Down went Scheich Ibrahim, and in a short time spread a carpet for them with beautiful porcelain dishes, full of all sorts of delicious fruits, besides gold and silver cups to drink out of; and having asked them if they wanted any thing else, he withdrew, though they pressed him earnestly to stay.
Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian sat down again, and drank each a cup. They were pleased with the wine, which was excellent. "Well, my dear," said Noor ad Deen to the fair Persian, "are we not the most fortunate persons in the world, after so many dangers, to meet with so charming and agreeable a place? Let us be merry, and think no more on the hardships of our voyage. Can my happiness be greater in this world, than to have you on one side of me, and my glass on the other?" They drank freely, and diverted themselves with agreeable conversation, each singing a song.
Both having very fine voices, but especially the fair Persian, their singing attracted Scheich Ibrahim, who had stood hearkening a great while on the steps, without discovering himself. He could contain himself no longer; but thrusting his head in at the door, "Courage, sir," said he to Noor ad Deen, whom he took to be quite drunk, "I am glad to see you so pleased."
"Ah! Scheich Ibrahim," cried Noor ad Deen, turning to him, "you are a glorious man, and we are extremely obliged to you. We dare not ask you to drink a cup; but walk in; come, sit down, and let us have the honour at least of your company." "Go on, go on," said Scheich Ibrahim; "the pleasure of hearing your songs is sufficient for me." Upon this he immediately retired.
The fair Persian perceiving Scheich Ibrahim, through one of the windows, standing upon the steps, told Noor ad Deen of it. "Sir," said she, "you see what an aversion he has for wine; yet I question not in the least to make him drink, if you will do as I would have you." Noor ad Deen asked her what it was. "Do but say the word," replied he, "and I am ready to do what you please." "Prevail with him then only to come in, and bear us company; some time after fill up a bumper, and give it him; if he refuses, drink it yourself, pretend to be asleep, and leave the rest to me."
Noor ad Deen understood the fair Persian's design, and called to Scheich Ibrahim, who came again to the door. "Scheich Ibrahim," said he, "we are your guests; you have entertained us in the most obliging manner, and will you now refuse our solicitations to honour us with your company? We do not ask you to drink, but only the favour of seeing you."
Scheich Ibrahim being at last prevailed upon, came into the hall, and sat down on the edge of a sofa nearest to the door. "You do not sit well there," said Noor ad Deen, "and we cannot have the honour of seeing you; pray come nearer, and sit you down by the lady; she will like it much." "I will obey you," replied Scheich Ibrahim, so coming forward, simpering, to think he should be seated near so beautiful a creature, he placed himself at some distance from the fair Persian. Noor ad Deen desired a song of her, in return for the honour Scheich Ibrahim had done them; and she sung one that charmed him.
When the fair Persian had ended her song, Noor ad Deen poured out a cup of wine, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim. "Scheich Ibrahim," said he, "I entreat you, drink this to our healths." "Sir," replied he, starting back, as if he abhorred the very sight of the wine, "I beseech you to excuse me; I have already told you that I have forsworn the use of wine these many years." "Then since you will not drink our healths," said Noor ad Deen, "give me leave to drink yours."
While Noor ad Deen was drinking, the fair Persian cut half an apple, and presented it to Scheich Ibrahim. "Though you refused drinking," said she, "yet I believe you will not refuse tasting this apple; it is very excellent." Scheich Ibrahim had no power to refuse it from so fair a hand; but taking it with a very low bow, put it in his mouth. She said a great many pleasant things on the occasion; and Noor ad Deen, falling back upon a sofa, pretended to fall fast asleep. The fair Persian presently advanced towards Scheich Ibrahim, and speaking in a low voice, "Look at him," said she, "thus in all our merry parties he constantly serves me; and no sooner has he drunk a cup or two, but he falls asleep, and leaves me alone; but I hope you will have the goodness to keep me company till he awakes."
At this the fair Persian took a cup, and filling it with wine, offered it to Scheich Ibrahim. "Here," said she, "drink off this to my health; I am going to pledge you." Scheich Ibrahim made a great many difficulties, and begged her to excuse him from drinking; but she pressed him so, that overcome by her charms and entreaties he took the cup, and drank off every drop of the wine.