It was a long time before we regained our self-control.
"Why, that's downright bigamy!" exclaimed Layelah with fresh laughter.
"Why, Atam-or, you're mad!" and so she went off again in fresh peals of laughter.

It was evident that my proposal was not at all shocking, but simply comical, ridiculous, and inconceivable in its absurdity.

It was to her what the remark of some despairing beauty would be among us who, when pressed by two lovers should express a confused willingness to marry both.

It was evident that Layelah accepted it as a ludicrous jest.
Laughter was all very well, of course; but I was serious and felt that I ought not to part with Layelah without some better understanding, and so I once more made an effort.
"All this," said I, in a mournful tone, "is a mere mockery.

What have I to say about love and marriage?
If you loved me as you say, you would not laugh, but weep.