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When the grand vizier returned to Schehera-zade, she thanked her father; and observing him to be much afflicted, consoled him by saying that she hoped he would be so far from repenting her marriage with the sultan that it would become a subject of joy to him for the remainder of his life.
The man obeyed; and the ass was obliged to drag the plow the whole day, which tired him the more because he was unaccustomed to it; besides which, he was so beaten that he could scarcely support himself when he came back, and fell down in his stall half dead. Here the grand vizier said to Schehera-zade: "You are, my child, just like this ass, and would expose yourself to destruction."
At length the vizier, overcome by his daughter's firmness, yielded to her entreaties; and although he was very sorry at not being able to conquer her resolution, he immediately went to Schah-riar, and announced to him that Schehera-zade herself would be his bride on the following night. The sultan was much astonished at the sacrifice of the grand vizier.
"Sir," replied Schehera-zade, "the example which you have brought does not alter my resolution, and I shall not cease importuning you till I have obtained from you the favor of presenting me to the sultan as his consort."
"Sire," answered Schehera-zade, "I have a sister whom I tenderly love I earnestly wish that she might be permitted to pass the night in this apartment, that we may again see each other, and once more take a tender farewell. Will you allow me the consolation of giving her this last proof of my affection?" Schah-riar having agreed to it, they sent for Dinar-zade, who came directly.
The sultan passed the night with Schehera-zade on an elevated couch, as was the custom among the eastern monarchs, and Dinar-zade slept at the foot of it on a mattress prepared for the purpose. Dinar-zade, having awakened about an hour before day, did what her sister had ordered her.
"My dear sister," she said, "if you are not asleep, I entreat you, as it will soon be light, to relate to me one of those delightful tales you know. It will, alas, be the last time I shall receive that pleasure." Instead of returning any answer to her sister, Schehera-zade addressed these words to the sultan: "Will your majesty permit me to indulge my sister in her request?" "Freely," replied he.
Schehera-zade was possessed of a remarkable degree of courage. She had read much, and had so good a memory that she never forgot anything she had once read or heard. Her beauty was equaled only by her virtuous disposition. The vizier was passionately fond of her. One day as they were talking together, she made the astonishing request that she might have the honor of becoming the sultan's bride.
Schehera-zade, at this instant perceiving it was day, and knowing that the sultan rose early to his prayers, and then to hold a council, broke off. The first is the confession, 'There is no God but the true God, and Mohammed is his prophet. Under this are comprehended six distinct tenets, 1. Belief in God; 2. In His anger; 3. In His scriptures; 4. In His prophets; 5.
Schehera-zade immediately went on as follows: When the merchant, sire, perceived that the genie was about to execute his purpose, he cried aloud: "One word more, I entreat you; have the goodness to grant me a little delay; give me only one year to go and take leave of my dear wife and children, and I promise to return to this spot, and submit myself entirely to your pleasure."
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