The consequences which had resulted from the first and only trial which
he had made of the magical and marvellous properties of the ointment
contained in the second jar had been so little pleasing to the Caliph,
and had so nearly caused the death of his favourite wife Zobeideh, that
he had no inclination to test it further at present. He placed it,
therefore, in his cabinet, together with the other jar, until some
occasion should arise on which he might desire to make use of them.
Yet, although he was prejudiced against making further trial of the
ointments, he continued to undertake from time to time his occasional
nocturnal rambles in company with Giafer.
One evening, after they had wandered for a long time in their usual
disguise as merchants through the streets and bazaars of the city, they
turned into a large caravanserai, and sat down to rest themselves.
There was a great number of merchants collected within the hospitable
walls of the caravanserai, and close by the Caliph and Giafer sat two
men, with whom they were destined to become better acquainted.
Not long after the Caliph and his companion had entered and seated
themselves, one of these two men by a glance drew the attention of his
friend to the new-comers, and they began very shortly a dispute, which
appeared to wax very warm indeed, respecting the merits of two female
slaves which they possessed, and as to the pre-eminence of whose rival
attractions they were quite unable to agree. They vociferated and
gesticulated and appeared to get so angry with each other, that in
their mutual fury they seemed ready to tear each other to pieces.