the Princess Giauhara we 43

 

him, said, ‘Notwithstanding all I told you of the magic queen,
that ought not to give you the least disquiet, since I am generally
beloved throughout the city, and) am not unknown to the queen
herself, who has’ much respect for me; therefore it was singularly
fortunate that you-addressed yourself to me rather than elsewhere.
You are sécure in. my house, where I advise you to continue, if
you think fit; and provided you do not stray from hence, I dare
assure you you will have no just cause to complain; so that. you:
are under no sort of constraint whatsoever.’

King Beder thanked the old man for his kind tention, and.
the. protection he was pleased - so readily to afford him. - He sat
down-at the entrance of the shop, where he no Sooner appeared’
than his youth and handsome looks drew the eyes of all that passed
that: way. Many stopped and complimented the old man on his
having acquired. so fine a slave, as they imagined the king to be;
and they were the more surprised, because they could ‘not eens
prehend how - so*-beautiful’ a -youth could escape the. queen’s..
knowledge. ‘Believe not,’ said the old man, ‘that this is a slave ;
you all know that I am not rich enough. He is my nephew, son:
of a brother of mine that is dead; and as al had’ no ee of

_my own, I sent for him to.keep me company.’

They congratulated his good fortune in having so fine a young
man for his relation; but could: not help telling him they feared
the queen would take him from him. ‘You know her well, said.
they, ‘and you cannot be ignorant of the danger to which you are
exposed, after all the examples you have seen.. How grieved
would you be if she: should sérve, him as she has done so > many
others that we know of!” - :

‘I am obliged to you,’ replied the old man, ‘for your good:
will towards me, and I heartily thank you for your care ; but I shall
never entertain the léast thought that the queen will do me any.
injury, after all the kindness she has- professed for..me.- In- case: