60 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
lowly attendants ? The former so poor and plain, 
and the latter so costly !” 
“ Those born to servitude, most potent monarch, 
lord of the universe, favourite of Heaven,” replied 
the beauty, with an air of deep submission yet of 
arch reproach, “ must always be clad as it shall 
please them whom they serve. These young women 
are my servants, and I seek to alleviate the burden 
of my bondage by the exercise of my charity ; it is 
indeed my wish to allow them every indulgence 
which it is in my power to afford. But I myself, 
being the slave of another, am bound to observe my 
lord’s will and pleasure, even in a small matter. For 
this reason it is that your majesty finds me habited 
like a miserable captive.” 
Although the emperor could not but perceive in 
this speech the cutting sarcasm which it was intended 
to convey, the spirited rebuke which it aimed at 
him for his own unreasonable behaviour, still it was 
so pertinent, so well turned, that it immediately won 
his favour no less than his admiration, and he felt 
all his former affection welling forth from the 
recesses of his heart with renewed force. Embracing 
her with great warmth, though respectfully, he 
declared his love ; and, fixing the next day for his 
nuptials, he issued orders for a public festival to be 
held in all parts of his dominions. 
The ceremony was performed with the most extra- 
vagant pomp, and the name of Mher-ul-Nissa was 
