\"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。