Page 273 - Bulbul Hezar

apartment, before she was got into bed; and after they had
asked her pardon for coming at so unseasonable a time, they

told her all the circumstances of their meeting the sultan.
The princess Parizade was something surprised at this news.
Your meeting with the sultan, said she, is very happy and
honourable, and in the end may be very advantageous to you,
but may be ill for me. It was upon my account, I know, you
refused the sultan, and I am infinitely obliged to you for it, and
find your friendship is perfectly consistent with mine, since you

would rather be guilty of ill manners towards the sultan, than
break in upon the brotherly union we have sworn to each other:
You judged right; for if you had once gone, you would
insensibly have been engaged to leave me to go and pay your
respects to him: But do not think it an easy matter absolutely to
refuse the sultan what he so earnestly desires; for sultans will be
obeyed in their desires, and it may be dangerous to oppose
them; therefore, if, to follow my inclination, I should dissuade
you from shewing the complaisance he expects from you, it

may expose you to his resentment, and may render myself and
you miserable. These are my sentiments; but before we
conclude on any thing, let us consult the talking bird, and hear
what he says; he is penetrating, and has promised his assistance
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