Though the prince of Persia slept, he had troublesome dreams, which represented Schemselnihar in a swoon at the caliph’s feet, and increased his affliction.  Ebn Thaher was very impatient to be at home, and doubted not but his family were in great trouble, because he never used to lie abroad.  He rose and deported early in the morning, after taking leave of his friend, who rose at break of day to say his prayers.  At last he came home; and the prince of Persia, who had walked so far with much trouble, lay down upon a sofa, as weary as if he had travelled a long journey Not being in a condition to go home, Ebn Thaher ordered a chamber to be got ready for him, and sent to acquaint his friends with his condition, and where he was.  In the mean time he begged him to compose himself, to command in his house, and order things as he pleased.  I thank you hcartily for these obliging offers, said the prince of Persia; but, that I may not be any way troublesome to you, I conjure you to deal with me as if I were not at your house.  I would not stay one moment, if I thought my presence would incommode you in the least.

As soon as Ebn Thaher had time to recollect himself, he told his family all that had passed at Schemselnihar’s palace, and concluded by thanking God, who had delivered him from the danger he was in.  The prince of Persia’s principal domestics came to receive his orders at Ebn Thaher’s house, and in a little time several of his friends who had notice of his indisposition arrived.  Those friends passed the greater part of the day with him; and, though their conversation could not dissipate those sad ideas which were the cause of his trouble, yet it gave him some relief.  He would have taken his leave of Ebn Thaher towards the evening; but this faithful friend found him still so weak, that he obliged him to stay till next day, and in the mean time, to divert him, gave him a concert of vocal and instrumental music in the evening; but this concert served only to put him in mind of the preceding night, and renewed his trouble, instead of assuaging it; so that next day his distemper seempd to increase.  Upon this, Ebn Thaher did not oppose his going home, but took care to accompany him thither; and, when alone with him in his chamber, he represented to him all those arguments which might influence him to a generous endeavour to overcome that passion, which in the end would neither prove lucky to himself nor to the favourite.  Ah, dear Ebn Thaher! cried the prince, how easy is it for you to give this advice, but how hard is it for me to follow it!  I am sensible of its importance, but am not able to profit by it, I have said already, that I shall carry with me to the grave the love that I bear to Schemselnihar.  When Ebn Thaher saw that lie could not prevail on the prince, he took his leave of him, and would have retired.