“I gave for answer, ’To-day, indeed, I am greatly fatigued; to-morrow I will attend her with my life and property; whatever I have by me, I will present as a nazar [to the princess], and whatever pleases her, the same is her majesty’s property.’  Having made this promise, I gave him rosewater and betel, and dismissed him.  I called all the merchants near me, and whatever rarities each had, we collected together, and those of my own I took also, and went in the morning to the door of the royal seraglio.  The door-keeper sent word of my arrival, and orders came to bring me to the presence; the same eunuch came out, and taking my hand in his, he led me along, whilst we talked in friendly converse.  Having passed the apartments of the female attendants of the princess, he conducted me into a noble apartment.  O friend, you will not believe it, but so beautiful was the scene, that you might say the fairies had been let loose there with their wings shorn.  On whatever side I looked, there my sight became transfixed, and my limbs were torn away [from under me]; I supported myself with difficulty, and reached the royal presence.  The moment I cast my eyes upon the princess, I was ready to faint, and my hands and feet trembled.

“I contrived, with some difficulty, to make my salutation.  Beautiful women were standing in rows to the right and left, with their arms folded.  I laid before the princess the various kinds of jewels, fine clothes, and other rich rarities that I had brought with me; from these she selected some, (inasmuch as they were all worthy of choice).  She was greatly pleased, and delivered them to her head-servant, and he said to me, that their prices should be paid the next day, according to the invoice.  I made my obeisance, and was pleased within myself that under this pretext I should have to come again the next day.  When I took my leave and came out, I was speaking and uttering words like those of a maniac.  In this state I came to the serai, but my senses were not right; all my friends began to ask what was the matter with me; I replied, that from going and returning so far, the heat had affected my brain.

“In short, I passed that night in tossing and tumbling [about in my bed].  In the morning, I went again and presented myself [to wait on the princess], and entered the seraglio along with the confidential servant, and saw the same scene I had seen the day before.  The princess received me kindly, and sent every one [present] away, each to his own occupation.  When there became a dispersion of them, she retired to a private apartment, and called me to her.  When I entered, she desired me to sit down; I made her my obeisance, and sat down.  She said, ’As you have come here, and have brought these goods with you, how much profit do you expect on them?’ I replied, ’I had an ardent desire to see your highness, which God hath granted, and now I have got all I wished; I have acquired the prosperity of both worlds.  Whatever prices are marked in the invoice, half is the prime cost, and half profit.’  She replied, ’No, whatever price you have marked down shall be paid; moreover, you shall receive presents besides, on condition that you will do one thing, which I am about to order you.’