SIDI NOUMAN. 389

vessel full of water, into which she dipped her hand, and throw-
ing some of the water on me, she said, “If you were born a dog,
remain a dog ; but if you were born a man, resume the figure of
a man, by virtue of this water.” At that moment, the enchant-
ment was broken ; I lost the form of a dog, and saw myself once
more a man.

Penetrated with gratitude for an obligation of such magni-
tude, 1 threw myself at the feet of the young lady; and after
having kissed the hem of her garment, “ My dear deliverer,” I
cried, “I feel so strongly the excess of your goodness towards
an unknown person, that I conjure you to tell me what I can
do to shew the extent of my gratitude.”

Then, after having told her who I was, I gave an account ot
my marriage with Aminé ; of my compliance, and my patience
in supporting her ill-humour ; and of all the extraordinary indig-
nity with which she had treated me.

“Sidi Nouman,” said the daughter, “I knew Aminé before her
marriage ; and as 1 knew she was a magician, she also was not
ignorant that I had some knowledge of the same art. I am
not surprised at her wickedness. But to return to what im-
mediately concerns you. What I have just done for you is not
sufficient ; I will finish what I have begun. You must punish
her as she deserves, by returning home, and resuming the autho-
rity that belongs to you.

My deliverer went into a closet, from which she returned with
a little bottle in her hand. “Sidi Nouman,” said she, “my
books, which I have just been consulting, inform me that Aminé
is not at this moment at home, but will be there presently.
Return, then, to your house without loss of time with this little
bottle, and wait in your chamber till Aminé returns. When she
comes back, go down into the court and present yourself to her.
Her surprise will be so great at seeing you again, contrary to
her expectation, that she will turn her back to fly from you:
then throw some of this water upon her, which you will hold
ready for that purpose, and in throwing it, pronounce these
words boldly—Receive the punishment of thy wickedness.’”

I returned to my house, and everything passed exactly as the
young enchantress had foretold. It was not long before Aminé
appeared. As she advanced, I presented myself to her with the
water in my hand, ready to throw upon her. She gave a shriek.