I will engage that everything shall succeed to
the bent of your wishes."
"Be it so!" said Fakreddin. "I approve your proposal; let us lose not a
moment to give it effect."
They forthwith hastened to seek for the powder, which, being mixed in a
sherbet, was immediately drank by Gulchenrouz and Nouronihar. Within the
space of an hour both were seized with violent palpitations, and a
general numbness gradually ensued; they arose from the floor, where they
had remained ever since the Caliph's departure, and, ascending to the
sofa, reclined themselves at full length upon it, clasped in each other's
embraces.
"Cherish me, my dear Nouronihar!" said Gulchenrouz; "put thy hand upon my
heart, for it feels as if it were frozen. Alas! thou art as cold as
myself! Hath the Caliph murdered us both with his terrible look?"
"I am dying!" cried she in a faltering voice; "press me closer; I am
ready to expire!"
"Let us die then together," answered the little Gulchenrouz, whilst his
breast laboured with a convulsive sigh; "let me at least breathe forth my
soul on thy lips!" They spoke no more, and became as dead.
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