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If I am delayed much longer, I know not how to come at her." Then

said I aloud, "Be quick and stint this talk and impertinence, for

I have to go to a party at the house of some of my intimates."

When he heard me speak of the party, he said, "This thy day is a

blessed day for me! In very sooth it was but yesterday I invited

a company of my friends and I have forgotten to provide anything

for them to eat. This very moment I was thinking of it: Alas, how

I shall be disgraced in their eyes!" "Be not distressed about

this matter," answered I; "have I not told thee that I am bidden

to an entertainment this day? So every thing in my house, eatable

and drinkable, shall be thine, if thou wilt only get through thy

work and make haste to shave my head." He replied, "Allah requite

thee with good!