Page:Sinbad the sailor & other stories from the Arabian nights.djvu/293

 Er-Rashid marvelled greatly at the singer and her song, and wondered in his heart what manner of man was Abu-I-Hasan that he could entertain on so magnificent a scale.

"Tell me, young man," he said, "what is thy name, that on a future occasion I may return thy hospitality?"

And Abu-I-Hasan told him, but added with a smile: "Alas! this night must end our acquaintance, for I have so vowed it." Then he set forth the nature and the cause of his vow, at which Er-Rashid laughed heartily and said, "By Allah! brother; I do not blame thee!"

After this came the slave girls and spread a banquet before them, and they partook of it, Abu-I-Hasan giving the choicest portions to the Khalifeh. When they had finished their repast Abu-I-Hasan brought out his oldest and most fragrant wines, laid the wine-cloth himself, and, having lighted some small lamps and candles, filled a goblet and raised it to the Khalifeh. "Best of boon companions," he said, "away with ceremony! Regard me as thy faithful slave and may I never be compelled to grieve thy loss." With this he drained the goblet, and, still acting the part of the Khalifeh's servant, filled another for his master and handed it to him. This pleased the Khalifeh greatly. He appreciated such delicate attention. He took the goblet and drank, saying within himself, "By Allah! a good return will I make him for this." Abu-I-Hasan continued to wait upon his guest in humble fashion, and the Khalifeh enjoyed his hospitality to the full. If his host had known him to be Er-Rashid himself—which he did not—he could not have entertained him better.

At the hour of midnight the Khalifeh spoke to his host in serious tones. "O, Abu-I-Hasan," said he, "tell me what thing thou dost most desire." 205