The Adventures Of Prince Camaralzaman And The Princess Badoura

: The Arabian Nights Entertainments

Some twenty days' sail from the coast of Persia lies the isle of the

children of Khaledan. The island is divided into several provinces, in

each of which are large flourishing towns, and the whole forms an

important kingdom. It was governed in former days by a king named

Schahzaman, who, with good right, considered himself one of the most

peaceful, prosperous, and fortunate monarchs on the earth. In fact, he

had but
one grievance, which was that none of his four wives had given

him an heir.



This distressed him so greatly that one day he confided his grief to

the grand-vizir, who, being a wise counsellor, said: "Such matters are

indeed beyond human aid. Allah alone can grant your desire, and I

should advise you, sire, to send large gifts to those holy men who

spend their lives in prayer, and to beg for their intercessions. Who

knows whether their petitions may not be answered!"



The king took his vizir's advice, and the result of so many prayers for

an heir to the throne was that a son was born to him the following year.



Schahzaman sent noble gifts as thank offerings to all the mosques and

religious houses, and great rejoicings were celebrated in honour of the

birth of the little prince, who was so beautiful that he was named

Camaralzaman, or "Moon of the Century."



Prince Camaralzaman was brought up with extreme care by an excellent

governor and all the cleverest teachers, and he did such credit to them

that when he was grown up, a more charming and accomplished young man

was not to be found. Whilst he was still a youth the king, his father,

who loved him dearly, had some thoughts of abdicating in his favour.

As usual he talked over his plans with his grand-vizir, who, though he

did not approve the idea, would not state all his objections.



"Sire," he replied, "the prince is still very young for the cares of

state. Your Majesty fears his growing idle and careless, and doubtless

you are right. But how would it be if he were first to marry? This

would attach him to his home, and your Majesty might give him a share

in your counsels, so that he might gradually learn how to wear a crown,

which you can give up to him whenever you find him capable of wearing

it."



The vizir's advice once more struck the king as being good, and he sent

for his son, who lost no time in obeying the summons, and standing

respectfully with downcast eyes before the king asked for his commands.



"I have sent for you," said the king, "to say that I wish you to marry.

What do you think about it?"



The prince was so much overcome by these words that he remained silent

for some time. At length he said: "Sire, I beg you to pardon me if I

am unable to reply as you might wish. I certainly did not expect such

a proposal as I am still so young, and I confess that the idea of

marrying is very distasteful to me. Possibly I may not always be in

this mind, but I certainly feel that it will require some time to

induce me to take the step which your Majesty desires."



This answer greatly distressed the king, who was sincerely grieved by

his objection to marriage. However he would not have recourse to

extreme measures, so he said: "I do not wish to force you; I will give

you time to reflect, but remember that such a step is necessary, for a

prince such as you who will some day be called to rule over a great

kingdom."



From this time Prince Camaralzaman was admitted to the royal council,

and the king showed him every mark of favour.



At the end of a year the king took his son aside, and said: "Well, my

son, have you changed your mind on the subject of marriage, or do you

still refuse to obey my wish?"



The prince was less surprised but no less firm than on the former

occasion, and begged his father not to press the subject, adding that

it was quite useless to urge him any longer.



This answer much distressed the king, who again confided his trouble to

his vizir.



"I have followed your advice," he said; "but Camaralzaman declines to

marry, and is more obstinate than ever."



"Sire," replied the vizir, "much is gained by patience, and your

Majesty might regret any violence. Why not wait another year and then

inform the Prince in the midst of the assembled council that the good

of the state demands his marriage? He cannot possibly refuse again

before so distinguished an assemblage, and in our immediate presence."



The Sultan ardently desired to see his son married at once, but he

yielded to the vizir's arguments and decided to wait. He then visited

the prince's mother, and after telling her of his disappointment and of

the further respite he had given his son, he added: "I know that

Camaralzaman confides more in you than he does in me. Pray speak very

seriously to him on this subject, and make him realize that he will

most seriously displease me if he remains obstinate, and that he will

certainly regret the measures I shall be obliged to take to enforce my

will."



So the first time the Sultana Fatima saw her son she told him she had

heard of his refusal to marry, adding how distressed she felt that he

should have vexed his father so much. She asked what reasons he could

have for his objections to obey.



"Madam," replied the prince, "I make no doubt that there are as many

good, virtuous, sweet, and amiable women as there are others very much

the reverse. Would that all were like you! But what revolts me is the

idea of marrying a woman without knowing anything at all about her. My

father will ask the hand of the daughter of some neighbouring

sovereign, who will give his consent to our union. Be she fair or

frightful, clever or stupid, good or bad, I must marry her, and am left

no choice in the matter. How am I to know that she will not be proud,

passionate, contemptuous, and recklessly extravagant, or that her

disposition will in any way suit mine?"



"But, my son," urged Fatima, "you surely do not wish to be the last of

a race which has reigned so long and so gloriously over this kingdom?"



"Madam," said the prince, "I have no wish to survive the king, my

father, but should I do so I will try to reign in such a manner as may

be considered worthy of my predecessors."



These and similar conversations proved to the Sultan how useless it was

to argue with his son, and the year elapsed without bringing any change

in the prince's ideas.



At length a day came when the Sultan summoned him before the council,

and there informed him that not only his own wishes but the good of the

empire demanded his marriage, and desired him to give his answer before

the assembled ministers.



At this Camaralzaman grew so angry and spoke with so much heat that the

king, naturally irritated at being opposed by his son in full council,

ordered the prince to be arrested and locked up in an old tower, where

he had nothing but a very little furniture, a few books, and a single

slave to wait on him.



Camaralzaman, pleased to be free to enjoy his books, showed himself

very indifferent to his sentence.



When night came he washed himself, performed his devotions, and, having

read some pages of the Koran, lay down on a couch, without putting out

the light near him, and was soon asleep.



Now there was a deep well in the tower in which Prince Camaralzaman was

imprisoned, and this well was a favourite resort of the fairy Maimoune,

daughter of Damriat, chief of a legion of genii. Towards midnight

Maimoune floated lightly up from the well, intending, according to her

usual habit, to roam about the upper world as curiosity or accident

might prompt.



The light in the prince's room surprised her, and without disturbing

the slave, who slept across the threshold, she entered the room, and

approaching the bed was still more astonished to find it occupied.



The prince lay with his face half hidden by the coverlet. Maimoune

lifted it a little and beheld the most beautiful youth she had ever

seen.



"What a marvel of beauty he must be when his eyes are open!" she

thought. "What can he have done to deserve to be treated like this?"



She could not weary gazing at Camaralzaman, but at length, having

softly kissed his brow and each cheek, she replaced the coverlet and

resumed her flight through the air.



As she entered the middle region she heard the sound of great wings

coming towards her, and shortly met one of the race of bad genii. This

genie, whose name was Danhasch, recognised Maimoune with terror, for he

knew the supremacy which her goodness gave her over him. He would

gladly have avoided her altogether, but they were so near that he must

either be prepared to fight or yield to her, so he at once addressed

her in a conciliatory tone:



"Good Maimoune, swear to me by Allah to do me no harm, and on my side I

will promise not to injure you."



"Accursed genie!" replied Maimoune, "what harm can you do me? But I

will grant your power and give the promise you ask. And now tell me

what you have seen and done to-night."



"Fair lady," said Danhasch, "you meet me at the right moment to hear

something really interesting. I must tell you that I come from the

furthest end of China, which is one of the largest and most powerful

kingdoms in the world. The present king has one only daughter, who is

so perfectly lovely that neither you, nor I, nor any other creature

could find adequate terms in which to describe her marvellous charms.

You must therefore picture to yourself the most perfect features,

joined to a brilliant and delicate complexion, and an enchanting

expression, and even then imagination will fall short of the reality.



"The king, her father, has carefully shielded this treasure from the

vulgar gaze, and has taken every precaution to keep her from the sight

of everyone except the happy mortal he may choose to be her husband.

But in order to give her variety in her confinement he has built her

seven palaces such as have never been seen before. The first palace is

entirely composed of rock crystal, the second of bronze, the third of

fine steel, the fourth of another and more precious species of bronze,

the fifth of touchstone, the sixth of silver, and the seventh of solid

gold. They are all most sumptuously furnished, whilst the gardens

surrounding them are laid out with exquisite taste. In fact, neither

trouble nor cost has been spared to make this retreat agreeable to the

princess. The report of her wonderful beauty has spread far and wide,

and many powerful kings have sent embassies to ask her hand in

marriage. The king has always received these embassies graciously, but

says that he will never oblige the princess to marry against her will,

and as she regularly declines each fresh proposal, the envoys have had

to leave as disappointed in the result of their missions as they were

gratified by their magnificent receptions."



"Sire," said the princess to her father, "you wish me to marry, and I

know you desire to please me, for which I am very grateful. But,

indeed, I have no inclination to change my state, for where could I

find so happy a life amidst so many beautiful and delightful

surroundings? I feel that I could never be as happy with any husband

as I am here, and I beg you not to press one on me."



"At last an embassy came from a king so rich and powerful that the King

of China felt constrained to urge this suit on his daughter. He told

her how important such an alliance would be, and pressed her to

consent. In fact, he pressed her so persistingly that the princess at

length lost her temper and quite forgot the respect due to her father.

"Sire," cried she angrily, "do not speak further of this or any other

marriage or I will plunge this dagger in my breast and so escape from

all these importunities."



"The king of China was extremely indignant with his daughter and

replied: "You have lost your senses and you must be treated

accordingly." So he had her shut in one set of rooms in one of her

palaces, and only allowed her ten old women, of whom her nurse was the

head, to wait on her and keep her company. He next sent letters to all

the kings who had sued for the princess's hand, begging they would

think of her no longer, as she was quite insane, and he desired his

various envoys to make it known that anyone who could cure her should

have her to wife.



"Fair Maimoune," continued Danhasch, "this is the present state of

affairs. I never pass a day without going to gaze on this incomparable

beauty, and I am sure that if you would only accompany me you would

think the sight well worth the trouble, and own that you never saw such

loveliness before."



The fairy only answered with a peal of laughter, and when at length she

had control of her voice she cried, "Oh, come, you are making game of

me! I thought you had something really interesting to tell me instead

of raving about some unknown damsel. What would you say if you could

see the prince I have just been looking at and whose beauty is really

transcendent? That is something worth talking about, you would

certainly quite lose your head."



"Charming Maimoune," asked Danhasch, "may I inquire who and what is the

prince of whom you speak?"



"Know," replied Maimoune, "that he is in much the same case as your

princess. The king, his father, wanted to force him to marry, and on

the prince's refusal to obey he has been imprisoned in an old tower

where I have just seen him."



"I don't like to contradict a lady," said Danhasch, "but you must

really permit me to doubt any mortal being as beautiful as my princess."



"Hold your tongue," cried Maimoune. "I repeat that is impossible."



"Well, I don't wish to seem obstinate," replied Danhasch, "the best

plan to test the truth of what I say will be for you to let me take you

to see the princess for yourself."



"There is no need for that," retorted Maimoune; "we can satisfy

ourselves in another way. Bring your princess here and lay her down

beside my prince. We can then compare them at leisure, and decide

which is in the right."



Danhasch readily consented, and after having the tower where the prince

was confined pointed out to him, and making a wager with Maimoune as to

the result of the comparison, he flew off to China to fetch the

princess.



In an incredibly short time Danhasch returned, bearing the sleeping

princess. Maimoune led him to the prince's room, and the rival beauty

was placed beside him.



When the prince and princess lay thus side by side, an animated dispute

as to their respective charms arose between the fairy and the genius.

Danhasch began by saying:



"Now you see that my princess is more beautiful than your prince. Can

you doubt any longer?"



"Doubt! Of course I do!" exclaimed Maimoune. "Why, you must be blind

not to see how much my prince excels your princess. I do not deny that

your princess is very handsome, but only look and you must own that I

am in the right."



"There is no need for me to look longer," said Danhasch, "my first

impression will remain the same; but of course, charming Maimoune, I am

ready to yield to you if you insist on it."



"By no means," replied Maimoune. "I have no idea of being under any

obligation to an accursed genius like you. I refer the matter to an

umpire, and shall expect you to submit to his verdict."



Danhasch readily agreed, and on Maimoune striking the floor with her

foot it opened, and a hideous, hump-backed, lame, squinting genius,

with six horns on his head, hands like claws, emerged. As soon as he

beheld Maimoune he threw himself at her feet and asked her commands.



"Rise, Caschcasch," said she. "I summoned you to judge between me and

Danhasch. Glance at that couch, and say without any partiality whether

you think the youth or the maiden lying there the more beautiful."



Caschcasch looked at the prince and princess with every token of

surprise and admiration. At length, having gazed long without being

able to come to a decision, he said



"Madam, I must confess that I should deceive you were I to declare one

to be handsomer than the other. There seems to me only one way in

which to decide the matter, and that is to wake one after the other and

judge which of them expresses the greater admiration for the other."



This advice pleased Maimoune and Danhasch, and the fairy at once

transformed herself into the shape of a gnat and settling on

Camaralzaman's throat stung him so sharply that he awoke. As he did so

his eyes fell on the Princess of China. Surprised at finding a lady so

near him, he raised himself on one arm to look at her. The youth and

beauty of the princess at once awoke a feeling to which his heart had

as yet been a stranger, and he could not restrain his delight.



"What loveliness! What charms! Oh, my heart, my soul!" he exclaimed,

as he kissed her forehead, her eyes and mouth in a way which would

certainly have roused her had not the genie's enchantments kept her

asleep.



"How, fair lady!" he cried, "you do not wake at the signs of

Camaralzaman's love? Be you who you may, he is not unworthy of you."



It then suddenly occurred to him, that perhaps this was the bride his

father had destined for him, and that the King had probably had her

placed in this room in order to see how far Camaralzaman's aversion to

marriage would withstand her charms.



"At all events," he thought, "I will take this ring as a remembrance of

her."



So saying he drew off a fine ring which the princess wore on her

finger, and replaced it by one of his own. After which he lay down

again and was soon fast asleep.



Then Danhasch, in his turn, took the form of a gnat and bit the

princess on her lip.



She started up, and was not a little amazed at seeing a young man

beside her. From surprise she soon passed to admiration, and then to

delight on perceiving how handsome and fascinating he was.



"Why," cried she, "was it you my father wished me to marry? How

unlucky that I did not know sooner! I should not have made him so

angry. But wake up! wake up! for I know I shall love you with all my

heart."



So saying she shook Camaralzaman so violently that nothing but the

spells of Maimoune could have prevented his waking.



"Oh!" cried the princess. "Why are you so drowsy?" So saying she took

his hand and noticed her own ring on his finger, which made her wonder

still more. But as he still remained in a profound slumber she pressed

a kiss on his cheek and soon fell fast asleep too.



Then Maimoune turning to the genie said: "Well, are you satisfied that

my prince surpasses your princess? Another time pray believe me when I

assert anything."



Then turning to Caschcasch: "My thanks to you, and now do you and

Danhasch bear the princess back to her own home."



The two genii hastened to obey, and Maimoune returned to her well.



On waking next morning the first thing Prince Camaralzaman did was to

look round for the lovely lady he had seen at night, and the next to

question the slave who waited on him about her. But the slave

persisted so strongly that he knew nothing of any lady, and still less

of how she got into the tower, that the prince lost all patience, and

after giving him a good beating tied a rope round him and ducked him in

the well till the unfortunate man cried out that he would tell

everything. Then the prince drew him up all dripping wet, but the

slave begged leave to change his clothes first, and as soon as the

prince consented hurried off just as he was to the palace. Here he

found the king talking to the grand-vizir of all the anxiety his son

had caused him. The slave was admitted at once and cried:



"Alas, Sire! I bring sad news to your Majesty. There can be no doubt

that the prince has completely lost his senses. He declares that he

saw a lady sleeping on his couch last night, and the state you see me

in proves how violent contradiction makes him." He then gave a minute

account of all the prince had said and done.



The king, much moved, begged the vizir to examine into this new

misfortune, and the latter at once went to the tower, where he found

the prince quietly reading a book. After the first exchange of

greetings the vizir said:



"I feel really very angry with your slave for alarming his Majesty by

the news he brought him."



"What news?" asked the prince.



"Ah!" replied the vizir, "something absurd, I feel sure, seeing how I

find you."



"Most likely," said the prince; "but now that you are here I am glad of

the opportunity to ask you where is the lady who slept in this room

last night?"



The grand-vizir felt beside himself at this question.



"Prince!" he exclaimed, "how would it be possible for any man, much

less a woman, to enter this room at night without walking over your

slave on the threshold? Pray consider the matter, and you will realise

that you have been deeply impressed by some dream."



But the prince angrily insisted on knowing who and where the lady was,

and was not to be persuaded by all the vizir's protestations to the

contrary that the plot had not been one of his making. At last, losing

patience, he seized the vizir by the beard and loaded him with blows.



"Stop, Prince," cried the unhappy vizir, "stay and hear what I have to

say."



The prince, whose arm was getting tired, paused.



"I confess, Prince," said the vizir, "that there is some foundation for

what you say. But you know well that a minister has to carry out his

master's orders. Allow me to go and to take to the king any message

you may choose to send."



"Very well," said the prince; "then go and tell him that I consent to

marry the lady whom he sent or brought here last night. Be quick and

bring me back his answer."



The vizir bowed to the ground and hastened to leave the room and tower.



"Well," asked the king as soon as he appeared, "and how did you find my

son?"



"Alas, sire," was the reply, "the slave's report is only too true!"



He then gave an exact account of his interview with Camaralzaman and of

the prince's fury when told that it was not possible for any lady to

have entered his room, and of the treatment he himself had received.

The king, much distressed, determined to clear up the matter himself,

and, ordering the vizir to follow him, set out to visit his son.



The prince received his father with profound respect, and the king,

making him sit beside him, asked him several questions, to which

Camaralzaman replied with much good sense. At last the king said: "My

son, pray tell me about the lady who, it is said, was in your room last

night."



"Sire," replied the prince, "pray do not increase my distress in this

matter, but rather make me happy by giving her to me in marriage.

However much I may have objected to matrimony formerly, the sight of

this lovely girl has overcome all my prejudices, and I will gratefully

receive her from your hands."



The king was almost speechless on hearing his son, but after a time

assured him most solemnly that he knew nothing whatever about the lady

in question, and had not connived at her appearance. He then desired

the prince to relate the whole story to him.



Camaralzaman did so at great length, showed the ring, and implored his

father to help to find the bride he so ardently desired.



"After all you tell me," remarked the king, "I can no longer doubt your

word; but how and whence the lady came, or why she should have stayed

so short a time I cannot imagine. The whole affair is indeed

mysterious. Come, my dear son, let us wait together for happier days."



So saying the king took Camaralzaman by the hand and led him back to

the palace, where the prince took to his bed and gave himself up to

despair, and the king shutting himself up with his son entirely

neglected the affairs of state.



The prime minister, who was the only person admitted, felt it his duty

at last to tell the king how much the court and all the people

complained of his seclusion, and how bad it was for the nation. He

urged the sultan to remove with the prince to a lovely little island

close by, whence he could easily attend public audiences, and where the

charming scenery and fine air would do the invalid so much good as to

enable him to bear his father's occasional absence.



The king approved the plan, and as soon as the castle on the island

could be prepared for their reception he and the prince arrived there,

Schahzaman never leaving his son except for the prescribed public

audiences twice a week.



Whilst all this was happening in the capital of Schahzaman the two

genii had carefully borne the Princess of China back to her own palace

and replaced her in bed. On waking next morning she first turned from

one side to another and then, finding herself alone, called loudly for

her women.



"Tell me," she cried, "where is the young man I love so dearly, and who

slept near me last night?"



"Princess," exclaimed the nurse, "we cannot tell what you allude to

without more explanation."



"Why," continued the princess, "the most charming and beautiful young

man lay sleeping beside me last night. I did my utmost to wake him,

but in vain."



"Your Royal Highness wishes to make game of us," said the nurse. "Is

it your pleasure to rise?"



"I am quite in earnest," persisted the princess, "and I want to know

where he is."



"But, Princess," expostulated the nurse, "we left you quite alone last

night, and we have seen no one enter your room since then."



At this the princess lost all patience, and taking the nurse by her

hair she boxed her ears soundly, crying out: "You shall tell me, you

old witch, or I'll kill you."



The nurse had no little trouble in escaping, and hurried off to the

queen, to whom she related the whole story with tears in her eyes.



"You see, madam," she concluded, "that the princess must be out of her

mind. If only you will come and see her, you will be able to judge for

yourself."



The queen hurried to her daughter's apartments, and after tenderly

embracing her, asked her why she had treated her nurse so badly.



"Madam," said the princess, "I perceive that your Majesty wishes to

make game of me, but I can assure you that I will never marry anyone

except the charming young man whom I saw last night. You must know

where he is, so pray send for him."



The queen was much surprised by these words, but when she declared that

she knew nothing whatever of the matter the princess lost all respect,

and answered that if she were not allowed to marry as she wished she

should kill herself, and it was in vain that the queen tried to pacify

her and bring her to reason.



The king himself came to hear the rights of the matter, but the

princess only persisted in her story, and as a proof showed the ring on

her finger. The king hardly knew what to make of it all, but ended by

thinking that his daughter was more crazy than ever, and without

further argument he had her placed in still closer confinement, with

only her nurse to wait on her and a powerful guard to keep the door.



Then he assembled his council, and having told them the sad state of

things, added: "If any of you can succeed in curing the princess, I

will give her to him in marriage, and he shall be my heir."



An elderly emir present, fired with the desire to possess a young and

lovely wife and to rule over a great kingdom, offered to try the magic

arts with which he was acquainted.



"You are welcome to try," said the king, "but I make one condition,

which is, that should you fail you will lose your life."



The emir accepted the condition, and the king led him to the princess,

who, veiling her face, remarked, "I am surprised, sire, that you should

bring an unknown man into my presence."



"You need not be shocked," said the king; "this is one of my emirs who

asks your hand in marriage."



"Sire," replied the princess, "this is not the one you gave me before

and whose ring I wear. Permit me to say that I can accept no other."



The emir, who had expected to hear the princess talk nonsense, finding

how calm and reasonable she was, assured the king that he could not

venture to undertake a cure, but placed his head at his Majesty's

disposal, on which the justly irritated monarch promptly had it cut off.



This was the first of many suitors for the princess whose inability to

cure her cost them their lives.



Now it happened that after things had been going on in this way for

some time the nurse's son Marzavan returned from his travels. He had

been in many countries and learnt many things, including astrology.

Needless to say that one of the first things his mother told him was

the sad condition of the princess, his foster-sister. Marzavan asked if

she could not manage to let him see the princess without the king's

knowledge.



After some consideration his mother consented, and even persuaded the

eunuch on guard to make no objection to Marzavan's entering the royal

apartment.



The princess was delighted to see her foster-brother again, and after

some conversation she confided to him all her history and the cause of

her imprisonment.



Marzavan listened with downcast eyes and the utmost attention. When

she had finished speaking he said,



"If what you tell me, Princess, is indeed the case, I do not despair of

finding comfort for you. Take patience yet a little longer. I will

set out at once to explore other countries, and when you hear of my

return be sure that he for whom you sigh is not far off." So saying, he

took his leave and started next morning on his travels.



Marzavan journeyed from city to city and from one island and province

to another, and wherever he went he heard people talk of the strange

story of the Princess Badoura, as the Princess of China was named.



After four months he reached a large populous seaport town named Torf,

and here he heard no more of the Princess Badoura but a great deal of

Prince Camaralzaman, who was reported ill, and whose story sounded very

similar to that of the Princess Badoura.



Marzavan was rejoiced, and set out at once for Prince Camaralzaman's

residence. The ship on which he embarked had a prosperous voyage till

she got within sight of the capital of King Schahzaman, but when just

about to enter the harbour she suddenly struck on a rock, and foundered

within sight of the palace where the prince was living with his father

and the grand-vizir.



Marzavan, who swam well, threw himself into the sea and managed to land

close to the palace, where he was kindly received, and after having a

change of clothing given him was brought before the grand-vizir. The

vizir was at once attracted by the young man's superior air and

intelligent conversation, and perceiving that he had gained much

experience in the course of his travels, he said, "Ah, how I wish you

had learnt some secret which might enable you to cure a malady which

has plunged this court into affliction for some time past!"



Marzavan replied that if he knew what the illness was he might possibly

be able to suggest a remedy, on which the vizir related to him the

whole history of Prince Camaralzaman.



On hearing this Marzavan rejoiced inwardly, for he felt sure that he

had at last discovered the object of the Princess Badoura's

infatuation. However, he said nothing, but begged to be allowed to see

the prince.



On entering the royal apartment the first thing which struck him was

the prince himself, who lay stretched out on his bed with his eyes

closed. The king sat near him, but, without paying any regard to his

presence, Marzavan exclaimed, "Heavens! what a striking likeness!"

And, indeed, there was a good deal of resemblance between the features

of Camaralzaman and those of the Princess of China.



These words caused the prince to open his eyes with languid curiosity,

and Marzavan seized this moment to pay him his compliments, contriving

at the same time to express the condition of the Princess of China in

terms unintelligible, indeed, to the Sultan and his vizir, but which

left the prince in no doubt that his visitor could give him some

welcome information.



The prince begged his father to allow him the favour of a private

interview with Marzavan, and the king was only too pleased to find his

son taking an interest in anyone or anything. As soon as they were

left alone Marzavan told the prince the story of the Princess Badoura

and her sufferings, adding, "I am convinced that you alone can cure

her; but before starting on so long a journey you must be well and

strong, so do your best to recover as quickly as may be."



These words produced a great effect on the prince, who was so much

cheered by the hopes held out that he declared he felt able to get up

and be dressed. The king was overjoyed at the result of Marzavan's

interview, and ordered public rejoicings in honour of the prince's

recovery.



Before long the prince was quite restored to his original state of

health, and as soon as he felt himself really strong he took Marzavan

aside and said:



"Now is the time to perform your promise. I am so impatient to see my

beloved princess once more that I am sure I shall fall ill again if we

do not start soon. The one obstacle is my father's tender care of me,

for, as you may have noticed, he cannot bear me out of his sight."



"Prince," replied Marzavan, "I have already thought over the matter,

and this is what seems to me the best plan. You have not been out of

doors since my arrival. Ask the king's permission to go with me for

two or three days' hunting, and when he has given leave order two good

horses to be held ready for each of us. Leave all the rest to me."



Next day the prince seized a favourable opportunity for making his

request, and the king gladly granted it on condition that only one

night should be spent out for fear of too great fatigue after such a

long illness.



Next morning Prince Camaralzaman and Marzavan were off betimes,

attended by two grooms leading the two extra horses. They hunted a

little by the way, but took care to get as far from the towns as

possible. At night-fall they reached an inn, where they supped and

slept till midnight. Then Marzavan awoke and roused the prince without

disturbing anyone else. He begged the prince to give him the coat he

had been wearing and to put on another which they had brought with

them. They mounted their second horses, and Marzavan led one of the

grooms' horses by the bridle.



By daybreak our travellers found themselves where four cross roads met

in the middle of the forest. Here Marzavan begged the prince to wait

for him, and leading the groom's horse into a dense part of the wood he

cut its throat, dipped the prince's coat in its blood, and having

rejoined the prince threw the coat on the ground where the roads parted.



In answer to Camaralzaman's inquiries as to the reason for this,



Marzavan replied that the only chance they had of continuing their

journey was to divert attention by creating the idea of the prince's

death. "Your father will doubtless be plunged in the deepest grief,"

he went on, "but his joy at your return will be all the greater."



The prince and his companion now continued their journey by land and

sea, and as they had brought plenty of money to defray their expenses

they met with no needless delays. At length they reached the capital

of China, where they spent three days in a suitable lodging to recover

from their fatigues.



During this time Marzavan had an astrologer's dress prepared for the

prince. They then went to the baths, after which the prince put on the

astrologer's robe and was conducted within sight of the king's palace

by Marzavan, who left him there and went to consult his mother, the

princess's nurse.



Meantime the prince, according to Marzavan's instructions, advanced

close to the palace gates and there proclaimed aloud:



"I am an astrologer and I come to restore health to the Princess

Badoura, daughter of the high and mighty King of China, on the

conditions laid down by His Majesty of marrying her should I succeed,

or of losing my life if I fail."



It was some little time since anyone had presented himself to run the

terrible risk involved in attempting to cure the princess, and a crowd

soon gathered round the prince. On perceiving his youth, good looks,

and distinguished bearing, everyone felt pity for him.



"What are you thinking of, sir," exclaimed some; "why expose yourself

to certain death? Are not the heads you see exposed on the town wall

sufficient warning? For mercy's sake give up this mad idea and retire

whilst you can."



But the prince remained firm, and only repeated his cry with greater

assurance, to the horror of the crowd.



"He is resolved to die!" they cried; "may heaven have pity on him!"



Camaralzaman now called out for the third time, and at last the

grand-vizir himself came out and fetched him in.



The prime minister led the prince to the king, who was much struck by

the noble air of this new adventurer, and felt such pity for the fate

so evidently in store for him, that he tried to persuade the young man

to renounce his project.



But Camaralzaman politely yet firmly persisted in his intentions, and

at length the king desired the eunuch who had the guard of the

princess's apartments to conduct the astrologer to her presence.



The eunuch led the way through long passages, and Camaralzaman followed

rapidly, in haste to reach the object of his desires. At last they

came to a large hall which was the ante-room to the princess's chamber,

and here Camaralzaman said to the eunuch:



"Now you shall choose. Shall I cure the princess in her own presence,

or shall I do it from here without seeing her?"



The eunuch, who had expressed many contemptuous doubts as they came

along of the newcomer's powers, was much surprised and said:



"If you really can cure, it is immaterial when you do it. Your fame

will be equally great."



"Very well," replied the prince: "then, impatient though I am to see

the princess, I will effect the cure where I stand, the better to

convince you of my power." He accordingly drew out his writing case

and wrote as follows--"Adorable princess! The enamoured Camaralzaman

has never forgotten the moment when, contemplating your sleeping

beauty, he gave you his heart. As he was at that time deprived of the

happiness of conversing with you, he ventured to give you his ring as a

token of his love, and to take yours in exchange, which he now encloses

in this letter. Should you deign to return it to him he will be the

happiest of mortals, if not he will cheerfully resign himself to death,

seeing he does so for love of you. He awaits your reply in your

ante-room."



Having finished this note the prince carefully enclosed the ring in it

without letting the eunuch see it, and gave him the letter, saying:



"Take this to your mistress, my friend, and if on reading it and seeing

its contents she is not instantly cured, you may call me an impudent

impostor."



The eunuch at once passed into the princess's room, and handing her the

letter said:



"Madam, a new astrologer has arrived, who declares that you will be

cured as soon as you have read this letter and seen what it contains."



The princess took the note and opened it with languid indifference.

But no sooner did she see her ring than, barely glancing at the

writing, she rose hastily and with one bound reached the doorway and

pushed back the hangings. Here she and the prince recognised each

other, and in a moment they were locked in each other's arms, where

they tenderly embraced, wondering how they came to meet at last after

so long a separation. The nurse, who had hastened after her charge,

drew them back to the inner room, where the princess restored her ring

to Camaralzaman.



"Take it back," she said, "I could not keep it without returning yours

to you, and I am resolved to wear that as long as I live."



Meantime the eunuch had hastened back to the king. "Sire," he cried,

"all the former doctors and astrologers were mere quacks. This man has

cured the princess without even seeing her." He then told all to the

king, who, overjoyed, hastened to his daughter's apartments, where,

after embracing her, he placed her hand in that of the prince, saying:



"Happy stranger, I keep my promise, and give you my daughter to wife,

be you who you may. But, if I am not much mistaken, your condition is

above what you appear to be."



The prince thanked the king in the warmest and most respectful terms,

and added: "As regards my person, your Majesty has rightly guessed

that I am not an astrologer. It is but a disguise which I assumed in

order to merit your illustrious alliance. I am myself a prince, my

name is Camaralzaman, and my father is Schahzaman, King of the Isles of

the Children of Khaledan." He then told his whole history, including

the extraordinary manner of his first seeing and loving the Princess

Badoura.



When he had finished the king exclaimed: "So remarkable a story must

not be lost to posterity. It shall be inscribed in the archives of my

kingdom and published everywhere abroad."



The wedding took place next day amidst great pomp and rejoicings.

Marzavan was not forgotten, but was given a lucrative post at court,

with a promise of further advancement.



The prince and princess were now entirely happy, and months slipped by

unconsciously in the enjoyment of each other's society.



One night, however, Prince Camaralzaman dreamt that he saw his father

lying at the point of death, and saying: "Alas! my son whom I loved so

tenderly, has deserted me and is now causing my death."



The prince woke with such a groan as to startle the princess, who asked

what was the matter.



"Ah!" cried the prince, "at this very moment my father is perhaps no

more!" and he told his dream.



The princess said but little at the time, but next morning she went to

the king, and kissing his hand said:



"I have a favour to ask of your Majesty, and I beg you to believe that

it is in no way prompted by my husband. It is that you will allow us

both to visit my father-in-law King Schahzaman."



Sorry though the king felt at the idea of parting with his daughter, he

felt her request to be so reasonable that he could not refuse it, and

made but one condition, which was that she should only spend one year

at the court of King Schahzaman, suggesting that in future the young

couple should visit their respective parents alternately.



The princess brought this good news to her husband, who thanked her

tenderly for this fresh proof of her affection.



All preparations for the journey were now pressed forwards, and when

all was ready the king accompanied the travellers for some days, after

which he took an affectionate leave of his daughter, and charging the

prince to take every care of her, returned to his capital.



The prince and princess journeyed on, and at the end of a month reached

a huge meadow interspersed with clumps of big trees which cast a most

pleasant shade. As the heat was great, Camaralzaman thought it well to

encamp in this cool spot. Accordingly the tents were pitched, and the

princess entering hers whilst the prince was giving his further orders,

removed her girdle, which she placed beside her, and desiring her women

to leave her, lay down and was soon asleep.



When the camp was all in order the prince entered the tent and, seeing

the princess asleep, he sat down near her without speaking. His eyes

fell on the girdle which, he took up, and whilst inspecting the

precious stones set in it he noticed a little pouch sewn to the girdle

and fastened by a loop. He touched it and felt something hard within.

Curious as to what this might be, he opened the pouch and found a

cornelian engraved with various figures and strange characters.



"This cornelian must be something very precious," thought he, "or my

wife would not wear it on her person with so much care."



In truth it was a talisman which the Queen of China had given her

daughter, telling her it would ensure her happiness as long as she

carried it about her.



The better to examine the stone the prince stepped to the open doorway

of the tent. As he stood there holding it in the open palm of his

hand, a bird suddenly swooped down, picked the stone up in its beak and

flew away with it.



Imagine the prince's dismay at losing a thing by which his wife

evidently set such store!



The bird having secured its prey flew off some yards and alighted on

the ground, holding the talisman it its beak. Prince Camaralzaman

advanced, hoping the bird would drop it, but as soon as he approached

the thief fluttered on a little further still. He continued his

pursuit till the bird suddenly swallowed the stone and took a longer

flight than before. The prince then hoped to kill it with a stone, but

the more hotly he pursued the further flew the bird.



In this fashion he was led on by hill and dale through the entire day,

and when night came the tiresome creature roosted on the top of a very

high tree where it could rest in safety.



The prince in despair at all his useless trouble began to think whether

he had better return to the camp. "But," thought he, "how shall I find

my way back? Must I go up hill or down? I should certainly lose my

way in the dark, even if my strength held out." Overwhelmed by hunger,

thirst, fatigue and sleep, he ended by spending the night at the foot

of the tree.



Next morning Camaralzaman woke up before the bird left its perch, and

no sooner did it take flight than he followed it again with as little

success as the previous day, only stopping to eat some herbs and fruit

he found by the way. In this fashion he spent ten days, following the

bird all day and spending the night at the foot of a tree, whilst it

roosted on the topmost bough. On the eleventh day the bird and the

prince reached a large town, and as soon as they were close to its

walls the bird took a sudden and higher flight and was shortly

completely out of sight, whilst Camaralzaman felt in despair at having

to give up all hopes of ever recovering the talisman of the Princess

Badoura.



Much cast down, he entered the town, which was built near the sea and

had a fine harbour. He walked about the streets for a long time, not

knowing where to go, but at length as he walked near the seashore he

found a garden door open and walked in.



The gardener, a good old man, who was at work, happened to look up,

and, seeing a stranger, whom he recognised by his dress as a Mussulman,

he told him to come in at once and to shut the door.



Camaralzaman did as he was bid, and inquired why this precaution was

taken.



"Because," said the gardener, "I see that you are a stranger and a

Mussulman, and this town is almost entirely inhabited by idolaters, who

hate and persecute all of our faith. It seems almost a miracle that

has led you to this house, and I am indeed glad that you have found a

place of safety."



Camaralzaman warmly thanked the kind old man for offering him shelter,

and was about to say more, but the gardener interrupted him with:



"Leave compliments alone. You are weary and must be hungry. Come in,

eat, and rest." So saying he led the prince into his cottage, and

after satisfying his hunger begged to learn the cause of his arrival.



Camaralzaman told him all without disguise, and ended by inquiring the

shortest way to his father's capital. "For," added he, "if I tried to

rejoin the princess, how should I find her after eleven days'

separation. Perhaps, indeed, she may be no longer alive!" At this

terrible thought he burst into tears.



The gardener informed Camaralzaman that they were quite a year's land

journey to any Mahomedan country, but that there was a much shorter

route by sea to the Ebony Island, from whence the Isles of the Children

of Khaledan could be easily reached, and that a ship sailed once a year

for the Ebony Island by which he might get so far as his very home.



"If only you had arrived a few days sooner," he said, "you might have

embarked at once. As it is you must now wait till next year, but if

you care to stay with me I offer you my house, such as it is, with all

my heart."



Prince Camaralzaman thought himself lucky to find some place of refuge,

and gladly accepted the gardener's offer. He spent his days working in

the garden, and his nights thinking of and sighing for his beloved wife.



Let us now see what had become during this time of the Princess Badoura.



On first waking she was much surprised not to find the prince near her.

She called her women and asked if they knew where he was, and whilst

they were telling her that they had seen him enter the tent, but had

not noticed his leaving it, she took up her belt and perceived that the

little pouch was open and the talisman gone.



She at once concluded that her husband had taken it and would shortly

bring it back. She waited for him till evening rather impatiently, and

wondering what could have kept him from her so long. When night came

without him she felt in despair and abused the talisman and its maker

roundly. In spite of her grief and anxiety however, she did not lose

her presence of mind, but decided on a courageous, though very unusual

step.



Only the princess and her women knew of Camaralzaman's disappearance,

for the rest of the party were sleeping or resting in their tents.

Fearing some treason should the truth be known, she ordered her women

not to say a word which would give rise to any suspicion, and proceeded

to change her dress for one of her husband's, to whom, as has been

already said, she bore a strong likeness.



In this disguise she looked so like the prince that when she gave

orders next morning to break up the camp and continue the journey no

one suspected the change. She made one of her women enter her litter,

whilst she herself mounted on horseback and the march began.



After a protracted journey by land and sea the princess, still under

the name and disguise of Prince Camaralzaman, arrived at the capital of

the Ebony Island whose king was named Armanos.



No sooner did the king hear that the ship which was just in port had on

board the son of his old friend and ally than he hurried to meet the

supposed prince, and had him and his retinue brought to the palace,

where they were lodged and entertained sumptuously.



After three days, finding that his guest, to whom he had taken a great

fancy, talked of continuing his journey, King Armanos said to him:



"Prince, I am now an old man, and unfortunately I have no son to whom

to leave my kingdom. It has pleased Heaven to give me only one

daughter, who possesses such great beauty and charm that I could only

give her to a prince as highly born and as accomplished as yourself.

Instead, therefore, of returning to your own country, take my daughter

and my crown and stay with us. I shall feel that I have a worthy

successor, and shall cheerfully retire from the fatigues of government."



The king's offer was naturally rather embarrassing to the Princess

Badoura. She felt that it was equally impossible to confess that she

had deceived him, or to refuse the marriage on which he had set his

heart; a refusal which might turn all his kindness to hatred and

persecution.



All things considered, she decided to accept, and after a few moments

silence said with a blush, which the king attributed to modesty:



"Sire, I feel so great an obligation for the good opinion your Majesty

has expressed for my person and of the honour you do me, that, though I

am quite unworthy of it, I dare not refuse. But, sire, I can only

accept such an alliance if you give me your promise to assist me with

your counsels."



The marriage being thus arranged, the ceremony was fixed for the

following day, and the princess employed the intervening time in

informing the officers of her suite of what had happened, assuring them

that the Princess Badoura had given her full consent to the marriage.

She also told her women, and bade them keep her secret well.



King Armanos, delighted with the success of his plans, lost no time in

assembling his court and council, to whom he presented his successor,

and placing his future son-in-law on the throne made everyone do homage

and take oaths of allegiance to the new king.



At night the whole town was filled with rejoicings, and with much pomp

the Princess Haiatelnefous (this was the name of the king's daughter)

was conducted to the palace of the Princess Badoura.



Now Badoura had thought much of the difficulties of her first interview

with King Armanos' daughter, and she felt the only thing to do was at

once to take her into her confidence.



Accordingly, as soon as they were alone she took Haiatelnefous by the

hand and said:



"Princess, I have a secret to tell you, and must throw myself on your

mercy. I am not Prince Camaralzaman, but a princess like yourself and

his wife, and I beg you to listen to my story, then I am sure you will

forgive my imposture, in consideration of my sufferings."



She then related her whole history, and at its close Haiatelnefous

embraced her warmly, and assured her of her entire sympathy and

affection.



The two princesses now planned out their future action, and agreed to

combine to keep up the deception and to let Badoura continue to play a

man's part until such time as there might be news of the real

Camaralzaman.



Whilst these things were passing in the Ebony Island Prince

Camaralzaman continued to find shelter in the gardeners cottage in the

town of the idolaters.



Early one morning the gardener said to the prince:



"To-day is a public holiday, and the people of the town not only do not

work themselves but forbid others to do so. You had better therefore

take a good rest whilst I go to see some friends, and as the time is

near for the arrival of the ship of which I told you I will make

inquiries about it, and try to bespeak a passage for you." He then put

on his best clothes and went out, leaving the prince, who strolled into

the garden and was soon lost in thoughts of his dear wife and their sad

separation.



As he walked up and down he was suddenly disturbed in his reverie by

the noise two large birds were making in a tree.



Camaralzaman stood still and looked up, and saw that the birds were

fighting so savagely with beaks and claws that before long one fell

dead to the ground, whilst the conqueror spread his wings and flew

away. Almost immediately two other larger birds, who had been watching

the duel, flew up and alighted, one at the head and the other at the

feet of the dead bird. They stood there some time sadly shaking their

heads, and then dug up a grave with their claws in which they buried

him.



As soon as they had filled in the grave the two flew off, and ere long

returned, bringing with them the murderer, whom they held, one by a

wing and the other by a leg, with their beaks, screaming and struggling

with rage and terror. But they held tight, and having brought him to

his victim's grave, they proceeded to kill him, after which they tore

open his body, scattered the inside and once more flew away.



The prince, who had watched the whole scene with much interest, now

drew near the spot where it happened, and glancing at the dead bird he

noticed something red lying near which had evidently fallen out of its

inside. He picked it up, and what was his surprise when he recognised

the Princess Badoura's talisman which had been the cause of many

misfortunes. It would be impossible to describe his joy; he kissed the

talisman repeatedly, wrapped it up, and carefully tied it round his

arm. For the first time since his separation from the princess he had

a good night, and next morning he was up at day-break and went

cheerfully to ask what work he should do.



The gardener told him to cut down an old fruit tree which had quite

died away, and Camaralzaman took an axe and fell to vigorously. As he

was hacking at one of the roots the axe struck on something hard. On

pushing away the earth he discovered a large slab of bronze, under

which was disclosed a staircase with ten steps. He went down them and

found himself in a roomy kind of cave in which stood fifty large bronze

jars, each with a cover on it. The prince uncovered one after another,

and found them all filled with gold dust. Delighted with his discovery

he left the cave, replaced the slab, and having finished cutting down

the tree waited for the gardener's return.



The gardener had heard the night before that the ship about which he

was inquiring would start ere long, but the exact date not being yet

known he had been told to return next day for further information. He

had gone therefore to inquire, and came back with good news beaming in

his face.



"My son," said he, "rejoice and hold yourself ready to start in three

days' time. The ship is to set sail, and I have arranged all about

your passage with the captain.



"You could not bring me better news," replied Camaralzaman, "and in

return I have something pleasant to tell you. Follow me and see the

good fortune which has befallen you."



He then led the gardener to the cave, and having shown him the treasure

stored up there, said how happy it made him that Heaven should in this

way reward his kind host's many virtues and compensate him for the

privations of many years.



"What do you mean?" asked the gardener. "Do you imagine that I should

appropriate this treasure? It is yours, and I have no right whatever

to it. For the last eighty years I have dug up the ground here without

discovering anything. It is clear that these riches are intended for

you, and they are much more needed by a prince like yourself than by an

old man like me, who am near my end and require nothing. This treasure

comes just at the right time, when you are about to return to your own

country, where you will make good use of it."



But the prince would not hear of this suggestion, and finally after

much discussion they agreed to divide the gold. When this was done the

gardener said:



"My son, the great thing now is to arrange how you can best carry off

this treasure as secretly as possible for fear of losing it. There are

no olives in the Ebony Island, and those imported from here fetch a

high price. As you know, I have a good stock of the olives which grew

in this garden. Now you must take fifty jars, fill each half full of

gold dust and fill them up with the olives. We will then have them

taken on board ship when you embark."



The prince took this advice, and spent the rest of the day filling the

fifty jars, and fearing lest the precious talisman might slip from his

arm and be lost again, he took the precaution of putting it in one of

the jars, on which he made a mark so as to be able to recognise it.

When night came the jars were all ready, and the prince and his host

went to bed.



Whether in consequence of his great age, or of the fatigues and

excitement of the previous day, I do not know, but the gardener passed

a very bad night. He was worse next day, and by the morning of the

third day was dangerously ill. At daybreak the ship's captain and some

of his sailors knocked at the garden door and asked for the passenger

who was to embark.



"I am he," said Camaralzaman, who had opened the door. "The gardener

who took my passage is ill and cannot see you, but please come in and

take these jars of olives and my bag, and I will follow as soon as I

have taken leave of him."



The sailors did as he asked, and the captain before leaving charged

Camaralzaman to lose no time, as the wind was fair, and he wished to

set sail at once.



As soon as they were gone the prince returned to the cottage to bid

farewell to his old friend, and to thank him once more for all his

kindness. But the old man was at his last gasp, and had barely

murmured his confession of faith when he expired.



Camaralzaman was obliged to stay and pay him the last offices, so

having dug a grave in the garden he wrapped the kind old man up and

buried him. He then locked the door, gave up the key to the owner of

the garden, and hurried to the quay only to hear that the ship had

sailed long ago, after waiting three hours for him.



It may well be believed that the prince felt in despair at this fresh

misfortune, which obliged him to spend another year in a strange and

distasteful country. Moreover, he had once more lost the Princess

Badoura's talisman, which he feared he might never see again. There

was nothing left for him but to hire the garden as the old man had

done, and to live on in the cottage. As he could not well cultivate

the garden by himself, he engaged a lad to help him, and to secure the

rest of the treasure he put the remaining gold dust into fifty more

jars, filling them up with olives so as to have them ready for

transport.



Whilst the prince was settling down to this second year of toil and

privation, the ship made a rapid voyage and arrived safely at the Ebony

Island.



As the palace of the new king, or rather of the Princess Badoura,

overlooked the harbour, she saw the ship entering it and asked what

vessel it was coming in so gaily decked with flags, and was told that

it was a ship from the Island of the Idolaters which yearly brought

rich merchandise.



The princess, ever on the look out for any chance of news of her

beloved husband, went down to the harbour attended by some officers of

the court, and arrived just as the captain was landing. She sent for

him and asked many questions as to his country, voyage, what passengers

he had, and what his vessel was laden with. The captain answered all

her questions, and said that his passengers consisted entirely of

traders who brought rich stuffs from various countries, fine muslins,

precious stones, musk, amber, spices, drugs, olives, and many other

things.



As soon as he mentioned olives, the princess, who was very partial to

them, exclaimed:



"I will take all you have on board. Have them unloaded and we will

make our bargain at once, and tell the other merchants to let me see

all their best wares before showing them to other people."



"Sire," replied the captain, "I have on board fifty very large pots of

olives. They belong to a merchant who was left behind, as in spite of

waiting for him he delayed so long that I was obliged to set sail

without him."



"Never mind," said the princess, "unload them all the same, and we will

arrange the price."



The captain accordingly sent his boat off to the ship and it soon

returned laden with the fifty pots of olives. The princess asked what

they might be worth.



"Sire," replied the captain, "the merchant is very poor. Your Majesty

will not overpay him if you give him a thousand pieces of silver."



"In order to satisfy him and as he is so poor," said the princess, "I

will order a thousand pieces of gold to be given you, which you will be

sure to remit to him."



So saying she gave orders for the payment and returned to the palace,

having the jars carried before her. When evening came the Princess

Badoura retired to the inner part of the palace, and going to the

apartments of the Princess Haiatelnefous she had the fifty jars of

olives brought to her. She opened one to let her friend taste the

olives and to taste them herself, but great was her surprise when, on

pouring some into a dish, she found them all powdered with gold dust.

"What an adventure! how extraordinary!" she cried. Then she had the

other jars opened, and was more and more surprised to find the olives

in each jar mixed with gold dust.



But when at length her talisman was discovered in one of the jars her

emotion was so great that she fainted away. The Princess Haiatelnefous

and her women hastened to restore her, and as soon as she recovered

consciousness she covered the precious talisman with kisses.



Then, dismissing the attendants, she said to her friend:



"You will have guessed, my dear, that it was the sight of this talisman

which has moved me so deeply. This was the cause of my separation from

my dear husband, and now, I am convinced, it will be the means of our

reunion."



As soon as it was light next day the Princess Badoura sent for the

captain, and made further inquiries about the merchant who owned the

olive jars she had bought.



In reply the captain told her all he knew of the place where the young

man lived, and how, after engaging his passage, he came to be left

behind.



"If that is the case," said the princess, "you must set sail at once

and go back for him. He is a debtor of mine and must be brought here

at once, or I will confiscate all your merchandise. I sha



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