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obliged to slink off without his uncles knowledge or permission. The Shah’s message was couched in these terms “Princess, it is now some time since you have taken up your residence in the confines of my territories but notwithstanding my ardent desire of your society you have never afforded me an opportunity of indulging it We have been neighbours a long while why should we not live on terms of intimacy or at least as visiting acquaintance I am extremely desirous of such an intercourse and if you will give me leave I propose shortly to have an hour’s conversation with you and to take a look at the wonders of your Palace.” Melech Mahommed set off with speed and quickly arrived at the door of the Palace of the Peries He called out “Open to the faithful Melech Mahommed The door was instantly opened He entered and saw Gheti Afroz sitting on the brink of the basin of water As soon as she saw him she cried Come away, you are welcome I have long been thinking of you See, here is your place still vacant And with the most affectionate tenderness she placed him by her side She immediately ordered wine to be brought in to drive away the memory

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