Page:Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp.djvu/75

33 city.” “Thou sayst sooth, O Mubarek,” rejoined the prince; “but how shall we set about the matter and how shall we do to come by a girl like this and who shall go seeking her for us?” “O my lord,” replied Mubarek, “concern not thyself for that, for I have with me here an old woman (upon her, [to speak] figuratively, be the malediction [of God] ) who is a mistress of wiles and craft and guile and not to be baulked by any hindrance, however great.” Then he sent to fetch the old woman and telling her that he wanted a damsel fifteen years old and fair exceedingly, so he might marry her to the son of his lord, promised her largesse galore, an she did her utmost endeavour in the matter; whereupon, “O my lord,” answered she, “be easy; I will accomplish unto thee thy desire beyond thy wish; for that under my hand are damsels

Rh