ZEYN ALASNAM AND THE KING OF THE GENII. 325

scribe. Her father, who was formerly vizier, has long since
quitted the court; he has for many years been living in a very
retired situation, where he has wholly devoted himself to the
education of his daughter. I will, if you approve, wait upon him
on your behalf; he will, I have no doubt, be delighted to have
a son-in-law of your birth and elevated rank.” At the prince’s
wish, Muezin conducted him to the vizier’s house, who was no
sooner informed of the birth of Zeyn than he gave orders that his
daughter should appear, whom he commanded to remove her
veil. Never had the young king of Balsora beheld so perfect
and captivating a beauty. When at length he became suffici-
ently master of himself to make the important trial whether she
was as good as fair, he drew forth his mirror, the polished surface
of which remained pure and unsullied.

Having at last discovered a damsel such as he sought, he
begged of the vizier to grant her tohim. A cadi was immedi-
ately sent for, and a marriage-contract prepared, after which
Zeyn attended the vizier to his house, where he entertained him
very magnificently. When all the company had retired, Mo-
barec said to his master, “ Let us depart, sir ; remember the
* promise you made to the king of the genii.” “ Let us be off this
instant,” replied the prince. “I am determined most faithfully
to fulfil my engagement ; I will, however, confess to you, my
dear Mobarec, that in obeying the king of the genii, I dono
small violence to my inclination. The person whom I have just
married is very amiable; and I feel strongly inclined to convey
her immediately to Balsora, and place her on my throne.”

Mobarec ordered preparations to be made for their departure.
They returned to Cairo, and from thence took the route to the
island of the king of the genii. When they were arrived there,
the lady, who had travelled all the way in a litter, and had
never seen the prince from the day of their marriage, inquired
of Mobarec in what place they then were. “Shall we not,”
said she, “soon arrive at the dominions of the prince, my hus-
band?” “Madam,” replied Mobarec, “it is time to undeceive
you. Prince Zeyn has had no other view in marrying you than
to draw you from the bosom of your father. It is not to make
you sovereign of Balsora that he has pledged his faith to you ;
his intention is to deliver you to the king of the genii, to attend
on his queen.” At these words, the lady began to weep bitterly,