The Arabian Nights

that sweetness, that pleasantness of humour, and that merit which you possess; we know not how to live without you.” After they had spoken these words, they began to weep bitterly. “My dear ladies,” said I, “have the kindness not to keep me any longer in suspense: tell me the cause of your sorrow.” “Alas!” said they, “what but the necessity of parting from you could thus afflict us? Perhaps we shall never see you more; but if it be your wish we should,


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that sweetness, that pleasantness of humour, and that merit which you possess; we know not how to live without you.” After they had spoken these words, they began to weep bitterly. “My dear ladies,” said I, “have the kindness not to keep me any longer in suspense: tell me the cause of your sorrow.” “Alas!” said they, “what but the necessity of parting from you could thus afflict us? Perhaps we shall never see you more; but if it be your wish we should,


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