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Thou hast entered my house and hast borne with my conditions, for

whoso thwarteth me I turn him away, and whoso is patient hath his

desire." "O mistress mine," said he, "I am thy slave and in the

hollow of thine hand!" "Know, then," continued she, "that Allah

hath made me passionately fond of frolic; and whoso falleth in

with my humour cometh by whatso he wisheth." Then she ordered her

maidens to sing with loud voices till the whole company was

delighted; after which she said to one of them, "Take thy lord,

and do what is needful for him and bring him back to me

forthright." So the damsel took my brother (and he not knowing

what she would do with him); but the old woman overtook him and

said, "Be patient; there remaineth but little to do." At this his

face brightened and he stood up before the lady while the old

woman kept saying, "Be patient; thou wilt now at once win to thy

wish!"; till he said, "Tell me what she would have the maiden do

with me?" "Nothing but good," replied she, "as I am thy

sacrifice!