uite captivated the emperor's heart. Modesty, and fear
lest they might have offended by their conversation, kept them silent.
The emperor, perceiving their confusion, said to encourage them, "Fear
nothing, I did not send for you to distress you; and since I see that
without my intending it, this is the effect of the question I asked, as
I know the wish of each, I will relieve you from your fears. You," added
he, "who wished to be my wife, shall have your desire this day; and
you," continued he, addressing himself to the two elder sisters, "shall
also be married to my chief baker and cook."

As soon as the sultan had declared his pleasure, the youngest sister,
setting her elders an example, threw herself at the emperor's feet to
express her gratitude. "Sir," said she, "my wish, since it is come to
your majesty's knowledge, was expressed only in the way of conversation
and amusement. I am unworthy of the honour you do me, and supplicate
your pardon for my presumption." The other two sisters would have
excused themselves also, but the emperor, interrupting them, said, "No,
no; it shall be as I have declared; the wishes of all shall be
fulfilled." The nuptials were all celebrated that day, as the emperor
had resolved, but in a different manner. The youngest sister's were
solemnized with all the rejoicings usual at the marriages of the
emperors of Persia; and those of the other two sisters according to the
quality and distinction of their husbands; the one as the sultan's chief
baker, and the other as head cook.

The two elder felt strongly the disproportion of their marriages to that
of their younger sister. This consideration made them far from being
content, though they were arrived at the utmost height of their late
wishes, and much beyond their hopes. They gave themselves up to an
excess of jealousy, which not only disturbed their joy, but was the
cause of great trouble and affliction to the queen-consort, their
younger sister. They had not an opportunity to communicate their
thoughts to each other on the preference the emperor had given her, but
were altogether employed in preparing themselves for the celebration of
their marriages. Some days afterward, when they had an opportunity of
seeing each other at the public baths, the eldest said to the other:
"Well, what say you to our sister's great fortune? Is not she a fine
person to be a queen!" "I must own," said the other sister, "I cannot
conceive what charms the empe