Shehrzad and gave her to know of that which his brother purposed,
to wit, that he sought her sister Dinarzad in marriage;
whereupon, "O king of the age," answered she, "we seek of him one
condition, to wit, that he take up his abode with us, for that I
cannot brook to be parted from my sister an hour, because we were
brought up together and may not brook severance from each other.
If he accept this condition, she is his handmaid." King Shehriyar
returned to his brother and acquainted him with that which
Shehrzad had said; and he answered, saying, "Indeed, this is what
was in my mind, for that I desire nevermore to be parted from
thee. As for the kingdom, God the Most High shall send unto it
whom He chooseth, for that there abideth to me no desire for the
kingship."

When King Shehriyar heard his brother's words, he rejoiced with
an exceeding joy and said, "Verily, this is what I had wished, O
my brother. So praised be God who hath brought about union
between us!" Then he sent after the Cadis and learned men and
captains and notables, and they married the two brothers to the
two sisters. The contracts were drawn up and the two kings
bestowed dresses of honour of silk and satin on those who were
present, whilst the city was decorated and the festivities were
renewed. The king commanded each amir and vizier and chamberlain
and deputy to decorate his palace and the folk of the city
rejoiced in the presage of happiness and content. Moreover, King
Shehriyar bade slaughter sheep and get up kitchens and made
bride-feasts and fed all comers, high and low.


Then the eunuchs went forth, that they might perfume the bath