Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/297

249 enchanter, who took thee and by his sorcery transported the palace with thee to the land of Africa. Yea, this accursed one was his brother and came to this country and wrought these frauds, slaying Fatimeh and donning her clothes and coming hither, so he might take vengeance on me for his brother. Moreover, it was he who taught thee to seek of me a Roc’s egg, so my destruction should ensue thereof; and if thou misdoubt of my word, come and see whom I have slain.” So saying, he did off the Maugrabin’s chin veil and the Lady Bedrulbudour looked and saw a man whose beard covered his face; whereupon she at once knew the truth and said to Alaeddin, “O my beloved, twice have I cast thee into danger of death;” and he said to her, “O Lady Bedrulbudour, thanks to thine eyes, no harm [hath betided me thereof; nay,] I accept with all joy everything that cometh to me through thee.” When the princess heard this, she hastened to embrace him and kissed him, saying, “O my beloved, all this was of my love for thee and I knew not what I did; nor indeed