"We were born in Circassia to poor parents, and my sister's name is Tezila and mine is Dely. With only our beauty to help us in life, we were trained in all the skills that bring joy. We learned quickly, and from childhood, we could play all sorts of instruments, sing, and especially dance. We were also lively and cheerful, and despite our hardships, we still are.

"We were happy and content with our lives at home when one morning, officials sent to find wives for the Sultan saw us and were struck by our beauty. We had always expected something like this and were resigned to our fate when we happened to see two young men enter our house. The elder, about twenty years old, had black hair and bright eyes. The other, no more than fifteen, was so fair he could have been mistaken for a girl.

"They knocked at the door timidly and asked our parents for shelter, as they had lost their way. After some hesitation, their request was granted, and they were invited into the room where we were. If our parents' hearts were touched by their beauty, ours were no less moved, making our planned departure for the palace the next day unbearable.

"Night came, and I awoke to find the younger stranger sitting by my bedside, holding my hand. 'Fear nothing, lovely Dely,' he whispered, 'from one who never knew love until he saw you. My name is Prince Delicate, and I am the son of the king of the Isle of Black Marble. My friend, who travels with me, is one of the richest nobles of my country, and his secrets are the envy of the Sultan himself. We left our homeland because my father wanted me to marry a lady of great beauty, but with one eye slightly smaller than the other.'