floor was raised two feet and on this raised part she
took a seat in the centre and near the front, with all her suitors on
her right seated on the lower floor and facing her.

"The first suitor that had a hearing was a rich merchant. He said to
her, 'Dearest lady, I have heard much of thee and it now does my eyes
good to behold thee in all thy beauty. I am glad you have consented to
give me the opportunity of telling you what I have to offer you to
become my bride. I am a rich merchant and have a palatial home on the
borders of a beautiful lake. Inside my home is a collection of the
riches and products of skill from all lands that I have traded in. I
have gold and ivory, laces, shawls, silks, fancy wares, rugs, mattings,
spices and perfumes; and I have brought with me some as an offering to
you' (and here he ordered his servants to bring the presents in and
display them before her). 'Be my bride, most gracious lady, and the
wealth from all lands shall be thine.'

"The lady smiled on him and told him to take a seat on her left and have
his servants remove the presents.

"The next that appeared before the lady was a great warrior.

"He said, 'Lovely lady, I am a great warrior. I have led to battle large
armies, and have always been victorious. I have met hand to hand
captains and generals, and have slain them with one blow from my sword'
(and here he drew it out of its sheath and showed it to her. It was a
fine piece of skilled workmanship). 'Should you become my bride no harm
shall ever befall you, no enemy shall come nigh you, and no serpent or
wild beast shall hurt you; for I have killed all kinds of animals and
reptiles. Most lovely one, if thou wilt become my bride, all my soldiers
shall obey thy word, and I will be thy true protector.'

"With a smile she motioned him to a place on her left.

"The next that appeared as her suitor, said, 'Dear lady, I have a
beautiful home and all it needs is thee, and shouldst thou see fit to
become my bride, you will be a happy and a joyous mother, and in the
love of each other, and in our home, and in our children, will our
happiness be found. Dearest lady, become my bride and thou shalt be the
head of the happiest home in the land.'

"She smiled and motioned him to a seat on her left.

"The next suitor that came forward was attired in rich cloth trimmed
with lace and gold.

"He said, 'Most charming lady, I am a Prince, and if thou wilt become my
bride, I will make thee