Page:Tales from the Arabic, Vol 2.djvu/118

98 she had stripped him of that he had on. Then she threw away the gown she had taken from off him and arising forthright, washed his body of that which was thereon of filth and scented him with somewhat of perfume. Moreover, she bought him chickens and made him broth; so he ate and his life returned to him and he abode with her on the most solaceful of life till the morrow.

Next morning, the old woman said to him, ‘When the lady cometh to thee, do thou arise and kiss her hand and say to her, “I am a strange man and indeed cold and hunger slay me;” so haply she may give thee somewhat that thou mayst expend upon thy case.’ And he answered, ‘Hearkening and obedience.’ Then she took him by the hand and carrying him without her house, seated him at the door. As he sat, behold, the lady came up to him, whereupon the old woman rose to her and Selim kissed her hand and offered up prayers for her. Then he looked on her and when he saw her, he knew her for his wife; so he cried out and wept and groaned and lamented; whereupon she came up to him and cast herself upon him; for indeed she knew him with all knowledge, even as he knew her. So she laid hold of him and embraced him and called to her serving-men and attendants and those who were about her; and they took him up and carried him forth of that place.

When the old woman saw this, she cried out to the cook from within the house, and he said to her, ‘Go before me.’ So she forewent him and he ran after her till he [overtook the party and] catching hold of Selim,