ness should refuse the request I make, I will present myself alone to the sultan.” At length the vizier, overcome by his daughter’s firmness, yielded to her entreaties; and although he was in despair at not being able to conquer her resolution, he immediately went to Schah-riar, and announced to him that Scheherazade herself would be his bride on the following night.
The sultan was much astonished at the sacrifice.
“Is it possible,” said he, “that you can give up your own child?” “Sire,” replied the vizier, “she has herself made the offer. The dreadful fate that hangs over her does not alarm her; and she resigns her life for the honor of being the consort of your majesty, though it be but for one night.” “Vizier,” said the sultan, “do not deceive yourself with any hopes; for be assured that, in returning Scheherazade to your charge to-morrow, it will be with an order for her death; if you disobey, your own head as well as hers will be the forfeit.” “Although,” answered the vizier, “I am her father, I will answer for the fidelity of this arm in fulfilling your commands.”
When the grand vizier returned to Scheherazade, she thanked her father; and observing him to be much afflicted, consoled him slightly by saying that she hoped he would be so far from repenting her marriage with the sultan, that it would become a subject of joy to him for the remainder of his life.
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