to my master for me, and lead your new slave home w