🧚 Opening, part 11 · page 2

The crier presented him the tube, and he looked through, wishing at the same time to see the sultan his father, whom he immediately beheld in perfect health, sitting on his throne, in the midst of his council.34 Next, as there was nothing in the world so dear to him, after the sultan, as the Princess Nouronnihar, he wished to see her; and instantly beheld her laughing, and in a gay humor, with her women about her.35

Prince Ali wanted no other proof to persuade him that this tube was the most valuable article, not only in the city of Shiraz, but in all the world; and believed that if he should neglect to purchase it, he would never meet with an equally wonderful curiosity.36 He said to the crier, “I am very sorry that I have entertained so wrong an opinion of you, but I hope to make amends by buying the tube, and I will give you the price you ask.”37

On this the prince took the crier to the khan where he lodged, counted him out the money, and received the tube.38

Prince Ali was overjoyed at his purchase; he persuaded himself that, as his brothers would not be able to meet with anything so rare and admirable, the Princess Nouronnihar must be the recompense of his fatigue and travels.39 He now thought only of visiting the court of Persia, and of seeing whatever was curious in Shiraz, and when the caravan took its departure he joined the party of merchants with whom he had travelled, and arrived happily without any accident or trouble at the place appointed, where he found Prince Houssain, and both waited for Prince Ahmed.40

Prince Ahmed took the road to Samarcand, and the day after his arrival, went as his brothers had done, into the market, where he had not walked long before he heard a crier, who had an artificial apple in his hand, offer it at forty purses.41 He stopped the crier, and said to him, “Let me see that apple, and tell me what virtue it possesses, to be valued at so high a rate.”42

“Sir,” replied the crier, giving it into his hand, “if you look at the mere outside of this apple, it is not very remarkable; but if you consider its properties, you will say it is invaluable, and that he who possesses it is master of a great treasure.43 It cures all sick persons of every disease, and even if the patient is dying, it will help him immediately, and restore him to perfect health; and this merely by the patient’s smelling it.”44

“If one may believe you,” replied Prince Ahmed, “the virtues of this apple are wonderful, and it is indeed invaluable; but how am I to know that there is no error in the high praises you bestow on it?”45

“Sir,” replied the crier, “the truth is known by the whole city of Samarcand.46 Ask all these merchants you see here, and hear what they say.47 You will find several of them will tell you they had not been alive this day had they not made use of this excellent remedy.”48

While the crier was detailing to Prince Ahmed the virtues of the artificial apple, many persons gathered round them, and confirmed what he declared; and one amongst the rest said he had a friend dangerously ill, whose life was despaired of, which was a favorable opportunity to show the apple’s power; on which Prince Ahmed told the crier he would give him forty purses for the apple if it cured the sick person by smelling it.49

“Come sir,” said the crier to Prince Ahmed, “let us go and make the experiment, and the apple shall be yours.”50

The experiment succeeded; and the prince, after he had counted out to the crier forty purses, received the apple.51 He then spent his time in seeing all that was curious at and about Samarcand; and having joined the first caravan that set out for the Indies, he arrived in perfect health at the inn, where the Princes Houssain and Ali waited for him.52

When Prince Ahmed joined his brothers they embraced with tenderness, and complimented each other on the happiness of meeting together in safety at the same place they had set out from.53 Houssain, as the eldest brother, then said: “Brothers, we shall have time enough hereafter to describe our travels.54 Let us come to that which is of the greatest importance for us to know, and not conceal from each other the curiosities we have brought, but show them, that we may ourselves judge to which of us the sultan our father may give the preference.55 I will tell you that the rarity which I have brought from the kingdom of Bisnagar is the carpet on which I sit.56 It looks but ordinary, and makes no show, but its virtues are wonderful.57 Whoever sits on it, and desires to be transported to any place, be it ever so far distant, is immediately carried thither.58 On my return here I made use of no other conveyance than this wonderful carpet, for which I paid forty purses.59 I expect now that you should tell me whether what you have brought is to be compared with this carpet.”60

Prince Ali next spoke.61 “I acknowledge, brother,” said he, “that your carpet is a most surprising curiosity.62 But you must allow that there may be other rarities at least as wonderful.63 Here is an ivory tube, which appears to the eye no more a prodigy than your carpet.64 It cost me forty purses, and I am as well satisfied with my purchase as you can be with yours; for on looking at one end of this tube you can see whatever object you wish to behold.65 I would not have you take my word,” added Prince Ali, presenting the tube to him.66 “Take it, and make a trial of it yourself.”67

Houssain took the ivory tube, and wished to see the Princess Nouronnihar, when Ali and Prince Ahmed, who kept their eyes fixed on him, were extremely surprised to see his countenance suddenly express extraordinary alarm and affliction.68 Prince Houssain did not give them time to ask what was the matter, but cried out, “Alas! princes, to what purpose have we undertaken such long and fatiguing journeys, with the hopes of being recompensed by the hand of the charming Nouronnihar, when in a few moments that lovely princess will breathe her last!69 I saw her in bed, surrounded by her women, all weeping and seeming to expect her death.70 Take the tube, behold yourselves the miserable state she is in, and mingle your tears with mine.”71

Prince Ali took the tube out of Houssain’s hand, and after he had seen the same object with the deepest grief presented it to Ahmed, who also beheld the sad sight which so much concerned them all.72

When Prince Ahmed had taken the tube out of Ali’s hands, and saw that the Princess Nouronnihar’s end was so near, he addressed himself to his two companions, and said, “Brothers, the Princess Nouronnihar, whom we all equally loved, is indeed just at death’s door; but provided we make haste and lose no time, we may preserve her life.73 This apple which you see cost the same sum as the carpet and the tube; but it has this surprising power—its smell will restore to life a sick person, whatever be the malady.74 I have made the experiment, and can show you its wonderful effect on the person of the Princess Nouronnihar if we hasten to assist her.”75