122 ot Prince Camaralzaman and

—oi-

 

your princess, and I will pay it if yOuk princess is more Beautital
than my prince’

Danhasch left Maimoune, and flew towards China, whence he
soon returned with incredible speed, bringing the fair princess
along with him, asleep. Maimoune received him, and introduced him
into the tower of Prince Camaralzaman, where they placed the
princess still asleep.

At once there arose a great contest between the genie and the
fairy about their respective beauty. They were some time admiring
-and comparing them without speaking : at length Danhasch broke
silence, and said to Maimoune, “You see, as I have already told -
you, my princess is handsomer than your prince; now, I hope,
you are convinced of it? :

“Convinced of it!’ replied Maimoune; ‘I am not convinced:
of it, and you must be blind if you cannot.see that my prince is far
handsomer. The princess is fair, I do not deny ; but if you compare
them together without prejudice, you will quickly see the difference.’

‘Though I should compare them ever so often,’ said Danhasch, ‘I.

could never change my opinion. I saw at first sight what I see now,
and time will not make me see differently : however, this shall not
hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if you desire it.’
_ ‘Y¥ield to meas a favour? I scorn it, said Maimoune:: ‘I would
not receive a favour at the hand of such a wicked genie; JI, refer
the matter to an umpire, _and if vee will not consent I shall win
by your refusal.’ : ‘

_Danhasch no sooner gave his consent “than Maimoune stamped
with her foot; the earth opened, and out came a hideous, hump:
backed, squinting, and lame genie, with six horns on his head, and |
claws on his hands and feet. As soon as he had come forth, and the
earth had closed up, he, perceiving Maimoune, cast himself at her
feet, and then rising up on one knee. aonsd Aer what ‘she would
please to do with him.