The slave was alarmed, and said, “The great Allah knows I thought to have made you cheerful with my songs, since they were in praise of the deeds that your great countryman performed among us. Why then should you thus weep?” Without answering her, Gabrielle continued to address Blanchefleur;--“Oh, how fortunate are you in possessing such a brother! may we hope ever to see him in this life again?” Then Blanchefleur’s heart was also moved, and these two beautiful damsels fell into each other’s arms, and embraced lovingly in their affliction. Thereafter the Prince Mutza came with dignified demeanour, and gleaming in the splendour of his Moorish apparel, into the garden. When he saw the ladies still weeping, he retired respectfully for a few paces, and made a sign that the female slave should come to him. “Is this then the manner,” said he, “in which you fulfil the service which I intrusted to you? I heard you playing on the harp; and with your music you have only made these ladies weep. What your foolish songs were I know not; but so much is certain, that from the pleasant task of waiting on the beautiful Gabrielle, you shall from this day onward be excluded.” Gabrielle de Portamour however observed Mutza’s discontent, and said, “Be not thus angry with the girl; she is not to blame for our grief, though it chanced that her music brought tears to my eyes. Believe me, that even these tears afford more relief to my heart that all the pleasures which your luxurious palace could offer. Rather should you reward the slave for her faithful attendance on us.” “Praise be to Allah,” said the prince, with a gracious bow, “that you have for once honoured me by expressing wishes which it is in my power to fulfil. Would to Heaven that your commands were oftener laid upon me, that you might see how gladly they would be obeyed!” “Then, prince,” answered Gabrielle, “I do command you to conduct me and my friend, the Lady of Montfaucon, back to the coasts of Gascony, from whence you so unjustly forced us away.” “Alas! fairest of damsels,” answered Mutza, with a deep sigh, “spare me but this one request!” Thereupon Gabrielle turned from him with anger and contempt.