elebrated the next day, and all
people were invited to assemble before the palace and to feast there.
In his palace he pointed out to Jussuf a wing, in the apartments of
which he for the future should dwell with his wife.

But the Princess said, "I will inhabit the apartments which I formerly
dwelt in in this palace; for I only consider myself as his betrothed,
till an imam of the religion which we both profess has pronounced over
us the marriage blessing."

The King did not oppose her, but said, "You may command all as it
pleases you. Since yesterday, I have discovered that you possess more
knowledge and wisdom than the rest of mankind."

The betrothal was celebrated with great splendour. The King, according
to his former oath, showed Jussuf all honour, carried him to his
different country seats, pointed out to him his gardens and lands,
prepared many feasts, and did all to make his residence in his Court
agreeable. The Princess accompanied them everywhere, and helped not a
little to render these short journeys pleasing and satisfactory. She
watched with great care for the convenience of her future husband, and
sought to fulfil even his smallest wish before he had spoken it; so
that Jussuf was often astonished, and said to himself, "She must read
my thoughts before they arise." He felt that he was happy in
everything except in her having a black complexion. One day they all
went together to a beautiful neighbouring hunting-seat, in the
environs of which a grand hunt was held. The Princess Haschanascha
took part in it. She rode on a tame elephant, over whose back was
thrown a cloth embroidered with gold. On the middle of its back a
couch was skilfully fastened, and over this a canopy was raised on
four slender pillars of gold. Jussuf remained generally near her
during the hunt. He rode on a beautiful horse of the most noble race,
which the King had sent him from his stable. Whenever he saw a curious
bird or a wild beast, he aimed so well that the animal always fell
pierced by his arrow. In the evening when they returned to the palace
from the wood, Jussuf wished to remain there some days away from the
bustle of the Court, and the King granted this wish. He left behind
some servants to wait on him, and returned with his daughter to the
capital.

At parting, Haschanascha appeared very sad, and Jussuf perceived tears
in her eyes.

"I know," said she, "this stay will be unfortunate for me; you will
forget me: even th