'
Instead of answering Danhasch, Maimoune burst out into violent
laughter, which lasted for some time; and Danhasch, not knowing
what might be the occasion of it, was astonished beyond measure.
When she had laughed till she could laugh no more, she cried,
'Good, good, very good! you would have me believe all you have told
me: I thought you intended to tell me something surprising and
extraordinary, and you have been talking all this while of a mad
woman. What would you say, cursed genie, if you had seen the
beautiful prince that I have just come from seeing? I am confident
you would soon give up the contest, and not pretend to compare your
choice with mine.'
'Agreeable Maimoune,' replied Danhasch, 'may I presume to ask you
who is this prince you speak of?'
'Know,' answered Maimoune, 'the same thing has happened to him as
to your princess. The king his father would have married him
against his will; but, after much importunity, he frankly told him
he would have nothing to do with a wife. For this reason he is at
this moment imprisoned in an old tower which I make my residence,
and whence I came but just now from admiring him.'
'I will not absolutely contradict you,' replied Danhasch; 'but, my
pretty lady, you must give me leave to be of opinion, till I have
seen your prince, that no mortal upon earth can come up to the
beauty of my princess.
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