n irregular waving
movement, and hanging out its tongue, which induced me to conclude it
had received some injury. I instantly arose, and perceived that it was
pursued by a larger serpent which had hold of its tail, and was
endeavoring to devour it. This perilous situation of the first serpent
excited my pity; and instead of retreating, I took up a stone that
lay near me, and threw it with all my strength at its pursuer, whom I
hit upon the head and killed. The other, finding itself at liberty,
took wing and flew away. I looked after it for some time till it
disappeared. I then sought another shady spot for repose, and fell
asleep.

Judge what was my surprise, when I awoke, to see standing by me a
black woman of lively and agreeable features, who held in her hand two
dogs of the same color, fastened together. I sat up, and asked her who
she was.

"I am," said she, "the serpent whom you lately delivered from my
mortal enemy, and I wish to requite the important services you have
rendered me. These two black dogs are your sisters, whom I have
transformed into this shape. But this punishment will not suffice; and
my will is that you treat them hereafter in the way I shall direct."

As soon as she had thus spoken the fairy took me under one of her
arms, and the two black dogs under the other, and conveyed us to my
house in Bagdad, where I found in my storehouses all the riches with
which my vessel had been laden. Before she left me, she delivered to
me the two dogs, and said, "If you would not be changed into a similar
form, I command you to give each of your sisters every night one
hundred lashes with a rod, as the punishment of the crime they have
committed against yourself and the young prince, whom they have
drowned." I was forced to promise obedience. Since that time I have
whipped them every night, though with regret, whereof your majesty has
been a witness. My tears testify with how much sorrow and reluctance I
perform this painful duty. If there be anything else relating to
myself that you desire to know, my sister Amina will give you full
information in the relation of her story.

* * * * *

After the caliph had heard Zobeide with much astonishment, he desired
his grand vizier to request Amina to acquaint him wherefore her breast
was disfigured with so many scars.

THE HISTORY OF AMINA

Commander of the Faithful, that I may not repeat those things which
your majesty has alr