ar from me the person at whom I was offended. She even
ventured to add blows to her reproofs; and, in the blindness of my
fury, I unfortunately struck her. When my father arrived, he was not
more prudent, and I was at length put in chains. I recollect that,
having put my hand across my mouth, it was covered with foam. In
short, I lost my recollection, and only recovered it to behold myself
an inhabitant of this mournful abode. I then learned that I was kept
here by order of Giafar, the Grand Vizier.

"Many months have now elapsed since I groaned a miserable captive in
this place. I have now recovered soundness of mind, in consequence of
the solitude, but more especially the opportunity of indulging my
unfortunate passion, which I here enjoy without hearing the person
whom I will ever love loaded with imprecations.

"Here, O respectable dervish! I am swayed by sadness, and not by
passion, and can discover in myself nothing for which I ought to be
detained in this hospital. My friends, it would appear, have forgotten
me; but it is the duty of the Grand Vizier, whose orders are here
followed, to inspect this place, and endeavour to bring back to me my
parents, since I only offended by one fit of madness, and have now
sufficiently recovered my reason to regulate my conduct. This,
venerable dervish, is the whole of my history. All my consolation is
the Koran, and the hope that some time or other the Commander of the
Faithful, who wishes to see everything himself, will direct his steps
towards this mournful abode. I ask this from Allah a hundred times a
day; but, alas! my supplications have never reached his throne."

"Cease not to pray, my dear son," replied the Caliph: "you will soon
know the efficacy thereof, and your request will be heard."

After these words of consolation, Haroun returned with Giafar and
Mesrour to the palace.

"What think you," said the Prince to the companions of his adventures,
"of the story which has now been related? You were at hand, and must
have heard everything which was spoken."

"I think," said Giafar, "that this young man, of whom I never heard
before, though he accuses me of being the cause of his misfortunes,
has been employing his invention to relate to you a collection of
dreams or falsehoods."

"It is impossible that everything can be false in his relation,"
replied the Caliph; "and I command you to think on the means of
ascertaining the truth. To-morrow I expect to hear from yo