🧚 Opening, part 12 · page 2

As soon as Ahmed perceived the lady, he hastened to pay his respects; but the lady, addressing him first, said, “Enter, Prince Ahmed, you are welcome.”39

After these words the lady led Prince Ahmed into a grand hall.40 She then sat down on a sofa; and when the prince, at her entreaty, had seated himself by her, she continued, “You know that the world is inhabited by genii as well as men; I am Perie Banou, the daughter of one of the most powerful of these genii.41 I am no stranger to your loves or your travels.42 The artificial apple which you bought at Samarcand, the carpet which Prince Houssain purchased at Bisnagar, and the tube which Prince Ali brought from Shiraz were of my contrivance.43 You seemed to me worthy of a better fate than to marry the Princess Nouronnihar; and that you might attain to it, I caused your arrow to fly out of sight, and to strike against the rocks near which you found it.44 It is in your power to avail yourself of the favorable opportunity which presents itself to make you happy.”45

As the fairy Perie Banou pronounced the last words with a different tone, and after looking tenderly at the prince, sat with downcast eyes and a modest blush on her cheeks, it was not difficult for him to comprehend what happiness she meant; and he replied, “Could I have the pleasure of making you the partner of my life, I should think myself the happiest of men.”46

“Then you shall be my husband,” answered the fairy, “and I will be your wife.47 Our fairy marriages are contracted with no other ceremonies than a mutual consent.48 I will give orders for the preparation of our wedding feast this evening; and in the meanwhile I will show you my palace.”49

The fairy led Ahmed through the apartments of the palace, where he saw diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and all sorts of fine jewels intermixed with pearls, agate, jasper, and the most precious marbles, together with the richest furniture disposed in the most elegant profusion.50 At last he entered the hall where the cloth was laid for the feast.51 It was adorned with an infinite number of wax candles perfumed with amber.52 A concert accompanied the feast, formed of the most harmonious instruments that were ever heard.53 After the dessert, which consisted of the choicest fruits and sweetmeats, the fairy Perie Banou and Prince Ahmed rose and repaired to a dais, provided with cushions of fine silk, curiously embroidered.54 Presently a great number of genii and fairies danced before them, and at last divided themselves into two rows, through which the prince and Perie Banou passed toward their chambers and, after bowing, retired.55

Every day spent with the fairy Perie was a continual feast, for every day she provided new delicacies, new concerts, new dances, new shows, and new diversions, which were all so gratifying to the senses that Ahmed, if he had lived a thousand years among men, could not have experienced equal enjoyment.56

The fairy’s intention was not only to give the prince convincing proofs of her love, but to let him see that he could meet with nothing at his father’s court comparable to the happiness he enjoyed with her.57 She hoped by those means to attach Prince Ahmed entirely to herself.58

At the end of six months, Prince Ahmed felt a great desire to visit the sultan his father, and know how he was.59 He mentioned his wish to Perie Banou, who was much alarmed lest this was only an excuse to leave her, and entreated him to forego his intention.60

“My queen,” replied the prince, “I did not make the request with any intention of displeasing you, but from a motive of respect towards my father, who, as I have reason to presume, believes that I am dead.61 But since you do not consent that I should go and comfort him by the assurance of my life, I will deny myself the pleasure, as there is nothing to which I would not submit to please you.”62

The fairy heard the prince say this with extreme satisfaction.63

Meanwhile the Sultan of the Indies, in the midst of the rejoicings on account of the nuptials of Prince Ali and the Princess Nouronnihar, was deeply afflicted at the absence of the other two princes his sons.64 He was soon informed of the resolution Prince Houssain had taken to forsake the world, and as he knew that he was alive and well, he supported his absence more patiently.65 He made the most diligent search after Ahmed, and despatched messengers to all the provinces of his kingdom, with orders to the governors to stop him, and oblige him to return to court; but all the pains he took had not the desired success; and his affliction, instead of diminishing, increased.66 “Vizier,” he one day said, “thou knowest I always loved Ahmed the most of all my sons.67 My grief is so heavy at his strange absence that I shall sink under it.68 If thou hast any regard for my life I beg thee to assist me, and find out where he is.”69

The grand vizier, anxious to give his king some ease, proposed to send for and consult a sorceress, of whom he had heard many wonders.70 The sultan consented, and the grand vizier, on her arrival, introduced her into the presence of the ruler.71

The sultan said to the sorceress, “Canst thou tell me by thy art and skill what is become of Prince Ahmed my son?72 If he be alive, where is he?73 What is he doing?74 May I hope ever to see him again?”75

“Sire,” replied the sorceress, “if you will allow me till to-morrow, I will endeavor to satisfy you.”76

The sultan granted her the time, and promised to recompense her richly.77

The sorceress returned the next day and said to the sultan, “Sire, I have not been able to discover anything more than that Prince Ahmed is alive, but as to where he is I cannot tell.”78

The Sultan of the Indies was obliged to remain satisfied with this answer, which in a small degree relieved his anxiety about the prince.79

Prince Ahmed still adhered to his resolution not again to ask permission to leave the fairy Perie Banou, but he frequently talked about his father, and she perceived that he retained his wish to see him.80 At length, being assured of the sincerity of his affection for herself, she resolved to grant him the permission which he so ardently desired.81 One day she said to him, “Prince, as I am now fully convinced that I can depend on the fidelity of your love, I grant you leave to visit the sultan your father, on condition that your absence shall not be long.82 You can go when you please; but first let me give you some advice how you shall conduct yourself.83 Do not inform your father of our marriage, neither of my quality, nor the place of our residence.84 Beg of him to be satisfied with knowing that you are happy, and that the sole end of your visit is to make him easy respecting your fate.”85