Mesrour failed not to do as the caliph had commanded, and as soon as the caliph went into the room where Abou Hassan lay, he placed himself in a little raised closet, from whence he could see all that passed.  All the officers and ladies, who were to attend Abou Hassan’s levee, went in at the same time, and took their posts according to their rank, ready to acquit themselves of their respective duties, as if the caliph himself had been going to rise.

As it was just day-break, and time to prepare for the morning prayer before sun rise, the officer who stood nearest to the head of the bed put a sponge steeped in vinegar to Abou Hassan’s nose, who immediately turning his head about, without opening his eyes, discharged a kind of phlegm, which was received in a little golden basin before it fell on the carpet.  This was the usual effect of the caliph’s powder, the sleep lasting longer or shorter, in proportion to the dose.  When Abou Hassan laid down his head on the bolster, he opened his eyes; and by the dawning light that appeared, found himself in a large room, magnificently furnished, the ceiling of which was finely painted in Arabesque, adorned with vases of gold and silver, and the floor covered with a rich silk tapestry.  He saw himself surrounded by many young and handsome ladies, many of them having instruments of music in their hands, and black eunuchs richly clothed, all standing with great modesty and respect.  After casting his eyes on the covering of the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold richly embossed with pearl and diamonds; and near the bed lay, on a cushion, a habit of tissue embroidered with jewels, with a caliph’s turban.

At the sight of these glittering objects, Abou Hassan was in the most inexpressible amazement, and looked upon all he saw as a dream; yet a dream he wished it not to be.  “So,” said he to himself, “I am caliph; but,” added he, recollecting himself, “it is only a dream, the effect of the wish I entertained my guest with last night ;” and then he turned himself about and shut his eyes to sleep.  At the same time the eunuch said very respectfully, “Commander of the faithful, it is time for your majesty to rise to prayers, the morning begins to advance.”

These words very much surprised Abou Hassan.  “Am I awake, or do I sleep?” said he to himself.  “Ah, certainly I am asleep!” continued he, keeping his eyes shut; “there is no reason to doubt of it.”

Immediately the eunuch, who saw he had no inclination to get up, said again, “Your majesty must permit me to repeat once more that it is time to rise to morning prayer, unless you choose to let it pass; the sun is just rising, and you never neglect this duty.”  “I am mistaken,” said Abou Hassan immediately, “I am not asleep, but awake; for those who sleep do not hear, and I hear somebody speak to me;” then opening his eyes again, he saw plainly by broad day-light, what he had seen but indistinctly before; and started up, with a smiling countenance, like a man overjoyed at sudden promotion.  The caliph, from his recess, penetrated his thoughts with great delight.