"Exactly。Orinmarryingtheother，whomshelovesex————"
"That’snotit。Howcanshemarryhim？Hehasn’t——hehasn’taskedher，yousee。"
"True。Iforgot。Letusassume，though，forthemoment，thathehasaskedher。Shewouldthenhavetoconsiderwhichmarriagewouldprobablybeproductiveofthegreatersumtotalof————"
"Oh，butyouneedn’tconsiderthat。"
"Butitseemsthebestlogicalorder。Wecanafterwardmakeallowancefortheelementofuncertaintycausedby————"
"Oh，no!Idon’twantitlikethat。Iknowperfectlywellwhichshe’ddoifhe——theotherman，youknow——askedher。"
"Youapprehendthat————"
"NevermindwhatI`apprehend。’TakeitjustasItoldyou。"
"Verygood。Ahasaskedherhand，Bhasnot。"
"Yes。"
"MayItakeitthat，butforthedisturbinginfluenceofB，A
wouldbeasatisfactory——er——candidate？"
"Ye——es。Ithinkso。"
"She，therefore，enjoysacertaintyofconsiderablehappinessifshemarriesA？"
"Ye——es。Notperfect，becauseof——B，youknow。"
"Quiteso，quiteso；butstillafairamountofhappiness。Isitnotso？"
"Idon’t——well，perhaps。"
"Ontheotherhand，ifBdidaskher，wearetopostulateahigherdegreeofhappinessforher？"
"Yes，please，Mr。Jerningham——muchhigher。"
"Forbothofthem？"
"Forher。Nevermindhim。"
"Verywell。Thatagainsimplifiestheproblem。Buthisaskingherisacontingencyonly？"
"Yes，that’sall。"
Thephilosopherspreadouthishands。
"Mydearyounglady，"hesaid，"itbecomesaquestionofdegree。Howprobableorimprobableisit？"
"Idon’tknow。Notveryprobable——unless——unless————"
"Well？"
"Unlesshedidhappentonotice，youknow。"
"Ah，yes。Wesupposedthat，ifhethoughtofit，hewouldprobablytakethedesiredstep——atleastthathemightbeledtodoso。Couldshenot——er——indicateherpreference？"
"Shemighttry——no，shecouldn’tdomuch。Yousee，he——hedoesn’tthinkaboutsuchthings。"
"Iunderstandprecisely。Anditseemstome，MissMay，thatinthatveryfactwefindoursolution。"
"Dowe？"sheasked。
"Ithinkso。Hehasevidentlynonaturalinclinationtowardher——perhapsnottowardmarriageatall。Anyfeelingarousedinhimwouldbenecessarilyshallowandinameasureartificial——andinalllikelihoodpurelytemporary。Moreover，ifshetookstepstoarousehisattention，oneoftwothingswouldbelikelytohappen。Areyoufollowingme？"
"Yes，Mr。Jerningham。"
"Eitherhewouldberepelledbyherovertures——whichyoumustadmitisnotimprobable——andthenthepositionwouldbeunpleasant，andevendegrading，forher。Or，ontheotherhand，hemight，throughamisplacedfeelingofgallantry————"
"Throughwhat？"
"Throughamistakenideaofpoliteness，oramistakenviewofwhatwaskind，allowhimselftobedrawnintoaconnectionforwhichhehadnogenuineliking。Youagreewithmethatoneorotherofthesethingswouldbelikely？"
"Yes，Isupposetheywould，unlesshedidcometocareforher。"
"Ah，youreturntothathypothesis。Ithinkit’sanextremelyfancifulone。No。Sheneedn’tmarryA，butshemustletB
alone。"
Thephilosopherclosedhisbook，tookoffhisglasses，wipedthem，replacedthem，andleanedbackagainstthetrunkoftheappletree。Thegirlpickedadandelioninpieces。Afteralongpausesheasked：
"YouthinkB’sfeelingswouldn’tbeatalllikelyto——tochange？"
"Thatdependsonthesortofmanheis。Butifheisanableman，withintellectualinterestswhichengrosshim——amanwhohaschosenhispathinlife——amantowhomwomen’ssocietyisnotanecessity————"
"He’sjustlikethat，"saidthegirl，andshebittheheadoffadaisy。
"Then，"saidthephilosopher，"Iseenottheleastreasonforsupposingthathisfeelingswillchange。"
"Andwouldyouadvisehertomarrytheother——A？"
"Well，onthewhole，Ishould。Aisagoodfellow（IthinkwemadeAagoodfellow）；heisasuitablematch；hisloveforheristrueandgenuine————"
"It’stremendous!"
"Yes——and——er——extreme。Shelikeshim。Thereiseveryreasontohopethatherlikingwilldevelopintoasufficientlydeepandstableaffection。ShewillgetridofherfollyaboutBandmakeAagoodwife。Yes，MissMay，ifIweretheauthorofyournovel，IshouldmakehermarryA，andIshouldcallthatahappyending。"
Asilencefollowed。Itwasbrokenbythephilosopher。
"Isthatallyouwantedmyopinionabout，MissMay？"heasked，withhisfingerbetweentheleavesofthetreatiseonontology。
"Yes，Ithinkso。IhopeIhaven’tboredyou？"
"I’veenjoyedthediscussionextremely。Ihadnoideathatnovelsraisedpointsofsuchpsychologicalinterest。Imustfindtimetoreadone。"
Thegirlhadshiftedherpositiontill，insteadofherfullface，herprofilewasturnedtowardhim。Lookingawaytowardthepaddockthatlaybrilliantinsunshineontheskirtsoftheappleorchard，sheasked，inlow，slowtones，twistingherhandsinherlap：
"Don’tyouthinkthatperhaps，ifBfoundoutafterward——
whenshehadmarriedA，youknow——thatshehadcaredforhimsovery，verymuch，hemightbealittlesorry？"
"Ifhewereagentleman，hewouldregretitdeeply。"
"Imean——sorryonhisownaccount；that——thathehadthrownawayallthat，youknow？"
Theprofessorlookedmeditative。
"Ithink，"hepronounced，"thatitisverypossiblehewould。I
canwellimagineit。"
"Hemightneverfindanybodytolovehimlikethatagain，"shesaid，gazingonthegleamingpaddock。
"Heprobablywouldnot，"agreedthephilosopher。
"And——andmostpeoplelikebeingloved，don’tthey？"
"Tocraveforloveisanalmostuniversalinstinct，MissMay。"
"Yes，almost，"shesaid，withadrearylittlesmile。"Yousee，he’llgetoldand——andhavenoonetolookafterhim。"
"Hewill。"
"Andnohome。"
"Well，inasensenone，"correctedthephilosopher，smiling。
"Butreally，you’llfrightenme。I’mabachelormyself，youknow，MissMay。"
"Yes，"shewhisperedjustaudibly。
"Andallyourterrorsarebeforeme。"
"Well，unless————"
"Oh，weneedn’thavethat`unless，’"laughedthephilosophercheerfully。"There’sno`unless’aboutit，MissMay。"
Thegirljumpedtoherfeet；foraninstantshelookedatthephilosopher。Sheopenedherlipsasiftospeak，and，atthethoughtofwhatlayathertongue’stip，herfacegrewred。Butthephilosopherwasgazingpasther，andhiseyesrestedincalmcontemplationonthegleamingpaddock。
"Abeautifulthing，sunshine，tobesure，"saidhe。
Herblushfadedawayintopaleness；herlipsclosed。Withoutspeakingsheturnedandwalkedslowlyaway，herheaddrooping。
Thephilosopherheardtherustleofherskirtinthelonggrassoftheorchard；hewatchedherforafewmoments。
"Apretty，gracefulcreature，"saidhe，withasmile。Thenheopenedhisbook，tookhispencilinhishand，andslippedinacarefulforefingertomarktheflyleaf。
Thesunhadpassedmid—heaven，andbegantodeclinewestwardbeforehefinishedthebook。Thenhestretchedhimselfandlookedathiswatch。
"Goodgracious，twoo’clock!Ishallbelateforlunch!"andhehurriedtohisfeet。
Hewasverylateforlunch。
"Everything’scold，"wailedhishostess。"Wherehaveyoubeen，Mr。Jerningham？"
"Onlyintheorchard——reading。"
"Andyou’vemissedMay!"
"MissedMissMay？Howdoyoumean？Ihadalongtalkwithherthismorning——amostinterestingtalk。"
"Butyouweren’theretosaygoodby。Now，youdon’tmeantosaythatyouforgotthatshewasleavingbythetwoo’clocktrain？Whatamanyouare!"
"Dearme!Tothinkofmyforgettingit!"saidthephilosophershamefacedly。
"Shetoldmetosaygood—bytoyouforher。"
"She’sverykind。Ican’tforgivemyself。"
Hishostesslookedathimforamoment；thenshesighed，andsmiled，andsighedagain。
"Haveyoueverythingyouwant？"sheasked。
"Everything，thankyou，"saidhe，sittingdownoppositethecheese，andproppinghisbook（hethoughthewouldjustrunthroughthelastchapteragain）againsttheloaf；"everythingintheworldthatIwant，thanks。"
Hishostessdidnottellhimthatthegirlhadcomeinfromtheappleorchard，andrunhastilyupstairslestherfriendshouldseewhatherfrienddidseeinhereyes。Sothathehadnosuspicionatallthathehadreceivedanofferofmarriage——andrefusedit。Andhedidnotrefertoanythingofthatsortwhenhepausedonceinhisreadingandexclaimed：
"I’mreallysorryImissedMissMay。Thatwasaninterestingcaseofhers。ButIgavetherightanswer。ThegirloughttomarryA。"
Andsothegirldid。
VII。
MARRIAGEBYCOMPULSION。
Itisamostanxiousthingtobeanabsoluteruler，"saidDukeDeodonato，"butIhavemadeupmymind。TheDoctorhasconvincedme[hereDr。Fusbius，Ph。D。，bowedverylow]thatmarriageisthebest，noblest，wholesomest，andhappiestofhumanconditions。"
"YourHighnesswillremember————"beganthePresidentoftheCouncil。
"Mylord，Ihavemadeupmymind，"saidDukeDeodonato。
Thusspeaking，theDuketookalargesheetoffoolscappaper，andwroterapidlyforamomentortwo。
"There，"hesaid，pushingthepaperovertothePresident，"isthedecree。"
"Thedecree，sir？"
"Ithinkthreeweeksaffordamplespace，"saidDukeDeodonato。
"Threeweeks，sir？"
"Foreverymanovertwenty—oneyearsofageinthisDuchytofindhimselfawife。"
"YourHighness，"observedDr。Fusbius，withdeference，"willconsiderthatbetweenanabstractpropositionandapracticalmeasure————"
"Thereistothelogicalmindnostoppingplace，"interruptedDukeDeodonato。
"But，sir，"criedthePresident，"imaginetheconsternationwhichthis————"
"Letitbegazettedto—night，"saidDukeDeodonato。
"Iwouldventure，"saidthePresident，"toremindyourHighnessthatyouareyourselfabachelor。"
"Laws，"saidDukeDeodonato，"donotbindtheCrownunlesstheCrownisexpresslymentioned。"
"True，sir；butIhumblyconceivethatitwouldbepessimiexempli————"
"Youareright；Iwillmarrymyself，"saidDukeDeodonato。
"But，sir，threeweeks!Thehandofaprincesscannotberequestedandgrantedin————"
"Thenfindmesomebodyelse，"saidDeodonato；"andprayleaveme。
Iwouldbealone；"andDukeDeodonatowavedhishandtothedoor。
OutsidethedoorthePresidentsaidtotheDoctor：
"Icouldwish，sir，thatyouhadnotconvincedhisHighness。"
"Mylord，"rejoinedtheDoctor，"truthismyonlypreoccupation。"
"Sir，"saidthePresident，"areyoumarried？"
"Mylord，"answeredtheDoctor，"Iamnot。"
"Ithoughtnot，"saidthePresident，ashefoldedupthedecreeandputitinhispocket。
ItisuselesstodenythatDukeDeodonato’sdecreecausedconsiderabledisturbanceintheDuchy。Inthefirstplace，theCrownlawyersraisedapuzzleoflaw。Didtheword"man"asusedinthedecree，include"woman"？ThePresidentshookhishead，andreferredthequestiontohisHighness。
"Itseemsimmaterial，"observedtheDuke。"Ifamanmarries，awomanmarries。"
"Exviterminorum，"assentedtheDoctor。
"But，sir，"saidthePresident，"therearemorewomenthanmenintheDuchy。"
DukeDeodonatothrewdownhispen。
"Thisisveryprovoking，"saidhe。"Whywasitallowed？I’msureithappenedbefore_I_cametothethrone。"
TheDoctorwasabouttopointoutthatitcouldhardlyhavebeenguardedagainst，whenthePresident（whowasabettercourtier）
anticipatedhim。
"WedidnotforeseethatyourHighness，inyourHighness’wisdom，wouldissuethisdecree，"hesaidhumbly。
"True，"saidDukeDeodonato，whowasajustman。
"WouldyourHighnessvouchsafeanyexplanation————"
"WhataretheJudgesfor？"askedDukeDeodonato。"Thereisthelaw——lettheminterpretit。"
WhereupontheJudgesheldthata"man"wasnota"woman，"andthatalthougheverymanmustmarry，nowomanneed。
"Itwillmakenodifference，"saidthePresident。
"Noneatall，"saidDr。Fusbius。
Nor，perhaps，wouldit，seeingthatwomenareeverkindandinnowaybynatureaversefrommarriage，haditnotbecomeknownthatDukeDeodonatohimselfintendedtochooseawifefromtheladiesofhisowndominions，andtochooseher（accordingtotheadviceofDr。Fusbius，who，intruth，sawlittlewhitherhiscounselwouldintheendcarrytheDuke）withoutregardtosuchadventitiousmattersasrankorwealth，andpurelyforherbeauty，talent，andvirtue。
Whichresolvebeingproclaimed，straightwayalltheladiesoftheDuchy，ofwhatsoeverstation，calling，age，appearance，wit，orcharacter，conceivingeachofthemthatshe，andnoother，shouldbecometheDuchess，sturdilyrefusedalloffersofmarriage（althoughtheyweremanyofthemasdesperatelyenamoredasvirtuousladiesmaybe），anddidnoughtelsethanwalk，drive，ride，anddisplaytheircharmsintheparkbeforethewindowsoftheducalpalace。Andthusitfelloutthatwhenaweekhadgoneby，nomanhadobeyedDukeDeodonato’sdecree，andtheywere，fromsheerwantofbrides，liketofallintocontemptofthelawandunderthehighdispleasureoftheDuke。
UponthisthePresidentandDr。FusbiussoughtaudienceofhisHighnessandhumblylaidbeforehimtheunforeseenobstaclewhichhadoccurred。
"Womaniseverambitious，"saidDr。Fusbius。
"Nay，"correctedthePresident，"theyhaveseenhisHighness’
personashisHighnesshasriddenthroughthecity。"
DukeDeodonatothrewdownhispen。
"Thisisverytiresome，"saidhe，knittinghisbrows。"Mylord，Iwouldbefurtheradvisedonthismatter。Returnatthesamehourto—morrow。"
Thenextday，DukeDeodonato’sforeheadhadregaineditscustomarysmoothness，andhismannerwastranquilandassured。
"Ourpleasureis，"saidhetothePresident，"that，albeitnowomanshallbecompelledtomarryifsobethatshebenotinvitedthereunto；yet，ifbidden，sheshallinnowiserefuse，butstraightwayespousethatmanwhofirstafterthedateofthesepresentsshallsolicitherhand。"
ThePresidentbowedinadmiration。
"Itis，ifImayhumblysayso，apracticalandwisesolution，sir，"hesaid。
"Iapprehendthatitwillremedythemischief，"saidDukeDeodonato，notillpleased。
Anddoubtlessitwouldhavehadaneffectasaltogethersatisfactory，excellent，beneficial，salutary，anduniversalasthewisdomofDukeDeodonatohadanticipatedfromit，haditnotfallenoutthat，onthepromulgationofthedecree，alltheaforesaidladiesoftheDuchy，ofwhatsoeverstation，calling，age，appearance，wit，orcharacter，straightway，andsoswiftlythatnomanhadtimewhereintopayhiscourttothem，fledtoandshutandbottledandbarricadedthemselvesinhouses，castles，cupboards，cellars，stables，lofts，churches，chapels，chests，andeveryotherkindofreceptaclewhatsoever，andthereremainedbeyondreachofanyman，behewhomhewould，lesthaplyone，coming，shouldasktheirhandinmarriage，andthustheyshouldloseallprospectofweddingtheDuke。
WhenDukeDeodonatowasapprisedofthislamentableactiononthepartoftheladiesoftheDuchy，hefrownedandlaiddownhispen。
"Thisisveryannoying，"saidhe。"ThereappearstobeadispositiontothwartOurendeavorsforthepublicgood。"
"Itisgrosscontumacy，"saidDr。Fusbius。
"Yet，"remarkedthePresident，"inspiredbyanatural，ifill—
disciplined，admirationforhisHighness’person。"
"Thedecreeisnowafortnightold，"observedDukeDeodonato。
"Leaveme。Iwillconsiderfurtherofthismatter。"
NowevenashisHighnessspokeamightyuproararoseunderthepalacewindows，andDukeDeodonato，lookingoutofthewindow（which，beitremembered，butfortheguidanceofHeavenhemightnothavedone），beheldamaidenofwonderfulcharmsstrugglingintheclutchesoftwohalberdiersoftheguard，whowerehalingherofftoprison。
"Bringhitherthatdamsel，"saidDeodonato。
Presentlythedamsel，stillheldbythesoldiers，enteredtheroom。Herrobewasdisheveledandrent，hergoldenhairhunglooseonhershoulders，andhereyeswerefulloftears。
"Atwhosesuitisshearrested？"askedDeodonato。
"AtthesuitofthemostlearnedDr。Fusbius，mayitpleaseyourHighness。"
"Sir，"saidDr。Fusbius，"itistrue。Thislady，grosslycontemningyourHighness’decree，hasrefusedmyhandinmarriage。"
"Isittrue，damsel？"askedDukeDeodonato。
"Hearme，yourHighness!"answeredshe。"Ileftmydwellingbutaninstant，forwewereinsorestraitsfor————"
"Bread？"askedDeodonato，atouchofsympathyinhisvoice。
"MayitpleaseyourHighness，no——pinswherewithtofastenourhair。And，asIrantothemerchant’s，thisagedman————"
"Iambutturnedoffifty，"interruptedFusbius。
"Andhavenotyetlearnedsilence!"askedDeodonatoseverely。
"Damsel，proceed!"
"CaughtmebymygownasIran，and————"
"Iproposedmarriagetoher，"saidFusbius。
"Nay，ifyouproposedmarriage，"sheshallmarryyou，"saidDeodonato。"Bythecrownofmyfathers，sheshallmarryyou!
Butwhatsaidhe，damsel？"
"MayitpleaseyourHighness，hesaidthatIhadtheprettiestfaceinalltheDuchy，andthathewouldhavenowifebutme；andthereuponhekissedme；andIwouldhavenoneofhim，andI
struckhimandescaped。"
"SendfortheJudges，"saidDukeDeodonato。"AndmeanwhilekeepthisdamselandletnomanproposemarriagetoheruntilOurpleasurebeknown。"
Now，whentheJudgeswerecome，andthemaidenwasbroughtinandsetoveragainstthemontherighthand，andthelearnedDoctortookhisstandontheleft，DeodonatoprayedtheJudgesthattheywouldperpendcarefullyandanxiouslyofthequestion——usingalllore，research，wisdom，discretion，andjustice——whetherDr。
Fusbiushadproposedmarriageuntothemaidenorno。
"ThusshallOurmindbeinformed，andweshalldealprofitablywiththismatter，"concludedDukeDeodonato。
Uponwhicharosegreatdebate。FortherewasonepartofthelearnedmenwhichleanedupontheletterandfoundnoinvitationtomarriageinthewordsofDr。Fusbius；whileanotherpartwouldhaveitthatinallthingsthespiritandmindoftheutterermustberegarded，andthatitsortednotwiththeyears，virtues，learning，andpositionofthesaidmostlearnedDoctortosupposethathehadspokensuchwordsandsealedthesamewithakiss，saveunderthefirmimpression，thought，andconvictionthathewasofferinghishandinmarriage；whichsaidimpression，thought，andconvictionwerefullyandreasonablydeclaredandevidentinhisactions，manner，bearing，air，andconduct。
"Thisisveryperplexing，"saidDukeDeodonato，andheknithisbrows；forashegazeduponthebeautyofthedamsel，itseemedtohimathingunnatural，undesirable，unpalatable，unpleasant，andunendurable，thatsheshouldwedDr。Fusbius。
Yetifsuchwerethelaw——DukeDeodonatosighed，andheglancedatthedamsel：anditchancedthatthedamselglancedatDukeDeodonato，and，seeingthathewasapropermanandcomely，andthathiseyespokehisadmirationofher，sheblushed；andhercheekthathadgonewhitewhenthoseofthejudgeswhofavoredthelearnedDoctorwerespeaking，wentredasaroseagain，andshestrovetoorderherhair，andtoconcealtherentthatwasinherrobe。AndDukeDeodonatosighedagain。
"Mylord，"hesaidtothePresident，"wehaveheardthesewiseanderuditemen；and，forasmuchasthematterisdifficult，theyaredividedamongthemselves，andthestaffwhereonweleanedisbroken。Speak，therefore，yourmind。"
ThenthePresidentoftheCouncillookedearnestlyatDukeDeodonato，buttheDukeveiledhisfacewithhishand。
"Answertruly，"saidhe，"withoutfearorfavor。SoshallyoufulfillOurpleasure。"
AndthePresident，lookingrounduponthecompany，said：
"Itis，yourHighness，byallreasonable，honest，just，proper，andhonorableintendment，asgood，sound，full，andexplicitanofferofmarriageashatheverbeenhadinthisduchy。"
"Sobeit，"saidDukeDeodonato；andDr。Fusbiussmiledintriumph，whilethemaidengrewpaleagain。
"And，"pursuedthePresident，"itbinds，controls，andruleseveryman，woman，andchildintheseyourHighness’dominions，andhaththeforceoflawoverall。"
"Sobeit，"saidDeodonatoagain。
"Saving，"addedthePresident，"yourHighnessonly。"
Therewasamovementamongthecompany。
"For，"pursuedthePresident，"bytheancientlaws，customs，manners，andobservancesoftheDuchy，nodecreeorlawshallinanywaywhatsoeverimpair，alter，lessen，orderogatefromthehighrights，powers，andprerogativesofyourHighness，whommayHeavenlongpreserve。Although，therefore，itbe，byandpursuanttoyourHighness’decree，thesurerightofeverymaninthisDuchytobeacceptedinmarriageofanydamselwhomheshallinvitethereunto，yetisthisrightinallrespectssubjecttoandcontrolledbythenatural，legal，inalienable，unalterable，andsovereignprerogativeofyourHighnesstomarrywhatdamselsoeveritshallbeyourpleasuretobidshareyourthrone。HenceI，inobediencetoyourHighness’commands，pronounceanddeclarethatthisdamselislawfullyandirrevocablyboundandaffiancedtothelearnedDr。Fusbius，unlessanduntilitshallpleaseyourHighnessyourselftodemandherhandinmarriage。MaywhatI
havespokenpleaseyourHighness!"AndthePresidentsatdown。
DukeDeodonatosatawhileinthought，andtherewassilenceinthehall。Thenhespoke：
"Letallwithdraw，savingthedamselonly。"
Andtheyoneandallwithdrew，andDukeDeodonatowasleftalonewiththedamsel。
Thenhearoseandgazedlongonthedamsel；butthedamselwouldnotlookonDukeDeodonato。
"Howareyoucalled，lady？"askedDukeDeodonato。
"IamcalledDulcissima，"saidshe。
"Wellnamed!"saidDeodonatosoftly，andhewenttothedamsel，andhelaidhishand，fullgently，onherrobe，andhesaid：
"Dulcissima，youhavetheprettiestfaceinalltheDuchy，andI
willhavenowifebutyou；"andDukeDeodonatokissedthedamsel。
ThedamselforboretostrikeDukeDeodonato，asshehadstruckDr。Fusbius。Againhercheekwentred，andagainpale，andshesaid：
"Iwednomanoncompulsion。"
"Madam，IamyourSovereign，"saidDukeDeodonato；andhiseyeswereonthedamsel。
"IfyouwereanArchangel————"criedthedamsel。
"Ourhouseisnotwonttobescornedofladies，"saidDeodonato。
"AmIcrooked，orbaseborn，orafool？"
"ThisdayinyourDuchywomenareslaves，andmentheirmastersbyyourwill，"saidshe。
"Itistheorderofnature，"saidDeodonato。
"Itisnotmypleasure，"saidthedamsel。
ThenDeodonatolaidhishandonhissilverbell，forhewasveryangry。
"Fusbiuswaitswithout，"saidhe。
"Iwillwedhimandkillhim，"criedDulcissima。
Deodonatogazedonher。
"Youhadnochanceofusingthepins，"saidhe，"andtherentinyourgownisverysore。"
Anduponthistheeyesofthedamsellosttheirfireandsoughtthefloor；andshepluckedathergirdle，andwouldnotlookonDeodonato。Andtheysaidoutside：
"ItisverystillintheHalloftheDuke。"
ThensaidDeodonato：
"Dulcissima，whatwouldyou？"
"Thatyourepealyourdecrees，"saidshe。
Deodonato’sbrowgrewdark；hedidnotlovetogoback。
"WhatIhavedecreed，Ihavedecreed，"saidhe。
"AndwhatIhaveresolved，Ihaveresolved，"saidshe。
Deodonatodrewneartoher。
"AndifIrepealthedecrees？"saidhe。
"Youwilldowell，"saidshe。
"Andyouwillwed————"
"WhomIwill，"saidshe。
Deodonatoturnedtothewindow，andforaspacehelookedout；
andthedamselsmoothedherhairanddrewherrobe，whereitwaswhole，acrosstherent；andshelookedonDeodonatoashestood，andherbosomroseandfell。Andsheprayedaprayerthatnomanheard，or，ifheheard，mightbesobaseastotell。ButshesawthedarklocksofDeodonato’shairandhisform，straightasanarrowandtallasasix—footwand，inthewindow。Andagain，outside，theysaid：
"ItisstrangelystillintheHalloftheDuke。"
ThenDeodonatoturned，andhepressedwithhishandonthesilverbell，andstraightwaytheHallwasfilledwiththeCouncilors，theJudges，andthehalberdiers，attentivetohearthewillofDeodonatoandthefateofthedamsel。AndthesmalleyesofFusbiusglowed，andthecalmeyesofthePresidentsmiled。
"MyCousins，Gentlemen，andmyfaithfulGuard，"saidDeodonato，"Time，whichisHeaven’smightyInstrument，bringscounsel。Say!
whattheDukehasdone，shallanymanundo？"
Thencriedtheyall，saveone：
"Noman!"
AndthePresidentsaid：
"SavingtheDuke。"
"ThedecreeswhichImade，"saidDeodonato，"Iunmake。
HenceforthletmenandmaidensinmyDuchymarryornotmarryastheywill，andGodgivethemjoyofit。"
Andall，saveFusbius，cried"Amen!"ButFusbiuscried：
"YourHighness，itisdemonstratedbeyondcavil；ay，tothesatisfactionofyourHighness————"
"Thisisverytedious，"saidDeodonato。"Lethimspeaknomore!"
AndagainhedrewneartoDulcissima，andthere，beforethemall，hefellonhisknee。Andamurmurranthroughthehall。
"Madam，"saidDeodonato，"ifyouloveme，wedme。And，ifyoulovemenot，departinpeaceandinhonor；andI，Deodonato，willlivemylifealone。"
Thenthedamseltrembled，andbarelydidDeodonatocatchherwords：
"Therearemanymenhere，"saidshe。
"ItisnotgiventoPrinces，"saidDeodonato，"tobealone。
Nevertheless，ifyouwill，leavemealone。"Andthedamselbentlow，sothatthebreathofhermouthstirredthehaironDeodonato’shead，andheshiveredasheknelt。
"MyPrinceandmyKing!"saidshe。
AndDeodonatoshottohisfeet，andbeforethemallhekissedher，and，turning，spoke：
"AsIhavewooed，leteverymaninthisDuchywoo。AsIhavewon，leteverymanthatisworthywin。For，unlesshesowoo，andunlesshesowin，vainishiswooing，andvainishiswinning，andafigforhiswedding，sayI，Deodonato!I，thatwasDeodonato，andnowam——DeodonatoandDulcissima。"
AndagreatcheerrangoutintheHall，andFusbiusfledtothedoor；andtheytorehisgownashewentandcursedhimforaknave。ButthePresidentraisedhisvoicealoudandcried：
"MayHeavenpreserveyourHighnesses——andhere’sablessingonallwindows!"
Andthatisthereasonwhyyouwillfind（ifyoutravelthere，asItrustyoumay，fornowherearetheladiesfairerorthemensogallant）morewindowsintheDuchyofDeodonatothananywhereinthewideworldbesides。Forthemorewindows，thewidertheview；andthewidertheview，themoreprettydamselsdoyousee；andthemoreprettydamselsyousee，themorejocundathingislife——andthatiswhatthemenoftheDuchylove——andnotleast，DukeDeodonato，whom，withhisbrideDulcissima，mayHeavenlongpreserve!
VIII。
ALL’SWELLTHATENDS
WELL。
Therewasonce——thedateisofnomoment——aSultan，andhehadaViziernamedAshimullah。Thisministerwasawiseman，muchtrustedbyhismaster；buthewasheldinsomesuspicionanddislikeatthecourtbecausehehadbeenborn——or，ifthatbedoubtful，hadatleastbeenbred——aChristian，andhadbeenoriginallyaprisoneroftheSultan’sarmies。
ButAshimullah，forreasonswhichintimatelyconcernedhisownhead，butneednotconcernanybodyelse’s，promptlyfoundthetruepath；and，havingprofessedareadyconversiontothetenetsofIslam，roserapidlytoahighplaceintheserviceoftheSultan，sothathispromotionneverceaseduntilhewasinstalledintheofficeofGrandVizier。Yet，rememberinghisdiscreditablepast，theSultanwasaccustomedtoexactfromhimthefullestandmostminuteobservanceofhisreligiousduties。
TosuchobservanceAshimullahsubmitted，comfortinghimselfwiththeexampleofNaamantheSyrian；forAshimullahwasstill，insecret，aChristian，andhisadherencetoIslamwasonlyapoliteconcessiontopublicfeeling。Buttherewasonepointonwhichhisconsciencestruckhimsorely，andthiswasnootherthanthequestionofwives。Ashimullahhadonewife，aladyofgreatbeautyandremarkableaccomplishments，andforthelifeofhimhecouldnotseehow，consistentlywiththereligionwhichheheldinhisheartandwiththehonorthatheowedtothelady，hecouldtakeanyotherwife。Suchanactappearedtohimtobeadeadlysin，foritwasmostplainlyheldandlaiddownbytherulesofhisreligion，andhadmoreoverbeenamplyprovedbyexperience，thatonewifewasenoughforanyman。ThereforewhentheSultan，hearingthatAshimullahhadbutonewife，andconsideringthethingverysuspiciousandunnatural，sentforhim，andrequiredhimtoorderhisestablishmentonascalemorebefittinghispresentexaltedposition，Ashimullahwasinsadperplexity。Toobeywastosin，torefusewaslikelytocosthimhislife；forifhismastersuspectedthesincerityofhisconversion，hisshriftwouldbeshort。InthisquandaryAshimullahsoughtaboutforexcuses。
"OCommanderoftheFaithful，Iamapoorman，andwivesaresourcesofexpense，"saidAshimullah。
"Mytreasuryisopentothemostfaithfulofmyservants，"saidtheSultan。
"Amultitudeofwomeninahousebreedsstrife，"urgedAshimullah。
"Hewhogovernsanempireshouldbeabletogovernhisownhouse，"remarkedtheSultan。
"Ihavenopleasureinthesocietyofwomen，"pleadedAshimullah。
"Itisnotaquestionofpleasure，"saidtheSultansolemnly，andAshimullahthoughtthathesawsignsofsuspiciononhismaster’saugustface。Thereforeheprostratedhimself，cryingthathesubmittedtotheimperialwill，andwouldstraightwaytakeanotherwife。
"Idonotloveagrudgingobedience，"saidtheSultan。
"Iwilltaketwo!"criedAshimullah。
"Takethree，"saidtheSultan；andwiththishedismissedAshimullah，givinghimthespaceofaweekinwhichtofulfillthecommandlaiduponhim。
"SurelyIamamostunhappyman，"musedAshimullah。"ForifIdonotobey，Ishallbeputtodeath；andifIdoobey，IfeargreatlythatIshallbedamned。"AndhewenthomelookingsosorrowfulandperplexedthatallmenconceivedthathewasoutoffavorwiththeSultan。
NowAshimullah，beingcometohishouse，wentimmediatelytohiswife，andtoldheroftheSultan’scommands，addingthatthematterwasasoregrieftohim，andnotlessonheraccountthanonhisown。"Foryouknowwell，StarofmyHeart，"saidhe，"thatIdesirenowifebutyou!"
"Iknowitwell，Ashimullah，"answeredLallakallatenderly。
"Moreover，IfearthatIshallbedamned，"whisperedAshimullah。
"I’msureyouwould，"saidLallakalla。
Threedayslateritwasreportedthroughallthecity，ontheauthorityofHassan，thechiefandconfidentialservantoftheVizier，thatAshimullah，havingprocuredthreeslavesofgreatbeautyatanimmensecost，hadweddedthemall，andthuscompletedthenumberofwivesallowedtohimbytheLawoftheProphet。Thefirstwasrosy—cheekedwithgoldenhair；thesecond’scomplexionwasolive，andherlocksblackasnight；
thethirdhadawonderfulpallor，andtresseslikeburnishedgold。
"Thus，"addedHassan，"sincemyladyLallakalla’shairisbrown，hisHighnesstheVizierenjoys，asishismostjustdue，allvarietiesofbeauty。"
WhenthesethingscametotheearsoftheSultan，hewasgreatlypleasedwiththepromptobedienceofAshimullah，andsenthimalargesumofmoneyandhisownminiature，magnificentlysetindiamonds。Moreover，heapprovedhighlyofthetastethatAshimullahhaddisplayedinhischoice，andregrettedverydeeplythathecouldnotbeholdthecharmsofthewivesoftheVizier。
Nay，sogreatwashisanxietyconcerningthemthathedeterminedtosendoneofhisSultanastopayavisittotheharemofAshimullah，inorderthat，whileseemingtorenderhonortoAshimullah，shemightreporttohimofthebeautyofAshimullah’swives。
"WemustmakereadyforthevisitoftheSultana，"observedLallakalla，withasmile。
WhentheSultanareturnedfromhervisit，theSultancametoherwithoutdelay，andshesaid：
"OMostTranslucentMajesty，wonderfulindeedarethewivesofAshimullah!Forastheycamebeforeme，oneafteranother，Ididnotknowwhichofthemtocallmostbeautiful；forthebrownhair，thegolden，theblack，andtheruddyareallmostfairtosee。IwouldthatyourMajestycouldbeholdthem!"
"IwouldthatIcould!"saidtheSultan，strokinghisbeard。
"Yet，OSultan，sinceallmenaremortal，anditisnotgiventoanytobeperfectlyhappyinthisworld，knowthatthereisanalloyinthehappinessofAshimullahtheVizier。Forthesemostlovelyladieshave，eachandallofthem，sostrongandvehementatemperandsogreatareciprocalhatred，thatAshimullahiscompelledtokeepthemapart，eachinherownchamber，andbynomeanscantheybeallowedtocometogetherforaninstant。
Notevenmypresencewouldhaverestrainedthem，andthereforeI
saweachalone。"
"Idonotobjecttoalittletemper，"observedtheSultan，strokinghisbeardagain。"Itisasaucetobeauty，andkeepsamanalive。"
"Itisonlytowardoneanotherthattheyarefierce，"saidtheSultana。"ForallspokewiththegreatestloveofAshimullah，andwiththemostdutifulrespect。"
"IdonotseeonwhataccounttheyaresofondofAshimullah，"
saidtheSultan，frowning。
ThatnighttheSultandidnotonceclosehiseyes，forhecouldthinkofnothingsavethemarvelousandvariedbeautyofthewivesoftheVizier；andbetweentherivalcharmsoftheblack，thebrown，theruddy，andthegolden，hisMajestywassotornandtossedaboutthat，whenherose，hisbrowwastroubledandhischeekpale。Andbeingnolongerabletoendurethetormentthathesuffered，hesenttheSultanaagaintovisitthehouseofAshimullah，biddingherobservemostcarefullywhichoftheladieswasintruthmostbeautiful。ButtheSultana，havingreturned，professedherselfentirelyunabletosetanyoneofAshimullah’swivesaboveanyotherinanypointofbeauty。"Fortheyareall，"saidshe，"andeachinherownway，hourisforbeauty。"
"AndthismanwasaChristiandogonce!"murmuredtheSultan。
Thenhisbrowsuddenlygrewsmooth，andheobserved：
"Ashimullahhimselfwillknow；and，indeed，itistimethatI
gaveanewsignofmyfavortomytrustedservantAshimullah。"
ThereforehesentforAshimullah，andspoketohimwithunboundedgraciousness。
"Ashimullah，myfaithfulservant，"saidhe，"Iammindfultoconferuponyouagreatandsignalfavor；desiringtorecognizenotonlyyourservicestomythrone，butalsoandmoreespeciallyyourreadyandwillingobedienceinthematterofyourwives。
ThereforeIhavedecidedtoexaltyouandyourhouseholdintheeyesofalltheFaithful，andofthewholeworld，bytakingfromyourhouseawifeformyself。"
WhenAshimullahheardthishewentverypale，although，intruth，whattheSultanproposedtodowasalwaysheldthehighestofhonors。
"Andsincesogoodandloyalaservant，"pursuedtheSultan，"woulddesiretooffertohisSovereignnothingbutthebestofallthathehas，tellme，OAshimullah，whichofyourwivesisfairest，thatImaytakeherandexaltherasIhaveproposed。"
Ashimullahwasnowingreatagitation，andhestammeredinhisconfusion：
"Mywivesareindeedfair；but，OMostPotentandFearfulMajesty，theyhave，oneandall，mostdiabolicaltempers。"
"SurelybynowIhavelearnedhowtodealwiththetempersofwomen，"saidtheSultan，raisinghisbrows。"Come，Ashimullah；
tellmewhichisfairest。"
ThenAshimullah，beingathiswits’end，andcatchingatanystrawinordertosecurealittledelay，declaredthatitwasutterlyimpossibletosaythatanyoneofhiswiveswasfairerthananyother，fortheywereallperfectlybeautiful。
"Butdescribethemtome，onebyone，"commandedtheSultan。
SoAshimullahdescribedhiswivesonebyonetotheSultan，usingmostexaltedeloquence，andemployingeverysimile，metaphor，image，figure，andtropethatlanguagecontains，inthevainattempttoexpressadequatelythesurpassingbeautyofthoseladies；yethewasmostcarefultosetnooneaboveanyotherandtodistributethesaidsimiles，metaphors，images，figures，andtropes，withabsoluteimpartialityandequalityamongthem。
"ByAllah，itisdifficult!"saidtheSultan，pullinghisbeardfretfully。"Iwillconsideryourseveraldescriptions，andsendforyouagaininafewdays，Ashimullah。"
SoAshimullahwenthomeandtoldLallakallaallthathadpassedbetweentheSultanandhimself，andhowtheSultanproposedtotakeoneofhiswives，butcouldnotmakeuphismindwhichladyheshouldprefer。
"But，alas!itisallonetome，whicheverhechooses，"criedAshimullah，indespair。
"Itisallonetomealso，"criedLallakalla。"But，besure，dearAshimullah，thattheSultanhassomepurposeinthisdelay。
Letuswaitandseewhathedoes。Itmaybethatweneednotyetdespair。"
ButAshimullahwouldnotbecomforted，andcriedoutthathehaddonebetternevertoforswearhisreligion，buttohavediedatonce，asaholymartyr。
"Itistoolatetothinkofthat，"saidLallakalla。
Now，hadnottheSultanbeenmostlamentablybewilderedandmostamazinglydazzledbytheconflictingcharmsofthewivesofAshimullah，beyonddoubthewouldnothaveentertainednorcarriedoutaprojectsoimpiousandirreligiousasthatwhichhiscuriosityandpassionnowledhiminto。Butbeingunabletoeatordrinkorrestuntilhewasateaseonthematter，hedetermined，allpietyandlawanddecorumtothecontrarynotwithstanding，tolookuponthefacesofAshimullah’swiveswithhisowneyes，anddetermineforhimselftowhomthecrownofbeautybelonged，andwhetherthebrownortheblack，orthegoldenortheruddy，mightmostproperlyandtruthfullylayclaimtoit。Butthisresolutionheventuredtocommunicatetonobody，savetothefaithfulanddutifulwifewhomhehadsentbeforetovisitthehouseofAshimullah。She，amazed，triedearnestlytodissuadehim，butseeinghewasnottobeturned，atlastagreedtosecondhisdesigns，andenablehimtofulfillhispurpose。"ThoughIfearnogoodwillcomeofit，"shesighed。
"Iwonderwhichisintruththefairest!"murmuredtheSultan。
AndhesentwordtoAshimullahthattheSultanawouldvisithiswivesontheeveningofthatday。
"Allwillbereadyforher，"saidLallakalla，whenshereceivedthemessagefromherhusband。
ButintheafternoontheSultansentmenintothebazaar，andthesemencaughtHassan，Ashimullah’sservant，ashecametomakehisdailypurchases，andcarriedhimtotheSultan，withwhomhewasclosetedforhardonanhour。WhenhecameoutHassanreturnedhome，shakinghisheadsorrowfully，butpattinghispursecomfortably；whenceitappearsthathesufferedfromaconflictoffeelings，hismindbeingillatease，buthispurseheavier。AndwhenintheeveningtheSultanacame，attendedonlybyonetall，formidable，andinky—blackattendant，Hassanusheredherintothereceptionroomoftheharem，tellingherthatLallakalla，thefirstwifeofhismaster，wouldattendherimmediately。Thenhewentout，and，havingbroughtinthebigblackslaveverysecretly，sethimintheantechamberoftheroomwheretheSultanawas，andhidhimthere，behindahighscreen。
AndHassanpiercedaholeinthescreen，sothatthebigslavecouldseewhatpassedintheantechamberwithoutbeingseenhimself。ThenHassan，stillshakinghishead，butalsopattinghispurse，wenttosummonLallakalla。Butthebigblackslavelayquietbehindthescreen。
PresentlyLallakallapassedthroughandenteredtheroomwheretheSultanawas。AfewmomentslaterAshimullahcamein，carryingoveronearmseveralrobesofsilkandintheotheralargeboxortrunk。Ashimullahlookedroundcautiously，butsawnobody；thebigblackslaveheldhisbreath，butlaidhishandonthescimitarthathewore。Ashimullahwaited。ThenLallakallacameout。
"Yes，ofatruththisbrown—hairedoneismostlovely，"thoughtthebigslave。"Itwouldseemimpossiblethattheotherscanbesolovely。Moreover，shelooksamiableenough。YetImustseetheothers。Whichwillcomenext？"Andhecomposedhimselftowaitforthenext，notcaringwhethersheweretheruddy，thegolden，ortheblack，sothatshecamequickly。
But，totheamazementoftheslave，Lallakallatoreoffthesilkenrobesheworeandcriedtoherhusband，"Givemethebluerobe——yes，andthegoldenhair。"And，havingputonthebluerobe，shetookfromAshimullah’shandsomethingthathehadtakenfromthesquarebox，andputitonherhead。ThenAshimullahgaveherasmallerbox，and，takingoutpaintsandbrushesandamirror，shemadeacomplexionforherself。Andthusshewastransformedintoagolden—hairedladywithcheeksofrosyred，andinthisguiseshepassedintotheSultana’spresence。
"Thedog!"thoughttheslave。"Thenhetookonlytwowivesmore!"
PresentlyLallakallacameforth；andallhappenedasbefore，savethatshestainedherfacetoanolivetintandputonawigofcoal—blackhair。
"BytheProphet!"thoughttheslave，"hetookbutonewifemore!"
YetagainLallakallacameoutfromvisitingtheSultana，andonthisoccasionshehastilydonnedarobeofred，sprinkledwhitepowderoverhercheeks，andsetonherheadamostmagnificentstructureofruddyhair。ThusarrayedshewentagainintotheroomwheretheSultanawas。
"ByAllah，thedogtooknootherwifeatall!"thoughttheslave，and，lookingthroughhisspy—hole，hesawAshimullahmakingoffingreathaste，carryingtheboxandtherobeswithhim。ThenHassancameandledtheslavebackbythewaytheyhadcometotheplacewhereheawaitedtheSultana。
"ThiswifeofAshimullahisawonderfulwoman，"saidtheSultantohimself，ashelayawakethatnight。"Behold，sheisinherselfamultitude!"
EarlythenextmorningAshimullahwassummonedtothepalace，andatonceusheredintothepresenceoftheSultan。
"OAshimullah，Ihavereflected，"saidtheSultan，"andIdesirethatyouwillsendmethatwifeofyourswhohasruddyhair。Foralthoughthechoiceisdifficult，yetIthinkthatshemustbethefairestofthemall。"
Ashimullah，knowingnotwhattosay，prostratedhimselfandpromisedobedience；then，havingwithdrawnfromthepresence，heranbackhomeasfastashecouldlayhisfeettotheground，andsoughtoutLallakalla。Withherhetalkedforsometime；thenhereturnedtothepalace，weepingandwringinghishands。
"Whatailsyou，Ashimullah？"askedtheSultan。
"Alas!OLightoftheWorld，apestilencehasfallenonmyhouse，andmywifewiththeruddyhairliesdead。"
"WemustresignourselvestothewillofHeaven，"saidtheSultan。"YetIwillnotrecallthefavorIhaddestinedforyou。
Sendmethewifethathascoal—blackhair，Ashimullah。"
"Alas!MostMightyOne，misfortunescrowduponme。Thatgracelesswifehasfledfrommeincompanywithafishmonger，"
groanedAshimullah。
"Youarewellquitofher，andsoalsoamI，"remarkedtheSultan。"YetIamnottobeturnedfrommybenevolentpurpose，andratherthanfailindoingyouhonor，Iwillacceptthewifewiththegoldenhair。"
"Alas!andalas!HighandPotentMajesty，Heavenhassetitswrathuponme。Assherowedthismorning，theboatupset，andshe，mygolden—hairedbeauty，wasdrowned!"AndAshimullahlaidhisheadonthegroundandsobbedpitifully。
"Ofatruthyouareafflicted。Yetdonotdespair，Iwillcomfortyou，mygoodAshimullah，"saidtheSultan。"Weepnomore。Sendmethewifewiththebrownhair，andallshallbewell。ByAllah!Iamamanthathearsreason，anddoesnotexactmorethanFatewillallow!Amancangiveonlywhathehas。Ishallbewellpleasedwithherofthebrownhair，Ashimullah。"
ThenAshimullahcrawledtothefeetoftheSultan，andsaid：
"RuleroftheWorld，greatisthehonorthatyoupurposeforthemeanestofyourservants。Yetbehold，ifIsendmywifewiththebrownhair，Ishallhavenowifeatall；fortheothersaregone，andmyhousewillbealtogetherdesolate。"
TheSultansmileddownatAshimullah。Thenhebentandtookhimbythehandsandraisedhimup。Andhespoketohiminatoneofmosttenderandfriendlyreproach：
"Indeed，Ashimullah，"saidhe，"youwrongmeinyourthoughts，supposingthatIwouldleaveyourhousedesolate，orthatIwouldreceivewithoutbestowing。Suchisnotthecustomofgreatprinces，norisitmycustom。Butwherewetakewegivefourfoldofwhatisgiventous。Beofgoodcheer，andgrievenomoreeitherforthewiveswhoaredeadorforthebrown—hairedwifewhomitismygraciouspleasuretoacceptfromyou。ForIwillsendyoufourwives；andthusyoushallbeasyouwerebeforeyourmisfortunes，andbeforeyougavemeyourbrown—hairedwife。
Andifthecoloroftheirhairdoesnotpleaseyou（foritseemsthatyouarecuriousinthesematters，OAshimullah），I
thinkthatyouhavemeanstosetrightwhatiswrong，andtoarraytheheadofeachinthecolorthatyoulovebest。"And，ashesaidthis，theSultanlookedveryfullandsignificantlyinthefaceofAshimullah。
ButAshimullahturnedandwentout，fulloffear；forheperceivedthattheSultanhaddiscoveredhissecretandthathehadbeenbetrayedbyHassanhisservant，andhefearedforhislife，becauseofthetrickthathehadplayedupontheSultan，besidesbeinggreatlyafflictedtothinkthatnowindeedtherewasnoescape，buthemusthavefourwives。Moreover，althoughthiscouldnotstandbesidethequestionofhissalvation，heregrettedgreatlythelosingofLallakalla，whomtheSultantookfromhim。AndashetoldLallakallaallthathadpassed，hewept；butshebadehimbeofgoodcheer，and，havingcomfortedhim，withdrewtoherapartments，andwasverybusytherealltheafternoon。
Intheeveningcamealitterfromthepalace，andwithitaletterfromtheSultan，commandingthatLallakallashouldcome，andbiddingAshimullahtoexpecthisfourwivesthenextday。
AccordinglyAshimullah，havingdivorcedLallakallaaccordingtotheformalitiesofthelaw，setherinthelitter，andshe，beingbroughttothepalace，wassoonvisitedbytheSultan，whowasfullofcuriositytoseeher。But，whenheentered，hegavealoudcryofsurprise。For，behold，thehaironLallakalla’sheadwasred。Butthenhesmiledandsaidtoher：
"Takeoffthewig，mydaughter。"
"Iobey，"saidshe，"butIprayyoutolookawaywhileIobey。"
SotheSultanlookedaway，and，whenheturnedagain，herhairwasgolden。
"Takethatoffalso，"saidtheSultan，turninghisheadaway。
Andwhenhelookedagainherhairwascoal—black。
"Takethatoffalso，"saidtheSultan。
"Iobey，"saidLallakalla，andtheSultanturnedaway。
"Now，"saidhe，"Iwillbeholdyourownbrownhair，"andheturnedtoher。Butagainhecriedoutinsurpriseandhorror。
FortherewasnobrownhaironLallakalla’shead，butherheadwasbareandshavenascleanastheballofivoryonthestaffthattheSultancarried。
"Heavenforbid，"saidLallakallameekly，"thatIshouldcometotheLightoftheUniversewithhairofthecolorthathehates；
forhechoseeverycolorsoonerthanmypoorcolor。ThereforeI
haveleftthebrownhairforAshimullah，forhelovesit，andI
havebroughtmylordthecolorsthatmylordloves。"Andwiththisshelaidthethreewigsofblackhair，ofgolden，andofruddyattheSultan’sfeet，andstoodherselfbeforehimwithhershavenpoll。
ThentheSultan，seeingthatLallakallalookedveryludicrouswithhershavenpoll，burstoutlaughing。Andhecameandtookherbythehand，andsaidtoher：
"Beholdawomanwholovesherhusbandbetterthanherbeauty，andtobehiswiferatherthanmine!Return，then，toAshimullahandbehiswifeagain。"
"Mylord，"saidshe，"suffermealsototakebackwithmetheotherwivesofAshimullah，"andshepointedtotheheadsofhairthatlayupontheground。
"Takethem，"saidhe，laughing。"AndsinceAshimullahhasalreadyfourwivesandyetwillgivemenowife，why，neitherwillIgiveAshimullahanywives。Butheshallhavethefourwivesthathehadbefore，andallthecityshallhearofthebeautyandthevirtueofAshimullah’swives。"
SoLallakallawenthomeingreatjoy，andputonherownhair，whichshehadfashionedintoawig，andwentintoAshimullah。
Andtheydwelthappilytogether，therebeingnodifferencesintheirhousehold，saveinthecolorofLallakalla’shairfromdaytoday。ButtheSultanraisedapillarofmany—coloredmarble，blackandgold，brownandred，andinscribedit，"TotheVirtuesoftheWivesofAshimullahtheVizier。"AndhenceforwardnonetroubledAshimullahconcerninghiswives。
Hassan，however，wasmostjustlyputtodeath。
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