I am glad I was aware of it.'
Then he waked the slave, who was still asleep, and bade him come
and dress him, without saying anything. The slave brought a basin
and water, and after he had washed and said his prayers, he took a
book and read for some time.
After this, he called the slave, and said to him, 'Come hither, and
look you, do not tell me a lie. How came that lady hither, and who
brought her?'
'My lord,' answered the slave with great astonishment, 'I know not
what lady your highness speaks of.'
'I speak,' said the prince, 'of her that came, or rather, that was
brought hither.'
'My lord,' replied the slave, 'I swear I know of no such lady; and
how should she come in without my knowledge, since I lay at the
door?'
'You are a lying rascal,' replied the prince, 'and in the plot to
vex and provoke me the more.' So saying, he gave him a box on the
ear which knocked him down; and after having stamped upon him for
some time, he at length tied the well-rope under his arms, and
plunged him several times into the water, neck and heels. I will
drown thee,' cried he, 'if thou dost not tell me speedily who this
lady was, and who brought her.'
The slave, perplexed and half-dead, said within himself, 'The
prince must have lost his senses through grief.
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