Part 106

Sir, replied prince Ahmed, I leave it to your majesty to consider, if, after having lost the princess Nouronnihar, who was the only object of my desires, I could resolve to be a witness of prince Ali’s happiness. If I had been capable of so unworthy an action, what would the court and city have thought of my love, or what your majesty? Love is a passion we cannot throw off when we will; it rules and governs us, and will not give a true lover time to make use of his reason. --Your majesty knows, that when I shot my arrow, the most extraordinary thing that ever befell any body happened to me, that in so large and level a plain as that where the horses are exercised, it should not be possible to find my arrow. I lost the cause, the justice of which was as much due to my love as to that of the princes my brothers. --Though thus vanquished by the caprice of fate, I lost no time in vain complaints; but, to satisfy my perplexed mind, in the adventure which I could not comprehend, I gave my attendants the slip, and returned back again alone to look for my arrow. I sought all about the place where prince Houssain’s and prince Ali’s arrows were found, and where I imagined mine must have fallen; but all my labour was in vain. I was not discouraged, but continued my search on the same ground in a direct line, and looked carefully about where I could guess it might have fallen; and after this manner had gone above a league, without being able to meet with any thing like an arrow, when I reflected that it was not possible that mine should fly so far. I stopped, and asked myself whether I was in my right senses, to flatter myself with having strength enough to shoot an arrow so much farther than any of the greatest heroes in the world were able to do. After I had argued thus with myself, I was ready to abandon my enterprise; but when I was on the point of putting my resolution in execution, I found myself drawn forward almost against my will; and after having gone four leagues to that part of the plain where it is bounded by rocks, I perceived an arrow. I ran and took it up, and knew it to be the same which I had shot, but which had not been found in the time or place that it should have been. Far from thinking your majesty had done me any injustice in declaring for my brother prince Ali, I interpreted what had happened to me quite otherwise, and never doubted but there was a mystery in it to my advantage; the discovery of which I ought not to neglect, and which I found out without going farther from the spot. But as to this mystery, I beg your majesty will not take it ill that I am silent, and that you will be satisfied to know from my own mouth that I am happy, and content with my fate.

In the midst of all my happiness, the only thing that troubled me, or was capable of disturbing me, was the uneasiness I feared your majesty was in, upon account of my leaving the court, and your not knowing what was become of me. I thought it my duty to satisfy you in this point. This was the only motive which brought me hither; the only favour I ask of your majesty is to give me leave to come often and pay you my respects, and inquire after your health.

Son, answered the sultan of the Indies, I cannot refuse you the leave you ask me, but, I should much rather you would resolve to stay with me. At least, tell me were I may hear of you, if you should fail to come, or when I may think your presence necessary. Sir, replied prince Ahmed, what your majesty asks of me is part of the mystery I spoke to your majesty of. I beg of you to give me leave to remain silent on this head; for I shall come so frequently where my duty calls, that I am afraid I shall sooner be thought troublesome, than be accused of negligence in my duty, when my presence may be necessary.

The sultan of the Indies pressed prince Ahmed no more, but said to him, Son, I penetrate no farther into your secrets, but leave you at your liberty. I can only tell you, that you could not do me a greater pleasure than to come, and, by your presence, restore to me the joy I have not felt for a long time; and that you shall always be welcome when you come, without interrupting your business or your pleasure.

Prince Ahmed stayed but three days at the sultan his father’s court, and the fourth returned to the fairy Pari Banou, who received him with the greater joy, as she did not expect him so soon. His diligence made her condemn herself for suspecting his want of fidelity. She never dissembled in the least, but frankly owned her weakness to the prince, and asked his pardon. So perfect was the union of these two lovers, that they had but one will between them.

A month after prince Ahmed’s return from paying a visit to his father, as the fairy Pari Banou had observed, that since the time that the prince gave her an account of his journey, and his conversation with his father, in which he asked his leave to come and see him from time to time, he had never spoken of the sultan, as if there had been no such person in the world, whereas before he was always speaking of him, she thought he forbore on her account; and therefore took an opportunity to say to him one day, Tell me, prince, have you forgotten the sultan your father? Do not you remember the promise you made to go and see him from time to time? For my part, I have not forgotten what you told me at your return, and put you in mind of it, that you may not be long before you acquit yourself of your promise for the first time.

Madam, replied prince Ahmed, with the same lively tone as the fairy spoke to him, as I know I am not guilty of the forgetfulness you speak of, I rather choose to be thus reproached, however undeservedly, than expose myself to a refusal, by showing unseasonably a desire for what it might have given you pain to grant. Prince, said the fairy, I would not have you in this affair have so much consideration for me, since it is a month since you have seen the sultan your father. I think you should not be longer than a month before you renew your visits. Pay him another visit to-morrow, and after that, go and see him once a month, without speaking to me, or waiting for my leave. I readily consent.

Prince Ahmed went the next morning with the same attendants as before, but much finer, and himself more magnificently mounted, equipped, and dressed, and was received by the sultan with the same joy and satisfaction. For several months he constantly paid him visits, and always in a richer and more brilliant equipage.

At last some viziers, the sultan’s favourites, who judged of prince Ahmed’s grandeur and power by the figure he made, abused the liberty the sultan gave them of speaking to him, to make him jealous of his son. They represented to him that it was but common prudence to know where the prince had retired, and how he could afford to live at such a rate, since he had no revenue nor income assigned him, and that he seemed to come to court only to brave him, by affecting to show that he wanted nothing of him to live like a prince, and that it was to be feared he might stir up the people’s favour, and dethrone him.

The sultan of the Indies was so far from thinking that prince Ahmed could be capable of so wicked a design, as his favourites would make him believe, that he said to them, You are mistaken; my son loves me, and I am the more assured of his tenderness and fidelity, as I have given him no reason to be disgusted.

Upon these last words, one of the favourites took an opportunity to say, Your majesty, in the opinion of the most sensible people, could not have taken a better method than what you have done with the three princes, respecting their marriage with the princess Nouronnihar; but who knows whether prince Ahmed has submitted to his fate with the same resignation as prince Houssain? May not he imagine that he alone deserved her, and that your majesty, by leaving that matter to be decided by chance, has done him injustice?

Your majesty may say, added the malicious favourite, that prince Ahmed has given no sign of dissatisfaction; that our fears are vain; that we are too easily alarmed, and are to blame to suggest to you suspicions of this sort, which may, perhaps, be unfounded, against a prince of your blood. But, sir, pursued the favourite, it may be also these suspicions may be well grounded. Your majesty is sensible, that in so nice and important an affair, you cannot be too much upon your guard, and should take the safest course. Consider, it is the prince’s business to dissemble, amuse, and deceive you; and the danger is the greater, as the prince resides not far from your capital; and if your majesty give but the same attention that we do, you may observe that every time he comes, he and his attendants are fresh, and their clothes and their horses’ housings are clean and bright, as if they were come from the maker’s hands, and their horses look as if they had only been walked out. These are sufficient signs that prince Ahmed does not come a great way; so that we should think ourselves wanting in our duty if we did not make our humble remonstrances, that, for your own preservation and the good of your people, you might take such measures as you shall think fit.

When the favourite had made an end of this long speech, the sultan said, Be it as it will, I do not believe my son Ahmed is so wicked as you would persuade me he is; however, I am obliged to you for your good advice, and do not doubt that it proceeds from a good intention.

The sultan of the Indies said this, that his favourites might not know the impressions their discourse had made on his mind. He was, however, so much alarmed by it, that he resolved to have prince Ahmed watched, unknown to his grand vizier. For this end, he sent for the female magician, who was introduced by a private door into his closet. You told me the truth, said he, when you assured me my son Ahmed was alive, for which I am obliged to you. You must do me another pleasure. I have seen him since, and he comes to my court every month; but I cannot learn from him where he resides, and I did not wish to force his secret out of him, but believe you are capable of satisfying my curiosity, without letting him, or any of my court, know any thing of the matter. You know that at this present time he is here with me, and is used to go away without taking leave of me, or any of my court. Go immediately upon the road, and watch him so well, as to find out where he retires, and bring me word.

The magician left the sultan, and knowing the place where prince Ahmed found his arrow, went immediately thither, and hid herself near the rocks, so that nobody could see her.

The next morning prince Ahmed set out by day-break, without taking leave either of the sultan or any of his court, according to custom. The magician seeing him coming, followed him with her eyes, till on a sudden she lost sight of him and his attendants.

The steepness of the rocks formed an insurmountable barrier to men, whether on horseback or on foot, so that the magician judged that there were but two ways; either that the prince retired into some cavern, or into some place under ground, the abode of genies or fairies. When she thought the prince and his attendants were out of sight, and returned into the cavern or subterraneous place she imagined, she came out of the place where she had hid herself, and went directly to the hollow way where she had seen them go in. She entered it, going and returning several times, and proceeding to the spot where it terminated in many windings, looking carefully about on all sides. But notwithstanding all her diligence, she could perceive no opening, nor the iron gate which prince Ahmed discovered: for this door was to be seen by and opened to none but men, and only to such men whose presence was agreeable to the fairy Pari Banou, and not at all to women.

The magician, who saw it was in vain for her to search any farther, was obliged to be satisfied with the discovery she had made, and returned to give the sultan an account. When she had told him what she had done, she added, Your majesty may easily understand, after what I have had the honour to tell you, it will be no difficult matter to give you the satisfaction you desire concerning prince Ahmed’s conduct. I will not tell you now what I think, but choose to let you know in a way that will not suffer you to doubt of it. To do this, I only ask time, and that you will have patience, and give me leave to do it, without inquiring what measures I design to take.

The sultan was very well pleased with the magician’s conduct, and said to her, Do you as you think fit; I will wait patiently the event of your promises. And to encourage her, he made her a present of a diamond of great value, telling her it was only an earnest of the ample recompense she should receive when she had done him that important piece of service, which he left to her management.

As prince Ahmed, after he had obtained the fairy Pari Banou’s leave to go to the sultan of the Indies’ court, never failed once a month, and the magician knowing the time, went a day or two before to the foot of the rock, where she lost sight of the prince and his attendants, and waited there with an intention to execute the project she had formed.

The next morning prince Ahmed went out as usual at the iron gate, with the same attendants as before, and passed by the magician, whom he knew not to be such; and seeing her lie with her head upon the rock, and complaining as if she was in great pain, he pitied her, turned his horse about, and went to her, and asked her what was the matter with her, and what he could do to relieve her.

The artful sorceress, without lifting up her head, looked at the prince in a manner to increase his compassion, already excited, and answered in broken words and sighs, as if she could hardly fetch her breath, that she was going to the city, but in the way thither was taken with so violent a fever, that her strength failed her, and she was forced to stop and lie down where he saw her, far from any habitation, and without any hopes of assistance.

Good woman, replied prince Ahmed, you are not so far from help as you imagine. I am ready to assist you, and convey you where you shall not only have all possible care taken of you, but where you will find a speedy cure; only get up, and let one of my people take you behind him.

At these words, the magician, who pretended sickness only to know where the prince lived, what he did, and what was his situation, did not refuse the charitable offer he made her so freely; and, to show her acceptance of it rather by her actions than by her words, she made many affected efforts to get up, pretending that the violence of her illness prevented her. At the same time, two of the prince’s attendants alighting off their horses, helped her up, and set her behind another. They mounted their horses again, and followed the prince, who turned back to the iron gate, which was opened by one of his retinue, who rode before. When he came into the outward court of the fairy’s palace, without dismounting himself, he sent to tell her he wanted to speak with her.

The fairy Pari Banou came with all imaginable haste, not knowing what made prince Ahmed return so soon; who, not giving her time to ask him the reason, said, My princess, I desire you would have compassion on this good woman, pointing to the magician, who was taken off the horse by two of his retinue: I found her in the condition you see her in, and promised her the assistance she stands in need of. I recommend her to your care, and am persuaded that you, from inclination, as well as at my request, will not abandon her.

The fairy Pari Banou, who had her eyes fixed upon the pretended sick woman all the time that the prince was talking to her, ordered two of her women who followed her to take her from the two men that held her, and carry her into an apartment of the palace, and take as much care of her as of herself.

Whilst the two women executed the fairy’s commands, she went up to prince Ahmed, and whispering him in the ear, said, Prince, I commend your compassion, which is worthy of you and your birth. I take great pleasure in gratifying your good intention; but give me leave to tell you, I am afraid it will be but ill rewarded. This woman is not so sick as she pretends to be; and I am very much mistaken if she is not sent hither on purpose to occasion you great trouble. But do not be concerned, let what will be devised against you; be persuaded that I will deliver you out of all the snares that shall be laid for you. Go and pursue your journey.

This discourse of the fairy’s did not in the least alarm prince Ahmed. My princess, said he, as I do not remember I ever did, or designed to do, any body an injury. I cannot believe any body can have a thought of doing me one; but if they have, I shall not forbear doing good, whenever I have an opportunity. So saying, he took leave of the fairy, and set forward again for his father’s capital, where he soon arrived, and was received as usual by the sultan, who constrained himself as much as possible, to disguise the trouble arising from the suspicions suggested by his favourites.

In the mean time, the two women to whom the fairy Pari Banou had given her orders carried the magician into a very fine apartment, richly furnished. First, they set her down upon a sofa, with her back supported with a cushion of gold brocade, while they made a bed on the same sofa before her, the quilt of which was finely embroidered with silk, the sheets of the finest linen, and the coverlid cloth of gold. When they had put her into bed, (for the old sorceress pretended that her fever was so violent, she could not help herself in the least,) one of the women went out, and returned soon again with a china cup in her hand, full of a certain liquor, which she presented to the magician, while the other helped her to sit up. Drink this liquor, said she; it is the water of the fountain of lions, and a sovereign remedy against all fevers whatsoever. You will find the effect of it in less than an hour’s time.

The magician, to dissemble the better, took it, after a great deal of entreaty, as if she was very much averse to take that potion; but at last she took the china cup, and shaking her head as if she did great violence to herself, swallowed the liquor. When she was laid down again, the two women covered her up. Lie quiet, said she who brought her the china cup, and get a little sleep if you can: we will leave you, and hope to find you perfectly cured when we come an hour hence.

The magician, who came not to act a sick part long, but only to discover prince Ahmed’s retreat, and what made him leave his father’s court, being fully satisfied in what she wanted to know, would willingly have declared that the potion had then had its effects, so great was her desire to return to the sultan, to inform him of the success of her commission: but as she had been told that the potion did not operate immediately, she was forced to wait the women’s return.

The two women came again at the time they said they should, and found the magician up and dressed, and seated on the sofa; who, when she saw them open the door of the apartment, cried out, O the admirable potion! it has wrought its cure much sooner than you told me it would, and I have waited a long time with impatience, to desire you to carry me to your charitable mistress, to thank her for her kindness, for which I shall always be obliged to her, since being thus cured as by a miracle, I would not lose time, but prosecute my journey.

The two women, who were fairies as well as their mistress, after they had told the magician how glad they were that she was cured so soon, walked before her, and conducted her through several apartments, all more superb than that wherein she lay, into a large hall, the most richly and magnificently furnished of all the palace.

Pari Banou was seated in this hall, on a throne of massy gold, enriched with diamonds, rubies, and pearls of an extraordinary size, and attended on each hand by a great number of beautiful fairies, all richly dressed. At the sight of so much majesty, the magician was not only dazzled, but was so struck, that after she had prostrated herself before the throne, she could not open her lips to thank the fairy, as she proposed. However, Pari Banou saved her the trouble, and said to her, Good woman, I am glad I had an opportunity to oblige you, and to see you are able to pursue your journey. I will not detain you; but perhaps you may not be displeased to see my palace: follow my women, and they will show it you.

The old sorceress, who had not power nor courage to say a word, prostrated herself a second time, with her head on the carpet that covered the foot of the throne, and so took her leave, and was conducted by the two fairies through all the same apartments which were shown to prince Ahmed at his first arrival there, and at sight of their uncommon magnificence, she made frequent exclamations. But what surprised her most of all was, that the two fairies told her, that all she saw and admired so much was a mere sketch of their mistress’s grandeur and riches; and that in the extent of her dominions she had so many palaces that they could not tell the number of them, all of different plans and architecture, and equally magnificent and superb. In talking of many other particulars, they led her at last to the iron gate at which prince Ahmed brought her in, and after she had taken her leave of them, and thanked them for their trouble, they opened it, and wished her a good journey.

After the magician had gone a little way, she turned back again to observe the door and know it again, but all in vain; for, as was before observed, it was invisible to her and all other women. Except in this circumstance, she was very well satisfied with executing the commission she had undertaken, and posted away to the sultan. When she came to the capital, she went by a great many by-ways to the private door of the palace. The sultan being informed of her arrival, sent for her into his apartment, and perceiving a melancholy hang upon her countenance, he thought she had not succeeded, and said to her, By your looks I surmise that your journey has been to no purpose, and that you have not made the discovery I expected from your diligence. Sir, replied the magician, your majesty must give me leave to represent to you, that you ought not to judge by my looks whether or no I have acquitted myself well in the execution of the commands you were pleased to honour me with; but by the faithful report I shall make you of all that has happened to me, and by which you will find that I have not neglected any thing that could render me worthy of your approbation. The melancholy you observe in my face proceeds from another cause than the want of success, which I hope your majesty will have all the reason in the world to be content with. I do not tell you the cause; the relation I am going to give will, if you have patience, inform you of it.