Then, in order to explain how I came to be changed into a dog, I told her my whole story, and finished with rendering the mother the thanks due to her for the happiness she had brought me.

“Sidi-Nouman,” returned the daughter, “say no more about the obligation you are under to us.  The knowledge that we have been of service to you is ample payment.  Let us speak of Amina, your wife, with whom I was acquainted before her marriage.  I was aware that she was a magician, and she knew too that I had studied the same art, under the same mistress.  We met often going to the same baths, but we did not like each other, and never sought to become friends.  As to what concerns you, it is not enough to have broken your spell, she must be punished for her wickedness.  Remain for a moment with my mother, I beg,” she added hastily, “I will return shortly.”

Left alone with the mother, I again expressed the gratitude I felt, to her as well as to her daughter.

“My daughter,” she answered, “is, as you see, as accomplished a magician as Amina herself, but you would be astonished at the amount of good she does by her knowledge.  That is why I have never interfered, otherwise I should have put a stop to it long ago.”  As she spoke, her daughter entered with a small bottle in her hand.

“Sidi-Nouman,” she said, “the books I have just consulted tell me that Amina is not home at present, but she should return at any moment.  I have likewise found out by their means, that she pretends before the servants great uneasiness as to your absence.  She has circulated a story that, while at dinner with her, you remembered some important business that had to be done at once, and left the house without shutting the door.  By this means a dog had strayed in, which she was forced to get rid of by a stick.  Go home then without delay, and await Amina’s return in your room.  When she comes in, go down to meet her, and in her surprise, she will try to run away.  Then have this bottle ready, and dash the water it contains over her, saying boldly, “Receive the reward of your crimes.”  That is all I have to tell you.”

Everything happened exactly as the young magician had foretold.  I had not been in my house many minutes before Amina returned, and as she approached I stepped in front of her, with the water in my hand.  She gave one loud cry, and turned to the door, but she was too late.  I had already dashed the water in her face and spoken the magic words.  Amina disappeared, and in her place stood the horse you saw me beating yesterday.

This, Commander of the Faithful, is my story, and may I venture to hope that, now you have heard the reason of my conduct, your Highness will not think this wicked woman too harshly treated?

“Sidi-Nouman,” replied the Caliph, “your story is indeed a strange one, and there is no excuse to be offered for your wife.  But, without condemning your treatment of her, I wish you to reflect how much she must suffer from being changed into an animal, and I hope you will let that punishment be enough.  I do not order you to insist upon the young magician finding the means to restore your wife to her human shape, because I know that when once women such as she begin to work evil they never leave off, and I should only bring down on your head a vengeance far worse than the one you have undergone already.”