FairyTalesfromtheArabianNights.

FirstSeries.

CONTENTS.

TheKingofPersiaandthePrincessoftheSeaPrinceBederandthePrincessGiauhara(ASequeltotheForegoing)TheThreePrincesandPrincessNouronniharPrinceAhmedandtheFairy(ASequeltotheForegoing)PrinceCamaralzamanandthePrincessofChinaTheLossoftheTalisman(ASequeltotheForegoing)TheStoryofZobeide

TheStoryoftheKing’sSon

TheFirstVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheSecondVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheThirdVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheFourthVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheFifthVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheSixthVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

TheSeventhVoyageofSinbadtheSailor

THEKINGOFPERSIAANDTHEPRINCESSOFTHESEA.

ThereoncewasakingofPersia,whoatthebeginningofhisreignhaddistinguishedhimselfbymanygloriousandsuccessfulconquests,andhadafterwardsenjoyedsuchprofoundpeaceandtranquillityasrenderedhimthehappiestofmonarchs.Hisonlyoccasionforregretwasthathehadnoheirtosucceedhiminthekingdomafterhisdeath.Oneday,accordingtothecustomofhisroyalpredecessorsduringtheirresidenceinthecapital,heheldanassemblyofhiscourtiers,atwhichalltheambassadorsandstrangersofrenownathiscourtwerepresent.Amongthesethereappearedamerchantfromafar-distantcountry,whosentamessagetothekingcravinganaudience,ashewishedtospeaktohimaboutaveryimportantmatter.Thekinggaveordersforthemerchanttobeinstantlyadmitted;andwhentheassemblywasover,andalltherestofthecompanyhadretired,thekinginquiredwhatwasthebusinesswhichhadbroughthimtothepalace.

‘Sire,’repliedthemerchant,‘Ihavewithme,andbegyourmajestytobehold,themostbeautifulandcharmingslaveitwouldbepossibletofindifyousearchedeverycorneroftheearth;ifyouwillbutseeher,youwillsurelywishtomakeheryourwife.’

Thefairslavewas,bytheking’scommands,immediatelybroughtin,andnosoonerhadthekingbeheldaladywhosebeautyandgracesurpassedanythinghehadeverimagined,thanhefellpassionatelyinlovewithher,anddeterminedtomarryheratonce.Thiswasdone.

Sothekingcausedthefairslavetobelodgedinthenextfinestapartmenttohisown,andgaveparticularorderstothematronsandthewomen-slavesappointedtoattendher,thattheyshoulddressherintherichestrobetheycouldfind,andcarryherthefinestpearlnecklaces,thebrightestdiamonds,andothertherichestpreciousstones,thatshemightchoosethoseshelikedbest.

TheKingofPersia’scapitalwassituatedinanisland;andhispalace,whichwasverymagnificent,wasbuiltuponthesea-shore;hiswindowlookedtowardsthesea;andthefairslave’s,whichwasprettynearit,hadalsothesameprospect,anditwasthemorepleasantonaccountofthesea’sbeatingalmostagainstthefootofthewall.

Attheendofthreedaysthefairslave,magnificentlydressed,wasaloneinherchamber,sittinguponasofa,andleaningagainstoneofthewindowsthatfacedthesea,whentheking,beinginformedthathemightvisither,camein.The

slavehearingsomebodywalkintheroom,immediatelyturnedherheadtoseewhoitwas.Sheknewhimtobetheking;butwithoutshowingtheleastsurprise,orsomuchasrisingfromherseattosaluteorreceivehim,sheturnedbacktothewindowagainasifhehadbeenthemostinsignificantpersonintheworld.

TheKingofPersiawasextremelysurprisedtoseeaslaveofsobeauteousaformsoveryignorantoftheworld.Heattributedthistothenarrownessofhereducation,andthelittlecarethathadbeentakentoinstructherinthefirstrulesofcivility.Hewenttoheratthewindow,where,notwithstandingthecoldnessandindifferencewithwhichshehadjustnowreceivedhim,shesufferedherselftobeadmired,kissedandembracedasmuchashepleased,butansweredhimnotaword.

‘Mydearestlife,’saidtheking,‘youneitheranswer,norbyanyvisibletokengivemetheleastreasontobelievethatyouarelisteningtome.Whywillyoustillkeeptothisobstinatesilence,whichchillsme?Doyoumournforyourcountry,yourfriends,oryourrelations?Alas!isnottheKingofPersia,wholovesandadoresyou,capableofcomforting,andmakingyouamendsforthelossofeverythingintheworld?’

Butthefairslavecontinuedherastonishingreserve;andkeepinghereyesstillfixedupontheground,wouldneitherlookathimnorutteraword;butaftertheyhaddinedtogetherinabsolutesilence,thekingwenttothewomenwhomhehadassignedtothefairslaveasherattendants,andaskedthemiftheyhadeverheardherspeak.

Oneofthempresentlymadeanswer,‘Sire,wehaveneitherseenheropenherlips,norheardherspeakanymorethanyourmajestyhasjustnow;wehaverenderedherourservices;wehavecombedanddressedherhair,putonherclothes,andwaiteduponherinherchamber;butshehasneveropenedherlips,somuchastosay,Thatiswell,or,Ilikethis.Wehaveoftenasked,Madam,doyouwantanything?Isthereanythingyouwishfor?Dobutaskandcommandus:butwehaveneverbeenabletodrawawordfromher.Wecannottellwhetherhersilenceproceedsfrompride,sorrow,stupidity,ordumbness;andthisisallwecaninformyourmajesty.’

TheKingofPersiawasmoreastonishedathearingthisthanhewasbefore:however,believingtheslavemighthavesomereasonforsorrow,heendeavouredtodivertandamuseher,butallinvain.

Forawholeyearsheneveraffordedhimthepleasureofasingleword.

Atlength,onedaythereweregreatrejoicingsinthecapital,becausetothekingandhissilentslave-queentherewasbornasonandheirtothekingdom.Oncemorethekingendeavouredtogetawordfromhiswife.‘Myqueen,’hesaid,‘Icannotdivinewhatyourthoughtsare;but,formyownpart,nothingwouldbewantingtocompletemyhappinessandcrownmyjoybutthatyoushouldspeaktomeonesingleword,forsomethingwithinmetellsmeyouarenotdumb:andIbeseech,Iconjureyou,tobreakthroughthislongsilence,andspeakbutonewordtome;andafterthatIcarenothowsoonIdie.’

Atthisdiscoursethefairslave,who,accordingtoherusualcustom,hadhearkenedtothekingwithdowncasteyes,andhadgivenhimcausetobelievenotonlythatshewasdumb,butthatshehadneverlaughedinherlife,begantosmilealittle.TheKingofPersiaperceiveditwithasurprisethatmadehimbreakforthintoanexclamationofjoy;andnolongerdoubtingbutthatshewasgoingtospeak,hewaitedforthathappymomentwithaneagernessandattentionthatcannoteasilybeexpressed.

Atlastthefairslave,breakingherlong-keptsilence,thusaddressedherselftotheking:‘Sire,’saidshe,‘Ihavesomanythingstosaytoyourmajesty,that,havingoncebrokensilence,Iknownotwheretobegin.However,inthefirstplace,Ithinkmyselfindutyboundtothankyouforallthefavoursandhonoursyouhavebeenpleasedtoconferuponme,andtoimploreHeaventoblessandprosperyou,topreventthewickeddesignsofyourenemies,andnottosufferyoutodieafterhearingmespeak,buttograntyoualonglife.Haditneverbeenmyfortunetohaveborneachild,Iwasresolved(Ibegyourmajestytopardonthesincerityofmyintention)nevertohavelovedyou,aswellastohavekeptaneternalsilence;butnowIloveyouasIoughttodo.’

TheKingofPersia,ravishedtohearthefairslavespeak,embracedhertenderly.‘Shininglightofmyeyes,’saidhe,‘itisimpossibleformetoreceiveagreaterjoythanwhatyouhavenowgivenme.’

TheKingofPersia,inthetransportofhisjoy,saidnomoretothefairslave.Helefther,butinsuchamannerasmadeherperceivethathisintentionwasspeedilytoreturn:andbeingwillingthathisjoyshouldbemadepublic,hesentinallhasteforthegrandvizier.Assoonashecame,heorderedhimtodistributeathousandpiecesofgoldamongtheholymenofhisreligion,whohadmade

vowsofpoverty;asalsoamongthehospitalsandthepoor,bywayofreturningthankstoHeaven:andhiswillwasobeyedbythedirectionofthatminister.

AftertheKingofPersiahadgiventhisorder,hereturnedtothefairslaveagain.‘Madam,’saidhe,‘pardonmeforleavingyousoabruptly,butIhopeyouwillindulgemewithsomeconversation,sinceIamdesiroustoknowseveralthingsofgreatconsequence.

Tellme,mydearestsoul,whatwerethepowerfulreasonsthatinducedyoutopersistinthatobstinatesilenceforawholeyeartogether,thoughyousawme,heardmetalktoyou,andateanddrankwithmeeveryday.’

TosatisfytheKingofPersia’scuriosity,‘Think,’repliedthequeen,‘whetherornotobeaslave,farfrommyowncountry,withoutanyhopesofeverseeingitagain,—tohaveahearttornwithgriefatbeingseparatedforeverfrommymother,mybrother,myfriends,andmyacquaintance,—arenotthesesufficientreasonsformykeepingasilenceyourmajestyhasthoughtsostrangeandunaccountable?Theloveofournativecountryisasnaturaltousasthatofourparents;andthelossoflibertyisinsupportabletoeveryonewhoisnotwhollydestituteofcommonsense,andknowshowtosetavalueonit.’

‘Madam,’repliedtheking,‘Iamconvincedofthetruthofwhatyousay;buttillthismomentIwasofopinionthatapersonbeautifullikeyourself,whomherevildestinyhadcondemnedtobeaslave,oughttothinkherselfveryhappyinmeetingwithakingforhermaster.’

‘Sire,’repliedthefairslave,‘whatevertheslaveis,thereisnokingonearthwhocantyranniseoverherwill.Butwhenthisveryslaveisinnothinginferiortothekingthatboughther,yourmajestyshallthenjudgeyourselfofhermisery,andhersorrow,andtowhatdesperateattemptstheanguishofdespairmaydriveher.’

TheKingofPersia,ingreatastonishment,said‘Madam,canitbepossiblethatyouareofroyalblood?Explainthewholesecrettome,Ibeseechyou,andnolongerincreasemyimpatience.Letmeinstantlyknowwhoareyourparents,yourbrothers,yoursisters,andyourrelations;but,aboveall,whatyournameis.’

‘Sire,’saidthefairslave,‘mynameisGulnare,RoseoftheSea;andmyfather,whoisnowdead,wasoneofthemostpotentmonarchsoftheocean.Whenhedied,helefthiskingdomtoabrotherofmine,namedSaleh,andtothequeen,

mymother,whoisalsoaprincess,thedaughterofanotherpowerfulmonarchofthesea.Weenjoyedaprofoundpeaceandtranquillitythroughthewholekingdom,tillaneighbouringprince,enviousofourhappiness,invadedourdominionswithamightyarmy;andpenetratingasfarasourcapital,madehimselfmasterofit;andwehadbutjusttimeenoughtosaveourselvesinanimpenetrableandinaccessibleplace,withafewtrustyofficerswhodidnotforsakeusinourdistress.

‘Inthisretreatmybrothercontrivedallmannerofwaystodrivetheunjustinvaderfromourdominions.Oneday“Sister,”saidhe,“ImayfailintheattemptIintendtomaketorecovermykingdom;andIshallbelessconcernedformyowndisgracethanforwhatmaypossiblyhappentoyou.Topreventit,andtosecureyoufromallaccident,Iwouldfainseeyoumarriedfirst:butinthemiserableconditionofouraffairsatpresent,Iseenoprobabilityofmatchingyoutoanyoftheprincesofthesea;andthereforeIshouldbeverygladifyouwouldthinkofmarryingsomeoftheprincesoftheearthIamreadytocontributeallthatliesinmypowertowardsit;andIamcertainthereisnotoneofthem,howeverpowerful,butwouldbeproudofsharinghiscrownwithyou.”

‘Atthisdiscourseofmybrother’s,Ifellintoaviolentpassion.

“Brother,”saidI,“youknowthatIamdescended,aswellasyou,bybothfather’sandmother’sside,fromthekingsandqueensofthesea,withoutanymixtureofalliancewiththoseoftheearth;thereforeIdonotintendtomarrybelowmyself,anymorethantheydid.Theconditiontowhichwearereducedshallneverobligemetoaltermyresolution;andifyouperishintheexecutionofyourdesign,Iampreparedtofallwithyou,ratherthantofollowtheadviceIsolittleexpectedfromyou.”

‘Mybrother,whowasstillearnestforthemarriage,howeverimproperforme,endeavouredtomakemebelievethattherewerekingsoftheearthwhowerenowiseinferiortothoseofthesea.

Thisputmeintoamoreviolentpassion,whichoccasionedhimtosayseveralbitterwordsthatstungmetothequick.Heleftmeasmuchdissatisfiedwithmyselfashecouldpossiblybewithme;andinthispeevishmoodIgaveaspringfromthebottomoftheseauptotheislandofthemoon.

‘Notwithstandingtheviolentdispleasurethatmademecastmyselfuponthat

island,Ilivedcontentinretirement.Butinspiteofallmyprecautions,apersonofdistinction,attendedbyhisservants,surprisedmesleeping,andcarriedmetohisownhouse,andwishedmetomarryhim.Whenhesawthatfairmeanswouldnotprevailuponme,heattemptedtomakeuseofforce;butIsoonmadehimrepentofhisinsolence.Soatlastheresolvedtosellme;whichhedidtothatverymerchantwhobroughtmehitherandsoldmetoyourmajesty.Thismanwasaveryprudent,courteous,humaneperson,andduringthewholeofthelongjourney,nevergavemetheleastreasontocomplain.

‘Asforyourmajesty,’continuedQueenGulnare,‘ifyouhadnotshownmealltherespectyouhavehithertopaid,andgivenmesuchundeniablemarksofyouraffectionthatIcouldnolongerdoubtofit,IhesitatenottotellyouplainlythatIshouldnothaveremainedwithyou.Iwouldhavethrownmyselfintotheseaoutofthisverywindow,andIwouldhavegoneinsearchofmymother,mybrother,andtherestofmyrelations;and,therefore,Ihopeyouwillnolongerlookuponmeasaslave,butasaprincessworthyofyouralliance.’

AfterthismannerQueenGulnarediscoveredherselftotheKingofPersia,andfinishedherstory.‘Mycharming,myadorablequeen,’

criedhe,‘whatwondershaveIheard!Imustaskathousandquestionsconcerningthosestrangeandunheard-ofthingswhichyouhaverelatedtome.Ibeseechyoutotellmemoreaboutthekingdomandpeopleofthesea,whoarealtogetherunknowntome.Ihaveheardmuchtalk,indeed,oftheinhabitantsofthesea,butIalwayslookeduponitasnothingbutataleorfable;but,bywhatyouhavetoldme,Iamconvincedthereisnothingmoretrue;andIhaveaverygoodproofofitinyourownperson,whoareoneofthem,andarepleasedtocondescendtobemywife;whichisanhonournootherinhabitantontheearthcanboastofbesidesmyself.Thereisonethingyetwhichpuzzlesme;thereforeImustbegthefavourofyoutoexplainit;thatis,Icannotcomprehendhowitispossibleforyoutoliveormoveinthewaterwithoutbeingdrowned.Thereareveryfewamongstuswhohavetheartofstayingunderwater;andtheywouldsurelyperish,if,afteracertaintime,theydidnotcomeupagain.’

‘Sire,’repliedQueenGulnare,‘IshallwithpleasuresatisfytheKingofPersia.Wecanwalkatthebottomoftheseawithasmucheaseasyoucanuponland;andwecanbreatheinthewaterasyoudointheair;sothatinsteadofsuffocatingus,asitdoesyou,itabsolutelycontributestothepreservationofourlives.Whatisyetmoreremarkableis,thatitneverwetsourclothes;sothat

whenwehaveamindtovisittheearth,wehavenooccasiontodrythem.OurcommonlanguageisthesameasthatofthewritingengraveduponthesealofthegreatprophetSolomon,thesonofDavid.

‘Imustnotforgettotellyou,further,thatthewaterdoesnotintheleasthinderusfromseeinginthesea;forwecanopenoureyeswithoutanyinconvenience;andaswehavequick,piercingsight,wecandiscernanyobjectasclearlyinthedeepestpartoftheseaasuponland.Wehavealsothereasuccessionofdayandnight;themoonaffordsusherlight,andeventheplanetsandthestarsappearvisibletous.Ihavealreadyspokenofourkingdoms;butastheseaismuchmorespaciousthantheearth,sothereareagreaternumberofthem,andofgreaterextent.Theyaredividedintoprovinces;andineachprovincethereareseveralgreatcities,wellpeopled.Inshort,thereareaninfinitenumberofnations,differinginmannersandcustoms,justasupontheearth.

‘Thepalacesofthekingsandprincesareverysumptuousandmagnificent.Someofthemareofmarbleofvariouscolours;othersofrock-crystal,withwhichtheseaabounds,motherofpearl,coral,andofothermaterialsmorevaluable;gold,silver,andallsortsofpreciousstonesaremoreplentifultherethanonearth.Isaynothingofthepearls,sincethelargestthateverwereseenuponearthwouldnotbevaluedamongstus;andnonebuttheverylowestrankofcitizenswouldwearthem.

‘Aswecantransportourselveswhitherwepleaseinthetwinklingofaneye,wehavenooccasionforanycarriagesorriding-horses;notbutwhatthekinghashisstables,andhisstudofsea-horses;buttheyareseldommadeuseof,exceptuponpublicfeastsorrejoicingdays.Some,aftertheyhavetrainedthem,takedelightinridingthem,andshowtheirskillanddexterityinraces;othersputthemtochariotsofmother-of-pearl,adornedwithaninfinitenumberofshellsofallsorts,ofthebrightestcolours.Thesechariotsareopen;andinthemiddlethereisathroneuponwhichthekingsits,andshowshimselftohissubjects.Thehorsesaretraineduptodrawbythemselves;sothatthereisnooccasionforacharioteertoguidethem.Ipassoverathousandothercuriousparticularsrelatingtothesemarinecountries,whichwouldbeveryentertainingtoyourmajesty;butyoumustpermitmetodeferittoafutureleisure,tospeakofsomethingofmuchgreaterconsequence.Ishouldliketosendformymotherandmycousins,andatthesametimetodesirethekingmybrother’scompany,towhomIhaveagreatdesiretobereconciled.Theywillbeverygladtoseemeagain,afterIhaverelatedmystorytothem,andwhentheyunderstandIamwifetothemightyking

ofPersia.Ibeseechyourmajestytogivemeleavetosendforthem:Iamsuretheywillbehappytopaytheirrespectstoyou;andIventuretosayyouwillbeextremelypleasedtoseethem.’

‘Madam,’repliedtheKingofPersia,‘youaremistress;dowhateveryouplease;Iwillendeavourtoreceivethemwithallthehonourstheydeserve.ButIwouldfainknowhowyouwouldacquaintthemwithwhatyoudesire,andwhentheywillarrive,thatImaygiveorderstomakepreparationfortheirreception,andgomyselfinpersontomeetthem.’

‘Sire,’repliedtheQueenGulnare,‘thereisnoneedoftheseceremonies;theywillbehereinamoment;andifyourMajestywillbutlookthroughthelattice,youshallseethemanneroftheirarrival.’

QueenGulnarethenorderedoneofherwomentobringherabrazierwithalittlefire.Afterthatshebadeherretire,andshutthedoor.Whenshewasalone,shetookapieceofaloesoutofabox,andputitintothebrazier.Assoonasshesawthesmokerise,sherepeatedsomewordsunknowntotheKingofPersia,whofromarecessobservewithgreatattentionallthatshedid.Shehadnosoonerended,thantheseabegantobedisturbed.Atlengththeseaopenedatsomedistance;andpresentlythereroseoutofitatall,handsomeyoungman,withmoustachesofasea-greencolour;alittlebehindhim,alady,advancedinyears,butofamajesticair,attendedbyfiveyoungladies,nowiseinferiorinbeautytotheQueenGulnare.

QueenGulnareimmediatelywenttooneofthewindows,andsawthekingherbrother,thequeenhermother,andtherestofherrelations,whoatthesametimeperceivedheralso.Thecompanycameforward,borne,asitwere,uponthesurfaceofthewaves.

Whentheycametotheedge,theynimbly,oneafteranother,spranguptothewindow,fromwhenceQueenGulnarehadretiredtomakeroomforthem.KingSaleh,thequeenhermother,andtherestofherrelations,embracedhertenderly,withtearsintheireyes,ontheirfirstentrance.

AfterQueenGulnarehadreceivedthemwithallimaginablehonour,andmadethemsitdownuponasofa,thequeenhermotheraddressedherselftoher:‘Daughter,’saidshe,‘Iamoverjoyedtoseeyouagainaftersolonganabsence;andIamconfidentthatyourbrotherandyourrelationsarenolessso.Your

leavinguswithoutacquaintinganybodywithitinvolvedusininexpressibleconcern;anditisimpossibletotellyouhowmanytearswehavesheduponthataccount.Weknowofnootherreasonthatcouldinduceyoutotakesuchasurprisingstep,butwhatyourbrothertoldusoftheconversationthatpassedbetweenhimandyou.Theadvicehegaveyouseemedtohimatthattimeveryadvantageousforsettlingyouhandsomelyintheworld,andverysuitabletothethenpostureofouraffairs.Ifyouhadnotapprovedofhisproposal,yououghtnottohavebeensomuchalarmed;and,givemeleavetotellyou,youtookthethinginaquitedifferentlightfromwhatyououghttohavedone.Butnomoreofthis;weandyououghtnowtoburyitforeverinoblivion:giveusanaccountofallthathashappenedtoyousincewesawyoulast,andofyourpresentsituation;butespeciallyletusknowifyouaresatisfied.’

QueenGulnareimmediatelythrewherselfathermother’sfeet;andafterrisingandkissingherhand,‘Iown,’saidshe,‘Ihavebeenguiltyofaverygreatfault,andIamindebtedtoyourgoodnessforthepardonwhichyouarepleasedtograntme.’Shethenrelatedthewholeofwhathadbefallenhersinceshequittedthesea.

AssoonasshehadacquaintedthemwithherhavingbeensoldtotheKingofPersia,inwhosepalaceshewasatpresent;‘Sister,’saidthekingherbrother,‘younowhaveitinyourpowertofreeyourself.Rise,andreturnwithusintomykingdom,thatIhavereconqueredfromtheproudusurperwhohadmadehimselfmasterofit.’

TheKingofPersia,whoheardthesewordsfromtherecesswherehewasconcealed,wasintheutmostalarm.‘Ah!’saidhetohimself,‘Iamruined;andifmyqueen,myGulnare,hearkenstothisadvice,andleavesme,Ishallsurelydie.’ButQueenGulnaresoonputhimoutofhisfears.

‘Brother,’saidshe,smiling,‘IcanscarceforbearbeingangrywithyouforadvisingmetobreaktheengagementIhavemadewiththemostpuissantandmostrenownedmonarchintheworld.Idonotspeakhereofanengagementbetweenaslaveandhermaster;itwouldbeeasytoreturnthetenthousandpiecesofgoldthatIcosthim;butIspeaknowofacontractbetweenawifeandahusband,andawifewhohasnottheleastreasontocomplain.Heisareligious,wise,andtemperateking.Iamhiswife,andhehasdeclaredmeQueenofPersia,tosharewithhiminhiscouncils.

Besides,Ihaveachild,thelittlePrinceBeder.Ihopethenneithermymother,noryou,noranyofmycousins,willdisapproveoftheresolutionortheallianceIhavemade,whichwillbeanequalhonourtothekingsoftheseaandtheearth.Excusemeforgivingyouthetroubleofcominghitherfromthebottomofthedeep,tocommunicateittoyou,andforthepleasureofseeingyouaftersolongaseparation.’

‘Sister,’repliedKingSaleh,‘theproposalImadeyouofgoingbackwithusintomykingdomwasonlytoletyouseehowmuchweallloveyou,andhowmuchIinparticularhonouryou,andthatnothingintheworldissodeartomeasyourhappiness.’

Thequeenconfirmedwhathersonhadjustspoken,andaddressingherselftoQueenGulnare,said,‘Iamverygladtohearyouarepleased;andIhavenothingelsetoaddtowhatyourbrotherhasjustsaidtoyou.Ishouldhavebeenthefirsttohavecondemnedyou,ifyouhadnotexpressedallthegratitudeyouowetoamonarchthatlovesyousopassionately,andhasdonesuchgreatthingsforyou.’

WhentheKingofPersia,whowasstillintherecess,heardthishebegantolovehermorethanever,andresolvedtoexpresshisgratitudeineverypossibleway.

PresentlyQueenGulnareclappedherhands,andincamesomeofherslaves,whomshehadorderedtobringinameal:assoonasitwasservedup,sheinvitedthequeenhermother,thekingherbrother,andhercousins,tositdownandtakepartofit.Theybegantoreflect,thatwithoutaskingleave,theyhadgotintothepalaceofamightyking,whohadneverseennorheardofthem,andthatitwouldbeagreatpieceofrudenesstoeatathistablewithouthim.

Thisreflectionraisedablushintheirfaces;intheiremotiontheireyesglowedlikefire,andtheybreathedflamesattheirmouthsandnostrils.

ThisunexpectedsightputtheKingofPersia,whowastotallyignorantofthecauseofit,intoadreadfulconsternation.QueenGulnaresuspectingthis,andunderstandingtheintentionofherrelations,rosefromherseat,andtoldthemshewouldbebackinamoment.Shewentdirectlytotherecess,andrecoveredtheKingofPersiafromhissurprise.

‘Sir,’saidshe,‘givemeleavetoassureyouofthesincerefriendshipthatthequeenmymotherandthekingmybrotherarepleasedtohonouryouwith:theyearnestlydesiretoseeyou,andtellyousothemselves:Iintendedtohavesome

conversationwiththembyorderingabanquetforthem,beforeIintroducedthemtoyourmajesty,buttheyareveryimpatienttopaytheirrespectstoyou:andthereforeIdesireyourmajestywouldbepleasedtowalkin,andhonourthemwithyourpresence.’

‘Madam,’saidtheKingofPersia,‘Ishouldbeverygladtosalutepersonsthathavethehonourtobesonearlyrelatedtoyou,butIamafraidoftheflamesthattheybreatheattheirmouthsandnostrils.’

‘Sir,’repliedthequeen,laughing,‘youneednotintheleastbeafraidofthoseflames,whicharenothingbutasignoftheirunwillingnesstoeatinyourpalace,withoutyourhonouringthemwithyourpresence,andeatingwiththem.’

TheKingofPersia,encouragedbythesewords,roseup,andcameoutintotheroomwithhisQueenGulnare.Shepresentedhimtothequeenhermother,tothekingherbrother,andtoherotherrelations,whoinstantlythrewthemselvesathisfeet,withtheirfacestotheground.TheKingofPersiarantothem,andliftingthemup,embracedthemoneafteranother.Aftertheywereallseated,KingSalehbegan:‘Sir,’saidhetotheKingofPersia,‘weareatalossforwordstoexpressourjoytothinkthatthequeenmysistershouldhavethehappinessoffallingundertheprotectionofsopowerfulamonarch.Wecanassureyousheisnotunworthyofthehighrankyouhavebeenpleasedtoraiseherto;andwehavealwayshadsomuchloveandtendernessforher,thatwecouldneverthinkofpartingwithhertoanyofthepuissantprincesofthesea,whooftendemandedherinmarriagebeforeshecameofage.

Heavenhasreservedherforyou,Sir,andwehavenobetterwayofreturningthankstoitforthefavourithasdoneher,thanbybeseechingittograntyourmajestyalongandhappylifewithher,andtocrownyouwithprosperityandsatisfaction.’

‘Certainly,’repliedtheKingofPersia,‘Icannotsufficientlythankeitherthequeenhermother,oryou,Prince,oryourwholefamily,forthegenerositywithwhichyouhaveconsentedtoreceivemeintoanalliancesoglorioustomeasyours.’Sosaying,heinvitedthemtotakepartoftheluncheon,andheandhisqueensatdownatthetablewiththem.Afteritwasover,theKingofPersiaconversedwiththemtillitwasverylate;andwhentheythoughtittimetoretire,hewaiteduponthemhimselftotheseveralroomshehadorderedtobepreparedforthem.

Nextday,astheKingofPersia,QueenGulnare,thequeenhermother,KingSalehherbrother,andtheprincessestheirrelations,werediscoursingtogetherinhermajesty’sroom,thenursecameinwiththeyoungPrinceBederinherarms.KingSalehnosoonersawhim,thanherantoembracehim;andtakinghiminhisarms,felltokissingandcaressinghimwiththegreatestdemonstrationoftenderness.Hetookseveralturnswithhimabouttheroom,dancingandtossinghimabout,whenallofasudden,throughatransportofjoy,thewindowbeingopen,hesprangout,andplungedwithhimintothesea.

TheKingofPersia,whoexpectednosuchsight,setupahideouscry,verilybelievingthatheshouldeitherseethedearprincehissonnomore,orelsethatheshouldseehimdrowned;andhenearlydiedofgriefandaffliction.‘Sir,’saidQueenGulnare(withaquietandundisturbedcountenance,thebettertocomforthim),‘letyourmajestyfearnothing;theyoungprinceismysonaswellasyours,andIdonotlovehimlessthanyoudo.YouseeIamnotalarmed;neitherintruthoughtItobeso.Herunsnorisk,andyouwillsoonseethekinghisuncleappearwithhimagain,andbringhimbacksafeandsound.ForhewillhavethesameadvantagehisuncleandIhave,oflivingequallyintheseaandupontheland.’Thequeenhismotherandtheprincesseshisrelationsconfirmedthesamething;yetalltheysaidhadnoeffectontheking’sfright,fromwhichhecouldnotrecovertillhesawPrinceBederappearagainbeforehim.

Theseaatlengthbecametroubled,whenimmediatelyKingSaleharosewiththeyoungprinceinhisarms,andholdinghimupintheair,here-enteredatthesamewindowhewentoutat.TheKingofPersiabeingoverjoyedtoseePrinceBederagain,andastonishedthathewasascalmasbeforehelostsightofhim,KingSalehsaid,‘Sir,wasnotyourmajestyinagreatfright,whenyoufirstsawmeplungeintotheseawiththeprincemynephew?’

‘Alas!Prince,’answeredtheKingofPersia,‘Icannotexpressmyconcern.Ithoughthimlostfromthatverymoment,andyounowrestorelifetomebybringinghimagain.’

‘Ithoughtasmuch,’repliedKingSaleh,‘thoughyouhadnottheleastreasontoapprehendanydanger;for,beforeIplungedintotheseawithhimIpronouncedoverhimcertainmysteriouswords,whichwereengravenonthesealofthegreatSolomon,thesonofDavid.Wedothesametoallthosechildrenthatarebornintheregionsatthebottomofthesea,byvirtueofwhichtheyreceivethesameprivilegesthatwehaveoverthosepeoplewhoinhabittheearth.Fromwhatyour

majestyhasobserved,youmayeasilyseewhatadvantageyoursonPrinceBederhasacquiredbyhisbirth,foraslongashelives,andasoftenashepleases,hewillbeatlibertytoplungeintothesea,andtraversethevastempiresitcontainsinitsbosom.’

Havingsospoken,KingSaleh,whohadrestoredPrinceBedertohisnurse’sarms,openedaboxhehadfetchedfromhispalaceinthelittletimehehaddisappeared.Itwasfilledwiththreehundreddiamonds,aslargeaspigeons’eggs,alikenumberofrubiesofextraordinarysize,asmanyemeraldwands,eachhalfafootlong,andthirtystringsornecklacesofpearl,consistingeachoftenfeet.‘Sir,’saidhetotheKingofPersia,presentinghimwiththisbox,‘whenIwasfirstsummonedbythequeenmysister,Iknewnotwhatpartoftheearthshewasin,orthatshehadthehonourtobemarriedtosogreatamonarch.Thismadeuscomeemptyhanded.Aswecannotexpresshowmuchwehavebeenobligedtoyourmajesty,Ibegyoutoacceptthissmalltokenofgratitude,inacknowledgmentofthemanyparticularfavoursyouhavebeenpleasedtoshowher.’

ItisimpossibletoexpresshowgreatlytheKingofPersiawassurprisedatthesightofsomuchriches,enclosedinsolittlecompass.‘What!Prince,’criedhe,‘doyoucallsoinestimableapresentasmalltokenofyourgratitude?Ideclareoncemore,youhaveneverbeenintheleastobligedtome,neitherthequeenyourmothernoryou.Madam,’continuedhe,turningtoGulnare,‘thekingyourbrotherhasputmeintothegreatestconfusion;andIwouldbegofhimtopermitmetorefusehispresent,wereInotafraidofdisobliginghim;doyouthereforeendeavourtoobtainhisleavethatImaybeexcusedacceptingit.’

‘Sir,’repliedKingSaleh,‘Iamnotatallsurprisedthatyourmajestythinksthispresentsoextraordinary.Iknowyouarenotaccustomeduponearthtoseepreciousstonesofthisqualityandquantity:butifyouknew,asIdo,themineswhencethesejewelsweretaken,andthatitisinmypowertoformatreasuregreaterthanthoseofallthekingsoftheearth,youwouldwonderweshouldhavetheboldnesstomakeyouapresentofsosmallavalue.

Ibeseechyou,therefore,nottoregarditinthatlight,butonaccountofthesincerefriendshipwhichobligesustoofferittoyounottogiveusthemortificationofrefusingit.’ThisobligedtheKingofPersiatoacceptthepresent,forwhichhereturnedmanythanksbothtoKingSalehandthequeenhismother.

Afewdaysafter,KingSalehgavetheKingofPersiatounderstandthatthequeenhismother,theprincesseshisrelationsandhimself,couldhavenogreaterpleasurethantospendtheirwholelivesathiscourt;butthathavingbeensolongabsentfromtheirownkingdom,wheretheirpresencewasabsolutelynecessary,theybeggedofhimnottotakeitilliftheytookleaveofhimandQueenGulnare.TheKingofPersiaassuredthemhewasverysorrythatitwasnotinhispowertoreturntheirvisitintheirowndominions;butheadded,‘AsIamverilypersuadedyouwillnotforgetQueenGulnare,butcomeandseehernowandthen,IhopeIshallhavethehonourtoseeyouagainmorethanonce.’

Manytearswereshedonbothsidesupontheirseparation.KingSalehdepartedfirst;butthequeenhismother,andtheprincesseshisrelations,werefaintoforcethemselvesinamannerfromtheembracesofQueenGulnare,whocouldnotprevailuponherselftoletthemgo.ThisroyalcompanywerenosooneroutofsightthantheKingofPersiasaidtoQueenGulnare,‘Madam,Ishouldhavelookedwithsuspicionuponthepersonthathadpretendedtopassthoseoffuponmefortruewonders,ofwhichImyselfhavebeenaneye-witnessfromthetimeIhavebeenhonouredwithyourillustriousfamilyatmycourt.ButIcannotrefusetobelievemyowneyes;andshallrememberitaslongasIlive,andneverceasetoblessHeavenforsendingyoutome,insteadoftoanyotherprince.’

PRINCEBEDERANDTHEPRINCESSGIAUHARA.

YoungPrinceBederwasbroughtupandeducatedinthepalaceunderthecareoftheKingandQueenofPersia.Hegavethemgreatpleasureasheadvancedinyearsbyhisagreeablemanners,andbythejustnessofwhateverhesaid;KingSalehhisuncle,thequeenhisgrandmother,andtheprincesseshisrelations,camefromtimetotimetoseehim.Hewaseasilytaughttoreadandwrite,andwasinstructedinallthesciencesthatbecameaprinceofhisrank.

Whenhearrivedattheageoffifteenhewasverywiseandprudent.

Theking,whohadalmostfromhiscradlediscoveredinhimthesevirtuessonecessaryforamonarch,andwhomoreoverbegantoperceivetheinfirmitiesofoldagecominguponhimselfeveryday,wouldnotwaittilldeathgavehimpossessionofthethrone,butpurposedtoresignittohim.Hehadnogreatdifficultytomakehiscouncilconsenttoit;andthepeopleheardthiswithsomuchthemorejoy,becausetheyconsideredPrinceBederworthytogovernthem.Theysawthathetreatedallmankindwiththatgoodnesswhichinvited

themtoapproachhim;thatheheardfavourablyallwhohadanythingtosaytohim;thatheansweredeverybodywithagoodnessthatwaspeculiartohim;andthatherefusednobodyanythingthathadtheleastappearanceofjustice.

Thedayfortheceremonywasappointed.Inthemidstofthewholeassembly,whichwaslargerthanusual,theKingofPersia,thensittingonhisthrone,camedownfromit,tookthecrownfromoffhishead,putitonthatofPrinceBeder,andhavingseatedhiminhisplace,kissedhishand,asatokenthatheresignedhisauthoritytohim.Afterwhichhetookhisplaceamongthecrowdofviziersandemirsbelowthethrone.

Hereupontheviziers,emirs,andotherprincipalofficers,cameimmediatelyandthrewthemselvesatthenewking’sfeet,takingeachtheoathoffidelityaccordingtotheirrank.Thenthegrandviziermadeareportofvariousimportantmatters,onwhichtheyoungkinggavejudgmentwithadmirableprudenceandsagacitythatsurprisedallthecouncil.Henextturnedoutseveralgovernorsconvictedofmal-administration,andputothersintheirplace,withwonderfulandjustdiscernment.Heatlengthleftthecouncil,accompaniedbythelatekinghisfather,andwenttoseehismother,QueenGulnare.Thequeennosoonersawhimcomingwithhiscrownuponhishead,thansherantohim,andembracedhimwithtenderness,wishinghimalongandprosperousreign.

ThefirstyearofhisreignKingBederacquittedhimselfofallhisroyalfunctionswithgreatcare.Aboveall,hetookcaretoinformhimselfofthestateofhisaffairs,andallthatmightinanywaycontributetowardsthehappinessofhispeople.Nextyear,havinglefttheadministrationtohiscouncil,underthedirectionoftheoldkinghisfather,hewentoutofhiscapital,underpretextofdivertinghimselfwithhunting;buthisrealintentionwastovisitalltheprovincesofhiskingdom,thathemightreformallabusesthere,establishgoodorderanddisciplineeverywhere,andtakefromallill-mindedprinces,hisneighbours,anyopportunitiesofattemptinganythingagainstthesecurityandtranquillityofhissubjects,byshowinghimselfonhisfrontiers.

Itrequirednolessthanawholeyearforthisyoungkingtocarryouthisplans.Soonafterhisreturn,theoldkinghisfatherfellsodangerouslyillthatheknewatonceheshouldneverrecover.Hewaitedforhislastmomentwithgreattranquillity,andhisonlycarewastorecommendtheministersandotherlordsofhisson’scourttoremainfaithfultohim:andtherewasnotonebutwillinglyrenewedhisoathasfreelyasatfirst.Hedied,atlength,tothegreatgriefofKing

BederandQueenGulnare,whocausedhiscorpsetobebornetoastatelymausoleum,worthyofhisrankanddignity.

Thefuneralended,KingBederfoundnodifficultyincomplyingwiththatancientcustominPersiatomournforthedeadawholemonth,andnottobeseenbyanybodyduringallthattime.Hewouldhavemournedthedeathofhisfatherhiswholelife,haditbeenrightforagreatprincethustoabandonhimselftogrief.Duringthisintervalthequeen,mothertoQueenGulnare,andKingSaleh,togetherwiththeprincessestheirrelations,arrivedatthePersiancourt,andsharedtheiraffliction,beforetheyofferedanyconsolation.

Whenthemonthwasexpired,thekingcouldnotrefuseadmittancetothegrandvizierandtheotherlordsofhiscourt,whobesoughthimtolayasidehismourning,toshowhimselftohissubjects,andtakeuponhimtheadministrationofaffairsasbefore.

Heshowedsuchgreatreluctanceattheirrequest,thatthegrandvizierwasforcedtotakeuponhimselftosaytohim;‘Sir,neitherourtearsnoryoursarecapableofrestoringlifetothegoodkingyourfather,thoughweshouldlamenthimallourdays.Hehasundergonethecommonlawofallmen,whichsubjectsthemtopaytheindispensabletributeofdeath.Yetwecannotsayabsolutelythatheisdead,sinceweseehiminyoursacredperson.Hedidnothimselfdoubt,whenhewasdying,butthatheshouldreviveinyou,andtoyourmajestyitbelongstoshowthathewasnotdeceived.’

KingBedercouldnolongeropposesuchpressingentreaties:helaidasidehismourning;andafterhehadresumedtheroyalhabitandornaments,hebegantoprovideforthenecessitiesofhiskingdomandsubjectswiththesamecareasbeforehisfather’sdeath.Heacquittedhimselfwithuniversalapprobation:andashewasexactinmaintainingtheordinancesofhispredecessor,thepeopledidnotfeeltheyhadchangedtheirsovereign.

KingSaleh,whohadreturnedtohisdominionsintheseawiththequeenhismotherandtheprincesses,nosoonersawthatKingBederhadresumedthegovernment,attheendofthemonththanhecamealonetovisithim;andKingBederandQueenGulnarewereoverjoyedtoseehim.

Oneeveningwhentheyrosefromtable,theytalkedofvariousmatters.KingSalehbeganwiththepraisesofthekinghisnephew,andexpressedtothequeen

hissisterhowgladhewastoseehimgovernsoprudently,allofwhichhadacquiredhimgreatreputation,notamonghisneighboursonly,butmoreremoteprinces.

KingBeder,whocouldnotbeartohearhimselfsowellspokenof,andnotbeingwilling,throughgoodmanners,tointerruptthekinghisuncle,turnedononesidetosleep,leaninghisheadagainstacushionthatwasbehindhim.

‘Sister,’saidKingSaleh,‘Iwonderyouhavenotthoughtofmarryinghimerethis:ifImistakenot,heisinhistwentiethyear;and,atthatage,noprincelikehimoughttobesufferedtobewithoutawife.Iwillthinkofawifeforhimmyself,sinceyouwillnot,andmarryhimtosomeprincessofourlowerworldthatmaybeworthyofhim.’

‘Brother,’repliedQueenGulnare,‘Ihaveneverthoughtofittothisverymoment,andIamgladyouhavespokenofittome.Ilikeyourproposingoneofourprincesses;andIdesireyoutonameonesobeautifulandaccomplishedthatthekingmysonmaybeobligedtoloveher.’

‘Iknowonethatwillsuit,’repliedKingSaleh,softly;‘butIseemanydifficultiestobesurmounted,notonthelady’spart,asIhope,butonthatofherfather.IneedonlymentiontoyouthePrincessGiauhara,daughterofthekingofSamandal.’

‘What?’repliedQueenGulnare,‘isnotthePrincessGiauharayetmarried?IremembertohaveseenherbeforeIleftyourpalace;shewasthenabouteighteenmonthsold,andsurprisinglybeautiful,andmustneedsbethewonderoftheworld.Thefewyearssheisolderthanthekingmysonoughtnottopreventusfromdoingourutmosttobringitabout.Letmebutknowthedifficultiesthataretobesurmounted,andwewillsurmountthem.’

‘Sister,’repliedKingSaleh,‘thegreatestdifficultyis,thattheKingofSamandalisinsupportablyvain,lookinguponallothersashisinferiors:itisnotlikelyweshalleasilygethimtoenterintothisalliance.Formypart,Iwillgotohiminperson,anddemandofhimtheprincesshisdaughter;and,incaseherefusesher,wewilladdressourselveselsewhere,whereweshallbemorefavourablyheard.Forthisreason,asyoumayperceive,’addedhe,‘itisaswellforthekingmynephewnottoknowanythingofourdesign,lestheshouldfallinlovewiththePrincessGiauhara,tillwehavegottheconsentoftheKingofSamandal,incase,

afterall,weshouldnotbeabletoobtainherforhim.’Theydiscoursedalittlelongeruponthispoint,and,beforetheyparted,agreedthatKingSalehshouldforthwithreturntohisowndominions,anddemandthePrincessGiauharaoftheKingofSamandalherfather,fortheKingofPersiahisnephew.

NowKingBederhadheardwhattheysaid,andheimmediatelyfellinlovewiththePrincessGiauharawithouthavingevenseenher,andhelayawakethinkingallnight.NextdayKingSalehtookleaveofQueenGulnareandthekinghisnephew.Theyoungking,whoknewthekinghisunclewouldnothavedepartedsosoonbuttogoandpromotehishappinesswithoutlossoftime,changedcolourwhenheheardhimmentionhisdeparture.Heresolvedtodesirehisuncletobringtheprincessawaywithhim:butonlyaskedhimtostaywithhimonedaymore,thattheymighthunttogether.Thedayforhuntingwasfixed,andKingBederhadmanyopportunitiesofbeingalonewithhisuncle,buthehadnotthecouragetoopenhismouth.

Intheheatofthechase,whenKingSalehwasseparatedfromhim,andnotoneofhisofficersandattendantswasnear,healightedneararivulet;andhavingtiedhishorsetoatree,which,withseveralothersgrowingalongthebanks,affordedaverypleasingshade,helaidhimselfdownonthegrass.Heremainedagoodwhileabsorbedinthought,withoutspeakingaword.

KingSaleh,inthemeantime,missingthekinghisnephew,begantobemuchconcernedtoknowwhathadbecomeofhim.Hethereforelefthiscompanytogoinsearchofhim,andatlengthperceivedhimatadistance.Hehadobservedthedaybefore,andmoreplainlythatday,thathewasnotsolivelyasheusedtobe;andthatifhewasaskedaquestion,heeitheranswerednotatall,ornothingtothepurpose.AssoonasKingSalehsawhimlyinginthatdisconsolateposture,heimmediatelyguessedhehadheardwhatpassedbetweenhimandQueenGulnare.Hehereuponalightedatsomedistancefromhim,andhavingtiedhishorsetoatree,cameuponhimsosoftly,thatheheardhimsaytohimself:

‘AmiableprincessofthekingdomofSamandal,Iwouldthismomentgoandofferyoumyheart,ifIknewwheretofindyou.’

KingSalehwouldhearnomore;headvancedimmediately,andshowedhimselftoKingBeder.‘FromwhatIsee,nephew,’saidhe,‘youheardwhatthequeenyourmotherandIsaidtheotherdayofthePrincessGiauhara.Itwasnotourintentionyoushouldhaveknownanything,andwethoughtyouwereasleep.’

‘Mydearuncle,’repliedKingBeder,‘Iheardeveryword,butwasashamedtodisclosetoyoumyweakness.Ibeseechyoutopityme,andnotwaittoprocuremetheconsentofthedivineGiauharatillyouhavegainedtheconsentoftheKingofSamandalthatImaymarryhisdaughter.’

ThesewordsoftheKingofPersiagreatlyembarrassedKingSaleh.

Herepresentedtohimhowdifficultitwas,andthathecouldnotwelldoitwithoutcarryinghimalongwithhim;whichmightbeofdangerousconsequence,sincehispresencewassoabsolutelynecessaryinhiskingdom.Hebeggedhimtowait.ButthesereasonswerenotsufficienttosatisfytheKingofPersia.

‘CruelUncle,’saidhe,‘Ifindyoudonotlovemesomuchasyoupretended,andthatyouhadratherseemediethangrantthefirstrequestIevermadeyou.’

‘Iamreadytoconvinceyourmajesty,’repliedKingSaleh,‘thatIwoulddoanythingtoserveyou;butasforcarryingyoualongwithme,IcannotdothattillIhavespokentothequeenyourmother.

Whatwouldshesayofyouandme?Ifsheconsents,Iamreadytodoallyouwouldhaveme,andIwilljoinmyentreatiestoyours.’

‘Ifyoudoreallyloveme,’repliedtheKingofPersiaimpatiently,‘asyouwouldhavemebelieveyoudo,youmustreturntoyourkingdomimmediately,andcarrymealongwithyou.’

KingSaleh,findinghimselfobligedtoyieldtohisnephew,drewfromhisfingeraring,onwhichwereengraventhesamemysteriousnamesthatwereuponSolomon’sseal,thathadwroughtsomanywondersbytheirvirtue.‘Here,takethisring,’saidhe,‘putituponyourfinger,andfearneitherthewatersofthesea,northeirdepth.’

TheKingofPersiatookthering,andwhenhehadputitonhisfinger,KingSalehsaidtohim,‘DoasIdo.’Atthesametimetheybothmountedlightlyupintotheair,andmadetowardstheseawhichwasnotfardistant,whereintotheybothplunged.

Thesea-kingwasnotlongingettingtohispalacewiththeKingofPersia,whomheimmediatelycarriedtothequeen’sapartment,andpresentedhimtoher.The

KingofPersiakissedthequeenhisgrandmother’shands,andsheembracedhimwithgreatjoy.‘Idonotaskyouhowyouare,’saidshetohim;‘Iseeyouareverywell,andIamrejoicedatit;butIdesiretoknowhowismydaughter,yourmother,QueenGulnare?’

TheKingofPersiatoldherthequeenhismotherwasinperfecthealth.Thenthequeenpresentedhimtotheprincesses;andwhilehewasinconversationwiththem,shelefthim,andwentwithKingSaleh,whotoldherhowtheKingofPersiawasfalleninlovewiththePrincessGiauhara,andthathehadbroughthimalongwithhim,withoutbeingabletohinderit.

AlthoughKingSalehwas,todohimjustice,perfectlyinnocent,yetthequeencouldhardlyforgivehisindiscretioninmentioningthePrincessGiauharabeforehim.‘Yourimprudenceisnottobeforgiven,’saidshetohim:‘canyouthinkthattheKingofSamandal,whosecharacterissowellknown,willhavegreaterconsiderationforyouthanthemanyotherkingshehasrefusedhisdaughtertowithsuchevidentcontempt?Wouldyouhavehimsendyouawaywiththesameconfusion?’

‘Madam,’repliedKingSaleh,‘Ihavealreadytoldyouitwascontrarytomyintentionthattheking,mynephew,shouldhearwhatIrelatedofthePrincessGiauharatothequeenmysister.Thefaultiscommitted;IwillthereforedoallthatIcantoremedyit.Ihope,madam,youwillapproveofmyresolutiontogomyselfandwaitupontheKingofSamandal,witharichpresentofpreciousstones,anddemandofhimtheprincess,hisdaughter,fortheKingofPersia,yourgrandson.Ihavesomereasontobelievehewillnotrefuseme,butwillbepleasedatanalliancewithoneofthegreatestpotentatesoftheearth.’

‘Itweretohavebeenwished,’repliedthequeen,‘thatwehadnotbeenunderanecessityofmakingthisdemand,sincethesuccessofourattemptisnotsocertainaswecoulddesire;butsincemygrandson’speaceandcontentdependuponit,Ifreelygivemyconsent.But,aboveall,Ichargeyou,sinceyouwellknowthetemperoftheKingofSamandal,thatyoutakecaretospeaktohimwithduerespect,andinamannerthatcannotpossiblyoffendhim.’

Thequeenpreparedthepresentherself,composedofdiamonds,rubies,emeralds,andstringsofpearl;allofwhichsheputintoaveryneatandveryrichbox.Nextmorning,KingSalehtookleaveofhermajestyandtheKingofPersia,anddepartedwithachosenandsmalltroopofofficersandotherattendants.He

soonarrivedatthekingdomandthepalaceoftheKingofSamandal,whorosefromhisthroneassoonasheperceivedhim;andKingSaleh,forgettinghischaracterforsomemoments,thoughknowingwhomhehadtodealwith,prostratedhimselfathisfeet,wishinghimtheaccomplishmentofallhisdesires.TheKingofSamandalimmediatelystoopedtoraisehimup,andafterhehadplacedhimonhislefthand,hetoldhimhewaswelcome,andaskedhimiftherewasanythinghecoulddotoservehim.

‘Sir,’answeredKingSaleh,‘thoughIshouldhavenoothermotivethanthatofpayingmyrespectstothemostpotent,mostprudent,andmostvaliantprinceintheworld,feeblewouldbemyexpressionshowmuchIhonouryourmajesty.’Having,spokenthesewords,hetooktheboxofjewelsfromoneofhisservantsandhavingopenedit,presentedittotheking,imploringhimtoacceptitforhissake.

‘Prince,’repliedtheKingofSamandal,‘youwouldnotmakemesuchapresentunlessyouhadarequesttopropose.Iftherebeanythinginmypower,youmayfreelycommandit,andIshallfeelthegreatestpleasureingrantingit.Speak,andtellmefranklywhereinIcanserveyou.’

‘Imustown,’repliedKingSaleh,‘Ihaveaboontoaskofyourmajesty;andIshalltakecaretoasknothingbutwhatisinyourpowertogrant.Thethingdependssoabsolutelyonyourself,thatitwouldbetonopurposetoaskitofanyother.Iaskitthenwithallpossibleearnestness,andIbegofyounottorefuseitme.’

‘Ifitbeso,’repliedtheKingofSamandal,‘youhavenothingtodobutacquaintmewhatitis,andyoushallseeafterwhatmannerIcanobligewhenitisinmypower.’

‘Sir,’saidKingSaleh,‘aftertheconfidenceyourmajestyhasbeenpleasedtoencouragemetoputinyourgoodwill,Iwillnotdissembleanylonger.IcametobegofyoutohonourourhousewithyouralliancebythemarriageofyourhonourabledaughterthePrincessGiauhara,andtostrengthenthegoodunderstandingthathassolongsubsistedbetweenourtwocrowns.’

AtthesewordstheKingofSamandalburstoutlaughingfallingbackinhisthroneagainstacushionthatsupportedhim,andwithanimperiousandscornfulair,saidtoKingSaleh:‘KingSaleh,Ihavealwayshithertothoughtyouaprince

ofgreatsense;butwhatyousayconvincesmehowmuchIwasmistaken.Tellme,Ibeseechyou,wherewasyourdiscretion,whenyouimaginedtoyourselfsogreatanabsurdityasyouhavejustnowproposedtome?Couldyouconceiveathoughtonlyofaspiringinmarriagetoaprincess,thedaughterofsogreatandpowerfulakingasIam?Yououghttohaveconsideredbetterbeforehandthegreatdistancebetweenus,andnotruntheriskoflosinginamomenttheesteemIalwayshadforyourperson.’

KingSalehwasextremelynettledatthisaffronting,answer,andhadmuchadotorestrainhisresentment;however,hereplied,withallpossiblemoderation,‘Godrewardyourmajestyasyoudeserve!Ihavethehonourtoinformyou,Idonotdemandtheprincessyourdaughterinmarriageformyself;hadIdonesoyourmajestyandtheprincessoughttohavebeensofarfrombeingoffended,thatyoushouldhavethoughtitanhonourdonetoboth.YourmajestywellknowsIamoneofthekingsoftheseaaswellasyourself;thatthekings,myancestors,yieldnotinantiquitytoanyotherroyalfamilies;andthatthekingdomIinheritfromthemisnolesspotentandflourishingthanithaseverbeen.Ifyourmajestyhadnotinterruptedme,youhadsoonunderstoodthatthefavourIaskofyouwasnotformyself,butfortheyoungKingofPersia,mynephew,whosepowerandgrandeur,nolessthanhispersonalgoodqualities,cannotbeunknowntoyou.EverybodyacknowledgesthePrincessGiauharatobethemostbeautifulpersonintheworld:butitisnolesstruethattheyoungKingofPersia,mynephew,isthebestandmostaccomplishedprinceontheland.Thusthefavourthatisaskedbeinglikelytoredoundbothtothehonourofyourmajestyandtheprincessyourdaughter,yououghtnottodoubtthatyourconsenttoanalliancesoequalwillbeunanimouslyapprovedinallthekingdomsofthesea.TheprincessisworthyoftheKingofPersia,andtheKingofPersiaisnolessworthyofher.Nokingorprinceintheworldcandisputeherwithhim.’

TheKingofSamandalwouldnothaveletKingSalehgoonsolongafterthisrate,hadnottherageheputhimindeprivedhimofallpowerofspeech.Itwassometimebeforehecouldfindhistongue,somuchwashetransportedwithpassion.Atlength,however,hebrokeintooutrageouslanguage,unworthyofagreatking.‘Dog!’

criedhe,‘dareyoutalktomeafterthismanner,andsomuchasmentionmydaughter’snameinmypresence?CanyouthinkthesonofyoursisterGulnareworthytocomeincompetitionwithmydaughter?

Whoareyou?Whowasyourfather?Whoisyoursister?Andwhoyournephew?Wasnothisfatheradog,andasonofadog,likeyou?

Guards,seizetheinsolentwretch,andcutoffhishead.’

ThefewofficersthatwereabouttheKingofSamandalwereimmediatelygoingtoobeyhisorders,whenKingSaleh,whowasnimbleandvigorous,gotfromthembeforetheycoulddrawtheirsabres;andhavingreachedthepalacegate,hetherefoundathousandmenofhisrelationsandfriends,wellarmedandequipped,whohadjustarrived.Thequeenhismotherhavingconsideredthesmallnumberofattendantshetookwithhim,and,moreover,foreseeingthebadreceptionhewouldprobablyhavefromtheKingofSamandal,hadsentthesetroopstoprotectanddefendhimincaseofdanger,orderingthemtomakehaste.Thoseofhisrelationswhowereattheheadofthistroophadreasontorejoiceattheirseasonablearrival,whentheybeheldhimandhisattendantscomerunningingreatdisorderandpursued.‘Sir,’criedhisfriends,themomenthejoinedthem,‘whatisthematter?Wearereadytorevengeyou:youneedonlycommandus.’

KingSalehrelatedhiscasetotheminasfewwordsashecould,andputtinghimselfattheheadofalargetroop,he,whilesomeseizedonthegates,re-enteredthepalaceasbefore.Thefewofficersandguardswhohadpursuedhimbeingsoondispersed,here-enteredtheKingofSamandal’sapartment,who,beingabandonedbyhisattendants,wassoonseized.KingSalehleftsufficientguardstosecurehisperson,andthenwentfromapartmenttoapartment,insearchofthePrincessGiauhara.Butthatprincess,onthefirstalarm,had,togetherwithherwomen,sprunguptothesurfaceofthesea,andescapedtoadesertisland.

WhilethiswaspassinginthepalaceoftheKingofSamandal,thoseofKingSaleh’sattendantswhohadfledatthefirstmenacesofthatkingputthequeenmotherintoterribleconsternationuponrelatingthedangerhersonwasin.KingBeder,whowasbyatthattime,wasthemoreconcerned,inthathelookeduponhimselfastheprincipalauthorofallthemischief:therefore,notcaringtoabideinthequeen’spresenceanylonger,hedartedupfromthebottomofthesea;and,notknowinghowtofindhiswaytothekingdomofPersia,hehappenedtolightontheislandwherethePrincessGiauharahadtakenrefuge.

Theprince,notalittledisturbedinmind,wentandseatedhimselfunderthe

shadeofalargetree.Whilsthewasendeavouringtorecoverhimself,heheardsomebodytalking,butwastoofarofftounderstandwhatwassaid.Hearoseandadvancedsoftlytowardstheplacewhencethesoundcame,where,amongthebranches,heperceivedamostbeautifullady.‘Doubtless,’saidhe,withinhimself,stoppingandconsideringherwithgreatattention,‘thismustbethePrincessGiauhara,whomfearhasobligedtoabandonherfather’spalace.’Thissaid,hecameforward,andapproachedtheprincesswithprofoundreverence.‘Madam,’saidhe,‘agreaterhappinesscouldnothavebefallenmethanthisopportunitytoofferyoumymosthumbleservices.Ibeseechyou,therefore,madam,toacceptthem,itbeingimpossiblethataladyinthissolitudeshouldnotwantassistance.’

‘True,mylord,’repliedGiauharaverysorrowfully,‘itisnotalittleextraordinaryforaladyofmyranktobeinthissituation.

Iamaprincess,daughteroftheKingofSamandal,andmynameisGiauhara.Iwasinmyfather’spalace,whenallofasuddenIheardadreadfulnoise:newswasimmediatelybroughtmethatKingSaleh,Iknownotforwhatreason,hadforcedhiswayintothepalace,seizedthekingmyfather,andmurderedalltheguardsthatmadeanyresistance.Ihadonlytimetosavemyself,andescapedhitherfromhisviolence.’

Atthesewordsoftheprincess,KingBederbegantobeconcernedthathehadquittedhisgrandmothersohastily,withoutstayingtohearfromheranexplanationofthenewsthathadbeenbroughther.

Buthewas,ontheotherhand,overjoyedtofindthattheking,hisuncle,hadrenderedhimselfmasteroftheKingofSamandal’sperson,notdoubtingbutthathewouldconsenttogiveuptheprincessforhisliberty.‘Adorableprincess,’continuedhe,‘yourconcernismostjust,butitiseasytoputanendbothtothatandtoyourfather’scaptivity.YouwillagreewithmewhenItellyouthatIamBeder,KingofPersia,andKingSalehismyuncle;Iassureyou,madam,hehasnodesigntoseizeuponthekingyourfather’sdominions;hisonlyintentistoobtainhisconsentthatImayhavethehonourandhappinessofbeinghisson-in-law.Ihadalreadygivenmyhearttoyou,andnow,farfromrepentingofwhatIhavedone,IbegofyoutobeassuredthatIwillloveyouaslongasIlive.Permitme,then,beauteousprincess!tohavethehonourtogoandpresentyoutothekingmyuncle;andthekingyourfathershallnosoonerhaveconsentedtoourmarriage,thanKingSalehwillleavehimsovereignofhisdominionsasbefore.’

ThisdeclarationofKingBederdidnotproducetheeffectheexpected.Whentheprincessheardfromhisownmouththathehadbeentheoccasionoftheill-treatmentherfatherhadsuffered,ofthegriefandfrightshehadendured,andespeciallythenecessityshewasreducedtoofflyinghercountry,shelookeduponhimasanenemywithwhomsheoughttohavenothingwhatevertodo.

KingBeder,believinghimselfarrivedattheverypinnacleofhappiness,stretchedforthhishand,andtakingthatoftheprincess’stoopeddowntokissit,whenshe,pushinghimback,said,‘Wretch,quitthatformofaman,andtakethatofawhitebird,witharedbillandfeet.’Uponherpronouncingthesewords,KingBederwasimmediatelychangedintoabirdofthatsort,tohisgreatsurpriseandmortification.‘Takehim,’saidshetooneofherwomen,‘andcarryhimtotheDryIsland.’Thisislandwasonlyonefrightfulrock,wheretherewasnotadropofwatertobehad.

Thewaiting-womantookthebird,andinexecutingherprincess’sordershadcompassiononKingBeder’sdestiny.‘Itwouldbeagreatpity,’saidshetoherself,‘toletaprince,soworthytolive,dieofhungerandthirst.Theprincess,sogoodandgentle,will,itmaybe,repentofthiscruelorderwhenshecomestoherself:itwerebetterthatIcarriedhimtoaplacewherehemaydieanaturaldeath.’Sheaccordinglycarriedhimtoawell-frequentedisland,andlefthiminacharmingplain,plantedwithallsortsoffruittrees,andwateredbyseveralrivulets.

LetusreturntoKingSaleh.AfterhehadsoughtagoodwhileforthePrincessGiauhara,andorderedotherstoseekforher,tonopurpose,hecausedtheKingofSamandaltobeshutupinhisownpalace,underastrongguard;andhavinggiventhenecessaryordersforgoverningthekingdominhisabsence,hereturnedtogivethequeenhismotheranaccountofwhathehaddone.Thefirstthingheaskeduponhisarrivalwasofthewhereaboutsofthekinghisnephew,andhelearnedwithgreatsurpriseandvexationthathehaddisappeared.

‘Newsbeingbroughtme,’saidthequeen,‘ofthedangeryouwereinatthepalaceoftheKingofSamandal,whilstIwasgivingorderstosendothertroopstoavengeyou,hedisappeared.Hemusthavebeenfrightenedathearingofyourbeinginsogreatdanger,anddidnotthinkhimselfinsufficientsafetywithus.’

ThisnewsexceedinglyafflictedKingSaleh,whonowrepentedofhisbeingsoeasilywroughtuponbyKingBederastocarryhimawaywithhimwithouthis

mother’sconsent.Whilsthewasinthissuspenseabouthisnephew,helefthiskingdomundertheadministrationofhismother,andwenttogovernthatoftheKingofSamandal,whomhecontinuedtokeepundergreatvigilance,thoughwithallduerespecttohisrank.

ThesamedaythatKingSalehreturnedtothekingdomofSamandal,QueenGulnare,mothertoKingBeder,arrivedatthecourtofthequeenhermother.Theprincesswasnotatallsurprisedtofindhersondidnotreturnthesamedayhesetout,itbeingnotuncommonforhimtogofurtherthanheproposedintheheatofthechase;butwhenshesawthathereturnedneitherthenextday,northedayafter,shebegantobealarmed.Thisalarmwasincreasedwhentheofficers,whohadaccompaniedtheking,andwereobligedtoreturnaftertheyhadforalongtimesoughtinvainforbothhimandhisuncle,cameandtoldhermajestytheymustofnecessityhavecometosomeharm,orbetogetherinsomeplacewhichtheycouldnotguess,sincetheycouldhearnotidingsofthem.Theirhorses,indeed,theyhadfound,butasfortheirpersons,theyknewnotwheretolookforthem.Thequeen,hearingthis,hadresolvedtodissembleandconcealheraffliction,biddingtheofficerstosearchoncemorewiththeirutmostdiligence;butinthemeantime,sayingnothingtoanybody,sheplungedintothesea,tosatisfyherselfastothesuspicionshehadthatKingSalehmusthavecarriedawayhisnephewalongwithhim.

Thisgreatqueenwouldhavebeenmoreaffectionatelyreceivedbythequeenhermother,hadshenot,uponfirstsightofher,guessedtheoccasionofhercoming.‘Daughter,’saidshe,‘Iplainlyperceiveyouarenotcomehithertovisitme;youcometoinquireafterthekingyourson;andtheonlynewsIcantellyouwillaugmentbothyourgriefandmine.Inosoonersawhimarriveinourterritories,thanIrejoiced;yet,whenIcametounderstandhehadcomeawaywithoutyourknowledge,Ibegantosharewithyoutheconcernyoumustneedsfeel.’ThensherelatedtoherwithwhatzealKingSalehwenttodemandthePrincessGiauharainmarriageforKingBeder,andwhathadhappened,tillhersondisappeared.‘Ihavesentdiligentlyafterhim,’addedshe,‘andthekingmyson,whoisbutjustgonetogovernthekingdomofSamandal,hasdoneallthatlayinhispower.Allourendeavourshavehithertoprovedunsuccessful,butwemusthopeneverthelesstoseehimagain,perhapswhenweleastexpectit.’

QueenGulnarewasnotsatisfiedwiththishope;shelookeduponthekingherdearsonaslost,andlamentedhimbitterly,layingalltheblameuponthekinghisuncle.Thequeenhermothermadeherconsiderthenecessityofnotyieldingtoo

muchtohergrief.‘Thekingyourbrother,’saidshe,‘oughtnot,itistrue,tohavetalkedtoyousoimprudentlyaboutthatmarriage,noreverhaveconsentedtocarryawaythekingmygrandson,withoutacquaintingyoufirst;yet,sinceitisnotcertainthattheKingofPersiaisabsolutelylost,yououghttoneglectnothingtopreservehiskingdomforhim:lose,then,nomoretime,butreturntoyourcapital;yourpresencetherewillbenecessary,anditwillnotbehardforyoutopreservethepublicpeace,bycausingittobepublishedthattheKingofPersiawasgonetovisithisgrandmother.’

QueenGulnareyielded.Shetookleaveofthequeenhermother,andwasbackinthepalaceofthecapitalofPersiabeforeshehadbeenmissed.Sheimmediatelydespatchedpersonstorecalltheofficersshehadsentaftertheking,andtotellthemsheknewwherehismajestywas,andthattheyshouldsoonseehimagain.Shealsogovernedwiththeprimeministerandcouncilasquietlyasifthekinghadbeenpresent.

ToreturntoKingBeder,whomthePrincessGiauhara’swaiting-womanhadcarriedandleftintheislandbeforementioned;thatmonarchwasnotalittlesurprisedwhenhefoundhimselfalone,andundertheformofabird.Hefeltyetmoreunhappythatheknewnotwherehewas,norinwhatpartoftheworldthekingdomofPersialay.Hewasforcedtoremainwherehewas,andliveuponsuchfoodasbirdsofhiskindwerewonttoeat,andtopassthenightonatree.

Afewdaysafter,apeasantthatwasskilledintakingbirdswithnetschancedtocometotheplacewherehewas;whenperceivingsofineabird,thelikeofwhichhehadneverseenbefore,hebegangreatlytorejoice.Heemployedallhisarttocatchhim,andatlengthsucceeded.Overjoyedatsogreataprize,whichhelookeduponasofmoreworththanalltheotherbirds,becausesorare,heshutitupinacage,andcarriedittothecity.Assoonashewascomeintothemarket,acitizenstopshim,andaskedhimhowmuchhewantedforthatbird.

Insteadofanswering,thepeasantaskedthecitizenwhathewoulddowithhimincaseheshouldbuyhim?‘Whatwouldstthouhavemetodowithhim,’answeredthecitizen,‘butroastandeathim?’

‘Ifthatbethecase,’repliedthepeasant,‘Isupposeyouwouldthinkmeverywellpaidifyougavemethesmallestpieceofsilverforhim.Isetamuchhighervalueuponhim,andyoushouldnothavehimforapieceofgold.AlthoughIamadvancedinyears,Ineversawsuchabirdinmylife.Iintendtomakeapresent

ofhimtotheking;hewillknowthevalueofhimbetterthanyou.’

Withoutstayinganylongerinthemarket,thepeasantwentdirectlytothepalace,andplacedhimselfexactlybeforetheking’sapartment.Hismajesty,beingatawindowwherehecouldseeallthatpassedinthecourt,nosoonercasthiseyesonthisbeautifulbird,thanhesentanofficertobuyitforhim.Theofficer,goingtothepeasant,askedhimhowmuchhewantedforthatbird.‘Ifitbeforhismajesty,’answeredthepeasant,‘Ihumblybegofhimtoacceptitofmeasapresent,andIdesireyoutocarryittohim.’

Theofficertookthebirdtotheking,whofounditsogreatararitythatheorderedthesameofficertotaketenpiecesofgold,andcarrythemtothepeasant,whodepartedverywellsatisfied.

Thekingorderedthebirdtobeputintoamagnificentcage,andgaveitseedandwaterinrichvessels.

Hismajestybeingthenreadytogohunting,hadnottimetoconsiderthebird,thereforehaditbroughttohimassoonashecameback.Theofficerbroughtthecage,andtheking,thathemightbetterseethebird,tookitouthimself,andperchedituponhishand.Lookingearnestlyatit,heaskedtheofficerifhehadseeniteat.‘Sir,’repliedtheofficer,‘yourmajestymayobservethevesselwithhisfoodisstillfull,andhehasnottouchedanyofit.’Thenthekingorderedhimmeatofvarioussorts,thathemighttakewhathelikedbest.

Thetablebeingspread,anddinnerservedupjustasthekinghadgiventheseorders,thebird,flappinghiswings,hoppedofftheking’shand,andflewontothetable,wherehebegantopeckthebreadandvictuals,sometimesononeplate,andsometimesonanother.Thekingwassosurprised,thatheimmediatelysenttheofficertodesirethequeentocomeandseethiswonder.Theofficerrelatedittohermajesty,andshecameforthwith:butshenosoonersawthebird,thanshecoveredherfacewithherveil,andwouldhaveretired.Theking,surprisedatherproceeding,askedthereasonofit.

‘Sir,’answeredthequeen,‘yourmajestywillnolongerbesurprisedwhenyouunderstandthatthisbirdisnot,asyoutakeit,abird,butaman.’

‘Madam,’saidtheking,moreastonishedthanbefore,‘youaremakingfunofme;youshallneverpersuademethatabirdcanbeaman.’

‘Sir,’repliedthequeen,‘farbeitfrommetomakefunofyourmajesty;nothingismorecertainthanwhatIhavehadthehonourtotellyou.IcanassureyourmajestyitistheKingofPersia,namedBeder,sonofthecelebratedGulnare,princessofoneofthelargestkingdomsofthesea,nephewofSaleh,kingofthatkingdom,andgrandsonofQueenFarasche,motherofGulnareandSaleh;anditwasthePrincessGiauhara,daughteroftheKingofSamandal,whothusmetamorphosedhimintoabird.’Thatthekingmightnolongerdoubtofwhatsheaffirmed,shetoldhimthewholestory,howandforwhatreasonthePrincessGiauhara,hadthusrevengedherselffortheill-treatmentofKingSalehtowardsthekingofSamandal,herfather.

Thekinghadlessdifficultyinbelievingthisassertionofthequeeninthatheknewhertobeaskilfulmagician,oneofthegreatestintheworld.Andasshekneweverythingwhichtookplace,hewasalwaysbyhermeanstimelyinformedofthedesignsofthekingshisneighboursagainsthim,andpreventedthem.HismajestyhadcompassionontheKingofPersia,andearnestlybesoughthisqueentobreaktheenchantment,thathemightreturntohisownform.

Thequeenconsentedtoitwithgreatwillingness.‘Sir,’saidshetotheking,‘bepleasedtotakethebirdintoyourroom,andIwillshowyouakingworthyoftheconsiderationyouhaveforhim.’

Thebird,whichhadceasedeating,andattendedtowhatthekingandqueensaid,wouldnotgivehismajestythetroubletotakehim,buthoppedintotheroombeforehim;andthequeencameinsoonafter,withavesselfullofwaterinherhand.Shepronouncedoverthevesselsomewordsunknowntotheking,tillthewaterbegantoboil,whenshetooksomeofitinherhand,and,sprinklingalittleuponthebird,said,‘ByvirtueoftheseholyandmysteriouswordsIhavejustpronounced,quitthatformofabird,andreassumethatwhichthouhastreceivedfromthyCreator.’

Thewordswerescarcelyoutofthequeen’smouth,when,insteadofabird,thekingsawayoungprince.KingBederimmediatelyfellonhisknees,andthankedGodforthefavourthathadbeenbestoweduponhim.Thenhetooktheking’shand,whohelpedhimup,andkisseditintokenofgratitude;butthekingembracedhimwithgreatjoy.Hewouldthenhavemadehisacknowledgmentstothequeen,butshehadalreadyretiredtoherapartment.Thekingmadehimsitatthetablewithhim,and,afterdinnerwasover,prayedhimtorelatehowthePrincessGiauharacouldhavehadtheinhumanitytotransformintoabirdso

amiableaprinceashewas;andtheKingofPersiaimmediatelytoldhim.Whenhehaddone,theking,provokedattheproceedingoftheprincess,couldnothelpblamingher.‘Itwascommendable,’saidhe,‘inthePrincessofSamandaltofeelhurtatthekingherfather’sill-treatment;buttocarryhervengeancesofar,andespeciallyagainstaprincewhowasnotguilty,waswhatshewillneverbeabletojustifyherselffor.Butletushavedonewiththisdiscourse,andtellme,Ibeseechyou,inwhatIcanfurtherserveyou.’

‘Sir,’answeredKingBeder,‘myobligationtoyourmajestyissogreat,thatIoughttoremainwithyouallmylifetotestifymygratitude;butsinceyourmajestysetsnolimitstoyourgenerosity,IentreatyoutograntmeoneofyourshipstotransportmetoPersia,whereIfearmyabsence,whichhasbeenbuttoolong,mayhaveoccasionedsomedisorder,andthatthequeenmymother,fromwhomIconcealedmydeparture,maybedeadofgrief,undertheuncertaintywhetherIamaliveordead.’

Thekinggrantedwhathedesiredwiththebestgraceimaginable,andimmediatelygaveordersforequippingoneofhislargestships,andthebestsailorinhisnumerousfleet.Theshipwassoonfurnishedwithallitscrew,provisions,andammunition;andassoonasthewindbecamefair,KingBederembarked,afterhavingtakenleaveoftheking,andthankedhimforallhisfavours.

Theshipsailedbeforethewindfortendays;ontheeleventhdaythewindchanged,andbecomingveryviolent,therefollowedafurioustempest.Theshipwasnotonlydrivenoutofitscourse,butsoviolentlytossed,thatallitsmastswentbytheboard;anddrivingalongatthepleasureofthewind,itatlengthstruckagainstarockandsplitopen.

Thegreaterpartofthepeoplewereinstantlydrowned.Somefewweresavedbyswimming,andothersbygettingonpiecesofthewreck.KingBederwasamongthelatter,and,afterhavingbeentossedaboutforsometimebythewavesandcurrents,heatlengthperceivedhimselfneartheshore,andnotfarfromacitythatseemedlarge.Heexertedhisremainingstrengthtoreachtheland,andwasatlengthfortunatetocomesonearastobeabletotouchthegroundwithhisfeet.Heimmediatelyabandonedhispieceofwood,whichhadbeenofsogreatservicetohim;butwhenhecameneartheshorehewasgreatlysurprisedtoseehorses,camels,mules,asses,oxen,cows,bulls,andotheranimalscrowdingtotheshoretoopposehislanding.Hehadtheutmostdifficultytoconquertheir

obstinacyandforcehisway;butatlengthhesucceeded,andshelteredhimselfamongtherockstillhehadrecoveredhisbreath,anddriedhisclothesinthesun.

Whentheprinceadvancedtoenterthecity,hemetwiththesameoppositionfromtheseanimals,whoseemedtowanttomakehimunderstandthatitwasdangeroustoproceed.

KingBeder,however,gotintothecitysoonafter,andsawmanyfairandspaciousstreets,butwassurprisedtofindnomanthere.

Thismadehimthinkitwasnotwithoutcausethatsomanyanimalshadopposedhispassage.Goingforward,nevertheless,heobservedseveralshopsopen,whichgavehimreasontobelievetheplacewasnotsodestituteofinhabitantsasheimagined.Heapproachedoneoftheseshops,whereseveralsortsoffruitswereexposedtosale,andsalutedverycourteouslyanoldmanthatwassittingthere.

Theoldman,whowasbusyaboutsomething,lifteduphishead,andseeingayouthwhohadanappearanceofgrandeur,started,andaskedhimwhencehecame,andwhatbusinesshadbroughthimthere.

KingBedersatisfiedhiminafewwords;andtheoldmanfurtheraskedhimifhehadmetanybodyontheroad.‘YouarethefirstpersonIhaveseen,’answeredtheking;‘andIcannotcomprehendhowsofineandlargeacitycomestobewithoutinhabitants.’

‘Comein,sir;staynolongeruponthethreshold,’repliedtheoldman,‘orperadventuresomemisfortunemayhappentoyou.Iwillsatisfyyourcuriosityatleisure,andgiveyouthereasonwhyitisnecessaryyoushouldtakethisprecaution.’

KingBederwouldnotbebiddentwice:heenteredtheshop,andsatdownbytheoldman.Thelatterknewhemustwantfood,thereforeimmediatelypresentedhimwithwhatwasnecessarytorecoverhisstrength;andalthoughKingBederwasveryanxioustoknowwhyhehadtakentheprecautiontomakehimentertheshop,theoldmanneverthelesswouldnottellhimanythingtillhehaddoneeating,forfearthesadthingshehadtorelatemighttakeawayhisappetite.Atlasthesaidtohim,‘YouhavegreatreasontothankGodyougothitherwithoutanymisfortune.’

‘Alas!why?’repliedkingBeder,verymuchsurprisedandalarmed.

‘Because,’answeredhe,‘thiscityiscalledtheCityofEnchantments,andisgovernednotbyaking,butbyaqueen,whoisanotoriousanddangeroussorceress.Youwillbeconvincedofthis,’addedhe,‘whenyouknowthatthesehorses,mules,andotheranimalsthatyouhaveseenaresomanymen,likeyouandme,whomshehastransformedbyherdiabolicalart.Andwhenyoungmenlikeyouenterthecity,shehaspersonsstationedtostopandbringthem,eitherbyfairmeansorforce,beforeher.Shereceivestheminthemostobligingmanner;shecaressesthem,regalesthem,andlodgesthemmagnificently.Butshedoesnotsufferthemlongtoenjoythishappiness.Thereisnotoneofthemwhomshehasnottransformedintosomeanimalorbirdattheendoffortydays.Youtoldmealltheseanimalsopposedyourlandingandentering,thecity.Thiswastheonlywaytheycouldmakeyoucomprehendthedangeryouweregoingtoexposeyourselfto,andtheydidallintheirpowertosaveyou.’

ThisaccountexceedinglyafflictedtheyoungKingofPersia.

‘Alas!’criedhe,‘towhatextremitieshasmyill-fortunereducedme!Iamhardlyfreedfromoneenchantment,whichIlookbackuponwithhorror,butIfindmyselfexposedtoanothermuchmoreterrible.’Thisgavehimoccasiontorelatehisstorytotheoldmanmoreatlength,andtoacquainthimwithhisbirth,quality,hisfallinginlovewiththePrincessofSamandal,andhercrueltyinchanginghimintoabirdtheverymomenthehadseenheranddeclaredhislovetoher.

Whentheprincecametospeakofhisgoodfortuneinfindingaqueenwhobroketheenchantment,theoldman,toencouragehim,said,‘NotwithstandingallItoldyouofthemagicqueen,thatoughtnottogiveyoutheleastdisquiet,sinceIamgenerallybelovedthroughoutthecity,andamnotunknowntothequeenherself,whohasmuchrespectforme;thereforeitwassingularlyfortunatethatyouaddressedyourselftomeratherthanelsewhere.

Youaresecureinmyhouse,whereIadviseyoutocontinue,ifyouthinkfit;andprovidedyoudonotstrayfromhence,Idareassureyouyouwillhavenojustcausetocomplain;sothatyouareundernosortofconstraintwhatsoever.’

KingBederthankedtheoldmanforhiskindreception,andtheprotectionhewaspleasedsoreadilytoaffordhim.Hesatdownattheentranceoftheshop,wherehenosoonerappearedthanhisyouthandhandsomelooksdrewtheeyesofallthatpassedthatway.

Manystoppedandcomplimentedtheoldmanonhishavingacquiredsofineaslave,astheyimaginedthekingtobe;andtheywerethemoresurprised,becausetheycouldnotcomprehendhowsobeautifulayouthcouldescapethequeen’sknowledge.‘Believenot,’saidtheoldman,‘thatthisisaslave;youallknowthatIamnotrichenough.Heismynephew,sonofabrotherofminethatisdead;andasIhadnochildrenofmyown,Isentforhimtokeepmecompany.’

Theycongratulatedhisgoodfortuneinhavingsofineayoungmanforhisrelation;butcouldnothelptellinghimtheyfearedthequeenwouldtakehimfromhim.‘Youknowherwell,’saidthey,‘andyoucannotbeignorantofthedangertowhichyouareexposed,afteralltheexamplesyouhaveseen.Howgrievedwouldyoubeifsheshouldservehimasshehasdonesomanyothersthatweknowof!’

‘Iamobligedtoyou,’repliedtheoldman,‘foryourgoodwilltowardsme,andIheartilythankyouforyourcare;butIshallneverentertaintheleastthoughtthatthequeenwilldomeanyinjury,afterallthekindnessshehasprofessedforme.Incaseshehappenstohearofthisyoungman,andspeakstomeabouthim,Idoubtnotshewillceasetothinkofhim,sosoonasshecomestoknowheismynephew.’

TheoldmanwasexceedinglygladtohearthecommendationstheybestowedontheyoungKingofPersia.Hebecameasfondofhimasifhehadbeenhisownson.Theyhadlivedaboutamonthtogether,when,KingBedersittingattheshop-door,afterhisordinarymanner,QueenLabe(sowasthismagicqueennamed)happenedtocomebywithgreatpomp.Theyoungkingnosoonerperceivedtheguardscomingbeforeher,thanhearose,and,goingintotheshop,askedtheoldmanwhatallthatshowmeant.‘Thequeeniscomingby,’

answeredhe,‘butstandstillandfearnothing.’

Thequeen’sguards,clothedinpurpleuniform,andwellarmedandmounted,marchedinfourfiles,withtheirsabresdrawn,tothenumberofathousand,andeveryoneoftheirofficers,astheypassedbytheshop,salutedtheoldman:thenfollowedalikenumberhabitedinbrocadedsilk,andbettermounted,whoseofficersdidtheoldmanthelikehonour.Nextcameasmanyyoungladiesonfoot,equallybeautiful,richlydressed,andsetoffwithpreciousstones.Theymarchedgravely,withhalfpikesintheirhands;andinthemidstofthemappearedQueenLabe,onahorseglitteringwithdiamonds,withagoldensaddle,

andaharnessofinestimablevalue.Alltheyoungladiessalutedtheoldmanastheypassedbyhim;andthequeen,struckwiththegoodmienofKingBeder,stoppedassoonasshecamebeforetheshop.‘Abdallah’(sowastheoldmannamed),saidshetohim,‘tellme,Ibeseechthee,doesthatbeautifulandcharmingslavebelongtothee?andisitlongthatthouhastbeeninpossessionofhim?’

Abdallah,beforeheansweredthequeen,threwhimselfontheground,andrisingagain,said,‘Madam,itismynephew,sonofabrotherIhad,whohasnotlongbeendead.Havingnochildren,Ilookuponhimasmyson,andsentforhimtocomeandcomfortme,intendingtoleavehimwhatIhavewhenIdie.’

QueenLabe,whohadneveryetseenanyonetocomparewithKingBeder,thoughtimmediatelyofgettingtheoldmantoabandonhimtoher.‘Father,’quothshe,‘willyounotobligemesofarastomakemeapresentofthisyoungman?Donotrefuseme,Iconjureyou;andIswearbythefireandthelight,Iwillmakehimsogreatandpowerfulthatnoindividualintheworldeverarrivedatsuchgoodfortune.Althoughmypurposeweretodoeviltoallmankind,yetheshallbethesoleexception.ItrustyouwillgrantmewhatIdesire,moreontheaccountofthefriendshipIknowyouhaveforme,thanfortheesteemyouknowIalwayshad,andshalleverhaveforyou.’

‘Madam,’repliedthegoodAbdallah,‘Iaminfinitelyobligedtoyourmajestyforallyourkindness,andthehonoursyouproposetodomynephew.Heisnotworthytoapproachsogreataqueen,andIhumblybeseechyourmajestytoexcusehim.’

‘Abdallah,’repliedthequeen,‘Iallalongflatteredmyselfyoulovedme;andIcouldneverhavethoughtyouwouldhavegivenmesoevidentatokenofyourslightingmyrequest.ButIhereswearoncemorebythefireandlight,andevenbywhatsoeverismostsacredinmyreligion,thatIwillpassonnofarthertillIhaveconqueredyourobstinacy.Iunderstandverywellwhatraisesyourapprehensions;butIpromiseyoushallneverhaveanyoccasiontorepenthavingobligedmeinsosensibleamanner.’

OldAbdallahwasexceedinglygrieved,bothonhisownaccountandKingBeder’s,forbeinginamannerforcedtoobeythequeen.

‘Madam,’repliedhe,‘Iwouldnotwillinglyhaveyourmajestyentertainanill

opinionoftherespectIhaveforyou,andmyzealalwaystodowhateverIcantoobligeyou.Iputentireconfidenceinyourroyalword,andIdonotintheleastdoubtbutyouwillkeepit.Ionlybegofyourmajestytodelaydoingthisgreathonourtomynephewtillyoushallagainpassthisway.’

‘Thatshallbeto-morrow,’saidthequeen,whoinclinedherhead,asatokenofbeingpleased,andsowentforwardtowardsherpalace.

WhenQueenLabeandallherattendantswereoutofsight,thegoodAbdallahsaidtoKingBeder,‘Son,(forsohewaswonttocallhim,forfearofsometimeorotherbetrayinghimwhenhespokeofhiminpublic),‘ithasnotbeeninmypower,asyoumayhaveobserved,torefusethequeenwhatshedemandedofmewithsogreatearnestness,forfearImightforcehertoemployhermagicbothagainstyouandmyselfopenlyorsecretly,andtreatyou,asmuchfromresentmenttoyouastome,withmoresignalcrueltythanallthoseshehashadinherpowerbefore.ButIhavesomereasontobelieveshewilltreatyouwell,asshepromised,onaccountofthatparticularesteemsheprofessesforme.Thisyoumayhaveseenbytherespectshown,andthehonourspaidmebyallhercourt.Shewouldbeafiendishcreatureindeed,ifsheshoulddeceiveme;butsheshallnotdeceivemeunrevenged,forIknowhowtobeevenwithher.’

Theseassurances,whichappearedverydoubtful,werenotsufficienttoraiseKingBeder’sspirits.‘Afterallyouhavetoldmeofthisqueen’swickedness,’repliedhe,‘youcannotwonderifIamsomewhatfearfultoapproachher:Imight,itmaybe,makelittleofallyoucouldtellmeofher,didInotknowbyexperiencewhatitistobeatthemercyofasorceress.TheconditionIwasin,throughtheenchantmentofthePrincessGiauhara,andfromwhenceIwasdeliveredonlytoenteralmostimmediatelyintoanother,hasmademelookuponsuchafatewithhorror.

‘Son,’repliedoldAbdallah,‘donotafflictyourself;forthoughImustownthereisnogreatfaithtobeputinthepromisesandoathsofsoperfidiousaqueen,yetImustwithaltellyouthatherpowerextendsnottome.Sheknowsitwellherself;andthatisthereason,andnoother,thatshepaysmesuchgreatrespect.Icanquicklyhinderherfromdoingyoutheleastharm,ifsheshouldbeperfidiousenoughtoattemptit.Youmaydependuponme;and,providedyoufollowexactlytheadviceIshallgiveyoubeforeIhandyouovertoher,sheshallhavenomorepoweroveryouthanshehasoverme.’

Themagicqueendidnotfailtopassbytheoldman’sshopthenextday,withthesamepompasthedaybefore,andAbdallahwaitedforherwithgreatrespect.‘Father,’criedshe,stoppingjustbeforehim,‘youmayjudgeofmyimpatiencetohaveyournephewwithme,bymypunctualcomingtoputyouinmindofyourpromise.Iknowyouareamanofyourword,andIcannotthinkyouwillbreakitwithme.’

Abdallah,whofellonhisfaceassoonashesawthequeenapproaching,roseupwhenshehaddonespeaking;andashewantednobodytohearwhathehadamindtosaytoher,headvancedwithgreatrespectasfarasherhorse’shead,andthensaidsoftly,‘Powerfulqueen!Iampersuadedyourmajestywillnotbeoffendedatmyseemingunwillingnesstotrustmynephewwithyouyesterday,sinceyoucannotbeignorantofthereasonsIhadforit;butIimploreyoutolayasidethesecretsofthatartwhichyoupossessinsowonderfuladegree.Iregardmynephewasmyownson;andyourmajestywouldreducemetodespairifyoushoulddealwithhimasyouhavedonewithothers.’

‘IpromiseyouIwillnot,’repliedthequeen;‘andIoncemorerepeattheoathImadeyesterday,thatneitheryounoryournephewshallhaveanycausetobeoffendedwithme.Iseeplainly,’addedshe,‘youarenotyetwellenoughacquaintedwithme;youneversawmeyetbutthroughaveil;butasIfindyournephewworthyofmyfriendship,IwillshowyouIamnotinanywayunworthyofhis.’

WiththatshethrewoffherveilandshowedKingBeder,whocamenearherwithAbdallah,incomparablebeauty.

ButKingBederwaslittlecharmed.‘Itisnotenough,’saidhewithinhimself,‘tobebeautiful;one’sactionsoughttocorrespond.’

WhilstKingBederwasmakingthesereflections,withhiseyesfixedonQueenLabe,theoldmanturnedtowardshim,andtakinghimbythearm,presentedhimtohermajesty.‘Hereheis,madam,’saidhe,‘andIbegofyourmajestyoncemoretorememberheismynephew,andtolethimcomeandseemesometimes.’Thequeenpromisedheshould;andtogiveafurthermarkofhergratitude,shecausedabagofathousandpiecesofgoldtobegivenhim.Heexcusedhimselfatfirstfromreceivingthem,butsheinsistedabsolutelyuponit,andhecouldnotrefuseher.Shehadcausedahorsetobebrought(asrichlyharnessedasherown)fortheKingofPersia.

WhenKingBederwasmounted,hewouldhavetakenhisplacebehindthequeen,butshewouldnotsufferhim,andmadehimrideonherlefthand.ShelookedatAbdallah,andafterhavingmadehimaninclinationwithherhead,shesetforwardonhermarch.

Insteadofobservingasatisfactioninthepeople’sfacesatthesightoftheirsovereign,KingBedertooknoticethattheylookedatherwithcontempt,andevencursedher.‘Thesorceress,’saidsome,‘hasgotanewsubjecttoexerciseherwickednessupon:willHeavenneverdelivertheworldfromhertyranny?’‘Poorstranger!’

criedoutothers,‘thouartmuchdeceivedifthouthinkestthinehappinesswilllastlong.Itisonlytorenderthyfallmostterriblethatthouartraisedsohigh.’ThistalkgaveKingBedertounderstandthatAbdallahhadtoldhimnothingbutthetruthofQueenLabe:butasitnowdependednolongeronhimselftoescapethemischief,hecommittedhimselftodivineProvidenceandthewillofHeavenrespectinghisfate.

Themagicqueenarrivedatherpalace;shealighted,andgivingherhandtoKingBeder,enteredwithhim,accompaniedbyherwomenandtheofficers.Sheherselfshowedhimallherapartments,wheretherewasnothingtobeseenbutmassygold,preciousstones,andfurnitureofwonderfulmagnificence.Thensheledhimoutintoabalcony,fromwhenceheobservedagardenofsurprisingbeauty.

KingBedercommendedallhesaw,butsothathemightnotbediscoveredtobeanyotherthanoldAbdallah’snephew.Theydiscoursedofindifferentmatters,tillthequeenwasinformedthatdinnerwasuponthetable.

ThequeenandKingBederarose,andsatdownatthetable,whichwasofmassygold,andthedishesofthesamemetal.Theybegantoeat,butdrankhardlyatalltillthedessertcame,whenthequeencausedacuptobefilledforherwithexcellentwine.ShetookitanddranktoKingBeder’shealth;andthen,withoutputtingitoutofherhand,causedittobefilledagain,andpresentedittohim.

KingBederreceiveditwithprofoundrespect,andbyaverylowbowsignifiedtohermajestythatheinreturndranktoherhealth.

AtthesametimetenofQueenLabe’swomenenteredwithmusicalinstruments,withwhichtheymadeanagreeableconcert.Atlengthbothbegansotobeheated

withwine,thatKingBederforgothehadtodowithamagicqueen,andlookeduponheronlyasthemostbeautifulqueenheeversaw.

Nextmorningthewomenwhohadservedthekingpresentedhimwithfinelinenandamagnificentrobe.Thequeenlikewise,whowasmoresplendidlydressedthanthedaybefore,cametoreceivehim,andtheywenttogethertoherapartments,wheretheyhadagoodrepastbroughtthem,andspenttheremainderofthedayinwalkinginthegarden,andinvariousotheramusements.

QueenLabetreatedKingBederafterthismannerforfortydays,asshehadbeenaccustomedtodotoalltheothers.Thefortiethnightshearosewithoutmakinganynoiseandcameintohisroom;buthewasawake,andperceivingshehadsomedesignuponhim,watchedallhermotions.Sheopenedachest,fromwhenceshetookalittleboxfullofacertainyellowpowder;takingsomeofthepowder,shelaidatrainofitacrossthechamber,anditimmediatelyflowedinarivuletofwater,tothegreatastonishmentofKingBeder.Hetrembledwithfear,butstillpretendedtosleep,thatthesorceressmightnotdiscoverhewasawake.

QueenLabenexttookupsomeofthewaterinavessel,andpoureditintoabasin,wheretherewasflour,withwhichshemadeapaste,andkneadeditforalongtime:thenshemixedwithitcertaindrugs,whichshetookfromdifferentboxes,andmadeacake,whichsheputintoacoveredbaking-pan.Asshehadtakencarefirstofalltomakeagoodfire,shetooksomeofthecoals,andsetthepanuponthem;andwhilethecakewasbaking,sheputupthevesselsandboxesintheirplacesagain;andonherpronouncingcertainwords,therivulet,whichranalongtheendoftheroom,appearednomore.Whenthecakewasbaked,shetookitoffthecoals,andcarrieditintoherroom,withouttheleastsuspicionthathehadseenanythingofwhatshehaddone.

KingBeder,whomthepleasuresandamusementsofacourthadmadeforgethisgoodhostAbdallah,begannowtothinkofhimagain,andbelievedhehadmorethanordinaryoccasionforhisadvice,afterallhehadseenthequeendothatnight.Assoonashewasup,therefore,heexpressedagreatdesiretogoandseehisuncle,andbeggedhermajestytopermithim.‘What!mydearBeder,’criedthequeen,‘areyouthenalreadytired,Iwillnotsaywithlivinginsosuperbapalaceasmineis,whereyoumustfindsomanypleasures,butwiththecompanyofaqueenwhoissofondofyouasIam?’

‘Greatqueen!’answeredKingBeder,‘howcanIbetiredofsomanyfavoursand

gracesasyourmajestyperpetuallyheapsuponme?Imustown,however,itispartlyforthisreason,that,myunclelovingmesotenderly,asIwellknowhedoes,andIhavingbeenabsentfromhimnowfortydays,withoutonceseeinghim,IwouldnotgivehimreasontothinkthatIconsenttoremainlongerwithoutseeinghim.’

‘Go,’saidthequeen,‘youhavemyconsent;butdonotbelongbeforeyoureturn.’Thissaid,sheorderedhimahorserichlycaparisoned,andhedeparted.

OldAbdallahwasoverjoyedtoseeKingBeder;heembracedhimtenderly,andKingBederdidthesame.Assoonastheyhadsatdown,‘Well,’saidAbdallahtotheking,‘howhaveyoubeen,andhowhaveyoupassedyourtimewiththatinfidelsorceress?’

‘Hitherto,’answeredKingBeder,‘Imustneedsownshehasbeenextraordinarilykindtome,butIobservedsomethinglastnightwhichgivesmejustreasontosuspectthatallherkindnesshithertoisbutdissimulation.’HerelatedtoAbdallahhowandafterwhatmannerhehadseenhermakethecake;andthenadded,‘Hitherto,ImustneedsconfessIhadalmostforgotten,notonlyyou,butalltheadviceyougavemeconcerningthewickednessofthisqueen;butthislastactionofhersgivesmereasontofearshedoesnotintendtoobserveanyofherpromisesorsolemnoathstoyou.Ithoughtofyouimmediately,andIesteemmyselfhappyinthatIhaveobtainedpermissiontocometoyou.’

‘Youarenotmistaken,’repliedoldAbdallahwithasmile,whichshowedhedidnothimselfbelieveshewouldhaveactedotherwise,‘nothingiscapableofobligingatreacherouspersontoamend.Butfearnothing.Iknowthewaytomakethemischiefsheintendsforyoufalluponherself.Youarealarmedintime;andyoucouldnothavedonebetterthantohaverecoursetome.Itisherordinarypracticetokeepherloversonlyfortydays,andafterthattime,insteadofsendingthemhome,toturnthemintoanimals,tostockherforestsandparks;butIthoughtofmeasuresyesterdaytopreventherdoingyouthesameharm.Theearthhasbornethismonsterlongenough,anditisnowhightimesheshouldbetreatedasshedeserves.’

Sosaying,AbdallahputtwocakesintoKingBeder’shands,biddinghimkeepthemtomakeuseofasheshoulddirect.‘Youtoldme,’

continuedhe,‘thesorceressmadeacakelastnight;itwasforyoutoeat,depend

uponit;buttakegreatcareyoudonottouchit.

Nevertheless,donotrefusetoreceiveitwhensheoffersityou;butinsteadoftastingit,breakoffpartofoneofthetwoIshallgiveyou,unobserved,andeatthat.Assoonasshethinksyouhaveswallowedit,shewillnotfailtoattempttransformingyouintosomeanimal,butshewillnotsucceed;whensheseesthatshewillimmediatelyturnthethingintoajoke,asifwhatshehaddonewasonlytofrightenyou.Butshewillconcealamortalgriefinherheart,andthinksheomittedsomethinginthecompositionofhercake.Asfortheothercake,youshallmakeapresentofittoherandpresshertoeatit;whichshewillnotrefusetodo,wereitonlytoconvinceyoushedoesnotmistrustyou,thoughshehasgivenyousomuchreasontomistrusther.Whenshehaseatenofit,takealittlewaterinthehollowofyourhand,andthrowingitinherface,say,“Quitthatformyounowwear,andtakethatofsuchandsuchananimal”asyouthinkfit;whichdone,cometomewiththeanimal,andIwilltellyouwhatyoushalldoafterwards.’

KingBederthankedAbdallahinthemostexpressiveterms,andtookhisleaveofhimandreturnedtothepalace.Uponhisarrival,heunderstoodthatthequeenwaitedforhimwithgreatimpatienceinthegarden.Hewenttoher,andshenosoonerperceivedhim,thanshecameingreathastetomeethim.‘MydearBeder!’saidshe,‘itseemsagessinceIhavebeenseparatedfromyou.Ifyouhadstayedeversolittlelonger,Iwaspreparingtocomeandfetchyou.’

‘Madam,’repliedKingBeder,‘IcanassureyourmajestyIwasnolessimpatienttorejoinyou;butIcouldnotrefusetostayalittlelongerwithanunclethatlovesme,andhadnotseenmeforsolongatime.Hewouldhavekeptmestilllonger,butItoremyselfawayfromhim,tocomewherelovecallsme.Ofallhepreparedforme,Ihaveonlybroughtawaythiscake,whichIdesireyourmajestytoaccept.’KingBederhadwrappeduponeofthetwocakesinahandkerchiefveryneatly,tookitout,andpresentedittothequeen,saying,‘Ibegyourmajestytoacceptit.’

‘Idoacceptitwithallmyheart,’repliedthequeen,‘andwilleatitwithpleasureforyourandyourgooduncle’ssake;butbeforeItasteit,Idesireyouformysaketoeatapieceofthis,whichIhavemadeforyouduringyourabsence.’

‘Fairqueen,’answeredKingBeder,receivingitwithgreatrespect,Icannotsufficientlyacknowledgethefavouryoudome.’

KingBederthenartfullysubstitutedintheplaceofthequeen’scaketheotherwhicholdAbdallahhadgivenhim,andhavingbrokenoffapiece,heputitinhismouth,andcried,whilehewaseating,‘Ah!queen,Inevertastedanythingsocharminginmylife.’

Beingnearacascade,asthesorceresssawhimswallowonebitofthecake,andreadytoeatanother,shetookalittlewaterinthepalmofherhand,throwingitintheking’sface,said,‘Wretch!

quitthatformofaman,andtakethatofavilehorse,blindandlame.’

Thesewordsnothavingthedesiredeffect,thesorceresswasstrangelysurprisedtofindKingBederstillinthesameform,andthatheonlystartedforfear.Hercheeksreddened;andasshesawthatshehadmissedheraim,‘DearBeder,’criedshe,‘thisisnothing;recoveryourself.Ididnotintendyouanyharm;Ionlydidittoseewhatyouwouldsay.’

‘Powerfulqueen,’repliedKingBeder,‘persuadedasIamthatwhatyourmajestydidwasonlytodivertyourself,yetIcouldnothelpbeingsurprised.But,madam,’continuedhe,‘letusdropthis,andsinceIhaveeatenyourcake,wouldyoudomethefavourtotastemine?’

QueenLabe,whocouldnotbetterjustifyherselfthanbyshowingthismarkofconfidenceintheKingofPersia,brokeoffapieceofhiscake,andateit.Shehadnosoonerswalloweditthansheappearedmuchtroubled,andremainedasitweremotionless.KingBederlostnotime,buttookwateroutofthesamebasin,andthrowingitinherface,cried,‘Abominablesorceress!quitthatformofawoman,andbeturnedinstantlyintoamare.’

ThesameinstantQueenLabewastransformedintoaverybeautifulmare;andherconfusionwassogreattofindherselfinthatcondition,thatsheshedtearsingreatabundance,whichperhapsnomarebeforehadeverbeenknowntodo.ShebowedherheadtothefeetofKingBeder,thinkingtomovehimtocompassion;butthoughhecouldhavebeensomoved,itwasabsolutelyoutofhispowertorepairthemischiefhehaddone.Heledherintothestablebelongingtothepalace,andputherintothehandsofagroom,tobridleandsaddle;butofallthebridleswhichthegroomtrieduponher,notonewouldfither.Thismadehimcausetwohorsestobesaddled,oneforthegroom,andtheotherforhimself;andthegroomledthemareafterhimtooldAbdallah’s.

Abdallah,seeingatadistanceKingBedercomingwiththemare,doubtednotbuthehaddonewhatheadvisedhim.‘Hatefulsorceress!’saidheimmediatelytohimselfinatransportofjoy,‘Heavenhasatlengthpunishedtheeasthoudeservest.’KingBederalightedatAbdallah’sdoor,andenteredtheshop,embracingandthankinghimforallthesignalserviceshehaddonehim.Herelatedtohimthewholematter,andtoldhimthathecouldfindnobridlefitforthemare.Abdallah,whohadoneforeveryhorse,bridledthemarehimself,andassoonasKingBederhadsentbackthegroomwiththetwohorses,hesaidtohim,‘Mylord,youhavenoreasontostayanylongerinthiscity:mountthemare,andreturntoyourkingdom.Ihavebutonethingmoretorecommendtoyou;andthatis,ifyoushouldeverhappentopartwiththemare,besurenottogiveupthebridle.’KingBederpromisedtorememberit;andhavingtakenleaveofthegoodoldman,hedeparted.

TheyoungKingofPersianosoonergotoutofthecity,thanhebegantoreflectwithjoyonthedeliverancehehadhad,andthathehadthesorceressinhispower,whohadgivenhimsomuchcausetotremble.Threedaysafterhearrivedatagreatcity,where,enteringthesuburbs,hemetavenerableoldman.‘Sir,’saidtheoldman,stoppinghim,‘mayIpresumetoaskfromwhatpartoftheworldyoucome?’Thekingstoppedtotellhim,andastheywerediscoursingtogether,anoldwomancameup;who,stoppinglikewise,weptandsighedbitterlyatthesightofthemare.

KingBederandtheoldmanleftoffdiscoursing,tolookattheoldwoman,whomthekingaskedwhatcauseshehadtolamentsomuch,‘Alas!sir,’repliedshe,‘itisbecauseyourmareresemblessoperfectlyonemysonhad,whichIstillmournthelossofonhisaccount.Ishouldthinkyourswerethesame,didInotknowshewasdead.Sellhertome,Ibeseechyou:Iwillgiveyoumorethansheisworth,andthankyoutoo.’

‘Goodwoman,’repliedKingBeder,‘IamheartilysorryIcannotcomplywithyourrequest:mymareisnottobesold.’

‘Alas!sir,’continuedtheoldwoman,‘donotrefusemethisfavour.MysonandIwillcertainlydiewithgriefifyoudonotgrantit.’

‘Goodmother,’repliedtheking,‘Iwouldgrantitwithallmyheart,ifIwasdisposedtopartwithsogoodabeast;butifIweresodisposed,Ibelieveyouwouldhardlygiveathousandpiecesofgoldforher,andIcouldnotsellherfor

less.’

‘WhyshouldInotgivesomuch?’repliedtheoldwoman:‘ifthatbethelowestprice,youneedonlysayyouwilltakeit,andIwillfetchyouthemoney.’

KingBeder,seeingtheoldwomansopoorlydressed,couldnotimagineshecouldfindthemoney;thereforetotryher,hesaid,‘Go,fetchmethemoney,andthemareisyours.’Theoldwomanimmediatelyunloosedapurseshehadfastenedtohergirdle,anddesiringhimtoalight,badehimtelloverthemoney,andincasehefounditcameshortofthesumdemanded,shesaidherhousewasnotfaroff,andshecouldquicklyfetchtherest.

ThesurpriseofKingBeder,atthesightofthispurse,wasnotsmall.‘Goodwoman,’saidhe,‘doyounotperceiveIhavebeenbanteringyouallthiswhile?Iassureyoumymareisnottobesold.’

Theoldman,whohadbeenwitnesstoallthatwassaid,nowbegantospeak.‘Son,’quothhetoKingBeder,‘itisnecessaryyoushouldknowonething,whichIfindyouareignorantof;andthatis,thatinthiscityitisnotpermittedtoanyonetotellalie,onanyaccountwhatsoever,onpainofdeath.Youcannotrefusetakingthisgoodwoman’smoney,anddeliveringyourmare,whenshegivesyouthesumaccordingtotheagreement;andthisyouhadbetterdowithoutanynoise,thanexposeyourselftowhatmayhappen.’

KingBeder,sorelyafflictedtofindhimselfthustrappedbyhisrashoffer,alightedwithgreatregret.Theoldwomanstoodreadytoseizethebridle,andimmediatelyunbridledthemare,andtakingsomewaterinherhand,fromastreamthatraninthemiddleofthestreet,shethrewitinthemare’sface,utteringthesewords,‘Daughter,quitthatstrangeshape,andreassumethineown.’Thetransformationwaseffectedinamoment,andKingBeder,whoswoonedassoonashesawQueenLabeappear,wouldhavefallentotheground,iftheoldmanhadnotcaughthim.

Theoldwoman,whowasmothertoQueenLabe,andhadinstructedherinallhermagicsecrets,hadnosoonerembracedherdaughter,thantoshowherfury,shewhistled.Immediatelyroseagenieofgiganticformandstature.ThisgenietookKingBederononeshoulder,andtheoldwomanwiththemagicqueenontheother,andtransportedtheminafewminutestothepalaceofQueenLabeintheCityofEnchantments.

ThemagicqueenimmediatelyfelluponKingBeder,‘Isitthus,ungratefulwretch,’saidshe,‘thatthouandthyunworthyunclerepaymeforallthekindnessesIhavedoneforyou?Ishallsoonmakeyoubothfeelwhatyoudeserve.’Shesaidnomore,buttakingwaterinherhand,threwitinhisfacewiththesewords,‘Comeoutofthatshape,andtakethatofavileowl.’Thesewordswerefollowedbytheeffect,andimmediatelyshecommandedoneofherwomentoshutuptheowlinacage,andgivehimneithermeatnordrink.

Thewomantookthecage,andwithoutregardingwhatthequeenordered,gavehimbothmeatanddrink;andbeingoldAbdallah’sfriend,shesenthimwordprivatelyhowthequeenhadtreatedhisnephew,andofherdesigntodestroybothhimandKingBeder,thathemightgiveorderstopreventitandsavehimself.

AbdallahknewnocommonmeasureswoulddowithQueenLabe:hethereforedidbutwhistleafteracertainmanner,andthereimmediatelyaroseavastgiant,withfourwings,who,presentinghimselfbeforehim,askedwhathewanted.‘Lightning,’saidAbdallahtohim(forsowasthegeniecalled),‘IcommandyoutopreservethelifeofKingBeder,sonofQueenGulnare.Gotothepalaceofthemagicqueen,andtransportimmediatelytothecapitalofPersiathecompassionatewomanwhohasthecageincustody,sothatshemayinformQueenGulnareofthedangerthekinghersonisin,andtheoccasionhehasforherassistance.Takecarenottofrightenherwhenyoucomebeforeherandtellherfrommewhatsheoughttodo.’

Lightningimmediatelydisappeared,andgotinaninstanttothepalaceofthemagicqueen.Heinstructedthewoman,liftedherupintotheair,andtransportedhertothecapitalofPersia,whereheplacedherontheterraceneartheapartmentwhereQueenGulnarewas.Shewentdownstairstotheapartment,andshetherefoundQueenGulnareandQueenFaraschehermotherlamentingtheirmisfortunes.ShemadethemaprofoundobeisanceandtheysoonunderstoodthegreatneedthatKingBederwasinoftheirassistance.

QueenGulnarewassooverjoyedatthenews,thatrisingfromherseat,shewentandembracedthegoodwoman,tellingherhowmuchshewasobligedtoherfortheserviceshehaddone.

Thenimmediatelygoingout,shecommandedthetrumpetstosound,andthedrumstobeat,toacquaintthecitythattheKingofPersiawouldsuddenlyreturn

safetohiskingdom.Shethenwentagain,andfoundKingSalehherbrother,whomQueenFaraschehadcausedtocomespeedilythitherbyacertainfumigation.‘Brother,’saidshetohim,‘thekingyournephew,mydearson,isintheCityofEnchantments,underthepowerofQueenLabe.BothyouandImustgotodeliverhim,forthereisnotimetobelost.’

KingSalehforthwithassembledapowerfulbodyofhismarinetroops,whosoonroseoutofthesea.Healsocalledtohisassistancethegenies,hisallies,whoappearedwithamuchmorenumerousarmythanhisown.Assoonasthetwoarmieswerejoined,heputhimselfattheheadofthem,withQueenFarasche,QueenGulnare,andtheprincesses.Theythenliftedthemselvesupintotheair,andsoonpoureddownonthepalaceandCityofEnchantments,wherethemagicqueen,hermother,andalltheadorersoffire,weredestroyedinaninstant.

QueenGulnarehadorderedthewomanwhobroughtherthenewsofQueenLabe’stransformingandimprisoninghersontofollowherclosely,andbadehergo,andintheconfusion,seizethecage,andbringittoher.Thisorderwasexecutedasshewished,andQueenGulnarewasnosoonerinpossessionofthecagethansheopeneditandtookouttheowl,saying,asshesprinkledalittlewateruponhim,‘Mydearson,quitthatstrangeform,andresumethynaturaloneofaman.’

InamomentQueenGulnarenomoresawthehideousowl,butKingBederherson.Sheimmediatelyembracedhimwithanexcessofjoy.

Shecouldnotfindinherhearttolethimgo;andQueenFaraschewasobligedtoforcehimfromherinherturn.Afterher,hewaslikewiseembracedbythekinghisuncleandhisrelations.

QueenGulnare’sfirstcarewastolookoutforoldAbdallah,towhomshehadbeenindebtedfortherecoveryoftheKingofPersia.

Whenhewasbroughttoher,shesaid,‘Myobligationstoyou,sir,havebeensogreat,thatthereisnothinginmypowerthatIwouldnotfreelydoforyou,asatokenofmyacknowledgment.DobuttellmeinwhatIcanserveyou.’

‘Greatqueen,’repliedAbdallah,‘iftheladywhomIsenttoyourmajestywillbutconsenttothemarriageIofferher,andtheKingofPersiawillgivemeleavetoresideathiscourt,Iwillspendtheremainderofmydaysinhisservice.’

Thenthequeenturnedtothelady,whowaspresent,andfindingthatshewasnotaversetothematchproposed,shecausedthemtojoinhands,andtheKingofPersiaandshetookcareoftheirwelfare.

ThismarriageoccasionedtheKingofPersiatospeakthustothequeen:‘Madam,’saidhe,‘Iamheartilygladofthismatchwhichyourmajestyhasjustmade.Thereremainsonemore,whichIdesireyoutothinkof.’

QueenGulnaredidnotatfirstcomprehendwhatmarriagehemeant;butafteralittleconsidering,shesaid,‘Ofyours,youmean,son?

Iconsenttoitwithallmyheart.’Thenturning,andlookingonherbrother’sseaattendants,andthegenieswhowerestillpresent,‘Go,’saidshe,‘andtraversebothseaandland,tofindoutthemostlovelyandamiableprincess,worthyofthekingmyson,andcomeandtellus.’

‘Madam,’repliedKingBeder,‘itistonopurposeforthemtotakeallthatpains.YouhavenodoubtheardthatIhavealreadygivenmyhearttothePrincessofSamandal.Ihaveseenher,anddonotrepentofthepresentIthenmadeher.Inaword,neitherearthnorsea,inmyopinion,canfurnishaprincesslikeher.Itistruethatshetreatedmeinawaythatwouldhaveextinguishedanyaffectionlessstrongthanmine.ButIholdherexcused;shecouldnottreatmewithlessrigour,afterIhadhadthekingherfatherimprisoned.ButitmaybetheKingofSamandalhaschangedhismind;andhisdaughtertheprincessmayconsenttolovemewhensheseesherfatherhasagreedtoit.’

‘Son,’repliedQueenGulnare,‘ifonlythePrincessGiauharacanmakeyouhappy,itisnotmydesigntoopposeyou.ThekingyouruncleneedonlyhavetheKingofSamandalbrought,andweshallsoonseewhetherhebestillofthesameuntractabletemper.’

StrictlyastheKingofSamandalhadbeenkeptduringhiscaptivitybyKingSaleh’sorders,yethealwayshadgreatrespectshownhim,andwasbecomeveryfamiliarwiththeofficerswhoguardedhim.

KingSalehcausedachafing-dishofcoalstobebrought,intowhichhethrewacertaincomposition,utteringatthesametimesomemysteriouswords.Assoonasthesmokebegantoarise,thepalaceshook,andimmediatelytheKingofSamandal,withKingSaleh’sofficers,appeared.TheKingofPersiacasthimselfattheKingofSamandal’sfeet,andkneelingsaid,‘ItisnolongerKingSaleh

thatdemandsofyourmajestythehonourofyouralliancefortheKingofPersia;itistheKingofPersiahimselfthathumblybegsthatboon;andIamsureyourmajestywillnotpersistinbeingthecauseofthedeathofakingwhocannolongerliveifhedoesnotsharelifewiththeamiablePrincessGiauhara.’

TheKingofSamandaldidnotlongsuffertheKingofPersiatoremainathisfeet.Heembracedhimandobliginghimtorise,said,‘Ishouldbeverysorrytohavecontributedintheleasttothedeathofamonarchwhoissoworthytolive.Ifitbetruethatsopreciousalifecannotbepreservedwithoutmydaughter,live,sir,’saidhe,‘sheisyours.Shehasalwaysbeenobedienttomywill,andIcannotthinkshewillnowopposeit.’Speakingthesewords,heorderedoneofhisofficers,whomKingSalehhadpermittedtobeabouthim,togoandlookforthePrincessGiauhara,andbringhertohimimmediately.

TheprincesshadremainedwheretheKingofPersiahadlefther.

Theofficersoonperceivedher,andbroughtherwithherwomen.TheKingofSamandalembracedher,andsaid,‘Daughter,Ihaveprovidedahusbandforyou;itistheKingofPersiayouseethere,themostaccomplishedmonarchatpresentintheuniverse.ThepreferencehehasgivenyouoverallotherPrincessesobligesusbothtoexpressourgratitude.’

‘Sir,’repliedthePrincessGiauhara,‘yourmajestywellknowsIneverhavepresumedtodisobeyyourwillinanything;Ishallalwaysbereadytoobeyyou;andIhopetheKingofPersiawillforgetmyill-treatmentofhim,andconsideritwasduty,notinclination,thatforcedmetoit.’

TheweddingwascelebratedinthepalaceoftheCityofEnchantments,withthegreatersolemnityinthatalltheloversofthemagicqueen,whoresumedtheiroriginalformsassoonaseverthatqueenceasedtolive,cametoreturntheirthankstotheKingofPersia,QueenGulnare,andKingSaleh.Theywereallsonsofkingsorprinces,orpersonsofhighrank.

KingSalehatlengthconductedtheKingofSamandaltohisdominions,andputhiminpossessionofthem.TheKingofPersiareturnedtohiscapitalwithQueenGulnare,QueenFarasche,andtheprincesses;andQueenFarascheandtheprincessescontinuedtheretillKingSalehcametoreconductthemtohiskingdomunderthewavesofthesea.

THETHREEPRINCESANDTHEPRINCESSNOURONNIHAR.

TherewasonceasultanofIndiawhohadthreesons.These,withtheprincesshisniece,weretheornamentsofhiscourt.TheeldestoftheprinceswascalledHoussain,thesecondAli,theyoungestAhmed,andtheprincesshisniece,Nouronnihar.ThePrincessNouronniharwasthedaughteroftheyoungerbrotherofthesultan,towhomthesultaninhislifetimeallowedaconsiderablerevenue.

Butthatprincehadnotbeenmarriedlongbeforehedied,andlefttheprincessveryyoung.Thesultan,outofbrotherlyloveandfriendship,tookuponhimselfthecareofhisniece’seducation,andbroughtherupinhispalacewiththethreeprinces,wherehersingularbeautyandpersonalaccomplishments,joinedtoasprightlydispositionandirreproachableconduct,distinguishedheramongalltheprincessesofhertime.

Thesultan,heruncle,proposedtogethermarried,whenshearrivedataproperage,tosomeneighbouringprince,andwasthinkingseriouslyaboutit,whenheperceivedthatthethreeprinceshissonshadallfalleninlovewithher.Hewasverymuchconcerned,owingtothedifficultyheforesawwhetherthetwoyoungerwouldconsenttoyieldtotheirelderbrother.Hespoketoeachofthemapart;andafterhavingremonstratedontheimpossibilityofoneprincessbeingthewifeofthreepersons,andthetroublestheywouldcreateiftheypersisted,hedidallhecouldtopersuadethemtoabidebyadeclarationoftheprincessinfavourofoneofthem;ortosufferhertobemarriedtoaforeignprince.Butashefoundthemobstinate,hesentforthemalltogether,andsaidtothem,‘Children,sinceIhavenotbeenabletopersuadeyounolongertoaspiretomarrytheprincessyourcousin;andasIhavenoinclinationtoforcehertomarryanyofyou,Ihavethoughtofaplanwhichwillpleaseyouall,andpreserveunionamongyou,ifyouwillbutfollowmyadvice.Ithinkitwouldbebest,ifeveryonetravelledseparatelyintoadifferentcountry,sothatyoumightnotmeeteachother:andasyouknowIdelightineverythingthatisrareandsingular,Ipromisemynieceinmarriagetohimthatshallbringmethemostextraordinarycuriosity;andfortravellingexpenses,Iwillgiveeachofyouasumbefittingyourrankandthepurchaseofthecuriosityyousearch.’

Asthethreeprinceswerealwayssubmissiveandobedienttothesultan’swill,andeachflatteredhimselfthatfortunewouldfavourhim,theyallconsented.Thesultangavethemthemoneyhepromised;andthatverydaytheyissuedordersinpreparationfortheirtravels,andtookleaveofthesultan,thattheymightbereadytosetoutearlythenextmorning.Theyallwentoutatthesamegateofthecity,eachdressedlikeamerchant,attendedbyatrustyofficerdressedlikea

slave,allwellmountedandequipped.

Theywentthefirstday’sjourneytogether;andsleptatthefirstinn,wheretheroaddividedintothreedifferenttracks.Atnightwhentheywereatsuppertogether,theyagreedtotravelforayear,andtomakethatinntheirrendezvous;thatthefirstthatcameshouldwaitfortherest;thatastheyhadallthreetakenleavetogetherofthesultan,theyshouldallreturntogether.Thenextmorningbybreakofday,aftertheyhadembracedandwishedeachothergoodsuccess,theymountedtheirhorses,andeachtookadifferentroad.

PrinceHoussain,theeldestbrother,whohadheardwondersoftheextent,strength,riches,andsplendourofthekingdomofBisnagar,benthiscoursetowardstheIndiancoast;and,afterthreemonthstravellingwithdifferentcaravans,sometimesoverdesertsandbarrenmountains,andsometimesthroughpopulousandfertilecountries,hearrivedatBisnagar,thecapitalofthekingdomofthatnameandtheresidenceofitsking.Helodgedatakhanappointedforforeignmerchants;andhavinglearntthattherewerefourprincipalquarterswheremerchantsofallsortskepttheirshops,inthemidstofwhichstoodthecastle,orrathertheking’spalace,asthecentreofthecity,surroundedbythreecourts,andeachgatetwoleaguesdistantfromtheother,hewenttooneofthesequartersthenextday.

PrinceHoussaincouldnotseethisquarterwithoutadmiration.Itwaslarge,anddividedintoseveralstreets,allvaultedandshadedfromthesun,andyetverylight.Theshopswereallofthesamesizeandproportion;andallthatdealtinthesamesortofmerchandise,aswellasthecraftsmen,livedinonestreet.

ThemultitudeofshopsstockedwiththefinestlinensfromseveralpartsofIndia,somepaintedinthebrightestcolours,withmen,landscapes,trees,andflowers;silksandbrocadesfromPersia,China,andotherplaces;porcelainfromJapanandChina,footcarpetsofallsizes,—allthissurprisedhimsomuchthatheknewnothowtobelievehisowneyes;butwhenhecametotheshopsofthegoldsmithsandjewellers(forthosetwotradeswereexercisedbythesamemerchants),hewasdazzledbythelustreofthepearls,diamonds,rubies,emeralds,andotherpreciousstonesexposedforsale.Butifhewasamazedatseeingsomanyrichesinoneplace,hewasmuchmoresurprisedwhenhecametojudgeofthewealthofthewholekingdombyconsideringthatexcepttheBrahminsandministersoftheidols,whoprofessaliferetiredfromworldlyvanity,therewasnotanIndian,manorwoman,throughtheextentofthat

kingdom,whodidnotwearnecklaces,bracelets,andornamentsabouttheirlegsandfeet,madeofpearlsandotherpreciousstones.

AnotherthingPrinceHoussainparticularlyadmiredwasthegreatnumberofrose-sellers,whocrowdedthestreets;fortheIndiansaresuchloversofthatflower,thatnotonewillstirwithoutanosegayinhishand,oragarlandonhishead;andthemerchantskeeptheminpotsintheirshops,sothattheairofthewholequarter,howeverlarge,isperfectlyperfumed.

AfterPrinceHoussainhadrunthroughthequarter,streetbystreet,histhoughtsfullyoccupiedbythericheshehadseen,hewasverymuchtired,andamerchantcivillyinvitedhimtositdowninhisshop.Heacceptedtheoffer;buthadnotbeenseatedlongbeforehesawacrierpassbywithapieceofcarpetonhisarm,aboutsixfeetsquare,andcryitatthirtypurses.Theprincecalledtothecrier,andaskedtoseethecarpet,whichseemedtohimtobevaluedatanexorbitantprice,notonlyforitssize,butthemeannessofthestuff.Whenhehadexamineditwell,hetoldthecrierthathecouldnotcomprehendhowsosmallandpoorapiececouldbepricedsohigh.

Thecrier,whotookhimforamerchant,replied,‘Sir,ifthispriceseemssoextravaganttoyou,youramazementwillbegreaterwhenItellyouIhaveorderstoraiseittofortypurses,andnottopartwithitforless.’

‘Certainly,’answeredPrinceHoussain,‘itmusthavesomethingveryextraordinaryaboutit,whichIknownothingof.’

‘Youhaveguessedright,sir,’repliedthecrier,‘andwillownasmuchwhenyoucometoknowthatwhoeversitsonthispieceofcarpetmaybetransportedinaninstantwhereverhedesirestogowithoutbeingstoppedbyanyobstacle.’

AtthisthePrinceoftheIndies,consideringthattheprincipalmotiveofhisjourneywastocarrysomesingularcuriosityhometothesultanhisfather,thoughtthatbecouldnotmeetwithanythingwhichcouldgivehimmoresatisfaction.‘Ifthecarpet,’saidhetothecrier,‘hasthevirtueyouassignit,Ishallnotthinkfortypursestoomuchbutshallmakeyouapresentbesides.’

‘Sir,’repliedthecrier,‘Ihavetoldyouthetruth;anditwillbeaneasymattertoconvinceyouofit,assoonasyouhavemadethebargainforfortypurses,byexperiment.ButasIsupposeyouhavenotsomuchwithyou,andthatImustgowithyoutothekhanwhereyoulodge,withtheleaveofthemasteroftheshopwewillgointohisbackshop,andIwillspreadthecarpet;andwhenwehavebothsatdown,andyouhaveformedthewishtobetransportedintoyourroomatthekhan,ifwearenottransportedthitheritshallbenobargain.Astoyourpresent,asIampaidformytroublebytheseller,Ishallreceiveitasafavour,andbeverymuchobligedtoyouforit.’

Theprinceacceptedtheconditions,andconcludedthebargain;andhavingobtainedthemaster’sleave,theywentintohisbackshop;theybothsatdownonthecarpet,andassoonastheprincewishedtobetransportedintohisroomatthekhan,hefoundhimselfandthecrierthere,andashewantednomoreconvincingproofofthevirtueofthecarpet,hecountedtothecrierfortypursesofgold,andgavehimtwentypiecesforhimself.

InthismannerPrinceHoussainbecamethepossessorofthecarpet,andwasoverjoyedthatonhisarrivalatBisnagarhehadfoundsorareatreasure,whichheneverdoubtedwouldgainhimthePrincessNouronnihar.Inshorthelookeduponitasanimpossiblethingfortheprinces,hisyoungerbrothers,tomeetwithanythingtocomparewithit.Itwasinhispower,bysittingonthiscarpet,tobeattheplaceofrendezvousthatveryday;butashewasobligedtowaitforhisbrothers,astheyhadagreed,andashewascurioustoseetheKingofBisnagarandhiscourt,andtolearnaboutthelaws,customs,andreligionofthekingdom,hechosetomakealongerabodethere.

ItwasacustomoftheKingofBisnagartogiveaudiencetoallstrangemerchantsonceaweek;andPrinceHoussain,whoremainedincognito,sawhimoften;andashewashandsome,clever,andextremelypolite,heeasilydistinguishedhimselfamongthemerchants,andwaspreferredbeforethemallbythesultan,whoaskedhimabouttheSultanoftheIndies,andthegovernment,strength,andrichesofhisdominions.

Therestofhistimetheprincespentinseeingwhatwasmostremarkableinandaboutthecity;andamongotherthingshevisitedatemple,allbuiltofbrass.Itwastencubitssquare,andfifteenhigh;andthegreatestornamenttoitwasanidoloftheheightofaman,ofmassygold:itseyesweretworubies,setso

artificially,thatitseemedtolookatthosewholookedatit,onwhicheversidetheyturned.Besidesthis,therewasanothernotlesscurious,inavillageinthemidstofaplainofabouttenacres,whichwasadeliciousgardenfullofrosesandthechoicestflowers,surroundedwithasmallwallbreasthigh,tokeepthecattleout.Inthemidstofthisplainwasraisedaterrace,aman’sheight,sonicelypavedthatthewholepavementseemedtobebutonesinglestone.Atemplewaserectedinthemiddleofthisterrace,withadomeaboutfiftycubitshigh,whichmightbeseenforseveralleaguesround.Itwasthirtycubitslong,andtwentybroad,builtofredmarble,highlypolished.Theinsideofthedomewasadornedwiththreerowsoffinepaintings,ingoodtaste:andtherewasnotaplaceinthewholetemplebutwasembellishedwithpaintings,bas-reliefs,andfiguresofidolsfromtoptobottom.

Everynightandmorningtherewereceremoniesperformedinthistemple,whichwerealwayssucceededbysports,concerts,dancing,singing,andfeasts.Theministersofthetempleandtheinhabitantsoftheplacehadnothingtoliveonbuttheofferingsofpilgrims,whocameincrowdsfromthemostdistantpartsofthekingdomtoperformtheirvows.

PrinceHoussainwasalsospectatorofasolemnfeast,whichwascelebratedeveryyearatthecourtofBisnagar,atwhichallthegovernorsofprovinces,commandersoffortifiedplaces,allthegovernorsandjudgesoftowns,andtheBrahminsmostcelebratedfortheirlearning,wereobligedtobepresent;andsomelivedsofaroffthattheywerefourmonthsincoming.Thisassembly,composedofinnumerablemultitudesofIndians,metinaplainofvastextent,asfarastheeyecouldreach.Inthecentreofthisplainwasasquareofgreatlengthandbreadth,closedononesidebyalargescaffoldingofninestories,supportedbyfortypillars,raisedforthekingandhiscourt,andthosestrangerswhomheadmittedtoaudienceonceaweek.Inside,itwasadornedandfurnishedmagnificently;andontheoutsidewerepaintedfinelandscapes,whereinallsortsofbeasts,birds,andinsects,evenfliesandgnats,weredrawnasnaturallyaspossible.Otherscaffoldsofatleastfourorfivestories,andpaintedalmostallalike,formedtheotherthreesides.

Oneachsideofthesquare,atsomelittledistancefromeachother,wererangedathousandelephants,sumptuouslyharnessed,eachhavinguponhisbackasquarewoodencastle,finelygilt,inwhichweremusiciansandactors.Thetrunks,ears,andbodiesoftheseelephantswerepaintedwithcinnabarandothercolours,representinggrotesquefigures.

ButwhatPrinceHoussainmostofalladmiredwastoseethelargestoftheseelephantsstandwithhisfourfeetonapostfixedintotheearth,twofeethigh,playingandbeatingtimewithhistrunktothemusic.Besidesthis,headmiredanotherelephantasbig,standingonaboard,whichwaslaidacrossastrongbeamabouttenfeethigh,withagreatweightattheotherendwhichbalancedhim,whilehekepttimewiththemusicbythemotionsofhisbodyandtrunk.

PrinceHoussainmighthavemadealongerstayinthekingdomandcourtofBisnagar,wherehewouldhaveseenotherwonders,tillthelastdayoftheyear,whereonheandhisbrothershadappointedtomeet.Buthewassowellsatisfiedwithwhathehadseen,andhisthoughtsransomuchuponthePrincessNouronnihar,thathefanciedheshouldbethemoreeasyandhappythenearerhewastoher.

Afterhehadpaidthemasterofthekhanforhisapartment,andtoldhimthehourwhenhemightcomeforthekey,withouttellinghimhowheshouldgo,heshutthedoor,putthekeyontheoutside,andspreadingthecarpet,heandtheofficerhehadbroughtwithhimsatdownonit,and,assoonashehadwished,weretransportedtotheinnatwhichheandhisbrothersweretomeet,wherehepassedforamerchanttilltheycame.

PrinceAli,thesecondbrother,travelledintoPersiawithacaravan,andafterfourmonths’travellingarrivedatSchiraz,whichwasthenthecapitalofthekingdomofPersia,andhavingonthewaymadefriendswithsomemerchants,passedforajeweller,andlodgedinthesamekhanwiththem.

Thenextmorning,whilethemerchantswereopeningtheirbalesofmerchandise,PrinceAlitookawalkintothatquarterofthetownwheretheysoldpreciousstones,goldandsilverwork,brocades,silks,finelinens,andotherchoiceandvaluablemerchandise,whichwasatSchirazcalledthebezestein.Itwasaspaciousandwell-builtplace,archedover,andsupportedbylargepillars;alongthewalls,withinandwithout,wereshops.PrinceAlisoonrambledthroughthebezestein,andwithadmirationjudgedoftherichesoftheplacebytheprodigiousquantitiesofmostpreciousmerchandisethereexposedtoview.

Butamongallthecrierswhopassedbackwardsandforwardswithseveralsortsofthingstosell,hewasnotalittlesurprisedtoseeonewhoheldinhishandanivorytubeaboutafootinlengthandaboutaninchthick,andcrieditatthirtypurses.Atfirsthethoughtthecriermad,andtomakesure,wenttoashop,and

saidtothemerchant,whostoodatthedoor,‘Pray,sir,isnotthatmanmad?Ifheisnot,Iamverymuchdeceived.’

‘Indeed,sir,’answeredthemerchant,‘hewasinhisrightsensesyesterday,andIcanassureyouheisoneoftheablestcrierswehave,andthemostemployedofanywhenanythingvaluableistobesold;andifhecriestheivorytubeatthirtypurses,itmustbeworthasmuch,ormore,forsomereasonorotherwhichdoesnotappear.Hewillcomebypresently,andwewillcallhim;inthemeantimesitdownonmysofaandrestyourself.’

PrinceAliacceptedthemerchant’sobligingoffer,andpresentlythecrierpassedby.Themerchantcalledhimbyhisname;andpointingtotheprince,saidtohim,‘Tellthatgentleman,whoaskedmeifyouwereinyourrightsenses,whatyoumeanbycryingthativorytube,whichseemsnottobeworthmuch,atthirtypurses:Ishouldbeverymuchamazedmyself,ifIdidnotknowyouwereasensibleman.’

Thecrier,addressinghimselftoPrinceAli,said,‘Sir,youarenottheonlypersonthattakesmeforamadmanonaccountofthistube;youshalljudgeyourselfwhetherIamorno,whenIhavetoldyouitspeculiarity.First,sir,’pursuedthecrier,presentingtheivorytubetotheprince,‘observethatthistubeisfurnishedwithaglassatbothends;bylookingthroughoneofthemyouseewhateverobjectyouwishtobehold.’

‘Iam,’saidtheprince,‘readytomakeyouallproperreparationforthescandalIhavethrownonyou,ifyouwillmakethetruthofwhatyousayappear’;andashehadtheivorytubeinhishand,hesaid,‘ShowmeatwhichoftheseendsImustlook.’Thecriershowedhim,andhelookedthrough,wishingatthesametimetoseethesultan,hisfather.Heimmediatelybeheldhiminperfecthealth,sittingonhisthrone,inthemidstofhiscouncil.

Afterwards,astherewasnothingintheworldsodeartohim,afterthesultan,asthePrincessNouronnihar,hewishedtoseeher,andsawherlaughing,andinapleasanthumour,withherwomenabouther.

PrinceAlineedednootherprooftopersuadehimthatthistubewasthemostvaluablething,notonlyinthecityofSchiraz,butinalltheworld;andhebelievedthat,ifheshouldneglectit,hewouldnevermeetagainwithsuchanotherrarity.Hesaidtothecrier,‘IamverysorrythatIshouldhaveentertained

sobadanopinionofyou,buthopetomakeyouamendsbybuyingthetube,sotellmethelowestpricethesellerhasfixeduponit.Comewithme,andIwillpayyouthemoney.’Thecrierassuredhimthathislastordersweretotakenolessthanfortypurses;and,ifhedisputedthetruthofwhathesaid,hewouldtakehimtohisemployer.Theprincebelievedhim,tookhimtothekhanwherehelodged,countedoutthemoney,andreceivedthetube.

PrinceAliwasoverjoyedathisbargain;andpersuadedhimselfthat,ashisbrotherswouldnotbeabletomeetwithanythingsorareandmarvellous,thePrincessNouronniharwouldbehiswife.HethoughtnowofvisitingthecourtofPersiaincognito,andseeingwhateverwascuriousinandaboutSchiraz,tillthecaravanwithwhichhecamereturnedbacktotheIndies.Whenthecaravanwasreadytosetout,theprincejoinedthem,andarrivedwithoutanyaccidentortroubleattheplaceofrendezvous,wherehefoundPrinceHoussain,andbothwaitedforPrinceAhmed.

PrinceAhmedtooktheroadtoSamarcand;andthedayafterhisarrivaltherewent,ashisbrothershaddone,intothebezestein.

Hehadnotwalkedlongbeforeheheardacrier,whohadanartificialappleinhishand,cryitatfive-and-thirtypurses.Hestoppedthecrier,andsaidtohim,‘Letmeseethatapple,andtellmewhatvirtueorextraordinarypropertyithas,tobevaluedatsohigharate.’

‘Sir,’saidthecrier,puttingitintohishand,‘ifyoulookattheoutsideofthisapple,itisveryordinary;butifyouconsiderthegreatuseandbenefititistomankind,youwillsayitisinvaluable.Hewhopossessesitismasterofagreattreasure.Itcuresallsickpersonsofthemostmortaldiseases,fever,pleurisy,plague,orothermalignantdistempers;and,ifthepatientisdying,itwillimmediatelyrestorehimtoperfecthealth;andthisisdoneaftertheeasiestmannerintheworld,merelybythepatientsmellingtheapple.’

‘Ifonemaybelieveyou,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘thevirtuesofthisapplearewonderful,anditisindeedvaluable:butwhatgroundhasaplainmanlikemyself,whomaywishtobecomethepurchaser,tobepersuadedthatthereisnodeceptionorexaggerationinthehighpraiseyoubestowonit?’

‘Sir,’repliedthecrier,‘thethingisknownandaverredbythewholecityofSamarcand;but,withoutgoinganyfurther,askallthesemerchantsyouseehere,

andhearwhattheysay;severalofthemwouldnothavebeenalivethisdayiftheyhadnotmadeuseofthisexcellentremedy.Itistheresultofthestudyandexperienceofacelebratedphilosopherofthiscity,whoappliedhimselfallhislifetotheknowledgeofplantsandminerals,andatlastperformedsuchsurprisingcuresinthiscityaswillneverbeforgotten;buthediedsuddenlyhimself,beforehecouldapplyhisownsovereignremedy,andlefthiswifeandagreatmanyyoungchildrenbehindhiminveryindifferentcircumstances;tosupportherfamily,andprovideforherchildren,shehasresolvedtosellit.’

WhilethecrierwastellingPrinceAhmedthevirtuesoftheartificialapple,agreatmanypersonscameaboutthem,andconfirmedwhathesaid;andoneamongtherestsaidhehadafrienddangerouslyill,whoselifewasdespairedof,whichwasafavourableopportunitytoshowPrinceAhmedtheexperiment.UponwhichPrinceAhmedtoldthecrierhewouldgivehimfortypursesifhecuredthesickpersonbylettinghimsmellatit.

Thecrier,whohadorderstosellitatthatprice,saidtoPrinceAhmed,‘Come,sir,letusgoandmaketheexperiment,andtheappleshallbeyours;itisanundoubtedfactthatitwillalwayshavethesameeffectasitalreadyhashadinrecoveringfromdeathmanysickpersonswhoselifewasdespairedof.’

Theexperimentsucceeded,andtheprince,afterhehadcountedouttothecrierfortypurses,andtheotherhaddeliveredtheappletohim,waitedwiththegreatestimpatienceforthefirstcaravanthatshouldreturntotheIndies.InthemeantimehesawallthatwascuriousinandaboutSamarcand,especiallythevalleyofSogda,socalledfromtheriverwhichwatersit,andisreckonedbytheArabianstobeoneofthefourparadisesofthisworld,forthebeautyofitsfieldsandgardensandfinepalaces,andforitsfertilityinfruitofallsorts,andalltheotherpleasuresenjoyedthereinthefineseason.

AtlastPrinceAhmedjoinedthefirstcaravanthatreturnedtotheIndies,andarrivedinperfecthealthattheinnwherethePrincesHoussainandAliwerewaitingforhim.

PrinceAli,whowastheresometimebeforePrinceAhmed,askedPrinceHoussain,whogottherefirst,howlonghehadbeenthere;hetoldhimthreemonths:towhichhereplied,‘Thencertainlyyouhavenotbeenveryfar.’

‘Iwilltellyounothingnow,’saidPrinceHoussain,‘butonlyassureyouIwas

morethanthreemonthstravellingtotheplaceIwentto.’

‘Butthen,’repliedPrinceAli,‘youmadeashortstaythere.’

‘Indeed,brother,’saidPrinceHoussain,‘youaremistaken:Iresidedatoneplaceoverfourorfivemonths,andmighthavestayedlonger.’

‘Unlessyouflewback,’repliedPrinceAliagain,‘Icannotcomprehendhowyoucanhavebeenthreemonthshere,asyouwouldmakemebelieve.’

‘Itellyouthetruth,’addedPrinceHoussain,‘anditisariddlewhichIshallnotexplaintillourbrotherAhmedcomes;thenIwillletyouknowwhatcuriosityIhavebroughthomefrommytravels.Iknownotwhatyouhavegot,butbelieveittobesometrifle,becauseIdonotseethatyourbaggageisincreased.’

‘Andpraywhathaveyoubrought?’repliedPrinceAli,‘forIcanseenothingbutanordinarypieceofcarpet,withwhichyoucoveryoursofa,andasyouseemtomakewhatyouhavebroughtasecret,youcannottakeitamissthatIdothesame.’

‘IconsidertheraritywhichIhavepurchased,’repliedPrinceHoussain,‘toexcelallotherswhatever,andshouldnothaveanyobjectiontoshowityou,andmakeyouagreethatitisso,andatthesametimetellyouhowIcamebyit,withoutbeingintheleastapprehensivethatwhatyouhavegotisbetter.ButweoughttowaittillourbrotherAhmedarrives,thatwemayallcommunicateourgoodfortunetoeachother.’

PrinceAliwouldnotenterintoadisputewithPrinceHoussain,butwaspersuadedthat,ifhisperspectiveglasswerenotpreferable,itwasimpossibleitshouldbeinferior,andthereforeagreedtowaittillPrinceAhmedarrived,toproducehispurchase.

WhenPrinceAhmedcame,theyembracedandcomplimentedeachotheronthehappinessofmeetingtogetherattheplacetheysetoutfrom.ThenPrinceHoussain,astheelderbrother,said,‘Brothers,weshallhavetimeenoughhereaftertoentertainourselveswiththeparticularsofourtravels:letuscometothatwhichisofthegreatestimportanceforustoknow;letusnotconcealfromeachotherthecuriositieswehavebroughthome,butshowthem,thatwemaydoourselvesjusticebeforehandandseetowhichofusthesultanourfathermaygivethepreference.

‘Tosettheexample,’continuedPrinceHoussain,‘IwilltellyouthattheraritywhichIhavebroughtfrommytravelstothekingdomofBisnagar,isthecarpetonwhichIsit,whichlooksbutordinaryandmakesnoshow;but,whenIhavedeclareditsvirtuestoyou,youwillbestruckwithadmiration,andwillconfessyouneverheardofanythinglikeit.Whoeversitsonitaswedo,anddesirestobetransportedtoanyplace,beiteversofaroff,isimmediatelycarriedthither.ImadetheexperimentmyselfbeforeIpaiddownthefortypurses,andwhenIhadfullysatisfiedmycuriosityatthecourtofBisnagar,andhadamindtoreturn,Imadeuseofnoothermeansthanthiswonderfulcarpetformyselfandservant,whocantellyouhowlongwewerecominghither.Iwillshowyouboththeexperimentwheneveryouplease.Iexpectyoutotellmewhetherwhatyouhavebroughtistobecomparedtothiscarpet.’

HerePrinceHoussainended,andPrinceAlisaid,‘Imustown,brother,thatyourcarpetisoneofthemostsurprisingthingsimaginable,ifithas,asIdonotdoubtintheleast,thatpropertyyouspeakof.Butyoumustallowthattheremaybeotherthings,Iwillnotsaymore,butatleastaswonderful,inanotherway;andtoconvinceyouthereare,hereisanivorytube,whichappearstotheeyenomoreararitythanyourcarpet.Itcostmeasmuch,andIamaswellsatisfiedwithmypurchaseasyoucanbewithyours;andyouwillbesojustastoownthatIhavenotbeencheated,whenyouknowbyexperiencethatbylookingatoneendyouseewhateveryouwishtobehold.Takeit,’addedPrinceAli,presentingthetubetohim,‘maketrialofityourself.’

PrinceHoussaintooktheivorytubefromPrinceAli,andclappedthatendtohiseyewhichPrinceAlishowedhim,toseethePrincessNouronnihar,andtoknowhowshewas,whenPrinceAliandPrinceAhmed,whokepttheireyesfixeduponhim,wereextremelysurprisedtoseehiscountenancechangesuddenlywithextraordinarypainandgrief.PrinceHoussainwouldnotgivethemtimetoaskwhatwasthematter,butcriedout,‘Alas!princes,towhatpurposehaveweundertakenlongandfatiguingjourneys?Inafewmomentsourlovelyprincesswillbreatheherlast.Isawherinherbed,surroundedbyherwomenandattendants,whowereallintears.Takethetube,beholdforyourselvesthemiserablestatesheisin.’

PrinceAlitookthetubeoutofPrinceHoussain’shandandafterhehadlooked,presentedittoPrinceAhmed.

WhenPrinceAhmedsawthatthePrincessNouronnihar’sendwassonear,he

addressedhimselftohistwobrothers,andsaid,‘Princes,thePrincessNouronnihar,theobjectofallourvows,isindeedatdeath’sdoor;butprovidedwemakehasteandlosenotime,wemaypreserveherlife.’Thenhetookouttheartificialapple,andshowingittotheprinceshisbrothers,saidtothem,‘Thisapplewhichyouseeherecostasmuchaseitherthecarpetortube.Theopportunitynowpresentsitselftoshowyouitswonderfulvirtue.

Nottokeepyoulongerinsuspense,ifasickpersonsmellsit,thoughinthelastagonies,itrestoreshimtoperfecthealthimmediately.Ihavemadetheexperiment,andcanshowyouitswonderfuleffectonthePrincessNouronnihar,ifwemakeallhastetoassisther.’

‘Ifthatisall,’repliedPrinceHoussain,‘wecannotmakemorehastethanbytransportingourselvesinstantlyintoherroombythemeansofmycarpet.Come,losenotime;sitdownonitbyme;itislargeenoughtoholdusallthree:butfirstletusgiveorderstoourservantstosetoutimmediately,andjoinusatthepalace.’

Assoonastheorderwasgiven,PrinceAliandPrinceAhmedwentandsatdownbyPrinceHoussain,andallthreeframedthesamewish,andweretransportedintothePrincessNouronnihar’schamber.

Thepresenceofthethreeprinces,whoweresolittleexpected,frightenedtheprincess’swomenandattendants,whocouldnotcomprehendbywhatenchantmentthreemenshouldbeamongthem;fortheydidnotknowthematfirst,andtheattendantswerereadytofalluponthem,aspeoplewhohadgotintoapartofthepalacewheretheywerenotallowedtocome;buttheypresentlyrecollectedandfoundtheirmistake.

PrinceAhmednosoonersawhimselfinNouronnihar’sroom,andperceivedtheprincessdying,thanheroseoffthetapestry,asdidalsotheothertwoprinces,andwenttothebed-side,andputtheappleunderhernose.Somemomentsafter,theprincessopenedhereyes,andturnedherheadfromonesidetoanother,lookingatthepersonswhostoodabouther;shethenroseupinthebed,andaskedtobedressed,justasifshehadawakedoutofasoundsleep.Herwomeninformedher,inamannerthatshowedtheirjoy,thatshewasobligedtothethreeprinceshercousins,andparticularlytoPrinceAhmed,forthesuddenrecoveryofherhealth.Sheimmediatelyexpressedherjoytoseethem,andthankedthemalltogether,andafterwardsPrinceAhmedinparticular,andtheythenretired.

Whiletheprincesswasdressing,theprinceswenttothrowthemselvesatthesultantheirfather’sfeet,andpaytheirrespectstohim.Thesultanreceivedandembracedthemwiththegreatestjoy,bothfortheirreturnandforthewonderfulrecoveryoftheprincesshisniece,whomhelovedasifshehadbeenhisowndaughter,andwhohadbeengivenoverbythephysicians.Aftertheusualcompliments,theprincespresentedeachthecuriositywhichhehadbrought:PrinceHoussainhiscarpet,whichhehadtakencarenottoleavebehindhimintheprincess’schamber;PrinceAlihisivorytube,andPrinceAhmedtheartificialapple;andaftereachhadcommendedhispresent,whentheyputitintothesultan’shands,theybeggedhimtopronouncetheirfate,anddeclaretowhichofthemhewouldgivethePrincessNouronniharforawife,accordingtohispromise.

TheSultanoftheIndieshavingkindlyheardallthattheprinceshadtosay,withoutinterruptingthem,andbeingwellinformedofwhathadhappenedinrelationtothePrincessNouronnihar’scure,remainedsometimesilent,asifhewerethinkingwhatanswerheshouldmake.Atlasthebrokesilence,andsaidtothemintermsfullofwisdom,‘Iwoulddeclareforoneofyou,mychildren,withagreatdealofpleasure,ifIcoulddosowithjustice;butconsiderwhetherIcan.Itistrue,PrinceAhmed,theprincessmynieceisobligedtoyourartificialappleforhercure,butletmeaskyou,whetheryoucouldhavebeensoserviceabletoherifyouhadnotknownbyPrinceAli’stubethedangershewasin,andifPrinceHoussain’scarpethadnotbroughtyoutohersosoon?

‘Yourtube,PrinceAli,informedyouandyourbrothersthatyouwerelikelytolosetheprincessyourcousin,andsofarsheisgreatlyobligedtoyou.Youmustalsograntthatthatknowledgewouldhavebeenofnoservicewithouttheartificialappleandthecarpet.

‘Andforyou,PrinceHoussain,considerthatitwouldhavebeenoflittleuseifyouhadnotbeenacquaintedwiththeprincess’sillnessbyPrinceAli’stube,andPrinceAhmedhadnotappliedhisartificialapple.Therefore,asneitherthecarpet,theivorytube,northeartificialapplehastheleastpreferenceoneovertheother,but,onthecontrary,thereisaperfectequality,Icannotgranttheprincesstoanyoneofyou,andtheonlyfruityouhavereapedfromyourtravelsisthegloryofhavingequallycontributedtorestorehertohealth.

‘Ifthisbetrue,’addedthesultan,‘youseethatImusthaverecoursetoothermeanstodeterminewithcertaintyinthechoiceIoughttomakeamongyou,and

asthereistimeenoughbetweenthisandnight,Iwilldoitto-day.Go,andgeteachofyouabowandarrow,andrepairtothegreatplainoutsidethecity,wherethehorsesareexercised.Iwillsooncometoyou,andIdeclareIwillgivethePrincessNouronnihartohimthatshootsthefarthest.

‘Idonot,however,forgettothankyouallingeneral,andeachinparticular,forthepresentsyoubroughtme.Ihaveagreatmanyraritiesinmymuseumalready,butnothingthatcomesuptothecarpet,theivorytube,andtheartificialapple,whichshallhavethefirstplaceamongthem,andshallbepreservedcarefully,notonlyforshow,buttomakeanadvantageoususeofthemuponalloccasions.’

Thethreeprinceshadnothingtosayagainstthedecisionofthesultan.Whentheywereoutofhispresence,theyeachprovidedthemselveswithabowandarrow,whichtheydeliveredtooneoftheirofficers,andwenttotheplainappointed,followedbyagreatconcourseofpeople.

Thesultandidnotmakethemwaitlong;andassoonashearrived,PrinceHoussain,astheeldest,tookhisbowandarrow,andshotfirst.PrinceAlishotnext,andmuchbeyondhim;andPrinceAhmedlastofall;butitsohappened,thatnobodycouldseewherehisarrowfell;and,notwithstandingallthesearchofhimselfandeverybodyelse,itwasnottobefoundfarornear.Andthoughitwasbelievedthatheshotthefarthest,andthathethereforedeservedthePrincessNouronnihar,itwasnecessarythathisarrowshouldbefound,tomakethematterevidentandcertain;so,notwithstandinghisremonstrances,thesultandeterminedinfavourofPrinceAli,andgaveordersforpreparationstobemadeforthewedding,whichwascelebratedafewdaysafterwardswithgreatmagnificence.

PRINCEAHMEDANDTHEFAIRY.

PrinceHoussainwouldnothonourthefeastwithhispresence;hecouldscarcelyenduretoseetheprincessinthearmsofPrinceAli,who,hesaid,didnotdeserveherbetterorlovehermorethanhimself.Heleftthecourt,and,renouncingallrightofsuccessiontothecrown,turneddervish,andputhimselfunderthedisciplineofafamoussheik,whohadgainedareputationforhisexemplarylife,andhadtakenuphisabode,togetherwithhisdisciples,whosenumberwasgreat,inanagreeablesolitude.

PrinceAhmeddidnotassistatPrinceAli’sandthePrincessNouronnihar’s

wedding,anymorethanhisbrotherHoussain,butdidnotrenouncetheworldashehaddone.Hecouldnotimaginewhathadbecomeofhisarrow,sohestoleawayfromhisattendants,andresolvedtosearchforit,thathemightnothaveanythingtoreproachhimselfwith.Withthisintention,hewenttotheplacewherethePrincesHoussain’sandAli’sweregatheredup,andgoingstraightforwardfromthence,lookedcarefullyonbothsidesofhim.Hewentsofar,thatatlasthebegantothinkhislabourwasinvain;yethecouldnothelpgoingforwards,tillhecametosomesteep,craggyrocks,whichwouldhaveobligedhimtoreturn,hadhebeeneversoanxioustoproceed.Theyweresituatedinabarrencountry,aboutfourleaguesdistantfromwhencehesetout.WhenPrinceAhmedcameneartheserocks,heperceivedanarrow,whichhepickedup,lookedearnestlyatit,andwasinthegreatestastonishmenttofinditwasthesameheshot.‘Certainly,’saidhetohimself,‘neitherInoranymanlivingcouldshootanarrowsofar’;andfindingitlaidflat,notstickingintotheground,hejudgedthatithadreboundedfromtherock.‘Theremustbesomemysteryinthis,’saidhetohimselfagain,‘anditmaybetomyadvantage.Perhapsfortune,tomakemeamendsfordeprivingmeofwhatIthoughtthegreatesthappinessofmylife,mayhavereservedagreaterblessingformycomfort.’Astheserockswerefullofsharppointsandcrevicesbetweenthem,theprince,fullofthesethoughts,enteredacavity,andlookingabout,casthiseyesonanirondoor,whichseemedtohavenolock.Hefeareditwasfastened;butpushingagainstit,itopened,anddiscoveredaneasydescent,butnosteps.Hewalkeddownwithhisarrowinhishand.Atfirsthethoughthewasgoingintoadarkplace,butpresentlyaquitedifferentlightsucceededthatwhichhehadcomeoutof.Cominguponaspacioussquare,fiftyorsixtypacesdistant,heperceivedamagnificentpalace;buthehadnottimetolookatit,foratthesamemomentaladyofmajesticair,andofabeautytowhichtherichnessofherclothesandthejewelswhichadornedherpersonaddednothing,advancedasfarastheporch,attendedbyatroopofladies,ofwhomitwasdifficulttodistinguishwhichwasthemistress.

AssoonasPrinceAhmedperceivedthelady,hehastenedtopayhisrespects;andthelady,onherpart,seeinghimcoming,wasbeforehandwithhim.Raisinghervoice,shesaid,‘Comenear,PrinceAhmed;youarewelcome.’

Itwasnosmallsurprisetotheprincetohearhimselfnamedinapalacehehadneverheardof,thoughsonearhisfather’scapital,andhecouldnotcomprehendhowheshouldbeknowntoaladywhowasastrangertohim.Atlasthereturnedthelady’ssalutation,bythrowinghimselfatherfeet,andrisingupagain,saidto

her,‘Madam,IreturnyouathousandthanksforwelcomingmetoaplacewhereIhadreasontobelievemyimprudentcuriosityhadmademepenetratetoofar.But,madam,mayI,withoutbeingguiltyofrudeness,presumetoaskyouhowyouknowme?andwhyyou,wholiveinthesameneighbourhoodshouldbesolittleknownbyme?’

‘Prince,’saidthelady,‘letusgointothehall;thereIwillgratifyyourrequest.’

Afterthesewords,theladyledPrinceAhmedintothehall,thenoblestructureofwhich,andthegoldandazurewhichembellishedthedome,andtheinestimablerichnessofthefurniture,appearedtohimsowonderfulthathehadneverinhislifebeheldanythinglikeit,andbelievedthatnothingwastobecomparedtoit.‘Icanassureyou,’repliedthelady,‘thatthisisbutasmallpartofmypalace,andyouwillsaysowhenyouhaveseenalltheapartments.’

Thenshesatdownonasofa;andwhentheprinceatherentreatyhadseatedhimself,shesaid,‘Youaresurprised,yousay,thatIshouldknowyou,andnotbeknownbyyou;butyouwillnolongerbesurprisedwhenIinformyouwhoIam.Youcannotbeignorantthattheworldisinhabitedbygeniesaswellasmen:Iamthedaughterofoneofthemostpowerfulanddistinguishedofthesegenies,andmynameisPariBanou:thereforeIknowyou,thesultanyourfather,theprincesyourbrothers,andthePrincessNouronnihar.Iamnostrangertoyourloveoryourtravels,ofwhichIcouldtellyouallthecircumstances,sinceitwasImyselfwhoexposedforsaletheartificialapplewhichyouboughtatSamarcand,thecarpetwhichPrinceHoussainmetwithatBisnagar,andthetubewhichPrinceAlibroughtfromSchiraz.ThisissufficienttoletyouknowthatIamnotunacquaintedwithanythingthatrelatestoyou.TheonlythingIhavetoaddis,thatyouseemedtomeworthyofastillbetterfortunethanthatofmarryingthePrincessNouronnihar.Iwaspresentwhenyoudrewyourarrow,andforesawitwouldnotgobeyondPrinceHoussain’s.Itookitintheair,andmadeitstrikeagainsttherocksnearwhichyoufoundit.Itisinyourpowertoavailyourselfofthisfavourableopportunity.’

AsthefairyPariBanoupronouncedthesewordsPrinceAhmedbegantoconsiderthatthePrincessNouronniharcouldneverbehis,andthatthefairyPariBanouexcelledherinfinitelyinbeautyandagreeableness,and,sofarashecouldjudgefromthemagnificenceofthepalacewheresheresided,inimmenseriches.‘Madam,’

repliedhe,‘shouldI,allmylife,havehadthehappinessofbeingyourslave,Ishouldthinkmyselfthehappiestofmen.Pardonmemyboldness,anddonotrefusetoadmitintoyourcourtaprincewhoisentirelydevotedtoyou.’

‘Prince,’answeredthefairy,‘asIhavebeenalongtimemyownmistress,andamnotdependentonmyparents’consent,itisnotasaslavethatIwouldadmityouintomycourt,butasmyhusband,pledgingyourfaithtome.Iam,asIsaid,mistresshere;andmustadd,thatthesamecustomsarenotobservedamongfairiesasamongotherladies.’

PrinceAhmedmadenoanswer,butwassofullofgratitudethathethoughthecouldnotexpressitbetterthanbycomingtokissthehemofhergarment.‘Then,’answeredthefairy,‘youaremyhusband,andIamyourwife.ButasIsuppose,’continuedshe,‘thatyouhaveeatennothingto-day,aslightrepastshallbeservedupforyouwhilepreparationsaremakingforourweddingfeastthisevening,andthenIwillshowyoutheapartmentsofmypalace,andyoushalljudgeifthishallisthesmallestpartofit.’

Someofthefairy’swomenwhocameintothehallwiththem,andguessedherintentions,immediatelywentout,andreturnedpresentlywithsomeexcellentmeatandwine.

WhenPrinceAhmedhadeatenanddrunkasmuchashewanted,thefairyPariBanoutookhimthroughalltherooms,wherehesawdiamonds,rubies,emeralds,andallsortsoffinejewels,intermixedwithpearls,agate,jasper,porphyry,andallkindsofthemostpreciousmarbles;nottomentiontherichnessofthefurniture,everythingwasinsuchprofusion,thattheprinceacknowledgedthattherecouldnotbeanythingintheworldthatcouldcomeuptoit.‘Prince,’saidthefairy,‘ifyouadmiresomuchmypalace,whichisindeedverybeautiful,whatwouldyousaytothepalacesofthechiefsofourgenies,whicharemuchmorebeautiful,spacious,andmagnificent?Icouldalsocharmyouwithmygarden;butwewillleavethattillanothertime.Nightdrawsnear,anditwillbetimeforsupper.’

Thenexthallintowhichthefairyledtheprince,wheretheclothwaslaidforthefeast,wastheonlyroomtheprincehadnotseen,anditwasnotintheleastinferiortotheothers.Headmiredtheinfinitenumberofwaxcandlesperfumedwithamberwhichformedanagreeableandpleasantsight.Alargesideboardwassetoutwithallsortsofgoldplate,sofinelywroughtthattheworkmanshipwas

muchmorevaluablethantheweightofthegold.Severalbeautifulwomenrichlydressed,whosevoiceswereravishing,beganaconcert,accompaniedwithallkindsofthemostharmoniousinstrumentshehadeverheard.Whentheyhadsatdowntotable,thefairyPariBanoutookcaretohelpPrinceAhmedtomostdeliciousmeats,whichtheprincehadneverheardof,butfoundsonicethathecommendedtheminthehighestterms,sayingthattheyfarsurpassedthoseamongmen.Hefoundalsothesameexcellenceinthewines,whichneitherhenorthefairytastedtillthedessertwasservedup,whichconsistedofthechoicestsweetmeatsandfruits.

Afterthedessert,thefairyPariBanouandPrinceAhmedrosefromthetable,whichwasimmediatelycarriedaway,andsatonasofawithcushionsoffinesilk,curiouslyembroideredwithallsortsoflargeflowers,attheirbacks,andagreatnumberofgenieandfairiesdancedbeforethem.

Thedaysfollowingtheweddingwereacontinualfeast,whichthefairyPariBanou,whocoulddoitwiththeutmostease,knewhowtodiversifybynewdishes,newconcerts,newdances,newshows,andnewdiversions;whichwereallsoextraordinary,thatPrinceAhmed,ifhehadlivedathousandyearsamongmen,couldnothaveimagined.

Attheendofsixmonths,PrinceAhmed,whoalwayslovedandhonouredthesultanhisfather,feltagreatdesiretoknowhowhewas;andasthatdesirecouldnotbesatisfiedwithouthisabsentinghimselftogoandhearitinperson,hementionedittothefairy,anddesiredshewouldgivehimleave.

Thisdiscoursealarmedthefairy,andmadeherfearitwasonlyanexcusetoleaveher.

‘Myqueen,’repliedtheprince,‘ifyouareoffendedattheleaveIasked,Ientreatyoutoforgiveme,andIwillmakeallthereparationIcan.Ididnotdoitwithanyintentionofdispleasingyou,butfromamotiveofrespecttowardsmyfather,whomIwishtofreefromtheafflictioninwhichmylongabsencemusthaveoverwhelmedhim;indeedIhavereasontothinkhebelievesmedead.’

‘Prince,’saidshe,‘IamsofullyconvincedthatIcandependuponyoursincerity,thatIgrantyouleavetogo,onconditionthatyourabsenceshallnotbelong.’

PrinceAhmedwouldhavethrownhimselfatthefairy’sfeet,toshowhisgratitude;butshepreventedhim.

‘Prince,’saidshe,‘gowhenyouplease;butfirstdonottakeitamissifIgiveyousomeadvicehowyoushallconductyourselfwhereyouaregoing.First,Idonotthinkitproperforyoutotellthesultanyourfatherofourmarriage,norwhatIam,northeplacewhereyouaresettled.Beghimtobesatisfiedwithknowingthatyouarehappy,andthatyoudesirenomore;andlethimknowthatthesoleendofyourvisitistomakehimeasyaboutyourfate.’

Sheappointedtwentyhorsemen,wellmountedandequipped,toattendhim.Whenallwasready,PrinceAhmedtookleaveofthefairy,embracedher,andrenewedhispromisetoreturnsoon.Thenhishorse,whichwasasbeautifulacreatureasanyintheSultanoftheIndies’stables,wasbrought,andhemountedhimwithanextraordinarygrace,whichgavegreatpleasuretothefairy,andafterhehadbidheralastadieu,setoutonhisjourney.

Asitwasnotagreatwaytohisfather’scapital,PrinceAhmedsoonarrivedthere.Thepeople,gladtoseehimagain,receivedhimwithacclamations,andfollowedhimincrowdstothesultan’spalace.Thesultanreceivedandembracedhimwithgreatjoy;complainingatthesametimewithafatherlytenderness,oftheafflictionhislongabsencehadbeentohim;whichhesaidwasthemoregrievous,sinceasfortunehaddecidedinfavourofPrinceAlihisbrother,hewasafraidhemighthavecommittedsomeactofdespair.

‘Sir,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘yourmajestyknowsthatwhenIshotmyarrowthemostextraordinarythingthateverbefellanybodyhappenedtome,thatinsolargeandlevelaplainitshouldnotbepossibletofindmyarrow.Thoughthusvanquished,Ilostnotimeinvaincomplaints;buttosatisfymyperplexedmind,Igavemyattendantstheslip,andreturnedbackagainalonetolookformyarrow.IsoughtallabouttheplacewherePrinceHoussain’sandPrinceAli’sarrowswerefound,andwhereIimaginedminemusthavefallen;butallmylabourwasinvain,untilafterhavinggonefourleagues,tothatpartoftheplainwhereitisboundedbyrocks,Iperceivedanarrow.Iranandtookitup,andknewittobethesamewhichIhadshot.FarfromthinkingyourmajestyhaddonemeanyinjusticeindeclaringformybrotherPrinceAli,Iinterpretedwhathadhappenedtomequiteotherwise,andneverdoubtedbuttherewasamysteryinittomyadvantage;thediscoveryofwhichIoughtnottoneglect,andwhichIfoundoutwithoutgoingfurtherfromthespot.Butastothismystery,Ibegyourmajestytoletmeremainsilent,andthatyouwillbesatisfiedtoknowfrommyownmouththatIamhappyandcontented.Thiswastheonlymotivewhichbroughtmehither;theonlyfavourIaskofyourmajestyistogivemeleaveto

comeoftenandpayyoumyrespects,andinquireafteryourhealth.’

‘Son,’answeredtheSultanoftheIndies,‘Icannotrefuseyoutheleaveyouaskme;butIwouldmuchratheryouwouldresolvetostaywithme.AtleasttellmewhereImayhearofyou,ifyoushouldfailtocome,orwhenImaythinkyourpresencenecessary.’

‘Sir,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘whatyourmajestyasksofmeispartofthemysteryIspokeof.Ibegofyoutogivemeleavetoremainsilentonthishead;forIshallcomesofrequentlywheremydutycalls,thatIamafraidIshallsoonerbethoughttroublesomethanbeaccusedofnegligenceinmyduty.’

TheSultanoftheIndiespressedPrinceAhmednomore;butsaidtohim,‘Son,Ipenetratenofurtherintoyoursecrets,butleaveyouatyourliberty.Icanonlytellyou,thatyoucouldnotdomeagreaterpleasurethantocomeandbyyourpresencerestoretomethejoyIhavenotfeltforalongtime,andthatyouwillalwaysbewelcomewhenyoucome.’

PrinceAhmedstayedbutthreedaysatthesultanhisfather’scourt,andonthefourthreturnedtothefairyPariBanou,whoreceivedhimwithgreatjoy,asshedidnotexpecthimsosoon.

AmonthafterPrinceAhmed’sreturnfrompayingavisittohisfather,asthefairyPariBanouhadobservedthatsincethetimethatthePrincegaveheranaccountofhisjourneyandhisconversationwithhisfather,inwhichheaskedhisleavetocomeandseehimfromtimetotime,hehadneverspokenofthesultan,asiftherehadbeennosuchpersonintheworld,whereasbeforehewasalwaysspeakingofhim,shesaidtohimoneday,‘Tellme,prince,haveyouforgottenthesultanyourfather?Doyounotrememberthepromiseyoumadetogoandseehimfromtimetotime?

Formypart,Ihavenotforgottenwhatyoutoldmeatyourreturn,andputyouinmindofit.Payhimanothervisitto-morrow,andafterthatgoandseehimonceamonth,withoutspeakingtome,orwaitingformyleave.Ireadilyconsent.’

PrinceAhmedwentthenextmorningwiththesameattendantsasbefore,butmuchfiner,andhimselfmoremagnificentlymounted,equipped,anddressed,andwasreceivedbythesultanwiththesamejoyandsatisfaction.Forseveralmonthsheconstantlypaidhimvisits,andalwaysinaricherandmorebrilliantequipage.

Atlastsomeviziers,thesultan’sfavourites,whojudgedofPrinceAhmed’sgrandeurandpowerbythefigurehemade,abusedthelibertythesultangavethemofspeakingtohim,tomakehimjealousofhisson.Theyrepresentedtohimthatitwasbutcommonprudencetoknowwheretheprincehadretired,andhowhecouldaffordtoliveatsucharate,sincehehadnorevenueorincomeassignedhim;thatheseemedtocometocourtonlytobravehim;andthatitwastobefearedhemightstirupthepeople’sfavouranddethronehim.

TheSultanoftheIndieswassofarfromthinkingthatPrinceAhmedcouldbecapableofsowickedadesignashisfavouriteswouldmakehimbelieve,thathesaidtothem,‘Youaremistaken;mysonlovesme,andIamassuredofhistendernessandfidelity.Beitasitwill,IdonotbelievemysonAhmedissowickedasyouwouldpersuademeheis;however,Iamobligedtoyouforyourgoodadvice,anddonotdoubtthatitproceedsfromagoodintention.’

TheSultanoftheIndiessaidthisthathisfavouritesmightnotknowtheimpressiontheirhintshadmadeonhismind.Hewas,however,somuchalarmedthatheresolvedtohavePrinceAhmedwatched,unknowntohisgrandvizier.Forthisendhesentforasorceress,whowasintroducedbyaprivatedoorintohisroom.‘MysonAhmedcomestomycourteverymonth;butIcannotlearnfromhimwhereheresides,andIdonotwishtoforcehissecretoutofhim;butIbelieveyouarecapableofsatisfyingmycuriosity,withoutlettinghim,oranyofmycourt,knowanythingofthematter.Youknowthatatpresentheisherewithme,andisusedtogoawaywithouttakingleaveofme,oranyofmycourt.Goimmediatelyoutontheroad,findoutwhereheretires,andbringmeword.’

Themagicianleftthesultan,andknowingtheplacewherePrinceAhmedfoundhisarrow,wentthitherandhidherselfneartherocks,sothatnobodycouldseeher.

ThenextmorningPrinceAhmedsetoutbydaybreak,withouttakingleaveeitherofthesultanorofanyofhiscourt,accordingtocustom.Themagician,seeinghimcoming,followedhimwithhereyes,tillallofasuddenshelostsightofhimandhisattendants.

Thesteepnessoftherocksformedaninsurmountablebarriertomen,whetheronhorsebackoronfoot,sothatthemagicianjudgedthattherewerebuttwoways;theprincehadretiredeitherintosomecavern,orintosomeplaceunderground,theabodeofgeniesorfairies.Whenshethoughttheprinceandhisattendants

wereoutofsight,shecameoutoftheplacewhereshehadhiddenherself,andwentdirecttothehollowwhereshehadseenthemgoin.Sheenteredit,andproceededtothespotwhereitterminatedinmanywindings,lookingcarefullyaboutonallsides.Butnotwithstandingallherdiligenceshecouldperceivenoopening,northeirongatewhichPrinceAhmeddiscovered.Forthisdoorwastobeseenbyandopenedtononebutmen,andonlytomenwhosepresencewasagreeabletothefairyPariBanou,andnotatalltowomen.

Themagician,whosawitwasinvainforhertosearchanyfurther,wasobligedtobesatisfiedwiththediscoveryshehadmade,andreturnedtogivethesultananaccount.Whenshehadtoldhimwhatshehaddone,sheadded,‘Yourmajestymayeasilyunderstand,afterwhatIhavehadthehonourtotellyou,thatitwillbenodifficultmattertogiveyouthesatisfactionyoudesireconcerningPrinceAhmed’sconduct.Todothis,Ionlyasktime,andthatyouwillhavepatience,andgivemeleavetodoitwithoutinquiringwhatmeasuresIintendtotake.’

Thesultanwasverywellpleasedwiththemagician’sconduct,andsaidtoher,‘Doasyouthinkfit:Iwillwaitpatiently,’andtoencourageher,hemadeherapresentofadiamondofgreatvalue,tellingheritwasonlyanearnestoftheamplerewardsheshouldreceivewhenshehaddonehimthatimportantservice,whichhelefttohermanagement.

AsPrinceAhmed,afterhehadobtainedthefairyPariBanou’sleavetogototheSultanoftheIndies’court,neverfailedonceamonth,andthemagicianknewthetime,shewentadayortwobeforetothefootoftherockwhereshehadlostsightoftheprinceandhisattendants,andwaitedtherewithaplanshehadformed.

ThenextmorningPrinceAhmedwentoutasusualattheirongatewiththesameattendantsasbefore,andpassedbythemagician,whomheknewnottobesuch.Seeingherliewithherheadontherock,complainingasifshewereingreatpain,hepitiedher,turnedhishorseaboutandwentandaskedherwhatwasthematter,andwhathecoulddotorelieveher.

Theartfulsorceress,withoutliftingupherhead,lookedattheprince,andansweredinbrokenwordsandsighs,asifshecouldhardlyfetchherbreath,thatshewasgoingtothecity,butonthewaythitherwastakenwithsoviolentafeverthatherstrengthfailedher,andshewasforcedtostopandliedown,farfromanyhabitation,andwithoutanyhopeofassistance.

‘Goodwoman,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘youarenotsofarfromhelpasyouimagine.Iamreadytoassistyou,andtoconveyyouwhereyoushallnotonlyhaveallpossiblecaretakenofyou,butwhereyouwillfindaspeedycure;onlygetup,andletoneofmypeopletakeyou.’

Atthesewords,themagician,whopretendedillnessonlytoknowwheretheprincelived,didnotrefusethekindofferhemadehersofreely,andtoshowheracceptanceratherbyactionthanbyword,shemademanyaffectedeffortstogetup,pretendingthatherillnesspreventedher.Atthesametimetwooftheprince’sattendantsalightedofftheirhorses,helpedherup,andsetherbehindanother.Theymountedtheirhorsesagain,andfollowedtheprince,whoturnedbacktotheirongate,whichwasopenedbyoneofhisretinuewhorodebefore.Whenhecameintotheoutercourtofthefairy’spalace,withoutdismounting,hesenttotellherhewantedtospeaktoher.

ThefairyPariBanoucamewithallhaste,notknowingwhatmadePrinceAhmedreturnsosoon.Notgivinghertimetoaskhim,hesaid,‘Myprincess,Idesireyouwouldhavecompassiononthisgoodwoman,’pointingtothemagician,whowastakenoffthehorsebytwoofhisretinue:‘Ifoundherintheconditionyousee,andpromisedhertheassistanceshestandsinneedof.Icommendhertoyourcare,andampersuadedthatyouwillnotabandonher.’

ThefairyPariBanou,whohadhereyesfixeduponthepretendedsickwomanallthetimethattheprincewastalking,orderedtwoofthewomenwhofollowedhertotakeherfromthetwomenthatheldherup,andcarryherintothepalace,andtakeasmuchcareofherastheycould.

Whilstthetwowomenexecutedthefairy’scommands,shewentuptoPrinceAhmed,andwhisperinginhisearsaid,‘Prince,Icommendyourcompassion,whichisworthyofyou,butgivemeleavetotellyouthatIamafraiditwillbebutillrewarded.Thiswomanisnotsoillasshepretendstobe;andIamverymuchmistakenifsheisnotsenthitheronpurposetocauseyougreattrouble.Butdonotbeconcerned,letwhatwillbedevisedagainstyou;bepersuadedthatIwilldeliveryououtofallthesnaresthatmaybelaidforyou.Goandpursueyourjourney.’

Thisdiscourseofthefairy’sdidnotintheleastalarmPrinceAhmed.‘Myprincess,’saidhe,‘asIdonotrememberIeverdid,ordesignedtodo,anybodyaninjury,Icannotbelieveanybodycanhaveathoughtofdoingmeone;butif

theyhave,IshallnotforbeardoinggoodwheneverIhaveanopportunity.’Sosaying,hetookleaveofthefairy,andsetoutagainforhisfather’scapital,wherehesoonarrived,andwasreceivedasusualbythesultan,whorestrainedhimselfasmuchaspossible,todisguisethetroublearisingfromthesuspicionssuggestedbyhisfavourites.

Inthemeantime,thetwowomentowhomthefairyPariBanouhadgivenherorderscarriedthemagicianintoaveryfineapartment,richlyfurnished.Firsttheysetherdownuponasofa,withherbacksupportedwithacushionofgoldbrocade,whiletheymadeabed,thequiltofwhichwasfinelyembroideredwithsilk,thesheetsofthefinestlinen,andthecoverlidclothofgold.Whentheyhadputherintobed(fortheoldsorceresspretendedthatherfeverwassoviolentthatshecouldnothelpherselfintheleast),oneofthewomenwentoutandsoonreturnedagainwithachinacupinherhandfullofacertainliquor,whichshepresentedtothemagician,whiletheotherhelpedhertositup.‘Drinkthis,’saidshe,‘itisthewaterofthefountainoflions,andasovereignremedyagainstallfeverswhatsoever.Youwillfindtheeffectofitinlessthananhour’stime.’

Themagician,todissemblethebetter,tookitafteragreatdealofentreaty,asifshewasverymuchaversetohavingit,butatlasttakingthechinacup,andshakingherhead,asifshedidgreatviolencetoherself,swallowedtheliquor.Whenshehadlaindownagain,thetwowomencoveredherup.‘Liequiet,’saidshewhobroughtherthechinacup,‘andgetalittlesleepifyoucan;wewillleaveyou,andhopetofindyouperfectlycuredwhenwecomeanhourhence.’

Themagician,whocamenottoactasickpartlong,butonlytodiscoverPrinceAhmed’sretreat,andwhatmadehimleavehisfather’scourt,beingfullysatisfiedinwhatshewantedtoknow,wouldwillinglyhavedeclaredthatthepotionhadhaditseffectsthen,sogreatwasherdesiretoreturntothesultan,andinformhimofthesuccessofhercommission;butasshehadbeentoldthatthepotiondidnotoperateimmediately,shewasforcedtoawaitthewomen’sreturn.

Thetwowomencameagainatthetimetheysaidtheyshould,andfoundthemagicianupanddressed,andseatedonthesofa;whenshesawthemopenthedoorshecriedout,‘Oh,theadmirablepotion!ithaswroughtitscuremuchsoonerthanyoutoldmeitwould,andIhavewaitedalongtimewithimpatience,todesireyoutotakemetoyourcharitablemistresstothankherforherkindness,forwhichIshallalwaysbeobligedtoher.Beingthuscuredasbyamiracle,Ihadrathernotlosetime,butcontinuemyjourney.’

Thetwowomen,whowerefairiesaswellastheirmistress,aftertheyhadtoldthemagicianhowgladtheywerethatshewascuredsosoon,walkedbeforeher,andconductedherthroughseveralapartmentsintoalargehall,themostrichlyandmagnificentlyfurnishedofallthepalace.

PariBanouwasseatedinthishall,onathroneofmassygold,attendedoneachhandbyagreatnumberofbeautifulfairies,allrichlydressed.Atthesightofsomuchmajesty,themagicianwassodazzled,thataftershehadprostratedherselfbeforethethrone,shecouldnotopenherlipstothankthefairy,assheproposed.However,PariBanousavedherthetrouble,andsaidtoher,‘Goodwoman,IamgladIhadtheopportunityofobligingyou,andtoseeyouareabletopursueyourjourney.Iwillnotdetainyou,butperhapsyoumaynotbedispleasedtoseemypalace;followmywomen,andtheywillshowittoyou.’

Theoldsorceress,whohadnotpowernorcouragetosayaword,prostratedherselfasecondtime,withherheadonthecarpetthatcoveredthefootofthethrone,andsotookherleave,andwasconductedbythetwofairiesthroughalltheapartmentswhichwereshowntoPrinceAhmedonhisfirstarrivalthere.Butwhatsurprisedhermostofallwas,thatthetwofairiestoldherthatallshesawandadmiredsomuchwasameresketchoftheirmistress’sgrandeurandriches,andthatintheextentofherdominionsshehadsomanypalacesthattheycouldnottellthenumberofthem,allofdifferentarchitecture,equallymagnificentandsuperb.TheyledheratlasttotheirongateatwhichPrinceAhmedbroughtherin,andaftershehadtakenherleaveofthem,andthankedthemfortheirtrouble,theyopenedit,andwishedherapleasantjourney.

Afterthemagicianhadgonealittleway,sheturnedbackagaintoobservethedoorandknowitagain,butallinvain,for,aswasbeforeobserved,itwasinvisibletoherandallotherwomen.

Exceptinthis,shewasverywellsatisfiedwithherwork,andpostedawaytothesultan.Whenshecametothecapital,shewentbyagreatmanyby-waystotheprivatedoorofthepalace.Thesultanbeinginformedofherarrival,sentforherintohisapartmentandperceivingamelancholylookonhercountenance,hethoughtshehadnotsucceeded,andsaidtoher,‘ByyourlooksIguessthatyouhavenotmadethediscoveryIexpectedfromyou.’

‘Sir,’repliedthemagician,‘yourmajestymustgivemeleavetorepresentthatyououghtnottojudgebymylookswhetherornoIhaveacquittedmyselfwell

asregardsthecommandsyouwerepleasedtohonourmewith.Themelancholyyouobserveproceedsfromanothercausethanthewantofsuccess.’

ThenthemagicianrelatedtotheSultanoftheIndiesthewholestoryofallthathappenedfrombeginningtoend.

Whenthemagicianhadended,shesaid,‘Whatdoesyourmajestythinkoftheseunheard-ofrichesofthefairy?PerhapsyouwillsayyourejoiceatthegoodfortuneofPrinceAhmedyourson.Formypart,sir,IbegofyourmajestytoforgivemeifItakethelibertytosaythatIthinkotherwise,andthatIshudderwhenIconsiderthemisfortuneswhichmayhappentoyou.Andthisisthecauseofthemelancholywhichyouperceived.IwouldbelievethatPrinceAhmed,byhisowngooddisposition,isincapableofundertakinganythingagainstyourmajesty;butwhocansaythatthefairy,bytheinfluenceshealreadyhasoverhim,maynotinspirehimwithadangerousdesignofdethroningyourmajesty,andseizingthecrownoftheIndies?Thisiswhatyourmajestyoughttoconsiderseriousandoftheutmostimportance.’

ThoughtheSultanoftheIndieswasverysurethatPrinceAhmed’snaturaldispositionwasgood,yethecouldnothelpbeinguneasyattheremarksoftheoldsorceress,andsaid,‘Ithankyouforthepainsyouhavetaken,andyourwholesomecaution.Iamsoawareofthegreatimportanceitistome,thatIshalltakeadviceuponit.’

Hehadbeenconsultingwithhisfavourites,whenhewastoldofthemagician’sarrival.Heorderedhertofollowhimtothem.Heacquaintedthemwithwhathehadlearnt,andcommunicatedtothemalsothereasonhehadtofearthefairy’sinfluenceovertheprince,andaskedthemwhatmeasurestheythoughtmostpropertopreventsogreatamisfortune.Oneofthefavourites,takinguponhimselftospeakfortherest,said,‘Yourmajestyknowswhomustbetheauthorofthismischief.Inordertopreventit,nowthatheisinyourcourt,andinyourpower,yououghtnottohesitatetoputhimunderarrest:Iwillnotsaytakeawayhislife,forthatwouldmaketoomuchnoise;butmakehimacloseprisonerwhilehelives.’Thisadvicealltheotherfavouritesunanimouslyapplauded.

Themagician,whothoughtittooviolent,askedthesultanleavetospeak,whichbeinggranted,shesaid,‘Sir,Iampersuadedthatthezealofyourcouncillorsforyourmajesty’sinterestmakesthemproposearrestingPrinceAhmed:buttheywillnottakeitamissifIsuggesttoyourandtheirconsideration,thatifyou

arresttheprince,youmustalsodetainhisretinue.Buttheyareallgenies.

Dotheythinkitwillbesoeasytosurprise,seize,andsecuretheirpersons?Willtheynotdisappear,bythepropertytheypossessofrenderingthemselvesinvisible,andtransportthemselvesinstantlytothefairy,andgiveheranaccountoftheinsultofferedtoherhusband?Andcanitbesupposedshewillletitgounrevenged?Butitwouldbebetter,if,byanyothermeanswhichmightnotmakesogreatanoise,thesultancouldsecurehimselfagainstanyilldesignsPrinceAhmedmayhaveagainsthim,andnotinvolvehismajesty’shonour.Ifhismajestyhasanyconfidenceinmyadvice,asgeniesandfairiescandothingsimpracticabletomen,hewilltouchPrinceAhmed’shonour,andengagehim,bymeansofthefairy,toprocurecertainadvantages.Forexample,everytimeyourmajestytakesthefieldyouareobligedtogotoagreatexpense,notonlyinpavilionsandtentsforyourselfandarmy,butlikewiseinmulesandcamels,andotherbeastsofburden,tocarrytheirbaggage.Mightyounotrequesthimtousehisinterestwiththefairytoprocureyouatentwhichmightbecarriedinaman’shand,andwhichshouldbelargeenoughtoshelteryourwholearmy?

‘Ineedsaynomoretoyourmajesty.Iftheprincebringssuchatent,youmaymakeagreatmanyotherdemandsofthesamenature,sothatatlasthemaysinkunderthedifficultiesandtheimpossibilityofexecutingthem,howeverfertileininventionthefairywhohasenticedhimfromyoubyherenchantmentsmaybe;sothatintimehewillbeashamedtoappear,andwillbeforcedtopasstherestofhislifewithhisfairy,excludedfromanyconnectionwiththisworld;andthenyourmajestywillhavenothingtofear,andcannotbereproachedwithsodetestableanactionasthesheddingofason’sblood,orconfininghiminaprisonforlife.’

Whenthemagicianhadfinishedherspeech,thesultanaskedhisfavouritesiftheyhadanythingbettertopropose;andfindingthemallsilent,determinedtofollowthemagician’sadvice,asthemostreasonableandthemostsuitedtohismildmannerofgovernment.

Thenextday,whentheprincecameintohisfather’spresenceandhadsatdownbyhim,afteraconversationondifferentsubjects,thesultansaid,‘Son,whenyoucameanddispelledthosecloudsofmelancholywhichyourlongabsencehadbroughtuponme,youmadetheplaceyouhadchosenforyourretreatamysterytome.Iwassatisfiedwithseeingyouagain,andknowingthatyouwerecontentwithyourcondition,withoutwishingtopenetrateintoyoursecret,which

IfoundyoudidnotcareIshould.Iknownotwhatreasonyouhadthustotreatafather.Iknowyourgoodfortune;Irejoicewithyou,andverymuchapproveofyourconductinmarryingafairysoworthyofyourlove,andsorichandpowerful,asIaminformed.

PowerfulasIam,itwasnotpossibleformetohaveprocuredsogreatamatchforyou.Nowthatyouareraisedtosohigharankastobeenviedbyeverybodybutafatherlikeme,Inotonlydesireyoutopreservethegoodunderstandingwehavelivedinhitherto,buttouseallyourcreditwithyourfairytoobtainformeherassistancewhenIwantit.Ithereforewillmakeatrialthisday.

‘Iampersuadedyoucouldeasilyprocurefromherapavilionthatmightbecarriedinaman’shand,yetwhichwouldextendovermywholearmy;especiallywhenyouletherknowitisforme.Thoughitmaybeadifficultthing,shewillnotrefuseyou.Alltheworldknowsthatfairiesarecapableofdoingthemostextraordinarythings.’

PrinceAhmedneverexpectedthatthesultanhisfatherwouldhaveaskedathingwhich,atfirstsight,appearedtohimsodifficult,nottosayimpossible.Thoughheknewnotabsolutelyhowgreatthepowerofgeniesandfairieswas,hedoubtedwhetheritextendedsofarastofurnishatentsuchashisfatherdesired.Moreover,hehadneveraskedanythinglikeitofthefairyPariBanou,butwassatisfiedwithhercontinualkindness;thereforehewasinthegreatestembarrassmentwhatanswertomake.Atlasthereplied,‘If,sir,IhaveconcealedfromyourmajestywhathappenedtomeandwhatcourseItookafterfindingmyarrow,thereasonwasthatIthoughtitwasofnogreatimportancetoyoutobeinformedofthem;andthoughIknownothowthismysteryhasbeenrevealedtoyou,Icannotdenythatyourinformationiscorrect.Ihavemarriedthefairyyouspeakof.Iloveher,andampersuadedshelovesme.

ButIcansaynothingastotheinfluenceyourmajestybelievesIhaveoverher.ItiswhatIhavenotyetmadeanyexperimentoforthoughtof,andshouldbeverygladifyouwoulddispensewithmyundertakingit,andletmeenjoythehappinessoflovingandbeingbelovedwithallthedisinterestednessIproposedtomyself.Butthedemandofafatherisacommanduponeverychildwho,likeme,thinksithisdutytoobeyhimineverything.Andthoughitiswiththegreatestreluctanceimaginable,Iwillnotfailtoaskmywifethefavouryourmajestydesires,butwillnotpromisetoobtainit;andifIshouldnothavethehonourtocomeagaintopayyoumyrespects,thatshallbethesignthatIhave

nothadsuccess:butIdesireyoutoforgivemebeforehand,andconsiderthatyouyourselfhavereducedmetothisextremity.’

‘Son,’repliedtheSultanoftheIndies,‘IshouldbeverysorrythatwhatIaskofyoushouldpreventmyeverseeingyouagain.Go,onlyaskher.Thinkwithyourself,thatasyouloveher,youcouldrefusehernothing;therefore,ifshelovesyou,shewillnotdenyyourrequest.’

AllthisdiscourseoftheSultanoftheIndiescouldnotpersuadePrinceAhmed,whowouldratherhehadaskedanythingthantheriskofdispleasinghisdearPariBanou;andsogreatwashisvexation,thatheleftthecourttwodayssoonerthanusual.

Whenhereturned,thefairy,towhomhehadalwaysbeforeappearedwithacheerfulcountenance,askedhimthereasonofthealteration;andfindingthatinsteadofansweringher,heinquiredafterherhealthtoavoidsatisfyingher,shesaidtohim,‘Iwillansweryourquestionwhenyouhaveansweredmine.’Theprincedeclineditalongtime,protestingthatnothingwasthematterwithhim;butthemorehedeniedit,themoreshepressedhim,andsaid,‘Icannotbeartoseeyouinthiscondition:tellmewhatmakesyousouneasy,thatImayremovethecauseofit,whateveritmaybe;foritmustbeveryextraordinaryifitisoutofmypower.’

PrinceAhmedcouldnotlongwithstandthefairy.‘Madam,’saidhe,‘Godprolongthesultanmyfather’slife,andblesshimtotheendofhisdays.Ilefthimalive,andinperfecthealth:thereforethatisnotthecauseofthemelancholyyouperceiveinme.Thesultanhasimposeduponmethedisagreeabletaskofworryingyou.

YouknowthecareIhavetaken,withyourapprobation,toconcealfromhimmyhappinessathomewithyou.HowhehasbeeninformedofitIcannottell.’

HerethefairyPariBanouinterruptedPrinceAhmed,andsaid,‘ButIknow.RememberwhatItoldyouofthewomanwhomadeyoubelieveshewasill,onwhomyoutooksomuchcompassion.Itisshewhohasacquaintedthesultanyourfatherwithwhatyoutooksomuchcaretohidefromhim.ItoldyouthatshewasnomoresickthanyouorI,for,afterthetwowomenwhomIchargedtotakecareofherhadgivenherthewatersovereignagainstallfevers,which,however,shehadnooccasionfor,shepretendedthatthewaterhadcuredher,

andwasbroughttotakeleaveofme,thatshemightgosoonertogiveanaccountofthesuccessofherundertaking.Shewasinsomuchhastethatshewouldhavegoneawaywithoutseeingmypalace,ifIhadnot,bybiddingmytwowomenshowither,givenhertounderstandthatitwasworthherseeing.Butgoonandtellmewhatisthenecessityyourfatherhasimposedonyouwhichhasmadeyoufeeltroublesometome,whichIdesireyouwillbepersuadedyoucanneverbe.’

‘Madam,’pursuedPrinceAhmed,‘youmayhaveobservedthathithertoIhaveneveraskedyouanyfavour,forwhat,afterthepossessionofsokindawife,canIdesiremore?Iknowhowgreatyourpoweris,butIhavetakencarenottomaketrialofit.Considerthen,Ibegyou,thatitisnotme,butthesultanmyfather,who,indiscreetly,asIthink,asksofyouapavilionlargeenoughtoshelterhim,hiscourt,andhisarmy,fromtheviolenceoftheweather,whenhetakesthefield,andyetsmallenoughforamantocarryinhishand.OncemorerememberitisnotI,butthesultanmyfatherwhoasksthisfavour.’

‘Prince,’repliedthefairy,smiling,‘Iamsorrythatsosmallamattershoulddisturbyou,andmakeyousouneasy.Iseeplainlytwothingshavecontributedtowardsit:oneis,thelawyouhaveimposeduponyourself,tobecontentwithlovingmeandbeingbelovedbyme,andtodenyyourselfthelibertyofaskingmetheleastfavourthatmighttrymypower.Theother,Idonotdoubt,whateveryoumaysay,wasthatyouthoughtwhatyourfatheraskedofmewasoutofmypower.Astothefirst,Icommendyouforit,andshallloveyouthebetter,ifpossible;andforthesecond,Imusttellyouthatwhatthesultanyourfatherasksofmeisatrifle;anduponoccasion,Icandomuchmoredifficultthings.

Thereforebeeasy,andpersuadedthat,farfromfeelingworried,Ishallalwaystakegreatpleasureinwhateveryoucandesiremetodoforyoursake.’Thenthefairysentforhertreasurer,towhomshesaid‘Nourgihan’(whichwashername),‘bringmethelargestpavilioninmytreasury.’Nourgihanreturnedpresentlywithapavilion,whichcouldnotonlybeheldbutconcealedinthepalmofthehandwhenitwasclosed,andpresentedittohermistress,whogaveittoPrinceAhmedtolookat.

WhenPrinceAhmedsawthepavilion,whichthefairycalledthelargestinhertreasury,hefanciedshewasjoking,andhissurpriseappearedinhisface.PariBanouburstoutlaughing.

‘What!Prince,’criedshe,‘doyouthinkIjestwithyou?YouwillseepresentlythatIaminearnest.Nourgihan’saidshetohertreasurer,takingthetentoutofPrinceAhmed’shands,‘goandsetitup,thattheprincemayjudgewhetherthesultanhisfatherwillthinkitlargeenough.’

Thetreasurerimmediatelywentoutfromthepalace,andcarriedittosuchadistancethatwhenshehadsetituponeendreachedtothepalace.Theprince,sofarfromthinkingitsmall,founditlargeenoughtosheltertwoarmiesasnumerousasthatofthesultanhisfather;andthensaidtoPariBanou,‘Iaskmyprincessathousandpardonsformyincredulity:afterwhatIhaveseen,Ibelievethereisnothingimpossibletoyou.’

‘Yousee,’saidthefairy,‘thatthepavilionislargerthanyourfathermayhaveoccasionfor;butyouaretoobservethatitbecomeslargerorsmaller,accordingtothearmyitistocover,withoutbeingtouched.’

Thetreasurertookdownthetentagain,reducedittoitsfirstsize,andbroughtitandputitintotheprince’shands.Hetookit,andnextdaymountedhishorseandwentwiththeusualattendantstothesultanhisfather.

Thesultan,whowaspersuadedthatsuchatentasheaskedforwasbeyondallpossibility,wasingreatsurpriseattheprince’sdiligence.Hetookthetentandadmireditssmallness.Butwhenhehadsetitupinthegreatplain,andfounditlargeenoughtoshelteranarmytwiceaslargeashecouldbringintothefield,hisamazementwassogreatthathecouldnotrecoverhimself.Ashethoughtthismightbetroublesomeinuse,PrinceAhmedtoldhimthatitssizewouldalwaysbeproportionatetohisarmy.

Tooutwardappearancethesultanexpressedgreatobligationtotheprincehissonforsonobleapresent,desiringhimtoreturnhisthankstothefairyPariBanou;andtoshowwhatavaluehesetonit,heorderedittobecarefullylaidupinhistreasury.Butwithinhimselfhebecamemorejealousthanever;consideringthatbythefairy’sassistancetheprincehissonmightperformthingsthatwereinfinitelyabovehisownpower,notwithstandinghisgreatnessandriches;and,therefore,moreintentuponhisruin,hewenttoconsultthemagicianagain,whoadvisedhimtorequesttheprincetobringhimsomeofthewaterofthefountainoflions.

Intheevening,whenthesultanwassurroundedasusualbyallhiscourt,andthe

princecametopayhisrespectsamongtherest,hesaidtohim:‘Son,IhavealreadyexpressedhowmuchIamobligedtoyouforthepresentofthetentyouhaveprocuredme,whichIlookuponasthemostvaluablethinginmytreasury;butyoumustdoonethingmoreforme.Iaminformedthatthefairyyourwifemakesuseofacertainwater,calledthewaterofthefountainoflions,whichcuresallsortsoffevers,eventhemostdangerous;andasIamperfectlysurethatmyhealthisdeartoyou,Idonotdoubtthatyouwillaskherforabottleofthatwaterforme,andbringitmeasasovereignremedy,whichImaymakeuseofwhenIhaveoccasion.Domethisservice,andcompletethedutyofagoodsontowardsatenderfather.’

PrinceAhmed,whohadbelievedthatthesultanhisfatherwouldhavebeensatisfiedwithsosingularandusefulatentasthatwhichhehadbrought,andthathewouldnothaveimposedanynewtaskuponhimwhichmighthazardthefairy’sdispleasure;wasthunderstruckatthisnewrequest,notwithstandingtheassuranceshehadgivenhimofgrantinghimwhateverlayinherpower.Afteralongsilence,hesaid,‘IbegofyourmajestytobeassuredthatthereisnothingIwouldnotundertaketoprolongyourlife,butIwishitmightnotbebymeansofmywife.ForthisreasonIdarenotpromisetobringthewater.AllIcandoistoassureyouIwillaskher;butitwillbewithasgreatreluctanceaswhenIaskedforthetent.’

ThenextmorningPrinceAhmedreturnedtothefairyPariBanou,andrelatedtohersincerelyandfaithfullyallthathadpassedatthesultanhisfather’scourt,fromthegivingofthetent,whichhetoldherhereceivedwiththeutmostgratitude,tothenewrequesthehadchargedhimtomake,andwhenhehaddone,headded:‘but,myprincess,Ionlytellyouthisasaplainaccountofwhatpassedbetweenmeandmyfather.Ileaveyoutoyourowndiscretiontogratifyorrejectthisnewdesire.Itshallbeasyouplease.’

‘No,no,’repliedthefairyPariBanou,‘whateveradvicethemagiciancangivehim(forIseethathehearkenstoher),heshallfindnofaultwithyouorme.Thereisagreatdealofwickednessinthisdemand,asyouwillunderstandbywhatIamgoingtotellyou.Thefountainoflionsissituatedinthemiddleofacourtofagreatcastle,theentranceintowhichisguardedbyfourfiercelions,twoofwhichsleepwhiletheothertwoareawakealternately.Butletnotthatfrightenyou.Iwillgiveyoumeanstopassbythemwithoutanydanger.’

ThefairyPariBanouwasatthattimehardatworkwithherneedle;andasshe

hadbyherseveralballsofthread,shetookupone,andpresentingittoPrinceAhmed,said,‘Firsttakethisballofthread;Iwilltellyoupresentlytheuseofit.Inthesecondplace,youmusthavetwohorses;oneyouwillrideyourself,andtheotheryouwilllead,whichmustbeloadedwithasheepcutintofourquarters,andkilledto-day.Inthethirdplace,youmustbeprovidedwithabottle,whichIwillgiveyou,tobringthewaterin.Setoutearlyto-morrowmorning,andwhenyouhavepassedtheirongate,throwbeforeyoutheballofthread,whichwillrolltillitcomestothegatesofthecastle.Whenitstops,asthegateswillbeopen,youwillseethefourlions.Thetwothatareawakewill,bytheirroaring,waketheothertwo.Benotfrightened,butthroweachofthemaquarterofthesheep,andthenclapspurstoyourhorse,andridetothefountain.Fillyourbottlewithoutalighting,andthenreturnwiththesamespeed.Thelionswillbesobusyeatingthattheywillletyoupass.’

PrinceAhmedsetoutthenextmorningatthetimeappointedbythefairy,andfollowedherdirectionscarefully.Whenhearrivedatthegatesofthecastle,hedistributedthequartersofthesheepamongthefourlions,andpassingthroughthemidstofthemwithhaste,gottothefountain,filledhisbottle,andreturnedassafeandsoundashewent.Whenhewasalittledistancefromthecastlegates,heturnedround;andperceivingtwoofthelionscomingafterhim,hedrewhissabre,andpreparedfordefence.Butashewentforward,hesawoneofthemturnedofftheroad,andshowedbyhisheadandtailthathedidnotcometodohimanyharm,butonlytogobeforehim,andthattheotherstayedbehindtofollow.Hethereforeputhisswordagainintoitsscabbard.GuardedinthismannerhearrivedatthecapitaloftheIndies;butthelionsneverlefthimtilltheyhadconductedhimtothegatesofthesultan’spalace;afterwhichtheyreturnedthewaytheycame,thoughnotwithoutfrighteningallthatsawthem,whofledorhidthemselves,thoughtheywalkedgently,andshowednosignsoffierceness.

Agreatmanyofficerscametoattendtheprincewhilehedismounted,andconductedhimtotheapartmentsofthesultan,whowasatthattimeconversingwithhisfavourites.Heapproachedthethrone,laidthebottleatthesultan’sfeet,kissedtherichcarpetwhichcoveredthefootstool,andrising,said,‘Ihavebroughtyou,sir,thehealth-givingwaterwhichyourmajestysomuchdesiredtokeepinyourtreasury;butatthesametimewishyousuchhealththatyoumayneverhaveoccasiontomakeuseofit.’

Aftertheprincehadfinishedspeaking,thesultanplacedhimonhisrighthand,

andthensaid,‘Son,Iamverymuchobligedtoyouforthisvaluablepresent;alsoforthegreatdangeryouhaveexposedyourselftouponmyaccount,whichIhavebeeninformedofbythemagicianwhoknowsthefountainoflions;butdomethepleasure,’continuedhe,‘totellmebywhatincrediblepoweryouhavebeenpreserved.’

‘Sir,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘Ihavenoshareinthecomplimentyourmajestyispleasedtomakeme;allthehonourisduetothefairymywife;Imerelyfollowedhergoodadvice.’Thesultanshowedoutwardlyallthedemonstrationsofjoy,butsecretlybecamemoreandmorejealous,retiredintoaninnerapartment,andsentforthemagician.

Afterconferringwithher,thesultannextdaysaidtotheprince,inthemidstofallhiscourtiers,‘Son,Ihaveonethingmoretoaskofyou;afterwhich,Ishallexpectnothingmorefromyourobedience,noryourinfluencewithyourwife.Thisrequestis,tobringmeamannotaboveafootandahalfhigh,whosebeardisthirtyfeetlong,whocarriesuponhisshouldersabarofironoffivehundredweightwhichheusesasaquarterstaff,andwhocanspeak.’

PrinceAhmed,whodidnotbelievethattherewassuchamanintheworldashisfatherdescribed,wouldgladlyhaveexcusedhimself;butthesultanpersistedinhisdemand,andtoldhimthatthefairycoulddomoreincrediblethings.

NextdaytheprincereturnedtothesubterraneankingdomofPariBanou,towhomhetoldhisfather’snewdemand,which,hesaid,helookeduponasmoreimpossiblethanthefirsttwo;‘for,’addedhe,‘Icannotimaginethatthereisorcanbesuchamanintheworld:eitherhehasamindtotrywhetherIamsillyenoughtogoandseekhim;orifthereissuchaman,heseeksmyruin.HowcanhesupposethatIshouldgetholdofamansosmall,armedashedescribes?WhatarmscouldImakeuseoftoreducehimtosubmission?’

‘Donotaffrightyourself,prince,’repliedthefairy;‘youranariskinfetchingthewaterofthefountainoflionsforyourfather;butthereisnodangerinfindingthisman.Itismybrother,Schaibar,whoissofarfrombeinglikeme,thoughwebothhadthesamefather,thatheisofsoviolentanaturethatnothingcanpreventhisgivinggorymarksofhisresentmentforaslightoffence;yet,ontheotherhand,heissogoodastoobligeanyoneinwhatevertheydesire.Heismadeexactlyasthesultanyourfatherhasdescribedhim;andhehasnootherarmsthanabarofironfivehundredpoundsinweight,withoutwhichhenever

stirs,andwhichmakeshimrespected.Iwillsendforhim,andyoushalljudgeofthetruthofwhatItellyou;andpreparenottobefrightenedwhenyouseehim.’

‘What!myqueen,’repliedPrinceAhmed,‘doyousaySchaibarisyourbrother?Lethimbeeversouglyordeformed,Ishallloveandhonourhim,andconsiderhimasmynearestrelation.’

Thefairyorderedagoldchafing-dishtobesetwithafireinitundertheporchofherpalace,withaboxofthesamemetal.Takingsomeincenseoutofthis,andthrowingitintothefire,therearoseathickcloudofsmoke.

Somemomentsafter,thefairysaidtoPrinceAhmed,‘Prince,herecomesmybrother;doyouseehim?’

TheprinceimmediatelyperceivedSchaibar,whowasbutafootandahalfhigh,cominggravelywithhisheavybaronhisshoulder;hisbeard,thirtyfeetlong,supporteditselfbeforehim,andapairofthickmoustachesweretuckeduptohisears,almostcoveringhisface:hiseyeswereverysmall,likeapig’s,andsunkdeepinhishead,whichwasofanenormoussize,andonwhichheworeapointedcap:besidesallthis,hehadahumpbehindandbefore.

IfPrinceAhmedhadnotknownthatSchaibarwasPariBanou’sbrother,hewouldnothavebeenabletolookathimwithoutfear;butknowingbeforehandwhohewas,hewaitedforhimwiththefairy,andreceivedhimwithouttheleastconcern.

Schaibar,ashecameforward,lookedattheprincewithaneyethatmighthavechilledhissoulinhisbody,andaskedPariBanouwhothatmanwas.

Towhichshereplied:‘Heismyhusband,brother;hisnameisAhmed;heissontotheSultanoftheIndies.ThereasonwhyIdidnotinviteyoutomyweddingwasthatIwasunwillingtodivertyoufromtheexpeditionyouwereengagedin,andfromwhichIheardwithpleasurethatyoureturnedvictorious;onhisaccountIhavetakenthelibertynowtosendforyou.’

Atthesewords,Schaibar,lookingatPrinceAhmedwithafavourableeye,whichhoweverdiminishedneitherhisfiercenessnorhissavagelook,said,‘Isthereanything,sister,inwhichIcanservehim?

hehasonlytospeak.Itisenoughformethatheisyourhusband.’

‘Thesultanhisfather,’repliedPariBanou,‘hasacuriositytoseeyou,andIdesirehemaybeyourguidetotheSultan’scourt.’

‘Heneedbutleadtheway;Iwillfollowhim,’repliedSchaibar.

‘Brother,’repliedPariBanou,‘itistoolatetogoto-day,thereforestaytillto-morrowmorning;andinthemeantime,asitisdesirablethatyoushouldknowallthathaspassedbetweentheSultanoftheIndiesandPrinceAhmedsinceourmarriage,Iwilltellyouthisevening.’

Nextmorning,afterSchaibarhadbeeninformedofallthatwasproperforhimtoknow,hesetoutwithPrinceAhmed,whowastopresenthimtothesultan.Whentheyarrivedatthegatesofthecapital,thepeoplenosoonersawSchaibarthantheyranandhidthemselvesintheirshopsandhouses,andshuttheirdoors;whileotherstooktotheirheels,andcommunicatedtheirfeartoalltheymet,whodidnotwaittolookbehindthem,butrantoo;insomuchthatSchaibarandPrinceAhmed,astheywentalong,foundallthestreetsandsquaresdeserted,tilltheycametothepalace,wheretheporters,insteadofpreventingSchaibarfromentering,alsoranaway;sothattheprinceandheadvancedwithoutanyobstacletothecouncil-hall,wherethesultanwasseatedonhisthronegivingaudience.Herelikewisetheofficers,attheapproachofSchaibar,abandonedtheirposts.

Schaibar,carryinghisheaderect,wentfiercelyuptothethrone,withoutwaitingtobeintroducedbyPrinceAhmed,andaccostedtheSultanoftheIndiesinthesewords:

‘Youhaveaskedforme,see,hereIam:whatdoyouwantwithme?’

Thesultan,insteadofanswering,clapthishandsbeforehiseyes,andturnedawayhishead,toavoidthesightofsoterribleanobject.Schaibarwassomuchprovokedatthisuncivilandrudereception,aftertheSultanhadgivenhimthetroubletocomesofar,thatheinstantlylifteduphisironbar,andsaying,‘Speakthen,’letitfallonhishead,andkilledhimbeforePrinceAhmedcouldintercedeinhisbehalf.Allthathecoulddowastopreventhiskillingthegrandvizier,whosatnotfarfromhimonhisrighthand,representingtohimthathehadalwaysgiventhesultanhisfathergoodadvice.

‘Thesearetheythen,’saidSchaibar,‘whogavehimbadadvice;’

andashepronouncedthesewords,hekilledalltheotherviziersontherightand

left,flatterersandfavouritesofthesultan,whowerePrinceAhmed’senemies.Everytimehestruck,hekilledsomeoneorother,andnoneescapedbuttheywho,notrenderedmotionlessbyfear,savedthemselvesbyflight.

Whenthisterribleexecutionwasover,Schaibarcameoutofthecouncil-hallintothemidstofthecourt-yardwiththeironbaronhisshoulder,andlookingatthegrandvizier,whoowedhislifetoPrinceAhmed,hesaid,‘Iknowthereisacertainsorceress,whoisagreaterenemyoftheprincemybrother-in-lawthanallthosebasefavouritesIhavechastised;letherbebroughttomeatonce.’Thegrandvizierimmediatelysentforher,andassoonasshewasbrought,Schaibarsaid,knockingherdownwithhisironbar,‘Taketherewardofthyperniciouscounsel,andlearntofeignillnessagain:’andleftherdeadonthespot.

Afterthishesaid,‘Thisisnotenough;Iwilltreatthewholecityinthesamemanner,iftheydonotimmediatelyacknowledgePrinceAhmedmybrother-in-lawfortheirsultan,andSultanoftheIndies.’Thenallthatwerepresentmadetheairringwiththerepeatedacclamationsof‘LonglifetoSultanAhmed’;andimmediatelyafterwardshewasproclaimedthroughoutthewholetownSchaibarmadehimbeclothedintheroyalvestments,installedhimonthethrone,andafterhehadmadealldohomageandfidelitytohim,wentandfetchedhissisterPariBanou,whomhebroughtwithgreatpomp,andmadeheracknowledgedSultanessoftheIndies.

AsforPrinceAliandPrincessNouronnihar,astheyhadnohandintheconspiracyagainstPrinceAhmed,norknewofanysuchconspiracy,PrinceAhmedassignedthemaconsiderableprovince,withitscapital,wheretheyspenttherestoftheirlives.

AfterwardshesentanofficertoPrinceHoussaintoacquainthimwiththechange,andtomakehimanofferofwhicheverprovincehelikedbest;butthatprincethoughthimselfsohappyinhissolitudethathebadetheofficerreturntheSultanhisbrotherthanksforhiskindness,assuringhimofhissubmission;andsayingthattheonlyfavourhedesiredwasleavetoliveretiredintheplacehehadmadechoiceofforhisretreat.

PRINCECAMARALZAMANANDTHEPRINCESSOFCHINA.

Abouttwentydays’sailfromthecoastofPersia,intheIslandsoftheChildrenofKhaledan,therelivedakingwhohadanonlyson,PrinceCamaralzaman.He

wasbroughtupwithallimaginablecare;andwhenhecametoaproperage,hisfatherappointedhimanexperiencedgovernorandabletutors.Ashegrewuphelearnedalltheknowledgewhichaprinceoughttopossess,andacquittedhimselfsowellthathecharmedallthatsawhim,andparticularlythesultanhisfather.

Whentheprincehadattainedtheageoffifteenyears,thesultan,wholovedhimtenderly,andgavehimeverydaynewmarksofhisaffection,hadthoughtsofgivinghimastillgreaterone,byresigningtohimhisthrone,andheacquaintedhisgrandvizierwithhisintentions.‘Ifear,’saidhe,‘lestmysonshouldloseintheinactivityofyouththoseadvantageswhichnatureandeducationhavegivenhim;therefore,sinceIamadvancedinage,andoughttothinkofretirement,Ihavethoughtsofresigningthegovernmenttohim,andpassingtheremainderofmydaysinthesatisfactionofseeinghimreign.Ihaveundergonethefatigueofacrownalongwhile,andthinkitisnowproperformetoretire.’

Thegrandvizierdidnotwhollydissuadethesultanfromsuchaproceeding,butsoughttomodifyhisintentions.‘Sir,’repliedhe,‘theprinceisyetbutyoung,anditwouldnotbe,inmyhumbleopinion,advisabletoburdenhimwiththeweightofacrownsosoon.Yourmajestyfears,withgreatreason,hisyouthmaybecorruptedinindolence,buttoremedythatdonotyouthinkitwouldbepropertomarryhim?Yourmajestymightthenadmithimtoyourcouncil,wherehewouldlearnbydegreestheartofreigning,andsobepreparedtoreceiveyourauthoritywheneverinyourdiscernmentyoushallthinkhimqualified.’

Thesultanfoundthisadviceofhisprimeministerhighlyreasonable,thereforehesummonedtheprincetoappearbeforehimatthesametimethathedismissedthegrandvizier.

Theprince,whohadbeenaccustomedtoseehisfatheronlyatcertaintimes,withoutbeingsentfor,wasalittlestartledatthissummons;when,therefore,hecamebeforehim,hesalutedhimwithgreatrespect,andstoodwithhiseyesfixedontheground.

Thesultanperceivinghisconstraint,saidtohiminamildway,‘Doyouknow,son,forwhatreasonIhavesentforyou?’

Theprincemodestlyreplied,‘Godaloneknowstheheart;Ishallhearitfromyourmajestywithpleasure.’

‘Isentforyou,’saidthesultan,‘toinformyouthatIhaveanintentionof

providingapropermarriageforyou;whatdoyouthinkofit?’

PrinceCamaralzamanheardthiswithgreatuneasiness:itsosurprisedhim,thathepausedandknewnotwhatanswertomake.

Afterafewmoments’silence,hereplied,‘Sir,IbeseechyoutopardonmeifIseemsurprisedatthedeclarationyouhavemadetome.IdidnotexpectsuchproposalstoonesoyoungasIam.Itrequirestimetodetermineonwhatyourmajestyrequiresofme.’

PrinceCamaralzaman’sanswerextremelyafflictedhisfather.Hewasnotalittlegrievedtoseewhatanaversionhehadtomarriage,yetwouldnotchargehimwithdisobedience,norexerthispaternalauthority.Hecontentedhimselfwithtellinghimhewouldnotforcehisinclinations,butgivehimtimetoconsidertheproposal.

Thesultansaidnomoretotheprince:headmittedhimintohiscouncil,andgavehimeveryreasontobesatisfied.Attheendoftheyearhetookhimaside,andsaidtohim,‘Myson,haveyouthoroughlyconsideredwhatIproposedtoyoulastyearaboutmarrying?WillyoustillrefusemethatpleasureIexpectfromyourobedience,andsuffermetodiewithoutit?’

Theprinceseemedlessdisconcertedthanbefore,andwasnotlongansweringhisfathertothiseffect:‘Sir,Ihavenotneglectedtoconsideryourproposal,butafterthematurestreflectionfindmyselfmoreconfirmedinmyresolutiontocontinueasIam,sothatIhopeyourmajestywillpardonmeifIpresumetotellyouitwillbeinvaintospeaktomeanyfurtheraboutmarriage.’Hestoppedhere,andwentoutwithoutstayingtohearwhatthesultanwouldanswer.

Anyothermonarchwouldhavebeenveryangryatsuchfreedominason,andwouldhavemadehimrepentit,butthesultanlovedhim,andpreferredgentlemethodsbeforeheproceededtocompulsion.Hecommunicatedthisnewcauseofdiscontenttohisprimeminister.‘Ihavefollowedyouradvice,’saidhe,‘butCamaralzamanisfurtherthaneverfromcomplyingwithmydesires.Hedeliveredhisresolutioninsuchfreetermsthatitrequiredallmyreasonandmoderationtokeepmytemper.Tellme,Ibeseechyou,howIshallreclaimadispositionsorebellioustomywill?’

‘Sir,’answeredthegrandvizier,‘patiencebringsmanythingsaboutthatbeforeseemedimpracticable,butitmaybethisaffairisofanaturenotlikelytosucceed

inthatway.Yourmajestywouldhavenocausetoreproachyourselfifyougavetheprinceanotheryeartoconsiderthematter.If,inthisintervalhereturnstohisduty,youwillhavethegreatersatisfaction,andifhestillcontinuesaversetoyourproposalwhenthisisexpired,yourmajestymayproposetohiminfullcouncilthatitishighlynecessaryforthegoodofthestatethatheshouldmarry,anditisnotlikelyhewillrefusetocomplybeforesograveanassembly,whichyouhonourwithyourpresence.’

Theyearexpired,and,tothegreatregretofthesultan,PrinceCamaralzamangavenottheleastproofofhavingchangedhismind.

Oneday,therefore,whentherewasagreatcouncilheld,theprimevizier,theotherviziers,theprincipalofficersofthecrown,andthegeneralsofthearmybeingpresent,thesultanbegantospeakthustotheprince:‘Myson,itisnowalongwhilesinceIhaveexpressedtoyoumyearnestdesiretoseeyoumarried;andIimaginedyouwouldhavehadmoreconsiderationforafather,whorequirednothingunreasonableofyou,thantoopposehimsolong.

Butaftersolongaresistanceonyourpart,whichhasalmostwornoutmypatience,Ihavethoughtfittoproposethesamethingoncemoretoyouinthepresenceofmycouncil.Iwouldhaveyouconsiderthatyououghtnottohaverefusedthis,notmerelytoobligeaparent;thewell-beingofmydominionsrequiresit;andtheassemblyherepresentjoinswithmetorequireitofyou.

Declareyourself,then;that,accordingtoyouranswer,Imaytakethepropermeasures.’

Theprinceansweredwithsolittlereserve,orratherwithsomuchwarmth,thatthesultan,enragedtoseehimselfthwartedinfullcouncil,criedout,‘Unnaturalson!haveyoutheinsolencetotalkthustoyourfatherandsultan?’Heorderedtheguardstotakehimaway,andcarryhimtoanoldtowerthathadbeenunoccupiedforalongwhile,wherehewasshutup,withonlyabed,alittlefurniture,somebooks,andoneslavetoattendhim.

Camaralzaman,thusdeprivedofliberty,wasneverthelesspleasedthathehadthefreedomtoconversewithhisbooks,andthatmadehimlookonhisimprisonmentwithindifference.Intheeveninghebathedandsaidhisprayers;andafterhavingreadsomechaptersintheKoran,withthesametranquilityofmindasifhehadbeeninthesultan’spalace,heundressedhimselfandwentto

bed,leavinghislampburningbyhimallthewhileheslept.

Inthistowerwasawell,whichservedinthedaytimeforaretreattoacertainfairy,namedMaimoune,daughterofDamriat,kingorheadofalegionofgenies.ItwasaboutmidnightwhenMaimounespranglightlytothemouthofthewell,towanderabouttheworldafterherwontedcustom,wherehercuriosityledher.ShewassurprisedtoseealightinPrinceCamaralzaman’schamber,andentered,withoutstopping,overtheslavewholayatthedoor.

PrinceCamaralzamanhadbuthalf-coveredhisfacewiththebedclothes,andMaimouneperceivedthefinestyoungmanshehadseeninallherramblesthroughtheworld.‘Whatcrimecanhehavecommitted,’saidshetoherself,‘thatamanofhishighrankcandeservetobetreatedthusseverely?’forshehadalreadyheardhisstory,andcouldhardlybelieveit.

Shecouldnotforbearadmiringtheprince,tillatlength,havingkissedhimgentlyonbothcheeksandinthemiddleoftheforeheadwithoutwakinghim,shetookherflightintotheair.Asshemountedhightothemiddleregion,sheheardagreatflappingofwings,whichmadeherflythatway;andwhensheapproached,sheknewitwasageniewhomadethenoise,butitwasoneofthosethatarerebellious.AsforMaimoune,shebelongedtothatclasswhomthegreatSolomoncompelledtoacknowledgehim.

Thisgenie,whosenamewasDanhasch,knewMaimoune,andwasseizedwithfear,beingsensiblehowmuchpowershehadoverhimbyhersubmissiontotheAlmighty.Hewouldfainhaveavoidedher,butshewassonearhimthathemusteitherfightoryield.Hethereforebrokesilencefirst.

‘BraveMaimoune,’saidhe,inthetoneofasuppliant,‘sweartomethatyouwillnothurtme;andIswearalsoonmypartnottodoyouanyharm.’

‘Cursedgenie,’repliedMaimoune,‘whathurtcanstthoudome?Ifeartheenot;butIwillgranttheethisfavour;Iwillswearnottodotheeanyharm.Tellmethen,wanderingspirit,whencethoucomest,whatthouhastseen,andwhatthouhastdonethisnight.’

‘Fairlady,’answeredDanhasch,‘youmeetmeatagoodtimetohearsomethingverywonderful.IcomefromtheutmostlimitsofChina,whichlookonthelastislandsofthishemisphere.But,charmingMaimoune,’saidDanhasch,whosotrembledwithfearatthesightofthisfairythathecouldhardlyspeak,‘promise

meatleastthatyouwillforgiveme,andletmegoonafterIhavesatisfiedyourdemands.’

‘Goon,goon,cursedspirit,’repliedMaimoune;‘goonandfearnothing.DostthouthinkIamasperfidiousanelfasthyself,andcapableofbreakingthesolemnoathIhavemade?Besureyoutellnothingbutwhatistrue,orIshallclipthywings,andtreattheeasthoudeservest.’

Danhasch,alittleheartenedatthewordsofMaimoune,said,‘Mydearlady,Iwilltellyounothingbutwhatisstrictlytrue,ifyouwillbuthavethegoodnesstohearme.ThecountryofChina,fromwhenceIcome,isoneofthelargestandmostpowerfulkingdomsoftheearth.ThekingofthiscountryisatpresentGaiour,whohasanonlydaughter,thefinestmaidenthateverwasseenintheworldsinceitwasaworld.NeitheryounorI,noryourclassnormine,norallourrespectivegenies,haveexpressionsstrongenough,noreloquencesufficienttodescribethisbrilliantlady.Anyonethatdidnotknowtheking,fatherofthisincomparableprincesswouldscarcelybeabletoimaginethegreatrespectandkindnessheshowsher.Noonehaseverdreamedofsuchcareashistokeepherfromeveryonebutthemanwhoistomarryher:and,thattheretreatwhichhehasresolvedtoplaceherinmaynotseemirksometoher,hehasbuiltforhersevenpalaces,themostextraordinaryandmagnificentthateverwereknown.

‘Thefirstpalaceisofrockcrystal,thesecondofcopper,thethirdoffinesteel,thefourthofbrass,thefifthoftouchstone,thesixthofsilver,andtheseventhofmassygold.Hehasfurnishedthesepalacesmostsumptuously,eachinamannersuitedtothematerialsthattheyarebuiltof.Hehasfilledthegardenswithgrassandflowers,intermixedwithpiecesofwater,water-works,fountains,canals,cascades,andseveralgreatgrovesoftrees,wheretheeyeislostintheprospect,andwherethesunneverenters,andalldifferentlyarranged.KingGaiour,inaword,hasshownthathehassparednoexpense.

‘Uponthefameofthisincomparableprincess’sbeauty,themostpowerfulneighbouringkingssentambassadorstorequestherinmarriage.TheKingofChinareceivedthemallinthesameobligingmanner;butasheresolvednottocompelhisdaughtertomarrywithoutherconsent,andasshedidnotlikeanyofthesuitors,theambassadorswereforcedtoreturnastheycame:theywereperfectlysatisfiedwiththegreathonoursandcivilitiestheyhadreceived.’

‘“Sir,”saidtheprincesstothekingherfather,“youhaveaninclinationtoseeme

married,andthinktoobligemebyit;butwhereshallIfindsuchstatelypalacesanddeliciousgardensasIhavewithyourmajesty?ThroughyourgoodpleasureIamundernoconstraint,andhavethesamehonoursshowntomeasarepaidtoyourself.TheseareadvantagesIcannotexpecttofindanywhereelse,towhatsoeverhusbandIshouldgivemyhand;menloveevertobemasters,andIdonotcaretobecommanded.”

‘Atlasttherecameanembassyfromthemostrichandpotentkingofall.ThisprincetheKingofChinarecommendedtohisdaughterasherhusband,urgingmanypowerfulargumentstoshowhowmuchitwouldbetoheradvantagetoaccepthim,butsheintreatedherfathertodispensewithheracceptinghimforthesamereasonsasbefore,andatlastlostalltherespectduetothekingherfather:“Sir,”saidshe,inanger,“talktomenomoreofthisoranyothermatch,unlessyouwouldhavemeplungethisponiardinmybosom,todelivermyselffromyourimportunities.”

‘Theking,greatlyenraged,said“Daughter,youaremad,andImusttreatyouassuch.”Inaword,hehadhershutupinasingleapartmentofoneofhispalaces,andallowedheronlytenoldwomentowaituponherandkeephercompany,thechiefofwhomhadbeenhernurse.Andinorderthatthekingshisneighbours,whohadsentembassiestohimonthisaccount,mightnotthinkanymoreofher,hedespatchedenvoystothemseverally,toletthemknowhowaversehisdaughterwastomarriage;andashedidnotdoubtthatshewasreallymad,hechargedthemtomakeknownineverycourtthatiftherewereanyphysicianthatwouldundertaketocomeandcureher,heshould,ifhesucceeded,marryherforhispains.

‘FairMaimoune,’continuedDanhasch,‘allthatIhavetoldyouistrue;andIhavenotfailedtogoeverydayregularlytocontemplatethisincomparablebeauty,towhomIwouldbeverysorrytodotheleastharm,notwithstandingmynaturalinclinationtomischief.Comeandseeher,Iconjureyou;itwouldbewellworthyourwhile;Iamreadytowaitonyouasaguide,andyouhaveonlytocommandme.Idoubtnotthatyouwouldthinkyourselfobligedtomeforthesightofaprincessunequalledforbeauty.’

InsteadofansweringDanhasch,Maimouneburstoutintoviolentlaughter,whichlastedforsometime;andDanhasch,notknowingwhatmightbetheoccasionofit,wasastonishedbeyondmeasure.

Whenshehadlaughedtillshecouldlaughnomore,shecried,‘Good,good,verygood!youwouldhavemebelieveallyouhavetoldme:Ithoughtyouintendedtotellmesomethingsurprisingandextraordinary,andyouhavebeentalkingallthiswhileofamadwoman.Whatwouldyousay,cursedgenie,ifyouhadseenthebeautifulprincethatIhavejustcomefromseeing?Iamconfidentyouwouldsoongiveupthecontest,andnotpretendtocompareyourchoicewithmine.’

‘AgreeableMaimoune,’repliedDanhasch,‘mayIpresumetoaskyouwhoisthisprinceyouspeakof?’

‘Know,’answeredMaimoune,‘thesamethinghashappenedtohimastoyourprincess.Thekinghisfatherwouldhavemarriedhimagainsthiswill;but,aftermuchimportunity,hefranklytoldhimhewouldhavenothingtodowithawife.ForthisreasonheisatthismomentimprisonedinanoldtowerwhichImakemyresidence,andwhenceIcamebutjustnowfromadmiringhim.’

‘Iwillnotabsolutelycontradictyou,’repliedDanhasch;‘but,myprettylady,youmustgivemeleavetobeofopinion,tillIhaveseenyourprince,thatnomortaluponearthcancomeuptothebeautyofmyprincess.’

‘Holdthytongue,cursedsprite,’repliedMaimoune.‘Itelltheeoncemorethatthatcanneverbe.’

‘Iwillnotcontendwithyou,’saidDanhasch;‘butthewaytobeconvincedwhetherwhatIsayistrueorfalseistoaccepttheproposalImadeyoutogoandseemyprincess,andafterthatIwillgowithyoutoyourprince.’

‘ThereisnoneedIshouldtakesomuchpains’repliedMaimoune;‘thereisanotherwaytosatisfyusboth;andthatisforyoutobringyourprincess,andplaceherinmyprince’sroom;bythismeansitwillbeeasyforustocomparethemtogetheranddeterminethedispute.’

DanhaschconsentedtowhatMaimounehadproposed,anddeterminedtosetoutimmediatelyforChinauponthaterrand.ButMaimounetoldhimshemustfirstshowhimthetowerwhitherhewastobringtheprincess.Theyflewtogethertothetower,andwhenMaimounehadshownittoDanhasch,shecried,‘Go,fetchyourprincess,anddoitquickly,foryoushallfindmehere:butlisten,youshallpaythewagerifmyprinceismorebeautifulthanyourprincess,andIwillpayitifyourprincessismorebeautifulthanmyprince.’

DanhaschleftMaimoune,andflewtowardsChina,whencehesoonreturnedwithincrediblespeed,bringingthefairprincessalongwithhim,asleep.Maimounereceivedhim,andintroducedhimintothetowerofPrinceCamaralzaman,wheretheyplacedtheprincessstillasleep.

Atoncetherearoseagreatcontestbetweenthegenieandthefairyabouttheirrespectivebeauty.Theyweresometimeadmiringandcomparingthemwithoutspeaking:atlengthDanhaschbrokesilence,andsaidtoMaimoune,‘Yousee,asIhavealreadytoldyou,myprincessishandsomerthanyourprince;now,Ihope,youareconvincedofit.’

‘Convincedofit!’repliedMaimoune;‘Iamnotconvincedofit,andyoumustbeblindifyoucannotseethatmyprinceisfarhandsomer.Theprincessisfair,Idonotdeny;butifyoucomparethemtogetherwithoutprejudice,youwillquicklyseethedifference.’

‘ThoughIshouldcomparethemeversooften,’saidDanhasch,‘Icouldneverchangemyopinion.IsawatfirstsightwhatIseenow,andtimewillnotmakemeseedifferently:however,thisshallnothindermyyieldingtoyou,charmingMaimoune,ifyoudesireit.’

‘Yieldtomeasafavour?Iscornit,’saidMaimoune:‘Iwouldnotreceiveafavouratthehandofsuchawickedgenie;Ireferthemattertoanumpire,andifyouwillnotconsentIshallwinbyyourrefusal.’

DanhaschnosoonergavehisconsentthanMaimounestampedwithherfoot;theearthopened,andoutcameahideous,humpbacked,squinting,andlamegenie,withsixhornsonhishead,andclawsonhishandsandfeet.Assoonashehadcomeforth,andtheearthhadclosedup,he,perceivingMaimoune,casthimselfatherfeet,andthenrisingupononekneeaskedherwhatshewouldpleasetodowithhim.

‘Rise,Caschcasch,’saidMaimoune,‘IbroughtyouhithertodetermineadifferencebetweenmeandDanhasch.Lookthere,andtellme,withoutpartiality,whichisthehandsomestofthosetwothatlieasleep,theyoungmanortheyounglady.’

Caschcaschlookedattheprinceandprincesswithgreatattention,admirationandsurprise;andafterhehadconsideredthemagoodwhile,withoutbeingabletodeterminewhichwasthehandsomer,heturnedtoMaimoune,andsaid,

‘Madam,ImustconfessIshoulddeceiveyouandbetraymyself,ifIpretendedtosaythatonewasawhithandsomerthantheother:themoreIexaminethem,themoreitseemstomethateachpossesses,inasovereigndegree,thebeautywhichisbetwixtthem.Butiftherebeanydifference,thebestwaytodetermineitistoawakenthemoneaftertheother,andbytheirconducttodecidewhichoughttobedeemedthemostbeautiful.’

ThisproposalofCaschcasch’spleasedequallybothMaimouneandDanhasch.Maimounethenchangedherselfintoagnat,andleapingontheprince’sneckstunghimsosmartlythatheawoke,andputuphishandtotheplace;butMaimouneskippedaway,andresumedherownform,which,likethoseofthetwogenies,wasinvisible,thebettertoobservewhathewoulddo.

Indrawingbackhishand,theprincechancedtoletitfallonthatofthePrincessofChina,andonopeninghiseyes,wasexceedinglysurprisedtoperceivealadyofthegreatestbeauty.Heraisedhisheadandleanedonhiselbow,thebettertoconsiderher.Shewassobeautifulthathecouldnothelpcryingout,‘Whatbeauty!myheart!mysoul!’Insayingwhichhekissedherwithsolittlecautionthatshewouldcertainlyhavebeenawakedbyit,hadshenotsleptsounderthanordinary,throughtheenchantmentofDanhasch.

Hewasgoingtoawakenheratthatinstant,butsuddenlyrefrainedhimself.‘Isnotthisshe,’saidhe,‘thatthesultanmyfatherwouldhavehadmemarry?Hewasinthewrongnottoletmeseehersooner.Ishouldnothaveoffendedhimbymydisobedienceandpassionatelanguagetohiminpublic,andhewouldhavesparedhimselftheconfusionwhichIhaveoccasionedhim.’

Theprincebegantorepentsincerelyofthefaulthehadcommitted,andwasoncemoreuponthepointofwakingthePrincessofChina.

‘Itmaybe,’saidhe,recollectinghimself,‘thatthesultanmyfatherhasamindtosurprisemewiththisyounglady.Whoknowsbuthehasbroughtherhimself,andishiddenbehindthecurtainstomakemeashamedofmyself.Iwillcontentmyselfwiththisring,asaremembranceofher.’

Hethengentlydrewoffafineringwhichtheprincesshadonherfinger,andimmediatelyputononeofhisowninitsplace.Afterthishefellintoamoreprofoundsleepthanbeforethroughtheenchantmentofthegenies.

AssoonasPrinceCamaralzamanwasinasoundsleep,Danhaschtransformed

himself,andwentandbittheprincesssorudelyonthelipthatsheforthwithawoke,startedup,andopeninghereyes,wasnotalittlesurprisedtoseeabeautifulyoungprince.Fromsurprisesheproceededtoadmiration,andfromadmirationtoatransportofjoy.

‘What,’criedshe,‘isityouthekingmyfatherhasdesignedmeforahusband?Iamindeedmostunfortunatefornotknowingitbefore,forthenIshouldnothavemadehimsoangrywithme.Wakethen,wake!’

Sosaying,shetookPrinceCamaralzamanbythearmandshookhimsothathewouldhaveawaked,hadnotMaimouneincreasedhissleepbyenchantment.Sheshookhimseveraltimes,andfindinghedidnotwake,sheseizedhishand,andkissingiteagerly,perceivedhehadaringuponhisfingerwhichgreatlyresembledhers,andwhichshewasconvincedwasherown,byseeingshehadanotheronherfingerinsteadofit.Shecouldnotcomprehendhowthisexchangecouldhavebeenmade.Tiredwithherfruitlessendeavourstoawakentheprince,shesoonfellasleep.

WhenMaimounesawthatshecouldnowspeakwithoutfearofawakingtheprincess,shecriedtoDanhasch,‘Ah,cursedgeniedostthounotnowseewhatthycontesthascometo?Artthounotnowconvincedhowmuchthyprincessisinferiortomyprince?ButIpardontheethywager.AnothertimebelievemewhenIassertanything.’ThenturningtoCaschcasch,‘Asforyou,’saidshe,‘Ithankyouforyourtrouble;taketheprincess,youandDanhasch,andconveyherbackwhencehehastakenher.’DanhaschandCaschcaschdidastheywerecommanded,andMaimouneretiredtoherwell.

PrinceCamaralzamanonwakingnextmorninglookedtoseeiftheladywhomhehadseenthenightbeforewerethere.Whenhefoundshewasgone,hecriedout,‘Ithoughtindeedthiswasatrickthekingmyfatherdesignedtoplayme.IamgladIwasawareofit.’

Thenhewakedtheslave,whowasstillasleep,andbadehimcomeanddresshim,withoutsayinganything.Theslavebroughtabasinandwater,andafterhehadwashedandsaidhisprayers,hetookabookandreadforsometime.

Afterthis,hecalledtheslave,andsaidtohim,‘Comehither,andlookyou,donottellmealie.Howcamethatladyhither,andwhobroughther?’

‘Mylord,’answeredtheslavewithgreatastonishment,‘Iknownotwhatlady

yourhighnessspeaksof.’

‘Ispeak,’saidtheprince,‘ofherthatcame,orrather,thatwasbroughthither.’

‘Mylord,’repliedtheslave,‘IswearIknowofnosuchlady;andhowshouldshecomeinwithoutmyknowledge,sinceIlayatthedoor?’

‘Youarealyingrascal,’repliedtheprince,‘andintheplottovexandprovokemethemore.’Sosaying,hegavehimaboxontheearwhichknockedhimdown;andafterhavingstampeduponhimforsometime,heatlengthtiedthewell-ropeunderhisarms,andplungedhimseveraltimesintothewater,neckandheels.Iwilldrownthee,’criedhe,‘ifthoudostnottellmespeedilywhothisladywas,andwhobroughther.’

Theslave,perplexedandhalf-dead,saidwithinhimself,‘Theprincemusthavelosthissensesthroughgrief.’‘Mylord,then,’

criedhe,inasupplianttone,‘Ibeseechyourhighnesstosparemylife,andIwilltellyouthetruth.’

Theprincedrewtheslaveup,andpressedhimtotellhim.Assoonashewasoutofthewell,‘Mylord,’saidhetrembling,‘yourhighnessmustperceivethatitisimpossibleformetosatisfyyouinmypresentcondition;Ibegyoutogivemeleavetogoandchangemyclothesfirst.’

‘Ipermityou,butdoitquickly,’saidtheprince,‘andbesureyouconcealnothing.’

Theslavewentout,andhavinglockedthedoorupontheprince,rantothepalacejustashewas.Thekingwasatthattimeindiscoursewithhisprimevizier,towhomhehadjustrelatedthegriefinwhichhehadpassedthenightonaccountofhisson’sdisobedienceandoppositiontohiswill.Theministerendeavouredtocomforthismasterbytellinghimthattheprincehimselfhadgivenhimgoodcausetobeangry.‘Sir,’saidhe,‘yourmajestyneednotrepentofhavingtreatedyoursonafterthissort.Havebutpatiencetolethimcontinueawhileinprison,andassureyourselfhistemperwillabate,andhewillsubmittoallyourequire.’

Thegrandvizierhadjustmadeanendofspeakingwhentheslavecameinandcasthimselfattheking’sfeet.‘Mylord,’saidhe,‘Iamverysorrytobethe

messengerofillnewstoyourmajesty,whichIknowmustcreateyoufreshaffliction.Theprinceisdistracted,mylord;andhistreatmenttome,asyoumaysee,tooplainlyprovesit.’ThenheproceededtotellalltheparticularsofwhatPrinceCamaralzamanhadsaidtohim,andtheviolencewithwhichhehadbeentreated.

Theking,whodidnotexpecttohearanythingofthisafflictivekind,saidtotheprimeminister,‘Thisisverymelancholy,verydifferentfromthehopesyougavemejustnow:goimmediately,withoutlossoftime,seewhatisthematter,andcomeandgivemeanaccount.’

Thegrandvizierobeyedinstantly;andcomingintotheprince’schamber,hefoundhimsittingonhisbedingoodtemper,andwithabookinhishand,whichhewasreading.

Aftermutualsalutations,theviziersatdownbyhim,andsaid,‘Mylord,Iwishthataslaveofyourswerepunishedforcomingtofrightenthekingyourfather.’

‘What,’repliedtheprince,‘couldgivemyfatheralarm?Ihavemuchgreatercausetocomplainofthatslave.’

‘Prince,’answeredthevizier,‘Godforbidthatthenewswhichhehastoldyourfatherconcerningyoushouldbetrue;indeed,Imyselffindittobefalse,bythegoodtemperIobserveyouin.’

‘Itmaybe,’repliedtheprince,‘thathedidnotmakehimselfwellunderstood;butsinceyouarecome,whooughttoknowsomethingofthematter,givemeleavetoaskyouwhowasthatladywhowasherelastnight?’

Thegrandvizierwasthunderstruckatthisquestion;however,herecoveredhimselfandsaid,‘Mylord,benotsurprisedatmyastonishmentatyourquestion.Isitpossiblethatalady,oranyotherpersonintheworld,shouldpenetratebynightintothisplace,withoutenteringatthedoorandwalkingoverthebodyofyourslave?Ibeseechyou,recollectyourself,andyouwillfinditisonlyadreamwhichhasmadethisimpressiononyou.’

‘Igivenoeartowhatyousay,’saidtheprince,raisinghisvoice;‘Imustknowofyouabsolutelywhatisbecomeofthelady;andifyouhesitatetoobeyme,Ishallsoonbeabletoforceyoutoobeyme.’

Atthesesternwordsthegrandvizierbegantobeingreaterconfusionthanbefore,andwasthinkinghowtoextricatehimself.

Heendeavouredtopacifytheprincebygoodwords,andbeggedofhim,inthemosthumbleandguardedmanner,totellhimifhehadseenthislady.

‘Yes,yes,’answeredtheprince,‘Ihaveseenher,andamverywellsatisfiedyousenther.Sheplayedthepartyouhadgivenheradmirablywell,forIcouldnotgetawordoutofher.Shepretendedtobeasleep,butIwasnosoonerfallenintoaslumberthanshearoseandleftme.Youknowallthis;forIdoubtnotshehasbeentomakeherreporttoyou.’

‘Mylord,’repliedthevizier,‘nothingofthishasbeendonewhichyouseemtoreproachmewith;neitheryourfathernorIhavesentthisladyyouspeakof;permitmethereforetoremindyourhighnessoncemorethatyouhaveonlyseenthisladyinadream.’

‘Doyoucometoaffrontandcontradictme,’saidtheprinceinagreatrage,‘andtotellmetomyfacethatwhatIhavetoldyouisadream?’Atthesametimehetookhimbythebeard,andloadedhimwithblowsaslongashecouldstand.

Thepoorgrandvizierenduredwithrespectfulpatiencealltheviolenceofhislord’sindignation,andcouldnothelpsayingwithinhimself,‘NowamIinasbadaconditionastheslave,andshallthinkmyselfhappyifIcan,likehim,escapefromanyfurtherdanger.’Inthemidstofrepeatedblowshecriedoutforbutamoment’saudience,whichtheprince,afterhehadnearlytiredhimselfwithbeatinghim,consentedtogive.

‘Iown,myprince,’saidthegrandvizier,dissembling,‘thereissomethinginwhatyourhighnesssuspects;butyoucannotbeignorantofthenecessityaministerisundertoobeyhisroyalmaster’sorders;yet,ifyouwillbutbepleasedtosetmeatliberty,Iwillgoandtellhimanythingonyourpartthatyoushallthinkfittocommandme.’

‘Gothen,’saidtheprince,‘andtellhimfrommethatifhepleasesIwillmarrytheladyhesentme.Dothisquickly,andbringmeaspeedyanswer.’Thegrandviziermadeaprofoundreverence,andwentaway,notthinkinghimselfaltogethersafetillhehadgotoutofthetower,andshutthedoorupontheprince.

Hecameandpresentedhimselfbeforetheking,withacountenancethat

sufficientlyshowedhehadbeenillused,whichthekingcouldnotbeholdwithoutconcern.‘Well,’saidtheking,‘inwhatconditiondidyoufindmyson?’

‘Sir,’answeredthevizier,‘whattheslavereportedtoyourmajestyisbuttootrue.’HethenbegantorelatehisinterviewwithCamaralzaman,howheflewintoapassionuponhisendeavouringtopersuadehimitwasimpossiblethattheladyhespokeofshouldhavegotin;theill-treatmenthehadreceivedfromhim;howhehadbeenused,andbywhatmeanshemadehisescape.

Theking,themoreconcernedashelovedtheprincewithexcessivetenderness,resolvedtofindoutthetruthofthismatter,andthereforeproposedhimselftogoandseehissoninthetower,accompaniedbythegrandvizier.

PrinceCamaralzamanreceivedthekinghisfatherinthetowerwithgreatrespect.Thekingsatdown,and,afterhehadmadehissontheprincesitdownbyhim,putseveralquestionstohim,whichheansweredwithgreatgoodsense.Thekingeverynowandthenlookedatthegrandvizier,asintimatingthathedidnotfindhissonhadlosthiswits,butratherthoughthehadlosthis.

Thekingatlengthspokeoftheladytotheprince.‘Myson,’saidhe,‘Idesireyoutotellmewhatladyitwasthatcamehere,asIhavebeentold.’

‘Sir,’answeredCamaralzaman,‘Ibegofyourmajestynottogivememorevexationonthathead,butrathertoobligemebylettingmehaveherinmarriage:thisyoungladyhascharmedme.Iamreadytoreceiveheratyourhandswiththedeepestgratitude.’

Thekingwassurprisedatthisansweroftheprince,soremote,ashethought,fromthegoodsensehehadshownbefore.‘Myson,’saidhetohim,‘youfillmewiththegreatestastonishmentimaginablebywhatyounowsaytome;Ideclaretoyoubymycrown,thatistodevolveuponyouafterme,Iknownotonewordoftheladyyoumention;andifanysuchhascometoyou,itwasaltogetherwithoutmyknowledge.Buthowcouldshegetintothistowerwithoutmyconsent?Forwhatevermygrandviziertoldyou,itwasonlytoappeaseyou:itmustthereforebeameredream;andIbegofyounottobelieveotherwise,buttorecoveryoursenses.’

‘Sir,’repliedtheprince,‘Ishouldbeforeverunworthyofyourmajesty’sfavour,ifIdidnotgiveentirecredittowhatyouarepleasedtosay;butIhumblybeseechyouatthesametimetogiveapatienthearingtowhatIshallsaytoyou,

andthentojudgewhetherwhatIhavethehonourtotellyoubeadreamornot.’

ThenPrinceCamaralzamanrelatedtothekinghisfatherafterwhatmannerhehadbeenawakened,andthepainshetooktoawakentheladywithouteffect,andhowhehadmadetheexchangeofhisringwiththatofthelady:showingthekingthering,headded,‘Sir,yourmajestymustneedsknowmyringverywell,youhaveseenitsooften.Afterthis,IhopeyouwillbeconvincedthatIhavenotlostmysenses,asyouhavebeenalmostmadetobelieve.’

Thekingwassoperfectlyconvincedofthetruthofwhathissonhadbeentellinghim,thathehadnotawordtosay,remainingastonishedforsometime,andnotbeingabletoutterasyllable.

‘Son,’atlengthrepliedtheking,‘afterwhatIhavejustheard,andwhatIseebytheringonyourfinger,Icannotdoubtbutthatyouhaveseenthislady.WouldIknewwhoshewas,andIwouldmakeyouhappyfromthismoment,andIshouldbethehappiestfatherintheworld!ButwhereshallIfindher,andhowseekforher?Howcouldshegetinherewithoutmyconsent?Whydidshecome?Thesethings,Imustconfess,arepastmyfindingout.’Sosaying,andtakingtheprincebythehand,‘Comethen,myson,’hesaid,‘letusgoandbemiserabletogether.’

Thekingthenledhissonoutofthetower,andconveyedhimtothepalace,wherehenosoonerarrivedthanindespairhefellill,andtooktohisbed;thekingshuthimselfupwithhim,andspentmanyadayinweeping,withoutattendingtotheaffairsofhiskingdom.

Theprimeminister,whowastheonlypersonthathadadmittancetohim,cameonedayandtoldhimthatthewholecourt,andeventhepeople,begantomurmuratnotseeinghim,andthathedidnotadministerjusticeeverydayashewaswonttodo.‘Ihumblybegyourmajesty,therefore,’proceededhe,‘topaythemsomeattention;Iamawareyourmajesty’scompanyisagreatcomforttotheprince,butthenyoumustnotruntheriskoflettingallbelost.Permitmetoproposetoyourmajestytoremovewiththeprincetothecastleinalittleislandneartheport,whereyoumaygiveaudiencetoyoursubjectstwiceaweekonly;duringtheseabsencestheprincewillbesoagreeablydivertedwiththebeauty,prospect,andgoodairoftheplace,thathewillbearthemwiththelessuneasiness.’

Thekingapprovedthisproposal;andafterthecastle,wherehehadnotresidedforsometime,hadbeenfurnished,heremovedthitherwiththeprince;and,exceptingthetimesthathegaveaudience,asaforesaid,heneverlefthim,butpassedallhistimebyhisson’spillow,endeavouringtocomforthiminsharinghisgrief.

Whilstmatterspassedthus,thetwogenies,DanhaschandCaschcasch,hadcarriedthePrincessofChinabacktothepalacewherethekingherfatherhadshutherup.

Whensheawokethenextmorning,andfoundbylookingtotherightandleftthatPrinceCamaralzamanwasnotby,shecriedoutwithaloudvoicetoherwomen.Hernurse,whopresentedherselffirst,desiredtobeinformedwhatshewouldpleasetohave,andifanythingdisagreeablehadhappenedtoher.

‘Tellme,’saidtheprincess,‘whatisbecomeoftheyoungmanwhomIlovewithallmysoul?’

‘Madam,’repliedthenurse,‘wecannotunderstandyourhighness,unlessyouwillbepleasedtoexplainyourself.’

‘Ayoungman,thebestandmostamiable,’saidtheprincess‘whomIcouldnotawake;Iaskyouwhereheis?’

‘Madam,’answeredthenurse,‘yourhighnessasksthesequestionstojestwithus.Ibeseechyoutorise.’

‘Iaminearnest,’saidtheprincess,‘andImustknowwherethisyoungmanis.’

‘Madam,’insistedthenurse,‘howanymancouldcomewithoutourknowledgewecannotimagine,forweallsleptaboutthedoorofyourchamber,whichwaslocked,andIhadthekeyinmypocket.’

Atthistheprincesslostallpatience,andcatchinghernursebythehairofherhead,andgivinghertwoorthreesoundcuffs,shecried,‘Youshalltellmewherethisyoungmanis,oldsorceress,orIwillbeatyourbrainsout.’

Thenursestruggledtogetfromher,andatlastsucceeded;whenshewentimmediately,withtearsinhereyes,tocomplaintothequeenhermother,whowasnotalittlesurprisedtoseeherinthiscondition,andaskedwhohaddone

this.

‘Madam,’beganthenurse,‘youseehowtheprincesshastreatedme;shewouldcertainlyhavemurderedme,ifIhadnothadthegoodfortunetoescapeoutofherhands.’Shethenbegantotellwhathadbeenthecauseofallthatviolentpassionintheprincess.Thequeenwassurprisedtohearit,andcouldnotguesshowshecametobesosenselessastotakethatforarealitywhichcouldbenootherthanadream.‘Yourmajestymustconcludefromallthis,madam,’continuedthenurse,‘thattheprincessisoutofhersenses.Youwillthinksoyourselfifyougoandseeher.’

Thequeenorderedthenursetofollowher;andtheywenttogethertotheprincess’spalacethatverymoment.

TheQueenofChinasatdownbyherdaughter’sbed-side,immediatelyuponherarrivalinherapartment;andaftershehadinformedherselfaboutherhealth,shebegantoaskwhathadmadehersoangrywithhernurse,thatsheshouldhavetreatedherinthemannershehaddone.‘Daughter,’saidshe,‘thisisnotright;andagreatprincesslikeyoushouldnotsufferherselftobesotransportedbypassion.’

‘Madam,’repliedtheprincess,‘Iplainlyperceiveyourmajestyiscometomockme;butIdeclareIwillneverletyouresttillyouconsentIshallmarrytheyoungman.Youmustknowwhereheis,andthereforeIbegofyourmajestytolethimcometomeagain.’

‘Daughter,’answeredthequeen,‘yousurpriseme;Iknownothingofwhatyoutalkof.’Thentheprincesslostallrespectforthequeen:‘Madam,’repliedshe,‘thekingmyfatherandyoupersecutedmeaboutmarrying,whenIhadnoinclination;Inowhaveaninclination,andIwillmarrythisyoungmanItoldyouof,orIwillkillmyself.’

Herethequeenendeavouredtocalmtheprincessbysoftwords.

‘Daughter,’saidshe,‘howcouldanymancometoyou?’Butinsteadofhearingher,theprincessinterruptedher,andflewoutintosuchviolenceasobligedthequeentoleaveher,andretireingreatafflictiontoinformthekingofallthathadpassed.

Thekinghearingithadamindlikewisetobesatisfiedinperson;andcomingto

hisdaughter’sapartment,askedherifwhathehadjustheardwastrue.‘Sir,’repliedtheprincess,‘letustalknomoreofthat;IonlybeseechyourmajestytograntmethefavourthatImaymarrytheyoungman.Hewasthefinestandbestmadeyouththesuneversaw.Ientreatyou,donotrefuseme.ButthatyourmajestymaynotlongerdoubtwhetherIhaveseenthisyoungman,whetherIdidnotdomyutmosttoawakehim,withoutsucceeding,see,ifyouplease,thisring.’Shethenreachedforthherhand,andshowedthekingaman’sringonherfinger.Thekingdidnotknowwhattomakeofallthis;butashehadshutherupasmad,hebegantothinkhermoremadthanever:therefore,withoutsayinganythingmoretoher,forfearshemightdoviolencetoherselforsomebodyabouther,hehadherchained,andshutupmorecloselythanbefore,allowingheronlythenursetowaitonher,withagoodguardatthedoor.

Theking,exceedinglyconcernedatthisindispositionofhisdaughter,soughtallpossiblemeanstogethercured.Heassembledhiscouncil,andafterhavingacquaintedthemwiththeconditionshewasin,‘Ifanyofyou,’saidhe,‘iscapableofundertakinghercure,andsucceeds,Iwillgivehertohiminmarriage,andmakehimheirtomydominionsandcrownaftermydecease.’

Thedesireofmarryingahandsomeyoungprincess,andthehopesofonedaygoverningsopowerfulakingdomasthatofChina,hadastrangeeffectonanemir,alreadyadvancedinage,whowaspresentatthiscouncil.Ashewaswellskilledinmagic,heofferedtocuretheking’sdaughter,andflatteredhimselfheshouldsucceed.

‘Iconsent,’saidtheking,‘butIforgottotellyouonething,andthatis,thatifyoudonotsucceedyoushallloseyourhead.

Itwouldnotbereasonablethatyoushouldhavesogreatareward,andyetrunnoriskonyourpart;andwhatIsaytoyou,’continuedtheking,‘Isaytoallothersthatshallcomeafteryou,thattheymayconsiderbeforehandwhattheyundertake.’

Theemir,however,acceptedthecondition,andthekingconductedhimtowheretheprincesswas.Shecoveredherfaceassoonasshesawthemcomein,andcriedout,‘YourmajestysurprisesmebybringingwithyouamanwhomIdonotknow,andbywhommyreligionforbidsmetoletmyselfbeseen.’

‘Daughter,’repliedtheking,‘youneednotbescandalized,itisonlyoneofmy

emirswhoiscometodemandyouinmarriage.’

‘Itisnot,Iperceive,thepersonthatyouhavealreadygivenme,andwhosefaithisplightedbytheringIwear,’repliedtheprincess;‘benotoffendedthatIwillnevermarryanyother.’

Theemirexpectedtheprincesswouldhavesaidordonesomeextravagantthing,andwasnotalittledisappointedwhenheheardhertalksocalmlyandrationally;forthenheunderstoodwhatwasreallythematter.Hedarednotexplainhimselftotheking,whowouldnothavesufferedtheprincesstogiveherhandtoanyotherthanthepersontowhomhewishedtogiveherwithhisownhand.Hethereforethrewhimselfathismajesty’sfeet,andsaid,‘AfterwhatIhaveheardandobserved,sir,itwillbetonopurposeformetothinkofcuringtheprincess,sinceIhavenoremediessuitedtohermalady,forwhichreasonIhumblysubmitmylifetoyourmajesty’spleasure.’Theking,enragedathisincapacityandthetroublehehadgivenhim,causedhimimmediatelytobebeheaded.

Somedaysafterwards,hismajesty,unwillingtohaveitsaidthathehadneglectedhisdaughter’scure,putforthaproclamationinhiscapital,totheeffectthatiftherewereanyphysician,astrologer,ormagician,whowouldundertaketorestoretheprincesstohersenses,heneedonlycome,andheshouldbeemployed,onconditionoflosinghisheadifhemiscarried.Hehadthesamepublishedintheotherprincipalcitiesandtownsofhisdominions,andinthecourtsoftheprinceshisneighbours.

Thefirstthatpresentedhimselfwasanastrologerandmagician,whomthekingcausedtobeconductedtotheprincess’sprison.Theastrologerdrewforthoutofabaghecarriedunderhisarmanastrolabe,asmallsphere,achafingdish,severalsortsofdrugsforfumigations,abrasspot,withmanyotherthings,anddesiredhemighthaveafirelighted.

Theprincessdemandedwhatallthesepreparationswerefor.

‘Madam,’answeredtheastrologer,‘theyaretoexorcisetheevilspiritthatpossessesyou,toshuthimupinthispot,andthrowhimintothesea.’

‘Foolishastrologer,’repliedtheprincess,‘Ihavenooccasionforanyofyourpreparations,butaminmyperfectsenses,andyoualonearemad.IfyourartcanbringhimIlovetome,Ishallbeobligedtoyou;otherwiseyoumaygoaboutyourbusiness,forIhavenothingtodowithyou.’

‘Madam,’saidtheastrologer,‘ifyourcasebeso,Ishalldesistfromallendeavours,believingthatonlythekingyourfathercanremedyyourdisaster.’Soputtinguphisapparatusagain,hemarchedaway,verymuchconcernedthathehadsoeasilyundertakentocureanimaginarymalady.

Comingtogiveanaccounttothekingofwhathehaddone,hebeganthusboldly:‘Accordingtowhatyourmajestypublishedinyourproclamation,andwhatyouwerepleasedtoconfirmtomeyourself,Ithoughttheprincesswasdistracted,anddependedonbeingabletorecoverherbythesecretsIhavelongbeenacquaintedwith,butIsoonfoundthatyourmajestyaloneisthephysicianwhocancureher,bygivingherinmarriagethepersonwhomshedesires.’

Thekingwasverymuchenragedattheastrologer,andhadhisheadcutoffuponthespot.Nottomaketoolongastoryofit,ahundredandfiftyastrologers,physicians,andmagiciansallunderwentthesamefate,andtheirheadsweresetuponpolesoneverygateofthecity.

ThePrincessofChina’snursehadasonwhosenamewasMarzavan,andwhohadbeenfoster-brothertotheprincess,andbroughtupwithher.Theirfriendshipwassogreatduringtheirchildhood,andallthetimetheyhadbeentogether,thattheytreatedeachotherasbrotherandsisterastheygrewup,evensometimeaftertheirseparation.

ThisMarzavan,amongotherstudies,hadfromhisyouthbeenmuchaddictedtojudicialastrology,geomancy,andthelikesecretarts,whereinhebecameexceedinglyskilful.Notcontentwithwhathehadlearnedfrommasters,hetravelledassoonashewasabletobearthefatigue,andtherewashardlyanypersonofnoteinanyscienceorartbuthesoughthiminthemostremotecities,andkeptcompanywithhimlongenoughtoobtainalltheinformationhedesired,sogreatwashisthirstafterknowledge.

Afterseveralyears’absenceinforeignpartsonthisaccount,hereturnedtothecapitalcityofhisnativecountry,China,whereseeingsomanyheadsonthegatebywhichheentered,hewasexceedinglysurprised;andcominghomehedemandedforwhatreasontheyhadbeenplacedthere,butmoreespeciallyheinquiredaftertheprincesshisfoster-sister,whomhehadnotforgotten.Ashecouldnotreceiveananswertooneinquirywithouttheother,heheardatlengthageneralaccountwithmuchsorrow,waitingtillhecouldlearnmorefromhismother,theprincess’snurse.

Althoughthenurse,mothertoMarzavan,wasverymuchtakenupwiththeprincess,shenosoonerheardthatherdearsonhadreturnedthanshefoundtimetocomeout,embracehim,andconversewithhimalittle.Havingtoldhim,withtearsinhereyes,whatasadconditiontheprincesswasin,andforwhatreason

thekingherfatherhadshutherup,hedesiredtoknowofhismotherifshecouldnotprocurehimaprivatesightofherroyalmistress,withouttheking’sknowingit.Aftersomepause,shetoldhimshecouldsaynothingforthepresent,butifhewouldmeetherthenextdayatthesamehour,shewouldgivehimananswer.

Thenurseknowingthatnonecouldapproachtheprincessbutherselfwithoutleaveoftheofficerwhocommandedtheguardatthegate,addressedherselftohim,whosheknewhadbeensolatelyappointedthathecouldknownothingofwhathadpassedatthecourtofChina.‘Youknow,’saidshetohim,‘Ihavebroughtuptheprincess,andyoumaylikewisehaveheardthatIhadadaughterwhomIbroughtupalongwithher.Thisdaughterhassincebeenmarried;yettheprincessstilldoesherthehonourtoloveher,andwouldfainseeher,butwithoutanybody’sperceivinghercominginorout.’

Thenursewouldhavegoneon,buttheofficercried,‘Saynomore;Iwillwithpleasuredoanythingtoobligetheprincess;goandfetchyourdaughter,orsendforheraboutmidnight,andthegateshallbeopentoyou.’

Assoonasnightcame,thenursewenttolookforhersonMarzavan,andhavingfoundhim,shedressedhimsoartificiallyinwomen’sclothesthatnobodycouldknowhewasaman.Shecarriedhimalongwithher,andtheofficerverilybelievingitwasherdaughter,admittedthemtogether.

Thenurse,beforeshepresentedMarzavan,wenttotheprincess,andsaid,‘Madam,thisisnotawomanIhavebroughttoyou;itismysonMarzavanindisguise,newlyarrivedfromhistravels,andhehavingagreatdesiretokissyourhand,Ihopeyourhighnesswilladmithimtothathonour.’

‘What!mybrotherMarzavan,’saidtheprincess,withgreatjoy:‘comehither,’criedshe,‘andtakeoffthatveil;foritisnotunreasonable,surely,thatabrotherandasistershouldseeeachotherwithoutcoveringtheirfaces.’

Marzavansalutedherwithprofoundrespect,whenshe,withoutgivinghimtimetospeak,criedout,‘Iamrejoicedtoseeyoureturnedingoodhealth,aftersomanyyears’absencewithoutsendingtheleastaccountallthewhileofyourwelfare,eventoyourgoodmother.’

‘Madam,’repliedMarzavan,‘Iaminfinitelyobligedtoyourhighnessforyourgoodnessinrejoicingatmyhealth:IhopedtohaveheardabetteraccountofyoursthanwhattomygreatafflictionIamnowwitnessof.Nevertheless,I

cannotbutrejoicethatIamcomeseasonablyenoughtobringyourhighnessthatremedyofwhichyoustandsomuchinneed;andthoughIshouldreapnootherfruitofmystudiesandlongvoyage,Ishouldthinkmyselffullyrecompensed.’

Speakingthesewords,Marzavandrewforthoutofhispocketabookandotherthings,whichhejudgednecessarytobeused,accordingtotheaccounthehadhadfromhismotheroftheprincess’sillness.Theprincess,seeinghimmakeallthesepreparations,criedout,‘What!brother,areyouthenoneofthosethatbelievememad?Undeceiveyourselfandhearme.’

TheprincessthenbegantorelatetoMarzavanalltheparticularsofherstory,withoutomittingtheleastcircumstance,eventotheringwhichwasexchangedforhers,andwhichsheshowedhim.

Aftertheprincesshaddonespeaking,Marzavan,filledwithwonderandastonishment,continuedforsometimewithhiseyesfixedontheground,withoutspeakingaword;butatlengthhelifteduphisheadandsaid,‘Ifitbeasyourhighnesssays,whichIdonotintheleastdoubt,Idonotdespairofprocuringyouthesatisfactionyoudesire;butImustfirstentreatyourhighnesstoarmyourselfwithpatienceforsometimelonger,tillIshallreturnafterIhavetravelledoverkingdomswhichIhavenotyetvisited;andwhenyouhearofmyreturn,beassuredthattheobjectofyourwishesisnotfaroff.’Sosaying,Marzavantookleaveoftheprincess,andsetoutnextmorningonhisintendedjourney.

Hetravelledfromcitytocity,fromprovincetoprovince,andfromislandtoisland,andineveryplacehepassedthroughhecouldhearofnothingbutthePrincessBadoura(whichwasthePrincessofChina’sname),andherhistory.

Aboutfourmonthsafterwards,MarzavanarrivedatTorf,aseaporttown,greatandpopulous,wherehenomoreheardofthePrincessBadoura,butwhereallthetalkwasofPrinceCamaralzaman,whowasill,andwhosehistoryverymuchresembledhers.Marzavanwasextremelydelightedtohearthis,andinformedhimselfoftheplacewheretheprincewastobefound.Thereweretwowaystoit;onebylandandsea,theotherbyseaonly,whichwastheshortestway.

Marzavanchosethelatter,andembarkingonboardamerchantship,hearrivedsafeinsightofthecapital;but,justbeforeitenteredtheport,theshipstruckagainstarockthroughtheunskilfulnessofthepilot,andfoundered.Itwent

downinsightofPrinceCamaralzaman’scastle,wherewereatthattimethekingandhisgrandvizier.

Marzavancouldswimverywell,andimmediatelyontheship’ssinkingcasthimselfintothesea,andgotsafetotheshoreunderthecastle,wherehewassoonrelievedbythegrandvizier’sorder.

Afterhehadchangedhisclothesandbeenwelltreated,andhadrecovered,hewasintroducedtothegrandvizier,whohadsentforhim.

Marzavanbeingayoungmanofgoodairandaddress,thisministerreceivedhimverycivilly;andwhenheheardhimgivesuchjustandfittinganswerstowhatwasaskedofhim,conceivedagreatesteemforhim.Healsograduallyperceivedthathepossessedagreatdealofknowledge,andthereforesaidtohim,‘FromwhatIcanunderstand,Iperceiveyouarenocommonman;youhavetravelledagreatway:wouldtoGodyouhadlearnedanysecretforcuringacertainsickperson,whohasgreatlyafflictedthiscourtforalongwhile!’

Marzavanrepliedthatifheknewwhatmaladyitwas,hemightperhapsfindaremedyforit.

ThenthegrandvizierrelatedtohimthewholestoryofPrinceCamaralzamanfromitsorigin,andconcealednothing;hisbirth,hiseducation,theinclinationthekinghisfatherhadtoseehimmarriedearly,hisresistanceandextraordinaryaversiontomarriage,hisdisobeyinghisfatherinfullcouncil,hisimprisonment,hispretendedextravaganciesinprison,whichwereafterwardschangedintoaviolentmadnessforacertainunknownlady,who,hepretended,hadexchangedaringwithhim;though,forhispart,heverilybelievedtherewasnosuchpersonintheworld.

Marzavangavegreatattentiontoallthegrandviziersaid;andwasinfinitelyrejoicedtofindthat,bymeansofhisshipwreck,hehadsofortunatelylightedonthepersonhewaslookingafter.HesawnoreasontodoubtthatPrinceCamaralzamanwastheman,andthePrincessofChinathelady;therefore,withoutexplaininghimselffurthertothevizier,hedesiredtoseehim,thathemightbebetterabletojudgeofhisillnessanditscure.‘Followme,’saidthegrandvizier,‘andyouwillfindthekingwithhim,whohasalreadydesiredthatIshouldintroduceyou.’

ThefirstthingthatstruckMarzavanonenteringtheprince’schamberwastofind

himuponhisbedlanguishing,andwithhiseyesshut.Althoughhesawhiminthatcondition,andalthoughthekinghisfatherwassittingbyhim,hecouldnothelpcryingout,‘Wasthereeveragreaterresemblance!’HemeanttothePrincessofChina;foritseemstheprincessandprinceweremuchalike.

ThewordsofMarzavanexcitedtheprince’scuriositysofarthatheopenedhiseyesandlookedathim.Marzavan,whohadareadywit,laidholdofthatopportunity,andmadehiscomplimentinverseextempore:butinsuchadisguisedmanner,thatneitherthekingnorgrandvizierunderstoodanythingofthematter.However,herepresentedsonicelywhathadhappenedtohimwiththePrincessofChina,thattheprincehadnoreasontodoubtthatheknewher,andcouldgivehimtidingsofher.Thismadehimsojoyful,thattheeffectsofitshowedthemselvesinhiseyesandlooks.

AfterMarzavanhadfinishedhiscomplimentinversewhichsurprisedPrinceCamaralzamansoagreeably,hishighnesstookthelibertytomakeasigntothekinghisfather,togofromtheplacewherehewas,andletMarzavansitbyhim.

Theking,overjoyedatthisalteration,whichgavehimhopesofhisson’sspeedyrecovery,quittedhisplace,andtakingMarzavanbythehand,ledhimtoit.Thenhismajestydemandedofhimwhohewas,andwhencehecame.AnduponMarzavan’sansweringthathewasasubjectofChinaandcamefromthatkingdom,thekingcriedout,‘Heavengrantthatyoumaybeabletocuremysonofthisprofoundmelancholy,andIshallbeeternallyobligedtoyou;alltheworldshallseehowhandsomelyIwillrewardyou.’Havingsaidthus,helefttheprincetoconverseatfulllibertywiththestranger,whilsthewentandrejoicedwiththegrandvizier.

Marzavanleaningdowntotheprince,spokelowinhisear,thus:‘Prince,’saidhe,‘itistimeyoushouldceasetogrieve.TheladyforwhomyousufferisthePrincessBadoura,daughterofGaiour,KingofChina.ThisIcanassureyourhighnessfromwhatshehastoldmeofheradventure,andwhatIhavelearnedofyours.Shehassufferednolessonyouraccountthanyouhaveonhers.’Herehebegantorelateallthatheknewoftheprincess’sstory,fromthenightoftheirextraordinaryinterview.

Heomittednottoacquainthimhowthekinghadtreatedthosewhohadfailedintheirpretensionstocuretheprincessofherindisposition.‘Butyourhighnessistheonlyperson,’addedhe,‘thatcancurehereffectually,andmaypresent

yourselfwithoutfear.However,beforeyouundertakesogreatavoyage,Iwouldhaveyouperfectlyrecovered,andthenwewilltakesuchmeasuresasarenecessary.Thinkthenimmediatelyoftherecoveryofyourhealth.’

Thisdiscoursehadamarvellouseffectontheprince.Hefoundsuchgreatreliefthathefelthehadstrengthtorise,andbeggedleaveofhisfathertodresshimself,withsuchanairasgavetheoldkingincrediblepleasure.

ThekingcouldnotrefrainfromembracingMarzavan,withoutinquiringintothemeanshehadusedtoproducethiswonderfuleffect,andsoonafterwentoutoftheprince’schamberwiththegrandviziertopublishthisagreeablenews.Heorderedpublicrejoicingsforseveraldaystogether,andgavegreatlargessestohisofficersandthepeople,almstothepoor,andcausedtheprisonerstobesetatlibertythroughouthiskingdom.Thejoywassoongeneralinthecapitalandeverycornerofhisdominions.

PrinceCamaralzaman,thoughextremelyweakenedbyalmostcontinualwantofsleepandlongabstinencefromalmostallfood,soonrecoveredhishealth.Whenhefoundhimselfinaconditiontoundertakethevoyage,hetookMarzavanaside,andsaid,‘DearMarzavan,itisnowtimetoperformthepromiseyouhavemademe.Iburnwithimpatiencetoseethecharmingprincess,andifwedonotsetoutonourjourneyimmediatelyIshallsoonrelapseintomyformercondition.Onethingstilltroublesme,’continuedhe,‘andthatisthedifficultyIshallmeetwithingettingleaveofmyfathertogo.Thiswouldbeacrueldisappointmenttome,ifyoudonotcontriveawaytopreventit.Youseehescarcelyeverleavesme.’

Atthesewordstheprincefelltoweeping:andMarzavansaid,‘Iforesawthisdifficulty;letnotyourhighnessbegrievedatthat,forIwillundertaketopreventit.MyprincipaldesigninthisvoyagewastodeliverthePrincessofChinafromhermalady,andthisfromallthereasonsofmutualaffectionwhichwehavebornetoeachotherfromourbirth,besidesthezealandaffectionIotherwiseoweher;andIshouldbewantinginmydutytoher,ifIdidnotdomybestendeavourtoeffecthercureandyours,andexertmyutmostskill.ThisthenisthemeansIhavecontrivedtoobtainyourliberty.Youhavenotstirredabroadforsometime,thereforeletthekingyourfatherunderstandyouhaveamindtotaketheair,andaskhisleavetogooutonahuntingpartyfortwoorthreedayswithme.Nodoubthewillgrantyourrequest;whenhehasdoneso,ordertwogoodhorsestobegotready,onetomount,theothertochange,andleavetheresttome.’

NextdayPrinceCamaralzarnantookhisopportunity.Hetoldthekinghewasdesiroustotaketheair,and,ifhepleased,wouldgoandhuntfortwoorthreedayswithMarzavan.Thekinggavehisconsent,butbadehimbesurenottostayoutaboveonenight,sincetoomuchexerciseatfirstmightimpairhishealth,andatoolongabsencecreatehismajestyuneasiness.Hethenorderedhimtochoosethebesthorsesinhisstable,andhimselftookparticularcarethatnothingshouldbewanting.Whenallwasready,hismajestyembracedtheprince,andhavingrecommendedthecareofhimtoMarzavan,helethimgo.PrinceCamaralzamanandMarzavanweresoonmounted,when,toamusethetwogroomsthatledthefreshhorses,theymadeasiftheywouldhunt,andsogotasfaroffthecityandoutoftheroadaswaspossible.Whennightbegantoapproach,theyalightedatacaravanseraorinn,wheretheysupped,andslepttillaboutmidnight;thenMarzavanawakenedtheprincewithoutawakeningthegrooms,anddesiredhishighnesstolethimhavehissuit,andtotakeanotherforhimself,whichwasbroughtinhisbaggage.Thusequipped,theymountedthefreshhorses,andafterMarzavanhadtakenoneofthegroom’shorsesbythebridle,theysetoutashardastheirhorsescouldgo.

Atdaybreaktheywereinaforest,where,comingtothemeetingoffourroads,Marzavandesiredtheprincetowaitforhimalittle,andwentintotheforest.Hethenkilledthegroom’shorse,andafterhavingtorntheprince’ssuit,whichhehadputoff,hebesmeareditwithbloodandthrewitintothehighway.

Theprincedemandedhisreasonforwhathehaddone.Hetoldhishighnesshewassurethekinghisfatherwouldnosoonerfindthathedidnotreturn,andcometoknowthathehaddepartedwithoutthegrooms,thanhewouldsuspectsomething,andimmediatelysendpeopleinquestofthem.‘Theythatcometothisplace,’saidhe,‘andfindtheseblood-stainedclothes,willconcludeyouaredevouredbywildbeasts,andthatIhaveescapedtoavoidtheking’sanger.Theking,persuadinghimselfthatyouaredeadwillstopfurtherpursuit,andwemayhaveleisuretocontinueourjourneywithoutfearofbeingfollowed.Imustconfess,’continuedMarzavan,‘thatthisisaviolentwayofproceeding,toalarmanoldfatherwiththedeathofhisson,whomhelovessopassionately;buthisjoywillbethegreaterwhenhehearsyouarealiveandhappy.’

‘BraveMarzavan,’repliedtheprince,’Icannotbutapprovesuchaningeniousstratagem,orsufficientlyadmireyourconduct:Iamunderfreshobligationstoyouforit.’

TheprinceandMarzavan,wellprovidedwithcashfortheirexpenses,continuedtheirjourneybothbylandandsea,andfoundnootherobstaclebutthelengthoftimewhichitnecessarilytookup.They,however,arrivedatlengthatthecapitalofChina,whereMarzavan,insteadofgoingtohislodgings,carriedtheprincetoapublicinn.Theytarriedthereincognitoforthreedaystorestthemselvesafterthefatigueofthevoyage;duringwhichtimeMarzavancausedanastrologer’sdresstobemadefortheprince.

Thethreedaysbeingexpired,theprinceputonhisastrologer’shabit;andMarzavanlefthimtogoandacquainthismother,thePrincessBadoura’snurse,ofhisarrival,totheendthatshemightinformthePrincess.

PrinceCamaralzaman,instructedbyMarzavanastowhathewastodo,andprovidedwithallhewantedasanastrologer,camenextmorningtothegateoftheking’spalace,beforetheguardsandporters,andcriedaloud,‘Iamanastrologer,andamcometoeffectacureontheestimablePrincessBadoura,daughterofthemosthighandmightymonarchGaiour,KingofChina,ontheconditionsproposedbyhismajesty,tomarryherifIsucceed,orelsetolosemylifeformyfruitlessandpresumptuousattempt.’

Besidestheguardsandportersatthegate,thisdrewtogetheragreatnumberofpeopleaboutPrinceCamaralzaman.Nophysician,astrologer,normagicianhadappearedforalongtime,deterredbythemanytragicexamplesofillsuccessthatappearedbeforetheireyes;itwasthereforethoughtthattherewerenomoremenoftheseprofessionsintheworld,orthattherewerenomoresomadasthosethathadgonebeforethem.

Theprince’sgoodmien,nobleair,andbloomingyouthmadeeverybodythatsawhimpityhim.‘Whatmeanyou,sir,’saidsomethatwerenearesttohim,‘thustoexposealifeofsuchpromisingexpectationtocertaindeath?Cannottheheadsyouseeonallthegatesofthiscitydeteryoufromsuchanundertaking?Considerwhatyoudo:abandonthisrashattempt,andbegone.’

Theprincecontinuedfirm,notwithstandingalltheseremonstrances;andashesawnobodycometointroducehim,herepeatedthesamecrywithaboldnessthatmadeeverybodytremble.Thentheyallcried,‘Lethimalone,heisresolvedtodie;Godhavemercyuponhisyouthandhissoul!’Hethenproceededtocryoutathirdtimeinthesamemanner,whenthegrandviziercameinperson,andintroducedhimtotheKingofChina.

Assoonastheprincecameintotheking’spresence,hebowedandkissedtheground.Theking,who,ofallthathadhithertopresumptuouslyexposedtheirlivesonthisoccasion,hadnotseenoneworthytocasthiseyesupon,feltrealcompassionforPrinceCamaralzamanonaccountofthedangerhewasabouttoundergo.Butashethoughthimmoredeservingthanordinary,heshowedhimmorehonour,andmadehimcomeandsitbyhim.‘Youngman,’saidhe,‘Icanhardlybelievethatyou,atthisage,canhaveacquiredexperienceenoughtodareattemptthecureofmydaughter.Iwishyoumaysucceed;andwouldgivehertoyouinmarriagewithallmyheart,withthegreatestjoy,morewillinglythanIshouldhavedonetoothersthathaveofferedthemselvesbeforeyou;butImustdeclaretoyouatthesametime,withgreatconcern,thatifyoudonotsucceedinyourattempt,notwithstandingyournobleappearanceandyouryouthyoumustloseyourhead.’

‘Sir,’repliedtheprince,‘Iamunderinfiniteobligationstoyourmajestyforthehonouryoudesignme,andthegreatgoodnessyoushowtoastranger;butIdesireyourmajestytobelievethatIwouldnothavecomefromsoremoteacountryasIhavedone,thenameofwhichperhapsmaybeunknowninyourdominions,ifIhadnotbeencertainofthecureIpropose.Whatwouldnottheworldsayofmyfickleness,if,aftersuchgreatfatiguesanddangersasIhaveundergoneonthisaccount,Ishouldabandontheenterprise?

Evenyourmajestywouldsoonlosethatesteemyouhaveconceivedforme.IfImustdie,sir,IshalldiewiththesatisfactionofnothavinglostyouresteemafterIhavemeritedit.Ibeseechyourmajestythereforetokeepmenolongerimpatienttodisplaythecertaintyofmyart.’

ThenthekingcommandedtheofficerwhohadthecustodyoftheprincesstointroducePrinceCamaralzamanintoherapartment:butbeforehewouldlethimgo,heremindedhimoncemorethathewasatlibertytorenouncehisdesign;yettheprincepaidnoheed,but,withastonishingresolutionandeagerness,followedtheofficer.

Whentheycametoalonggallery,attheendofwhichwastheprincess’sapartment,theprince,whosawhimselfsoneartheobjectofthewisheswhichhadoccasionedhimsomanytears,pushedon,andgotbeforetheofficer.

Theofficer,redoublinghispace,withmuchadogotupwithhim.

‘Whitherawaysofast?’criedhe,takinghimbythearm;‘youcannotgetinwithoutme:anditwouldseemthatyouhaveagreatdesirefordeaththustoruntoitheadlong.NotoneofallthosemanyastrologersandmagiciansIhaveintroducedbeforemadesuchhasteasyourselftoaplacewhitherIfearyouwillcomebuttoosoon.’

‘Friend,’repliedthePrince,lookingearnestlyattheofficer,andcontinuinghispace,‘thiswasbecausenoneoftheastrologersyouspeakofweresosureoftheirartasIamofmine:theywerecertain,indeed,thattheywoulddieiftheydidnotsucceed,buttheyhadnocertaintyoftheirsuccess.OnthisaccounttheyhadreasontotrembleonapproachingtheplacewhitherIgo,andwhereIamsuretofindmyhappiness.’Hehadjustspokenthesewordsashewasatthedoor.Theofficeropenedit,andintroducedhimintoagreathall,whencewasanentranceintotheprincess’schamber,dividedfromitonlybyapieceoftapestry.

PrinceCamaralzamanstoptbeforeheentered,speakingsoftlytotheofficerforfearofbeingheardintheprincess’schamber.‘Toconvinceyou,’saidhe,‘thatthereisneitherpresumption,norwhim,noryouthfulconceitinmyundertaking,IleaveittoyourowndesirewhetherIshouldcuretheprincessinyourpresence,orwhereweare,withoutgoinganyfurther?’

Theofficerwasamazedtoheartheprincetalktohimwithsuchconfidence:heleftoffinsultinghim,andsaidseriously,‘Itisnomatterwhetheryoudoithereorthere,providedthebusinessisdone:cureherhowyouwill,youwillgetimmortalhonourbyit,notonlyinthiscourt,butoveralltheworld.’

Theprincereplied,‘Itwillbebestthentocureherwithoutseeingher,thatyoumaybewitnessofmyskill:notwithstandingmyimpatiencetoseeaprincessofherrank,whoistobemywife,yet,outofrespecttoyou,Iwilldeprivemyselfofthatpleasureforalittlewhile.’Hewasfurnishedwitheverythingsuitableforanastrologertocarryabouthim;andtakingpen,ink,andpaperoutofhispocket,hewrotealettertotheprincess.

Whentheprincehadfinishedhisletter,hefoldeditup,andenclosedinittheprincess’sring,withoutlettingtheofficerseewhathedid.Whenhehadsealedit,hegaveittohim:‘There,friend,’saidhe,‘carryittoyourmistress;ifitdoesnotcureherassoonasshereadsit,andseeswhatisinclosedinit,IgiveyouleavetotelleverybodythatIamthemostignorantandimpudentastrologerthateverwas,is,orshallbe.’

Theofficer,enteringthePrincessofChina’schamber,gaveherthepackethereceivedfromPrinceCamaralzaman.‘Madam,’saidhe,‘theboldestastrologerthateverlived,ifIamnotmistaken,hasarrivedhere,andpretendsthatonreadingthisletterandseeingwhatisinityouwillbecured;Iwishhemayproveneitheraliarnoranimpostor.’

ThePrincessBadouratooktheletter,andopeneditwithagreatdealofindifference,butwhenshesawthering,shehadnotpatiencetoreaditthrough;sherosehastily,brokethechainthatheldher,rantothedoorandopenedit.Sheknewtheprinceassoonasshesawhim,andheknewher;theyatonceembracedeachothertenderly,withoutbeingabletospeakforexcessofjoy:theylookedononeanotheralongtime,wonderinghowtheymetagainaftertheirfirstinterview.Theprincess’snurse,whorantothedoorwithher,madethemcomeintoherchamber,wherethePrincessBadouragavetheprinceherring,saying,‘Takeit;Icannotkeepitwithoutrestoringyours,whichIwillneverpartwith;neithercanitbeinbetterhands.’

TheofficerimmediatelywenttotelltheKingofChinawhathadhappened.‘Sir,’saidhe,‘alltheastrologersanddoctorswhohavehithertopretendedtocuretheprincesswerefoolsincomparisonwiththelast.Hemadeuseneitherofschemesnorspellsorperfumes,oranythingelse,butcuredherwithoutseeingher.’Thenhetoldthekinghowhedidit.Themonarchwasagreeablysurprisedatthenews,andgoingforthwithtotheprincess’schamberembracedher:heafterwardsembracedtheprince,and,takinghishand,joinedittotheprincess’s.

‘Happystranger,’saidtheking,‘whoeveryouare,Iwillkeepmyword,andgiveyoumydaughtertomarry;though,fromwhatIseeinyou,itisimpossibleformetobelievethatyouarereallywhatyouappeartobe,andwouldhavemebelieveyou.’

PrinceCamaralzamanthankedthekinginthemosthumbletones,thathemightthebettershowhisgratitude.‘Asformyperson,’saidhe,‘ImustownIamnotanastrologer,asyourmajestyveryjudiciouslyguessed;Ionlyputonthehabitofone,thatImightsucceedmoreeasilyinmyambitiontobealliedtothemostpotentmonarchintheworld.Iwasbornaprince,andthesonofakingandqueen;mynameisCamaralzaman;myfatherisSchahzaman,whonowreignsovertheislandsthatarewellknownbythenameoftheIslandsoftheChildrenofKhaledan.’Hethentoldhimhishistory.

Whentheprincehaddonespeaking,thekingsaidtohim,‘Thishistoryissoextraordinarythatitdeservestobeknowntoposterity;Iwilltakecareitshallbe;andtheoriginalbeingdepositedinmyroyalarchives,Iwillspreadcopiesofitabroad,thatmyownkingdomsandthekingdomsaroundmemayknowit.’

Themarriagewassolemnizedthesameday,andtherejoicingsforitwereuniversalallovertheempireofChina.NorwasMarzavanforgotten:thekingimmediatelygavehimanhonourablepostinhiscourt,andapromiseoffurtheradvancement;andheldcontinualfeastingsforseveralmonths,toshowhisjoy.

THELOSSOFTHETALISMAN.

SoonafterhismarriagePrinceCamaralzamandreamtonenightthathesawhisfatherSchahzamanonhisdeath-bed,andheardhimspeakthustohisattendants:‘Myson,myson,whomIsotenderlyloved,hasabandonedme.’Heawokewithagreatsigh,whicharousedtheprincess,whoaskedhimthecauseofit.Nextmorningtheprincesswenttoherownfather,andfindinghimalonekissedhishandandthusaddressedherselftohim:‘Sir,Ihaveafavourtobegofyourmajesty;itisthatyouwillgivemeleavetogowiththeprincemyhusbandtoseeKingSchahzaman,myfather-in-law.’

‘Daughter,’repliedtheking,‘thoughIshallbeverysorrytopartwithyouforsolongatime,yourresolutionisworthyofyou:go,child,Igiveyouleave,butonconditionthatyoustaynolongerthanayearinKingSchahzaman’scourt.’

TheprincesscommunicatedtheKingofChina’sconsenttoPrinceCamaralzaman,whowastransportedwithjoytohearit.

TheKingofChinagaveordersforpreparationstobemadeforthejourney;andwhenallthingswereready,heaccompaniedtheprinceandprincessseveraldays’journeyontheirway.Theypartedatlengthwithgreatweepingonallsides:thekingembracedthem,andhavingdesiredtheprincetobekindtohisdaughter,andtoloveheralways,heleftthemtoproceedontheirjourney,and,todiverthisthoughts,huntedallthewayhome.

PrinceCamaralzamanandthePrincessBadouratravelledforaboutamonth,andatlastcametoameadowofgreatextent,plantedwithtalltrees,forminganagreeableshade.Thedaybeingunusuallyhot,Camaralzamanthoughtitbesttoencampthere.Theyalightedinoneofthefinestspots,andtheprinceorderedhisservantstopitchtheirtents,andwenthimselftogivedirections.Theprincess,

wearywiththefatigueofthejourney,badeherwomenuntiehergirdle,whichtheylaiddownbyher,andwhenshefellasleep,herattendantsleftherbyherself.

PrinceCamaralzamanhavingseenallthingsinordercametothetentwheretheprincesswassleeping;heentered,andsatdownwithoutmakinganynoise,intendingtotakeanaphimself;butobservingtheprincess’sgirdlelyingbyher,hetookitup,andlookedatthediamondsandrubiesonebyone.Indoingthis,hesawalittlepursehangingtoit,sewedneatlyontothestuff,andtiedfastwitharibbon;hefeltit,andfoundtherewassomethingsolidinsideit.Desiroustoknowwhatitwas,heopenedthepurse,andtookoutacornelian,engravenwithunknownfiguresandcharacters.‘Thiscornelian,’saidtheprincetohimself,‘mustbesomethingveryvaluable,ormyprincesswouldnotcarryitwithsomuchcare.’ItwasBadoura’stalisman,whichtheQueenofChinahadgivenherdaughterasacharm,tokeepher,asshesaid,fromanyharmaslongasshehaditabouther.

Theprince,thebettertolookatthetalisman,tookitouttothelight,thetentbeingdark;andwhilehewasholdingitupinhishand,abirddarteddownfromtheairandsnatcheditawayfromhim.

ImaginetheconcernandgriefofPrinceCamaralzamanwhenhesawthebirdflyawaywiththetalisman.Hewasmoretroubledatitthanwordscanexpress,andcursedhisunseasonablecuriosity,bywhichhisdearprincesshadlostatreasurethatwassopreciousandsomuchvaluedbyher.

Thebirdhavinggotherprizesettledonthegroundnotfaroff,withthetalismaninhermouth.Theprincedrewnear,inhopesshewoulddropit;but,asheapproached,thebirdtookwing,andsettledagainonthegroundfurtheroff.Camaralzamanfollowed,andthebird,havingswallowedthetalisman,tookafurtherflight:theprincestillfollowed;thefurthersheflew,themoreeagerhegrewinpursuingher.Thusthebirddrewhimalongfromhilltovalley,andvalleytohillallday,everystepleadinghimfurtherawayfromthefieldwherehehadlefthiscampandthePrincessBadoura;andinsteadofperchingatnightonabushwherehemightprobablyhavetakenher,sheroostedonahightree,safefrompursuit.Theprince,vexedtotheheartfortakingsomuchpainstonopurpose,thoughtofreturningtothecamp;‘but,’saidhetohimself,‘whichwayshallIreturn?ShallIgodownthehillsandvalleyswhichIpassedover?ShallIwanderindarkness?andwillmystrengthbearmeout?HowdareIappear

beforemyprincesswithouthertalisman?’

Overwhelmedwithsuchthoughts,andtiredwiththepursuit,helaydownunderatree,wherehepassedthenight.

Heawokethenextmorningbeforethebirdhadleftthetree,and,assoonashesawheronthewing,followedheragainthatwholeday,withnobettersuccess,eatingnothingbutherbsandfruitsalltheway.Hedidthesamefortendaystogether,pursuingthebird,andkeepinghiseyeuponherfrommorningtonight,alwayslyingunderthetreewheresheroosted.Ontheeleventhdaythebirdcontinuedflying,andcamenearagreatcity.Whenthebirdcametothewalls,sheflewoverthemandtheprincesawnomoreofher;sohedespairedofeverrecoveringthePrincessBadoura’stalisman.

Camaralzaman,whosegriefwasbeyondexpression,wentintothecity,whichwasbuiltbytheseaside,andhadafineport;hewalkedupanddownthestreetswithoutknowingwherehewas,orwheretostop.Atlasthecametotheport,inasgreatuncertaintyaseverwhatheshoulddo.Walkingalongtheriver-side,heperceivedthegateofagardenopen,andanoldgardeneratwork.

ThegoodmanlookedupandsawthathewasastrangerandaMussulman,soheaskedhimtocomein,andtoshutthedoorafterhim.

Camaralzamanentered,and,asthegardenerbadehimshutthedoor,demandedofthegardenerwhyhewassocautious.

‘Because,’repliedtheoldman,‘Iseeyouareastrangernewlyarrived,andaMussulman,andthiscityisinhabitedforthemostpartbyidolaters,whohaveamortalaversiontousMussulmans,andtreatthosefewofusthatareherewithgreatbarbarity.Isupposeyoudidnotknowthis,anditisamiraclethatyouhaveescapedasyouhavethusfar,theseidolatersbeingveryapttofallupontheMussulmansthatarestrangers,ortodrawthemintoasnare,unlessthosestrangersknowhowtobewareofthem.’

Camaralzamanthankedthehonestgardenerforhisadvice,andthesafetyheofferedhiminhishouse:hewouldhavesaidmore,butthegoodmaninterruptedhim,saying,‘Youareweary,andmustwanttorefreshyourself.Comeinandrest.’Heconductedhimintohislittlehut,andaftertheprincehadeatenheartilyofwhathesetbeforehim,herequestedhimtorelatehowhecamethere.

Camaralzamancompliedwithhisrequest,andwhenhehadendedhisstory,heaskedhimwhichwasthenearestwaytothekinghisfather’sterritories;‘foritisinvain,’saidhe,‘formetothinkoffindingmyprincesswhereIlefther,afterwanderingelevendaysfromthespot.Ah!’continuedhe,‘howdoIknowsheisalive?’andsosaying,heburstintotears.

Thegardenerrepliedthattherewasnopossibilityofhisgoingthitherbyland,theroadsweresodifficultandthejourneysolong;besides,hemustnecessarilypassthroughthecountriesofsomanybarbarousnationsthathewouldneverreachhisfather’s.Itwasayear’sjourneyfromthecitywherehewastoanycountryinhabitedonlybyMussulmans;thequickestpassageforhimwouldbetogototheIsleofEbony,whencehemighteasilytransporthimselftotheIslesoftheChildrenofKhaledan:ashipsailedfromtheporteveryyeartoEbony,andhemighttakethatopportunityofreturningtothoseislands.‘Theshipdeparted,’

saidthegardener,‘butafewdaysago:ifyouhadcomealittlesooneryoumighthavetakenyourpassageinit.Ifyouwillwaittheyearrounduntilitmakesthevoyageagain,andwillstaywithmeinmyhouse,suchasitis,youwillbeaswelcometoitastoyourown.’

PrinceCamaralzamanwasgladhehadmetwithsuchaplaceofrefuge,inaplacewherehehadnoacquaintances.Heacceptedtheoffer,andlivedwiththegardenertillthetimecamethattheshipwastosailtotheIsleofEbony.Hespenthistimeinworkingalldayinthegarden,andallnightinsighs,tearsandcomplaints,thinkingofhisdearPrincessBadoura.

Wemustleavehiminthisplace,toreturntotheprincess,whomweleftasleepinhertent.

Theprincesssleptalongtime,and,whensheawoke,wonderedthatPrinceCamaralzamanwasnotwithher;shecalledherwomen,andaskedthemiftheyknewwherehewas.Theytoldhertheysawhimenterthetent,butdidnotseehimgooutagain.Whiletheyweretalkingtoher,shetookuphergirdle,foundthelittlepurseopen,andthetalismangone.ShedidnotdoubtbutthatCamaralzamanhadtakenittoseewhatitwas,andthathewouldbringitbackwithhim.Shewaitedforhimimpatientlytillnight,andcouldnotimaginewhatmadehimstayawayfromhersolong.

Whenitwasquitedark,andshecouldhearnonewsofhim,shefellintoviolent

grief;shecursedthetalisman,andthemanthatmadeit.Shecouldnotimaginehowhertalismanshouldhavecausedtheprince’sseparationfromher:shedidnothoweverloseherjudgment,andcametoacourageousdecisionastowhatsheshoulddo.

Sheonlyandherwomenknewoftheprince’sbeinggone;forhismenwereasleepintheirtents.Theprincess,fearingtheywouldbetrayheriftheyhadanyknowledgeofit,moderatedhergrief,andforbadeherwomentosayordoanythingthatmightcreatetheleastsuspicion.Shethenlaidasideherrobe,andputononeofPrinceCamaralzaman’s,beingsolikehimthatnextday,whenshecameout,hismentookherforhim.

Shecommandedthemtopackuptheirbaggageandbegintheirmarch;andwhenallthingswereready,sheorderedoneofherwomentogointoherlitter,sheherselfmountingonhorseback,andridingbyherside.

Theytravelledforseveralmonthsbylandandsea;theprincesscontinuing,thejourneyunderthenameofCamaralzaman.TheytooktheIsleofEbonyontheirwaytotheIslesoftheChildrenofKhaledan.TheywenttothecapitaloftheIsleofEbony,whereakingreignedwhosenamewasArmanos.ThepersonswhofirstlandedgaveoutthattheshipcarriedPrinceCamaralzaman,whowasreturningfromalongvoyageandwasdrivenintherebyastorm,andthenewsofhisarrivalwaspresentlycarriedtothecourt.

KingArmanos,accompaniedbymostofhiscourtiers,wentimmediatelytomeettheprince,andmettheprincessjustasshewaslanding,andgoingtothelodgingthathadbeentakenforher.

Hereceivedherasthesonofakingwhowashisfriend,andconductedhertothepalace,whereanapartmentwaspreparedforherandallherattendants,thoughshewouldfainhaveexcusedherself,andhavelodgedinaprivatehouse.Heshowedherallpossiblehonour,andentertainedherforthreedayswithextraordinarymagnificence.Attheendofthistime,KingArmanos,understandingthattheprincess,whomhestilltookforPrinceCamaralzaman,talkedofgoingonboardagaintoproceedonhervoyage,charmedwiththeairandqualitiesofsuchanaccomplishedprinceashetookhertobe,seizedanopportunitywhenshewasalone,andspoketoherinthismanner:‘Yousee,prince,thatIamold,andcannothopetolivelong;and,tomygreatmortification,IhavenotasontowhomImayleavemycrown.Heavenhasonly

blestmewithonedaughter,thePrincessHaiatalnefouswhosebeautycannotbebettermatchedthanwithaprinceofyourrankandaccomplishments.Insteadofgoinghome,stayandmarryherfrommyhand,withmycrown,whichIresigninyourfavour.Itistimeformetorest,andnothingcouldbeagreaterpleasuretomeinmyretirementthantoseemypeopleruledbysoworthyasuccessortomythrone.’

TheKingoftheIsleofEbony’sgenerousoffertobestowhisonlydaughterinmarriage,andwithherhiskingdom,onthePrincessBadoura,putherintounexpectedperplexity.Shethoughtitwouldnotbecomeaprincessofherranktoundeceivetheking,andtoownthatshewasnotPrinceCamaralzaman,buthiswife,whenshehadassuredhimthatshewashehimself,whosepartshehadhithertoactedsowell.Shewasalsoafraidrefusethehonourheofferedher,lest,ashewasmuchbentuponthemarriage,hiskindnessmightturntoaversionandhatred,andhemightattemptsomethingevenagainstherlife.Besides,shewasnotsurewhethershemightnotfindPrinceCamaralzamaninthecourtofKingSchahzamanhisfather.

Theseconsiderations,addedtotheprospectofobtainingakingdomfortheprinceherhusband,incaseshefoundhimagain,determinedhertoaccepttheproposalofKingArmanos,andmarryhisdaughter;soafterhavingstoodsilentforsomeminutes,shewithblushes,whichthekingtookforasignofmodesty,answered,‘Sir,Iaminfinitelyobligedtoyourmajestyforyourgoodopinionofme,forthehonouryoudome,andthegreatfavouryouofferme,whichIcannotpretendtomerit,anddarenotrefuse.

‘But,sir,’continuedshe,‘Icannotacceptthisgreatallianceonanyotherconditionthanthatyourmajestywillassistmewithyourcounsel,andthatIdonothingwithoutfirsthavingyourapprobation.’

Themarriagetreatybeingthusconcludedandagreedon,theceremonywasputofftillnextday.InthemeantimePrincessBadouragavenoticetoherofficers,whostilltookherforPrinceCamaralzaman,ofwhatshewasgoingtodosothattheymightnotbesurprisedatit,assuringthemthatthePrincessBadouraconsented.

Shetalkedalsotoherwomen,andchargedthemtocontinuetokeepthesecret.

TheKingoftheIsleofEbony,rejoicingthathehadgotason-in-lawsomuchto

hissatisfaction,nextmorningsummonedhiscouncil,andacquaintedthemwithhisdesignofmarryinghisdaughtertoPrinceCamaralzaman,whomheintroducedtothem;andhavingmadehimsitdownbyhisside,toldthemheresignedthecrowntotheprince,andrequiredthemtoacknowledgehimforking,andswearfealtytohim.Havingsaidthis,hedescendedfromhisthrone,andthePrincessBadoura,byhisorder,ascendedit.Assoonasthecouncilbrokeup,thenewkingwasproclaimedthroughthecity,rejoicingswereappointedforseveraldays,andcouriersdespatchedalloverthekingdomtoseethesameceremoniesobservedwiththesamedemonstrationsofjoy.

Assoonastheywerealone,thePrincessBadouratoldthePrincessHaiatalnefousthesecret,andbeggedhertokeepit,whichshepromisedfaithfullytodo.

‘Princess,’saidHaiatalnefous,‘yourfortuneisindeedstrange,thatamarriage,sohappyasyourswas,shouldbeshortenedbysounaccountableanaccident.Prayheavenyoumaymeetwithyourhusbandagainsoon,andbesurethatIwillreligiouslykeepthesecretcommittedtome.ItwillbetomethegreatestpleasureintheworldtobetheonlypersoninthegreatkingdomoftheIsleofEbonywhoknowswhatandwhoyouare,whileyougoongoverningthepeopleashappilyasyouhavebegun.Ionlyaskofyouatpresenttobeyourfriend.’Thenthetwoprincessestenderlyembracedeachother,andafterathousandexpressionsofmutualfriendshiplaydowntorest.

WhilethesethingsweretakingplaceinthecourtoftheIsleofEbony,PrinceCamaralzamanstayedinthecityofidolaterswiththegardener,whohadofferedhimhishousetilltheshipsailed.

Onemorningwhentheprincewasupearly,and,asheusedtodo,waspreparingtoworkinthegarden,thegardenerpreventedhim,saying,‘Thisdayisagreatfestivalamongtheidolaters,andbecausetheyabstainfromallworkthemselves,soastospendthetimeintheirassembliesandpublicrejoicings,theywillnotlettheMussulmanswork.Theirshowsareworthseeing.Youwillhavenothingtodoto-day:Ileaveyouhere.AsthetimeapproachesinwhichtheshipisaccustomedtosailfortheIsleofEbony,Iwillgoandseesomeofmyfriends,andsecureyouapassageinit.’Thegardenerputonhisbestclothes,andwentout.

WhenPrinceCamaralzamanwasalone,insteadofgoingouttotakepartinthe

publicjoyofthecity,thesolitudehewasinbroughttohismind,withmorethanusualviolence,thelossofhisdearprincess.Hewalkedupanddownthegardensighingandgroaning,tillthenoisewhichtwobirdsmadeonaneighbouringtreetemptedhimtoliftuphishead,andstoptoseewhatwasthematter.

Camaralzamanwassurprisedtobeholdafuriousbattlebetweenthesetwobirds,fightingoneanotherwiththeirbeaks.Inaverylittlewhileoneofthemfelldowndeadatthefootofatree;thebirdthatwasvictorioustookwingagain,andflewaway.

Inaninstant,twootherlargebirds,thathadseenthefightatadistance,camefromtheothersideofthegarden,andpitchedonthegroundoneatthefeetandtheotherattheheadofthedeadbird:theylookedatitsometime,shakingtheirheadsintokenofgrief;afterwhichtheydugagravewiththeirtalons,andburiedit.

Whentheyhadfilledupthegravewiththeearththeyflewaway,andreturnedinafewminutes,bringingwiththemthebirdthathadcommittedthemurder,theoneholdingoneofitswingsinitsbeak,andtheotheroneofitslegs;thecriminalallthewhilecryingoutinadolefulmanner,andstrugglingtoescape.Theycarriedittothegraveofthebirdwhichithadlatelysacrificedtoitsrage,andtheresacrificeditinjustrevengeforthemurderithadcommitted.Theykilledthemurdererwiththeirbeaks.Theythenopenedit,toreouttheentrails,leftthebodyonthespotunburied,andflewaway.

Camaralzamanremainedingreatastonishmentallthetimethathestoodbeholdingthissight.Hedrewnearthetree,andcastinghiseyesonthescatteredentrailsofthebirdthatwaslastkilled,hespiedsomethingredhangingoutofitsbody.Hetookitup,andfounditwashisbelovedPrincessBadoura’stalisman,whichhadcosthimsomuchpainandsorrowandsomanysighssincethebirdsnatcheditoutofhishand.‘Ah,cruelmonster!’saidhetohimself,stilllookingatthebird,‘thoutookestdelightindoingmischief,soIhavethelessreasontocomplainofthatwhichthoudidsttome:butthegreateritwas,themoredoIwishwelltothosethatrevengedmyquarrelonthee,inpunishingtheeforthemurderofoneoftheirownkind.’

ItisimpossibletoexpressPrinceCamaralzaman’sjoy:‘Dearprincess,’continuedhetohimself,‘thishappyminute,whichrestorestomeatreasuresoprecioustothee,iswithoutdoubtapresageofourmeetingagain,perhapseven

soonerthanIthink.’

Sosaying,hekissedthetalisman,wrappeditupinaribbon,andtieditcarefullyabouthisarm.Tillnowhehadbeenalmosteverynightastrangertorest,histroublealwayskeepinghimawake,butthenextnighthesleptsoundly:herosesomewhatlaterthenextmorningthanhewasaccustomedtodo,putonhisworkingclothes,andwenttothegardenerfororders.Thegoodmanbadehimrootupanoldtreewhichborenofruit.

Camaralzamantookanaxe,andbeganhiswork.Incuttingoffabranchoftheroot,hefoundthathisaxestruckagainstsomethingthatresistedtheblowandmadeagreatnoise.Heremovedtheearth,anddiscoveredabroadplateofbrass,underwhichwasastaircaseoftensteps.Hewentdown,andatthebottomsawacavityaboutsixyardssquare,withfiftybrassurnsplacedinorderaroundit,eachwithacoveroverit.Heopenedthemall,oneafteranother,andtherewasnotoneofthemwhichwasnotfullofgold-dust.Hecameoutofthecave,rejoicingthathehadfoundsuchavasttreasure:heputthebrassplateoverthestaircase,androotedupthetreeagainstthegardener’sreturn.

ThegardenerhadlearnedthedaybeforethattheshipwhichwasboundfortheIsleofEbonywouldsailinafewdays,buttheexacttimewasnotyetfixed.Hisfriendpromisedtolethimknowtheday,ifhecalleduponhimonthemorrow;andwhileCamaralzamanwasrootingupthetree,hewenttogethisanswer.Hereturnedwithajoyfulcountenance,bywhichtheprinceguessedthathebroughthimgoodnews.‘Son,’saidtheoldman(sohealwayscalledhim,onaccountofthedifferenceofagebetweenhimandtheprince),‘bejoyful,andpreparetoembarkinthreedays,fortheshipwillthencertainlysetsail:Ihavearrangedwiththecaptainforyourpassage.’

‘Inmypresentsituation,’repliedCamaralzaman,‘youcouldnotbringmemoreagreeablenews;andinreturn,Ihavealsotidingsthatwillbeaswelcometoyou;comealongwithme,andyoushallseewhatgoodfortuneheavenhasinstoreforyou.’

Theprinceledthegardenertotheplacewherehehadrootedupthetree,madehimgodownintothecave,andwhenhewasthereshowedhimwhatatreasurehehaddiscovered,andthankedProvidenceforrewardinghisvirtue,andthelabourhehaddoneforsomanyyears.

‘Whatdoyoumean?’repliedthegardener:‘doyouimagineIwilltaketheserichesasmine?Theyareyours:Ihavenorighttothem.

Forfourscoreyears,sincemyfather’sdeath,Ihavedonenothingbutdiginthisgarden,andcouldnotdiscoverthistreasure,whichisasignthatitwasdestinedforyou,sinceyouhavebeenpermittedtofindit.Itsuitsaprincelikeyou,ratherthanme:Ihaveonefootinthegrave,andaminnowantofanything.

Providencehasbestowedituponyou,justwhenyouarereturningtothatcountrywhichwillonedaybeyourown,whereyouwillmakeagooduseofit.’

PrinceCamaralzamanwouldnotbeoutdoneingenerositybythegardener.Theyhadalongdisputeaboutit.Atlasttheprincesolemnlyprotestedthathewouldhavenoneofit,unlessthegardenerwoulddivideitwithhimandtakehalf.Thegoodman,topleasetheprince,consented;sotheyparteditbetweenthem,andeachhadtwenty-fiveurns.

Havingthusdividedit,‘Son,’saidthegardenertotheprince,‘itisnotenoughthatyouhavegotthistreasure;wemustnowcontrivehowtocarryitsoprivatelyonboardtheshipthatnobodymayknowanythingofthematter,otherwiseyouwillruntheriskoflosingit.TherearenoolivesintheIsleofEbony,andthosethatareexportedhencearewantedthere;youknowIhaveplentyofthem;takewhatyouwill;fillfiftypots,halfwiththegolddust,andhalfwitholives,andIwillgetthemcarriedtotheshipwhenyouembark.’

Camaralzamanfollowedthisgoodadvice,andspenttherestofthedayinpackingupthegoldandtheolivesinthefiftypots,andfearinglestthetalisman,whichheworeonhisarm,mightbelostagain,hecarefullyputitintooneofthepots,markingitwithaparticularmark,todistinguishitfromtherest.Whentheywereallreadytobeshipped,theprinceretiredwiththegardener,andtalkingtogether,herelatedtohimthebattleofthebirds,andhowhehadfoundthePrincessBadoura’stalismanagain.Thegardenerwasequallysurprisedandjoyfultohearitforhissake.

Whethertheoldmanwasquitewornoutwithage,orhadexhaustedhimselftoomuchthatday,hehadaverybadnight;hegrewworsethenextday,andonthethirdday,whentheprincewastoembark,wassoillthatitwasplainhewasnearhisend.Assoonasdaybroke,thecaptainoftheshipcameinpersonwithseveralseamentothegardener’s;theyknockedatthegarden-door,and

Camaralzamanopenedittothem.Theyaskedhimwherethepassengerwasthatwastogowithhim.Theprinceanswered,‘Iamhe;thegardenerwhoarrangedwithyouformypassageisill,andcannotbespokenwith:comein,andletyourmencarrythosepotsofolivesandmybaggageaboard.Iwillonlytakeleaveofthegardener,andfollowyou.’

Theseamentookupthepotsandthebaggage,andthecaptainbadetheprincemakehaste,forthewindbeingfairtheywerewaitingfornothingbuthim.

Whenthecaptainandhismenweregone,Camaralzamanwenttothegardener,totakeleaveofhim,andthankhimforallhisgoodoffices:buthefoundhimintheagoniesofdeath,andhadscarcelytimetobidhimrehearsethearticlesofhisfaith,whichallgoodMussulmansdobeforetheydie,whenthegardenerexpiredinhispresence.

Theprincebeingunderthenecessityofembarkingimmediatelyhastenedtopaythelastdutytothedeceased.Hewashedhisbody,buriedhiminhisowngarden(fortheMahometanshadnocemeteryinthecityoftheidolaters,wheretheywereonlytolerated),andashehadnobodytoassisthimitwasalmosteveningbeforehehadputhimintheground.Assoonashehaddoneitherantothewater-side,carryingwithhimthekeyofthegarden,intending,ifhehadtime,togiveittothelandlord;otherwisetodeposititinsometrustyperson’shandbeforeawitness,thathemightleaveitwhenhewasgone.Whenhecametotheport,hewastoldtheshiphadsailedseveralhoursbeforehecameandwasalreadyoutofsight.

Ithadwaitedthreehoursforhim,andthewindstandingfair,thecaptaindarednotstayanylonger.

ItiseasytoimaginethatPrinceCamaralzamanwasexceedinglygrievedtobeforcedtostaylongerinacountrywhereheneitherhadnorwishedtohaveanyacquaintance:tothinkthathemustwaitanothertwelvemonthfortheopportunityhehadlost.ButthegreatestafflictionofallwashishavingletgothePrincessBadoura’stalisman,whichhenowgaveoverforlost.Theonlycoursethatwasleftforhimtotakewastoreturntothegardentorentitofthelandlord,andtocontinuetocultivateitbyhimself,deploringhismiseryandmisfortunes.Hehiredaboytohelphimtodosomepartofthedrudgery;andthathemightnotlosetheotherhalfofthetreasure,whichcametohimbythedeathofthegardener,whodiedwithoutheirs,heputthegold-dustintofiftyotherpots,

whichhefilledupwitholives,tobereadyagainstthetimeoftheship’sreturn.

WhilePrinceCamaralzamanbegananotheryearoflabour,sorrowandimpatience,theship,havingafairwind,continuedhervoyagetotheIsleofEbony,andhappilyarrivedatthecapital.

Thepalacebeingbytheseaside,thenewking,orratherthePrincessBadoura,espyingtheshipasshewasenteringtheport,withallherflagsflying,askedwhatvesselitwas;shewastoldthatitcameannuallyfromthecityoftheidolaters,andwasgenerallyrichlyladen.

Theprincess,whoalwayshadPrinceCamaralzamaninhermindamidsttheglorieswhichsurroundedher,imaginedthattheprincemightbeonboard,andresolvedtogodowntotheshipandmeethim.Underpresenceofinquiringwhatmerchandisewasonboard,andhavingthefirstsightofthegoods,andchoosingthemostvaluable,shecommandedahorsetobebrought,whichshemounted,androdetotheport,accompaniedbyseveralofficersinwaiting,andarrivedattheportjustasthecaptaincameashore.Sheorderedhimtobebroughtbeforeher,andaskedwhencehecame,howlonghehadbeenonhisvoyage,andwhatgoodorbadfortunehehadmetwith:ifhehadanystrangerofqualityonboard,andparticularlywithwhathisshipwasladen.

Thecaptaingaveasatisfactoryanswertoallherdemands;andastopassengers,assuredherthattherewerenonebutmerchantsinhisship,whowereusedtocomeeveryyearandbringrichstuffsfromseveralpartsoftheworldtotradewith,thefinestlinenspaintedandplain,diamonds,musk,ambergris,camphor,civet,spices,drugs,olives,andmanyotherarticles.

ThePrincessBadouralovedolivesextremely:whensheheardthecaptainspeakofthem,shesaid,‘Landthem,Iwilltakethemoffyourhands:astotheothergoods,tellthemerchantstobringthemtome,andletmeseethembeforetheydisposeofthem,orshowthemtoanyoneelse.’

Thecaptain,takingherfortheKingoftheIsleofEbony,replied,‘Sire,therearefiftygreatpotsofolives,buttheybelongtoamerchantwhomIwasforcedtoleavebehind.IgavehimnoticemyselfthatIwaswaitingforhim,andwaitedalongtime;butashedidnotcome,andthewindwasgood,Iwasafraidoflosingit,andsosetsail.’

Theprincessanswered,‘Nomatter;bringthemashore;wewillmakeabargain

forthem.’

Thecaptainsenthisboataboard,andinalittletimeitreturnedwiththepotsofolives.TheprincessdemandedhowmuchthefiftypotsmightbeworthintheIsleofEbony.‘Sir,’saidthecaptain,‘themerchantisverypoor,andyourmajestywilldohimasingularfavourifyougivehimathousandpiecesofsilver.’

‘Tosatisfyhim,’repliedtheprincess,‘andbecauseyoutellmeheispoor,Iwillorderyouathousandpiecesofgoldforhim,whichdoyoutakecaretogivehim.’Themoneywasaccordingly,paid,andthepotscarriedtothepalaceinherpresence.

Nightwasdrawingonwhentheprincesswithdrewintotheinnerpalace,andwenttothePrincessHaiatalnefous’apartment,orderingthefiftypotsofolivestobebroughtthither.Sheopenedone,toletthePrincessHaiatalnefoustastethem,andpouredthemintoadish.Greatwasherastonishmentwhenshefoundtheolivesmingledwithgold-dust.‘Whatcanthismean?’saidshe,‘itiswonderfulbeyondcomprehension.’Hercuriosityincreasing,sheorderedHaiatalnefous’womentoopenandemptyallthepotsinherpresence;andherwonderwasstillgreater,whenshesawthattheolivesinallofthemweremixedwithgold-dust;butwhenshesawhertalismandropoutofthatintowhichtheprincehadputit,shewassosurprisedthatshefaintedaway.ThePrincessHaiatalnefousandherwomenrestoredthePrincessBadourabythrowingcoldwateronherface.Whensherecoveredhersenses,shetookthetalismanandkisseditagainandagain;butnotbeingwillingthatthePrincessHaiatalnefous’swomen,whowereignorantofherdisguise,shouldhearwhatshesaid,shedismissedthem.

‘Princess,’saidshetoHaiatalnefous,assoonastheyweregone,‘you,whohaveheardmystory,surelyguessedthatitwasatthesightofthetalismanthatIfainted.Thisisthetalisman,thefatalcauseofmylosingmydearhusbandPrinceCamaralzaman;butasitwasthatwhichcausedourseparation,soIforeseeitwillbethemeansofourmeetingagainsoon.’

Thenextday,assoonasitwaslight,shesentforthecaptainoftheship;andwhenhecameshespoketohimthus:‘Iwanttoknowsomethingmoreofthemerchanttowhomtheolivesbelong,thatIboughtofyouyesterday.Ithinkyoutoldmeyouhadlefthimbehindyouinthecityoftheidolaters:canyoutellmewhatheisdoingthere?’

‘Yes,sire,’repliedthecaptain,‘Icanspeakonmyownknowledge.

Iarrangedforhispassagewithaveryoldgardener,whotoldmeIshouldfindhiminhisgarden,whereheworkedunderhim.Heshowedmetheplace,andforthatreasonItoldyourmajestyhewaspoor.

Iwenttheretocallhim.ItoldhimwhathasteIwasin,spoketohimmyselfinthegarden,andcannotbemistakenintheman.’

‘Ifwhatyousayistrue,’repliedthePrincessBadoura,‘youmustsetsailthisverydayforthecityofidolaters,andfetchmethatgardener’sman,whoismydebtor;elseIwillnotonlyconfiscateallyourgoodsandthoseofyourmerchants,butyourandtheirlivesshallanswerforhis.Ihaveorderedmysealtobeputonthewarehouseswheretheyare,whichshallnotbetakenofftillyoubringmethatman.ThisisallIhavetosaytoyou;go,anddoasIcommandyou.’

Thecaptaincouldmakenoreplytothisorder,thedisobeyingofwhichwouldbeaverygreatlosstohimandhismerchants.Hetoldthemaboutit,andtheyhastenedhimawayasfastastheycouldafterhehadlaidinastockofprovisionsandfreshwaterforhisvoyage.Theyweresodiligent,thathesetsailthesameday.Hehadaprosperousvoyagetothecityoftheidolaters,wherehearrivedinthenight.Whenhewasasneartothecityashethoughtconvenient,hewouldnotcastanchor,butlettheshiprideofftheshore;andgoingintohisboat,withsixofhisstoutestseamen,helandedalittlewayofftheport,whencehewentdirectlytoCamaralzaman’sgarden.

Thoughitwasaboutmidnightwhenhearrivedthere,theprincewasnotasleep.HisseparationfromthefairPrincessofChinahiswifeafflictedhimasusual.Hecursedtheminuteinwhichhiscuriositytemptedhimtotouchthefatalgirdle.

Thusdidhepassthosehourswhicharedevotedtorest,whenheheardsomebodyknockatthegardendoor.Heranhastilytoit,half-dressedashewas;buthehadnosooneropenedit,thanthecaptainandhisseamentookholdofhim,andcarriedhimbyforceonboardtheboat,andsototheship,andassoonashewassafelylodged,theysetsailimmediately,andmadethebestoftheirwaytotheIsleofEbony.

HithertoCamaralzaman,thecaptain,andhismenhadnotsaidawordtooneanother;atlasttheprincebrokesilence,andaskedthecaptain,whomhe

recognized,whytheyhadtakenhimawaybyforce?

ThecaptaininhisturndemandedoftheprincewhetherhewasnotadebtoroftheKingofEbony?

‘ItheKingofEbony’sdebtor!’repliedCamaralzamaninamazement;‘Idonotknowhim,Ineverhadanythingtodowithhiminmylife,andneversetfootinhiskingdom.’

Thecaptainanswered,‘YoushouldknowthatbetterthanI;youwilltalktohimyourselfinalittlewhile:tillthen,stayhereandhavepatience.’

Thoughitwasnightwhenhecastanchorintheport,thecaptainlandedimmediately,andtakingPrinceCamaralzamanwithhimhastenedtothepalace,wherehedemandedtobeintroducedtotheking.

ThePrincessBadourahadwithdrawnintotheinnerpalace;however,assoonasshehadheardofthecaptain’sreturnandCamaralzaman’sarrival,shecameouttospeaktohim.Assoonasshesethereyesontheprince,forwhomshehadshedsomanytears,sheknewhiminhisgardener’sclothes.Asfortheprince,whotrembledinthepresenceofaking,ashethoughther,towhomhewastoanswerforanimaginarydebt,itdidnotenterintohisheadthatthepersonwhomhesoearnestlydesiredtoseestoodbeforehim.Iftheprincesshadfollowedthedictatesofherinclination,shewouldhaveruntohimandembracedhim,butsheputaconstraintonherself,believingthatitwasfortheinterestofboththatsheshouldactthepartofakingalittlelongerbeforeshemadeherselfknown.Shecontentedherselfforthepresentwithputtinghimintothehandsofanofficer,whowastheninwaiting,withachargetotakecareofhimtillthenextday.

WhenthePrincessBadourahadprovidedforPrinceCamaralzaman,sheturnedtothecaptain,whomshewasnowtorewardfortheimportantservicehehaddoneher.Shecommandedanotherofficertogoimmediatelyandtakethesealoffthewarehousewherehisandhismerchants’goodswere,andgavehimarichdiamond,worthmuchmorethantheexpenseofbothhisvoyages.Shebadehimbesideskeepthethousandpiecesofgoldshehadgivenhimforthepotsofolives,tellinghimshewouldmakeuptheaccountwiththemerchantherself.

Thisdone,sheretiredtothePrincessoftheIsleofEbony’sapartment,towhomshecommunicatedherjoy,prayinghertokeepthesecretstill.ShetoldherhowsheintendedtomanagetorevealherselftoPrinceCamaralzaman,andtogive

himthekingdom.

ThePrincessoftheIsleofEbonywassofarfrombetrayingher,thatsherejoicedandenteredfullyintotheplan.

ThenextmorningthePrincessofChinaorderedPrinceCamaralzamantobeapparelledintherobesofanemirorgovernorofaprovince.

Shecommandedhimtobeintroducedintothecouncil,wherehisfinepersonandmajesticairdrewalltheeyesofthelordstherepresentuponhim.

ThePrincessBadouraherselfwascharmedtoseehimagain,ashandsomeasshehadoftenseenhim,andherpleasureinspiredhertospeakthemorewarmlyinhispraise.Whensheaddressedherselftothecouncil,havingorderedtheprincetotakehisseatamongtheemirs,shespoketothemthus:‘Mylords,thisemirwhomIhaveadvancedtothesamedignitywithyouisnotunworthytheplaceassignedhim.Ihaveknownenoughofhiminmytravelstoanswerforhim,andIcanassureyouhewillmakehismeritknowntoallofyou.’

CamaralzamanwasextremelyamazedtoheartheKingoftheIsleofEbony,whomhewasfarfromtakingforawoman,muchlessforhisdearprincess,namehim,anddeclarethatheknewhim,whilehethoughthimselfcertainthathehadneverseenhimbeforeinhislife.Hewasmuchmoresurprisedwhenheheardhimpraisehimsoexcessively.Thosepraises,however,didnotdisconcerthim,thoughhereceivedthemwithsuchmodestyasshowedthathedidnotgrowvain.Heprostratedhimselfbeforethethroneoftheking,andrisingagain,‘Sire,’saidhe,‘Iwantwordstoexpressmygratitudetoyourmajestyforthehonouryouhavedoneme:Ishalldoallinmypowertorendermyselfworthyofyourroyalfavour.’

Fromthecouncil-boardtheprincewasconductedtoapalace,whichthePrincessBadourahadorderedtobefittedupforhim;wherehefoundofficersanddomesticsreadytoobeyhiscommands,astablefulloffinehorses,andeverythingsuitabletotherankofanemir.Thenthestewardofhishouseholdbroughthimastrongboxfullofgoldforhisexpenses.

Thelessheunderstoodwhencecamehisgreatgoodfortune,themoreheadmiredit,butneveronceimaginedthatheowedittothePrincessofChina.

Twoorthreedaysafter,thePrincessBadoura,thathemightbenearertoher,and

inamoredistinguishedpost,madehimhightreasurer,whichofficehadlatelybecomevacant.Hebehavedhimselfinhisnewchargewithsomuchintegrity,yetobligingeverybody,thathenotonlygainedthefriendshipofthegreatbutalsotheaffectionsofthepeople,byhisuprightnessandbounty.

Camaralzamanwouldhavebeenthehappiestmanintheworld,ifhehadhadhisprincesswithhim.Inthemidstofhisgoodfortuneheneverceasedlamentingher,andgrievedthathecouldhearnotidingsofher,especiallyinacountrywhereshemustnecessarilyhavecomeonherwaytohisfather’scourtaftertheirseparation.

HewouldhavesuspectedsomethinghadthePrincessBadourastillgonebythenameofCamaralzaman,butonheraccessiontothethroneshechangedit,andtookthatofArmanos,inhonouroftheoldkingherfather-in-law.ShewasnowknownonlybythenameoftheyoungKingArmanos.TherewereveryfewcourtierswhoknewthatshehadeverbeencalledCamaralzaman,whichnamesheassumedwhenshearrivedatthecourtoftheIsleofEbony,norhadCamaralzamansomuchacquaintancewithanyofthemyetastolearnmoreofherhistory.

Theprincessfearinghemightdosointime,anddesiringthatheshouldowethediscoverytoherselfonly,resolvedtoputanendtoherowntormentandhis;forshehadobservedthatasoftenasshediscoursedwithhimabouttheaffairsofhisoffice,hefetchedsuchdeepsighsascouldbeaddressedtonobodybuther.Sheherselfalsolivedundersuchconstraintthatshecouldendureitnolonger.

ThePrincessBadourahadnosoonermadethisdecisionwiththePrincessHaiatalnefous,thanshetookPrinceCamaralzamanaside,saying,‘Imusttalkwithyouaboutanaffair,Camaralzaman,whichrequiresmuchconsideration,andonwhichIwantyouradvice.Comehitherintheevening,andleavewordathomethatyouwillnotreturn;Iwilltakecaretoprovideyouabed.’

Camaralzamancamepunctuallytothepalaceatthehourappointedbytheprincess;shetookhimwithherintotheinnerapartment,andhavingtoldthechiefchamberlain,whowaspreparingtofollowher,thatshehadnooccasionforhisservice,andthatheshouldonlykeepthedoorshut,shetookhimintoadifferentapartment.

Whentheprinceandprincessenteredthechambersheshutthedoor,and,taking

thetalismanoutofalittlebox,gaveittoCamaralzaman,saying,‘Itisnotlongsinceanastrologerpresentedmewiththistalisman;youbeingskilfulinallthings,mayperhapstellmeitsuse.’

Camaralzamantookthetalisman,anddrewnearalamptolookatit.

Assoonasherecollectedit,withanastonishmentwhichgavetheprincessgreatpleasure,‘Sire,’saidhetotheprincess,‘yourmajestyaskedmewhatthistalismanisgoodfor.Alas!itisonlygoodtokillmewithgriefanddespair,ifIdonotquicklyfindthemostcharmingandlovelyprincessintheworldtowhomitbelonged,whoselossitoccasionedbyastrangeadventure,theveryrecitalofwhichwillmoveyourmajestytopitysuchanunfortunatehusbandandlover,ifyouwouldhavepatiencetohearit.’

‘Youshalltellmethatanothertime,’repliedtheprincess;‘IamverygladtotellyouIknowsomethingofitalready;stayherealittle,andIwillreturntoyouinamoment.’

Atthesewordsshewentintoherdressing-room,putoffherroyalturban,andinafewminutesdressedherselflikeawoman;andhavingthegirdleroundherwhichsheworeonthedayoftheirseparation,sheenteredthechamber.

PrinceCamaralzamanimmediatelyknewhisdearprincess,rantoher,andtenderlyembracedher,cryingout,‘HowmuchIamobligedtotheking,whohassoagreeablysurprisedme!’

‘Donotexpecttoseethekinganymore,’repliedtheprincess,embracinghiminherturn,withtearsinhereyes;‘youseehiminme:sitdown,andIwillexplainthisenigmatoyou.’

Theysatdown,andtheprincesstoldtheprincetheresolutionshecameto,inthefieldwheretheyencampedthelasttimetheyweretogether,assoonassheperceivedthatshewaitedforhimtonopurpose;howshewentthroughwithittillshearrivedattheIsleofEbony,whereshehadbeenobligedtomarrythePrincessHaiatalnefous,andacceptthecrownwhichKingArmanosofferedherasaconditionofthemarriage:howtheprincess,whosemeritshehighlyextolled,hadkeptthesecret,andhowshefoundthetalismaninthepotsofolivesmingledwiththegolddust,andhowthefindingitwasthecauseofhersendingforhimtothecityoftheidolaters.

ThePrincessBadouraandPrinceCamaralzamanrosenextmorningassoonasitwaslight,buttheprincesswouldnomoreputonherroyalrobesasking;shedressedherselfinthedressofawoman,andthensentthechiefchamberlaintoKingArmanos,herfather-in-lawtodesirehewouldbesogoodastocometoherapartment.

Whenthekingenteredthechamber,hewasamazedtoseetherealadywhowasunknowntohim,andthehightreasurerwithher,whowasnotpermittedtocomewithintheinnerpalace.Hesatdownandaskedwherethekingwas.

Theprincessanswered,‘YesterdayIwasking,sir,andto-dayIamthePrincessofChina,wifeofthetruePrinceCamaralzaman,thetruesonofKingSchahzaman.Ifyourmajestywillhavethepatiencetohearbothourstories,Ihopeyouwillnotcondemnmeforputtinganinnocentdeceituponyou.’Thekingbadehergoon,andheardherdiscoursefromthebeginningtotheendwithastonishment.Theprincessonfinishingitsaidtohim,‘Sir,inourreligionmenmayhaveseveralwives;ifyourmajestywillconsenttogiveyourdaughterthePrincessHaiatalnefousinmarriagetoPrinceCamaralzaman,Iwillwithallmyheartyielduptohertherankandqualityofqueen,whichofrightbelongstoher,andcontentmyselfwiththesecondplace.Ifthisprecedencewasnotherdue,Iwould,however,giveither,aftershehaskeptmysecretsogenerously.’

KingArmanoslistenedtotheprincesswithastonishment,andwhenshehaddone,turnedtoPrinceCamaralzaman,saying,‘Son,sincethePrincessBadourayourwife,whomIhaveallalongthoughttobemyson-in-law,throughadeceitofwhichIcannotcomplain,assuresmethatsheiswilling,Ihavenothingmoretodobuttoaskyouifyouarewillingtomarrymydaughterandacceptthecrown,whichthePrincessBadourawoulddeservedlywearaslongasshelived,ifshedidnotquititoutoflovetoyou.’

‘Sir,’repliedPrinceCamaralzaman,‘thoughIdesirenothingsoearnestlyastoseethekingmyfather,yettheobligationIamundertoyourmajestyandthePrincessHaiatalnefousaresoweighty,Icanrefusehernothing.’Camaralzamanwasproclaimedking,andmarriedthesamedaywithallpossibledemonstrationsofjoy.

NotlongafterwardstheyallresumedthelonginterruptedjourneytotheIslesoftheChildrenofKhaledan,wheretheywerefortunateenoughtofindtheoldKingSchahzamanstillaliveandoverjoyedtoseehissononcemore;andafterseveral

months’rejoicing,KingCamaralzamanandthetwoqueensreturnedtotheIslandofEbony,wheretheylivedingreathappinessfortheremainderoftheirlives.

THESTORYOFZOBEIDETOLDBYHERSELF

Thefollowingstoryisoneofthestrangestthateverwasheard.

Twoblackdogslongdweltwithmeinmyhouse,andwereveryaffectionatelydisposedtowardsme.Thesetwoblackdogsandmyselfweresisters,andIshallacquaintyoubywhatstrangeaccidenttheycametobemetamorphosed.Afterourfather’sdeath,theestatethatheleftwasequallydividedamongus.Mytwosistersandmyselfstayedwithourmother,whowasstillalive,andwhenshediedshelefteachofusathousandsequins.Assoonaswereceivedourportions,thetwoelder(forIamtheyoungest),beingmarried,followedtheirhusbandsandleftmealone.Sometimeafter,myeldestsister’shusbandsoldallthathehad,andwiththatmoneyandmysister’sportiontheybothwentintoAfrica,whereherhusband,byriotousliving,spentall;andfindinghimselfreducedtopoverty,hefoundapretextfordivorcingmysister,andsentheraway.

Shereturnedtothiscity,and,havingsufferedincrediblehardshipsbytheway,cametomeinsolamentableaconditionthatitwouldhavemovedthehardesthearttocompassion.Ireceivedherwithallthetendernessshecouldexpect,andonmyinquiringintothecauseofhersadcondition,shetoldmewithtearshowinhumanlyherhusbandhaddealtwithher.Iwassomuchconcernedathermisfortunethatitdrewtearsfrommyeyes:Iclothedherwithmyownapparel,andspoketoherthus:‘Sister,youaretheelder,andIesteemyouasmymother:duringyourabsence,Godhasblessedtheportionthatfelltomyshare,andtheemploymentIfollowoffeedingandbringingupsilk-worms.AssureyourselfthatthereisnothingIhavebutisatyourservice,andasmuchatyourdisposalasmyown.’

Welivedverycomfortablytogetherforsomemonths;andonedayaswewerediscoursingtogetheraboutourthirdsister,andwonderingweheardnonewsofher,shecamehomeinasbadaconditionastheelder;herhusbandhadtreatedherafterthesamemanner:andIreceivedherlikewisewiththesameaffectionasIhaddonetheother.

Sometimeafter,mytwosisters,onthegroundthattheywouldnotbeanexpensetome,toldmetheyintendedtomarryagain.Iansweredthem,thatif

theirputtingmetoexpensewasallthereasontheymightlaythosethoughtsaside,andbeverywelcometostaywithme;forwhatIhadwouldbesufficienttomaintainusallthreeinamannersuitabletoourcondition.‘But,’saidI,‘Iratherbelieveyouhaveamindtomarryagain.Ifyoudo,Iamsureitwillverymuchsurpriseme:aftertheexperienceyouhavehadofthesmallsatisfactionthereisinmarriage,isitpossibleyoudareventureasecondtime?Youknowhowrareitistomeetwithahusbandthatisareallyhonestman.BelievewhatIsay,andletuslivetogetherascomfortablyaswecan.’Allmypersuasionwasinvain;theywereresolvedtomarry,andsotheydid.Butaftersomemonthswerepasttheycamebackagain,andbeggedmypardonathousandtimesfornotfollowingmyadvice.‘Youareouryoungestsister,’saidthey,‘andmuchwiserthanwe;butifyouwillvouchsafetoreceiveusoncemoreintoyourhouseandaccountusyourslaves,weshallnevercommitsuchafaultagain.’Myanswerwas,‘Dearsisters,Ihavenotalteredmymindwithrespecttoyousincewelastpartedfromoneanother;comeagainandtakepartofwhatIhave.’UponthisIembracedthemagain,andwelivedtogetheraswedidformerly.

Wecontinuedthusawholeyearinperfectloveandtranquillity;andseeingthatGodhadincreasedmysmallstock,Iprojectedavoyagebysea,tohazardsomewhatbytrade.TothisendIwentwithmytwosisterstoBalsora,whereIboughtashipreadyfittedforsea,andladedherwithsuchmerchandiseasIbroughtfromBagdad.

Wesetsailwithafairwind,andsoonclearedthePersiangulf;andwhenwegotintotheoceanwesteeredourcoursetotheIndies,andonthetwentiethdaysawland.Itwasaveryhighmountain,atthefootofwhichwesawagreattown,andhavingafreshwindwesoonreachedtheharbour,wherewecastanchor.

Ihadnotpatiencetostaytillmysisterswerereadytogowithme,butwentashoreintheboatbymyself;and,makingdirectlyforthegateofthetown,Isawthereagreatnumberofmenonguard,somesittingandothersstanding,withsticksintheirhands;andtheyhadallsuchdreadfulcountenancesthatitfrightenedme;butperceivingtheyhadnomotion,notsomuchaswiththeireyes,Itookcourage,andwentnearer,andthenfoundtheywereallturnedintostone.Ienteredthetownandpassedthroughtheseveralstreets,whereinmenstoodeverywhereinvariousattitudes,butallmotionlessandpetrified.OnthatsidewherethemerchantslivedIfoundmostoftheshopsshut,andinsuchaswereopenIlikewisefoundthepeoplepetrified.Ilookeduptothechimneys,butsawnosmoke;whichmademeconjecturethattheinhabitantsbothwithinand

withoutwereallturnedintostone.

Beingcomeintoavastsquareintheheartofthecity,Iperceivedagreatgatecoveredwithplatesofgold,thetwodoorsofwhichstoodopen,andacurtainofsilkstuffseemedtobedrawnbeforeit;Ialsosawalamphangingoverthegate.AfterIhadwellconsidered,Imadenodoubtbutthatitwasthepalaceoftheprincewhoreignedoverthatcountry;andbeingverymuchastonishedthatIhadnotmetwithonelivingcreature,Iwentthitherinhopestofindsomeone.Ienteredthegate,andwasstillmoresurprisedwhenIsawnonebuttheguardsintheporches,allpetrified,somestanding,somesitting,andsomelying.

IcrossedoveralargecourtwhereIsawastatelybuildingjustbeforeme,thewindowsofwhichwereenclosedwithgatesofmassivegold:Isupposedittobethequeen’sapartment,andwentintoalargehall,wheretherestoodseveralblackchamberlainsturnedintostone.Iwentfromthenceintoaroomrichlyhungandfurnished,whereIperceivedalady.Iknewittobethequeenbythecrownofgoldthathungoverherhead,andanecklaceofpearlsaboutherneck,eachofthemasbigasanut;Iwentupclosetohertoviewit,andneverbeheldafinersight.

Istoodsometimeandadmiredtherichesandmagnificenceoftheroom;butaboveall,thefootcloth,thecushionsandthesofas,whichwerealllinedwithIndianstufforgold,withpicturesofmenandbeastsinsilveradmirablyexecuted.

Iwentoutofthechamberwherethepetrifiedqueenwas,andpassedthroughseveralotherapartmentsrichlyfurnished,andatlastcameintoavastroom,wherewasathroneofmassivegold,raisedseveralstepsabovethefloorandenrichedwithlargeemeralds,andabeduponthethroneofrichstuffembroideredwithpearls.Whatsurprisedmemorethanalltherestwasasparklinglightwhichcamefromabovethebed.Beingcurioustoknowfromwhenceitcame,Imountedthesteps,andliftingupmyhead,Isawadiamond,asbigastheeggofanostrich,lyinguponalowstool;itwassopurethatIcouldnotfindtheleastblemishinit,anditsparkledsobrightlythatIcouldnotendurethelustreofitwhenIsawitbydaylight.

Oneachsideofthebed’sheadtherestoodalightedtorch,butforwhatuseIcouldnotcomprehend;however,itmademeimaginethattherewassomelivingcreatureinthisplace,forIcouldnotbelievethatthesetorchescontinuedthus

burningofthemselves.

Thedoorsbeingallopen,orbuthalfshut,IsurveyedsomeotherapartmentsthatwereasfineasthoseIhadalreadyseen.Ilookedintotheofficesandstore-rooms,whichwerefullofinfiniteriches,andIwassomuchtakenwiththesightofallthewonderfulthingsthatIforgotmyself;anddidnotthinkofmyshipormysisters;mywholedesignwastosatisfymycuriosity.Meantimenightcameon,whichputmeinmindthatitwastimetoretire.IwasforreturningbythewayIcamein,butIcouldnotfindit;Ilostmyselfamongtheapartments;andfindingIwascomebackagaintothatlargeroomwherethethrone,thecouch,thelargediamond,andthetorchesstood,Iresolvedtotakemynight’slodgingthere,andtodepartthenextmorningbetimes,togetaboardmyship.Ilaidmyselfdownuponthecouch,notwithoutsomedreadofbeingaloneinadesolateplace;andthisfearhinderedmysleep.

AboutmidnightIheardavoicelikethatofamanreadingtheKoran,afterthesamemannerandinthesametoneaswereadinourmosques.Beingextremelygladtohearit,Igotupimmediately,and,takingatorchinmyhandtolightme,Ipassedfromonechambertoanotheronthatsidewherethevoicecamefrom:Icametoadoor,whereIstoodstill,nowisedoubtingthatitcamefromthence.Isetdownmytorchupontheground,andlookingthroughawindowIfoundittobeanoratory.Inshort,ithad,aswehaveinourmosques,anichethatshowswherewemustturntosayourprayers;therewerealsolampshungup,andtwocandlestickswithlargetapersofwhitewaxburning.

Isawalittlecarpetlaiddown,likethosewehavetokneeluponwhenwesayourprayers,andacomelyyoungmansatuponthiscarpet,readingwithgreatdevotiontheKoran,whichlaybeforehimuponadesk.AtthesightofthisIwastransportedwithwonder.Iwonderedhowitcametopassthatheshouldbetheonlylivingcreatureinatownwhereallthepeoplewereturnedintostones,andIdidnotdoubtbutthattherewassomethinginitveryextraordinary.

Thedoorbeingonlyhalfshut,Iopeneditandwentin,andstandinguprightbeforetheniche,Isaidthisprayeraloud:‘PraisebetoGod,whohasfavoureduswithahappyvoyage,andmayHebegraciouslypleasedtoprotectusinthesamemanneruntilwearriveagaininourowncountry.Hearme,OLord,andgrantmyrequest.’

Theyoungmancasthiseyesuponme,andsaid,‘Mygoodlady,prayletme

knowwhoyouare,andwhathasbroughtyoutothisdesolatecity;and,inreturn,IwilltellyouwhoIam,whathappenedtome,whytheinhabitantsofthiscityarereducedtothatstateyouseethemin,andwhyIaloneamsafeandsoundinthemidstofsuchaterribledisaster.’

ItoldhiminfewwordsfromwhenceIcame,whatmademeundertakethevoyage,andhowIhadsafelyarrivedattheportaftertwentydays’sailing;andwhenIhaddoneIprayedhimtofulfilhispromise,andtoldhimhowmuchIwasstruckbythefrightfuldesolationwhichIhadseeninallplacesasIcamealong.

‘Mydearlady,’saidtheyoungman,‘havepatienceforamoment.’

AtthesewordsheshuttheKoran,putitintoarichcase,andlaiditintheniche.Itookthatopportunityofobservinghim,andperceivedsomuchgood-natureandbeautyinhimthatIfeltstrangeemotion.Hemademesitdownbyhim;andbeforehebeganhisdiscourseIcouldnotforbearsayingtohim,‘Sir,IcanscarcelyhavepatiencetowaitforanaccountofallthosewonderfulthingsthatIhaveseensincethefirsttimeIcameintoyourcity;andmycuriositycannotbesatisfiedtoosoon:thereforepray,sir,letmeknowbywhatmiracleyoualoneareleftaliveamongsomanypersonsthathavediedinsostrangeamanner.’

‘Madam,’saidtheyoungman,‘youhavegivenmetounderstandthatyouhaveaknowledgeofthetrueGodbytheprayeryouhavejustnowaddressedtoHim.IwillacquaintyouwiththemostremarkableeffectofHisgreatnessandpower.Youmustknowthatthiscitywasthemetropolisofamightykingdom,overwhichtheking,myfather,didreign.He,hiswholecourt,theinhabitantsofthecity,andallhisothersubjectsweremagi,worshippersoffire,andofNardoun,theancientkingofthegiants,whorebelledagainstGod.

‘AndthoughIhadanidolatrousfatherandmother,IhadthegoodfortuneinmyyouthtohaveagovernesswhowasagoodMussulman;IlearnedtheKoranbyheart,andunderstoodtheexplanationofitperfectly.“Dearprince,”wouldsheoftentimessay,“thereisbutonetrueGod;takeheedthatyoudonotacknowledgeandadoreanyother.”ShetaughtmetoreadArabic,andthebookshegavemetopracticeuponwastheKoran.AssoonasIwascapableofunderstandingit,sheexplainedtomealltheheadsofthisexcellentbook,andinfusedpietyintomymind,unknowntomyfatheroranybodyelse.Shehappenedtodie,butnotbeforeshehadinstructedmeinallthatwasnecessaryto

convincemeofthetruthoftheMussulmanreligion.AfterherdeathIpersistedwithconstancyinthisbelief;andIabhorthefalsegodNardoun,andtheadorationoffire.

‘Itisaboutthreeyearsandsomemonthsagothatathunderingvoicewasheard,allofasudden,sodistinctly,throughthewholecitythatnobodycouldmisshearingit.Thewordswerethese:“Inhabitants,abandontheworshipofNardoun,andoffire,andworshiptheonlyGodthatshowsmercy.”

‘Thisvoicewasheardforthreeyearssuccessively,butnobodywasconverted:soonthelastdayoftheyear,atfouro’clockinthemorning,alltheinhabitantswerechangedinaninstantintostone,everyoneinthesameconditionandposturetheyhappenedtobethenin.Theking,myfather,hadthesamefate,forhewasmetamorphosedintoablackstone,asheistobeseeninthispalace;andthequeen,mymother,hadthelikedestiny.

‘Iamtheonlypersonthatdidnotsufferunderthatheavyjudgment,andeversinceIhavecontinuedtoserveGodwithmorefervencythanbefore.Iampersuaded,dearlady,thatHehassentyouhitherformycomfort,forwhichIrenderHiminfinitethanks;forImustownthatthissolitarylifeisveryunpleasant.’

‘Prince,’saidI,‘thereisnodoubtthatProvidencehathbroughtmeintoyourporttopresentyouwithanopportunityofwithdrawingfromthisdismalplace.TheshipthatIcameinmayinsomemeasurepersuadeyouthatIaminsomeesteematBagdad,whereIhavealsoleftaconsiderableestate;andIdareengagetopromiseyousanctuarythere,untilthemightyCommanderoftheFaithful,whoisvice-regenttoourProphet,whomyouacknowledge,showsyouthehonourthatisduetoyourmerit.ThisrenownedprincelivesatBagdad,andassoonasheisinformedofyourarrivalinhiscapital,youwillfindthatitisnotvaintoimplorehisassistance.Itisimpossibleyoucanstayanylongerinacitywherealltheobjectsyouseemustrenewyourgrief:myvesselisatyourservice,whereyoumayabsolutelycommandasyouthinkfit.’Heacceptedtheoffer,andwediscoursedtheremainingpartofthenightaboutoursailing.

Assoonasitwasdayweleftthepalace,andcameaboardmyship,wherewefoundmysisters,thecaptain,andtheslaves,allverymuchtroubledatmyabsence.AfterIhadpresentedmysisterstotheprince,Itoldthemwhathadhinderedmyreturntothevesselthedaybefore,howIhadmetwiththeyoung

prince,hisstory,andthecauseofthedesolationofsofineacity.

TheseamenweretakenupseveraldaysinunladingthemerchandiseIhadbroughtwithme,andembarkinginsteadallthepreciousthingsinthepalace,jewels,goldandmoney.Weleftthefurnitureandgoods,whichconsistedofaninfinitequantityofplate,etc.,becauseourvesselcouldnotcarryit,foritwouldhaverequiredseveralvesselsmoretocarryalltherichestoBagdadthatwemighthavechosentotakewithus.

Afterwehadladenthevesselwithwhatwethoughtfit,wetooksuchprovisionsandwateraboardaswerenecessaryforourvoyage(forwehadstillagreatdealofthoseprovisionsleftthatwehadtakeninatBalsora):atlastwesetsailwithawindasfavourableaswecouldwish.

Theyoungprince,mysistersandmyselfenjoyedourselvesforsometimeveryagreeably;butalas!thisgoodunderstandingdidnotlastlong,formysistersgrewjealousofthefriendshipbetweentheprinceandme,andmaliciouslyaskedmeonedaywhatweshoulddowithhimwhenwecametoBagdad.Iperceivedimmediatelywhytheyputthisquestiontome;therefore,resolvingtoputitoffwithajest,Iansweredthem,‘Iwilltakehimformyhusband’;anduponthat,turningmyselftotheprince,‘Sir,’saidI,‘Ihumblybegofyoutogiveyourconsent;forassoonaswecometoBagdadIdesigntodoyoualltheservicethatisinmypowerandtoresignmyselfwhollytoyourcommands.’

Theprinceanswered,‘Iknownot,madam,whetheryoubeinjestorno;butformyownpartIseriouslydeclare,beforetheseladiesyoursisters,thatfromthismomentIheartilyacceptyouroffer,asmyladyandmistress.NorwillIpretendtohaveanypoweroveryouractions.’Atthesewordsmysisterschangedcolour,andIcouldperceiveafterwardsthattheydidnotlovemeasformerly.

WehadcomeintothePersianGulf,notfarfromBalsora,whereIhoped,consideringthefairwind,wemightarrivethedayfollowing;butinthenight,whenIwasasleep,mysisterswatchedtheirtimeandthrewmeoverboard.Theydidthesametotheprince,whowasdrowned.Iswamforsomeminutesinthewater;butbygoodfortune,orrathermiracle,Isoonfeltground.Iwenttowardsablackplace,that,sofarasIcoulddiscerninthedark,seemedtobeland,andactuallywasaflatonthecoast.Whendaycame,Ifoundittobeadesertisland,lyingabouttwentymilesfromBalsora.Isoondriedmyclothesinthesun;andasIwalkedalongIfoundseveralsortsoffruit,andlikewisefreshwater,which

gavemesomehopeofpreservingmylife.

IlaidmyselfdownintheshadeandsoonafterIsawawingedserpent,verylargeandlong,comingtowardsme,wrigglingtotherightandtotheleft,andhangingouthistongue,whichmademethinkhewasill.Iarose,andsawalargerserpentfollowinghim,holdinghimbythetail,andendeavouringtodevourhim.Ihadcompassiononhim,andinsteadofflyingaway,Ihadtheboldnessandcouragetotakeupastonethatbychancelaybyme,andthrewitwithallmystrengthatthegreatserpent,whomIhitonthehead,andkilledhim.Theother,findinghimselfatliberty,tooktohiswingsandflewaway.Ilookedalongwhileafterhimintheair,asanextraordinarything;butheflewoutofsight,andIlaydownagaininanotherplaceintheshade,andfellasleep.

WhenIawoke,judgehowsurprisedIwastoseebymeablackwoman,oflivelyandagreeablelooks,whoheld,tiedtogetherinherhand,twodogsofthesamecolour.Isatupandaskedherwhoshewas.‘Iam,’saidshe,‘theserpentwhomyoudeliverednotlongsincefrommymortalenemy.Iknewnothowtoacknowledgethegreatkindnessyoudidme,butbydoingwhatIhavedone.Iknewthetreacheryofyoursisters,and,torevengeyouonthem,assoonasIwassetatlibertybyyourgenerousassistanceIcalledseveralofmycompanionstogether,fairieslikemyself.WehavecarriedintoyourstorehousesatBagdadallyourladingthatwasinyourvessel,andafterwardssunkit.

‘Thesetwoblackdogsareyoursisters,whomIhavetransformedintothisshape.Butthispunishmentisnotsufficient;forIwillhaveyoutreatthemaftersuchamannerasIshalldirect.’

Atthosewordsthefairytookmefastunderoneofherarms,andthetwodogsintheother,andcarriedmetomyhouseinBagdad,whereIfoundinmystorehousesallthericheswhichwereladenonboardmyvessel.Beforesheleftmeshedeliveredthetwodogs,andtoldme,‘Ifyouwillnotbechangedintoadogastheyare,Iorderyoutogiveeachofyoursisterseverynightahundredlasheswitharod,forthepunishmentofthecrimetheyhavecommittedagainstyourpersonandtheyoungprincewhomtheydrowned.’IwasforcedtopromisethatIwouldobeyherorder.FormanymonthsIwhippedthemeverynight,thoughwithregret.IgaveevidencebymytearswithhowmuchsorrowandreluctanceImustperformthiscruelduty.

Nowthefairyhadleftwithmeabundleofhair,sayingwithalthatherpresence

wouldonedaybeofusetome;andthen,ifIonlyburnttwotuftsofthishair,shewouldbewithmeinamoment,thoughshewerebeyondMountCaucasus.

Desirousatlengthtoseethefairyandbeghertorestorethetwoblackdogs,mysisters,totheirpropershape,Icausedfireonedaytobebroughtin,andthrewthewholebundleofhairintoit.

Thehousebegantoshakeatthatveryinstant,andthefairyappearedintheformofaladyveryrichlydressed.

Ibesoughther,witheveryformofentreatyIcouldemploy,torestoremysisterstotheirnaturalshape,andtoreleasemefromthecrueldutythatIhadalwaysunwillinglyperformed.

Thefairyatlengthconsented,anddesiredabowlofwatertobebrought;shepronouncedoveritsomewordswhichIdidnotunderstand,andthensprinkledthewateruponthedogs.Theyimmediatelybecametwoladiesofsurprisingbeauty,andIrecognisedinthemthesisterstowhosehumanformIhadsolongbeenastranger.Theysoonaftermarriedthesonsofkings,andlivedhappilyfortherestoftheirlives.

THESTORYOFTHEKING’SSON.

IwasscarcelypastmyinfancywhenthekingmyfatherperceivedthatIwasendowedwithagreatdealofsense,andsparednothinginimprovingit;heemployedallthemeninhisdominionsthatexcelledinscienceandarttobeconstantlyaboutme.NosoonerwasIabletoreadandwritethanIlearnedtheKoranfromthebeginningtotheendbyheart;thatadmirablebookwhichcontainsthefoundation,theprecepts,andtherulesofourreligion;andthatImightbethoroughlyinstructedinit,Ireadtheworksofthemostapprovedauthors,bywhosecommentariesithadbeenexplained.IaddedtothisstudythatofallthetraditionscollectedfromthemouthofourProphetbythegreatmenthatwerecontemporarywithhim.Iwasnotsatisfiedwiththeknowledgeofallthathadanyrelationtoourreligion,butmadealsoaparticularsearchintoourhistories.Imademyselfperfectinpolitelearning,intheworksofpoets,andinversification.Iappliedmyselftogeography,chronology,andtospeakourArabictongueinitspurity.ButonethingwhichIwasfondofandsucceededintoaspecialdegreewastoformthecharactersofourwrittenlanguage,whereinIsurpassedallthewritingmastersofourkingdomthathadacquiredthegreatest

reputation.

FamedidmemorehonourthanIdeserved,forshenotonlyspreadtherenownofmytalentsthroughallthedominionsofthekingmyfather,butcarrieditasfarastheIndiancourt,whosepotentmonarch,desiroustoseeme,sentanambassadorwithrichpresentstodemandmeofmyfather,whowasextremelygladofthisembassyforseveralreasons;hewaspersuadedthatnothingcouldbemorecommendableinaprinceofmyagethantotravelandvisitforeigncourts,andhewasverygladtogainthefriendshipoftheIndiansultan.Idepartedwiththeambassador,butwithnogreatretinue,becauseofthelengthanddifficultyofthejourney.

Whenwehadtravelledaboutamonth,wediscoveredatadistanceagreatcloudofdust,andunderthatweverysoonsawfiftyhorsemen,wellarmed,thatwererobbers,comingtowardsusatfullgallop.

AswehadtenhorsesladenwithbaggageandpresentsthatIwastocarrytotheIndiansultanfromthekingmyfather,andmyretinuewasbutsmall,theserobberscameboldlyuptous.Notbeinginapositiontomakeanyresistance,wetoldthemthatwewereambassadorsbelongingtotheSultanoftheIndies,andhopedtheywouldattemptnothingcontrarytothatrespectwhichisduetohim,thinkingbythismeanstosaveourequipageandourlives.

Buttherobbersmostinsolentlyreplied,‘Forwhatreasonwouldyouhaveusshowanyrespecttothesultanyourmaster?Wearenoneofhissubjects,norareweuponhisterritories.’

Havingspokenthus,theysurroundedandfelluponus.IdefendedmyselfaslongasIcould,butfindingmyselfwounded,andseeingtheambassadorwithhisservantsandminelyingontheground,Imadeuseofwhatstrengthwasyetremaininginmyhorse,whowasalsoverymuchwounded,separatedmyselffromthecrowd,androdeawayasfastashecouldcarryme;buthehappenedallofasuddentogivewayunderme,throughwearinessandlossofblood,andfelldowndead.Igotridofhiminatrice,andfindingthatIwasnotpursued,itmademejudgethattherobberswerenotwillingtoquitthebootytheyhadgot.

Hereyouseemealone,wounded,destituteofhelp,andinastrangecountry:Idurstnotbetakemyselftothehighroad,lestImightfallagainintothehandsoftheserobbers.WhenIhadboundupmywound,whichwasnotdangerous,I

walkedonfortherestoftheday,andarrivedatthefootofamountain,whereIperceivedapassageintoacave:Iwentin,andstayedtherethatnightwithlittlesatisfaction,afterIhadeatensomefruitsthatIgatheredbytheway.

Icontinuedmyjourneyforseveraldayswithoutfindinganyplaceofabode;butafteramonth’stime,Icametoalargetown,wellinhabited,andsituatedsoadvantageously,asitwassurroundedwithseveralrivers,thatitenjoyedperpetualspring.

Thepleasantobjectswhichthenpresentedthemselvestomyeyesaffordedmejoy,andsuspendedforatimethesorrowwithwhichIwasoverwhelmedtofindmyselfinsuchacondition.Myface,handsandfeetwereblackandsunburnt;and,owingtomylongjourney,myshoesandstockingswerequitewornout,sothatIwasforcedtowalkbare-footed,and,besides,myclotheswereallinrags.IenteredintothetowntolearnwhereIwas,andaddressedmyselftoatailorthatwasatworkinhisshop;who,perceivingbymyairthatIwasapersonofmorenotethanmyoutwardappearancebespokemetobe,mademesitdownbyhim,andaskedmewhoIwas,fromwhenceIcame,andwhathadbroughtmethither?Ididnotconcealanythingthathadbefallenme.

Thetailorlistenedwithattentiontomywords;butafterIhaddonespeaking,insteadofgivingmeanyconsolation,heaugmentedmysorrow.

‘Takeheed,’saidhe,‘howyoudiscovertoanypersonwhatyouhavenowdeclaredtome;fortheprinceofthiscountryisthegreatestenemythatthekingyourfatherhas,andhewillcertainlydoyousomemischiefwhenhecomestohearofyourbeinginthiscity.’

Imadenodoubtofthetailor’ssincerity,whenhenamedtheprince,andreturnedhimthanksforhisgoodadvice:andashebelievedIcouldnotbutbehungry,heorderedsomethingtobebroughtformetoeat,andofferedmeatthesametimealodginginhishouse,whichIaccepted.Somedaysafter,findingmeprettywellrecoveredfromthefatigueIhadenduredbyalongandtediousjourney,andreflectingthatmostprincesofourreligionappliedthemselvestosomeartorcallingthatmightbeserviceabletothemuponoccasion,heaskedmeifIhadlearntanythingwherebyImightgetalivelihood,andnotbeburdensometoanyone?ItoldhimthatIunderstoodthelaws,bothdivineandhuman;thatIwasagrammarianandpoet;and,aboveall,thatIunderstoodwritingperfectly.

‘Byallthis,’saidhe,‘youwillnotbeable,inthiscountry,topurchaseyourselfonemorselofbread;nothingisoflessuseherethanthosesciences:butifyouwillbeadvisedbyme,’saidhe,‘dressyourselfinalabourer’sfrock;andsinceyouappeartobestrongandofagoodconstitution,youshallgointothenextforestandcutfire-wood,whichyoumaybringtothemarkettobesold;andIcanassureyouitwillturntosuchgoodaccountthatyoumaylivebyit,withoutdependenceuponanyman:andbythismeansyouwillbeinaconditiontowaitforthefavourablemomentwhenHeavenshallthinkfittodispelthosecloudsofmisfortunethatthwartyourhappiness,andobligeyoutoconcealyourbirth.Iwilltakecaretosupplyyouwitharopeandahatchet.’

Thefearofbeingknown,andthenecessityIwasunderofgettingalivelihood,mademeagreetothisproposal,notwithstandingallthehardshipsthatattendedit.Thedayfollowingthetailorboughtmearope,ahatchet,andashortcoat,andrecommendedmetosomepoorpeoplewhogainedtheirbreadafterthesamemanner,thattheymighttakemeintotheircompany.Theyconductedmetothewood,andthefirstdayIbroughtinasmuchuponmyheadasearnedmehalfapieceofgold,whichisthemoneyofthatcountry;forthoughthewoodisnotfardistantfromthetown,yetitwasveryscarcethere,forfewornonewouldbeatthetroubletogoandcutit.Igainedagoodsumofmoneyinashorttime,andrepaidmytailorwhathehadadvancedforme.

Icontinuedthiswayoflivingforawholeyear;andoneday,whenbychanceIhadgonefartherintothewoodthanusual,Ihappenedtolightonaverypleasantplace,whereIbegantocutdownwood;andinpullinguptherootofatree,Iespiedanironring,fastenedtoatrap-doorofthesamemetal.Itookawaytheearththatcoveredit,andhavinglifteditup,sawstairs,downwhichIwent,withmyaxeinmyhand.

WhenIcametothebottomofthestairs,Ifoundmyselfinalargepalace,whichputmeintogreatconsternation,becauseofagreatlightwhichappearedasclearinitasifithadbeenabovegroundintheopenair.Iwentforwardalongagallerysupportedbypillarsofjasper,thebaseandcapitalsofmassygold;butseeingaladyofanobleandfreeairandextremelybeautifulcomingtowardsme,myeyesweretakenofffrombeholdinganyotherobjectbutheralone.

Beingdesiroustosparetheladythetroubleofcomingtome,Imadehastetomeether;andasIwassalutingherwithalowbow,sheaskedme,‘Whatareyou,amanoragenie?’

‘Aman,madam,’saidI:‘Ihavenocorrespondencewithgenies.’

‘Bywhatadventure,’saidshe,fetchingadeepsigh,‘areyoucomehither?Ihavelivedherethesetwenty-fiveyears,andneversawanymanbutyourselfduringthattime.’

Hergreatbeauty,andthesweetnessandcivilitywherewithshereceivedme,emboldenedmetosaytoher,‘Madam,beforeIhavethehonourtosatisfyyourcuriosity,givemeleavetotellyouthatIaminfinitelypleasedwiththisunexpectedmeeting,whichoffersmeanoccasionofconsolationinthemidstofmyaffliction;andperhapsitmaygivemeanopportunitytomakeyoualsomorehappythanyouare.’Igaveheratrueaccountbywhatstrangeaccidentshesawme,thesonofaking,insuchaconditionasIthenpresentedtohereyes;andhowfortunedirectedthatIshoulddiscovertheentranceintothatmagnificentprisonwhereIhadfoundheraccordingtoappearancesinanunpleasantsituation.

‘Alas!prince,’saidshe,sighingoncemore,‘youhavejustcausetobelievethisrichandpompousprisoncannotbeotherwisethanamostwearisomeabode;themostcharmingplaceintheworldbeingnowaydelightfulwhenwearedetainedtherecontrarytoourwill.YouhaveheardofthegreatEpitimarus,KingoftheIsleofEbony,socalledfromthatpreciouswood,whichitproducesinabundance:Iamtheprincesshisdaughter.

‘Theking,myfather,hadchosenformeahusband,aprincethatwasmycousin;butinthemidstoftherejoicingatthecourt,beforeIwasgiventomyhusband,agenietookmeaway.Ifaintedatthesamemoment,andlostmysenses;andwhenIcametomyselfagain,Ifoundmyselfinthisplace.Iwasforalongtimeinconsolable,buttimeandnecessityhaveaccustomedmetothegenie.Twenty-fiveyears,asItoldyoubefore,Ihavecontinuedinthisplace;where,Imustconfess,IhaveeverythingthatIcanwishfornecessarytolife,andalsoeverythingthatcansatisfyaprincessfondofdressandfashions.

‘Everytendays,’continuedtheprincess,‘thegeniecomeshithertoseeme.Meanwhile,ifIhaveoccasionforhimbydayornight,assoonasItouchatalismanwhichisattheentranceintomychamber,thegenieappears.Itisnowthefourthdaysincehewashere,andIdonotexpecthimbeforetheendofsixmore;so,ifyouplease,youmaystayfivedaysandkeepmecompany,andIwillendeavourtoentertainyouaccordingtoyourrankandmerit.’

Ithoughtmyselftoofortunateinhavingobtainedsogreatafavourwithoutaskingittorefusesoobliginganoffer.Theprincessmademegointoabath,whichwasthemostsumptuousthatcouldbeimagined;andwhenIcameforth,insteadofmyownclothes,Ifoundanotherverycostlysuit,whichIdidnotesteemsomuchforitsrichnessasbecauseitmademelookworthytobeinhercompany.Wesatdownonasofacoveredwithrichtapestry,withcushionstoleanuponoftherarestIndianbrocade;andsoonaftershecoveredatablewithseveraldishesofdelicatemeats.Weatetogether,andpassedtheremainingpartofthedaywithmuchsatisfaction.

Thenextday,asshecontrivedeverymeanstopleaseme,shebroughtin,atdinner,abottleofoldwine,themostexcellentthateverwastasted;andoutofcomplaisanceshedranksomepartofitwithme.Whenmyheadgrewhotwiththeagreeableliquor,‘Fairprincess,’saidI,‘youhavebeentoolongthusburiedalive:followme,andenjoytherealday,fromwhichyouhavebeendeprivedsomanyyears,andabandonthisfalselightthatyouhavehere.’

‘Prince,’repliedshe,withasmile,‘stopthisdiscourse;ifoutoftendaysyouwillgrantmenine,andresignthelasttothegenie,thefairestdaythateverwaswouldbenothinginmyesteem.’

‘Princess,’saidI,‘itisthefearofthegeniethatmakesyouspeakthus;formypart,IvaluehimsolittlethatIwillbreakhistalismaninpieces.Lethimcome,Iwillexpecthim;andhowbraveorredoubtablesoeverhebe,Iwillmakehimfeeltheweightofmyarm:Iswear,solemnlythatIwillextirpateallthegeniesintheworld,andhimfirst.’Theprincess,whoknewtheconsequences,conjuredmenottotouchthetalisman;‘forthatwouldbeameans,’saidshe,‘toruinbothyouandme:Iknowwhatbelongstogeniesbetterthanyou.’Thefumesofthewinedidnotsuffermetohearkentoherreasons;butIgavethetalismanakickwithmyfoot,andbrokeitinseveralpieces.

Thetalismanwasnosoonerbroken,thanthepalacebegantoshake,andwasreadytofallwithahideousnoiselikethunder,accompaniedwithflashesoflightningandagreatdarkness.Thisterriblenoiseinamomentdispelledthefumesofmywine,andmademesensible,buttoolate,ofthefollyIhadcommitted.

‘Princess,’criedI,‘whatmeansallthis?’

Sheansweredinafright,andwithoutanyconcernforherownmisfortune,‘Alas!youareundone,ifyoudonotescapeimmediately.’

Ifollowedheradvice,andmyfearsweresogreatthatIforgotmyhatchetandcords.IhadscarcelygottothestairsbywhichIcamedown,whentheenchantedpalaceopened,andmadeapassageforthegenie:heaskedtheprincess,ingreatanger,‘Whathashappenedtoyou,andwhydidyoucallme?’

‘Aqualm,’saidtheprincess,‘mademefetchthisbottlewhichyouseehere,outofwhichIdranktwiceorthrice,andbymischancemadeafalsestep,andfelluponthetalisman,whichisbroken,andthatisall.’

Atthisanswerthefuriousgenietoldher,‘Youareafalsewoman,andaliar:howcamethataxeandthosecordsthere?’

‘Ineversawthemtillthismoment,’saidtheprincess.‘Yourcominginsuchanimpetuousmannerhas,itmaybe,forcedthemupinsomeplaceasyoucamealong,andsobroughtthemhitherwithoutyourknowingit.’

ThegeniemadenootheranswerbutreproachesandblowsofwhichIheardthenoise.Icouldnotenduretohearthepitifulcriesandshoutsoftheprincess,socruellyabused;Ihadalreadylaidoffthesuitshemademeputon,andtakenmyown,whichIhadlaidonthestairsthedaybefore,whenIcameoutofthebath;Imadehasteupstairs,distractedwithsorrowandcompassion,asIhadbeenthecauseofsogreatamisfortune.Forbysacrificingthefairestprincessonearthtothebarbarityofamercilessgenie,Iwasbecomethemostcriminalandungratefulofmankind.‘Itistrue,’saidI,‘shehasbeenaprisonerthesetwenty-fiveyears;but,libertyexcepted,shewantednothingthatcouldmakeherhappy.Myfollyhasputanendtoherhappiness,andbroughtuponherthecrueltyofanunmercifulmonster.’Iletdownthetrap-door,covereditagainwithearth,andreturnedtothecitywithaburdenofwood,whichIboundupwithoutknowingwhatIdid,sogreatwasmytroubleandsorrow.

Mylandlord,thetailor,wasverymuchrejoicedtoseeme.‘Yourabsence,’saidhe,‘hasdisquietedmeverymuch,becauseyouhadentrustedmewiththesecretofyourbirth,andIknewnotwhattothink;Iwasafraidsomebodyhaddiscoveredyou:Godbethankedforyourreturn.’Ithankedhimforhiszealandaffection,butnotaworddurstIsayofwhathadpassed,northereasonwhyIcamebackwithoutmyhatchetandcords.

Iretiredtomychamber,whereIreproachedmyselfathousandtimesformyexcessiveimprudence.‘Nothing,’saidI,‘couldhaveparalleledtheprincess’sgoodfortuneandminehadIforbornetobreakthetalisman.’

WhileIwasthusgivingmyselfovertomelancholythoughts,thetailorcamein.‘Anoldman,’saidhe,‘whomIdonotknow,bringsmehereyourhatchetandcords,whichhefoundinhisway,ashetellsme,andunderstoodfromyourcomradesthatyoulodgehere;comeoutandspeaktohim,forhewilldeliverthemtononebutyourself.’

AtthisdiscourseIchangedcolour,andbegantotremble.Whilethetailorwasaskingmethereason,mychamberdooropened,andtheoldmanappearedtouswithmyhatchetandcords.Thiswasthegenie,theravisherofthefairprincessoftheIsleofEbony,whohadthusdisguisedhimself,afterhehadtreatedherwiththeutmostbarbarity.‘Iamagenie,’saidhe,‘sonofthedaughterofEblis,princeofgenies.Isnotthisyourhatchet,andarenottheseyourcords?’

Afterthegeniehadputthequestiontome,hegavemenotimetoanswer,norwasitinmypower,somuchhadhisterribleaspectdisorderedme.Hegraspedmebythemiddle,draggedmeoutofthechamber,andmountingintotheair,carriedmeuptotheskieswithsuchswiftnessthatIwasunabletotakenoticeofthewayhecarriedme.Hedescendedagaininlikemannertotheearth,whichonasuddenhecausedtoopenwithastrokeofhisfoot,andsosankdownatonce,whereIfoundmyselfintheenchantedpalace,beforethefairprincessoftheIsleofEbony.Butalas,whataspectaclewasthere!Isawwhatpiercedmetotheheart;thispoorprincesswaswelteringinherbloodupontheground,moredeadthanalive,withhercheeksbathedintears.

‘Perfidiouswretch,’saidthegenietoher;pointingatme,‘whoisthis?’

Shecastherlanguishingeyesuponme,andansweredmournfully,‘Idonotknowhim;Ineversawhimtillthismoment.’

‘What!’saidthegenie,‘heisthecauseofthybeingintheconditionthouartjustlyin,andyetdarestthousaythoudostnotknowhim?’

‘IfIdonotknowhim,’saidtheprincess,‘wouldyouhavemetellalieonpurposetoruinhim?’

‘Ohthen,’continuedthegenie,pullingoutascimitar,andpresentingittothe

princess,‘ifyouneversawhimbefore,takethescimitarandcutoffhishead.’

‘Alas!’repliedtheprincess,‘mystrengthissofarspentthatIcannotliftupmyarm,andifIcould,howshouldIhavethehearttotakeawaythelifeofaninnocentman?’

‘Thisrefusal,’saidthegenietotheprincess,‘sufficientlyinformsmeofyourcrime.’Uponwhich,turningtome,‘Andthou,’

saidhe,‘dostthounotknowher?’

Ishouldhavebeenthemostungratefulwretch,andthemostperfidiousofallmankind,ifIhadnotshownmyselfasfaithfultotheprincessasshewastomewhohadbeenthecauseofhermisfortunes;thereforeIansweredthegenie,‘HowshouldIknowher?’

‘Ifitbeso,’saidhe,‘takethescimitarandcutoffherhead:onthisconditionIwillsettheeatliberty,forthenIshallbeconvincedthatthoudidstneverseehertillthisverymoment,asthousayest.’

‘Withallmyheart,’repliedI,andtookthescimitarinmyhand.

ButIdiditonlytodemonstratebymybehaviour,asmuchaspossible,thatasshehadshownherresolutiontosacrificeherlifeformysake,Iwouldnotrefusetosacrificemineforhers.

Theprincess,notwithstandingherpainandsuffering,understoodmymeaning,whichshesignifiedbyanobliginglook.UponthisIsteppedback,andthrewthescimitarontheground.‘Ishouldforever,’saidItothegenie,‘behatefultoallmankindwereItobesobaseastomurderaladylikethis,whoisreadytogiveuptheghost:dowithmewhatyouplease,sinceIaminyourpower;Icannotobeyyourbarbarouscommands.’

‘Isee,’saidthegenie,‘thatyoubothoutbraveme,butbothofyoushallknow,bythetreatmentIgiveyou,whatIamcapableofdoing.’Atthesewordsthemonstertookupthescimitarandcutoffoneofherhands,whichleftheronlysomuchlifeastogivemeatokenwiththeotherthatshebidmeadieuforever,thesightofwhichthrewmeintoafit.WhenIwascometomyselfagain,Iexpostulatedwiththegenieastowhyhemademelanguishinexpectationofdeath.‘Strike,’criedI,‘forIamreadytoreceivethemortalblow,andexpectit

asthegreatestfavouryoucanshowme.’Butinsteadofagreeingtothat,‘Lookyou,’saidhe,‘howgeniestreattheirwiveswhomtheysuspect:shehasreceivedyouhere,andwereIcertainthatshehadputanyfurtheraffrontuponme,Iwouldputyoutodeaththisminute:butIwillbecontenttotransformyouintoadog,ape,lion,orbird.Takeyourchoiceofanyofthese;Iwillleaveittoyourself.’

Thesewordsgavemesomehopetomollifyhim.‘Ohgenie,’saidI,‘moderateyourpassion,andsinceyouwillnottakeawaymylife,giveitmegenerously;Ishallalwaysrememberyou,ifyoupardonme,asoneofthebestmenintheworld.’

‘AllthatIcandoforyou,’saidhe,‘is,nottotakeyourlife:donotflatteryourselfthatIwillsendyoubacksafeandsound;ImustletyoufeelwhatIamabletodobymyenchantments.’Sosaying,helaidviolenthandsonme,andcarriedmeacrossthevaultofthesubterraneanpalace,whichopenedtogivehimpassage.

Thenheflewupwithmesohighthattheearthseemedtobeonlyalittlewhitecloud;fromthencehecamedownlikelightning,andalightedupontheridgeofamountain.

Therehetookupahandfulofearth,andpronounced,orrathermuttered,somewordswhichIdidnotunderstand,andthrewituponme.‘Quittheshapeofaman,’saidhetome,‘andtakeonyouthatofanape.’Hevanishedimmediately,andleftmealone,transformedintoanape,overwhelmedwithsorrowinastrangecountry,andnotknowingwhetherIwasnearorfarfrommyfather’sdominions.

Iwentdownfromthetopofthemountainandcameintoaplain,whichtookmeamonth’stimetotravelthrough,andthenIcametotheseaside.Ithappenedtobethenagreatcalm,andIespiedavesselabouthalfaleaguefromtheshore.Unwillingtolosethisgoodopportunity,Ibrokeoffalargebranchfromatree,whichIcarriedwithmetotheseaside,andsetmyselfastrideuponit,withastickineachhandtoservemeforoars.

Ilaunchedoutinthisposture,andadvancedneartheship.WhenIwasnearenoughtobeknown,theseamenandpassengersthatwereuponthedeckthoughtitanextraordinarysight,andallofthemlookeduponmewithgreat

astonishment.InthemeantimeIgotaboard,andlayingholdofarope,Ijumpeduponthedeck,buthavinglostmyspeech,Ifoundmyselfingreatperplexity;andindeedtheriskIranthenwasnothinglessthanwhenIwasatthemercyofthegenie.

Themerchants,beingbothsuperstitiousandscrupulous,believedIshouldoccasionsomemischieftotheirvoyageiftheyreceivedme;‘therefore,’saidone,‘Iwillknockhimdownwithahandspike’;saidanother,‘Iwillshootanarrowthroughhim’;saidathird,‘Letusthrowhimintothesea.’Someofthemwouldnothavefailedtodoso,ifIhadnotgottothatsidewherethecaptainwas.Ithrewmyselfathisfeet,andtookhimbythecoatinabeggingposture.Thisaction,togetherwiththetearswhichhesawgushfrommyeyes,movedhiscompassion;sothathetookmeunderhisprotection,threateningtoberevengedonhimthatwoulddometheleasthurt;andhehimselfmadeverymuchofme,whileIonmypart,thoughIhadnopowertospeak,showedallpossiblesignsofgratitudebymygestures.

Thewindthatsucceededthecalmwasgentleandfavourable,anddidnotchangeforfiftydays,butbroughtussafetotheportofafinecity,wellpeopled,andofgreattrade,thecapitalofapowerfulState,wherewecametoanchor.

Ourvesselwasspeedilysurroundedwithaninfinitenumberofboatsfullofpeople,whocametocongratulatetheirfriendsupontheirsafearrival,ortoinquireforthosetheyhadleftbehindtheminthecountryfromwhencetheycame,oroutofcuriositytoseeashipthatcamefromafarcountry.

Amongsttherest,someofficerscameonboard,desiringtospeakwiththemerchantsinthenameofthesultan.Themerchantsappearing,oneoftheofficerstoldthem,‘Thesultan,ourmaster,hathcommandedustoacquaintyouthatheisgladofyoursafearrival,andpraysyoutotakethetrouble,everyoneofyou,towritesomelinesuponthisrollofpaper.Youmustknowthatwehadaprimevizierwho,besideshavingagreatcapacitytomanageaffairs,understoodwritingtothehighestperfection.Thisministerislatelydead,atwhichthesultanisverymuchtroubled;andsincehecanneverbeholdhiswritingwithoutadmiration,hehasmadeasolemnvownottogivetheplacetoanymanbuttohimwhocanwriteaswellashedid.Manypeoplehavepresentedtheirwritings,but,sofar,nobodyinallthisempirehasbeenjudgedworthytosupplythevizier’splace.’

Thosemerchantsthatbelievedtheycouldwritewellenoughtoaspiretothishighdignitywroteoneafteranotherwhattheythoughtfit.Aftertheyhaddone,Iadvanced,andtooktherolloutofthegentleman’shand;butallthepeople,especiallythemerchants,criedout,‘Hewilltearit,orthrowitintothesea,’

tilltheysawhowproperlyIheldtheroll,andmadeasignthatIwouldwriteinmyturn;thentheywereofanotheropinion,andtheirfearturnedintoadmiration.However,sincetheyhadneverseenanapethatcouldwrite,norcouldbepersuadedthatIwasmoreingeniousthanotherapes,theytriedtosnatchtherolloutofmyhand;butthecaptaintookmypartoncemore.‘Lethimalone,’saidhe;‘sufferhimtowrite.Ifheonlyscribblesthepaper,IpromiseyouthatIwillpunishhimonthespot.If,onthecontrary,hewriteswell,asIhopehewill,becauseIneversawanapesocleverandingeniousandsoquickofapprehension,IdodeclarethatIwillownhimasmyson;Ihadonethathadnothalfthewitthathehas.’Perceivingthatnobodyopposedmydesign,ItookthepenandwrotesixsortsofhandsusedamongtheArabians,andeachspecimencontainedanextemporaryverseorpoeminpraiseofthesultan.Mywritingdidnotonlyexcelthatofthemerchants,but,Iventuretosay,theyhadnotbeforeseenanysuchfairwritinginthatcountry.WhenIhaddone,theofficerstooktheroll,andcarriedittothesultan.

Thesultantooklittlenoticeofanyoftheotherwritings,buthecarefullyconsideredmine,whichwassomuchtohislikingthathesaidtotheofficers,‘Takethefinesthorseinmystable,withtherichestharness,andarobeofthemostsumptuousbrocadetoputuponthatpersonwhowrotethesixhands,andbringhimhithertome.’Atthiscommandtheofficerscouldnotforbearlaughing.Thesultangrewangryattheirboldness,andwasreadytopunishthem,tilltheytoldhim,‘Sir,wehumblybegyourmajesty’spardon;thesehandswerenotwrittenbyaman,butbyanape.’

‘Whatdoyousay?’saidthesultan.‘Thoseadmirablecharacters,aretheynotwrittenbythehandsofaman?’

‘No,sir,’repliedtheofficers;‘wedoassureyourmajestythatitwasanape,whowrotetheminourpresence.’

Thesultanwastoomuchsurprisedatthisnottodesireasightofme,andthereforesaid,‘Bringmespeedilythatwonderfulape.’

Theofficersreturnedtothevesselandshowedthecaptaintheirorder,whoansweredthatthesultan’scommandsmustbeobeyed.

Whereupontheyclothedmewiththatrichbrocaderobeandcarriedmeashore,wheretheysetmeonhorseback,whilstthesultanwaitedformeathispalacewithagreatnumberofcourtiers,whomhegatheredtogethertodomethemorehonour.

Thecavalcadehavingbegun,theharbour,thestreets,thepublicplaces,windows,terraces,palaces,andhouseswerefilledwithaninfinitenumberofpeopleofallsorts,whoflockedfromallpartsofthecitytoseeme;fortherumourwasspreadinamomentthatthesultanhadchosenanapetobehisgrandvizier;andafterhavingservedforaspectacletothepeople,whocouldnotforbeartoexpresstheirsurprisebyredoublingtheirshoutsandcries,Iarrivedatthepalaceofthesultan.

Ifoundtheprinceonhisthroneinthemidstofthegrandees;Imademybowthreetimesverylow,andatlastkneeledandkissedthegroundbeforehim,andafterwardssatdowninthepostureofanape.Thewholeassemblyadmiredme,andcouldnotcomprehendhowitwaspossiblethatanapeshouldunderstandsowellhowtopaythesultanhisduerespect;andhehimselfwasmoreastonishedthananyone.Inshort,theusualceremonyoftheaudiencewouldhavebeencompletecouldIhaveaddedspeechtomybehaviour:butapesneverspeak,andtheadvantageIhadofhavingbeenamandidnotallowmethatprivilege.

Thesultandismissedhiscourtiers,andnoneremainedbyhimbutthechiefofthechamberlains,ayoungslave,andmyself.Hewentfromhischamberofaudienceintohisownapartment,whereheordereddinnertobebrought.Ashesatattablehegavemeasigntocomenearandeatwiththem:toshowmyobedienceIkissedtheground,stoodup,satdownattable,andatewithdiscretionandmoderation.

Beforethetablewasuncovered,Iespiedawriting-desk,whichImadeasignshouldbebroughtme:havinggotit,Iwroteuponalargepeachsomeversesaftermyway,whichtestifiedmyacknowledgmenttothesultan,whichincreasedhisastonishment.

Whenthetablewasuncovered,theybroughthimaparticularliquor,ofwhichhecausedthemtogivemeaglass.Idrank,andwroteuponitsomenewverses,

whichexplainedthestateIwasreducedtoaftermanysufferings.Thesultanreadthemlikewise,andsaid,‘Amanthatwascapableofdoingsomuchwouldbeabovethegreatestofmen.’

Thesultancausedthemtobringinachess-board,andaskedme,byasign,ifIunderstoodthegame,andwouldplaywithhim.Ikissedtheground,andlayingmyhanduponmyhead,signifiedthatIwasreadytoreceivethathonour.Hewonthefirstgame,butIwonthesecondandthird;andperceivinghewassomewhatdispleasedatit,Imadeapoemtopacifyhim;inwhichItoldhimthattwopotentarmieshadbeenfightingfuriouslyallday,butthattheymadeupapeacetowardstheevening,andpassedtheremainingpartofthenightverypeaceablytogetheruponthefieldofbattle.

Somanycircumstancesappearingtothesultanfarbeyondwhateveranyonehadeitherseenorknownoftheclevernessorsenseofapes,hedeterminednottobetheonlywitnessofthoseprodigieshimself;buthavingadaughter,calledtheLadyofBeauty,onwhomthechiefofthechamberlains,thenpresent,waited,‘Go,’saidthesultantohim,‘andbidyourladycomehither:Iamdesiroussheshouldsharemypleasure.’

Thechamberlainwent,andimmediatelybroughttheprincess,whohadherfaceuncovered;butshehadnosoonercomeintotheroomthansheputonherveil,andsaidtothesultan,‘Sir,yourmajestymustneedshaveforgottenyourself:Iamverymuchsurprisedthatyourmajestyhassentformetoappearamongmen.’

‘Nay,daughter,’saidthesultan,‘youdonotknowwhatyousay:hereisnobodybutthelittleslave,thechamberlainyourattendantandmyself,whohavethelibertytoseeyourface;andyetyouloweryourveil,andblamemeforhavingsentforyouhither.’

‘Sir,’saidtheprincess,‘yourmajestyshallsoonunderstandthatIamnotinthewrong.Thatapeyouseebeforeyou,thoughhehastheshapeofanape,isayoungprince,sonofagreatking;hehasbeenmetamorphosedintoanapebyenchantment.Agenie,thesonofthedaughterofEblis,hasmaliciouslydonehimthiswrong,afterhavingcruellytakenawaythelifeofthePrincessoftheIsleofEbony,daughtertotheKingEpitimarus.’

Thesultan,astonishedatthisdiscourse,turnedtowardsmeandaskednomore

bysigns,butinplainwordsifitwastruewhathisdaughtersaid?SeeingIcouldnotspeak,Iputmyhandtomyheadtosignifythatwhattheprincessspokewastrue.Uponthisthesultansaidagaintohisdaughter,‘Howdoyouknowthatthisprincehasbeentransformedbyenchantmentsintoanape?’

‘Sir,’repliedtheLadyofBeauty,‘yourmajestymayrememberthatwhenIwaspastmyinfancy,Ihadanoldladytowaituponme;shewasamostexpertmagician,andtaughtmeseventyrulesofmagic,byvirtueofwhichIcantransportyourcapitalcityintothemidstoftheseainthetwinklingofaneye,orbeyondMountCaucasus.BythisscienceIknowallenchantedpersonsatfirstsight.Iknowwhotheyare,andbywhomtheyhavebeenenchanted.ThereforedonotbesurprisedifIshouldforthwithrelievethisprince,inspiteoftheenchantments,fromthatwhichhindershimfromappearinginyoursightwhathenaturallyis.’

‘Daughter,’saidthesultan,‘Ididnotbelieveyoutohaveunderstoodsomuch.’

‘Sir,’repliedtheprincess,‘thesethingsarecuriousandworthknowing,butIthinkIoughtnottoboastofthem.’

‘Sinceitisso,’saidthesultan,‘youcandispeltheprince’senchantment.’

‘Yes,sir,’saidtheprincess,‘Icanrestorehimtohisfirstshapeagain.’

‘Doitthen,’saidthesultan;‘youcannotdomeagreaterpleasure,forIwillhavehimtobemyvizier,andheshallmarryyou.’

‘Sir,’saidtheprincess,‘Iamreadytoobeyyouinallthatyoumaybepleasedtocommandme.’

Theprincess,theLadyofBeauty,wentintoherapartment,fromwhenceshebroughtinaknife,whichhadsomeHebrewwordsengravenontheblade;shemadethesultan,themasterofthechamberlains,thelittleslave,andmyself,godownintoaprivatecourtofthepalace,andthereleftusunderagallerythatwentroundit.Sheplacedherselfinthemiddleofthecourt,whereshemadeagreatcircle,andwithinitshewroteseveralwordsinArabiccharacters,someofthemancient,andothersofthosewhichtheycallthecharactersofCleopatra.

Whenshehadfinishedandpreparedthecircleasshethoughtfit,sheplacedherselfinthecentreofit,whereshebeganspells,andrepeatedversesoutofthe

Koran.Theairgrewinsensiblydark,asifithadbeennightandthewholeworldabouttobedissolved;wefoundourselvesstruckwithapanic,andthisfearincreasedthemorewhenwesawthegenie,thesonofthedaughterofEblis,appearonasuddenintheshapeofalionofafrightfulsize.

Assoonastheprincessperceivedthismonster,‘Youdog,’saidshe,‘insteadofcreepingbeforeme,dareyoupresentyourselfinthisshape,thinkingtofrightenme?’

‘Andthou,’repliedthelion,‘artthounotafraidtobreakthetreatywhichwassolemnlymadeandconfirmedbetweenusbyoath,nottowrongortodooneanotheranyhurt?’

‘Oh!thoucursedcreature!’repliedtheprincess,‘Icanjustlyreproachtheewithdoingso.’

Thelionansweredfiercely,‘Thoushaltquicklyhavethyrewardforthetroublethouhastgivenmetoreturn.’Withthatheopenedhisterriblethroat,andranathertodevourher,butshe,beingonherguard,leapedbackward,gottimetopulloutoneofherhairsand,bypronouncingthreeorfourwords,changeditintoasharpsword,wherewithshecutthelionthroughthemiddleintwopieces.

Thetwopartsofthelionvanished,andtheheadonlywasleft,whichchangeditselfintoalargescorpion.Immediatelytheprincessturnedherselfintoaserpent,andfoughtthescorpion,whofindinghimselfworsted,tooktheshapeofaneagle,andflewaway;buttheserpentatthesametimetookalsotheshapeofaneaglethatwasblackandmuchstronger,andpursuedhim,sothatwelostsightofthemboth.

Sometimeaftertheyhaddisappeared,thegroundopenedbeforeus,andoutofitcameforthacat,blackandwhite,withherhairstandingupright,andmewinginafrightfulmanner;ablackwolffollowedherclose,andgavehernotimetorest.Thecat,beingthushardbeset,changedherselfintoaworm,andbeingnightoapomegranatethathadaccidentallyfallenfromatreethatgrewonthesideofacanalwhichwasdeepbutnotbroad,thewormpiercedthepomegranateinaninstant,andhiditself.Thepomegranateswelledimmediately,andbecameasbigasagourd,which,mountinguptotheroofofthegallery,rolledthereforsomespacebackwardsandforwards,felldownagainintothecourt,andbrokeintoseveralpieces.

Thewolf,whichhadinthemeanwhiletransformeditselfintoacock,felltopickinguptheseedsofthepomegranateoneafteranother,butfindingnomore,hecametowardsuswithhiswingsspread,makingagreatnoise,asifhewouldaskuswhethertherewereanymoreseeds.Therewasonelyingonthebrinkofthecanal,whichthecockperceivedashewentback,andranspeedilythither,butjustashewasgoingtopickitup,theseedrolledintotheriver,andturnedintoalittlefish.

Thecockjumpedintotheriverandwasturnedintoapikethatpursuedthesmallfish;theycontinuedbothunderwaterforovertwohours,andweknewnotwhathadbecomeofthem.Allofasuddenweheardterriblecries,whichmadeustremble,andalittlewhileafterwesawthegenieandprincessallinflames.Theythrewflashesoffireoutoftheirmouthsateachother,tilltheycametoclosequarters;thenthetwofiresincreased,withathickburningsmoke,whichmountedsohighthatwehadreasontofearitwouldsetthepalaceonfire.Butweverysoonhadamoreurgentreasonforfear,forthegenie,havinggotloosefromtheprincess,cametothegallerywherewestood,andblewflamesoffireuponus.Weshouldallhaveperishediftheprincess,runningtoourassistance,hadnotbyhercriesforcedhimtoretire,anddefendhimselfagainsther;yet,notwithstandingallherexertions,shecouldnothinderthesultan’sbeardfrombeingburnt,andhisfacespoiled,northechiefofthechamberlainsfrombeingstifledandburntonthespot.ThesultanandIexpectednothingbutdeath,whenweheardacryof‘Victory,victory!’andonasuddentheprincessappearedinhernaturalshape,butthegeniewasreducedtoaheapofashes.

Theprincesscameneartousthatshemightnotlosetime,calledforacupfulofwater,whichtheyoungslave,whohadreceivednodamage,broughther.Shetookit,andafterpronouncingsomewordsoverit,threwituponme,saying,‘Ifthouartbecomeanapebyenchantment,changethyshape,andtakethatofaman,whichthouhadstbefore.’ThesewordswerehardlyutteredwhenIbecameamanasIwasbefore.

Iwaspreparingtogivethankstotheprincess,butshepreventedmebyaddressingherselftoherfather,thus:‘Sir,Ihavegainedthevictoryoverthegenie,asyourmajestymaysee;butitisavictorythatcostsmedear.Ihavebutafewminutestolive,andyouwillnothavethesatisfactionofmakingthematchyouintended;thefirehaspiercedmeduringtheterriblecombat,andIfinditisconsumingmebydegrees.ThiswouldnothavehappenedhadIperceivedthelastofthepomegranateseeds,andswalloweditasIdidtheothers,whenIwas

changedintoacock;thegeniehadfledthitherastohislastentrenchment,anduponthatthesuccessofthecombatdepended,withoutdangertome.Thisslipobligedmetohaverecoursetofire,andtofightwiththosemightyarmsasIdidbetweenheavenandearth,inyourpresence;for,inspiteofallhisredoubtableartandexperience,ImadethegenieknowthatIunderstoodmorethanhe.Ihaveconqueredandreducedhimtoashes,butIcannotescapedeath,whichisapproaching.’

Thesultansufferedtheprincess,theLadyOrBeauty,togoonwiththerecitalofhercombat,andwhenshehaddonehespoketoherinatonethatsufficientlytestifiedhisgrief:‘Mydaughter,’saidhe,‘youseeinwhatconditionyourfatheris;alas!IwonderthatIamyetalive!’Hecouldspeaknomore,forhistears,sighsandsobsmadehimspeechless;hisdaughterandIweptwithhim.

Inthemeantime,whilewewerevieingwitheachotheringrieftheprincesscried,‘Iburn!Iburn!’Shefoundthatthefirewhichconsumedherhadatlastseizeduponherwholebody,whichmadeherstillcry‘Iburn,’untildeathhadmadeanendofherintolerablepains.Theeffectofthatfirewassoextraordinarythatinafewmomentsshewaswhollyreducedtoashes,likethegenie.

HowgrievedIwasatsodismalaspectacle!Ihadratherallmylifehavecontinuedanapeoradogthantohaveseenmybenefactressthusmiserablyperish.Thesultan,beingafflictedbeyondallthatcanbeimagined,criedoutpiteously,andbeathimselfonhishead,untilbeingquiteovercomewithgrief,hefaintedaway,whichmademefearforhislife.Inthemeantimetheofficerscamerunningatthesultan’scries,andwithverymuchadobroughthimtohimselfagain.Therewasnoneedforhimandmetogivethemalongnarrativeofthisadventure,inordertoconvincethemoftheirgreatloss.Thetwoheapsofashes,intowhichtheprincessandthegeniehadbeenreduced,weresufficientdemonstration.Thesultanwashardlyabletostand,buthadtobesupportedtillhecouldgettohisapartment.

Whenthenewsofthetragicaleventhadspreadthroughthepalaceandthecity,allthepeoplebewailedthemisfortuneoftheprincess,theLadyofBeauty,andweremuchaffectedbythesultan’saffliction.Everyonewasindeepmourningforsevendays,andmanyceremonieswereperformed.Theashesofthegeniewerethrownintotheair,butthoseoftheprincessweregatheredintoapreciousurntobekept,andtheurnwassetinastatelytombwhichwasbuiltforthatpurposeonthesameplacewheretheasheshadlain.

Thegriefwhichthesultanfeltforthelossofhisdaughterthrewhimintoafitofillness,whichconfinedhimtohischamberforawholemonth.Hehadnotfullyrecoveredstrengthwhenhesentforme:‘Prince,’saidhe,‘hearkentotheordersthatInowgiveyou;itwillcostyouyourlifeifyoudonotputthemintoexecution.’

Iassuredhimofexactobedience,uponwhichhewentonthus:‘Ihaveconstantlylivedinperfectfelicity,andwasnevercrossedbyanyaccident:butbyyourarrivalallthehappinessIpossessedisvanished;mydaughterisdead,herattendantisnomore,anditisthroughamiraclethatIamyetalive.Youarethecauseofallthosemisfortunes,forwhichitisimpossiblethatIshouldbecomforted;thereforedepartfromhenceinpeace,withoutfartherdelay,forImyselfmustperishifyoustayanylonger:Iampersuadedthatyourpresencebringsmischiefalong,withit.ThisisallIhavetosaytoyou.Depart,andbewareofeverappearingagaininmydominions;noconsiderationwhatsoevershallhindermefrommakingyourepentofit.’Iwasgoingtospeak,buthestoppedmymouthwithwordsfullofanger;andsoIwasobligedtoleavehispalace,rejected,banished,anoutcastfromtheworld,andnotknowingwhatwouldbecomeofme.AndsoIbecameahermit.

THEFIRSTVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

Myfatherleftmeaconsiderableestate,thebestpartofwhichIspentinriotouslivingduringmyyouth;butIperceivedmyerror,andreflectedthatricheswereperishable,andquicklyconsumedbysuchillmanagersasmyself.IfurtherconsideredthatbymyirregularwayoflivingIhadwretchedlymisspentmytimewhichisthemostvaluablethingintheworld.Struckwiththosereflections,Icollectedtheremainsofmyfurniture,andsoldallmypatrimonybypublicauctiontothehighestbidder.ThenIenteredintoacontractwithsomemerchants,whotradedbysea:ItooktheadviceofsuchasIthoughtmostcapabletogiveitme;andresolvingtoimprovewhatmoneyIhad,IwenttoBalsoraandembarkedwithseveralmerchantsonboardashipwhichwejointlyfittedout.

Wesetsail,andsteeredourcoursetowardstheEastIndies,throughthePersianGulf,whichisformedbythecoastsofArabiaFelixontheright,andbythoseofPersiaontheleft,and,accordingtocommonopinion,isseventyleaguesacrossatthebroadestpart.Theeasternsea,aswellasthatoftheIndies,isveryspacious:itisboundedononesidebythecoastsofAbyssinia,andis4,500

leaguesinlengthtotheislesofVakvak.

AtfirstIwastroubledwithsea-sickness,butspeedilyrecoveredmyhealth,andwasnotafterwardstroubledwiththatdisease.

Inourvoyagewetouchedatseveralislands,wherewesoldorexchangedourgoods.Oneday,whilstundersail,wewerebecalmednearalittleisland,almostevenwiththesurfaceofthewater,whichresembledagreenmeadow.Thecaptainorderedhissailstobefurled,andpermittedsuchpersonsashadamindtodosotolandupontheisland,amongstwhomIwasone.

Butwhileweweredivertingourselveswitheatinganddrinking,andrecoveringourselvesfromthefatigueofthesea,theislandonasuddentrembled,andshookusterribly.

Theyperceivedthetremblingoftheislandonboardtheship,andcalledustore-embarkspeedily,orweshouldallbelost,forwhatwetookforanislandwasonlythebackofawhale.Thenimblestgotintothesloop,othersbetookthemselvestoswimming;butformypartIwasstilluponthebackofthewhalewhenhedivedintothesea,andhadtimeonlytocatchholdofapieceofwoodthatwehadbroughtoutoftheshiptomakeafire.Meanwhile,thecaptain,havingreceivedthoseonboardwhowereinthesloop,andtakenupsomeofthosethatswam,resolvedtousethefavourablegalethathadjustrisen,andhoistinghissails,pursuedhisvoyage,sothatitwasimpossibleformetoregaintheship.

ThuswasIexposedtothemercyofthewaves,andstruggledformylifealltherestofthedayandthefollowingnight.NextmorningIfoundmystrengthgone,anddespairedofsavingmylife,whenhappilyawavethrewmeagainstanisland.Thebankwashighandrugged,sothatIcouldscarcelyhavegotuphaditnotbeenforsomerootsoftrees,whichfortuneseemedtohavepreservedinthisplaceformysafety.Beinggotup,Ilaydownuponthegroundhalfdeaduntilthesunappeared;then,thoughIwasveryfeeble,bothbyreasonofmyhardlabourandwantoffood,Icreptalongtolookforsomeherbsfittoeat,andhadthegoodlucknotonlytofindsome,butlikewiseaspringofexcellentwater,whichcontributedmuchtorestoreme.AfterthisIadvancedfartherintotheisland,andcameatlastintoafineplain,whereIperceivedahorsefeedingatagreatdistance.Iwenttowardshim,betweenhopeandfear,notknowingwhetherIwasgoingtolosemylifeorsaveit.

PresentlyIheardthevoiceofamanfromunderground,whoimmediatelyappearedtome,andaskedwhoIwas.Igavehimanaccountofmyadventure;afterwhich,takingmebythehand,heledmeintoacave,wheretherewereseveralotherpeople,nolessamazedtoseemethanIwastoseethem.

Iatesomevictualswhichtheyofferedme,andthenaskedthemwhattheydidinsuchadesertplace.TheyansweredthattheyweregroomsbelongingtoKingMihrage,sovereignoftheisland,andthateveryyeartheybroughtthithertheking’shorses.Theyaddedthattheyweretogethometo-morrow,andhadIbeenonedaylaterImusthaveperished,becausetheinhabitedpartoftheislandwasatagreatdistance,anditwouldhavebeenimpossibleformetohavegotthitherwithoutaguide.

Nextmorningtheyreturnedwiththeirhorsestothecapitaloftheisland,tookmewiththem,andpresentedmetoKingMihrage.HeaskedmewhoIwas,andbywhatadventureIcameintohisdominions?And,afterIhadsatisfiedhimhetoldmehewasmuchconcernedformymisfortune,andatthesametimeorderedthatIshouldwantfornothing,whichhisofficersweresogenerousandcarefulastoseeexactlyfulfilled.

Beingamerchant,Ifrequentedthesocietyofmenofmyownprofession,andparticularlyinquiredforthosewhowerestrangers,ifperhapsImighthearanynewsfromBagdad,orfindanopportunitytoreturnthither,forKingMihrage’scapitalwassituatedontheedgeofthesea,andhadafineharbour,whereshipsarriveddailyfromthedifferentquartersoftheworld.IfrequentedalsothesocietyofthelearnedIndians,andtookdelightinhearingthemdiscourse;butwithalItookcaretomakemycourtregularlytotheking,andconversedwiththegovernorsandpettykings,histributaries,thatwereabouthim.Theyaskedmeathousandquestionsaboutmycountry,andI,beingwillingtoinformmyselfastotheirlawsandcustoms,askedthemeverythingwhichIthoughtworthknowing.

TherebelongedtothiskinganislandnamedCassel.Theyassuredmethateverynightanoiseofdrumswasheardthere,whencethemarinersfanciedthatitwastheresidenceofDegial.Ihadagreatmindtoseethiswonderfulplace,andonmywaythithersawfishesofonehundredandtwohundredcubitslong,thatoccasionmorefearthanhurt,fortheyaresotimidthattheywillflyattherattlingoftwosticksorboards.Isawlikewiseotherfishes,aboutacubitinlength,thathadheadslikeowls.

AsIwasonedayattheportaftermyreturn,ashiparrived,andassoonasshecastanchor,theybegantounloadher,andthemerchantsonboardorderedtheirgoodstobecarriedintothewarehouse.AsIcastmyeyeuponsomebales,andlookedatthename,Ifoundmyown,andperceivedthebalestobethesamethatIhadembarkedatBalsora.Ialsoknewthecaptain;butbeingpersuadedthathebelievedmetobedrowned,Iwentandaskedhimwhosebalestheywere.Hereplied:‘TheybelongedtoamerchantofBagdad,calledSinbad,whocametoseawithus;butoneday,beingnearanisland,aswethought,hewentashorewithseveralotherpassengersuponthissupposedisland,whichwasonlyamonstrouswhalethatlayasleepuponthesurfaceofthewater;butassoonashefelttheheatofthefiretheyhadkindledonhisbacktodresssomevictualshebegantomove,anddivedunderwater:mostofthepersonswhowereuponhimperished,andamongthemunfortunateSinbad.Thosebalesbelongedtohim,andIamresolvedtotradewiththemuntilImeetwithsomeofhisfamily,towhomImayreturntheprofit.’

‘Captain,’saidI,‘IamthatSinbadwhomyouthoughttobedead,andthosebalesaremine.’

Whenthecaptainheardmespeakthus,‘Oheaven,’saidhe,‘whomcanweevertrustnow-a-days?Thereisnofaithleftamongmen.IsawSinbadperishwithmyowneyes,andthepassengersonboardsawitaswellasI,andyetyoutellmeyouarethatSinbad.Whatimpudenceisthis!Tolookatyou,onewouldtakeyoutobeamanofhonesty,andyetyoutellahorriblefalsehood,inordertopossessyourselfofwhatdoesnotbelongtoyou.’

‘Havepatience,captain,’repliedI;‘domethefavourtohearwhatIhavetosay.’

‘Verywell,’saidhe,‘speak;Iamreadytohearyou.’ThenItoldhimhowIescaped,andbywhatadventureImetwiththegroomsofKingMihrage,whobroughtmetohiscourt.

HewassoonpersuadedthatIwasnocheat,fortherecamepeoplefromhisshipwhoknewme,paidmegreatcompliments,andexpressedmuchjoytoseemealive.Atlastheknewmehimself,andembracingme,‘Heavenbepraised,’saidhe,‘foryourhappyescape;Icannotenoughexpressmyjoyforit:thereareyourgoods;takeanddowiththemwhatyouwill.’Ithankedhim,acknowledgedhishonesty,andinreturnofferedhimpartofmygoodsasapresent,whichhegenerouslyrefused.

Itookoutwhatwasmostvaluableinmybales,andpresentedittoKingMihrage,who,knowingmymisfortune,askedmehowIcamebysuchrarities.Iacquaintedhimwiththewholestory.Hewasmightilypleasedatmygoodluck,acceptedmypresent,andgavemeonemuchmoreconsiderableinreturn.UponthisItookleaveofhim,andwentaboardthesameship,afterIhadexchangedmygoodsforthecommoditiesofthatcountry.Icarriedwithmewoodofaloes,sandal,camphor,nutmegs,cloves,pepper,andginger.Wepassedbyseveralislands,andatlastarrivedatBalsora,fromwhenceIcametothiscity,withthevalueofonehundredthousandsequins.MyfamilyandIreceivedoneanotherwithtransportsofsincerefriendship.Iboughtslavesandfinelands,andbuiltmeagreathouse.AndthusIsettledmyself,resolvingtoforgetthemiseriesIhadsuffered,andtoenjoythepleasuresoflife.

THESECONDVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR

Idesigned,aftermyfirstvoyage,tospendtherestofmydaysatBagdad;butitwasnotlongereIgrewwearyofaquietlife.Myinclinationtotraderevived.IboughtgoodssuitedtothecommerceIintended,andputtoseaasecondtime,withmerchantsofknownprobity.Weembarkedonboardagoodship,andafterrecommendingourselvestoGod,setsail.Wetradedfromislandtoisland,andexchangedcommoditieswithgreatprofit.Onedaywelandedonanislandcoveredwithseveralsortsoffruittrees,butsounpeopled,thatwecouldseeneithermannorbeastuponit.Wewenttotakealittlefreshairinthemeadows,andalongthestreamsthatwateredthem.Whilstsomedivertedthemselveswithgatheringflowers,andotherswithgatheringfruits,Itookmywineandprovisions,andsatdownbyastreambetwixttwogreattrees,whichformedacuriousshape.Imadeaverygoodmeal,andafterwardsfellasleep.

IcannottellhowlongIslept,butwhenIawoketheshipwasgone.

Iwasverymuchsurprisedtofindtheshipgone.Igotupandlookedabouteverywhere,andcouldnotseeoneofthemerchantswholandedwithme.AtlastIperceivedtheshipundersail,butatsuchadistancethatIlostsightofherinaverylittletime.

Ileaveyoutoguessatmymelancholyreflectionsinthissadcondition.Iwasreadytodiewithgrief:Icriedoutsadly,beatmyheadandbreast,andthrewmyselfdownupontheground,whereIlaysometimeinaterribleagony.Iupbraidedmyselfahundredtimesfornotbeingcontentwiththeproduceofmy

firstvoyage,thatmightwellhaveservedmeallmylife.Butallthiswasinvain,andmyrepentanceoutofseason.

AtlastIresignedmyselftothewillofGod;andnotknowingwhattodo,Iclimbeduptothetopofagreattree,fromwhenceIlookedaboutonallsidestoseeiftherewasanythingthatcouldgivemehope.WhenIlookedtowardsthesea,Icouldseenothingbutskyandwater,butlookingtowardsthelandIsawsomethingwhite;and,comingdownfromthetree,ItookupwhatprovisionIhadleftandwenttowardsit,thedistancebeingsogreatthatIcouldnotdistinguishwhatitwas.

WhenIcamenearer,Ithoughtittobeawhitebowlofaprodigiousheightandbigness;andwhenIcameuptoitItouchedit,andfoundittobeverysmooth.Iwentroundtoseeifitwasopenonanyside,butsawitwasnot,andthattherewasnoclimbinguptothetopofit,itwassosmooth.Itwasatleastfiftypacesround.

Bythistimethesunwasreadytoset,andallofasuddentheskybecameasdarkasifithadbeencoveredwithathickcloud.Iwasmuchastonishedatthissuddendarkness,butmuchmorewhenIfounditwasoccasionedbyabird,ofamonstroussize,thatcameflyingtowardme.Irememberedafowl,calledroc,thatIhadoftenheardmarinersspeakof,andconceivedthatthegreatbowl,whichIsomuchadmired,mustneedsbeitsegg.Inshort,thebirdlighted,andsatovertheeggtohatchit.AsIperceivedhercoming,Icreptclosetotheegg,sothatIhadbeforemeoneofthelegsofthebird,whichwasasbigasthetrunkofatree.Itiedmyselfstronglytoitwiththecloththatwentroundmyturban,inhopesthatwhentherocflewawaynextmorningshewouldcarrymewithheroutofthisdesertisland.Andafterhavingpassedthenightinthiscondition,thebirdreallyflewawaynextmorning,assoonasitwasday,andcarriedmesohighthatIcouldnotseetheearth.

Thenshedescendedallofasudden,withsomuchrapiditythatIlostmysenses;butwhentherocwassettled,andIfoundmyselfupontheground,Ispeedilyuntiedtheknot,andhadscarcelydonesowhenthebird,havingtakenupaserpentofamonstrouslengthinherbill,flewaway.

Theplacewheresheleftmewasaverydeepvalley,encompassedonallsideswithmountains,sohighthattheyseemedtoreachabovetheclouds,andsofullofsteeprocksthattherewasnopossibilityofgettingoutofthevalley.Thiswas

anewperplexity,sothatwhenIcomparedthisplacewiththedesertislandfromwhichtherocbroughtme,IfoundthatIhadgainednothingbythechange.

AsIwalkedthroughthisvalleyIperceiveditwasstrewnwithdiamonds,someofwhichwereofsurprisingbigness.Itookagreatdealofpleasureinlookingatthem;butspeedilyIsawatadistancesuchobjectsasverymuchdiminishedmysatisfaction,andwhichIcouldnotlookuponwithoutterror;theywereagreatnumberofserpents,sobigandsolongthattheleastofthemwascapableofswallowinganelephant.Theyretiredinthedaytimetotheirdens,wheretheyhidthemselvesfromtheroc,theirenemy,anddidnotcomeoutbutinthenight-time.

Ispentthedayinwalkingaboutthevalley,restingmyselfattimesinsuchplacesasIthoughtmostsuitable.WhennightcameonIwentintoacave,whereIthoughtImightbeinsafety.Istoppedthemouthofit,whichwaslowandstraight,withagreatstone,topreservemefromtheserpents,butnotsoexactlyfittedastohinderlightfromcomingin.Isuppedonpartofmyprovisions,buttheserpents,whichbegantoappear,hissingaboutinthemeantime,putmeintosuchextremefearthatyoumayeasilyimagineIdidnotsleep.Whendayappearedtheserpentsretired,andIcameoutofthecavetrembling.IcanjustlysaythatIwalkedalongtimeupondiamondswithoutfeelinganinclinationtotouchanyofthem.AtlastIsatdown,andnotwithstandingmyuneasiness,nothavingshutmyeyesduringthenight,Ifellasleep,afterhavingeatenalittlemoreofmyprovisions;butIhadscarcelyshutmyeyeswhensomethingthatfellbymewithgreatnoiseawakenedme.Thiswasagreatpieceoffreshmeat,andatthesametimeIsawseveralothersfalldownfromtherocksindifferentplaces.

IhadalwayslookeduponitasafablewhenIheardmarinersandothersdiscourseofthevalleyofdiamonds,andofthestratagemsmadeuseofbysomemerchantstogetjewelsfromthence;butnowIfoundittobetrue.For,inreality,thosemerchantscometotheneighbourhoodofthisvalleywhentheeagleshaveyoungones,andthrowinggreatjointsofmeatintothevalley,thediamonds,uponwhosepointstheyfall,sticktothem;theeagles,whicharestrongerinthiscountrythananywhereelse,pouncewithgreatforceuponthosepiecesofmeat,andcarrythemtotheirnestsuponthetopoftherockstofeedtheiryoungwith,atwhichtimethemerchants,runningtotheirnests,frightentheeaglesbytheirnoise,andtakeawaythediamondsthatsticktothemeat.Andthisstratagemtheymakeuseoftogetthediamondsoutofthevalley,whichissurroundedwithsuchprecipicesthatnobodycanenterit.

Ibelievedtillthenthatitwasnotpossibleformetogetoutofthisabyss,whichIlookeduponasmygrave;butnowIchangedmymind,forthefallinginofthosepiecesofmeatputmeinhopesofawayofsavingmylife.

IbegantogathertogetherthelargestdiamondsthatIcouldsee,andputthemintotheleathernbaginwhichIusedtocarrymyprovisions.IafterwardstookthelargestpieceofmeatIcouldfind,tieditcloseroundmewiththeclothofmyturban,andthenlaidmyselfupontheground,withmyfacedownward,thebagofdiamondsbeingtiedfasttomygirdle,sothatitcouldnotpossiblydropoff.

Ihadscarcelylaidmedownbeforetheeaglescame.Eachofthemseizedapieceofmeat,andoneofthestrongesthavingtakenmeup,withapieceofmeatonmyback,carriedmetohisnestonthetopofthemountain.Themerchantsfellstraightwaytoshouting,tofrightentheeagles;andwhentheyhadobligedthemtoquittheirprey,oneofthemcametothenestwhereIwas.Hewasverymuchafraidwhenhesawme,butrecoveringhimself,insteadofinquiringhowIcamethither,hebegantoquarrelwithme,andaskedwhyIstolehisgoods.‘Youwilltreatme,’repliedI,‘withmorecivilitywhenyouknowmebetter.Donottroubleyourself;Ihavediamondsenoughforyouandmyselftoo,morethanalltheothermerchantstogether.Iftheyhaveany,itisbychance;butIchosemyselfinthebottomofthevalleyallthosewhichyouseeinthisbag’;andhavingspokenthosewords,Ishowedthemtohim.Ihadscarcelydonespeaking,whentheothermerchantscametroopingaboutus,muchastonishedtoseeme;buttheyweremuchmoresurprisedwhenItoldthemmystory.Yettheydidnotsomuchadmiremystratagemtosavemyselfasmycouragetoattemptit.

Theytookmetotheplacewheretheywerestayingalltogether,andtherehavingopenedmybag,theyweresurprisedatthelargenessofmydiamonds,andconfessedthatinallthecourtswheretheyhadbeentheyhadneverseenanythatcamenearthem.Iprayedthemerchanttowhomthenestbelonged(foreverymerchanthadhisown),totakeasmanyforhisshareashepleased.Hecontentedhimselfwithone,andthattootheleastofthem;andwhenIpressedhimtotakemore,withoutfearofdoingmeanyinjury,‘No,’saidhe,‘Iamverywellsatisfiedwiththis,whichisvaluableenoughtosavemethetroubleofmakinganymorevoyagestoraiseasgreatafortuneasIdesire.’

Ispentthenightwiththosemerchants,towhomItoldmystoryasecondtime,forthesatisfactionofthosewhohadnotheardit.IcouldnotmoderatemyjoywhenIfoundmyselfdeliveredfromthedangerIhavementioned.IthoughtI

wasinadream,andcouldscarcelybelievemyselftobeoutofdanger.

Themerchantshadthrowntheirpiecesofmeatintothevalleyforseveraldays,andeachofthembeingsatisfiedwiththediamondsthathadfallentohislot,welefttheplacenextmorningalltogether,andtravellednearhighmountains,wheretherewereserpentsofaprodigiouslength,whichwehadthegoodfortunetoescape.WetookshipatthenearestportandcametotheIsleofRoha,wherethetreesgrowthatyieldcamphor.Thistreeissolarge,anditsbranchessothick,thatahundredmenmayeasilysitunderitsshade.Thejuiceofwhichthecamphorismaderunsoutfromaholeboredintheupperpartofthetree,isreceivedinavessel,whereitgrowsthick,andbecomeswhatwecallcamphor;andthejuicethusdrawnoutthetreewithersanddies.

Thereisinthisislandtherhinoceros,acreaturelessthantheelephant,butgreaterthanthebuffalo;ithasahornuponitsnoseaboutacubitlong;thishornissolid,andcleftinthemiddlefromoneendtotheother,andthereareuponitwhitelines,representingthefigureofaman.Therhinocerosfightswiththeelephant,runshishornintohim,andcarrieshimoffuponhishead;butthebloodoftheelephantrunningintohiseyesandmakinghimblind,hefallstotheground,andthen,strangetorelate,theroccomesandcarriesthembothawayinherclawstobefoodforheryoungones.

HereIexchangedsomeofmydiamondsforgoodmerchandise.Fromthencewewenttootherisles,andatlast,havingtouchedatseveraltradingtownsofthemainland,welandedatBalsora,fromwhenceIwenttoBagdad.ThereIimmediatelygavegreatalmstothepoor,andlivedhonourablyuponthevastrichesIhadgainedwithsomuchfatigue.

THETHIRDVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

ThepleasuresofthelifewhichIthenledsoonmademeforgettherisksIhadruninmytwoformervoyages;but,beingthenintheflowerofmyageIgrewwearyoflivingwithoutbusiness;andhardeningmyselfagainstthethoughtofanydangerImightincur,IwentfromBagdad,withtherichestcommoditiesofthecountry,toBalsora:thereIembarkedagainwiththemerchants.Wemadealongvoyage,andtouchedatseveralports,wherewedroveaconsiderabletrade.Oneday,beingoutinthemainocean,wewereattackedbyahorribletempest,whichmadeusloseourcourse.Thetempestcontinuedseveraldays,andbroughtusbeforetheportofanisland,wherethecaptainwasveryunwillingtoenter;but

wewereobligedtocastanchorthere.Whenwehadfurledoursailsthecaptaintoldusthatthisandsomeotherneighbouringislandswereinhabitedbyhairysavages,whowouldspeedilyattackus;andthoughtheywerebutdwarfs,yetourmisfortunewasthatwemustmakenoresistance,fortheyweremoreinnumberthanthelocusts;andifwehappenedtokilloneofthemtheywouldallfalluponusanddestroyus.

Thisdiscourseofthecaptainputthewholecompanyintoagreatconsternation;andwefoundverysoon,toourcost,thatwhathehadtolduswasbuttootrue;aninnumerablemultitudeoffrightfulsavages,coveredalloverwithredhair,andabouttwofeethigh,cameswimmingtowardsus,andinalittletimeencompassedourship.Theyspoketousastheycamenear,butweunderstoodnottheirlanguage;theyclimbedupthesidesoftheshipwithanagilitythatsurprisedus.Webeheldallthiswithmortalfear,withoutdaringtooffertodefendourselves,ortospeakonewordtodivertthemfromtheirmischievousdesign.Inshort,theytookdownoursails,cutthecable,and,haulingtotheshore,madeusallgetout,andafterwardscarriedtheshipintoanotherisland,fromwhencetheyhadcome.Alltravellerscarefullyavoidedthatislandwheretheyleftus,itbeingverydangeroustostaythere,forareasonyoushallhearanon;butwewereforcedtobearourafflictionwithpatience.

Wewentforwardintotheisland,wherewefoundsomefruitsandherbstoprolongourlivesaslongaswecould;butweexpectednothingbutdeath.Aswewentonweperceivedatadistanceagreatpileofbuilding,andmadetowardsit.Wefoundittobeapalace,wellbuilt,andverylofty,withagateofebonywithdoubledoors,whichwethrustopen.Weenteredthecourt,wherewesawbeforeusavastapartmentwithaporch,havingononesideaheapofmen’sbones,andontheotheravastnumberofroastingspits.Wetrembledatthisspectacle,and,beingwearywithtravelling,ourlegsfailedunderus:wefelltotheground,seizedwithdeadlyfear,andlayalongtimemotionless.

Thesunhadset,andwhilstwewereinthelamentableconditionjustmentioned,thegateoftheapartmentopenedwithagreatnoise,andtherecameoutthehorriblefigureofablackman,ashighasatallpalmtree.Hehadbutoneeye,andthatinthemiddleofhisforehead,whereitlookedasredasaburningcoal.

Hisfore-teethwereverylongandsharp,andstoodoutofhismouth,whichwasasdeepasthatofahorse;hisupperliphungdownuponhisbreast;hisearsresembledthoseofanelephant,andcoveredhisshoulders;andhisnailswereas

longandcrookedasthetalonsofthegreatestbirds.Atthesightofsofrightfulagiantwelostalloursenses,andlaylikemendead.

Atlastwecametoourselves,andsawhimsittingintheporch,lookingatus.Whenhehadconsidereduswell,headvancedtowardsus,andlayinghishanduponme,hetookmeupbythenapeofmyneck,andturnedmeroundasabutcherwoulddoasheep’shead.

Afterhavingviewedmewell,andperceivingmetobesoleanthatIhadnothingbutskinandbone,heletmego.Hetookupalltherest,onebyone,andviewedtheminthesamemanner;andthecaptainbeingthefattest,heheldhimwithonehand,asImightasparrow,andthrustingaspitthroughhim,kindledagreatfire,roasted,andatehiminhisapartmentforhissupper.Thisbeingdone,hereturnedtohisporch,wherehelayandfellasleep,snoringlouderthanthunder.Hesleptthustillmorning.Forourparts,itwasnotpossibleforustoenjoyanyrest;sothatwepassedthenightinthemostcruelfearthatcanbeimagined.Daybeingcome,thegiantawoke,gotup,wentout,andleftusinthepalace.

Whenwethoughthimatadistance,webrokethemelancholysilencewehadkeptallnight,andeveryonegrievingmorethananother,wemadethepalaceresoundwithourcomplaintsandgroans.Thoughtherewereagreatmanyofus,andwehadbutoneenemy,wehadnotatfirstthepresenceofmindtothinkofdeliveringourselvesfromhimbyhisdeath.

Wethoughtofseveralotherthings,butdeterminednothing;sothat,submittingtowhatitshouldpleaseGodtoorderconcerningus,wespentthedayinrunningabouttheislandforfruitandherbstosustainourlives.Wheneveningcame,wesoughtforaplacetoliedownin,butfoundnone;sothatwewereforced,whetherwewouldornot,toreturntothepalace.

Thegiantfailednottocomeback,andsuppedoncemoreupononeofourcompanions;afterwhichheslept,andsnoredtillday,andthenwentoutandleftusasformerly.Ourconditionwassoveryterriblethatseveralofmycomradesdesignedtothrowthemselvesintothesea,ratherthandiesostrangeadeath.Thosewhowereofthismindarguedwiththeresttofollowtheirexample;uponwhichoneofthecompanyansweredthatwewereforbiddentodestroyourselves;butevenifitwerelawful,itwasmorereasonabletothinkofawaytoridourselvesofthebarbaroustyrantwhodesignedsocrueladeathforus.

Havingthoughtofaprojectforthatend,Icommunicatedthesametomycomrades,whoapprovedit.‘Brethren,’saidI,‘youknowthereisagreatdealoftimberfloatinguponthecoast;ifyouwillbeadvisedbyme,letusmakeseveralraftsthatmaycarryus,andwhentheyaredone,leavethemtheretillwethinkfittomakeuseofthem.Inthemeantimewewillexecutethedesigntodeliverourselvesfromthegiant,andifitsucceed,wemaystayherewithpatiencetillsomeshippassbytocarryusoutofthisfatalisland;butifithappentomiscarry,wewillspeedilygettoourrafts,andputtosea.Iconfess,thatbyexposingourselvestothefuryofthewaves,werunariskoflosingourlives;butifwedo,isitnotbettertobeburiedintheseathanintheentrailsofthismonster,whohasalreadydevouredtwoofus?’Myadvicewasrelished,andwemaderaftscapableofcarryingthreepersonseach.

Wereturnedtothepalacetowardsevening,andthegiantarrivedalittlewhileafter.Wewereforcedtoseeanotherofourcomradesroasted.Butatlastwerevengedourselvesonthebrutishgiantthus.Afterhehadmadeanendofhiscursedsupper,helaydownonhisback,andfellasleep.Assoonasweheardhimsnore,accordingtohiscustom,nineoftheboldestamongus,andmyself,tookeachofusaspit,andputtingthepointsofthemintothefiretilltheywereburninghot,wethrustthemintohiseyeallatonce,andblindedhim.Thepainoccasionedhimtomakeafrightfulcry,andtogetupandstretchouthishandsinordertosacrificesomeofustohisrage,butwerantoplaceswherehecouldnotfindus;andafterhavingsoughtforusinvain,hegropedforthegate,andwentout,howlingdreadfully.

Wewentoutofthepalaceafterthegiant,andcametotheshore,wherewehadleftourrafts,andputthemimmediatelyintothesea.

Wewaitedtilldayinordertogetuponthem,incasethegiantcametowardsuswithanyguideofhisownspecies;butwehopedthatifhedidnotappearbysunrise,andgaveoverhishowling,whichwestillheard,hewoulddie;andifthathappenedtobethecase,weresolvedtostayintheisland,andnottoriskourlivesupontherafts.Butdayhadscarcelyappearedwhenweperceivedourcruelenemy,accompaniedbytwoothersalmostofthesamesizeleadinghim,andagreatnumbermorecomingbeforehimwithaveryquickpace.

Whenwesawthis,wemadenodelay,butgotimmediatelyuponourrafts,androwedofffromtheshore.Thegiants,whoperceivedthis,tookupgreatstones,andrunningtotheshoreenteredthewateruptotheirwaists,andthrewso

exactlythattheysankalltheraftsbutthatIwasupon,andallmycompanions,exceptthetwowithme,weredrowned.Werowedwithallourmight,andgotoutofthereachofthegiants;butwhenwegotouttosea,wewereexposedtothemercyofthewavesandwinds,andtossedabout,sometimesononeside,andsometimesonanother,andspentthatnightandthefollowingdayunderacrueluncertaintyastoourfate;butnextmorningwehadthegoodlucktobethrownuponanisland,wherewelandedwithmuchjoy.Wefoundexcellentfruitthere,thatgaveusgreatrelief,sothatweprettywellrecoveredourstrength.

Intheeveningwefellasleeponthebankofthesea,butwereawakedbythenoiseofaserpentaslongasapalmtree,whosescalesmadearustlingashecreptalong.Heswalloweduponeofmycomrades,notwithstandinghisloudcriesandtheeffortshemadetoridhimselffromtheserpent,whichshookhimseveraltimesagainsttheground,andcrushedhim;andwecouldhearhimgnawandtearthepoorwretch’sbones,whenwehadfledagreatdistancefromhim.Nextdaywesawtheserpentagain,toourgreatterror,andIcriedout,‘Oheaven,towhatdangersareweexposed!Werejoicedyesterdayathavingescapedfromthecrueltyofagiantandtherageofthewaves,andnowarewefallenintoanotherdangeraltogetherasterrible.’

Aswewalkedaboutwesawalargetalltree,uponwhichwedesignedtopassthefollowingnight,foroursecurity;andhavingsatisfiedourhungerwithfruit,wemounteditaccordingly.Alittlewhileafter,theserpentcamehissingtotherootofthetree,raiseditselfupagainstthetrunkofit,andmeetingwithmycomrade,whosatlowerthanI,swallowedhimatonce,andwentoff.

Istaiduponthetreetillitwasday,andthencamedown,morelikeadeadmanthanonealive,expectingthesamefateasmytwocompanions.Thisfilledmewithhorror,sothatIwasgoingtothrowmyselfintothesea;butnaturepromptingustoadesiretoliveaslongaswecan,Iwithstoodthistemptationtodespair,andsubmittedmyselftothewillofGod,whodisposesofourlivesatHispleasure.

InthemeantimeIgatheredtogetheragreatquantityofsmallwood,brambles,anddrythorns,andmakingthemupintofaggotsmadeagreatcirclewiththemroundthetree,andalsotiedsomeofthemtothebranchesovermyhead.Havingdonethus,whentheeveningcameIshutmyselfupwithinthiscircle,withthismelancholypieceofsatisfaction,thatIhadneglectednothingwhichcouldpreservemefromthecrueldestinywithwhichIwasthreatened.Theserpent

failednottocomeattheusualhour,andwentroundthetree,seekingforanopportunitytodevourme,butwaspreventedbytherampartIhadmade,sothathelaytillday,likeacatwatchinginvainforamousethathasretreatedtoaplaceofsafety.Whendayappearedheretired,butIdarednottoleavemyfortuntilthesunarose.

Iwasfatiguedwiththetoilhehadputmeto,andsufferedsomuchfromhispoisonousbreaththat,deathseemingpreferabletomethanthehorrorofsuchacondition.Icamedownfromthetree,andnotthinkingontheresignationIhadmadetothewillofGodtheprecedingday,Irantowardsthesea,withadesigntothrowmyselfintoitheadlong.

Godtookcompassiononmydesperatestate,forjustasIwasgoingtothrowmyselfintothesea,Iperceivedashipataconsiderabledistance.IcalledasloudasIcould,andtakingthelinenfrommyturban,displayeditthattheymightobserveme.Thishadthedesiredeffect;allthecrewperceivedme,andthecaptainsenthisboatforme.AssoonasIcameaboard,themerchantsandseamenflockedaboutmetoknowhowIcametothatdesertisland;andafterIhadtoldthemofallthatbefellme,theoldestamongthemsaidtheyhadseveraltimesheardofthegiantsthatdweltinthatisland,thattheywerecannibalsandatemenrawaswellasroasted;andastotheserpents,headded,therewereabundanceintheislethathidthemselvesbydayandcameabroadbynight.Afterhavingtestifiedtheirjoyatmyescapingsomanydangers,theybroughtmethebestofwhattheyhadtoeat;andthecaptain,seeingthatIwasallinrags,wassogenerousastogivemeoneofhisownsuits.

Wewereatseaforsometime,touchedatseveralislands,andatlastlandedatthatofSalabat,wheretheregrowssanders,awoodofgreatuseinphysic.Weenteredtheport,andcametoanchor.

Themerchantsbegantounloadtheirgoods,inordertosellorexchangethem.Inthemeantimethecaptaincametome,andsaid,‘Brother,Ihavehereaparcelofgoodsthatbelongedtoamerchantwhosailedsometimeonboardthisship;andhebeingdead,Iintendtodisposeofthemforthebenefitofhisheirs,whenIknowthem.’Thebaleshespokeoflayonthedeck,andshowingthemtome,hesaid,‘Therearethegoods;Ihopeyouwilltakecaretosellthem,andyoushallhaveacommission.’Ithankedhimthathegavemeanopportunitytoemploymyself,becauseIhatedtobeidle.

Theclerkoftheshiptookanaccountofallthebales,withthenamesofthemerchantstowhomtheybelonged;andwhenheaskedthecaptaininwhosenameheshouldenterthosehegavemethechargeof,‘Enterthem,’saidthecaptain,‘inthenameofSinbadthesailor.’Icouldnothearmyselfnamedwithoutsomeemotion,andlookingsteadfastlyonthecaptain,Iknewhimtobethepersonwho,inmysecondvoyage,hadleftmeintheislandwhereIfellasleepbyabrook,andsetsailwithoutme,andwithoutsendingtolookforme.ButIcouldnotrememberhimatfirst,hewassomuchalteredsinceIsawhim.

Andasforhim,whobelievedmetobedead,Icouldnotwonderathisnotknowingme.‘But,captain,’saidI,‘wasthemerchant’snametowhomthosegoodsbelongedSinbad?’

‘Yes,’repliedhe,‘thatwashisname;hecamefromBagdad,andembarkedonboardmyshipatBalsora.Oneday,whenwelandedatanislandtotakeinwaterandotherrefreshments,IknownotbywhatmistakeIsetsailwithoutobservingthathedidnotre-embarkwithus;neitherInorthemerchantsperceivedittillfourhoursafter.

Wehadthewindinoursternandsofreshagalethatitwasnotthenpossibleforustotackaboutforhim.’

‘Youbelievehimthentobedead?’saidI.

‘Certainly,’answeredhe.

‘No,captain,’saidI;‘lookuponme,andyoumayknowthatIamSinbad,whomyouleftinthatdesertisland.Ifellasleepbyabrook,andwhenIawokeIfoundallthecompanygone.’

Thecaptain,havingconsideredmeattentively,knewmeatlastembracedme,andsaid,‘Godbepraisedthatfortunehassuppliedmydefect.Thereareyourgoods,whichIalwaystookcaretopreserveandtomakethebestofateveryportwhereItouched.Irestorethemtoyou,withtheprofitIhavemadeonthem.’Itookthemfromhim,andatthesametimeacknowledgedhowmuchIowedtohim.

FromtheIsleofSalabatwewenttoanother,whereIfurnishedmyselfwithcloves,cinnamon,andotherspices.Aswesailedfromthatislandwesawatortoisethatwastwentycubitsinlengthandbreadth.Weobservedalsoafish

whichlookedlikeacow,andgavemilk,anditsskinissohardthattheyusuallymakebucklersofit.Isawanotherwhichhadtheshapeandcolourofacamel.Inshort,afteralongvoyage,IarrivedatBalsora,andfromthencereturnedtothiscityofBagdad,withsomuchrichesthatIknewnotwhatIhad.Igaveagreatdealtothepoor,andboughtanothergreatestateinadditiontowhatIhadalready.

THEFOURTHVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

ThepleasuresItookaftermythirdvoyagehadnotcharmsenoughtodivertmefromanother.Iwasagainprevaileduponbymypassionfortrafficandcuriositytoseenewthings.Ithereforesettledmyaffairs,andhavingprovidedastockofgoodsfitfortheplaceswhereIdesignedtotrade,Isetoutonmyjourney.ItookthewayofPersia,ofwhichItravelledoverseveralprovinces,andthenarrivedataport,whereIembarked.Wesetsail,andhavingtouchedatseveralportsofthemainlandandsomeoftheeasternislands,weputouttosea,andwereovertakenbyasuddengustofwindthatobligedthecaptaintofurlhissails,andtotakeallothernecessaryprecautionstopreventthedangerthatthreatenedus.Butallwasinvain;ourendeavourshadnoeffect,thesailsweretornintoathousandpieces,andtheshipwasstranded;sothatagreatmanyofthemerchantsandseamenweredrowned,andthecargolost.

Ihadthegoodfortune,withseveralofthemerchantsandmariners,togetaplank,andwewerecarriedbythecurrenttoanislandwhichlaybeforeus:therewefoundfruitandspringwater,whichpreservedourlives.Westayedallnightneartheplacewheretheseacastusashore,withoutconsultingwhatweshoulddo,ourmisfortunehaddispiritedussomuch.

Nextmorning,assoonasthesunwasup,wewalkedfromtheshore,andadvancingintotheisland,sawsomehouses,towhichwewent;andassoonaswecamethitherwewereencompassedbyagreatnumberofblackmen,whoseizedus,sharedusamongthem,andcarriedustotheirrespectivehabitations.

Iandfiveofmycomradeswerecarriedtooneplace;theymadeussitdownimmediately,andgaveusacertainherb,whichtheymadesignstoustoeat.Mycomrades,nottakingnoticethattheblackmenatenoneofitthemselves,consultedonlythesatisfyingoftheirownhunger,andfelltoeatingwithgreediness:butI,suspectingsometrick,wouldnotsomuchastasteit,whichhappenedwellforme;forinalittletimeIperceivedmycompanionshadlost

theirsenses,andthatwhentheyspoketometheyknewnotwhattheysaid.

Theblackmenfedusafterwardswithrice,preparedwithoilofcocoanuts,andmycomrades,whohadlosttheirreason,ateofitgreedily.Iateofitalso,butverysparingly.Theblackmengaveusthatherbatfirstonpurposetodepriveusofoursenses,thatwemightnotbeawareofthesaddestinypreparedforus;andtheygaveusriceonpurposetofattenus,for,beingcannibals,theirdesignwastoeatusassoonaswegrewfat.Theydidaccordinglyeatmycomrades,whowerenotawareoftheircondition;butmysensesbeingentire,youmayeasilyguessthatinsteadofgrowingfat,astherestdid,Igrewleanereveryday.ThefearofdeathunderwhichIlabouredturnedallmyfoodintopoison.Ifellintoalanguishingillnesswhichprovedmysafety,fortheblackmenhavingkilledandeatenupmycompanions,seeingmetobewithered,lean,andsick,deferredmydeathtillanothertime.

Meanwhile,Ihadagreatdealofliberty,sothattherewasscarcelyanynoticetakenofwhatIdid,andthisgavemeanopportunityonedaytogetatadistancefromthehouses,andtomakemyescape.Anoldmanwhosawme,andsuspectedmydesign,calledtomeasloudashecouldtoreturn,butinsteadofobeyinghim,Iredoubledmypace,andquicklygotoutofsight.Atthattimetherewasnonebuttheoldmanaboutthehouses,therestbeingaway,andnottocomehometillnight,whichwasprettyusualwiththem;therefore,beingsurethattheycouldnotcomeintimetopursueme,Iwentontillnight,whenIstoppedtorestalittle,andtoeatsomeoftheprovisionsIhadtakencaretobring;butIspeedilysetforwardagain,andtravelledsevendays,avoidingthoseplaceswhichseemedtobeinhabited,andlivingforthemostpartuponcocoanuts,whichservedmeforbothmeatanddrink.OntheeighthdayIcamenearthesea,andallofasuddensawwhitepeoplelikemyself,gatheringpepper,ofwhichtherewasgreatplentyinthatplace.ThisItooktobeagoodomen,andwenttothemwithoutanyscruple.

Thepeoplewhogatheredpeppercametomeetmeassoonastheysawme,andaskedmeinArabicwhoIwas,andwhenceIcame.Iwasoverjoyedtohearthemspeakinmyownlanguage,andsatisfiedtheircuriositybygivingthemanaccountofmyshipwreck,andhowIfellintothehandsoftheblackmen.‘Thoseblackmen,’repliedthey,‘arecannibals,andbywhatmiracledidyouescapetheircruelty?’ItoldthemthesamestoryInowtellyou,atwhichtheywerewonderfullysurprised.

Istayedwiththemtilltheyhadgatheredtheirquantityofpepper,andthensailedwiththemtotheislandfromwhencetheycame.Theypresentedmetotheirking,whowasagoodprince.Hehadthepatiencetoheartherelationofmyadventures,whichsurprisedhim,andheafterwardsgavemeclothes,andcommandedcaretobetakenofme.

Theislandwasverywellpeopled,plentifulineverything,andthecapitalwasaplaceofgreattrade.Thisagreeableretreatwasverycomfortabletomeaftermymisfortune,andthekindnessofthisgenerousprincetowardsmecompletedmysatisfaction.Inaword,therewasnotapersonmoreinfavourwithhimthanmyself;and,inconsequence,everymanincourtandcitysoughttoobligeme,sothatinaverylittletimeIwaslookeduponratherasanativethanastranger.

Iobservedonethingwhichtomeappearedveryextraordinary.Allthepeople,thekinghimselfnotexcepted,rodetheirhorseswithoutbridleorstirrups.Thismademeonedaytakethelibertytoaskthekinghowthatcametopass.Hismajestyanswered,thatItalkedtohimofthingswhichnobodyknewtheuseofinhisdominions.Iwentimmediatelytoaworkman,andgavehimamodelformakingthestockofasaddle.Whenthatwasdone,Icovereditmyselfwithvelvetandleather,andembroidereditwithgold.Iafterwardswenttoalocksmith,whomademeabridleaccordingtothepatternIshowedhim,andthenhemademealsosomestirrups.

WhenIhadallthingscompleted,Ipresentedthemtotheking,andputthemupononeofhishorses.Hismajestymountedimmediately,andwassopleasedwiththem,thathetestifiedhissatisfactionbylargepresentstome.Icouldnotavoidmakingseveralothersforhisministersandtheprincipalofficersofhishousehold,whoallofthemmademepresentsthatenrichedmeinalittletime.Ialsomadesomeforthepeopleofbestqualityinthecity,whichgainedmegreatreputationandregard.

AsIpaidcourtveryconstantlytotheking,hesaidtomeoneday,‘Sinbad,Ilovethee;andallmysubjectswhoknowtheetreattheeaccordingtomyexample.Ihaveonethingtodemandofthee,whichthoumustgrant.’

‘Sir,’answeredI,‘thereisnothingbutIwilldo,asamarkofmyobediencetoyourmajesty,whosepowerovermeisabsolute.’

‘Ihaveamindthoushouldstmarry,’repliedhe,‘thatsothoumayststayinmy

dominion,andthinknomoreofthyowncountry.’

Idarednotresisttheprince’swill,andsohegavemeoneoftheladiesofhiscourt,anoble,beautiful,andrichlady.Theceremoniesofmarriagebeingover,Iwentanddweltwiththelady,andforsometimewelivedtogetherinperfectharmony.Iwasnot,however,verywellsatisfiedwithmycondition,andthereforedesignedtomakemyescapeonthefirstoccasion,andtoreturntoBagdad,whichmypresentsettlement,howadvantageoussoever,couldnotmakemeforget.

WhileIwasthinkingonthis,thewifeofoneofmyneighbours,withwhomIhadcontractedaveryclosefriendship,fellsickanddied.Iwenttoseeandcomforthiminhisaffliction,andfindinghimswallowedupwithsorrow,IsaidtohimassoonasIsawhim,‘Godpreserveyouandgrantyoualonglife.’

‘Alas!’repliedhe,‘howdoyouthinkIshouldobtainthatfavouryouwishme?Ihavenotaboveanhourtolive.’

‘Pray,’saidI,‘donotentertainsuchamelancholythought;Ihopeitwillnotbeso,butthatIshallenjoyyourcompanyformanyyears.’

‘Iwishyou,’saidhe,‘alonglife;butformemydaysareatanend,forImustbeburiedthisdaywithmywife.Thisisalawwhichourancestorsestablishedinthisisland,andalwaysobservedinviolably.Thelivinghusbandisinterredwiththedeadwife,andthelivingwifewiththedeadhusband.Nothingcansaveme;everyonemustsubmittothislaw.’

Whilehewasentertainingmewithanaccountofthisbarbarouscustom,theveryhearingofwhichfrightenedmecruelly,hiskindred,friendsandneighbourscameinabodytoassistatthefunerals.Theyputonthecorpsethewoman’srichestapparel,asifithadbeenherwedding-day,anddressedherwithallherjewels;thentheyputherintoanopencoffin,andliftingitup,begantheirmarchtotheplaceofburial.Thehusbandwalkedattheheadofthecompany,andfollowedthecorpse.Theywentuptoahighmountain,andwhentheycamethither,tookupagreatstone,whichcoveredthemouthofaverydeeppit,andletdownthecorpse,withallitsapparelandjewels.Thenthehusband,embracinghiskindredandfriends,sufferedhimselftobeputintoanotheropencoffinwithoutresistance,withapotofwater,andsevenlittleloaves,andwasletdowninthesamemannerastheyletdownhiswife.Themountainwasprettylong,and

reachedtothesea.Theceremonybeingover,theycoveredtheholeagainwiththestone,andreturned.

ItisneedlesstosaythatIwastheonlymelancholyspectatorofthisfuneral,whereastherestwerescarcelymovedatit,thepracticewassocustomarytothem.Icouldnotforbearspeakingmythoughtsonthismattertotheking.‘Sir,’saidI,‘Icannotbutwonderatthestrangecustominthiscountryofburyingthelivingwiththedead.Ihavebeenagreattraveller,andseenmanycountries,butneverheardofsocruelalaw.’

‘Whatdoyoumean,Sinbad?’saidtheking;‘itisacommonlaw.Ishallbeinterredwiththequeen,mywife,ifshediefirst.’

‘But,sir,’saidI,‘mayIpresumetoaskyourmajestyifstrangersbeobligedtoobservethislaw?’

‘Withoutdoubt,’repliedtheking,smilingatmyquestion;‘theyarenotexempted,iftheyaremarriedinthisisland.’

Iwenthomeverymelancholyatthisanswer,forthefearofmywifedyingfirst,andmybeinginterredalivewithher,occasionedmeverymortifyingreflections.Buttherewasnoremedy:Imusthavepatience,andsubmittothewillofGod.Itrembled,however,ateverylittleindispositionofmywife;butalas!inalittletimemyfearscameuponmeallatonce,forshefellill,anddiedinafewdays.

Youmayjudgeofmysorrow;tobeinterredaliveseemedtomeasdeplorableanendastobedevouredbycannibals.ButImustsubmit;thekingandallhiscourtwouldhonourthefuneralwiththeirpresence,andthemostconsiderablepeopleofthecitywoulddothelike.Whenallwasreadyfortheceremony,thecorpsewasputintoacoffin,withallherjewelsandmagnificentapparel.Thecavalcadebegan,and,assecondactorinthisdolefultragedy,Iwentnexttothecorpse,withmyeyesfulloftears,bewailingmydeplorablefate.BeforeIcametothemountain,Iaddressedmyselftotheking,inthefirstplace,andthentoallthosewhowereroundme,andbowingbeforethemtotheearthtokisstheborderoftheirgarments,Iprayedthemtohavecompassionuponme.

‘Consider,’saidI,‘thatIamastranger,andoughtnottobesubjecttothisrigorouslaw,andthatIhaveanotherwifeandchildinmyowncountry.’Itwastonopurposeformetospeakthus,nosoulwasmovedatit;onthecontrary,theymadehastetoletdownmywife’scorpseintothepit,andputmedownthe

nextmomentinanopencoffin,withavesselfullofwaterandsevenloaves.Inshort,thefatalceremonybeingperformed,theycoveredupthemouthofthepit,notwithstandingtheexcessofmygriefandmylamentablecries.

AsIcamenearthebottom,Idiscovered,byhelpofthelittlelightthatcamefromabove,thenatureofthissubterraneanplace;itwasavastlongcave,andmightbeaboutfiftyfathomsdeep.IimmediatelysmeltaninsufferablestenchproceedingfromthemultitudeofcorpseswhichIsawontherightandleft;nay,IfanciedthatIheardsomeofthemsighouttheirlast.However,whenIgotdown,Iimmediatelyleftmycoffin,and,gettingatadistancefromthecorpses,laydownupontheground,whereIstayedalongtime,bathedintears.Thenreflectingonmysadlot,‘Itistrue,’saidI,‘thatGoddisposesallthingsaccordingtothedecreesofHisprovidence;but,poorSinbad,artnotthouthyselfthecauseofthybeingbroughttodiesostrangeadeath?WouldtoGodthouhadstperishedinsomeofthosetempestswhichthouhastescaped!Thenthydeathhadnotbeensolingeringandterribleinallitscircumstances.Butthouhastdrawnallthisuponthyselfbythycursedavarice.Ah!unfortunatewretch,shouldstthounotratherhavestayedathome,andquietlyenjoyedthefruitsofthylabour?’

SuchwerethevaincomplaintswithwhichImadethecaveecho,beatingmyheadandbreastoutofrageanddespair,andabandoningmyselftothemostafflictingthoughts.Nevertheless,Imusttellyouthat,insteadofcallingdeathtomyassistanceinthatmiserablecondition,Ifeltstillaninclinationtolive,andtodoallIcouldtoprolongmydays.Iwentgropingabout,withmynosestopped,forthebreadandwaterthatwasinmycoffin,andtooksomeofit.ThoughthedarknessofthecavewassogreatthatIcouldnotdistinguishdayandnight,yetIalwaysfoundmycoffinagain,andthecaveseemedtobemorespaciousandfullerofcorpsesthanitappearedtomeatfirst.Ilivedforsomedaysuponmybreadandwater,whichbeingallusedupatlastIpreparedfordeath.

AsIwasthinkingofdeath,Iheardsomethingwalking,andblowingorpantingasitwalked.IadvancedtowardsthatsidefromwhenceIheardthenoise,anduponmyapproachthethingpuffedandblewharder,asifithadbeenrunningawayfromme.Ifollowedthenoise,andthethingseemedtostopsometimes,butalwaysfledandblewasIapproached.IfolloweditsolongandsofarthatatlastIperceivedalightresemblingastar;Iwentontowardsthatlight,andsometimeslostsightofit,butalwaysfounditagain,andatlastdiscoveredthatitcamethroughaholeintherocklargeenoughforamantogetoutat.

UponthisIstoppedsometimetorestmyself,beingmuchfatiguedwithpursuingthisdiscoverysofast.AfterwardscominguptotheholeIwentoutatit,andfoundmyselfupontheshoreofthesea.

Ileaveyoutoguesstheexcessofmyjoy;itwassuchthatIcouldscarcepersuademyselfofitsbeingreal.

ButwhenIhadrecoveredfrommysurprise,andwasconvincedofthetruthofthematter,IfoundthatthethingwhichIhadfollowedandheardpuffandblowwasacreaturewhichcameoutofthesea,andwasaccustomedtoenteratthatholetofeeduponthedeadcarcasses.

Iexaminedthemountain,andperceivedittobesituatedbetwixttheseaandthetown,butwithoutanypassageorwaytocommunicatewiththelatter,therocksonthesideoftheseaweresoruggedandsteep.IfelldownupontheshoretothankGodforthismercy,andafterwardsenteredthecaveagaintofetchbreadandwater,whichIdidbydaylight,withabetterappetitethanIhaddonesincemyintermentinthedarkhole.

Ireturnedthitheragain,andgropedaboutamongthebiersforallthediamonds,rubies,pearls,goldbracelets,andrichstuffsIcouldfind.TheseIbroughttotheshore,and,tyingthemupneatlyintobaleswiththecordsthatletdownthecoffins,Ilaidthemtogetheruponthebanktowaittillsomeshippassedby,withoutfearofrain,foritwasnotthentheseason.

AftertwoorthreedaysIperceivedashipthathadbutjustcomeoutoftheharbourandpassedneartheplacewhereIwas.Imadeasignwiththelinenofmyturban,andcalledtothemasloudasIcould.Theyheardme,andsentaboattobringmeonboard,whenthemarinersaskedbywhatmisfortuneIcamethither.ItoldthemthatIhadsufferedshipwrecktwodaysago,andmadeshifttogetashorewiththegoodstheysaw.ItwashappyformethatthosepeopledidnotconsidertheplacewhereIwas,norinquireintotheprobabilityofwhatItoldthem;butwithoutanymoreadotookmeonboardwithmygoods.WhenIcametotheship,thecaptainwassowellpleasedtohavesavedme,andsomuchtakenupwithhisownaffairs,thathealsotookthestoryofmypretendedshipwreckupontrust,andgenerouslyrefusedsomejewelswhichIofferedhim.

Wepassedwitharegularwindbyseveralislands,amongotherstheonecalledtheIsleofBells,abouttendays’sailfromSerendib,andsixfromthatofKela,

wherewelanded.Thisislandproducesleadfromitsmines,Indiancanes,andexcellentcamphor.

ThekingoftheIsleofKelaisveryrichandpotent,andtheIsleofBells,whichisabouttwodays’journeyinextent,isalsosubjecttohim.Theinhabitantsaresobarbarousthattheystilleathumanflesh.Afterwehadfinishedourcommerceinthatislandweputtoseaagain,andtouchedatseveralotherports.AtlastIarrivedhappilyatBagdadwithinfiniteriches,ofwhichitisneedlesstotroubleyouwiththedetail.OutofthankfulnesstoGodforHismercies,Igavegreatalmsforthesupportofseveralmosques,andforthesubsistenceofthepoor,andemployedmyselfwhollyinenjoyingthesocietyofmykindredandfriends,andinmakingmerrywiththem.

THEFIFTHVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

ThepleasuresIenjoyedagainhadcharmenoughtomakemeforgetallthetroublesandcalamitiesIhadundergone,withoutcuringmeofmyinclinationtomakenewvoyages.ThereforeIboughtgoods,orderedthemtobepackedupandloaded,andsetoutwiththemforthebestseaport;andthere,thatImightnotbeobligedtodependuponacaptain,buthaveashipatmyowncommand,Iwaitedtillonewasbuiltonpurposeatmyownexpense.Whentheshipwasready,Iwentonboardwithmygoods;butnothavingenoughtoloadher,Itookonboardwithmeseveralmerchantsofdifferentnations,withtheirmerchandise.

Wesailedwiththefirstfairwind,andafteralongvoyage,thefirstplacewetouchedatwasadesertisland,wherewefoundaneggofaroc,equalinsizetothatIformerlymentioned.Therewasayoungrocinitjustreadytobehatched,andthebillofitbegantoappear.

ThemerchantswhomIhadtakenonboardmyship,andwholandedwithme,broketheeggwithhatchets,andmadeaholeinit,fromwhencetheypulledouttheyoungrocpiecebypiece,androastedit.Ihadearnestlypersuadedthemnottomeddlewiththeegg,buttheywouldnotlistentome.

Scarcelyhadtheymadeanendoftheirfeast,whenthereappearedintheair,ataconsiderabledistancefromus,twogreatclouds.

ThecaptainwhomIhiredtomanagemyship,knowingbyexperiencewhatitmeant,criedthatitwasthecockandhenrocthatbelongedtotheyoungone,andpressedustore-embarkwithallspeed,topreventthemisfortunewhichhesaw

wouldotherwisebefallus.Wemadehastetodoso,andsetsailwithallpossiblediligence.

Inthemeantimethetworocsapproachedwithafrightfulnoise,whichtheyredoubledwhentheysawtheeggbroken,andtheiryoungonegone.Buthavingamindtoavengethemselves,theyflewbacktowardstheplacefromwhencetheycame,anddisappearedforsometime,whilewemadeallthesailwecouldtopreventthatwhichunhappilybefellus.

Theyreturned,andweobservedthateachofthemcarriedbetweentheirtalonsstones,orratherrocks,ofamonstroussize.Whentheycamedirectlyovermyship,theyhovered,andoneofthemletfallastone;butbythedexterityofthesteersman,whoturnedtheshipwiththerudder,itmissedus,andfallingbythesideoftheshipintothesea,dividedthewatersothatwecouldseealmosttothebottom.Theotherroc,toourmisfortune,threwthestonesoexactlyuponthemiddleoftheshipthatitsplitintoathousandpieces.Themarinersandpassengerswereallkilledbythestone,orsunk.Imyselfhadthelastfate;butasIcameupagainIfortunatelycaughtholdofapieceofthewreck,andswimmingsometimeswithonehandandsometimeswiththeother,butalwaysholdingfasttomyboard,thewindandthetidefavouringme,Icametoanisland,wherethebeachwasverysteep.Iovercamethatdifficultyhowever,andgotashore.

Isatdownuponthegrass,torecovermyselfalittlefrommyfatigue,afterwhichIgotup,andwentintotheislandtoviewit.

Itseemedtobeadeliciousgarden.Ifoundtreeseverywhere,someofthembearinggreenandothersripefruits,andstreamsoffreshpurewater,withpleasantwindingsandturnings.Iateofthefruits,whichIfoundexcellent,anddrankofthewater,whichwasverypleasant.

Nightbeingcome,Ilaydownuponthegrassinaconvenientplaceenough,butIcouldnotsleepforanhouratatime,mymindwassodisturbedwiththefearofbeingaloneinsodesertaplace.ThusIspentthebestpartofthenightinfretting,andreproachedmyselfformyimprudenceinnotstayingathome,ratherthanundertakingthislastvoyage.Thesereflectionscarriedmesofar,thatIbegantoformadesignagainstmyownlife,butdaylightdispersedthesemelancholythoughts,andIgotup,andwalkedamongthetrees,butnotwithoutapprehensionsofdanger.

WhenIwasalittleadvancedintotheisland,Isawanoldmanwhoappearedveryweakandfeeble.Hesatuponthebankofastream,andatfirstItookhimtobeonewhohadbeenshipwreckedlikemyself.Iwenttowardshimandsalutedhim,butheonlybowedhisheadalittle.Iaskedhimwhathedidthere,butinsteadofansweringhemadeasignformetotakehimuponmybackandcarryhimoverthebrook,signifyingthatitwastogatherfruit.

Ibelievedhimreallytostandinneedofmyhelp,sotookhimuponmyback,andhavingcarriedhimover,badehimgetdown,andforthatendstoopedthathemightgetoffwithease:butinsteadofthat(whichIlaughateverytimeIthinkofit),theoldman,whotomehadappearedverydecrepit,claspedhislegsnimblyaboutmyneck,andthenIperceivedhisskintoresemblethatofacow.Hesatastrideuponmyshoulders,andheldmythroatsotightthatIthoughthewouldhavestrangledme,thefrightofwhichmademefaintawayandfalldown.

Notwithstandingmyfainting,theill-naturedoldfellowkeptfastaboutmyneck,butopenedhislegsalittletogivemetimetorecovermybreath.WhenIhaddoneso,hethrustoneofhisfeetagainstmystomach,andstruckmesorudelyonthesidewiththeother,thatheforcedmetoriseupagainstmywill.Havinggotup,hemademewalkunderthetrees,andforcedmenowandthentostop,togatherandeatfruitsuchaswefound.Heneverleftmeallday,andwhenIlaydowntorestbynight,helaidhimselfdownwithme,alwaysholdingfastaboutmyneck.Everymorninghepushedmetomakemewake,andafterwardsobligedmetogetupandwalk,andpressedmewithhisfeet.YoumayjudgethenwhattroubleIwasin,tobeloadedwithsuchaburdenasIcouldbynomeansridmyselfof.

OnedayIfoundinmywayseveraldrycalabashesthathadfallenfromatree;Itookalargeone,and,aftercleaningit,pressedintoitsomejuiceofgrapes,whichaboundedintheisland.Havingfilledthecalabash,Isetitinaconvenientplace;andcominghitheragainsomedaysafter,Itookupmycalabash,andsettingittomymouthfoundthewinetobesogoodthatitpresentlymademenotonlyforgetmysorrow,butgrowvigorous,andsolight-heartedthatIbegantosinganddanceasIwalkedalong.

Theoldman,perceivingtheeffectwhichthisdrinkhaduponme,andthatIcarriedhimwithmoreeasethanIdidbefore,madeasignformetogivehimsomeofit.Igavehimthecalabash,andtheliquorpleasinghispalate,hedrankitalloff.Hebecamedrunkimmediately,andthefumesgettingupintohisheadhe

begantosingafterhismanner,andtodanceuponmyshoulders.Hisjoltingaboutmadehimsick,andheloosenedhislegsfromaboutmebydegrees;sofindingthathedidnotpressmeasbefore,Ithrewhimupontheground,wherehelaywithoutmotion,andthenItookupagreatstone,withwhichIcrushedhisheadtopieces.

Iwasextremelyrejoicedtobefreedthusforeverfromthiscursedoldfellow,andwalkedalongtheshoreofthesea,whereImetthecrewofashipthathadcastanchortotakeinwatertorefreshthemselves.Theywereextremelysurprisedtoseeme,andtoheartheparticularsofmyadventures.‘Youfell,’saidthey,‘intothehandsoftheoldmanofthesea,andarethefirstthathaseverescapedstranglingbyhim.Heneverleftthosehehadoncemadehimselfmasteroftillhedestroyedthem,andhehasmadethisislandfamousforthenumberofmenhehasslain;sothatthemerchantsandmarinerswholandeduponitdarednotadvanceintotheislandbutinnumberstogether.’

Afterhavinginformedmeofthesethingstheycarriedmewiththemtotheship;thecaptainreceivedmewithgreatsatisfactionwhentheytoldhimwhathadbefallenme.Heputoutagaintosea,andaftersomedays’sailwearrivedattheharbourofagreatcity,wherethehouseswerebuiltofgoodstone.

Oneofthemerchantsoftheship,whohadtakenmeintohisfriendship,askedmetogoalongwithhim,andtookmetoaplaceappointedasaretreatforforeignmerchants.Hegavemeagreatbag,andhavingrecommendedmetosomepeopleofthetown,whowereusedtogathercocoanuts,hedesiredthemtotakemewiththemtodothelike:‘Go,’saidhe,‘followthem,anddoasyouseethemdo,anddonotseparatefromthem,otherwiseyouendangeryourlife.’Havingthusspoken,hegavemeprovisionsforthejourney,andIwentwiththem.

Wecametoagreatforestoftrees,extremelystraightandtall,theirtrunkssosmooththatitwasnotpossibleforanymantoclimbuptothebranchesthatborethefruit.Allthetreeswerecocoanuttrees,andwhenweenteredtheforestwesawagreatnumberofapesofallsizes,thatfledassoonastheyperceivedus,andclimbeduptothetopofthetreeswithsurprisingswiftness.

ThemerchantswithwhomIwasgatheredstones,andthrewthemattheapesonthetopofthetrees.Ididthesame,andtheapes,outofrevenge,threwcocoanutsatusasfastandwithsuchgesturesassufficientlytestifiedtheirangerand

resentment:wegatheredupthecocoanuts,andfromtimetotimethrewstonestoprovoketheapes;sothatbythisstratagemwefilledourbagswithcocoanuts,whichithadbeenimpossibleforustodootherwise.

Whenwehadgatheredournumber,wereturnedtothecity,wherethemerchantwhosentmetotheforestgavemethevalueofthecocoanutsIhadbrought;‘Goon,’saidhe,‘anddothelikeeveryday,untilyouhavemoneyenoughtocarryyouhome.’Ithankedhimforhisgoodadvice,andgatheredtogetherasmanycocoanutsasamountedtoaconsiderablesum.

ThevesselinwhichIcamesailedwithmerchantswholoadedherwithcocoanuts.Iexpectedthearrivalofanother,whosemerchantslandedspeedilyforthelikeloading.Iembarkedonboardthesameallthecocoanutsthatbelongedtome,andwhenshewasreadytosailIwentandtookleaveofthemerchantwhohadbeensokindtome;buthecouldnotembarkwithmebecausehehadnotfinishedhisbusiness.

Wesetsailtowardstheislandswherepeppergrowsingreatplenty.

FromthencewewenttotheIsleofComari,wherethebestsortofwoodofaloesgrows,andwhoseinhabitantshavemadeitaninviolablelawtodrinknowinethemselves,nortosufferanykindofimproperconduct.Iexchangedmycocoanutsinthosetwoislandsforpepperandwoodofaloes,andwentwithothermerchantspearl-fishing.Ihireddivers,whofetchedmeupthosethatwereverylargeandpure.ThenIembarkedjoyfullyinavesselthathappilyarrivedatBalsora;fromthenceIreturnedtoBagdad,whereImadevastsumsbymypepper,woodofaloes,andpearls.Igavethetenthofmygainsinalms,asIhaddoneuponmyreturnfromothervoyages,andendeavouredtoeasemyselffrommyfatiguebydiversionsofallsorts.

THESIXTHVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

Afterbeingshipwreckedfivetimes,andescapingsomanydangers,couldIresolveagaintotrymyfortune,andexposemyselftonewhardships?IamastonishedatitmyselfwhenIthinkofit,andmustcertainlyhavebeeninducedtoitbymystars.Butbethatasitwill,afterayear’srestIpreparedforasixthvoyage,notwithstandingtheentreatiesofmykindredandfriends,whodidallthatwaspossibletopreventme.InsteadoftakingmywaybythePersianGulf,ItravelledoncemorethroughseveralprovincesofPersiaandtheIndies,and

arrivedataseaport,whereIembarkedonboardaship,thecaptainofwhichwasresolvedonalongvoyage.

Itwasverylongindeed,butatthesametimesounfortunatethatthecaptainandpilotlosttheircourse,andknewnotwheretheywere.Theyfounditatlast,butwehadnoreasontorejoiceatit.

Wewereallseizedwithextraordinaryfearwhenwesawthecaptainquithispost,andcryout.Hethrewoffhisturban,pulledhisbeard,andbeathisheadlikeamadman.Weaskedhimthereason,andheansweredthathewasinthemostdangerousplaceinallthesea.‘Arapidcurrentcarriestheshipalongwithit,’hesaid,‘andweshallallofusperishinlessthanaquarterofanhour.

PraytoGodtodeliverusfromthisdanger;wecannotescapeitifHedoesnottakepityonus.’Atthesewordsheorderedthesailstobechanged;butalltheropesbrokeandtheship,withoutitsbeingpossibletohelpit,wascarriedbythecurrenttothefootofaninaccessiblemountain,wheresheranashore,andwasbrokentopieces,yetsothatwesavedourlives,ourprovisions,andthebestofourgoods.

Thisbeingover,thecaptainsaidtous,‘GodhasdonewhatpleasedHim;wemayeverymandigourgravehere,andbidtheworldadieu,forweareallinsofatalaplacethatnoneshipwreckedherehaveeverreturnedtotheirhomesagain.’Hisdiscourseafflictedussorely,andweembracedeachotherwithtearsinoureyes,bewailingourdeplorablelot.

Themountainatthefootofwhichwewerecastwasthecoastofaverylongandlargeisland.Thiscoastwascoveredalloverwithwrecks,andfromthevastnumberofmen’sboneswesaweverywhere,andwhichfilleduswithhorror,weconcludedthatabundanceofpeoplehaddiedthere.Itisalsoimpossibletotellwhataquantityofgoodsandricheswefoundcastashorethere.Alltheseobjectsservedonlytoaugmentourgrief.Whereasinallotherplacesriversrunfromtheirchannelsintothesea,hereagreatriveroffreshwaterrunsoutoftheseaintoadarkcave,whoseentranceisveryhighandlarge.Whatismostremarkableinthisplaceisthatthestonesofthemountainareofcrystal,rubies,orotherpreciousstones.Hereisalsoasortoffountainofpitchorbitumen,thatrunsintothesea,whichthefishesswallow,andthenvomitupagain,turnedintoambergris;andthisthewavesthrowuponthebeachingreatquantities.Herealsogrowtrees,mostofwhicharewoodofaloes,equalingoodnesstothoseof

Comari.

Tofinishthedescriptionofthisplace,whichmaywellbecalledagulf,sincenothingeverreturnsfromit—itisnotpossibleforshipstogetawayagainwhenoncetheycomenearit.Iftheyaredriventhitherbyawindfromthesea,thewindandthecurrentruinthem;andiftheycomeintoitwhenaland-windblows,whichmightseemtofavourtheirgettingoutagain,theheightofthemountainstopsthewind,andoccasionsacalm,sothattheforceofthecurrentrunsthemashore,wheretheyarebrokentopieces,asourswas;andthatwhichcompletesthemisfortuneisthatthereisnopossibilitytogettothetopofthemountain,ortogetoutanymannerofway.

Wecontinuedupontheshore,likemenoutoftheirsenses,andexpecteddeatheveryday.Atfirstwedividedourprovisionsasequallyaswecould,andthuseveryonelivedalongerorshortertime,accordingtotheirtemperance,andtheusetheymadeoftheirprovisions.

Thosewhodiedfirstwereinterredbytherest;and,formypart,Ipaidthelastdutytoallmycompanions.Norareyoutowonderatthis;forbesidesthatIhusbandedtheprovisionthatfelltomysharebetterthanthey,Ihadprovisionofmyown,whichIdidnotsharewithmycomrades;yetwhenIburiedthelast,IhadsolittleremainingthatIthoughtIcouldnotholdoutlong:soIdugagrave,resolvingtoliedowninit,becausetherewasnonelefttointerme.ImustconfesstoyouatthesametimethatwhileIwasthusemployedIcouldnotbutreflectuponmyselfasthecauseofmyownruin,andrepentedthatIhadeverundertakenthislastvoyage;nordidIstopatreflectionsonly,buthadwellnighhastenedmyowndeath,andbegantotearmyhandswithmyteeth.

ButitpleasedGodoncemoretotakecompassiononme,andputitinmymindtogotothebankoftheriverwhichranintothegreatcave;where,consideringtheriverwithgreatattention,Isaidtomyself,‘Thisriver,whichrunsthusunderground,mustcomeoutsomewhereorother.IfImakearaft,andleavemyselftothecurrent,itwillbringmetosomeinhabitedcountry,ordrownme.

IfIbedrownedIlosenothing,butonlychangeonekindofdeathforanother;andifIgetoutofthisfatalplace,Ishallnotonlyavoidthesadfateofmycomrades,butperhapsfindsomenewoccasionofenrichingmyself.Whoknowsbutfortunewaits,uponmygettingoffthisdangerousshelf,tocompensatemyshipwreckwithinterest?’

Iimmediatelywenttoworkonaraft.Imadeitoflargepiecesoftimberandcables,forIhadchoiceofthem,andtiedthemtogethersostronglythatIhadmadeaverysolidlittleraft.WhenIhadfinisheditIloadeditwithsomebalesofrubies,emeralds,ambergris,rock-crystal,andrichstuffs.Havingbalancedallmycargoexactlyandfasteneditwelltotheraft,IwentonboarditwithtwolittleoarsthatIhadmade,and,leavingittothecourseoftheriver,IresignedmyselftothewillofGod.

AssoonasIcameintothecaveIlostalllight,andthestreamcarriedmeIknewnotwhither.ThusIfloatedforsomedaysinperfectdarkness,andoncefoundthearchsolowthatitwellnighbrokemyhead,whichmademeverycautiousafterwardstoavoidthelikedanger.AllthiswhileIatenothingbutwhatwasjustnecessarytosupportnature;yet,notwithstandingthisfrugality,allmyprovisionswerespent.Thenapleasingsleepfelluponme.Icannottellhowlongitcontinued;butwhenIawoke,Iwassurprisedtofindmyselfinthemiddleofavastcountry,atthebankofariver,wheremyraftwastied,amidstagreatnumberofnegroes.IgotupassoonasIsawthemandsalutedthem.Theyspoketome,butIdidnotunderstandtheirlanguage.IwassotransportedwithjoythatIknewnotwhetherIwasasleeporawake;butbeingpersuadedthatIwasnotasleep,IrecitedthefollowingwordsinArabicaloud:‘CallupontheAlmighty,hewillhelpthee;thouneedestnotperplexthyselfaboutanythingelse;shutthyeyes,andwhilethouartasleep,Godwillchangethybadfortuneintogood.’

Oneoftheblacks,whounderstoodArabic,hearingmespeakthus,cametowardsmeandsaid,‘Brother,benotsurprisedtoseeus;weareinhabitantsofthiscountry,andcamehitherto-daytowaterourfields,bydigginglittlecanalsfromthisriver,whichcomesoutoftheneighbouringmountain.Wesawsomethingfloatinguponthewater,wentspeedilytofindoutwhatitwas,andperceivingyourraft,oneofusswamintotheriver,andbroughtithither,wherewefastenedit,asyousee,untilyoushouldawake.Praytellusyourhistory,foritmustbeextraordinary;howdidyouventureintothisriver,andwhencedidyoucome?’

Ibeggedofthemfirsttogivemesomethingtoeat,andthenIwouldsatisfytheircuriosity.Theygavemeseveralsortsoffood;andwhenIhadsatisfiedmyhunger,Igavethematrueaccountofallthathadbefallenme,whichtheylistenedtowithwonder.AssoonasIhadfinishedmydiscourse,theytoldme,bythepersonwhospokeArabicandinterpretedtothemwhatIsaid,thatitwasoneofthemostsurprisingstoriestheyeverheard,andthatImustgoalongwiththem,andtellittotheirkingmyself;thestorywastooextraordinarytobetold

byanyotherthanthepersontowhomithappened.ItoldthemIwasreadytodowhatevertheypleased.

Theyimmediatelysentforahorse,whichwasbroughtinalittletime;andhavingmademegetuponhim,someofthemwalkedbeforemetoshowmetheway,andtheresttookmyraftandcargo,andfollowedme.

Wemarchedthusaltogether,tillwecametothecityofSerendib,foritwasinthatislandIlanded.Theblackspresentedmetotheirking;Iapproachedhisthrone,andsalutedhimasIusedtodothekingsoftheIndies;thatistosay,Iprostratedmyselfathisfeet,andkissedtheearth.Theprinceorderedmetoriseup,receivedmewithanobligingair,andmademecomeup,andsitdownnearhim.Hefirstaskedmemyname,andIanswered,‘TheycallmeSinbadthesailor,becauseofthemanyvoyagesIhaveundertaken,andIamacitizenofBaghdad.’

‘But,’repliedhe,‘howcameyouintomydominions,andfromwhencecameyoulast?’

Iconcealednothingfromtheking;ItoldhimallthatIhavenowtoldyou,andhismajestywassosurprisedandcharmedwithit,thathecommandedmyadventuretobewritteninlettersofgold,andlaidupinthearchivesofhiskingdom.Atlastmyraftwasbroughtin,andthebalesopenedinhispresence:headmiredthequantityofwoodofaloesandambergris;but,aboveall,therubiesandemeralds,forhehadnoneinhistreasurythatcamenearthem.

Observingthathelookedonmyjewelswithpleasure,andviewedthemostremarkableamongthemoneafteranother,Ifellprostrateathisfeet,andtookthelibertytosaytohim,‘Sir,notonlymypersonisatyourmajesty’sservice,butthecargooftheraft,andIwouldbegofyoutodisposeofitasyourown.’

Heansweredmewithasmile,‘Sinbad,Iwilltakecarenottocovetanythingofyours,nortotakeanythingfromyouthatGodhasgivenyou;farfromlesseningyourwealth,Idesigntoaugmentit,andwillnotletyougooutofmydominionswithoutmarksofmyliberality.’

AlltheanswerIreturnedwasprayersfortheprosperityofthisprince,andcommendationsofhisgenerosityandbounty.Hechargedoneofhisofficerstotakecareofme,andorderedpeopletoservemeathisowncharge.Theofficerwasveryfaithfulintheexecutionofhisorders,andcausedallthegoodstobe

carriedtothelodgingsprovidedforme.Iwenteverydayatasethourtopaycourttotheking,andspenttherestofmytimeinseeingthecity,andwhatwasmostworthyofnotice.

TheIsleofSerendibissituatedjustundertheequinoctialline,sothatthedaysandnightstherearealwaysoftwelvehourseach,andtheislandiseightyparasangsinlength,andasmanyinbreadth.

Thecapitalcitystandsattheendofafinevalleyformedbyamountaininthemiddleoftheisland,whichisthehighestintheworld.Imade,bywayofdevotion,apilgrimagetotheplacewhereAdamwasconfinedafterhisbanishmentfromParadise,andhadthecuriositytogotothetopofit.

WhenIcamebacktothecity,Iprayedthekingtoallowmetoreturntomycountry,whichhegrantedmeinthemostobligingandhonourablemanner.Hewouldneedsforcearichpresentuponme,andwhenIwenttotakemyleaveofhim,hegavemeonemuchmorevaluable,andatthesametimechargedmewithaletterfortheCommanderoftheFaithful,oursovereign,sayingtome,‘IprayyougivethispresentfrommeandthislettertoCaliphHarounAlraschid,andassurehimofmyfriendship.’Itookthepresentandletterinaveryrespectfulmanner,andpromisedhismajestypunctuallytoexecutethecommissionwithwhichhewaspleasedtohonourme.BeforeIembarked,thisprincesentforthecaptainandthemerchantswhoweretogowithme,andorderedthemtotreatmewithallpossiblerespect.

TheletterfromtheKingofSerendibwaswrittenontheskinofacertainanimalofgreatvalue,becauseofitsbeingsoscarce,andofayellowishcolour.Thewritingwasazure,andthecontentsasfollows:—

‘ThekingoftheIndies,beforewhommarchahundredelephants,wholivesinapalacethatshineswithahundredthousandrubies,andwhohasinhistreasurytwentythousandcrownsenrichedwithdiamonds,toCaliphHarounAlraschid:

‘Thoughthepresentwesendyoubeinconsiderable,receiveitasabrotherandafriend,inconsiderationoftheheartyfriendshipwhichwebeartoyou,andofwhichwearewillingtogiveyouproof.Wedesirethesamepartinyourfriendship,consideringthatwebelieveittobeourmerit,beingofthesamedignitywithyourself.Weconjureyouthisintherankofabrother.Farewell.’

Thepresentconsistedfirst,ofonesinglerubymadeintoacup,abouthalfafoot

high,aninchthick,andfilledwithroundpearls.Secondly,theskinofaserpent,whosescaleswereaslargeasanordinarypieceofgold,andhadthevirtuetopreservefromsicknessthosewholayuponit.Thirdly,fiftythousanddrachmsofthebestwoodofaloes,withthirtygrainsofcamphorasbigaspistachios.Andfourthly,ashe-slaveofravishingbeauty,whoseapparelwascoveredalloverwithjewels.

Theshipsetsail,andafteraverylongandsuccessfulvoyage,welandedatBalsora;fromthenceIwenttoBagdad,wherethefirstthingIdidwastoacquitmyselfofmycommission.

ItooktheKingofSerendib’sletter,andwenttopresentmyselfatthegateoftheCommanderoftheFaithful,followedbythebeautifulslaveandsuchofmyownfamilyascarriedthepresents.

Igaveanaccountofthereasonofmycoming,andwasimmediatelyconductedtothethroneofthecaliph.Imademyreverence,andafterashortspeechgavehimtheletterandpresent.WhenhehadreadwhattheKingofSerendibwrotetohim,heaskedmeifthatprincewerereallysorichandpotentashehadsaidinthisletter.Iprostratedmyselfasecondtime,andrisingagain,‘CommanderoftheFaithful,’saidI,‘Icanassureyourmajestyhedothnotexceedthetruthonthathead:Iamwitnessofit.Thereisnothingmorecapableofraisingaman’sadmirationthanthemagnificenceofhispalace.Whentheprinceappearsinpublic,hehasathronefixedonthebackofanelephant,andmarchesbetwixttworanksofhisministers,favourites,andotherpeopleofhiscourt;beforehim,uponthesameelephant,anofficercarriesagoldenlanceinhishand,andbehindthethronethereisanother,whostandsuprightwithacolumnofgold,onthetopofwhichthereisanemeraldhalfafootlongandaninchthick;beforehimmarchaguardofathousandmen,cladinclothofgoldandsilk,andmountedonelephantsrichlycaparisoned.

‘Whilethekingisonhismarch,theofficerwhoisbeforehimonthesameelephantcriesfromtimetotime,withaloudvoice,“Beholdthegreatmonarch,thepotentandredoubtableSultanoftheIndies,whosepalaceiscoveredwithahundredthousandrubies,andwhopossessestwentythousandcrownsofdiamonds.”Afterhehaspronouncedthesewords,theofficerbehindthethronecriesinhisturn,“Thismonarchsogreatandsopowerful,mustdie,mustdie,mustdie.”Andtheofficerinfrontreplies,“PraisebetoHimwholivesforever.”

‘Further,theKingofSerendibissojustthattherearenojudgesinhisdominions.Hispeoplehavenoneedofthem.Theyunderstandandobservejusticeofthemselves.’

Thecaliphwasmuchpleasedwithmydiscourse.‘Thewisdomofthisking,’saidhe,‘appearsinhisletter,andafterwhatyoutellmeImustconfessthathiswisdomisworthyofhispeople,andhispeopledeservesowiseaprince.’Havingspokenthushedismissedme,andsentmehomewitharichpresent.

THESEVENTHANDLASTVOYAGEOFSINBADTHESAILOR.

Beingreturnedfrommysixthvoyage,Iabsolutelylaidasideallthoughtsoftravellinganyfarther;for,besidesthatmyyearsnowrequiredrest,IwasresolvednomoretoexposemyselftosuchriskasIhadrun;sothatIthoughtofnothingbuttopasstherestofmydaysinquiet.Oneday,asIwastreatingsomeofmyfriends,oneofmyservantscameandtoldmethatanofficerofthecaliphaskedforme.Irosefromthetable,andwenttohim.‘Thecaliph,’

saidhe,‘hassentmetotellyouthathemustspeakwithyou.’Ifollowedtheofficertothepalace,where,beingpresentedtothecaliph,Isalutedhimbyprostratingmyselfathisfeet.‘Sinbad,’

saidhetome,‘Istandinneedofyou;youmustdometheservicetocarrymyanswerandpresenttotheKingofSerendib.ItisbutjustIshouldreturnhiscivility.’

Thiscommandofthecaliphtomewaslikeaclapofthunder.

‘CommanderoftheFaithful,’repliedI,‘Iamreadytodowhateveryourmajestyshallthinkfittocommandme;butIbeseechyoumosthumblytoconsiderwhatIhaveundergone.IhavealsomadeavownevertogooutofBagdad.’HereItookoccasiontogivehimalargeandparticularaccountofallmyadventures,whichhehadthepatiencetohearout.

AssoonasIhadfinished,‘Iconfess,’saidhe,‘thatthethingsyoutellmeareveryextraordinary,yetyoumustformysakeundertakethisvoyagewhichIproposetoyou.YouhavenothingtodobuttogototheIsleofSerendib,anddeliverthecommissionwhichIgiveyou.Afterthatyouareatlibertytoreturn.Butyoumustgo;foryouknowitwouldbeindecent,andnotsuitabletomydignity,tobeindebtedtothekingofthatisland.’Perceivingthatthecaliph

insisteduponit,Isubmitted,andtoldhimthatIwaswillingtoobey.Hewasverywellpleasedatit,andorderedmeathousandsequinsfortheexpenseofmyjourney.

Ipreparedformydepartureinafewdays,andassoonasthecaliph’sletterandpresentweredeliveredtome,IwenttoBalsora,whereIembarked,andhadaveryhappyvoyage.IarrivedattheIsleofSerendib,whereIacquaintedtheking’sministerswithmycommission,andprayedthemtogetmespeedyaudience.Theydidso,andIwasconductedtothepalaceinanhonourablemanner,whereIsalutedthekingbyprostration,accordingtocustom.Thatprinceknewmeimmediately,andtestifiedverygreatjoytoseeme.

‘OSinbad,’saidhe,‘youarewelcome;IsweartoyouIhavemanytimesthoughtofyousinceyouwenthence;Iblessthedayuponwhichweseeoneanotheroncemore.’Imademycomplimenttohim,andafterhavingthankedhimforhiskindnesstome,Ideliveredthecaliph’sletterandpresent,whichhereceivedwithallimaginablesatisfaction.

Thecaliph’spresentwasacompletesetofclothofgold,valuedatonethousandsequins;fiftyrobesofrichstuff,ahundredothersofwhitecloth,thefinestofCairo,Suez,Cusa,andAlexandria;aroyalcrimsonbed,andasecondofanotherfashion;avesselofagatebroaderthandeep,aninchthick,andhalfafootwide,thebottomofwhichrepresentedinbas-reliefamanwithonekneeontheground,whoheldabowandanarrow,readytoletflyatalion.Hesenthimalsoarichtable,which,accordingtotradition,belongedtothegreatSolomon.Thecaliph’sletterwasasfollows:‘GreetinginthenameoftheSovereignGuideoftheRightWay,tothepotentandhappySultan,fromAbdallahHarounAlraschid,whomGodhathsetintheplaceofhonour,afterhisancestorsofhappymemory:

‘Wereceivedyourletterwithjoy,andsendyouthisfromthecouncilofourport,thegardenofsuperiorwits.Wehope,whenyoulookuponit,youwillfindourgoodintention,andbepleasedwithit.Farewell.’

TheKingofSerendibwashighlypleasedthatthecaliphreturnedhisfriendship.Alittletimeafterthisaudience,Isolicitedleavetodepart,andhadmuchdifficultytoobtainit.Iobtainedit,however,atlast,andtheking,whenhedismissedme,mademeaveryconsiderablepresent.IembarkedimmediatelytoreturntoBagdad,buthadnotthegoodfortunetoarrivethereasIhoped.

Godordereditotherwise.

Threeorfourdaysaftermydeparture,wewereattackedbypirates,whoeasilyseizeduponourship.Someofthecrewofferedresistance,whichcostthemtheirlives.Butasformeandtherest,whowerenotsoimprudent,thepiratessavedusonpurposetomakeslavesofus.

Wewereallstripped,andinsteadofourownclothestheygaveussorryrags,andcarriedusintoaremoteisland,wheretheysoldus.

Ifellintothehandsofarichmerchant,who,assoonasheboughtme,carriedmetohishouse,treatedmewell,andcladmehandsomelyforaslave.Somedaysafter,notknowingwhoIwas,heaskedmeifIunderstoodanytrade.IansweredthatIwasnomechanic,butamerchant,andthatthepirateswhosoldmehadrobbedmeofallIhad.

‘Buttellme,’repliedhe,‘canyoushootwithabow?’

Iansweredthatthebowwasoneofmyexercisesinmyyouth,andIhadnotyetforgottenit.Thenhegavemeabowandarrows,and,takingmebehindhimuponanelephant,carriedmetoavastforestsomeleaguesfromthetown.Wewentagreatwayintotheforest,andwherehethoughtfittostophebademealight;thenshowingmeagreattree,‘Climbupthattree,’saidhe,‘andshootattheelephantsasyouseethempassby,forthereisaprodigiousnumberoftheminthisforest,and,ifanyofthemfall,comeandgivemenoticeofit.’Havingspokenthus,heleftmevictuals,andreturnedtothetown,andIcontinueduponthetreeallnight.

Isawnoelephantduringthattime,butnextmorning,assoonasthesunwasup,Isawagreatnumber:Ishotseveralarrowsamongthem,andatlastoneoftheelephantsfell;therestretiredimmediately,andleftmeatlibertytogoandacquaintmypatronwithmybooty.WhenIhadtoldhimthenews,hegavemeagoodmeal,commendedmydexterity,andcaressedmehighly.Weafterwardswenttogethertotheforest,wherewedugaholefortheelephant;mypatronintendingtoreturnwhenitwasrotten,andtotaketheteeth,etc.,totradewith.

Icontinuedthisgamefortwomonths,andkilledanelephanteveryday,gettingsometimesupononetree,andsometimesuponanother.

Onemorning,asIlookedfortheelephants,Iperceivedwithanextreme

amazementthat,insteadofpassingbymeacrosstheforestasusual,theystopped,andcametomewithahorriblenoise,insuchanumberthattheearthwascoveredwiththem,andshookunderthem.TheyencompassedthetreewhereIwaswiththeirtrunksextendedandtheireyesallfixeduponme.AtthisfrightfulspectacleIremainedimmoveable,andwassomuchfrightenedthatmybowandarrowsfelloutofmyhand.

Myfearswerenotinvain;foraftertheelephantshadstareduponmeforsometime,oneofthelargestofthemputhistrunkroundtherootofthetree,andpulledsostrongthathepluckeditupandthrewitontheground;Ifellwiththetree,andtheelephanttakingmeupwithhistrunk,laidmeonhisback,whereIsatmorelikeonedeadthanalive,withmyquiveronmyshoulder:thenheputhimselfattheheadoftherest,whofollowedhimintroops,andcarriedmetoaplacewherehelaidmedownontheground,andretiredwithallhiscompanions.Conceive,ifyoucan,theconditionIwasin:Ithoughtmyselftobeinadream;atlast,afterhavinglainsometime,andseeingtheelephantsgone,Igotup,andfoundIwasuponalongandbroadhill,coveredalloverwiththebonesandteethofelephants.Iconfesstoyouthatthisfurnishedmewithabundanceofreflections.Iadmiredtheinstinctofthoseanimals;Idoubtednotbutthatthiswastheirburyingplace,andthattheycarriedmethitheronpurposetotellmethatIshouldforbeartopersecutethem,sinceIdiditonlyfortheirteeth.Ididnotstayonthehill,butturnedtowardsthecity,and,afterhavingtravelledadayandanight,Icametomypatron;Imetnoelephantonmyway,whichmademethinktheyhadretiredfartherintotheforest,toleavemeatlibertytocomebacktothehillwithoutanyhindrance.

Assoonasmypatronsawme:‘Ah,poorSinbad,’saidhe,Iwasingreattroubletoknowwhathadbecomeofyou.Ihavebeenattheforest,whereIfoundatreenewlypulledup,andabowandarrowsontheground,andafterhavingsoughtforyouinvainIdespairedofeverseeingyoumore.Praytellmewhatbefellyou,andbywhatgoodhapyouarestillalive.’

Isatisfiedhiscuriosity,andgoingbothofusnextmorningtothehill,hefoundtohisgreatjoythatwhatIhadtoldhimwastrue.

Weloadedtheelephantuponwhichwecamewithasmanyteethashecouldcarry;andwhenwehadreturned,‘Brother,’saidmypatron—

‘forIwilltreatyounomoreasmyslave—afterhavingmadesuchadiscoveryas

willenrichme,Godblessyouwithallhappinessandprosperity.IdeclarebeforeHimthatIgiveyouyourliberty.IconcealedfromyouwhatIamnowgoingtotellyou.

‘Theelephantsofourforesthaveeveryyearkilledagreatmanyslaves,whomwesenttoseekivory.Notwithstandingallthecautionswecouldgivethem,thosecraftyanimalskilledthemonetimeorother.Godhasdeliveredyoufromtheirfury,andhasbestowedthatfavouruponyouonly.ItisasignthatHelovesyou,andhasuseforyourserviceintheworld.Youhaveprocuredmeincrediblegain.Wecouldnothaveivoryformerlybutbyexposingthelivesofourslaves,andnowourwholecityisenrichedbyyourmeans.DonotthinkIpretendtohaverewardedyoubygivingyouyourliberty;Iwillalsogiveyouconsiderableriches.Icouldengageallourcitytocontributetowardsmakingyourfortune,butIwillhavethegloryofdoingitmyself.’

TothisobligingdiscourseIreplied,‘Patron,Godpreserveyou.

Yourgivingmemylibertyisenoughtodischargewhatyouoweme,andIdesirenootherrewardfortheserviceIhadthegoodfortunetodotoyouandyourcity,thanleavetoreturntomyowncountry.’

‘Verywell,’saidhe,‘themonsoonwillinalittletimebringshipsforivory.Iwillsendyouhomethen,andgiveyouwherewithtopayyourexpenses.’Ithankedhimagainformyliberty,andhisgoodintentionstowardsme.Istayedwithhimuntilthemonsoon;andduringthattimewemadesomanyjourneystothehillthatwefilledallourwarehouseswithivory.Theothermerchantswhotradedinitdidthesamething,foritcouldnotbelongconcealedfromthem.

Theshipsarrivedatlast,andmypatronhimselfhavingmadechoiceoftheshipwhereinIwastoembark,heloadedhalfofitwithivoryonmyaccount,laidinprovisionsinabundanceformypassage,andobligedmebesidestoacceptasapresent,curiositiesofthecountryofgreatvalue.AfterIhadreturnedhimathousandthanksforallhisfavours,Iwentonboard.Wesetsail,andastheadventurewhichprocuredmethislibertywasveryextraordinary,Ihaditcontinuallyinmythoughts.

Westoppedatsomeislandstotakeinfreshprovisions.OurvesselbeingcometoaportonthemainlandintheIndies,wetouchedthere,andnotbeingwillingtoventurebyseatoBalsora,Ilandedmyproportionoftheivory,resolvingto

proceedonmyjourneybyland.Imadevastsumsbymyivory,Iboughtseveralrarities,whichIintendedforpresents,andwhenmyequipagewasready,Isetoutinthecompanyofalargecaravanofmerchants.Iwasalongtimeontheway,andsufferedverymuch,butenduredallwithpatience,whenIconsideredthatIhadnothingtofearfromtheseas,frompirates,fromserpents,norfromtheotherperilsIhadundergone.

Allthesefatiguesendedatlast,andIcamesafetoBagdad.Iwentimmediatelytowaituponthecaliph,andgavehimanaccountofmyembassy.Thatprincetoldmehehadbeenuneasy,byreasonthatIwassolonginreturning,butthathealwayshopedGodwouldpreserveme.WhenItoldhimtheadventureoftheelephants,heseemedtobemuchsurprisedatit,andwouldneverhavegivenanycredittoithadhenotknownmysincerity.Hereckonedthisstory,andtheothernarrativesIhadgivenhim,tobesocuriousthatheorderedoneofhissecretariestowritethemincharactersofgold,andlaythemupinhistreasury.IretiredverywellsatisfiedwiththehonoursIreceivedandthepresentswhichhegaveme;andafterthatIgavemyselfupwhollytomy,family,kindredandfriends.

EndofFairyTalesfromtheArabianNights