at Jussuf, and the King also gazed at
him full of astonishment. Meantime the Princess drew near, and he
followed her close. When he had said some words to her, she asked
Jussuf,

"My King and foster-father asks who taught you the name Haschanascha?"

Jussuf knew that he ought not to betray the faithful slave, and yet he
wished to confess the truth. He said, therefore,

"Before I knew that it was the name of a human being, my old teacher,
Modibjah, taught me, whatever difficulties and dangers befell me, to
pronounce the word Haschanascha. It has always been a defence to me
whenever I have pronounced it. May it this time also procure me
assistance!"

"You have named to me a very dear name," answered the Princess; "and
it is a sign that you are he whom I must release from being
sacrificed. But there is only one way--you must be my husband. This is
the command of a higher being whom you must obey. Examine, if you
will not thus purchase life and liberty at too dear a price. Without
the fulfilling of this condition, I cannot deliver you. I give you
time for consideration. When I return from the garden, let me know
your determination."

She pronounced these words in a loud, earnest tone, and then turned
with her father into the garden. The train of slaves accompanied them.
Jussuf gave himself up to deep thought.

"I had selected a different one for my future bride; I would not take
many wives, according to our customs, but only one companion for life,
who was my playfellow, whom I have sought for, and for whose sake I
have encountered these dangers. If I take this black Princess for my
wife, it will only be from love of life, that I may be freed from
prison. Then I must leave my old playfellow."

He thus meditated for some time, and at last resolved of the two evils
to choose the lesser. When the Princess returned from the garden, he
called her by name, and she approached with her father, and asked him,
with an earnest mien and firm tone, what resolution he had adopted.

"How could I remain a moment in doubt?" answered he. "You, dearest
Princess, will condescend to a poor unknown, and become my wife. You
are the sun of my life. Without you life is worth nothing."

At these words she broke out into a hearty laugh. When she had
finished laughing, she said, "Ah! I see you are like all men--a
hypocrite and a jester. Much truth is in your jesting words. I am the
sun of your life! Without me life would be worth nothing!