After these instructions I took leave of my benefactress, and her mother, with all the testimonies of the most perfect gratitude, and a sincere protestation never to forget my obligation to them; and then went home.

All things happened as the beautiful and humane enchantress had foretold.  Ameeneh was not long before she came home.  As she entered the court, I met her with the bottle in my hand.  Upon seeing me, she shrieked; and as she turned to run towards the door, I threw the liquor upon her, pronouncing the words which the young lady had taught me, when she was instantly transformed into the mare which your majesty saw me upon yesterday.

At that instant, owing to the surprise she was in, I easily seized her by the mane, and notwithstanding her resistance, led her into the stable, where I put a halter upon her head, and when I had tied her to the rack, reproaching her with her baseness, I chastised her with a whip till I was tired, and have punished her every day since in the manner which your majesty has witnessed.

“I hope, commander of the faithful,” concluded Syed Naomaun, “your majesty will not disapprove of my conduct, but will rather think I have shewn so wicked and pernicious a woman more indulgence than she deserved.”

When the caliph found that Syed Naomaun had ended his story, he said to him, “Your adventure is very singular, and the wickedness of your wife inexcusable; therefore I do not condemn the chastisement you have hitherto given her; but I would have you consider how great a punishment it is to be reduced to the condition of beasts, and wish you would be content with the chastisement you have already inflicted.  I would order you to go and address yourself to the young enchantress, to end the metamorphosis she has inflicted, but that I know the obstinacy and incorrigible cruelty of magicians of both sexes, who abuse their art; which makes me apprehensive that a second effect of your wife’s revenge might be more fatal than the first.”

The caliph, who was naturally mild and compassionate to all criminals, after he had declared his mind to Syed Naomaun, addressed himself to the third person the grand vizier had summoned to attend him.  “Khaujeh Hassan,” said he, “passing yesterday by your house, it seemed so magnificent that I felt a curiosity to know to whom it belonged, and was told that you, whose trade is so mean that a man can scarcely get his bread by it, have built this house after you had followed this trade some years.  I was likewise informed that you make a good use of the riches God has blessed you with, and your neighbours speak well of you.

“All this pleases me well,” added the caliph, “but I am persuaded that the means by which Providence has been pleased to bestow these gifts on you must have been very extraordinary.  I am curious to know the particulars from your own mouth, and sent for you on purpose to have that satisfaction.  Speak truly, that when I know your story, I may rejoice in your good fortune.