ined to make sure of the
object of it, made use of his absolute authority, and spoke thus to
the conductor of the litter:

"I command you to take the road to Issessara, and to conduct the
daughter of my Grand Vizier to my palace."

The commander of the troop thought it necessary to make some reply to
his Majesty.

"Sire," said he, "your Vizier is your slave as well as we; and
therefore, if we return his daughter to his own palace, she will
continue there in equal subjection to your will."

"But my Vizier has disposed of his daughter without my consent, and I
do not owe him the attention which you propose I should pay him."

"Sire," replied the knight, "your Grand Vizier Asphand has always been
held in the highest estimation, and has had the honour to enjoy the
confidence of your Majesty. One instance of violence exercised against
him may affect his reputation, and cause him to lose, in the opinion
of the public, that credit which it is your interest that he should
enjoy."

"All his credit depends on me, and I do not detract from it by doing
him the honour to marry his daughter."

The oldest, and likewise the best informed of the knights, still
ventured to speak.

"Sire," said he, "precipitation is dangerous; it often draws
repentance after it: your slaves beseech your Majesty to reflect
maturely on this."

"I have reflected already, audacious old man!" replied the Prince in
anger; "what caution should I observe with my slave? Obey."

Being able to restrain his impatience no longer, he himself seized the
bridle of the mules, and directed their steps towards that part of the
forest where he presumed his people would be assembled at the
appointed rendezvous. He soon found himself at the tent which they had
set up, and he ordered all his suite to accompany the Princess in the
litter to his palace. When the retinue was arrived, the King ordered
the chief of his eunuchs to bring the Cadi, who instantly appeared,
and drew up a contract of marriage between Bohetzad and the Princess
Baherjoa, daughter of Asphand the Vizier.

While the King was taken up with the ceremonies of the marriage, the
forty knights returned to the palace of the Grand Vizier, being forced
to abandon the litter, and the Princess whom they were conducting to
Babylon. The minister was confounded at so speedy a return. Having set
out from the city of Issessara, how could they come back so soon from
Babylon? He feared that some extraordinary acc