Page:Arabian Nights Entertainments (1728)-Vol. 5.djvu/55

SChemſelaihar was eaſily diſtinguiſh’d from the reſt, by her fine Shape, and majeſtick Air, as well as by a ſort of Mantle, of a very fine Stuff of Gold, and Sky-blue faſten’d to her Shoulders, over her other Apparel, which was the moſt handſome, beſt contriv’d, and moſt magnificent, that could be thought on.

The Pearls, the Rubies, and the Diamonds which adorn’d her, were in very good order, not many. in Number, but well choſen, and of ineſtimable Value: She came forward, with a Majeſty reſembling the Sun in its Courſe, amidſt the Clouds, which receives his Splendor without hiding his Luſtre; and ſat down upon the Silver Throne that was brought for her.

As ſoon as the Prince of Perſia ſaw Schemſelnihar, he could look upon nothing elſe. We ceaſe enquiring, ſays he to Ebn Thaher, after what we ſeek, when once we ſee it; and there is no doubt left remaining, when once the Truth makes it ſelf manifeſt. Do you ſee this charming Beauty? She is the Cauſe of all my Sufferings, which I hug, and will never forbear bleſſing them, how laſting forever they may be. At the Sight of this Object, I am not my own Maſter: my Soul’s difturb’d, and rebels, and I fancy ſhe has a Mind to leave me: Go then my Soul, I allow thee; but let it be for the Welfare and Preſervation of this weak Body. It is you, cruel Ebn Thaher, who are the Cauſe of this Diſorder; you thought to do me a great Pleaſure in bringing me hither, and I perceive that I am only come to compleat my Ruin. Pardon me, ſays he, interrupting himſelf, I am miſtaken, I was willing to come, and can blame no body but my ſelf; and at theſe Words broke out into Tears. I am very well pleas’d, ſays Ebn Thaher, that you do me Juſtice: When I told you at firſt, that Schemſelnihar was the Califf’s chief Favourite; I did it on purpoſe to prevent that fatal Paſſion which you pleaſe your ſef with entertaining in your Breaſt. All that you ſee here ought to diſengage you, and you are to think on nothing but of Acknowledgments, for the Honour which Schemſelnihar was willing to do you, by ordering me to bring you with me, Call in then your wandering