e day, if fortune should again smile
upon me, I will be happy to return the favour, and reciprocate your
hospitality."

The Emir replied to this speech in the kindest manner, telling the
youth that he did him a great honour in making him a visit, and that
he hoped he would remain to the end of his days. He further informed
him that he expected that night a number of his friends to favour him
with their company, and, wishing to look after the preparations for
the banquet, he begged his guest to excuse him for a short time.

When the Emir retired, Azgid was left alone with the fair Perizide,
and was struck more than ever with her ravishing beauty. In fact, he
fell deeply in love with her. She, on her part, seemed not insensible
to his merits, and exerted herself to amuse and entertain him. She led
him into the garden, showing him all the rare sights, and bidding him
observe the consummate art with which the shrubbery and trees were
arranged, and the charming green alleys and vistas which opened before
them as they walked along.

They explored the beauties of this fairy scene, seating themselves by
the side of the glittering fountains, and sometimes beneath the dark
shadows of the flowery arbours, through which the rays of a bright
full moon began now to penetrate.

They then returned to the palace, and, approaching, heard the strains
of festive music, and perceived the building illuminated from top to
bottom. They passed through the throngs on the portico, and entered
the house, which was lit up with hundreds of dazzling lustres, and
crowded with guests, all habited in splendid dresses. Perizide led the
youth into the grand saloon, and seated him on one of the purple
divans.

The attendants now served up a splendid supper, brought in on gold and
silver trays, and which consisted of every delicacy that could be
procured. It was made up of many courses, and lasted a considerable
time, and at its conclusion the room was partially cleared, and a
number of dancing girls, of elegant form and richly clad, entered the
apartment, and amused the guests with their graceful movements. Azgid,
observing a lute lying near him, took it up, and, telling the lady how
fond he was of music, begged her to favour him with an air. Perizide
complied with his request very graciously, and commenced playing. The
Prince listened with delight, and was drinking in the soft strains
with rapt attention, when he suddenly heard a loud and very unusu