Page 532 of 1116

Then he assembled his friends and the notables of the reign and

the merchants of Bassorah and when all stood before him he said

to them, "I had a brother who was Wazir in the land of Egypt, and

Allah Almighty blessed him with two sons, whilst to me, as well

ye wot, He hath given a daughter. My brother charged me to marry

my daughter to one of his sons, whereto I assented; and, when my

daughter was of age to marry, he sent me one of his sons, the

young man now present, to whom I purpose marrying her, drawing up

the contract and celebrating the night of unveiling with due

ceremony; for he is nearer and dearer to me than a stranger and,

after the wedding, if he please he shall abide with me, or if he

desire to travel I will forward him and his wife to his father's

home." Hereat one and all replied, "Right is thy recking;" and

they all looked at the bridegroom and were pleased with him.