THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. 5

The sultan was much astonished at the sacrifice of the grand
vizier. “Is it possible,” said he, “that yon can give up your
own child?” “Sire,” replied the vizier, “she has herself made
the offer. The dreadful fate that hangs over her does not alarm
her ; and she prefers, even to her existence, the honour of being
the consort of your majesty, even for so brief a period.” “Vizier,”
said the sultan, “do not deceive yourself with any hopes ; for
be assured, that in delivering Scheherazadé into your charge
to-morrow, it will be with an order for her death; and if you
disobey, your own head will be the forfeit.” “ Although,” an-
swered the vizier, “my heart will be distracted at fulfilling your
majesty’s commands, it is of no avail for human nature to
lament; although I am her father, I will answer for my fidelity.”
Schahriar then accepted his minister’s offer, and informed him
he would marry his daughter when he pleased.

When the grand vizier carried this intelligence to Schehera-
zadé, she seemed as much rejoiced as if it had been of the most
pleasant character: she thanked her father for obliging her so
greatly ; and observing him to be much afflicted, she consoled
him by saying, that she hoped he would be so far from repent-
ing her marriage with the sultan, that it would become a subject
of joy to him for the remainder of his life.

She now occupied herself with the manner in which she
should appear before the sultan; but before she went to the
palace, she called her sister, Dinarzadeé, aside, and said, “I am in
great want of your assistance, my dear sister, in a very important
affair ; and I hope you will not refuse me. My father is going
to conduct me to the palace to be: married to the sultan. Do not
let this news alarm you, but attend rather to what I say. As
soon as I shall have presented myself before the sultan, I shall
entreat him to suffer you to sleep in a chamber close to ours. If
I obtain this favour, as I expect, remember to awaken me to-
morrow morning an hour before daybreak, and address some
such words as these to me :—‘ If you are not asleep, my sister, |
beg of you, till the morning appears, to recount to me one of
those delightful stories you know. I will immediately begin to
tell one; and I flatter myself that by these means I shall free
the kingdom from the consternation in which it is thrown by
the cruel resolution of the sultan.” Dinarzadé promised to do
with pleasure what she required.