पृष्ठ 773 / 1116

Presently in came an old woman who looked at me and saw with a

glance what was the matter with me: so she sat down by my head

and spoke me fair, saying, "O my son, tell me all about it and I

will be the means of thy union with her."[FN#604] So I related to

her what had happened and she answered, "O my son, this one is

the daughter of the Kazi of Baghdad who keepeth her in the

closest seclusion; and the window where thou sawest her is her

floor, whilst her father occupies the large saloon in the lower

story. She is often there alone and I am wont to visit at the

house; so thou shalt not win to her save through me. Now set thy

wits to work and be of good cheer." With these words she went

away and I took heart at what she said and my people rejoiced

that day, seeing me rise in the morning safe and sound. By and by

the old woman returned looking chopfallen,[FN#605] and said, "O

my son, do not ask me how I fared with her!