It was almost day when Dinarzade awoke next morning, and called to
her sister, If you be not asleep, dear sister, I pray you continue
the story of the second calender. Scheherazade began in this manner:
Madam, said the calender, (always speaking to Zobeide,) as we had
ten horses laden with baggage and other presents, that I was to
carry to the Indian sultan from the king my father, and my retinue
was but small, you may easily judge that these robbers came boldly
up to us; and not being in a posture to make any opposition, we told
them, that we were ambassadors belonging to the sultan of the
Indies, and hoped they would attempt nothing contrary to that
respect that is due to them, thinking by this means to save our
equipage and our lives: but the robbers most insolently replied, For
what reason would you have us show any respect to the sultan your
master? We are none of his subjects, nor are we upon his
territories. Having spoken thus, they surrounded and fell upon us: I
defended myself as long as I could; but finding myself wounded, and
seeing the ambassador, with his servants and mine, lying on the
ground, I made use of what strength was yet remaining in my horse,
who was also very much wounded, and separated myself from the crowd,
and rode away as fast as he could carry me; but he happening all of
a sudden to fall under me, by weariness and the loss of blood, he
fell down dead. I got rid of him in a trice; and finding that I was
not pursued, it made me judge the robbers were not willing to quit
the booty they had got.
Scheherazade, perceiving day coming on, was obliged to stop here. O
sister, said Dinarzade, to-morrow I shall be more diligent, in hopes
you will make reparation to the sultan for the loss that his
curiosity has sustained through my neglect. Schahriar arose without
saying one word, and went to his usual consultation.