not to warn me to demean me so modestly towards her as not to do aught to provoke her displeasure or reproach.
And he gave her full assurance of this, saying that she might be certain of it, for rather would I die than venture to do aught contrary to her will.
Thus he returned with this news, the which was so good and pleasing unto me, that I seemed to myself to be in a very happy dream.
And I thought on this without ceasing, but the delay seemed long to me. And she who held my heart in bondage forgot me not on the day on which she had made promise to send to me. Therefore it behoved me to give hearty welcome to the very distinguished messenger who brought to me the pleasing news for the which I was longing, the which was that I should go at nightfall to her to whom my heart went out, and who made known to me by this one what she would have me do, and that I should speak of it to no one save only to him who knew of it, and that he, and I, and her secretary, should set out, and should take none other thither.
Then we set out quickly, and parted from our fol-
