"I command you to take the road to Issessara, and to conduct the daughter of my Grand Vizier to my palace."
The commander of the troop thought it necessary to make some reply to his Majesty.
"Sire," said he, "your Vizier is your slave as well as we; and therefore, if we return his daughter to his own palace, she will continue there in equal subjection to your will."
"But my Vizier has disposed of his daughter without my consent, and I do not owe him the attention which you propose I should pay him."
"Sire," replied the knight, "your Grand Vizier Asphand has always been held in the highest estimation, and has had the honour to enjoy the confidence of your Majesty. One instance of violence exercised against him may affect his reputation, and cause him to lose, in the opinion of the public, that credit which it is your interest that he should enjoy."
"All his credit depends on me, and I do not detract from it by doing him the honour to marry his daughter."
The oldest, and likewise the best informed of the knights, still ventured to speak.
"Sire," said he, "precipitation is dangerous; it often draws repentance after it: your slaves beseech your Majesty to reflect maturely on this."
"I have reflected already, audacious old man!" replied the Prince in anger; "what caution should I observe with my slave? Obey."
Being able to restrain his impatience no longer, he himself seized the bridle of the mules, and directed their steps towards that part of the forest where he presumed his people would be assembled at the appointed rendezvous. He soon found himself at the tent which they had set up, and he ordered all his suite to accompany the Princess in the litter to his palace. When the retinue was arrived, the King ordered the chief of his eunuchs to bring the Cadi, who instantly appeared, and drew up a contract of marriage between Bohetzad and the Princess Baherjoa, daughter of Asphand the Vizier.