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Then he assembled his friends and the notables of the reign and

the merchants of Bassorah and when all stood before him he said

to them, "I had a brother who was Wazir in the land of Egypt, and

Allah Almighty blessed him with two sons, whilst to me, as well

ye wot, He hath given a daughter. My brother charged me to marry

my daughter to one of his sons, whereto I assented; and, when my

daughter was of age to marry, he sent me one of his sons, the

young man now present, to whom I purpose marrying her, drawing up

the contract and celebrating the night of unveiling with due

ceremony; for he is nearer and dearer to me than a stranger and,

after the wedding, if he please he shall abide with me, or if he

desire to travel I will forward him and his wife to his father's

home." Hereat one and all replied, "Right is thy recking;" and

they all looked at the bridegroom and were pleased with him.