The jeweller was extremely surprised at what Ebn Thaher told him.  What you say to me, said he, is of so great importance, that I cannot understand how Schemselnihar and the prince have been capable of abandoning themselves to such a violent amour.  What inclination soever they may have for one another, instead of yielding to it, they ought to resist it, and make a better use of their reason.  Is it possible they can be insensible of the dangerous consequences of their correspondence?  How deplorable is their blindness!  I perceive all the consequences of it as well as you; but you are wise and prudent, and I approve your resolution; that is the only way to deliver yourself from the fatal events which you have reason to fear.  The jeweller then rose, and took his leave of Ebn Thaher.

Before the jeweller retired, Ebn Thaher conjured him, by the friendship betwixt them, to speak nothing of this to any person.  Be not afraid, said the jeweller; I will keep this secret on peril of my life.

Two days after, the jeweller went to Ebn Thaher’s shop; and, seeing it shut, doubted not that he had executed the design he had spoken of; but, to be certain, he asked a neighbour if he knew why it was shut?  The neighbour answered, that he knew not, unless Ebn Thaher was gone a journey.  There was no need of his inquiring further, and immediately he thought upon the prince of Persia:  Unhappy prince, said he to himself, what grief will you suffer when you hear this news?  By what means will you now carry on your correspondence with Schemselnihar?  I fear you will die of despair.  I have compassion on you; I must make up the loss that you have of a too timid confident.

The business that obliged him to come abroad was of no consequence, so that he neglected it; and though he did not know the prince of Persia, but only by having sold him some jewels, he went strait to his house, addressed himself to one of his servants, and prayed him to tell his master that he desired to speak with him about business of very great importance.  The servant returned immediately to the jeweller, and introduced him to the chamber of the prince, who was leaning on a sofa, with his head upon a cushion.  As soon as the prince saw him, he rose to receive him, said he was welcome, entreated him to sit down, and asked if he could serve him in any thing, or if he came to tell him any matter concerning himself.  Prince, answered the jeweller, though I have not the honour to be particularly acquainted with you, yet the desire of testifying my zeal has made me take the liberty to come to your house, to impart to you some news that concerns you.  I hope you will pardon my boldness, because of my good intention.