She could not forbear admiring the prince, till at length, having
kissed him gently on both cheeks and in the middle of the forehead
without waking him, she took her flight into the air. As she
mounted high to the middle region, she heard a great flapping of
wings, which made her fly that way; and when she approached, she
knew it was a genie who made the noise, but it was one of those
that are rebellious. As for Maimoune, she belonged to that class
whom the great Solomon compelled to acknowledge him.
This genie, whose name was Danhasch, knew Maimoune, and was seized
with fear, being sensible how much power she had over him by her
submission to the Almighty. He would fain have avoided her, but she
was so near him that he must either fight or yield. He therefore
broke silence first.
'Brave Maimoune,' said he, in the tone of a suppliant, 'swear to me
that you will not hurt me; and I swear also on my part not to do
you any harm.'
'Cursed genie,' replied Maimoune, 'what hurt canst thou do me? I
fear thee not; but I will grant thee this favour; I will swear not
to do thee any harm. Tell me then, wandering spirit, whence thou
comest, what thou hast seen, and what thou hast done this night.
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