Long ago, in times long gone before, there lived a King of Persia called Khusrau Shah, renowned for justice and righteousness.

His father, dying at a good old age, had left him sole heir to all the realm. Under his rule, the tiger and the kid drank side by side at the same place, and his treasury was ever full and his troops and guards were numberless. It was his custom to don disguise and, attended by a trusty Wazir, to wander about the streets at night time. By these means, rare sights and extraordinary happenings became known to him—which, should I tell you all of it, would weary you beyond measure. When he took his seat upon the throne of his ancestors, after the appointed days of mourning had ended according to the custom of the country, he caused his exalted name—that is, Khusrau Shah—to be struck upon all the coins of the kingdom and entered into the formula of public prayer. Once established in his sovereignty, he went forth as before on one evening, accompanied by his Grand Wazir. Both in merchant's habit, they walked the streets and squares, the markets and lanes, the better to note what might take place both of good and of bad. By chance, as the night darkened,

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 315 through a quarter where dwelt people of the poorer class. As they walked on, the Shah heard inside a house women talking with loud voices. Going near, he peeped in through the doorway and saw three fair sisters who, having supped together, were seated on a divan talking to one another. The King applied his ear to the crack and listened eagerly to what they said. He heard each one declaring what was the thing she most desired. The eldest said, "I would that I were married to the Shah's head Baker, for then I should ever have bread to eat—the whitest and choicest in the city—and your hearts would be filled with envy and jealousy and malice at my good fortune." The second said, "I would rather marry the Shah's chief Cook and eat of dainty dishes that are placed before his Highness, with which the royal bread common throughout the Palace cannot compare for taste and flavour." And the third and youngest of the three—by far the most beautiful and lovely of them all, a maiden of charming nature, full of wit and humour, sharp-witted, wary and wise—when her turn came to tell her wish, said, "O sisters, my ambition is not as ordinary as yours. I care not for fine bread nor do I long gluttonously for dainty dishes. I look to something nobler and higher. Indeed, I would desire nothing less than to be married by the King and become the mother of a beautiful Prince—a model of form and in mind as masterful as he is valorous. His hair should be golden on one side and silver on the other. When weeping, he should drop pearls in place of tears, and when laughing, his rosy lips should be fresh as the newly blown blossom." The Shah was amazed beyond measure to hear the wishes of the three sisters, but especially the youngest.

He determined in himself that he would gratify them all. So he said to the Grand Wazir, "Mark well this house and on the morrow bring before me these maidens whom we have heard discoursing." The Wazir said, "O Asylum of the Universe, I hear and I obey." Thereupon the two walked back to the palace and lay down to rest. When morning came, the Minister went for the sisters and brought them to the King, who, after greeting them and reassuring their hearts, said to them in kindly tone, "O you maidens of fortune, last night, what was it that in merry word and jest you spoke to one another? Tell the Shah everything in full detail, for all must become known to us. We have heard something, but now the King would have you recount your discourse to his royal ears."

—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty eighth Night

Then she said, "I have heard that when the Shah spoke these words, the sisters, confused and filled with shame, durst not reply but stood before him silent with heads bent low. Despite all his questioning and encouragement, they could not pluck up courage. However, the youngest was of passing beauty in form and feature, and immediately the Shah became desperately enamoured of her. Out of his love, he began reassuring them and saying, 'O you fair Princesses, be not afraid nor troubled in thought. Let not bashfulness or shyness prevent you from telling the Shah what three wishes you made, for gladly would he fulfil them all.' At that, they threw themselves at his feet and, craving his pardon for their boldness and freedom of speech, told him the whole conversation, each one repeating the wish she had made. On that very day, Khusrau Shah married the eldest sister to his chief Baker and the second sister to his head Cook. He bade make all things ready for his own wedding with the youngest sister. When the preparations for the royal nuptials had been made after the costliest fashion, the King's marriage was celebrated with royal pomp and pageantry. The bride received the titles of Light of the Harem and Banu of Iran land. The other two maidens were likewise married, one to the King's Baker and the other to his Cook, after a manner according to their several degrees in life

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 317 and with little show of grandeur and circumstance. It would have been only right and reasonable that these two, having won each her own wish, should have passed their time in solace and happiness. But the decree of Destiny doomed otherwise. As soon as they saw the grand estate to which their youngest sister had risen and the magnificence of her marriage festival, their hearts were fired with envy and jealousy and bitter spite. They resolved to give rein to their hatred and malignancy and to work her some foul mischief. In this way, they remained for many months consumed with rancour, day and night. They burned with grief and anger whenever they sighted anything of her superior style and state. One morning, as the two met at the public bath and found privacy and opportunity, the eldest sister said to the second, "A grievous thing it is indeed that she, our youngest sister, no lovelier than ourselves, should thus be raised to the dignity and majesty of queendom. The thought is hard to bear." The other said, "O sister mine, I also am perplexed and displeased at this thing. I know not what merit the Shah could have seen in her that tempted him to choose her for his consort. She ill befits that high estate with that face like a monkey's. Save her youth, I know nothing that could commend her to his Highness that he should so exalt her above us. To my mind, you and not she are fit to share the royal bed. I nurse a grudge against the King for that he has made this jade his Queen."

The eldest sister rejoined, "I likewise marvel beyond all measure. I swear that your youth and beauty, your well-shaped figure and lovely appearance and gifts without challenge or compare, might well have sufficed to win the King and have tempted him to wed you and make you his crowned Queen and Sovereign Lady, rather than taking to his arms this paltry strumpet. Indeed, he has shown no sense of what is right and just in leaving you disappointed. On this account only, the matter troubles me with exceeding trouble."

—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty ninth Night

Then she said, "I have heard that the two sisters took counsel each with the other on how they might abase their youngest sister in the Shah's sight and cause her downfall and utter ruin. Day and night they pondered the matter and spoke at great length about it whenever they met together, and they considered endless plans to injure the Queen their sister and, if possible, bring about her death. But they could fix upon none. While they bore this spite and hatred towards her and diligently and deliberately sought the means of gratifying their bitter envy, hatred and malice, she, on the other hand, regarded them with the same favour and affection as she had before marriage and thought only how to improve their low estate. When some months of her wedded life had passed, the fair Queen was found to be with child, and the glad tidings filled the Shah with joy. At once, he commanded all the people of the capital and throughout the whole Empire to keep holiday with feasts and dancing and every manner of jollity befitting so rare and important an occasion. But as soon as the news came to the ears of the two envious sisters, they were constrained by necessity to offer their congratulations to the Queen.

After a long visit, as the two were about to ask for dismissal, they said, "Thanks be to Almighty Allah, O our sister, who has shown us this happy day. One boon have we to ask of you: that when the time shall come for you to be delivered of a child, we may assist as midwives at your confinement and be with you and nurse you for the space of forty days." The Queen, in her gladness, made reply, "O sisters mine, I gladly would have it so, for at a time of such need, I know of none on whom to rely with such confidence as upon you. Your presence with me during my coming trial will be most welcome and opportune. But I can only do what the Shah bids, nor can I do anything save by his leave. My advice is thus: Make known this matter to your husbands, who have always access to the royal presence, and let them personally apply for your attendance as midwives. I doubt not that the Shah will give you leave to assist me and remain by my side, considering the fond relationship between us three." Then the two sisters returned home full of evil thoughts and malice, and told their wishes to their husbands, who, in turn, spoke to Khusrau Shah and proffered their petition with all humility, little knowing what was hidden from them in the Secret Purpose. The King replied, "When I shall have thought the matter over in my mind, I will give you suitable orders." So saying, he privately

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 319 visited the Queen and said to her, "O my lady, if it please you, I think it would be well to summon your sisters and secure their assistance when you are in labour, rather than any stranger. If you be of the same mind as myself, let me at once take steps to obtain their consent and agreement before your time arrives. They will wait on you with more loving care than any hired nurse, and you will find yourself safer in their hands." The Queen replied, "O my lord the Shah, I also think it would be well to have my sisters by my side and not mere strangers at such an hour." Accordingly, he sent word to them, and from that day they dwelt within the palace to make all ready for the expected confinement. In this way, they found means to carry out their spiteful plot which for so many days they had devised. When her full term of months had passed, the Banu was brought to bed of a man-child marvellous in beauty. At this, the fire of envy and hatred was kindled with redoubled fury in the sisters' breasts. So they again took counsel and suffered no compassion or natural affection to move their cruel hearts. Presently, with great care and secrecy, they wrapped the newborn in a piece of blanket and, putting him into a basket, cast him into a canal which flowed close by the Queen's apartment. They then placed a dead puppy in the place of the prince and showed it to the other midwives and nurses, averring that the Queen had given birth to such a monstrosity. When these untoward tidings reached the King's ears, he was sorely discomforted and grew angry with exceeding wrath.

—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventieth Night

Then she said, "I have heard that the King, inflamed with sudden fierceness, drew his sword and would have slain his Queen had not the Grand Wazir, who happened to be in his presence at the time, restrained his rage and diverted him from his unjust design and barbarous purpose. He said, 'O Shadow of Allah upon earth, this mishap is ordained of the Almighty Lord whose will no man has power to gainsay. The Queen is guiltless of offence against you, for what is born of her is born without her choice, and she indeed has no hand in it.' With this and other sage counsel, he dissuaded his lord from carrying out his fell purpose and saved the guiltless Queen from a sudden and cruel death. Meanwhile, the basket in which lay the newly born Prince was carried by the current into a rivulet which flowed through the royal gardens. As the Intendant of the pleasure grounds chanced to walk along the bank, by the decree of Destiny he caught sight of the basket floating by. He called a gardener, bidding him lay hold of it and bring it to him that he might see what was within it. The man ran along the rivulet side and, with a long stick, drew the basket to land and showed it to the Intendant, who opened it and beheld within a newborn babe—a boy of wondrous beauty wrapped in a bit of blanket. At this sight, he was astounded beyond measure.

Now it so chanced that the Intendant, who was one of the Emirs and stood high in favour with the Sovereign, had no children. Moreover, he never ceased offering prayers and vows to Almighty Allah that he might have a son to keep alive his memory and continue his name. Delighted at the sight, he took home the basket with the babe and, giving it to his wife, said, 'See how Allah has sent to us this man-child which I just now found floating upon the waters. Do you directly fetch a wet nurse to give him milk and nourish him, and bring him up with care and tenderness as though he were your own.' So the Intendant's wife took charge of the child with great gladness and reared him with her whole heart, diligently

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 321 as though born of her own womb. The Intendant said nothing to anyone or sought to find out whose the child might be, lest someone claim and take it from him. He was assured in his mind that the boy came from the Queen's quarter of the palace, but deemed it inexpedient to make too strict enquiry concerning the matter. He and his spouse kept the secret with complete secrecy. A year after this, the Queen gave birth to a second son. Her sisters, full of spite, did with this babe even as they had done by the first: they wrapped it in a cloth and set it in a basket which they threw into the stream. Then they gave out that the Queen had brought forth a kitten. But once more, by the mercy of Allah Almighty, this boy came to the hands of that same Intendant of the gardens, who carried him to his wife and placed him under her charge with strict injunctions to take care of the second foundling as carefully as she had done with the first. The Shah, enraged to hear the evil tidings, again rose up to slay the Queen. But as before, the Grand Wazir prevented him and calmed his wrath with words of wholesome counsel, a second time saving the unhappy mother's life.

After another year had gone by, the Banu was brought to bed and this time bore a daughter. The sisters did with her as they had done with her brothers: they set the innocent in a basket and threw her into the stream. The Intendant found her also and took her to his wife and bade her rear the infant together with the other two castaways. Hereupon the envious Sisters, wild with malice, reported that the Queen had given birth to a musk cat. At which King Khusrau could no longer restrain his wrath and indignation. So he cried in furious rage to the Grand Wazir, "What! Shall the Shah suffer this woman, who bears nothing but vermin and abortions, to share the joys of his bed? Nay more, the King can no longer allow her to live, else she will fill the palace with monstrous births. In very truth, she is herself a monster, and it behoves us to rid this place of such an unclean creature and accursed."

So saying, the Shah commanded that she be put to death. But the ministers and high officers of state who stood before the presence fell at the royal feet and besought pardon and mercy for the Queen. The Grand Wazir also said with folded hands, "O Shahınshah, O King of kings—your slave would gladly represent that it is not in accordance with the course of justice or the laws of the land to take the life of a woman for no fault of her own. She cannot interfere with Destiny, nor can she prevent unnatural births such as have thrice happened to her. Such mishaps have often befallen other women, whose cases call for compassion and not punishment. If the King be displeased with her, then let him cease to live with her, and the loss of his gracious favour will be a penalty dire enough. If the Shah cannot suffer the sight of her, then let her be confined in some room apart, and let her expiate her offence by alms and charity until Izra'il, the Angel of Death, separate her soul from her flesh." Hearing these words of counsel from his aged Counsellor, Khusrau Shah recognised that it had been wrong to slay the Queen, for she could in no wise do anything that was determined by Fate and Destiny. Presently, he said to the Grand Wazir, "Her life is spared at your intercession, O wise and wary man. Yet will the King doom her to a fate which, perhaps, is hardly less hard to bear than death. And now do you directly make ready, by the side of the Cathedral mosque, a wooden cage with iron bars and lock the Queen within it as one would confine a ferocious wild beast. Then every Muslim who wends his way to public prayers shall spit in her face before he enters the fane. If any fail to carry out this command, he shall be punished in like manner. So place guards and inspectors to enforce obedience, and let me hear if there be any gainsaying." The Wazir durst not make reply but carried out the Shah's commandments. This punishment inflicted upon the blameless Queen had far better befitted her envious Sisters.

—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy first Night

Then she said, "I have heard that the cage was made ready with all speed. When the forty days after purification from childbirth had come to an end, the Banu was locked within it. According to the King's commandment, all who came to prayer in the Great Mosque would first spit in her face. The hapless woman, well knowing that she was not worthy of this ignominy, bore her sufferings with all patience and fortitude. Nor were they few who deemed her blameless and undeserving to endure these torments and tortures inflicted upon her by the Shah. They pitied her and offered prayers and made vows for her release. Meanwhile, the Intendant of the gardens and his wife brought up the two Princes and the Princess with all love and tenderness. As the children grew in years, their love for these adopted ones increased in like proportion. They gave the eldest Prince the name Bahman and to his brother Parwez. As the maiden was rare in beauty and passing in loveliness and graciousness, they called her Perizadah. When the Princes became old enough to receive instruction, the Intendant of the gardens appointed tutors and masters to teach them reading and writing and all the arts and sciences. The Princess also, showing like eagerness to acquire knowledge, was taught letters by the same instructors and soon could read and write with as perfect fluency and facility as could her brothers.

Then they were placed under the most learned of the Philosophers and the Scholars, who taught them the interpretation of the Koran and the sayings of the Apostle, the science of geometry as well as poetry and history, and even the abstruse sciences and the mystic doctrines of the Enlightened. Their teachers were astonished to find how soon and how far all three made progress in their studies and bid fair to outstrip even the sages however learned. Moreover, they all three were reared to horsemanship and skill in the chase, to shooting with shafts and lunging with lance and sway of sabre and jerking the Jeríd, with other manly and warlike sports. Besides all this the Princess Perizadah was taught to sing and play on various instruments of mirth and merriment, in which she became the peerless pearl of her age and time. The Intendant was exceeding glad of heart to find his adopted children prove themselves such proficients in every branch of knowledge; and presently, since his lodging was small and unfit for the growing family, he bought at a little distance from the city a piece of land sufficiently large to contain fields and meadows and copses. Here he fell to building a mansion of great magnificence; and busied himself day and night with supervising the architects and masons and other artificers. He adorned the walls inside and out with sculptural work of the finest and paintings of the choicest, and he fitted every apartment with richest furniture. In the front of his mansion he bade lay out a garden and stocked it with scented flowers and fragrant shrubs and fruit trees whose produce was as that of Paradise. There was moreover a large park girt on all sides by a high wall in which he reared game, both fur and feather, as sport for the two Princes and their sister.

And when the mansion was finished and fit for habitation, the Intendant, who had faithfully served the Shah for many generations of men, craved leave of his lord that he might bid adieu to the city and take up his abode in his new country seat; and the King, who had always looked upon him with the eye of favour, granted to him the required boon right heartily; furthermore, to prove his high opinion of his old servant and his services, he inquired of him if he had anything to request that it might be granted to him. Replied the other, "O my liege lord, your slave desires nothing save that he may spend the remnant of his days under the shadow of the Shah's protection, with body and soul devoted to his service, even as I served the sire before the son." The Shah dismissed him with words of thanks and comfort, when he left the city and taking with him the two Princes and their sister, he carried them to his newly built mansion. Some years before this time his wife had departed to the mercy of Allah, and he had passed only five or six months in his second home when he too suddenly fell sick and was admitted into the number of those who

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 325 have found ruth. as well he had neglected every occasion of telling his three foundlings the strange tale of their birth and how he had carried them to his home as castaways and had reared them as rearlings and had cherished them as his own children. But he had time to charge them, before he died, that they three should never cease to live together in love and honour and affection and respect one towards other. The loss of their protector caused them to grieve with bitter grief, for they all thought he was their real father; so they bewailed them and buried him as befitted; after which the two brothers and their sister dwelt together in peace and plenty. But one day of the days the Princes, who were full of daring and of highest mettle, rode forth a hunting and Princess Perizadah was left alone at home when an ancient woman,—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy second Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that perchance an ancient woman of the Moslems, a recluse and a devotee, came to the door and begged leave to enter within and repeat her prayers, as it was then the canonical hour and she had but time to make the Wuzú ablution. Perizadah bade bring her and saluted her with the salam and kindly welcomed her; then, when the holy woman had made an end of her orisons, the handmaids of the Princess, at her command, conducted her all through the house and grounds, and displayed to her the rooms with their furniture and fittings, and lastly the garden and orchard and game park. She was well pleased with all she saw and said within herself, "The man who built this mansion and laid out these parterres and vergiers was truly an accomplished artist and a people of marvellous skill." At last the slaves led her back to the Princess who, awaiting her return, was sitting in the belvedere; and she to the devotee, said, "Come, O good my mother, do you sit beside me and make me happy by the company of a pious recluse whom I am fortunate enough to have entertained unawares, and suffer I listen to your words of grace and by that gain no small advantage in this world and the next. You have chosen the right path and straight on which to walk, and that which all men strive for and pine for."

The holy woman would glad have seated herself at the feet of the Princess, but she courteously arose and took her by the hand and constrained her to sit beside her. She said, "O my lady, my eyes never yet beheld one so well mannered as you are: indeed, I am unworthy to sit with you, nevertheless, as you bid, I will even do your bidding." As they sat conversing each with other the slave girls set before them a table on which were placed some platters of bread and cakes with saucers full of fruits both fresh and dried, and various kinds of cakes and sweetmeats. The Princess took one of the cakes and giving it to the good woman said, "O my mother, refresh yourself herewith and eat of the fruits such as you like. 'Tis now long since you did leave your home and I trow you have not tasted anything of food upon the road." Replied the holy woman, "O lady of gentle birth, I am not wont to taste of dainty dishes such as these, but I can ill refuse your provision, since Allah the Almighty deigns send me food and support by so liberal and generous a hand as yours."

And when they twain had eaten somewhat and cheered their hearts, the Princess asked the devotee concerning the manner of her worship and of her austere life; whereto she made due answer and explained according to her knowledge. The Princess then exclaimed, "Tell me, I pray you, what you think of this mansion and the fashion of its building and the furniture and the appurtenances; and say me is all perfect and appropriate, or is anything still lacking in mansion or garden?" And she replied, "Since you deignest ask my opinion, I confess to you that both the building and the parterres are finished and furnished to perfection; and the belongings are in the best of taste and in the highest of ordinance. Still to my thinking there be three things here wanting, which if you had the place would be most complete." The Princess Perizadah adjured her saying, "O my aunt, I beseech you tell me what three articles yet are lacking, that I may lose nor pains nor toil to obtain them;" and, as the maiden pressed her with much entreaty, the devotee was constrained to tell her. She said, "O gentle lady, the first thing is the Speaking Bird, called Bulbul-i-hazár-dástán; he is very rare and hard to find but, whenever he pours out his melodious notes, thousands of birds fly to him from every

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 327 side and join him in his harmony. The next thing is the Singing Tree, whose smooth and glossy leaves when shaken by the wind and rubbed one against other send forth tuneful tones which strike the ear like the notes of sweet voiced minstrels ravishing the hearts of all who listen. The third thing is the Golden Water of transparent purity, whereof should but one drop be dripped into a basin and this be placed inside the garden it presently will fill the vessel brimful and will spout upwards in gerbes playing like a fountain that jets: moreover it never ceases playing, and all the water as it shoots up falls back again inside the basin, not one gout of it being lost." Replied the Princess, "I doubt not but you know for a certainty the very spot where these wondrous things are to be found; and I pray you tell me now the place and means by which I may take action to obtain them."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy third Night

Then she said—I have heard,that the holy woman thus answered the Princess, "These three rarities are not to be found, save on the boundary line that lies between the land of Hind and the confining countries, a score of marches along the road that leads Eastwards from this mansion. Let him who goes forth in quest of them ask the first man he meets on the twenties stage concerning the spot where he may find the Speaking Bird, the Singing Tree and the Golden Water; and he will direct the seeker where to come upon all three." When she had made an end of speaking the Devotee, with many blessings and prayers and vows for her well being, farewelled the lady Perizadah and fared forth homewards. The Princess, however, did not stop to ponder her words and ever to dwell in memory upon the relation of the holy woman who, never thinking that her hostess had asked for information save by way of curiosity, nor really purposed in mind to set forth with intent of finding the rarities, had heedlessly told all she knew and had given a clue to the discovery. But Perizadah kept these matters deeply graven on the tablets of her heart with firm resolution to follow the directions and, by all means in her power, to gain possession of these three wonders. as well, the more she reflected the harder appeared the enterprise, and her fear of failing only added to her unease.

Now whilst she sat perplexed with anxious thought and soon terrified with sore affright, her brothers rode back from the hunting ground; and they marvelled much to see her sad of semblance and low spirited, wondering the while what it was that troubled her. Presently, Prince Bahman, said, "O sister mine, why are you so heavy of heart this day? Almighty Allah forbid you be ill in health or that anything have happened you to cause your displeasure or to make you melancholy. Tell us I beseech you what it is, that we may be sharers in your sorrow and be alert to aid you." The Princess answered not a word, but after long silence raised her head and looked up at her brothers; then casting down her eyes she said in curt phrase that nothing was amiss with her. Prince Bahman, said, "Full well I know that there is a somewhat on your mind which you hesitatest to tell us; and now hear me swear a strong oath that I will never leave your side till you will have told us what cause it is that troubls you. Perhaps you are weary of our affection and you would undo the fraternal tie which has united us from our infancy."

When she saw her brothers so distressed and distraught, she was compelled to speak and said, "Albeit, O my dearlings, to tell you Why I am sad and sorrowful may cause you grief, still there is no help but I explain the matter to you twain. This mansion, which our dear father (who has found ruth) builded for us, is perfect in every attribute nor lacks it any condition of comfort or completion. nevertheless I have found out by chance this day that there are yet three things which, were they set within these walls, of the house and grounds, would make our place beyond compare, and in the wide world there would be nothing with it to pair. These three things are the Speaking Bird and the Singing Tree and the Golden Water; and ever since I heard of them my heart is filled with extreme desire to place them within our domain and excessive longing to obtain them by any means within my power. It now behoves you help me with your best endeavour and to consider what person will aid me in getting possession of these rarities." Replied Prince Bahman, "My life and that of my brother are at your service to carry out your purpose with heart and soul; and, could you give me but a clue to the place where these strange things are found, I would sally forth in quest of them at day break as soon as the morning shall morrow." When Prince Parwez understood that his brother was about to

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 329 make this journey, he spoke saying, "O my brother, you are eldest of us, so do you stay at home while I go forth to seek for these three things and bring them to our sister. And indeed it were more fitting for me to undertake a task which may occupy me for years." Replied Prince Bahman, "I have full confidence in your strength and prowess, and whatever I am able to perform you can do as well as I can. Still it is my firm resolve to fare forth upon this adventure alone and unaided, and you must stay and take care of our sister and our home." So next day Prince Bahman learned from the Princess the road on which he was to travel and the marks and signs by which to find the place. Presently, he donned armour and arms and bidding the twain adieu, he took horse and was about to ride forth with the stoutest of hearts, at which Princess Perizadah's eyes brimmed with tears and in faltering accents she addressed him saying, "O dear my brother, this bitter separation is heart breaking; and sore sorrowful am I to see you part from us. This disunion and yours absence in a distant land cause me grief and woe far exceeding that wherewith I mourned and pined for the rarities wherefor you quittest us. If only we might have some news of you from day today then would I feel somewhat comforted and consoled; but now 'tis clear otherwise and regret is of none avail."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy fourth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that Prince Bahman made answer in these words: "O sister mine, I am fully determined in mind to attempt this derring do: be you not however anxious or alarmed, for God willing—God willing—I shall return successful and triumphant. After my departure should you at any time feel in fear for my safety, then by this token which I leave you you will know of my fate and lot, good or evil " Then, drawing from his waist shawl a little hunting knife like a whittle, he gave it to Princess Perizadah, saying, "Take now this blade and keep it ever by you; and should you at any day or hour be solicitous concerning my condition, draw it from its sheath; and, if the steel be clean and bright as 'tis now then know that I am alive and safe and sound; but If you find stains of blood thereon then will you know that I am slain, and nothing remains for you to do save to pray for me as for one dead." With these words of solace the Prince departed on his journey, and travelled straight along the road to India, turning nor to right hand nor to left but ever keeping the same object in view. Thus a score of days was spent in journeying from the land of Iran, and upon the twenties he reached the end of his travel. Here he suddenly sighted an ancient man of frightful aspect sitting beneath a tree close by his thatched hut in which he was wont to shelter himself from the rains of spring and the heats of summer and the autumnal miasmas and the wintry frosts.

So shotten in years was this Shaykh that hair and beard, mustachios and whiskers were white as snow, and the growth of his upper lip was so long and so thick that it covered and concealed his mouth, while his beard swept the ground and the nails of his hands and feet had grown to resemble the claws of a wild beast. Upon his head he wore a broad brimmed hat of woven palm leaves like that of a Malábár fisherman, and all his remaining habit was a strip of matting girded around his waist. Now this Shaykh was a Darwaysh who for many years had fled the world and all worldly pleasures; who lived a holy life of poverty and chastity and other worldliness by which his semblance had become such as I,have described to you. From early dawn that day Prince Bahman had been watchful and vigilant, ever looking on all sides to descry some one who could supply him with information touching the whereabouts of the rarities he sought; and this was the first human being he had sighted on that stage, the twenties and last of his journey. So he rode up to him, being assured that the Shaykh must be the people of whom the holy woman had spoken.

Then Prince Bahman dismounting and making low obeisance to the Darwaysh, said, "O my father, Allah Almighty prolong your years and grant you all your wishes!" Whereto the Fakir made answer but in accents so indistinct that the Prince could not distinguish a single word he said; and presently Bahman understood that his moustache had on such wise closed and concealed his mouth that his utterance became indistinct and he only muttered when he would have spoken. He therefore haltered his horse to a tree and pulling out a pair of scissors said, "O holy man, your lips are wholly hidden by this overlong hair; suffer me, I pray you, clip the bristling growth which overspreads your face and which is so long and thick that you are

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 331 fearsome to behold; nay, more like to a bear than to a human being." The Darwaysh with a nod consented, and when the Prince had clipped it and trimmed the growth, his face once more looked young and fresh as that of a man in the prime of youth. Presently, Bahman to him, said, "Would Heaven I had a mirror in which to show you your face, so would you see how youthful you seemest, and how your favour has become far more like that of folk than whilom it was." These flattering words pleased the Darwaysh who smiling said, "I thank you much for this your goodly service and kindly offices; and, if in return, I can do anything of favour for you, I pray you let me know, and I will attempt to satisfy you in all things with my very heart and soul." Then said the Prince, "O holy man, I have come here from far distant lands along a toilsome road in quest of three things; to wit, a certain Speaking Bird, a Singing Tree and a Golden Water; and this know I for certain that they are all to be found close by this site."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy fifth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Prince, turning to the Darwaysh, continued, "O Devotee, albeit well I know that the three things I seek are in this land and nearhand, yet I know not the exact spot in which to find them. If you have true information concerning the place and will inform me of it, I on my part will never forget your kindness, and I shall have the satisfaction of feeling that this long and toilsome journey has not been wholly vain." Hearing these words of the Prince, the Darwaysh changed countenance and his face grew troubled and his colour wan; then he bent his glance downwards and sat in deepest silence. at which the other said, "O holy father, do you not understand the words wherewith I have bespoken you? If you art ignorant of the matter please let me know At once that I may again fare onwards until such time as I find a man who can inform me of it." After a long pause the Darwaysh made reply, "O stranger, 'tis true I ken full well the site whereof you are in search; but I hold you dear in that you have been of service to me; and I am loath for yours own sake to tell you where to find that stead."

And the Prince rejoined, "Say me, O Fakir, why do you withhold this knowledge from me, and Why are you not gladly to let me learn it?" Replied the other, " 'Tis a hard road to travel and full of perils and dangers. Besides yourself many have come here and have asked the path of me, and I refused to tell them, but they heeded not my warning and pressed me sore and compelled me to disclose the secret which I would have buried in my breast. Know, O my son, that all those braves have perished in their pride and not one of them has returned to me safe and sound. Now, an your life be dear to you, follow my counsel and fare no further, but rather turn you back without delay and make for house and home and family." Hereto Prince Bahman, stern in resolution, made reply, "You have after kindly guise and friendly fashion advised me with the best of advice; and I, having heard all you have to say, do thank you gratefully. But I reck not one jot or tittle of what dangers affront me, nor shall your threats however fatal deter me from my purpose: moreover, if thieves or foemen Perhaps fall upon me, I am armed at point and can and will protect myself, for I am certified that none can outvie me in strength and stowre."

To this the Fakir made reply, "The beings who will cut your path and bar your progress to that place are unseen of man, nor will they appear to you on any wise: how then can you defend yourself against them?" And he replied, "So be it, still I fear not and I pray you only show me the road there." When the Darwaysh was assured that the Prince had fully determined in mind to attempt the exploit and would by no means turn or be turned back from carrying out his purpose, he thrust his hand into a bag which lay close by and took from it a ball, and said, "Alas, O my son, you will not accept my counsel and I needs must let you follow your wilful way. Take this ball and, mounting your horse, throw it in front of you, and as long as it shall roll onwards do you ride after it, but when it shall stop at the hill foot dismount from your horse and throw the reins upon his neck and leave him alone, for he will stay there without moving until such time as you return. Then manfully breast the ascent, and on either side of the path, right and left, you will see a scatter of huge black boulders. Here the sound of many voices in confused clamour and frightful will suddenly strike yours ears, to raise your wrath and to fill you with fear and hinder your higher course uphill. Have a heed that you be not dismayed, also beware, and again I say beware, lest you turn your head at any time, and cast a look

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 333 backwards. An your courage fail you, or you allow yourself one glance behind you, you will be transformed that very moment into a black rock; for know you, O Prince, that all those stones which you will see strewn upon your way were men whilome and braves like yourself, who went forth with intent to gain the three things you seek, but frightened at those sounds lost human shape and became black boulders. However, should you reach the hill top safe and sound, you will find on the very summit a cage and perched within it the Speaking Bird ready to answer all your queries. So ask of him where you may find the Singing Tree and the Golden Water, and he will tell you all you require. When you will safely have seized all three you will be free from further danger; yet, given that you have not yet set out upon this journey give ear to my counsel. I beg of you desist from this your purpose and return home in peace whilst you have yet the power." And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy sixth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Prince made answer to the Darwaysh, "Until, O you holy man, such time as I win to my purpose I will not go back; no, never; therefore adieu." So he mounted his horse and threw the ball in front of him; and it rolled forward at racing speed and he, with gaze intent thereupon, rode after it and did not suffer it to gain upon him. When it had reached the hill whereof the Darwaysh spoke, it ceased to make further way, whereupon the Prince dismounted and throwing the reins on his horse's neck left him and fared on afoot to the slope. As far as he could see, the line of his path from the hill foot to the head was strown with a scatter of huge black boulders; as well his heart felt nothing of fear. He had not taken more than some four or five paces before a hideous din and a terrible hubbub of many voices arose, even as the Darwaysh had forewarned him. Prince Bahman, however, walked on valiantly with front erect and fearless tread, but he saw no living thing and heard only the Voices sounding all around him. Some said, "Who is that fool man and from where has he come? Stop him, let him not pass!"

Others shouted out, "Fall on him, seize this zany and slay him!" Then the report grew louder and louder still, like to the roar of thunder, and many Voices yelled out, "Thief! Assassin! Murtherer!" Another muttered in taunting undertones, "Let him be, fine fellow that he is! Suffer him to pass on, for he and he only shall get the cage and the Speaking Bird." The Prince feared nothing but advanced hot foot with his wonted nerve and spirit; presently, however, when the Voices kept approaching nearer and nearer to him and increased in number on every side, he was sore perplexed. His legs began to tremble, he staggered and in fine overcome by fear he clean forgot the warning of the Darwaysh and looked back, at which he was incontinently turned to stone like the scores of knights and adventurers who had foregone him. Meantime the Princess Perizadah ever carried the hunting knife, which Bahman her brother had given her, sheathed as it was in her maiden zone. She had kept it there ever since he set out upon his perilous expedition, and whenever she felt disposed she would bare the blade and judge by its sheen how fared her brother.

Now until that day when he was transmewed to stone she found it, as often as she looked at it, clean and bright; but on the very evening when that evil fate happened him perchance Prince Parwez said to Perizadah, "O sister mine, give me I pray you the hunting knife that I may see how goes it with our brother." She took it from her waist belt and handed it to him; and as soon as he unsheathed the knife lo and behold! he saw gouts of gore begin to drop from it. Noting this he dashed the hunting knife down and burst out into loud lamentations, whilst the Princess who divined what had happened shed a flood of bitter tears and cried with sighs and sobs, "Alas, O my brother, you have given your life for me: Ah, woe is me and well away! Why did I tell you of the Speaking Bird and the Singing Tree and the Golden Water? Why did I ask that holy woman how she liked our home, and hear of those three things in answer to my question? Would to Heaven she had never crossed our threshold and darkened our doors!

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 335

Ungrateful hypocrite, do you requite me on such wise for the favour and the honour I was glad to show you; and what made me ask of you the means by which to win these things? If now I obtain possession of them what will they advantage me, seeing that my brother Bahman is no more? What should I ever do with them?" Thus did Perizadah indulge her grief bewailing her sad fate; while Parwez in like manner moaned for his brother Bahman with exceeding bitter mourning. At last the Prince, who despite his sorrow was assured that his sister still ardently desired to possess the three marvels, turned to Perizadah and said, "It behoves me, O my sister, to set out directly and to discover whether Bahman our brother met his death by doom of Destiny, or whether some enemy have slain him; and if he has been killed then must I take full vengeance on his murtherer." Perizadah besought him with much weeping and wailing not to leave her, and said, "O joy of my heart, in God's name, follow not in the footsteps of our dear departed brother nor quit me in order to attempt a journey so rife in risks. I care nothing for those things in my fear lest I lose you also while attempting such enterprise."

But Prince Parwez would on no wise listen to her lament and next day took leave of her, but before he fared she said to him, "The hunting knife which Bahman left with me was the means of informing us concerning the mishap which happened to him; but, say me how shall I know what happens to you?" Then he produced a string of pearls which numbered one hundred and said, "As long as you will see these pearls all parted one from other and each running loose upon the string, then do you know that I am alive; but If you should find them fixed and adhering together then be you ware that I am dead." The Princess taking the string of pearls hung it around her neck, determined to observe it hour after hour and find out how it fared with her second brother. After this Prince Parwez set out upon his travels and at the twenties stage came to the same spot where Bahman had found the Darwaysh and saw him there in like condition. Then, after saluting him with the salam, the Prince asked, "Can you tell me where to find the Speaking Bird and the Singing Tree and the Golden Water; and by what manner of means I may get possession of them? If you can I pray you inform me of this matter."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy seventh Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Darwaysh strave to stay Prince Parwez from his design and shewed him all the dangers on the way. He said, "Not many days ago one like unto you in years and in features came here and enquired of me concerning the matter you now seek. I warned him of the perils of the place and would have weaned him from his wilful ways, but he paid no wise heed to my warnings and refused to accept my counsel. He went off with full instructions from me how to find those things he sought; but as yet he has not returned, and doubtless he also has perished like the many who preceded him upon that perilous enterprise." Then said Prince Parwez, "O holy father, I know the man of whom you speak, for that he was my brother; and I learned that he was dead, but have no inkling of the cause by which he died." Replied the Darwaysh, "O my lord, I can inform you on this matter; he has been transmewed into a black stone, like the others of whom I just now spoke to you. If you will not accept my advice and act according to my counsel you also will perish by the same means as did your brother; and I solemnly forewarn you to desist from this endeavour."

Prince Parwez having pondered these words, presently made reply, "O Darwaysh, I thank you again and again and am much beholden to you that you are glad of my welfare and you have given me the kindest of counsel and the friendliest of advice; nor am I worthy of such favours bestowed upon a stranger. But now remains nothing for me to beseech save that you will point out the path, for I am fully purposed to fare forwards and on no wise to desist from my endeavour. I pray you favour me with full instructions for the road even as you favouredst my brother." Then said the Darwaysh, "If you will not lend ear to my warnings and do as I desire you, it matters to me neither mickle nor little. Choose for yourself and I by doom of Destiny must Of necessity forward your attempt and albeit, by reason of my great age and infirmities, I may not conduct you to the place I will not grudge you a guide." Then Prince Parwez mounted his horse and the Darwaysh taking one of many balls from out his scrip placed it in the youth's hands, directing him the while what to do, as he had counselled his brother Bahman; and, after giving him much advice and many warnings he ended with saying, "O my lord,

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 337 have a heed not to be perplexed and terrified by the threatening Voices, and sounds from unseen beings, which shall strike yours ear; but advance dauntless to the hill top where you will find the cage with the Speaking Bird and the Singing Tree and the Golden Water." The Fakir then bid him adieu with words of good omen and the Prince set forth. He threw the ball on the ground before him and, as it rolled up the path, he urged his horse to keep pace with it. But when he reached the hill foot and saw that the ball had stopped and lay still, he dismounted directly and paused awhile before he should begin to climb and conned well in his mind the directions, one and all, given to him by the Darwaysh. Then, with firm courage and fast resolve, he set out afoot to reach the hill top. But hardly had he begun to climb before he heard a voice beside him threatening him in churlish tongue and crying, "O youth of ill omen, stand still that I may trounce you for this yours insolence." Hearing these insulting words of the Invisible Speaker, Prince Parwez felt his blood boil over; he could not refrain his rage and in his passion he clean forgot the words of wisdom wherewith the Fakir had warned him. He seized his sword and drawing it from the scabbard, turned about to slay the man who durst insult him on such wise; but he saw no one and, in the act of looking back both he and his horse became black stones.

Meanwhile the Princess did not stop at all hours of the day and watches of the night to consult the string of pearls which Parwez had left her: she counted them overnight when she retired to rest, she slept with them around her neck during the hours of darkness, and when she awoke at the dawn of day she first of all consulted them and noted their condition. Now at the very hour when her second brother was turned to stone she found the pearls sticking one to other so close together that she might not move a single bead apart from its fellows and she knew by that Prince Parwez also was lost to her for ever.—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy eighth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Princess Perizadah was sore grieved at so sudden a blow and said to herself,

"Ah! woe is me and well away! How bitter will be living without the love of such brothers whose youthtide was sacrificed for me! 'Tis but right that I share their fate whate'er be my lot; else what shall I have to say on the Day of Doom and the Resurrection of the Dead and the Judgment of Mankind?" Why next morning, without further let or stay, she donned disguise of man's attire; and, warning her women and slaves that she would be absent on an errand for a term of days during which they would be in charge of the house and goods, she mounted her hackney and set out alone and unattended. Now, given that she was skilled in horsemanship and had been wont to accompany her brothers when hunting and hawking, she was better fitted than other women to bear the toils and travails of travel. So on the twenties day she arrived safe and sound at the hermitage hut where, seeing the same Shaykh, she took seat beside him and after salaming to him and greeting him she asked him, "O holy father, suffer me to rest and refresh myself awhile in this site of good omen; then deign point out to me, I pray you, the direction of the place, at no far distance from this, in which are found a certain Speaking Bird and a Singing Tree and a Golden Water. If you will tell me I shall deem this the greatest of favour."

Replied the Darwaysh, "Your voice reveals to me that you are a woman and no man, albeit attired in male's apparel. Well I know the stead whereof you speak and which contains the marvellous things you have named. But say me, what is your purpose in asking me?" The Princess made reply, "I have been told many a tale anent these rare and wondrous things, and I would glad get possession of them and bear them to my home and make them its choicest adornments." And said the Fakir, "O my daughter, in very truth these matters are exceeding rare and admirable: right fit are they for fair ones like yourself to win and take back with you, but you have little inkling of the dangers manifold and dire that encompass them. Better far were it for you to cast away this vain thought and go back by the road you came." Replied the Princess, "O holy father and far famed anchorite, I come from a distant land whereto I will nevermore return except after winning my wish; no, never! I pray you tell me the nature of those dangers and what they be, that hearing of it my heart may judge if I have or have not the strength and the spirit to meet them." Then the Shaykh described to the Princess all the risks of the road as erst he had informed Princes Bahman and Parwez;

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 339 and he ended with saying, "The dangers will display themselves as soon as you will begin to climb the hill foot and shall not end till such time as you will have reached the hill head where is the home of the Speaking Bird. Then, if you be fortunate enough to seize him, he will direct you where to find the Singing Tree and the Golden Water. All the time you climbest the hill, Voices from throats unseen and accents fierce and fell shall resound in yours ears. Furthermore, you will see black rocks and boulders strewn upon your path; and these, you must know, are the transformed bodies of men who with exceeding courage attempted the same enterprise, but filled with sudden fear and tempted to turn and to look backwards were changed into stones. Now do you steadily bear in mind what was their case. At the first they listened to those fearful sounds and cursings with firm souls, but soon their hearts and minds misgave them, or, Perhaps, they fumed with fury to hear the villain words addressed to them and they turned about and gazed behind them, at which both men and horses became black boulders."

But when the Darwaysh had told her every whit, the Princess made reply, "From what you say it seems clear to me that these Voices can do nothing but threaten and frighten by their terrible din; furthermore that there is nothing to prevent a man climbing up the hill, nor is there any fear of any one attacking him; all he has to do is on no account to look behind him." And after a short pause she presently added, "O Fakir, albeit a woman yet I have both nerve and thews to carry me through this adventure. I shall not heed the Voices nor be enraged at that, neither will they have any power to dismay me: moreover, I have devised a device by which my success on this point is assured." "And what will you do?" he asked, and she answered, "I will stop my ears with cotton so may not my mind be disturbed and reason perturbed by hearing those awesome sounds." The Fakir marvelled with great marvel and presently exclaimed, "O my lady, I think you are destined to get possession of the things you seek. This plan has not occurred to any hitherto and hence it is Perhaps that one and all have failed miserably and have perished in the attempt. Take good heed to yourself however, nor run any risk other than the enterprise requires." She replied,

"I have no cause for fear since this one and only danger is before me to prevent happy issue. My heart does bear me witness that I shall surely gain the guerdon wherefor I have undertaken such toil and trouble. But now do you tell me what I must do, and where to win my wish I must go." The Darwaysh once more besought her to return home, but Perizadah refused to listen and remained as firm and resolute as before; so when he saw that she was fully bent upon carrying out her purpose he exclaimed, "Depart, O my daughter, in the peace of Almighty Allah and His blessing; and may He defend your youth and beauty from all danger." Then taking from his bag a ball he gave it her and said, "When you are seated in saddle throw this before you and follow it whitherso it lead you; and when it shall stop at the hill foot then dismount and climb the slope. What will happen after I have already told you."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Seventy ninth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Princess after farewelling the Fakir At once bestrode her steed and threw the ball in front of his hooves as she had been bidden do. It rolled along before her in the direction of the hill and she urged her hackney to keep up with it, until reaching the hill it suddenly stopped. at this the Princess dismounted immediately and having carefully plugged both her ears with cotton, began to breast the slope with fearless heart and dauntless soul; and as soon as she had advanced a few steps a hubbub of voices broke out all around her, but she heard not a sound, by reason of her hearing being blunted by the cotton wool. Then hideous cries arose with horrid din, still she heard them not; and at last they grew to a storm of shouts and shrieks and groans and moans flavoured with foul language such as shameless women use when railing one at other. She caught now and then an echo of the sounds but reeked nothing of it and only laughed and said to herself, "What care I for their scoffs and jeers and fulsome taunts? Let them hoot on and bark and bay as they may: this at least shall not turn me from my purpose." As she approached the goal the path became perilous in the extreme and the air was so filled with an infernal din and such awful sounds that even Rustam would

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 341 have quailed at that and the bold spirit of Asfandiyar have quaked with terror. The Princess, however, pressed on with uttermost speed and dauntless heart till she neared the hill top and espied above her the cage in which the Speaking Bird was singing with melodious tones; but, seeing the Princess draw near, he broke out despite his puny form in thundering tones and cried, "Return, O fool: hie you back nor dare come nearer." Princess Perizadah heeded not his clamour a whit but bravely reached the hill top, and running over the level piece of ground made for the cage and seized it saying, "At last I have you and you will not escape me." She then pulled out the cotton wool wherewith she had stopped her ears, and heard the Speaking Bird reply in gentle accents, "O lady valiant and noble, be of good cheer for no harm or evil shall happen you, as has happened to those who essayed to make me their prize. Albeit I am encaged I have much secret knowledge of what happens in the world of men and I am content to become your slave, and for you to be my liege lady. Moreover I am more familiar with all that concerns you even than you are yourself; and one day of the days I will do you a service which shall deserve your gratitude. What now is your command? Speak that I may fulfil your wish."

Princess Perizadah was gladdened by these words, but in the midst of her joy she grieved at the thought of how she had lost her brothers whom she loved with a love so dear, and soon she said to the Speaking Bird, "Full many a thing I want, but first tell me if the Golden Water, of which I have heard so much, be close to this place and if so do you show me where to find it." The Bird directed her accordingly and the Princess took a silver flagon she had brought with her and filled it brimful from the magical fount. Then she to the Bird, said, "The third and last prize I have come to seek is the Singing Tree: discover to me where that also can be found." The Bird replied, "O Princess of fair ones, behind your back in that clump that lies close at hand grows the Tree;" so she went directly to the copse and found the Tree she sought singing with sweetest toned voice. But given that it was huge in girth she returned to her slave the Bird and said, "The Tree indeed I found but 'tis lofty and bulky; how then shall I pull it up?" and he made answer, "Pluck but a branchlet of the Tree and plant it in your garden: 'twill at once take root and in shortest time be as gross and fair a growth as that in that copse."

So the Princess broke off a twig, and now that she had secured the three things, whereof the holy woman spoke to her, she was exceeding joyful and turning to the Bird said, "I have in very deed won my wish, but one thing is yet wanting to my full satisfaction. My brothers who ventured forth with this same purpose are lying hereabouts turned into black stones; and I Gladly would have them brought to life again and the twain return with me in all satisfaction and assurance of success. Tell me now some plan by which my every desire may be fulfilled."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighties Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Speaking Bird replied, "O Princess, trouble not yourself, the thing is easy. Sprinkle some of the Golden Water from the flagon upon the black stones lying round about, and by virtue of it each and every shall come to life again, your two brothers as well as the others." So Princess Perizadah's heart was set at rest and taking the three prizes with her she fared forth and scattered a few drops from the silver flagon upon each black stone as she passed it when, lo and behold! they came to life as men and horses. Amongst them were her brothers whom she at once knew and falling on their necks she embraced them, and asked in tones of surprise, "O my brothers, what do you here?" To this they answered, "We lay fast asleep." She said, "Strange indeed that you take delight in slumber away from me and you forget the purpose wherefor you left me; to wit, the winning of the Speaking Bird and the Singing Tree and the Golden Water. Did you not see this place all bestrown with dark hued rocks? Look now and say if there be anything left of them. These men and horses now standing around us were all black stones as you yourselves also were; but, by the boon of Almighty Allah, all have come to life again and await the signal to depart. And if now you wish to learn by what strange miracle both you and they have recovered human shape, know you that it has been wrought by virtue of a water contained in this flagon which I sprinkled on the rocks with leave of the Lord of all Living. When I had gained possession of this cage and its Speaking Bird, and also of the Singing Tree,

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 343 a wand whereof you see in my hand, and lastly of the Golden Water, I would not take them home with me unless you twain could also bear me company; so I asked of this Bird the means by which you could be brought to life again. He made me drop some drops of the Golden Water on the boulders and when I had done this you two like all the others returned to life and to your proper forms." Hearing these her words the Princes Bahman and Parwez thanked and praised their sister Perizadah; and all the others she had saved showered thanks and blessings on her head saying with one accord, "O our lady, we are now your slaves; nor can a lifelong service repay the debt of gratitude we owe you for this favour you have shown us. Command and we are ready to obey you with our hearts and our souls." Perizadah, said, "The bringing back to life of these my brothers were my aim and purpose, and in so doing you too have profited by that; and I accept your acknowledgments as another pleasure. But now do you mount each and every man his horse and ride back by the way you came to your homes in Allah's peace." in this way the Princess dismissed them and made herself also ready to depart; but, as she was about to bestride her steed, Prince Bahman asked permission of her that he might hold in hand the cage and ride in front of her. She answered, "Not so, O brother mine; this Bird is now my slave and I will carry him myself. If you will, take you this twig with you, but hold the cage only till I am seated in saddle."

She then mounted her hackney and, placing the cage before her on the pommel, bade her brother Parwez take charge of the Golden Water in the silver flagon and carry it with all care and the Prince did her bidding without gainsaying. And when they all were ready to ride forth, including the knights and the squires whom Perizadah had brought to life by sprinkling the Water the Princess turned to them and said, "Why delay we our departure and how is it that none offers to lead us?" But as all hesitated she gave command, "Now let him amongst your number whose noblesse and high degree entitle him to such distinction fare before us and show us the way." Then all with one accord replied, "O Princess of fair ones, there be none amongst us worthy of such honour, nor may any people dare to ride before you." So when she saw that none amongst them claimed preeminence or right of guidance, and none desired to take precedence of the rest, she made excuse and said, "O my lords, 'tis not for me by right to lead the way, but since you order I must needs obey." Accordingly she pushed on to the front, and after came her brothers and behind them the rest. And as they journeyed on all desired to see the holy man, and thank him for his favours and friendly counsel, but when they reached the spot where he dwelt they found him dead, and they knew not if old age had taken him away, or if he perished in his pride because the Princess Perizadah had found and had carried off the three things whereof he had been appointed by Destiny guard and guide.—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty first Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that all the company rode on, and as each one arrived at the road which led him to his natal land he took leave of the Lady Perizadah and went his way, until all were gone and the Princess and her brothers were the only left. At last they reached their journey's end safe and sound, and on entering their mansion Perizadah hung the cage inside the garden close by the belvedere and no sooner did the Speaking Bird begin to sing than flights of ringdoves and bulbuls and nightingales and skylarks and parrots and other songsters came flocking around him from afar and anear. likewise she set the twig, which she had taken from the Singing Tree, in a choice parterre also close by the belvedere, and directly it took root and put forth boughs and buds and grew goodly in growth, till it became a trunk as large as that from which she had plucked the twig, whilst from its leafage went forth bewitching sounds rivalling the music of the parent tree. She lastly bid them carve her a basin of pure white marble and set it in the centre of the pleasure grounds; then she poured within it the Golden Water and directly it filled the bowl and shot upwards like a spouting fountain some twenty feet in height; moreover the gerbes and jets fell back from where they came and not one drop was lost: by which the working of the waters was unbroken and ever similar. Now but few days passed before the report of these three wonders was bruited abroad and flocked the folk daily from the city to solace themselves with the sight, and the gates stood always open wide and all who came had entrance to

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 345 the house and gardens and free leave to walk about at will and see these rarities which affected them with admiration and delight. Then also, as soon as both the Princes had recovered from the toils of travel, they began to go a hunting as heretofore; and it chanced one day they rode forth several miles from home and were both busied in the chase, when the Shah of Irán land came by decree of Destiny to the same place for the same purpose. The Princes, seeing a band of knights and huntsmen drawing near, were glad to ride home and to avoid such meeting; so they left the hunting grounds and turned them homewards. But as Fate and lot would have it they hit upon the very road by which King Khusrau Shah was coming, and so narrow was the path that they could not avoid the horsemen by wheeling round and going another way. So they drew rein Of necessity and dismounting they salamed and did obeisance to the Shah and stood between his hands with heads bent low. The Sovran, seeing the horses' fine trappings and the Princes' costly garments, thought that the two youths were in the suite of his Wazirs and his Ministers of state and much wished to look upon their faces; he therefore bade them raise their heads and stand upright in the presence and they obeyed his bidding with modest mien and downcast eyes. He was charmed to behold their comeliness of favour and their graceful forms and their noble air and their courtly mien; and, after gazing at them for some time in not a little wonder and admiration, he asked them who they were and what might be their names and where they abode. Hereto Prince Bahman made reply, "O Asylum of the Universe, we are the sons of one whose life was spent in serving the Shah, the Intendant of the royal gardens and pleasaunces. As his days drew to a close he builded him a home without the town for us to dwell in till we should grow to man's estate and become fit to do your Highness suit and service and carry out your royal commands."

The Shah furthermore asked them, "How is it that you go a hunting? This is a special sport of Kings and is not meant for the general of his subjects and dependants." Prince Bahman rejoined, "O Refuge of the World, we yet are young in years and being brought up at home we know little of courtly customs; but, as we look to bear arms in the armies of the Shah we Gladly would train our bodies to toil and toil." This answer was honoured by the royal approof and the King rejoined, "The Shah would see how you deal with noble game; so choose you whatever quarry you will and bring it down in the presence."

The Princes at this remounted their horses and joined the Sovran; and when they reached the thickmost of the forest, Prince Bahman started a tiger and Prince Parwez rode after a bear; and the twain used their spears with such skill and good will that each killed his quarry and laid it at the Shah's feet. Then entering the wood again Prince Bahman slew a bear, and Prince Parwez a tiger and did as before; but when they would have ridden off the third time the King forbade them saying, "What! Would you strip the royal preserve of all the game? This be enough and more than enough, the Shah wished only to put your valour to the proof and having seen it with his own eyes he is fully satisfied. Come now with us and stand before us as we sit at meat." Prince Bahman made reply, "We are not worthy of the high honour and dignity wherewith you favourest us your humble servants. We dutifully and humbly petition your Highness to hold us excused for this day; but if the Asylum of the Universe deign appoint some other time your slaves will right gladly execute your auspicious orders."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty second Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that Khusrau Shah, astonished at their refusal, asked the cause of it when Prince Bahman answered, "May I be your sacrifice, O King of kings, we have at home an only sister; and all three are bound together with bonds of the fondest affection; so we brothers go not anywhere without consulting her nor does she anything save according to our counsel." The King was pleased to see such fraternal love and union and presently He said, "By the head of the Shah, he freely gives you leave to go today: consult your sister and meet the Shadow of Allah tomorrow at this hunting ground, and tell him

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 347 what she says and if she be content to let you twain come and wait upon the Shah at meat." So the Princes farewelled and prayed for him; then rode back home; but they both forgot to tell their sister how they had fallen in with the King; and of all that passed between them they remembered not one word. Next day again they went a hunting and on returning from the chase the Shah enquired of them, "Have you consulted with your sister if you may serve the King, and what says she thereto? Have you obtained permission from her?" On hearing these words the Princes grew aghast with fear; the colour of their faces changed, and each began to look into the other's eyes. Then Bahman said, "Pardon, O Refuge of the World, this our transgression. We both forgot the command and remembered not to tell our sister." Replied the King, "It matters nothing! Ask her today and bring me word tomorrow." But it so happened that on that day also they forgot the message yet the King was not annoyed at their shortness of memory, but taking from his pocket three little balls of gold, and tying them in a kerchief of silk, he handed them to Prince Bahman saying, "Put these balls in your waist shawl, so will you not forget to ask your sister; and if perchance the matter escape your memory, when you will go to bed and take off your girdle, Perhaps the sound of them falling to the ground will remind you of your promise."

Despite this strict injunction of the Shadow of Allah the Princes on that day also clean forgot the order and the promise they had made to the King. When, however, night came on, and Prince Bahman went to his bed chamber for sleep, he loosed his girdle and down fell the golden balls and at the sound the message of the Shah flashed across his thought. So he and his brother Parwez at once hastened to Perizadah's bower, where she was about retiring to rest; and, with many excuses for troubling her at so unseasonable an hour, reported to her all that had happened. She lamented their thoughtlessness which for three successive days had caused them forget the royal behest and ended with saying, "Fortune has favoured you, O my brothers, and brought you suddenly to the notice of the Asylum of the Universe, a chance which often has led to the height of good. It grievs me sore that in your over regard for our fraternal love and union you did not take service with the King when he deigned command you. Moreover you have far greater cause for regret and repentance than I in that you failed to plead a sufficient excuse and that which you offered must have sounded rude and churlish. A right dangerous thing it is to thwart Kingly wishes. In his extreme condescension the Shah commands you to take service with him and you, in rebelling against his exalted orders have done foolishly and you have caused me much trouble of mind. nevertheless I will sue counsel from my slave the Speaking Bird and see what he may say; for when I have ever any hard and weighty question to decide I fail not to ask his advice."

Hereupon the Princess set the cage by her side and after telling her slave all that her brothers had made known to her, asked admonition of him regarding what they should do. The Speaking Bird made answer, "It behoves the Princes to gratify the Shah in all things he requires of them: moreover, let them make ready a feast for the King and humbly pray him to visit this house, and by that testify to him loyalty and devotion to his royal person." Then said the Princess, "O Bird, my brothers are most dear to me nor would I suffer them leave my sight for one moment if it were possible; and Allah forfend that this daring on their part do injury to our love and affection." Said the Speaking Bird, "I have counselled you for the best and have offered you the right counsel; nor do you fear anything in following it, for nothing save good shall come from it." "But," the Princess, said, "an the Shadow of Allah honour us by crossing the threshold of this house needs must I present myself before him with face unveiled?" "By all means," the Speaking Bird, said, "this will not harm you, nay rather 'twill be to yours advantage."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty third Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that early next day the two Princes Bahman and Parwez rode as aforetime to the hunting ground

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 349 and met Khusrau Shah, who asked them, saying, "What answer bring you from your sister?" Hereupon the elder brother advancing said, "O Shadow of Allah, truly we are your slaves and whatever you deign bid that we are ready to obey. These less than the least have referred the matter to their sister and have obtained her consent; nay more, she blamed and chided them for that they did not hurry to carry out the commands of the Refuge of the World the moment they were delivered. Therefore being sore displeased at us, she desires us on her behalf to plead forgiveness with the Sháhinshah for this offence by us offered." Replied the King, "No crime have you committed to call forth the royal displeasure: nay more, it delights the Shadow of Allah exceedingly to see the love you twain bear towards your sister." Hearing such words of condescension and kindliness from the Shah, the Princes held their peace and hung their heads for shame groundwards; and the King who that day was not keen, according to his custom, after the chase, whenever he saw the brothers hold aloof, called them to his presence and heartened their hearts with words of favour; and presently, when a weary of sport, he turned the head of his steed palace wards and deigned order the Princes to ride by his side. The Wazirs and Councillors and Courtiers one and all fumed with envy and jealousy to see two unknowns entreated with such especial favour; and as they rode at the head of the suite adown the market street all eyes were turned upon the youths and men asked one of other, "Who be the two who ride beside the Shah? Belong they to this city, or come they from some foreign land?"

And the folk praised and blessed them saying, "Allah send our King of kings two Princes as goodly and gallant as are these twain who ride beside him. If our hapless Queen who languishes in durance had brought forth sons, By God's favour they would now be of the same age as these young lords." But as soon as the cavalcade reached the palace the King alighted from his horse and led the Princes to his private chamber, a splendid retreat magnificently furnished, in which a table had been spread with sumptuous meats and rarest delicacies; and having seated himself at that he motioned them to do likewise. Hereupon the brothers making low obeisance also took their seats and ate in well bred silence with respectful mien. Then the Shah, desiring to warm them into talk and by that to test their wit and wisdom, addressed them on themes galore and asked of them many questions; and, given that they had been taught well and trained in every art and science, they answered with propriety and perfect ease. The Shah struck with admiration bitterly regretted that Almighty Allah had not vouchsafed to him sons so handsome in semblance and so apt and so learned as these twain; and, for the pleasure of listening to them, he lingered at meat longer than he was wont to do.

And when he rose from table and retired with them to his private apartment he still sat longwhile talking with them and at last in his admiration he exclaimed, "Never until this day have I set eyes on youths so well brought up and so comely and so capable as are these, and I think 'twere hard to find their equals anywhere." In fine He said, "The time waxes late, so now let us cheer our hearts with music." And directly the royal band of minstrels and musicians began to sing and perform upon instruments of mirth and merriment, whilst dancing girls and boys displayed their skill, and mimes and mummers played their parts. The Princes enjoyed the spectacle with extreme joy and the last hours of the afternoon passed in royal revelry and regale. But when the sun had set and evening came on, the youths craved dismissal from the Shah with many expressions of gratitude for the exalted favours he had deigned bestow on them; and before they fared forth the King of kings bespake them, saying, "Come you again on the morrow to our hunting ground as heretofore, and thence return to the palace. By the beard of the Shah, he Gladly would have you always with him, and solace him with your companionship and converse."

Prince Bahman, prostrating himself before the presence, answered, " 'Tis the very end and aim of all our wishes, O Shadow of Allah upon Earth, that on the morrow when you will come from the chase and pass by our poor house, you graciously deign enter and rest in it awhile, by that conferring the highmost of honours upon ourselves and upon our sister. Albeit the place is not worthy of the Shahinshah's exalted presence, yet at times do mighty Kings condescend to visit the huts of their slaves." The King, ever more and more enchanted with their comeliness and pleasant speech, vouchsafed a most gracious answer, saying, "The dwelling place of youths in your estate and degree will certainly

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 351 be goodly and right worthy of you; and the Shah willingly consents for the morrow to become the guest of you twain and of your sister whom, albeit he have not yet seen, he is assured to find perfect in all gifts of body and mind. Do you twain therefore about early dawn tide expect the Shah at the usual trysting place." The Princes then craved leave to go on their way; and going home said to their sister, "O Perizadah, the Shah has decreed that tomorrow he will come to our house and rest here awhile after the hunt." She said, "An so it be, needs must we see to it that all be made ready for a royal banquet and we may not be put to shame when the Shadow of Allah shall deign shade us. There is no help but that in this matter I ask of my slave, the Speaking Bird, what counsel he would give; and that I prepare according thereto such meats as are meet for him and are pleasing to the royal palate."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty fourth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Princes both approved of her plan and went to seek repose; whereupon Perizadah sent for the cage and setting it before her said, "O Bird, the Shah has made a promise and has decreed that he will deign honour this our house on the morrow, Why we must needs make ready for our liege lord the best of banquets and I bid you say me what dishes should the kitcheners cook for him?" The Speaking Bird replied, "O my lady, you have the most skilful of cooks and confectioners. Do you bid them dress for you the choicest dainties, but above all others see you with yours own eyes that they set before the Shah a dish of new green cucumbers stuffed with pearls." the Princess in utter wonderment, said, "Never until this time heard I of such a dainty! How? Cucumbers with a filling of pearls! And what will the King, who comes to eat bread and not to gaze on stones, say to such meat? Furthermore, I have not in my possession pearls enough to serve for even a single cucumber." Replied the Speaking Bird, "This were an easy matter: do you dread nothing but only act as I shall advise you. I seek not anything save your welfare and would on no wise counsel you to your disadvantage.

As for the pearls you will collect them in this way; go you tomorrow early to the pleasure gardens and bid a hole be dug at the foot of the first tree in the avenue to your right hand, and there will you find of pearls as large a store as you will require." So after dawn on the next day Princess Perizadah bade a gardener lad accompany her and fared to the site within the pleasure gardens whereof the Speaking Bird had told her. Here the boy dug a hole both deep and wide when suddenly his spade struck upon somewhat hard, and he removed with his hands the earth and discovered to view a golden casket well near one foot square. Hereupon the young gardener showed it to the Princess who exclaimed, "I brought you with me for this very reason. Take heed and see that no harm come to it, but dig it out and bring it to me with all care." When the lad did her bidding she opened it directly and found it filled with pearls and unions fresh from the sea, round as rings and all of one and the same size perfectly fitted for the purpose which the Speaking Bird had proposed. Perizadah rejoiced with extreme joy at the sight and taking up the box walked back with it to the house; and the Princes who had seen their sister faring forth early with the gardener lad and had wondered why she went to the park thus early unaccording to her wonted custom, catching sight of her from the casement quickly donned their walking dresses and came to meet her. And as the two brothers walked forwards they saw the Princess approaching them with somewhat unusual under her arm, which when they met, proved to be a golden casket whereof they knew nothing. They said, "O our sister at early light we espied you going to the pleasure grounds with a gardener lad empty handed, but now you bring back this golden casket; so disclose to us where and how you have found it; and Perhaps there may be some hoard close hidden in the parterre?"

Perizadah replied, "truth you say, O my brothers: I took this lad with me and made him dig under a certain tree where we came upon this box of pearls, at the sight whereof I think your hearts will be delighted." The Princess At once opened the box and her brothers sighting the pearls and unions were amazed with extreme amazement and rejoiced greatly to see them. the Princess, said, "Come now you twain with me, for that I have in hand a weighty matter;" and Prince Bahman, said, "What is there to do? I pray you tell us without delay for never yet have you kept anything of your life from us." She made reply, "O my brothers, I have nothing to hide from you, nor think you any ill of me, for I am now about

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 353 to tell you all the tale." Then she made known to them what advice the Speaking Bird had given to her; and they, conning the matter over in their minds, marvelled much why her slave had bidden them set a dish of green cucumbers stuffed with pearls before the Shah, nor could they devise any reason for it. Presently, the Princess resumed, "The Speaking Bird indeed is wise and ware; so I think this counsel must be for our advantage; and at any rate it cannot be without some object and purpose. It therefore behoves us to do even as he has commanded." Hereupon the Princess went to her own chamber and summoning the head cook said to him, "This day the Shah, the Shadow of Allah upon Earth, will condescend here to eat the noon meal. So do you take heed that the meats be of choicest flavour and fittest to set before the Asylum of the World, but of all the dishes there is one you alone must make and let not another have a hand within it. This shall be of the freshest green cucumbers with a stuffing of unions and pearls."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty fifth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the head Cook listened to this order of the Princess with wonderment and said in himself, "Who ever heard of such a dish or dreamed of ordering such an one." The Lady seeing his astonishment betrayed in his semblance without the science of thought reading, said to him, "It seems from your countenance that you think me daft of wits to give you such order. I know that no one ever tasted a dish of the kind, but what is that to you? Do you even as you are bidden. You see this box brimful of pearls; so take of them as many as you need for the dish, and what remains over leave in the box." The Kitchener who could answer nothing in his confusion and amazement, chose as many precious stones as he required, and presently fared away to superintend the meats being cooked and made ready for the feast. Meanwhile the Princess went over the house and grounds and gave directions to the slaves about the ordinance of it, lending especial attention to the carpets and divans, the lamps and all other furniture. Next day at break of dawn Princes Bahman and Parwez rode forth in rich attire to the appointed place where they first met the Shah, who was also punctual to his promise and vouchsafed to join them in the hunt.

Now when the sun had risen high and its rays grew hot, the King gave up the chase, and set forth with the Princes to their house; and as they drew near thereto the cadet pushed forwards and sent word to the Princess that the Asylum of the World was coming in all good omen. Accordingly, she hastened to receive him and stood waiting his arrival at the inner entrance; and after, when the King rode up to the gate and dismounting within the court stepped over the threshold of the house door, she fell down at his feet and did him worship. at this her brothers said, "O Asylum of the World, this is our sister of whom we spoke;" and the Shah with gracious kindness and condescension raised her by the hand, and when he saw her face he marvelled much at its wondrous comeliness and loveliness. He thought in himself, "How like she is to her brothers in favour and form, and I trow there be none of all my subjects in city or country who can compare with them for beauty and noble bearing. This country house also exceeds all that I have ever seen in splendour and grandeur."

The Princess then led the Shah through the house and showed him all the magnificence of it, while he rejoiced with extreme joy at everything that met his sight. So when King Khusrau had considered whatever was in the mansion he said to the Princess, "This home of yours is far grander than any palace owned by the Shah, who would now stroll about the pleasure garden, never doubting but that it will be delightsome as the house." at this the Princess threw wide open the door from where the grounds could be seen; and at once the King beheld before and above all other things, the fountain which cast up incessantly, in gerbes and jets, water clear as crystal as well golden of hue. Seeing such prodigy he cried, "This is indeed a glorious gusher: never before saw I one so admirable. But say me where is its source, and by what means does it shoot up in spurts so high? from where comes this constant supply and in what fashion was it formed? The Shah would glad see it near hand." "O King of kings, and Lord of the lands," the Princess, said, "be pleased to do whatever you desire." Thereupon they went up to the fountain and the Shah stood gazing upon it

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 355 with delight when behold, he heard a concert of sugar sweet voices choiring with the harmony and melody of wit ravishing music. So he turned him round and gazed about him to discover the singers, but no one was in sight; and albeit he looks both far and near all was in vain, he heard the voices but he could descry no songster. At length completely baffled he exclaimed, "from where come these most musical of sounds; and rise they from the bowels of earth or are they floating in the depths of air? They fill the heart with rapture, but strangely surprise the senses to see that no one singer is in sight." Replied the Princess with a smile, "O Lord of lords, there are no minstrels here and the strains which strike the Shah's ear come from that tree. Deign walk on, I pray you, and examine it well." So he advanced thereto, ever more and more enchanted with the music, and he gazed now at the Golden Water and now at the Singing Tree till lost in wonderment and amazement; then, "O Allah," he said to himself, "is all this Nature made or magical, for in very deed the place is full of mystery?"

Presently, turning to the Princess He said, "O my lady, please from where came you by this wondrous tree which has been planted in the middlemost of this garden: did anyone bring it from some far distant land as a rare gift, and by what name is it known?" Perizadah in reply, said, "O King of kings, this marvel called Singing Tree grows not in our country. 'Twere long to recount from where and by what means I obtained it; and suffice it for the present to say that the Tree, together with the Golden Water and the Speaking Bird, were all found by me at one and the same time. Deign now accompany your slave and look upon this third rarity; and when the Shah shall have rested and recovered from the toils and travails of hunting, the tale of these three strange things shall be told to the Asylum of the World in fullest detail." Hereto the King replied, "All the Shah's fatigue has gone for gazing upon these wonders; and now to visit the Speaking Bird."—And as the morning began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty sixth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the Princess took the King and when she had shown to him the Speaking Bird, they returned to the garden where he never ceased considering the fountain with extreme surprise and presently exclaimed, "How is this? No spring from where comes all this water meets the Shah's eye, and no channel; nor is there any reservoir large enough to contain it." She replied, "You speak truth, O King of kings! This jetting fount has no source; and it springs from a small marble basin which I filled from a single flagon of the Golden Water; and by the might of Allah Almighty it increased and grew copious until it shot up in this huge gerbe which the Shah sees. Furthermore it ever plays day and night; and, marvellous to relate, the water falling back from that height into the basin minishes not in quantity nor is anything of it spilt or wasted." at this the King, filled with wonder and astonishment, bade go back to the Speaking Bird; whereupon the Princess led him to the belvedere from where he looked out upon thousands of all kinds fowls carolling in the trees and filling air with their hymns and praises of the Creator; so he asked his guide, "O my lady, from where come these countless songsters which haunt that tree and make the welkin resound with their melodious notes; yet they affect none other of the trees?"

Perizadah, said, "O King of kings, they are all attracted by the Speaking Bird and flock here to accompany his song; and for that his cage hangs to the window of this belvedere they prefer only the nearest of the trees; and here he may be heard singing sweeter notes than any of the others, nay in a plaint more musical far than that of any nightingale." And as the Shah drew near the cage and gave ear to the Bird's singing, the Princess called to her captive saying, "Ho, my slave the Bird, do you not perceive the Asylum of the Universe is here that you payest him not due homage and worship?" Hearing these words the Speaking Bird directly ceased his shrilling and at the same moment all the other songsters sat in deepest silence; for they were loyal to their liege lord nor durst any one utter a note when he held his peace. The Speaking Bird then spoke in human voice saying, "O great King, may Almighty Allah by His Might and Majesty accord you health and happiness;" so the Shah returned the salutation and the Slave of Princess Perizadah did not stop to shower blessings upon his head. Meanwhile the tables were spread after sumptuous fashion and the choicest meats were set before the company which was seated in due order and degree, the Shah placing himself close by the Speaking Bird and close to the casement where the cage was hung.

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 357

Then the dish of green cucumbers having been set before him, he put forth his hand to help himself, but drew it back in wonderment when he saw that the cucumbers, ranged in order upon the plate, were stuffed with pearls which appeared at either end. He asked the Princess and her brothers, "What is this dish? It cannot be meant for food; then Why is it placed before the Shah? Explain to me, I command you, what this thing means." They could not give an answer unknowing what reply to make, and as all held their peace the Speaking Bird answered for them saying, " and the Time, do you deem it strange to see a dish of cucumbers stuffed with pearls? How much stranger then it is that you were not astonished to hear that the Queen your Consort had, contrary to the laws of Allah's ordinance, given birth to such animals as dog and cat and muskrat. This should have caused you far more of wonder, for who has ever heard of woman bearing such as these?" at this the Shah made answer to the Speaking Bird, "All that you say is right indeed and I know that such things are not after the law of Almighty Allah; but I believed the reports of the midwives, the wise women who were with the Queen such time she was brought to bed, for they were not strangers but her own sisters, born of the same parents as herself. How then could I do otherwise than trust their words?" the Speaking Bird, said, "O King of kings, indeed the truth of the matter is not hidden from me. Albeit they be the sisters of your Queen, yet seeing the royal favours and affection towards their cadette they were consumed with anger and hatred and despite by reason of their envy and jealousy.

So they devised evil devices against her and their deceits at last succeeded in diverting your thoughts from her, and in hiding her virtues from your sight. Now are their malice and treason made manifest to you; and, if you require further proof, do you summon them and question them of the case. They cannot hide it from you and will be reduced to confess and crave your pardon."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty seventh Night

Then she said, "I have heard that the Speaking Bird said also to Khusrau Shah, 'These two royal brothers, so comely and stalwart, and this lovely Princess, their sister, are your own lawful children to whom the Queen your Consort gave birth. The midwives, your sisters in law, by reason of the blackness of their hearts and faces bore them away as soon as they were born: indeed every time a child was given to you they wrapped it in a bit of blanket and putting it in a basket committed it to the stream which flows by the palace to the intent that it might die an obscure death. But it so fortuned that the Intendant of your royal gardens espied these baskets one and all as they floated past his grounds, and took charge of the infants he found within it. He then caused them to be nursed and reared with all care and, whilst they were growing up to man's estate, he looked to their being taught every art and science; and whilst his life endured he dealt with them and brought them up in love and tenderness as though they had been his very own. And now, O Khusrau Shah, wake from your sleep of ignorance and heedlessness, and know that these two Princes Bahman and Parwez and the Princess Perizadah their sister are yours own issue and your rightful heirs."

When the King heard these words and was assured of their purport being true and understood the evil doing of those Satans, his sisters in law, he said, "O Bird, I am indeed persuaded of your soothfastness, for when I first saw these youths at the hunting ground my bowels yearned with affection towards them and my heart felt constrained to love them as though they had been my own seed. Both they and their sister have drawn my affections to them as a magnet draws iron: and the voice of blood cries to me and compells me to confess the tie and to acknowledge that they are my true children, borne in the womb of my Queen, whose direful Destiny I have been the means of carrying out." Then turning to the Princes and their sister he said with tearful eyes and broken voice, "You are my children and henceforth do you regard me as your father." At this they ran to him with rare delight and falling on his neck embraced him. Then they all sat down to meat and when they had finished eating, Khusrau Shah said to them, "O my children, I must now leave you, but God willing—Allah willing—I will come again tomorrow and bring with me the Queen your mother." So saying he farewelled them fondly and mounting his horse departed to his palace; and no sooner had he seated himself upon his throne than he summoned the Grand Wazir and commanded him saying, "Do you send this instant and bind in heaviest bonds those vile women, the sisters of my Queen; for

The Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 359 their ill deeds have at last come to light and they deserve to die the death of murtherers. Let the Sworder directly make sharp his sword; for the ground thirsts for their blood. Go see yourself that they are beheaded without delay: await not other order, but instantly obey my commandment." The Grand Wazir went forth at once and in his presence the Envious Sisters were decapitated and thus underwent fit punishment for their malice and their evil doing. After this, Khusrau Shah with his retinue walked afoot to the Cathedral mosque by which the Queen had been imprisoned for so many years in bitter grief and woe, and with his own hands he led her forth from her cage and tenderly embraced her. Then seeing her sad plight and her careworn countenance and wretched attire he wept and cried, "Allah Almighty forgive me this my unjust and wrongful dealing towards you. I have put to death your sisters who deceitfully and despitefully raised my wrath and anger against you, the innocent, the guiltless; and they have received due retribution for their misdeeds."—And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty eighth Night

Then she said:—I have heard,that the King spoke kindly and fondly to his Consort, and told her all that had happened him, and what the Speaking Bird had made known to him, ending with these words, "Come now with me to the palace where you will see your two sons and daughter grown up to become the loveliest of beings. Hie with me and embrace them and take them to your bosom, for they are our children, the light of our eyes. But first do you repair to the Hammam and don your royal robes and jewels." Meanwhile tidings of these events were noised about the city how the King had at length shown due favour to the Queen, and had released her from bondage with his own hands and prayed forgiveness for the wrongs he had done to her; and how the Princes and the Princess had been proved to be her true born children, and also how that Khusrau Shah had punished her sisters who conspired against her: so joy and gladness prevailed both in city and kingdom, and all the folk blessed the Shah's Bánú and cursed the Satanesses her sisters. And next day when the Queen had bathed in the Hammam and had donned royal dress and regal jewels, she went to meet her children together with the King who led up to her the Princes Bahman and Parwez and the Princess Perizadah and said, "See, here are your children, fruit of your womb and core of your heart, yours own very sons and your daughter: embrace them with all a mother's love and extend your favour and affection to them even as I have done.

When you did give them birth, yours ill omened sisters bore them away from you and cast them into that stream and said that you had been delivered first of a puppy, then of a kitten and lastly of a musk ratling. I cannot console myself for having credited their calumnies and the only recompense I can make is to place in yours embrace these three you brought forth, and whom Allah Almighty has restored to us and has made right worthy to be called our children." Then the Princes and Princess fell upon their mother's neck and fondly embraced her weeping tear floods of joy. After this the Shah and the Banu sat down to meat together with their children; and, when they had made an end of eating, King Khusrau Shah repaired to the garden with his Consort that he might show her the Singing Tree and the fountain of Golden Water, at which the Queen was filled with wonder and delight. Next they turned to the belvedere and visited the Speaking Bird of whom, as they sat at meat, the King had spoken to her in highest praise, and the Queen rejoiced in his sweet voice and melodious singing.

And when they had seen all these things, the King mounted horse, Prince Bahman riding on his right hand and on his left Prince Parwez, while the Queen took Princess Perizadah with her inside her litter, and thus they set forth for the palace. As the royal cavalcade passed the city walls and entered the capital with royal pomp and circumstance, the subjects who had heard the glad tidings thronged in multitudes to see their progress and volleyed shouts of acclamation; and as the subjects had grieved aforetime to see the Queen consort imprisoned, so now they rejoiced with exceeding joy to find her free once more. But chiefly they marvelled to look upon the Speaking Bird, for the Princess carried the cage with her, and as they rode along thousands of sweet toned songsters came swarming round them from every quarter, and flew as an escort to the cage, filling the air with marvellous music; while flocks of others, perching upon the trees and the housetops, carolled and warbled as it were to greet their lord's cage accompanying the royal cavalcade. And when the Two Sisters who Envied their Cadette. 361 palace was reached, the Shah and his Queen and his children sat down to a sumptuous banquet; and the city was illuminated, and everywhere dancings and merry makings testified to the joy of the subjects; and for many days these revels and rejoicings prevailed throughout the capital and the kingdom where every man was blithe and happy and had feastings and festivities in his house.

After these festivals King Khusrau Shah made his elder son Bahman heir to his throne and kingdom and committed to his hands the affairs of state in their entirety, and the Prince administered affairs with such wisdom and success that the greatness and glory of the realm were increased twofold. The Shah also entrusted to his youngest son Parwez the charge of his army, both of horsemen and foot soldiers; and Princess Perizadah was given by her sire in marriage to a powerful King who reigned over a mighty country; and lastly the Queen mother forgot in perfect joy and happiness the pangs of her captivity. Destiny ever afterwards endowed them, one and all, with days the most delectable and they led the liefest of lives until at last there came to them the Destroyer of delights and the Sunderer of societies and the Depopulator of palaces and the Garnerer of graveyards and the Reaper for Resurrection day, and they became as though they never had been. So laud be to the Lord who dies not and who knows no shadow of change.

END OF VOLUME XIII.

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