So sayinghe laid the four trays before the King，who uncovered them and seeing that they contained jewels，whose like he possessed not and whose worth equalled treasuries of moneysaid'O merchantthy present is acceptedand so God pleasewe will requite thee with its like.'And Ali kissed his hands and went away. Then the King called his grandees and said to them'How many kings have sought my daughter in marriage？'Many，'answered they. 'Hath any of them given me the like of this gift？'asked he. 'Not one，'replied they；'for that none of them hath its like；'and he said'I have consulted God the Most Highas to marrying my daughter to this merchant. What say ye？'Be it as thou deemest，'answered they. Then he bade the eunuch carry the four trays into his harem and going in to his wifelaid them before her. She uncovered them and seeing therein that whose like she possessed not，--nonor a fraction thereof，--said to him，'Of which of the kings hadst thou these？ Peradventure of one of those that seek our daughter in marriage？'Not so，'answered he'I had them of an Egyptian merchantwho is lately come to our city. I heard tell of him and sent to command him to usthinking to make his acquaintanceso haply we might find with him somewhat of jewels and buy them of him for our daughter's equipment. He obeyed the summons and brought us these four traysas a presentand I saw him to be a handsome and elegant young man of dignified aspect and accomplished witwell-nigh as he were of the sons of the kings. Wherefore my heart inclined to him and I rejoiced in him and thought to marry my daughter to him.'Then he told her what had passed between himself and his grandees on the subject and added'But what sayst thou？'O King of the age，'answered she'the affair is in God's handand thineand what God willeth shall come to pass.'If it be His will，'rejoined the King'I will marry her to none other than this young man.'
第133章 THE HAUNTED HOUSE IN BAGHDAD.(6)（1 / 3）