The princess took pity on her, and called her near her, and gave her four loaves, some roast meat, and a ring from her little finger, saying, “having sold this, make jewels [for your daughter] and live comfortably; and come occasionally to see me, the house is yours.”  The old hag having completely gained the object she came in search of, poured heartfelt blessings on the princess, saluted her and trotted off.  She threw away the loaves and meat at the door, but kept the ring snug, saying to herself, “the clue to trace the princess is now in my possession.”  As God wished to preserve us from this calamity, just then the master of the house arrived; he was a brave soldier, mounted on an Arab horse, with a spear in his hand, and a deer hanging by the side of his saddle.  Finding the door of his house open, the lock broken, and the old hag coming out of it, he was enraged, and seized her by the hair and dragged her to the house.  He tied both her feet with a rope, and hung her on the branch of a true with her head down and her feet uppermost; so that in a short time the old devil died in agonies.  The moment I saw the soldier’s looks, I was overcome with such fear that I turned quite pale, and my heart began to tremble with dread.  That brave man seeing us both alarmed, gave us assurances of safety, and added, “You have acted very imprudently; you have done the deed and left the door open.”

The princess, smiling, said, “The prince said it was the house of his slave, and brought me here under a deception.”  The soldier observed, “The prince said truly, for all the people are the slaves and servants of princes; all are reared and fed from their favour and protection.  This slave is yours without purchase; but to conceal secrets is consonant to good sense.  O, prince, you and the princess’s coming to this humble roof, and honouring me with your presence, will be a source of happiness to me in both worlds; and you have thus dignified your slave.  I am ready to sacrifice my life for you; in no way will I withhold either it or my property [from your service]; you may repose here in confidence; there is now no danger.  If this vile bawd had gone away in safety, she would have brought calamity [upon you]; remain here now as long as you please, and let this servant know whatever you require; he will procure it.  What is the king! angels themselves shall have no tidings of your being here.”  The brave fellow spoke such words of comfort, and gave such confidence, that we became more easy in our mind.  Then I spoke, “Well said, you are a brave fellow; when I am able, I will show you the return for this kindness; what is your name?” He answered, “This slave’s name is Bihzad Khan.  In short, for the space of six months, he performed from his heart and soul all the duty required, and we passed our time very comfortably.