[to the end that] I may release my father."

The man indeed made some excuses at first; at length after much
discussion, he agreed [to her request]. Then the _wazir-zadi_ said,
"Make the preparations for the Journey in secrecy and silence, and buy
some articles of trade fit to be presented as offerings to kings, and
procure as many slaves and servants as may be required; but do not let
this circumstance be revealed to any one." The foster father agreed
[to the project], and set about [the necessary] preparations. When
all the materials were got ready, he loaded the camels and mules,
and set out; the _wazir's_ daughter also put on the dress of a man,
and joined him. No one in the house knew anything whatever [of the
departure]. When the morning came, it was mentioned in the _wazir's_
family, that the _wazir-zadi_, had disappeared, and that it was
uncertain where she was gone.

At last, the mother, from fear of scandal, concealed the circumstance
of her daughter's disappearance; and there [on the journey] the
_wazir-zadi_ gave herself out as a "young merchant." Travelling onwards
stage by stage, they arrived at _Naishapur_; and with great pleasure
they went and put up at the _caravan-serai_ and unloaded all their
merchandise. The _wazir-zadi_ I remained there that night; in the
morning she went to the bath; and put on a rich dress, according to the
costume of the inhabitants of _Rum_, and went out to ramble through the
city. Proceeding along, she reached the _chauk,_ and stood where the
four great streets crossed each other; and a jeweller's shop appeared
on one side, where a great deal of jewels were exposed [for sale],
and slaves wearing rich dresses were in waiting, with crossed arms;
and a man, who was their chief, of about fifty years [267] of age,
dressed like rich persons in a short-sleeved jacket, was seated there,
with many elegant companions near him, seated likewise on stools,
and conversing among themselves.

The _wazir-zadi_ (who had represented herself as a merchant's
son, [268]) was greatly surprised at seeing the jeweller; and,
on reflection, she became pleased in her own heart, saying,
"God grant this be no delusion! it is most probable that this
is the very merchant, the anecdote of whom my father mentioned to
the king. O, great God, enlighten me as to his circumstances." It
happened, that on looking around her, she saw a shop, in which two
iron cages were suspended, and two men were confined in th