anting in sense, is young, foolish, and
headstrong, and I charge you to keep him at a distance."

The Persian thanked him for his advice, and promised to profit by it.

Noureddin--for so the vizir's son was named--went freely in and out of
his mother's apartments. He was young, well-made and agreeable, and
had the gift of charming all with whom he came in contact. As soon as
he saw the beautiful Persian, though aware that she was destined for
the king, he let himself be carried away by her charms, and determined
at once to use every means in his power to retain her for himself. The
Persian was equally captivated by Noureddin, and said to herself: "The
vizir does me too great honour in buying me for the king. I should
esteem myself very happy if he would give me to his son."

Noureddin availed himself of every opportunity to gaze upon her beauty,
to talk and laugh with her, and never would have left her side if his
mother had not forced him.

Some time having elapsed, on account of the long journey, since the
beautiful Persian had been to the bath, five or six days after her
purchase the vizir's wife gave orders that the bath should be heated
for her, and that her own female slaves should attend her there, and
after-wards should array her in a magnificent dress that had been
prepared for her.

Her toilet completed, the beautiful Persian came to present herself to
the vizir's wife, who hardly recognised her, so greatly was her beauty
increased. Kissing her hand, the beautiful slave said: "Madam, I do
not know how you find me in this dress that you have had prepared for
me; your women assure me that it suits me so well that they hardly knew
me. If it is the truth they tell me, and not flattery, it is to you I
owe the transformation."

"My daughter," answered the vizir's wife, "they do not flatter you. I
myself hardly recognised you. The improvement is not due to the dress
alone, but largely to the beautifying effects of the bath. I am so
struck by its results, that I would try it on myself."

Acting forthwith on this decision she ordered two little slaves during
her absence to watch over the beautiful Persian, and not to allow
Noureddin to enter should he come.

She had no sooner gone than he arrived, and not finding his mother in
her apartment, would have sought her in that of the Persian. The two
little slaves barred the entrance, saying that his mother had given
orders that he was not to be admitted.