ces the moon arose, the wind subsided, and the
evening became so serene and inviting, that a resolution was taken to sup
on the spot. Sutlememe, who excelled in dressing a salad, having filled
large bowls of porcelain with eggs of small birds, curds turned with
citron juice, slices of cucumber, and the inmost leaves of delicate
herbs, handed it round from one to another, and gave each their shares in
a large spoon of Cocknos. Gulchenrouz, nestling as usual in the bosom of
Nouronihar, pouted out his vermilion little lips against the offer of
Sutlememe, and would take it only from the hand of his cousin, on whose
mouth he hung like a bee inebriated with the quintessence of flowers.
One of the eunuchs ran to fetch melons, whilst others were employed in
showering down almonds from the branches that overhung this amiable
party.

In the midst of this festive scene there appeared a light on the top of
the highest mountain, which attracted the notice of every eye; this light
was not less bright than the moon when at full, and might have been taken
for her, had it not been that the moon was already risen. The phenomenon
occasioned a general surprise, and no one could conjecture the cause; it
could not be a fire, for the light was clear and bluish, nor had meteors
ever been seen of that magnitude or splendour. This strange light faded
for a moment, and immediately renewed its brightness; it first appeared
motionless at the foot of the rock, whence it darted in an instant to
sparkle in a thicket of palm-trees; from thence it glided along the
torrent, and at last fixed in a glen that was narrow and dark. The
moment it had taken its direction, Gulchenrouz, whose heart always
trembled at anything sudden or rare, drew Nouronihar by the robe, and
anxiously requested her to return to the harem; the women were
importunate in seconding the entreaty, but the curiosity of the Emir's
daughter prevailed; she not only refused to go back, but resolved at all
hazards to pursue the appearance. Whilst they were debating what was
best to be done, the light shot forth so dazzling a blaze, that they all
fled away shrieking; Nouronihar followed them a few steps, but, coming to
the turn of a little bye-path, stopped, and went back alone; as she ran
with an alertness peculiar to herself, it was not long before she came to
the place where they had just been supping. The globe of fire now
appeared stationary in the glen, and burned in majestic still