صفحة 755 من 1116

I rejoiced to see them, and lighted the candles after receiving

them with gladness and delight. They doffed their heavy outer

dresses and the new damsel uncovered her face when I saw that she

was like the moon at its full never beheld I aught more

beautiful. Then I rose and set meat and drink before them, and we

ate and drank; and I kept giving mouthfuls to the new comer,

crowning her cup and drinking with her till the first damsel,

waxing inwardly jealous, asked me, "By Allah, is she not more

delicious than I?"; whereto I answered, "Ay, by the Lord!" "It is

my wish that thou lie with her this night; for I am thy mistress

but she is our visitor. Upon my head be it, and my eyes." Then

she rose and spread the carpets for our bed[FN#589] and I took

the young lady and lay with her that night till morning, when I

awoke and found myself wet, as I thought, with sweat.