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When he sees me, the Wazir stands up, and seating me in his own

place sits down much below me; for that I am to be his son in

law. Now I have with me two eunuchs carrying purses, each

containing a thousand dinars; and of these I deliver to him the

thousand, his daughter's marriage settlement, and make him a free

gift of the other thousand, that he may have reason to know my

generosity and liberality and my greatness of spirit and the

littleness of the world in my eyes. And for ten words he

addresses to me I answer him two. Then back I go to my house, and

if one come to me on the bride's part, I make him a present of

money and throw on him a dress of honour; but if he bring me a

gift, I give it back to him and refuse to accept it,[FN#663] that

they may learn what a proud spirit is mine which never

condescends to derogate. Thus I establish my rank and status.

When this is done I appoint her wedding night and adorn my house

showily! gloriously!