It seemed to the Vizier as
though his soul departed his body for the violent plucking at his
beard, and Kemerezzeman fell to kicking him and pummelling his
breast and sides and cuffing him on the nape, till he had
well-nigh made an end of him. Then said the Vizier in himself,
'I must save myself from this madman by telling him a lie, even
as did the eunuch; else he will kill me, for he is mad beyond a
doubt.' So he said to Kemerezzeman, 'O my lord, bear me not
malice, for indeed thy father charged me to conceal from thee
this affair of the young lady; but now I am weak and weary and
sore with beating; for I am an old man and lack strength to
endure blows. So have a little patience with me and I will tell
thee all.' When the prince heard this, he left beating him
and said, 'Why couldst thou not tell me without blows and
humiliation? Rise now, unlucky old man that thou art, and tell
me her story.' Quoth the Vizier, 'Dost thou ask of the young
lady with the fair face and perfect shape?' 'Yes,' answered
Kemerezzeman. 'Tell me who it was laid her by my side and took
her away by night, and let me know whither she is gone, that I
may go to her. If my father did this to try me, with a view to
our marriage, I consent to marry her and be quit of this trouble;
for he only dealt thus with me, because I refused to marry.
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