fatal orders he expected. The sultan, according to his custom, spent the day in regulating his affairs; and when the night had closed in, retired with Scheherazade. The next morning before day, Dinarzade failed not to call to her sister: “My dear sister, if you be not asleep, I pray you till daybreak, which is very near, to go on with the story you began last night.” The sultan, without waiting for Scheherazade to ask his permission, bade her proceed with the story of the genie and the merchant; upon which Scheherazade continued her relation
to do as you direct, and you shall see how I will acquit myself.” Here ended their conversation, of which the merchant lost not a word. Early the next morning the labourer went for the ox. He fastened him to the plough and conducted him to his usual work. The ox, who had not forgotten the ass’s counsel, was very troublesome and untowardly