"
"It will," returned the princess; "I am not to learn that you like not
long conversations; I will leave you therefore to repose, though I had
other questions to propound." The instant she had spoken the water
became smooth, and the fishes at once disappeared.
Carathis, inflated with the venom of her projects, strode hastily over
the rock, and found the amiable Gulchenrouz asleep in an arbour, whilst
the two dwarfs were watching at his side, and ruminating their accustomed
prayers. These diminutive personages possessed the gift of divining
whenever an enemy to good Mussulmans approached; thus they anticipated
the arrival of Carathis, who, stopping short, said to herself: "How
placidly doth he recline his lovely little head! how pale and languishing
are his looks! it is just the very child of my wishes!"
The dwarfs interrupted this delectable soliloquy by leaping instantly
upon her, and scratching her face with their utmost zeal. But Nerkes and
Cafour, betaking themselves to the succour of their mistress, pinched the
dwarfs so severely in return, that they both gave up the ghost, imploring
Mahomet to inflict his sorest vengeance upon this wicked woman and all
her household.
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