The vizier was astonished at the sight of so beautiful a slave; and knowing the broker's name (having formerly dealt with him), "Hagi Hassan," said he, "is it not at four thousand pieces of gold that you cry her?" "Yes, sir," answered he; "the merchants just now agreed that I should put her up at that price: I wait their advance; and I question not but they will give a great deal more."
"If no one offers more, I will give that sum," replied Saouy, looking at the merchants at the same time with a countenance that forbad them to advance the price. He was so universally dreaded, that no one durst speak a word, even to complain of his encroaching upon their privilege.