` Oh , you had much better go , ' said the wife . ' I shall not know what to say . ' ` Well , then , stay at home , if you like , ' answered Abu Nowas , ` and I will ask to be admitted to the Sultan 's presence , and will tell him , with sobs , that my wife is dead , and that I have no money for her burial . When he hears that perhaps he will give us something . ' ` Yes , that is a good plan , ' said the wife ; and Abu Nowas set out . The Sultan was sitting in the hall of justice when Abu Nowas entered , his eyes streaming with tears , for he had rubbed some pepper into them . They smarted dreadfully , and he could hardly see to walk straight , and everyone wondered what was the matter with him . ` Abu Nowas ! What has happened ? ' cried the Sultan . ` Oh , noble Sultan , my wife is dead , ' wept he . ` We must all die , ' answered the Sultan ; but this was not the reply for which Abu Nowas had hoped . ` True , O Sultan , but I have neither shroud to wrap her in , nor money to bury her with , ' went on Abu Nowas , in no wise abashed by the way the Sultan had received his news . ` Well , give him a hundred pieces of gold , ' said the Sultan , turning to the Grand Vizir . And when the money was counted out Abu Nowas bowed low , and left the hall , his tears still flowing , but with joy in his heart . ` Have you got anything ? ' cried his wife , who was waiting for him anxiously . ` Yes , a hundred gold pieces , ' said he , throwing down the bag , ` but that will not last us any time . Now you must go to the Sultana , clothed in sackcloth and robes of mourning , and tell her that your husband , Abu Nowas , is dead , and you have no money for his burial . When she hears that , she will be sure to ask you what has become of the money and the fine clothes she gave us on our marriage , and you will answer , `` before he died he sold everything . '' '
The wife did as she was told , and wrapping herself in sackcloth went up to the Sultana 's own palace , and as she was known XXXXX have been one of Subida 's favourite attendants , she was taken without difficulty into the private apartments .
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