Maimoune received him, and introduced him into
the tower of Prince Camaralzaman, where they placed the princess
still asleep.
At once there arose a great contest between the genie and the fairy
about their respective beauty. They were some time admiring and
comparing them without speaking: at length Danhasch broke silence,
and said to Maimoune, 'You see, as I have already told you, my
princess is handsomer than your prince; now, I hope, you are
convinced of it.'
'Convinced of it!' replied Maimoune; 'I am not convinced of it, and
you must be blind if you cannot see that my prince is far
handsomer. The princess is fair, I do not deny; but if you compare
them together without prejudice, you will quickly see the
difference.'
'Though I should compare them ever so often,' said Danhasch, 'I
could never change my opinion. I saw at first sight what I see now,
and time will not make me see differently: however, this shall not
hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if you desire it.'
'Yield to me as a favour? I scorn it,' said Maimoune: 'I would not
receive a favour at the hand of such a wicked genie; I refer the
matter to an umpire, and if you will not consent I shall win by
your refusal.
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