THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCESS OF CHINA.

I AM come from the utmost limits of China, which look on the last

islands of this hemisphere. But, charming Maimoune, said

Danhasch, who trembled at the sight of this fairy, insomuch that

he could hardly speak, promise me at least that you will forgive

me, and let me go on in my way, after I have satisfied your

demands.

Go on, go on, cursed spirit! replied Maimoune, go on, and fear

nothing. Dost thou think I am as perfidious an elf as thyself,

and that I am capable of breaking the serious oath I have made?

No, you may depend on my promise: but be sure you tell nothing

but what is true, or I shall clip your wings, and treat you as

you deserve.

Danhasch, a little heartened at the words of Maimoune, said, My

dear lady, I will tell you nothing but what is true, if you will

have but the goodness to hear me. You must know, then, the

country of China, from whence I come, is one of the largest and

most powerful kingdoms of the earth, on which depend the utmost

islands of this hemisphere, as I have already said. The king of

this country is at present Gaiour, who has a daughter the finest

woman that ever the sun saw. Neither you nor I, nor your class

nor mine, nor all mankind together, have expressions lively

enough to give a sufficient description of this bright lady. Her

hair is brown, and of so great a length, that it reaches far

below her feet. Her forehead is as smooth as the best polished

mirror, and of admirable symmetry. Her eyes are black, sparkling,

and full of fire. Her nose is neither too long nor too short, her

mouth is small, and her lips are like vermilion. Her teeth are

like two rows of pearls, and surpass every thing in whiteness.

When she moves her tongue, she forms a sweet and most agreeable

voice, and expresses herself in such proper terms as sufficiently

indicate the vavacity of her wit. The whitest marble or alabaster

is not fairer than her neck. In a word, by this perfect sketch,

you may guess there is no beauty like her in the world.

Any one that did not know the king, father of this incomparable

princess, would be apt to imagine, from the great respect and

kindness he shows her, that he was in love with his daughter.

Never did a lover do more for a mistress the most endearing, than

he has been seen to do for her. In a word, jealousy never was

more watchful over one than he is over her; and that her retreat,

on which he has resolved, may not seem irksome, he has built

seven palaces for her, the most magnificent and uncommon that

ever were known.

The first palace is of rock crystal, the second of brass, the

third of fine steel, the fourth of another sort of brass more

valuable than the foregoing, the fifth of touchstone, the sixth

of silver, and the seventh of massy gold. He has furnished these

palaces most sumptuously, and after a most unheard-of manner,

with materials not unlike those they are built of. He has filled

the gardens with parterres of glass and flowers, intermixed with

all manner of water-works, such as jets-d'eau, canals, cascades,

and the like; the eye is lost in prospect of large groves and

trees where the sun never enters. King Gaiour, in short, has made

it appear that his paternal love exceeds that of any other kind

whatever.

Now, on the fame of the beauty of this incomparable princess, the

most powerful neighbouring kings sent embassadors to request her

in marriage. The king of China received them all in the most

obliging manner; but as he resolved not to marry his daughter

without her consent, so as she did not like any of them, they

returned after receiving great honours and civilities.

Sir, said the princess to the king her father, you have a mind to

marry me, and think to oblige me by it; but where shall I find

such stately palaces and delicious gardens as I have with your

majesty? Under your good pleasure I am unconstrained in all

things, and receive the same honours that are paid to your own

person. These are advantages I cannot expect to find any where

else; men ever love to be masters; and I do not care to be

commanded by a husband.

After divers embassies on the same occasion, there came one from

a more rich and potent king than any that had been hitherto sent.

The king of China recommended this prince to his daughter, as a

husband both advantageous and proper for her: yet she refused him

for the same reasons as before, and begged her father to dispense

with her on that account. He pressed her to hearken to him; but,

instead of complying, she lost all respect and duty that was due

to him. Sir, said she, in a great rage, trouble me no more with

any talk of marriage, unless you would have me bury this poniard

in my bosom, to rid myself from your importunities!

The king, being much enraged at this, said in a great passion,

Daughter, you are mad, and I must use you as such. In a word, he

shut her up in a certain apartment of one of the seven palaces,

allowing only ten old women to wait upon her, to keep her

company, the chief of whom had been her nurse. And that the kings

his neighbours, who had sent embassies to him on this account,

might not think any more of her, he despatched envoys to them

severally, to let them know how averse his daughter was to

marriage; and as he did not doubt but she was really mad, he

charged them to make it known in every court, that if there were

any physician who would undertake to come and cure her, he

should, if he succeeded, have her for his pains.

Fair Maimoune, said Danhasch, all is true that I have told you;

and I, for my part, have not failed to go every day regularly to

contemplate this incomparable beauty, whom I would be very far

from doing any harm to, notwithstanding my natural propensity to

mischief. I would have you go to see her, continued he; I will

assure you it would be worth your while, and doubt not but you

will think yourself obliged to me for the sight, when you find I

am no liar: I am ready to wait on you as a guide, and you may

command me as soon as you please.

Instead of answering Danhasch, Maimoune burst into a violent

laughter, which lasted some time; and Danhasch, not knowing what

might be the occasion of it, was not a little astonished. When

Maimoune ceased laughing, she cried, Good, good, very good; you

would have me then believe all that you have told me: I thought

you designed to entertain me with something surprising and

extraordinary, and you have been talking all this while like a

driveller! Ah! fie, fie! What would you say, if you had seen the

fine prince whom I am just come from, and whom I love with a

passion equal to his desert? I am confident you will soon give up

the bell, and not pretend to compare your choice with mine.

Agreeable Maimoune, replied Danhasch, may I presume to ask you

what this prince is called? Know, answered Maimoune, an accident

has happened to him much like that of your princess. The king his

father would have married him against his will; but, after many

importunities, he frankly told the old gentleman he would have

nothing to do with a wife. This occasioned him to be put in a

prison in an old tower, which I make my residence, and from

whence I came but just now from admiring him.

I will not absolutely contradict you, my pretty lady, replied

Danhasch; but you must give me leave to be of opinion, till I

have seen the prince, that no mortal upon earth can equal the

beauty of my princess. Hold thy tongue, cursed spirit! replied

Maimoune: I tell thee, once more, that can never be. I will not

contend with you, said Danhasch; but the way to be convinced, is

to accept of the proffer I make you to go and see my princess,

and after that I will go with you to your prince.

There is no need of taking so much pains, replied Maimoune; there

is another way to satisfy us both; and that is, for you to bring

your princess, and place her at my prince's bed-side: by this

means it will be easy for us to compare them together, and to see

which is the most handsome.

Danhasch consented to what Maimoune had proposed, and was

resolved to set out immediately for China upon that errand: but

Maimoune, drawing him aside, told him, she must first show him

the place whither he was to bring the princess. They flew

together to the tower; and when Maimoune had shown him the place,

she cried, Go now, fetch your princess: do it quickly, and you

shall find me here.

Danhasch left Maimoune, and flew towards China, whence he soon

returned with incredible speed, bringing the fair princess along

with him asleep. Maimoune introduced him into the chamber of

prince Camaralzaman, and they placed the princess by the prince's

side.

When the prince and princess were thus laid together, all the

while asleep, there rose a great contest between the genius and

the fairy about the preference of beauty. They were some time

admiring and comparing them; but at length Danhasch broke

silence, and said to Maimoune, You see, and I have already told

you, my princess was handsomer than your prince; now, I hope, you

are convinced of it.

How! convinced of it! replied Maimoune; I am not convinced of it:

and you must be blind, if you cannot see that my prince has the

better of the comparison. The princess is fair, I do not deny it;

but if you compare them together without prejudice, you will

quickly see the difference.

Though I should compare them ever so often, said Danhasch, I

could never change my opinion. I saw what I now see at first

sight, and time will not be able to make me see more; however,

this shall not hinder my yielding to you, charming Maimoune, if

you desire it; but I would have you yield to me as a favour! I

scorn it, said Maimoune; and I would not receive a favour at such

a wicked genius' hands: I refer the matter to an arbitrator; and

if you will not consent, I shall get the better by your refusal.

Danhasch, who had ever a great deal of complaisance for Maimoune,

immediately consented, which he had no sooner done, but Maimoune

stamping with her foot, the earth opened, and out came a hideous,

hump-backed, blind, and lame genius, with six horns on his head,

and claws on his hands and feet. As soon as he was come out, and

the earth had closed up, he, perceiving Maimoune, cast himself at

her feet, and then, rising upon one knee, asked what she would

please to have with him.

Rise, Cascheasch, said Maimoune; I caused you to come hither to

determine a difference between me and that cursed Danhasch there.

Look on that bed, and tell me, without partiality, which is the

handsomest of those two who lie there asleep, the young man or

the young lady.

Cascheasch looked on the prince and princess with great

attention, admiration, and surprise; and after he had considered

them a good while, without being able to determine which was the

handsomest, he turned to Maimoune, and said, Madam, I must needs

confess I should deceive you, and betray myself, if I pretended

to say one was a whit handsomer than the other: the more I

examine them, the more it seems to me each possesses, in a

sovereign degree, the beauty which is betwixt them; and if one

has not the least defect, how can the other have any advantage?

But if either has any thing amiss, it will be better discovered

when they are awake, than now they are asleep. Let them then be

awaked one after another; and that person who shall express most

love for the other by ardour, eagerness, and passion, shall be

deemed to have least beauty.

This proposal of Cascheasch's pleased equally both Maimoune and

Danhasch. Maimoune then changed herself into a flea, and leaped

on the prince's neck, where she stung him so smartly, that he

awoke, and put up his hand to the place; but Maimoune skipped

away as soon as she had done, and resumed her pristine form;

which, like those of the two genii, was invisible, the better to

observe what he would do.

In drawing back his hand, the prince chanced to let it fall on

that of the princess of China. He opened his eyes, and was

exceedingly surprised to find a lady lying by him; nay, a lady of

the greatest beauty. He raised his head, and leaned on his elbow,

the better to consider her. Her blooming youth, and incomparable

beauty, fired him in a moment; of which flame he had never yet

been sensible, and from which he had even hitherto guarded

himself with the greatest application.

Love seized on his heart in the most lively manner, insomuch that

he could not help crying out, What beauty is this! what charms! O

my heart! O my soul! In saying which, he kissed her forehead,

both her cheeks, and her mouth, with so little caution, that she

had certainly been awaked by it, had not she slept sounder than

usual through the enchantment of Danhasch.

How, my pretty lady! said the prince, do you not awake at these

testimonies of love given you by prince Camaralzaman? Whosoever

you are, I would have you to know he is not unworthy of your

affection. He was going to awake her at that instant, but

refrained himself all of a sudden. Is not this she, said he, whom

the sultan my father would have had me marry? He was in the wrong

not to let me see her sooner. Had he done so, I should not have

offended him by my disobedience, nor would he have had occasion

to use me as he has done.

The prince began to repent sincerely of the fault he had

committed, and was once more upon the point of awaking the

princess of China. It may be, said he within himself, the sultan

my father has a mind to surprise me, and has sent this young lady

to try if I had really that aversion to marriage which I

pretended. Who knows but, having thus laid her in my way, he is

hid behind the hangings, to take an opportunity to appear, and

make me ashamed of my dissimulation? This second crime would be

yet much greater than the first. Upon the whole matter, I will

content myself with this ring, which will at any time create in

me a remembrance of this dear lady.

He then gently drew off a fine ring the princess had on her

finger, and immediately put on one of his own in its place. After

this he turned his back, and was not long before he fell into a

profounder sleep than before, through the enchantment of the

genii.

As soon as prince Camaralzaman was sound asleep, Danhasch

transformed himself into a flea likewise in his turn, and went

and bit the princess so rudely on the lower lip, that she

forthwith awoke, started, clapped herself upon her breech, and

opening her eyes, was not a little surprised to see a man lying

by her. From surprise she proceeded to admiration, and from

admiration to real joy, which she conceived at finding him so

beautiful and young.

What! cried she, is it you the king my father has designed me for

a husband? I am, indeed, most unfortunate at not knowing it

before, for then I should not have put my lord and father in a

rage, nor been so long deprived of a husband, whom I cannot

forbear loving with all my heart. Wake, then, wake, my dear love,

proceeded she; for it does not sure become a man that is married,

to sleep so soundly the first night of his nuptials.

So saying, she took prince Camaralzaman by the arm, and shook him

so violently, as had been enough to have awaked the profoundest

sleeper, had not Maimoune at that instant increased his sleep,

and augmented his enchantment. She renewed this shaking several

times, and finding it did not awake him, she cried out, What is

come to thee, my dear! What jealous rival, envying thy happiness

and mine, has had recourse to magic, to throw thee into this

profound and insurmountable drowsiness; from whence I think thou

wilt never recover? Then she snatched his hand, and kissing it

eagerly, perceived he had a ring upon his finger which greatly

resembled her's, and which she found to be her own. As soon as

she saw that she had another on her finger instead of it, she

could not comprehend how this exchange could be made; but yet she

did not doubt but it was a certain token of their marriage. At

length, being tired with her fruitless endeavours to awake the

prince, yet well assured that he could not escape her when he

awoke, she said, Since I find it is not in my power to awake

thee, I will not trouble myself any further about it, but bid

thee good night, and then compose myself to rest. At these words,

after having given him a hearty kiss on the cheeks and lips, she

turned her back, and went again to sleep.

When Maimoune saw that she could speak without fear of awaking

the princess, she cried to Danhasch, Ah, cursed genius! dost thou

not now see what thy contest is come to? Art thou not now

convinced how much thy princess is inferior to my prince in

charms? At this she turned to Cascheasch; and having thanked him

for his trouble, bid him, in conjunction with Danhasch, take the

princess, and convey her back again to her bed, from whence he

had taken her. Danhasch and Cascheasch did as they were

commanded, and Maimoune retired to her well.

Prince Caraaralzaman, waking next morning, looked to see if the

lady was by him whom he had seen the night before. When he found

she was gone, he cried out, I thought indeed that this was a

trick the king my father designed to play me! I am much obliged

to him for the favour, yet have fairly escaped his trap. Then he

awaked the slave, and bid him come and dress him, who accordingly

brought him a basin of water; and washing himself, and saying his

prayers, he took a book, and began to read.

After those ordinary exercises, he called the slave, and said to

him, Come hither, and be careful that you do not tell me a lie.

How came the lady hither who lay with me tonight, and who brought

her?

My lord, answered the slave with great astonishment, I know not

what lady your highness speaks of. I speak, said the prince, of

her who came hither, and lay with me tonight, or rather who was

brought for that purpose. My lord, replied the slave, I know of

no such lady; and if there was any such, how should she come in

without my knowledge, since I lay at the door?

Are you in the contrivance, then, villain? replied the prince,

Slave, you lie! for there was a lady here. In saying these words,

he gave him a box on the ear, pushed him along upon the ground,

and then stamped upon him for some time; till at length, taking

the well-rope, and tying it under his arms, he plunged him

several times into the water. I will drown thee, wretch! cried

he, if thou dost not speedily tell me who the lady was, and who

introduced her'!

The slave, half dead, said within himself, Doubtless, my lord the

prince must have lost his senses through grief, and I shall not

know how to escape being murdered, if I do not tell him a lie. My

lord, then cried he, in an humble and supplicant tone, I beseech

your highness to spare my life, and I will tell you how the

matter is.

Then the prince drew the slave up, and pressed him to begin. As

soon as he was out of the well, My lord, said he, trembling, your

highness may perceive it is not proper for me to relate any thing

to you in this condition: I beg you to give me leave to go and

change my clothes, and I will satisfy you all I am able. Do it,

then, quickly, said the prince; and be sure you conceal nothing;

for if you do, you must expect the worst of usage.

The slave, being at liberty, went out; and having locked the door

upon the prince, ran to the palace in the pickle he was in. The

king was at that time in discourse with his prime vizier, to whom

he had just related the agonies he had undergone that night on

account of his son's disobedience.

The wise minister endeavoured to comfort his master, by telling

him that he did not doubt but the prince would soon be reduced to

obedience. Sir, said he, your majesty need not repent of having

used your son after this rate; I dare promise it will contribute

towards reclaiming him. Have but patience to let him continue a

while in prison, and no doubt the heat of youth will abate, and

he will submit entirely to your pleasure.

The grand vizier had just made an end of speaking when the slave

came in, and cast himself at king Schahzaman's feet. My lord,

said he, I am very sorry to be the messenger of ill news to your

majesty, which I know must create your fresh affliction. My lord

the prince is distracted; he fancies a fine lady has lain with

him all night, and has used me thus ill for questioning it. Then

he proceeded to tell all the particulars of what prince

Camaralzaman had said to him.

The king, who did not expect to hear any thing of this kind, said

to the prime minister. Now you see how much you are mistaken in

the remedy of a prison! This is very different from what hopes

you give me just now. Run immediately, and see what is the

matter, and come and give me a speedy account.

The grand vizier obeyed; and going into the prince's chamber,

found him sitting on his bed in good temper, and with a book in

his hand, which he was reading.

After mutual salutations, the vizier sat down by him, and said,

My lord, I would willingly have a slave of yours punished, who

has come to fright the king your father with news that has put

him under great disturbance.

What news is that, replied the prince, which could give my father

so great uneasiness? I have much greater cause to complain of

that slave.

My lord, answered the vizier, God forbid that the news should be

true which he has told your father concerning you, and which

indeed myself find to be false, by the good temper I observe you

in, and which I pray God to continue! It may be, replied the

prince, he did not make himself well understood; but since you

are come, who ought to know something of the matter, give me

leave to ask you who that lady was that lay with me last night?

The grand vizier was almost struck dumb at this demand; however,

he recovered himself, and said, My lord, be not surprised at the

confusion I was under upon your question. Is it possible, think

you, my lord, that any lady, or any other person in the world,

should penetrate by night into this place without entering at the

door, and walking over the belly of your slave? I beseech you, my

lord, recollect yourself, and you will find this only a dream

which has made this impression on you.

I give no ear to what you say, said the prince, in an angry and

high tone; I must know of you absolutely what is become of the

lady; and if you scruple to obey me, I am in a place where I

shall soon be able to force you to tell me.

At these stern words the grand vizier began to be under greater

confusion than before, and was thinking how he could in the best

manner get away. He endeavoured to pacify the prince by good

words; and begged of him, in the most humble manner, to tell him

if he had seen this lady.

Yes, yes, answered the prince; I have seen her, and am very well

satisfied that you sent her to tempt me. She played the part you

had given her admirably well, for I could not get a word from

her: she pretended to be asleep; but I was no sooner got into a

slumber, than she rose and left me. You know all this, as well as

myself; for I do not doubt but that she has gone to make her

report of her dexterity.

My lord, replied the vizier, I swear to your highness, that

nothing of this has been acted which you seem to reproach me

with! And I vow, by the head of our great prophet, that neither

your father nor myself have sent the lady you speak of, if I may

believe my royal master's protestations; and sure I am, I can

answer for myself. I am confident that neither of us had ever any

such thought: permit me, therefore, to certify your highness once

more that this must needs have been a dream.

How! do you come thus to affront and contradict me, said the

prince in a great rage, and to tell me to my face that what I

have told you is a dream. You are an unbelieving varlet! cried

he; and at the same time took him by the beard, and loaded him

with so many blows, that he was hardly able to stand under them.

The poor grand vizier endured patiently all the brunt of his

lord's indignation, and could not help saying within himself, Now

am I even in as bad a condition as the slave, and shall think

myself happy if I can, like him, escape from any further danger.

In the midst of the blows that were given him, he cried out but

for a moment's audience; which the prince, after he had nearly

tired himself with beating him, consented to give.

I own, my lord, said the grand vizier, dissembling, that there is

something in what your highness suspects; but you cannot be

ignorant under what necessity a minister is to obey his royal

master's orders; yet if your highness will but be pleased to set

me at liberty, will go and tell him any thing on your part that

you shall think fit to command. Go, then, said the prince, and

tell him from me, that, if he pleases, I will marry the lady he

sent me, or rather that was brought me, last night. Do this

quickly, and bring me a speedy answer. The grand vizier made a

profound reverence, and went away, not thinking himself

altogether safe till he had got out of the tower, and shut the

door upon the prince.

He came and presented himself before the sultan Schahzaman, with

a countenance that sufficiently showed he had been ill used.

Well, said the king, in what condition did you find my son? Sir,

answered the vizier, what the slave reported to your majesty is

but too true. He then related the interview he had had with

Camaralzaman; how he was in a passion upon his endeavouring to

persuade him it was impossible that any lady should get in to

him; how he had used him very scurvily, and by what means he made

his escape.

Schahzaman was the more concerned, because he loved the prince

with an exceeding tenderness, and resolved to find out the truth

of this matter; he therefore proposed to go and see his son in

the tower himself, accompanied by the grand vizier.

Prince Camaralzaman received the king his father in the tower

with great respect. The king sat down, and made the prince his

son seat himself by him, putting several questions to him, which

he answered with a great deal of good sense. As they were

talking, the king every now and then cast his eyes on the grand

vizier, thereby intimating to him, that he did not find his son

had lost his senses, but rather thought he had lost his.

The king at length spoke of the lady to his son. Son, said he, I

desire you to tell me what lady that was who lay with you last

night, as I have been told?

Sir, answered Camaralzaman, I beg your majesty not to give me any

more disturbance on that head, but rather to oblige me so far as

to let me have her in marriage: whatever aversion I may formerly

have discovered for women, this young lady has charmed me to that

degree, that I cannot help betraying my weakness. I am ready to

receive her at your majesty's hands, with all the acknowledgments

imaginable.

King Schahzaman was surprised at this answer of the prince's, so

remote, as he thought, from the good sense he had found in him

before; he therefore said to him, Son, you put me under the

greatest consternation imaginable, by what you now say to me: I

swear to you, by my crown, which is to devolve upon you after me,

that I know not one word of what you mention about the lady; and

if there has any such come to you, it was altogether without my

knowledge or privity. But how could she get into this tower

without my consent? For whatever my grand vizier told you, it was

only to appease you that he said it: it must therefore be nothing

but a dream; and I beg of you not to believe any thing to the

contrary.

Sir, replied the prince, I should be for ever unworthy of the

good-will of your majesty, if I did not give entire credit to

what you are pleased to say; but I humbly beseech you, at the

same time, give ear to what I shall say to you, and then to judge

whether what I have the honour to tell you be a dream or not.

Then prince Camaralzaman related to the king his father after

what manner he had been awaked, exaggerating the beauty and

charms of the lady he found by his side, the love he had for her

at first sight, and the pains he took to awake her with- out

effect. He did not conceal what had obliged him to awake, arid

fall asleep again, after he made the exchange of his ring with

that of the lady. Showing the king the ring, he added, Sir, your

majesty must needs know my ring very well, and you see I have it

not on my finger, but another of a woman's in- stead of it. From

this proof, therefore, I hope you will be pleased to be convinced

that I have not lost my senses, as you have been almost made to

believe.

King Schahzaman was so perfectly convinced of the truth of what

his son had been telling him, that he had not a word to say,

remaining astonished for some time, and not being able to utter a

syllable.

The prince took advantage of this opportunity, and said further,

May it please your majesty, the passion I have conceived for this

charming lady, whose precious image I bear continually on my

mind, is so strong, that I cannot live unless your majesty

procures me the happiness of enjoying her; which I know you can

well do, as not being ignorant who she is.

Son, replied the king, after what I have just heard, and what I

see by the ring on your finger, I cannot doubt but your passion

is real for this lady; and would to God I knew who she was, I

would make you happy from this moment. But what means have I to

come at the knowledge of her? Where shall I find her, and how

seek for her? How could she get in here, and by what conveyance,

without my consent? Why did she come to sleep only, inflame you

with her beauty, and then leave you while you was in a slumber?

These things, I must confess, are past my finding out; and if

Heaven is not so favourable as to give some light into them, we,

I fear, must both go down to the grave together. Come, then, my

son, continued he, let us go and afflict ourselves in

conjunction; you for the hopes you have lost, and I for seeing

you grieve, and not being in a capacity to remedy your

affliction.

King Schahzaman then led his son out of the tower, and conveyed

him to the palace; where he was no sooner arrived, than he fell

sick, and took to his bed; which made the king shut himself up

with him, and grieve so bitterly, that he was not in a condition

to take any cognizance of the affairs of his kingdom.

The prime minister, who was the only person that had admittance,

came one day and told him the whole court, and even the people,

began to murmur at their not seeing him, and that he did not

administer justice every day as he was wont to do before this

accident happened, on which account he knew not what disorders it

might occasion. I humbly beg your majesty, therefore, proceeded

he, to take some notice of what I now represent to you. I am

sensible your majesty's company is a great comfort to the prince

in his condition, and that his is no less assuaging to your

grief; but then you must not run the risk of letting all be lost.

I should think it were proper to be proposed to your majesty,

that you would be pleased to suffer yourself to be transported to

a castle which you have in a little island opposite the port,

where you may give audience to your subjects twice a week; and

where, during that function, the prince will be so agreeably

amused with the beauty, prospect, and good air of the place, that

he will be likely to bear your absence with the less concern.

King Schahzaman approved of this proposal; and when the castle,

where he had not resided for some time, had been new furnished;

he caused himself to be transported thither with the prince;

where, excepting the times that he gave audience as aforesaid, he

passed all his hours on his son's pillow; sometimes endeavouring

to comfort him, but oftener afflicting himself with him.

Whilst matters passed thus in the capital of King Schahzaman, the

two genii, Danhasch and Cascheasch, had carried the princess of

China back to the palace, where the king her father had shut her

up, and laid her in her bed as before.

When she awaked next morning, and found, by looking to the right

and to the left, that prince Camaralzaman was not by her, she

cried out with such a voice to her old women, as soon made them

come to know what she wanted. Her nurse, who presented herself

first, desired to be informed what her highness would be pleased

to have, and what had happened to hot that occasioned her to call

out so earnestly.

Tell me, said the princess, what is become of the young man that

has lain with me to-night, and whom I love with all my soul?

Madam, replied the nurse, we know of no such person, and cannot

pretend to understand your highness, unless you will be pleased

to explain yourself.

How do you mean explain myself! quoth the princess. Why, I had a

lovely and most amiable young man that slept with me last night;

whom, though I caressed ever so much, I could not awake: I only

ask you where he is?

Madam, answered the nurse, is it to jest and impose upon us that

your highness asks these questions? I beseech your highness to be

pleased to rise, and you shall be satisfied in all things that we

are capable of satisfying you in. I am in earnest, then, said the

princess; and I must know where this young man is. Madam,

insisted the nurse, you were alone when you went to bed last

night; and how any man could come to you without our knowledge, I

cannot imagine; for we all lay about the door of your chamber,

which was locked, and I had the key in my pocket.

At this the princess lost all patience; and, catching the nurse

by the hair, and giving her two or three sound cuffs, cried, Tell

me where this young man is, you old sorceress, or I will beat out

your brains. The nurse struggled all she could to get from her,

and at last succeeded; when she went immediately, with tears in

her eyes, and her face all bloody, to complain to the queen her

mother, who was not a little surprised to see the old woman in

such a condition.

Madam, began the nurse, you see what a condition the princess has

put me in! She would certainly have murdered me, if I had not

escaped out of her hands. But for what, good nurse? replied the

queen: what occasion did you give my daughter for using you so

ill? I gave none, madam, answered the nurse; and so began to tell

the cause of all that passion and rage in the princess. The queen

was mightily surprised to hear it, and could not guess how she

came to be so infatuated as to take for a reality what could be

no other than a dream. Your majesty must conclude from all this,

madam, continued the nurse, that my mistress the princess is out

of her senses. I would beseech your majesty, therefore, to go and

see her, and you will find what I say to be but too true.

The great love the queen bore the princess readily made her

comply with the nurse's proposal; so they went together

immediately to the princess's palace.

The queen of China sat down by her daughter's bed-side upon her

arrival in her apartment, and, after informing herself about her

health, began to ask what had made her so angry with her nurse as

to treat her after the manner she had done, which great

princesses had never condescended or attempted to do before.

Madam, replied the princess, I plainly perceive your majesty is

come to mock me; but I declare I will never let you rest till you

consent I shall marry the young man that lay with me last night.

You must needs know where he is, and therefore I beg your majesty

would let him come to me again.

Daughter, answered the queen, you surprise me; I know nothing of

what you talk. Then the princess lost all manner of respect for

the queen, and replied, in a great passion, The king my father

and you have all along persecuted me about marrying when I had no

mind to it, and, now I have a mind, you would fain oppose me; but

I must tell you, madam, I will have this young man I speak of for

my husband, or I will kill myself!

Here the queen endeavoured to calm the princess by soft words.

Daughter, said she, you know well you was alone in this

apartment; how then could any man come to you? This must be mere

fancy or a dream; for--Here the princess interrupted her, and was

so far from hearkening to what she said, that she flew out into

such extravagances as obliged the queen to leave her, and retire,

in great affliction, to inform her lord in what condition their

daughter was.

The king, hearing it, had a mind likewise to be satisfied in

person; and, therefore, coming to his daughter's apartment,

demanded of her to say if what he had just heard was true. Sir,

replied the princess, let us talk no more of that; I only beseech

your majesty to grant me the favour that I may marry the young

cavalier I lay with last night.

What! said the king, has any one lain with you last night? How,

sir! replied the princess, without giving the king leave to go

on; do you ask me if any one lay with me last night? Your majesty

knows that but too well. He was the finest and best made cavalier

the sun ever saw: I desire him of you for my husband by all

means, sir; and I beg you will not refuse me. But that your

majesty may no longer doubt whether I have seen this cavalier,

whether he has lain with me, whether I have caressed him, or

whether I did my utmost to awake him without succeeding, see, if

you please, this ring! She then reached forth her hand, and

showed the king a man's ring upon her finger. The king did not

know what to make of all this; but, as he had confined her as

mad, so now he began to think her more so than ever. Therefore,

without saying any thing more, for fear she might do violence to

herself or somebody else, had her chained, and shut up more

closely than ever, allowing her only the nurse to wait on her,

with a good guard at the door.

The king, being exceedingly concerned at the indisposition of his

daughter, sought all possible means to get her cured. He

assembled his council, and, after having acquainted them with her

condition, he proffered any one of them that would undertake her

cure the succession to his kingdom after his death, if

successful..

The desire of enjoying a young and beautiful princess, and the

hope of governing one day so powerful a kingdom as that of China,

had a strange effect on an old emir, already advanced in age, who

was then present in council. As he was well skilled in magic, he

offered the king to cure his daughter, and flattered himself with

success. Very well, said the king; but I forgot to tell you one

thing; and that is, that if you do not succeed, you shall lose

your head. It would not be reasonable that you should have so

great a reward, and yet run no risk on your part. And what I say

to you, continued the king, I say to all others that shall come

after you, to let them consider be- forehand what they undertake.

The emir, however, accepted the condition, and the king led him

to the princess. She covered her face as soon as she saw them

come in, and cried out, Your majesty surprises me, in bringing a

man along with you whom I do not know, and by whom my religion

forbids me to allow myself to be seen. Daughter, replied the

king, you need not be scandalized; it is only one of my emirs

that is come to demand you of me in marriage. It is not, I

perceive, he that you have already given me, re- plied the

princess; and your majesty may rest assured that I will never

marry any other.

Now the emir expected the princess would have said or done some

extravagant thing, and was not a little disappointed when he

heard her talk so calmly and rationally; for he then knew her

disease was nothing but a violent love passion, which he was by

no means able to cure. He therefore threw himself at his

majesty's feet, and said, After what I have heard and observed,

sir, it will be to no purpose for me to think of curing the

princess, since I have no remedies proper for her malady; for

which reason I humbly submit my life to your majesty's pleasure.

The king enraged at his incapacity, and the trouble he had given

him, caused, him immediately to be beheaded.

Some few days after, his majesty, unwilling to have it said that

he had neglected his daughter's cure, put forth a proclamation in

his capital city, importing, that if any physician, astrologer,

or magician, would undertake to restore the princess to her

senses, he need only come, and he should be employed, provided he

was willing to lose his head if he miscarried. He had the same

thing published in the other principal cities and towns of his

dominions, as likewise in those of the other neighbouring states.

The first that presented himself was both an astrologer and

magician, whom the king caused to be conducted to the princess's

prison by an eunuch. The astrologer, upon seeing his patient,

drew forth, out of a bag he carried in his arm an astrolabe, a

small sphere, a chafing dish several sorts of drugs proper for

fumigations, a brass pot, with many other things, and desired he

might have a fire lighted.

The princess demanded for what all these preparations were Madam,

answered the eunuch, they are to exorcise the evil spirit that

possesses you, and afterwards to shut him up in this pot, and

throw him into the sea.

Foolish astrologer! replied the princess, I have no occasion for

any of your preparations, but am in my perfect senses, and it is

you alone who are mad. If your art can bring him I love to me, I

shall be obliged to you; otherwise you may go about your

business, for I have nothing to do with you. Madam, said the

astrologer, if your case be so, I shall desist from all

endeavours believing that the king your father can only remedy

your disaster in this particular. So putting up his trinkets

again, he marched away, very much concerned that he had so easily

undertaken to cure an imaginary sick person.

Coming to give an account to the king of what he had done, he

would not suffer the eunuch to speak for him, but began thus

himself: According to what your majesty published in your

proclamation, and what you were pleased to confirm to me

yourself. I thought the princess was distracted and therefore had

provided all I believed necessary to restore her to her senses,

pursuant to the nostrums I have; but, to my great amazement, when

I beheld her, I found she had no other disease than that of love,

over which my art had no power. Your majesty, then, may be

pleased to consider, that you alone are the physician who can

cure her, by giving her the person in marriage whom she desires.

The king, upon hearing this, was very much enraged at the

astrologer, and had his head cut off upon the spot. Now, not to

fatigue your majesty with long repetitions, proceeded

Scheherazade to the sultan, I will acquaint you, in few words,

that so many astrologers, physicians, magicians, and the like,

came upon this account, that they in all amounted to about fifty;

who, nevertheless, all underwent the same fate, and their heads

were set upon poles on every gate of the city.

THE STORY OF MARZAVAN, WITH THE SEQUEL OF

THAT OF PRINCE CAMARALZAMAN.

The princess of China's nurse had a son whose name was Marzavan,

and who had been foster-brother to the princess. Their friendship

was so great during their childhood, that they called each other

brother and sister, which even continued some time after their

separation.

This Marzavan, among other studies, had from his youth been much

addicted to judicial astrology, geomancy, and other secret arts,

wherein he became exceedingly skilful. Not content with what he

had learned from masters, he travelled; and there was hardly a

person of note in any science whom he did not know, so great was

his thirst after knowledge.

After several years absence in foreign parts on this account, he

returned to the capital city of his native country, China; where,

seeing so many heads on the gate by which he entered, he was

exceedingly surprised, and, on coming to his lodging, demanded

for what reason they had been placed there; but more especially

informed himself of the condition of the princess his

foster-sister, whom he had not forgotten. As he could not be made

acquainted with one without having an account of the other, he

for the present satisfied himself with what he had heard, till

such time as he could learn more from his mother, the princess's

nurse.

Although the nurse, mother of Marzavan, was very much employed

about the princess, yet she no sooner heard her dear son was

returned, but she found time to come and embrace, and stay with

him a little. Having told him, with tears in her eyes, in what a

sad condition the princess was, and for what reason the king her

father had confined her, he desired to know of his mother, if she

could not procure him the sight of her royal mistress, without

the king's knowing any thing of it. After some pause, she told

him she could say nothing to the matter for the present; but if

he would meet her next day at the same hour, she would give him

an answer.

Now the nurse, knowing that none could approach the princess but

herself, without leave of the eunuch who commanded the guard at

the gate, addressed herself to him, who, she believed, was

ignorant of what had formerly passed at the court of China. You

know, said she, I have brought up and suckled the princess, and

may likewise have heard that I had a daughter whom I brought up

along with her. Now this daughter has since been married; yet the

princess still does her the honour to remember her, and would

fain see her, but would do so without any body perceiving her

coming in or out.

The nurse would have gone on, but the eunuch cried, Say no more,

it is sufficient; I will do any thing to oblige the princess: go

and fetch your daughter, for send or her about midnight, and the

gate shall be open to you.

As soon as night came, the nurse went for her son Marzavan; and,

having dressed him so artfully in women's clothes, that nobody

could perceive he was a man, she took him along with her; and the

eunuch, believing it was a woman, admitted them without

hesitation.

The nurse, before she thought fit to present Marzavan, went to

the princess, and said, Madam, this is not a woman I have brought

to you; it is my son Marzavan, lately arrived from his travels;

he has a great desire to kiss your hand, and I hope your highness

will admit him to that honour.

What, my brother Marzavan! said the princess, with a great deal

of joy. Come hither, my dear, cried she, and take off this veil;

for surely it is not unreasonable that a brother and a sister

should see each other without reserve.

Marzavan saluted her with profound respect, when she, without

giving him leave to speak, cried out, I am rejoiced to see you

returned in good health, after so many years' absence.

Madam, replied Marzavan, I am infinitely obliged to your highness

for your goodness in rejoicing at my health; I no sooner landed

in my native country than I inquired after yours, and heard what,

to my great affliction, I am now witness of. Nevertheless, I

cannot but rejoice that I am come seasonably to administer that

remedy to you which so many others have attempted without

success; and though I should not reap any other fruit of my long

voyage, I shall think myself fully recompensed, for my great toil

and hazard, by that one happiness.

Speaking these words, Marzavan drew forth a book, and other

things from his pocket, which he judged necessary to be used,

according to the relation he had got from his mother of the

princess's distemper. The princess, seeing him make all those

preparations, cried out, What! brother, are you then one of those

who believe me mad? Undeceive yourself, and hearken to what I

shall say to you.

The princess then began to relate to Marzavan all the particulars

of her story, without omitting the least circumstance, even to

the ring which was exchanged for hers, and which she showed him.

I have not concealed the least matter from you, said she; yet it

is true there is something that I cannot comprehend, and has

given occasion for some persons to think me mad; but as for the

rest, I assure you it is literally as I have related.

After the princess had done speaking, Marzavan, filled with

wonder and astonishment, continued for some time with his eyes

fixed on the ground, without speaking a word; but at length

lifting his head, he said, If it be as your highness says, and

which I do not in the least doubt, I hope to procure the

satisfaction you desire; but I must first entreat your highness

to arm yourself with patience till I return; for I am resolved to

set out in quest of this person, and, at my return, you may

expect to see the object of your love. So saying, Marzavan took

leave of the princess, and set out next morning on his intended

tour. He travelled from city to city, from province to province,

and from island to island; and, in every place through which he

passed, he could hear of nothing but the princess Badoura (the

princess of China's name) and her history.

About four months after, our traveller arrived at Torf, a seaport

town, both great and populous, where he no more heard of the

princess Badoura, all the talk being of prince Camaralzaman, who

was sick, and whose history was very similar to that of the

princess. Marzavan was extremely glad to hear this, and informed

himself of the place where the prince was to be found, to which

he might have gone either by land or sea, or by sea only; but the

last was the shortest way.

Marzavan chose the latter, and, embarking on board a merchant

ship, arrived safe in sight of King Schahzaman's capital; but, on

entering the port, his ship happened to strike upon a rock, when

it foundered, and sunk in sight of prince Camaralzaman's castle,

where the king and his grand vizier were at that time.

Marzavan could swim very well; he therefore immediately cast

himself into the sea on the ship's sinking, and got safe on shore

under the castle, where he was soon relieved by the grand

vizier's order. After changing his clothes, and being well

treated, he was introduced to the grand vizier, who had sent for

him.

Marzavan being a young man of good address, and of a good air,

this minister was very civil to him, especially when he heard him

give such just and pertinent answers to what was asked of him: he

also perceived he was learned; therefore said to him, From what I

can understand, you have travelled a great way, and must needs

have acquired much knowledge: I would to God you had learned any

secret for curing a certain malady, which has greatly afflicted

this court for a long while!

Marzavan replied, if he knew what malady that was, he might

perhaps find a remedy for it.

Then the grand vizier related to him the whole story of prince

Camaralzaman from its origin, and concealed nothing of his

desired birth, his education, the great inclination the king his

father had to see him early married, his aversion to marriage,

his disobeying his father in full council, his imprisonment, and

his pretended extravagances in prison, which, be said, were

afterwards changed into a violent passion for a certain unknown

lady, who he pretended had exchanged a ring with him, though, for

his part, he verily believed there was no such person in the

world.

Marzavan gave great attention to all that the grand vizier said,

and was infinitely rejoiced to find that, by means of his

shipwreck, he had so fortunately met with the person he was

looking after. He saw no reason to doubt but that prince

Camaralzaman was the man the princess of China was in love with;

therefore, without discovering any thing further to the vizier,

he desired to see him, whereby, he said, he might be better able

to judge of his distemper. Follow me then, said the grand vizier,

and you will find the king with him, who has already desired I

should introduce you to him.

The first thing that startled Marzavan, at his entrance into the

prince's chamber, was to find him upon his bed languishing, and

with his eyes shut. Although he saw him in that condition, and

although the king his father was sitting by him, he could not

help crying out, Heavens! was there ever a greater resemblance

than this! He meant in their faces; for it seems the princess and

prince were much alike.

These words of Marzavan excited the prince's curiosity so far,

that he vouchsafed to open his eyes, and look upon him. Marzavan,

who had a great deal of wit, laid hold of that opportunity, and

made his compliment in verse extempore; which nevertheless he did

in such a disguised manner, that neither the king nor grand

vizier understood any thing of the matter. However, he

represented so nicely what had happened to the princess of China,

that the prince had no room to doubt but he knew the object of

his love, and could give him tidings of her. This made him so

joyful, that the effects of it plentifully showed themselves in

his eyes and looks.

After Marzavan had finished his compliment in verse, which

surprised prince Camaralzaman so agreeably, his highness took the

liberty to make a sign to the king his father to quit the place

where he was, and let Marzavan sit by him.

The king, overjoyed at this alteration, which gave him hopes of

his son's speedy recovery, quitted his place; and taking Marzavan

by the hand, led him to it, requesting him to be seated. Then his

majesty demanded of him who he was, and whence he came; and upon

Marzavan's answering he was a subject of China, and came from

that kingdom, the king immediately cried out, Heaven grant you

may be able to withdraw my son from this profound melancholy! and

I shall have eternal obligations to you, which I will do my

utmost to gratify beyond what was ever done. Having said this, he

left the prince to entertain himself with the stranger, while he

went and rejoiced with the grand vizier on this happy meeting.

Marzavan, leaning down to the prince, spoke low in his ear thus:

My lord, said he, it is high time your highness should cease to

grieve. I know the lady on whose account you lament so bitterly;

it is the princess Badoura, daughter of Gaiour king of China. Of

this I can assure your highness, both on account of what she has

told me of her adventure, and what I have learned of yours. You

may also depend upon it that she has undergone no less on your

account than you have done on hers. Here he began to relate all

that he knew of the princess, from the fatal time of their

interview after so an extraordinary a manner.

He omitted not to acquaint him how those had fared who had failed

in their pretences to cure the princess of her indisposition. But

your highness is the only person, added he, that can cure her

effectually, and therefore it were no matter how soon you set

about it. However, before you undertake so great a voyage, I

would have you perfectly recovered, and then we will take such

measures as are necessary.

This discourse had a marvellous effect on the prince. He found so

great a benefit by it, through the hopes he conceived of speedily

fulfilling his desires, that he soon recovered strength

sufficient to rise, and begged leave of his father to dress

before him, with such an air as gave the old king incredible

satisfaction.

King Schahzaman immediately embraced Marzavan, without inquiring

into the means that had wrought this wonderful effect, and soon

after went out of the prince's chamber with the grand vizier, to

publish this agreeable news to his people. On this occasion, he

ordered public rejoicings for several days together, and moreover

gave great largesses to his officers, alms to the poor, and

caused the prisoners to be set at liberty throughout his kingdom.

Every city resounded with joy, and every corner of his dominions

felt the effect of his bounty.

Prince Camaralzaman thought he had been extremely weakened by

almost continual watchings and abstinence, yet, contrary to all

expectation, he soon recovered his wonted health. When he found

himself in a condition to undertake the voyage, he took Marzavan

aside, and said, Dear Marzavan, it is now time to perform the

promise you have made. I burn with impatience to see the charming

princess; and if you do not speedily give me an opportunity of

putting an end to her torments and my own, by setting out on your

journey, I shall soon relapse into my former condition; and then,

perhaps, you may not find it so easy to cure me as you have now

done. But one thing still afflicts me, continued he; and that is,

the difficulty I shall meet with in getting leave from my father

to go. You see he scarcely ever leaves me; therefore, if you do

not assist me in that particular, I am undone.

At these words the prince fell a weeping, and would not be

comforted till Marzavan said, Let not your highness be grieved at

that, for I warrant I will get you your liberty, so that nothing

shall stop us. My principal design in this voyage was to deliver

the princess of China, my mistress, from grief; and I should fail

in my duty to her, if I did not do my best endeavour to effect

it. This is, then, the means I have contrived to obtain your

liberty; you have not stirred abroad for some time, therefore let

the king your father understand you have a mind to take the air,

and, if he pleases, to go and hunt two or three days with me. No

doubt he will grant your request; which when he has done, order

two good horses to be got ready in a certain place, and leave the

rest to me.

Next day prince Camaralzaman did as he had been advised. He

acquainted the king that he was very desirous to take the air,

and, if he pleased, would go and hunt two or three days with

Marzavan. The king gave his consent, but bid him be sure not to

be from home above one night, since too much exercise might

impair his health, and too long absence create his majesty some

uneasiness. He then ordered him the best horses in his stable,

and took particular care that nothing should be wanting for his

diversion. When all was ready, his majesty embraced the prince,

and having recommended the care of him to Marzavan, left them.

Prince Camaralzaman and Marzavan were soon mounted, when, to

amuse the two grooms who led the fresh horses, they made as if

they would hunt, and so got as far from the city and out of the

road as was possible. Night approaching, they alighted at a

caravansera or inn, where they supped, and slept till about

midnight; when Marzavan awaked the prince without awaking the

grooms, desiring his highness to let him have his suit, and take

another for himself, which was brought in his sumpter. Thus

equipped, they mounted the fresh horses; and Marzavan taking one

of the groom's horses by the bridle, they set off at a good round

pace.

At day-break they got into a forest, where, coming to the meeting

of four roads, Marzavan went aside, and desired the prince to

wait for him a little: he then cut the groom's horse's throat;

and, tearing the prince's suit he had on, besmeared it with

blood, and threw it in the highway.

The prince demanded his reason for what he had done; he told his

highness that he was sure the king his father would no sooner

come to know that he was departed without the grooms, than he

would suspect something, and immediately send in quest of them.

Now, said Marzavan, to the end that, when they come to this

place, they may stop and think you are devoured by wild beasts, I

have done this; so that by this means we may have leisure to

continue our journey without fear of pursuit. I must needs

confess, continued Marzavan, that this is a violent way of

proceeding, to alarm an old father with the death of his son,

whom he loved so passionately; but then, on the other hand, the

news of your welfare, which he may soon have, will in a great

measure alleviate his grief, and make amends for your absence.

Brave Marzavan, replied the prince, I cannot sufficiently admire

your conduct, and I have all the obligations in the world to you.

The prince and Marzavan, well provided with cash for their

expenses, continued their journey both by land and sea, and found

no other obstacle but the length of the way which they were

forced to undergo: at length, however, they arrived at the

capital of China, where Marzavan, instead of going to his lodging

carried the prince to a public inn. They tarried there incognito

three days to rest themselves, during which time Marzavan caused

an astrologer's habit to be made for the prince. The three days

being expired, they went together to the bagnio, the prince

putting on his astrologer's habit; and from thence Marzavan

conducted him in sight of the king of China's palace, where he

left him to acquaint his mother, the princess Badoura's nurse, of

his arrival, that she might give the like information to the

princess her mistress.

Prince Camaralzaman, instructed by Marzavan what he was to do,

and provided with all he wanted as an astrologer, came next

morning to the gate of the king's palace, and cried aloud, I am

an astrologer, and am come to effect a cure on the most beautiful

princess Badoura, daughter of the most high and mighty monarch

Gaiour king of China, on the conditions proposed by his majesty,

to marry her if I succeed, or else to lose my life for my

fruitless and presumptuous attempt!

Besides the guards and porters standing at the gate, this novelty

drew together a great number of people about prince Camaralzaman.

There had no physician, astrologer, nor magician, appeared for a

long time on this account, deterred by the many tragical examples

of ill success that had occurred; it was therefore thought there

were either no more of these professions in the world, or at

least that there were no more so mad as those who had gone before

them.

The prince's good mien, noble air, and blooming youth, raised

pity in every one who saw him. What do you mean, sir, said some

who stood near him, to expose thus your life, which promises so

much, to certain death? Cannot the heads you see on all the gates

of this city deter you from such an undertaking? In the name of

God, consider what you do, and abandon the rash attempt!

The prince continued firm, notwithstanding the remonstrances made

to him; and, as he saw nobody come to introduce him, he repeated

the same cry with so loud a voice as to make every body tremble.

They all then cried, Let him alone; he is resolved to die. God

have mercy upon his soul! He then proceeded to cry out a third

time in the same manner, when the grand vizier came in person,

and introduced him to the king of China.

As soon as the prince came into the king's presence, he bowed and

kissed the floor. The king, who, of all that hitherto had exposed

their lives on this occasion, had not before seen one worthy of

his notice, had now a real compassion for prince Camaralzaman, on

account of the danger he was about to expose himself to; and

perceiving in him something which merited deference and respect,

he did him the more honour, and made him seat himself near him.

Young man, said he, I can hardly believe that you, at this age,

can have acquired sufficient experience to enable you to cure my

daughter. I will give her to you with all my heart on that

account; nay, more willingly than I should have done to others

who have before offered themselves; but then I declare to you, at

the same time, with, a great deal of concern, that if you fail to

succeed in your attempt, notwithstanding your noble appearance,

and exceedingly beautiful person, you must lose your head.

Sir, replied the prince, I have infinite obligations to your

majesty for the honour you design me, though a stranger; but I

desire your majesty to consider that I would not have come from

so remote a country, and which perhaps may be unknown in your

dominions, if I had not been certain of the cure I propose. What

might not be said of my inconstancy of temper, if, after the

great fatigue and dangers I have undergone on this account, I

should abandon the generous enterprise in which I had engaged?

Even your majesty would soon lose that respect you have done me

the honour to show me, if I appeared so dastardly and

mean-spirited. I beseech your majesty, therefore, no longer to

delay the experiment I am certain of, but give me leave to

display the utmost of my art, which I doubt not will be to your

majesty's satisfaction, as well as my great happiness.

Then the king commanded the eunuch, who had the guard of the

princess, to introduce prince Camaralzaman into her apartment,

but, before letting him go, was so kind as to remind him once

more of the hazard he underwent; yet the prince seeming resolved,

the king suffered him to follow the eunuch.

When they came to a long gallery, at the end of which was the

princess's apartment, the prince, through impatience once more to

see the object of his vows, who had occasioned him so much grief,

got before the eunuch, walking as fast as he could.

The eunuch, redoubling his pace, with much difficulty got up with

him, when, taking him by the arm, he cried, Whither away so fast,

sir? you cannot be admitted without me; and it I should seem that

you have a great desire for death, who can. run to it so

headlong! Not one of the many astrologers and magicians whom I

have before introduced, made such haste as yourself to a place

whither, I fear, you will but too soon come.

Friend, replied the prince, continuing his pace, and looking

earnestly on the eunuch, it was because none of your astrologers

or magicians was ever so sure of their art as I am: they were

certain, indeed, that they should die if they did not succeed;

but they had no certainty, at the same time, of their success as

I have. On this account they had reason to tremble at approaching

the place whither I go, and where I am sure to find my happiness.

He had just spoken these words as he was at the door. The eunuch

opened it, and introduced him into a great hall, whence there was

an entrance into the princess's chamber, divided only by a piece

of tapestry.

Prince Camaralzaman, speaking more softly to the eunuch, asked

him, before he entered, whether he chose that he should cure the

princess in his presence, or where he was, without going further;

telling him, in the same tone, that nobody might hear him in the

princess's chamber, he made him the frank offer, to show that it

was not presumptuous caprice, nor the heat of youth, which put

him upon the enterprise.

The eunuch was very much amazed to hear the prince talk with such

assurance; he left off insulting him, and said to him seriously,

It is no matter whether you do it here or there, provided the

business be done; cure her how you will, you will get immortal

honour by it, not only in this court, but over all the world.

The prince replied, it will be best, then, to make the cure

without seeing her, that you may be witness of my skill: though I

cannot, without impatience, put off seeing a princess of her

rank, who is to be my wife, yet, out of respect to you, I will

deprive myself of that pleasure for a little while. Being

furnished with every thing proper for an astrologer, and taking

pen, ink, and paper, out of his pocket, wrote this billet to the

princess.

Prince Camaralzaman to the Princess of China.

ADORABLE PRINCESS!--The love-sick prince Camaralzaman will not

trouble you with the pains that he has endured ever since the

fatal night when your charms deprived him of that liberty which

he resolved to preserve as long as he lived: he only tells you,

that he devoted his heart to you in your charming slumbers; those

slumbers which hindered him from beholding the brightness of your

piercing eyes, in spite of all his endeavours to oblige you to

open them. He presumed to present you with his ring as a token of

his passion, and, in exchange, would be proud to receive yours,

which he encloses in this billet. If you will condescend to

return it as a reciprocal assurance of your love, he will reckon

himself the happiest of all lovers: if not, the sentence of

death, which your fatal refusal brings him, will be received with

the more resignation, because he dies for love of you. He waits

in your anti-chamber for your answer.

When the prince had finished his billet, he made it up, and

enclosed with it the ring in a little packet, without letting the

eunuch see what he did. When he sealed it, he gave it to him:

There, friend, said he, carry it to your mistress. If it does not

cure her as soon as she reads it, and sees what is enclosed in

it, I give you leave to tell every body that I am the most

ignorant and impudent astrologer that ever was, is, or ever will

be.

The eunuch entering the princess of China's chamber, gave her the

packet he received from prince Camaralzaman. Madam, said he, the

boldest astrologer that ever lived, if I am not mistaken, is

arrived here, and pretends that, on reading this letter, and

seeing what is in it, you will be cured: I wish he may prove

neither a liar nor an impostor.

The princess Badoura took the billet, and opened it with a great

deal of indifference, but, on seeing the ring, she had not

patience to read it through; she rose hastily, broke the chair;

which held her down with struggling, and ran and opened the door.

She knew the prince the moment she saw him, and he her; they

presently embraced each other with all imaginable tenderness,

and, without being able to say a word for excess of joy, they

looked on one another, admiring how they met again after their

first interview. The princess's nurse, who ran to the door with

her, made them come into her chamber, where the princess Badoura

gave the prince her ring, saying, Take it, I cannot fairly keep

it without restoring yours, which I will never part with: neither

yours nor mine can be in better hands.

The eunuch went immediately to the king to tell him what had

happened. Sir, said he, all the astrologers and doctors who have

hitherto pretended to cure the princess, were a company of fools

in comparison of him who came last! He used neither schemes,

conjurations, perfumes, nor any thing else; but cured her without

seeing her! Then he told the king how he did it, who was

agreeably surprised at the news; and going presently to the

princess's chamber, embraced her; after which he took

Camaralzaman's hand, and joined it to the princess's. Happy

stranger, said the king, I will keep my word, and give my

daughter to be your wife; though, by what I see of you, it is

impossible for me to believe that you are really what you appear

in this assumed character, and would have me believe.

Prince Camaralzaman thanked the king in the most humble

expressions, that he might the better show his gratitude. As for

my profession, said he, I must own I am not an astrologer, as

your majesty very judiciously observed; I only put on the habit

of one, that I might succeed more easily in my ambition to be

allied to the most potent monarch in the world. I am born a

prince, and the son of a king and queen; my name is Camaralzaman;

my father is Schahzaman, who now reigns over the islands that are

known by the name of the islands of the Children of Khaledan. He

then told the adventures of his life, and the wonderful rise of

his love; that the princess's was altogether as marvelous, and

that both were confirmed by the exchange of two rings.

When the prince had done speaking, the king said, This history is

so extraordinary, that it deserves to be known to posterity; an

account of it shall be taken; and the original being deposited in

my royal archives, I will spread copies of it abroad, that my own

kingdom, and the kingdoms around me, may know it.

The marriage was solemnized the same day, and the rejoicings for

it were universal all over the empire of China; nor was Marzavan

forgotten; the king immediately gave him an honourable post in

his court, and a promise to advance him higher afterwards.

Prince Camaralzaman and the princess Badoura enjoyed the fulness

pf their wishes in the sweets of marriage; and the king kept

continual feastings for several months, to testify his joy on the

occasion.

In the midst of these pleasures, prince Camaralzaman one night

dreamed that he saw his father Schahzaman on death-bed, ready to

give up the ghost, and heard him speak thus to his attendants: My

son, whom I so tenderly loved--my son, whom I bred with so much

fondness, so much care, has abandoned me, and is the cause of my

death! He awoke and sighed; which wakened the princess, who asked

him the reason of it.

Alas, my love! cried the prince, perhaps the very moment that I

am speaking of it, my father is no more! He then acquainted her

with his melancholy dream, and why that sad thought came into his

head. The princess, who studied to please him in every thing,

presently contrived a way to do it; and, fearing that he would

take less delight in her company if he was kept from seeing his

father, went that very day to her father, whom she found alone.

After kissing his hand, she thus addressed herself: Sir, I have a

favour to beg of your majesty, and beseech you not to deny me;

but, that you may not believe I am put upon it by the prince my

husband, I assure you beforehand that he knows nothing of my

asking it of you; it is, that you will give me leave to go and

see the king Schahzaman, my father-in-law.

The king replied, Daughter, though I shall be very sorry to lose

your company, and part with you for so long a time as a journey

to a place so distant will take up, yet I cannot disapprove of

your resolution; it is worthy of yourself: Go, child, I give you

leave, but on condition that you stay no longer than a year in

king Schahzaman's court. I hope the king will be willing to come

to this agreement with me, that we, in our turn, may see him, his

son, and daughter-in-law, and I my daughter and son-in-law.

The princess communicated the king of China's consent to prince

Camaralzaman, who was transported to hear it, and gave her a

thousand thanks for this new token of her love.

The king of Chiha commanded preparations to be made for the

journey, and, when all things were ready, accompanied the prince

and princess several leagues on their way. When they came to

part, great was the weeping on all sides. The king embraced them,

and desired the prince to be kind to his daughter, and to love

her always with the same passion he then manifested towards her.

So he left them to proceed on their journey, and, to divert

himself, hunted all the way as he returned to his capital city.

When prince Camaralzaman and the princess Badoura had dried up

their tears, and given over mourning for parting with the king of

China, they comforted themselves with thinking how glad king

Schahzaman would be to see them, and how they should rejoice to

see him.

They travelled about a month incessantly, and at last came to a

large field, planted with tall trees at convenient distances,

under whose shade they went on very pleasantly. The weather being

that day much hotter than ordinary, Camaralzaman thought it best

to stay there during the heat, and proposed it to Badoura, who,

wishing for the same thing, readily consented. They alighted in

the most agreeable place of the grove; a tent was presently set

up, and the princess, rising from the shade under which she sat

down, entered it. The prince ordered his servants to pitch their

tent also while they staid there, and gave them directions

himself how to do it. The princess, being weary with the fatigues

of her journey, bid one of her women untie her girdle, which they

laid down by her; and, falling asleep, her attendants left her by

herself.

Prince Caraaralzaman having seen all things in order, came to the

tent where the princess was sleeping. He entered, and sat down

without making any noise, intending to take a nap himself; but

observing the princess's girdle lying by her, he took it up, and

looked upon the diamonds and rubies one by one. In doing so, he

saw a little purse hanging to it, tied fast with a riband; he

felt it, and found there was something in it: being desirous to

know what it was, he opened the purse, and took out a cornelian

engraved with unknown characters and figures. This cornelian,

said the prince to himself, must have something extraordinary in

it, or my princess would not be at the trouble to carry it with

her; and, indeed, it was Badoura's talisman, or a scheme of her

nativity drawn from the constellations of heaven, which the queen

of China had given her daughter as a charm that would keep her

from all harm as long as she had it about her.

The prince, to see what the talisman was, took it out to the

light, the tent being dark; and, while he was holding it up in

his hand, a bird darted down from the air, and snatched it away.

Your majesty may easily conceive the concern and grief of prince

Camaralzaman, when he saw the bird fly away with the

talisman*[Footnote: There is an adventure like this in the

romance of Peter of Provence and the Fair Maguelona, which was

taken from the Arabic.] . He was more troubled at it than words

can express, and cursed his unseasonable curiosity, by which

means he had lost a treasure that was so exceedingly precious,

and so much valued by his dear princess.

The bird, having got her prize, pitched upon the ground, not far

off, with the talisman in her mouth. The prince drew near it, in

hopes she would drop it; but, as he approached, the bird took

wing, and pitched again on the ground further off. Camaralzaman

followed her; and the bird, having swallowed the talisman, took a

small flight further off still. The prince, being very dexterous

at a mark, thought to kill her with a stone, and still followed.

The further she flew, the more eager he grew in pursuing, keeping

her always in view. Thus the bird drew him along from hill to

valley, and from valley to hill, all day; every step leading him

out of the way from the field where he left his camp and the

princess Badoura: and, instead of perching at night on a bush,

where he might probably have taken her, she roosted on a high

tree, safe from his pursuit. The prince vexed to the heart for

taking so much pains to no purpose, thought of returning to the

camp; but, alas! he thought of it too late. Whither could he go?

which way return? how could he find out the untracked way of the

mountains, and the untrodden paths of the vallies? Darkness

spread over the heavens; and night, with the fatigues of the

day's labour, would not suffer him to undertake so soon to return

the way he came, were there any hopes of his finding it. Ah! said

the despairing lover, if I knew which way to return, how durst I

appear before my princess without her talisman? Overwhelmed with

such afflicting thoughts, and tired with his pursuit of the bird,

sleep came upon him, and he lay down under a tree, where he

passed the night.

He awoke next morning before the bird had left the tree, and, as

soon as he saw her on the wing, followed her again the whole day,

with no better success than the former, eating nothing but herbs

and fruits all the way as he went. He did the same for ten days

together, pursuing the bird, and keeping her in his eye from

morning till night, lying always under the tree where she

roosted. On the eleventh day, the bird still flying, Camaralzaman

observed that he came near a great city: the bird made towards

it, flew over the walls, and the prince saw no more of her; so he

despaired of ever recovering the princess of Badoura's talisman.

Camaralzaman, whose grief was beyond expression, went to the

city, which was built on the sea-side, and had a fine port. He

walked up and down the streets, without knowing where he was, or

where to stop. At last he came to the port, in as great

uncertainty as ever what he should do. Walking along the

river-side, he perceived the gate of a garden open, and an old

gardener at work in it. The good old man, looking up, saw he was

a stranger and a Mussulman; so he asked him to come in, and shut

the door after him.

Camaralzaman entered, and, as the gardener bade him shut the

door, demanded of him why he was so cautious. Because, replied

the old man, I see you are a stranger and a Mussulman newly

arrived; and this city, being inhabited for the most part by

idolaters, has a mortal aversion to us Mussulmen, and use the few

of us who are here with a great deal of barbarity. I suppose you

did not know this, and it is a miracle that you have escaped,

considering how far you have come through them; these idolaters

being very apt to fall upon the Mussulmen who are strangers, or

to draw them into a snare, unless those strangers are instructed

how to deal with and beware of them.

Camaralzaman thanked the honest gardener for his advice, and the

security he offered him in his house. He would have said more;

but the good man interrupted him, saying, Let us wave

complimenting; you are weary, and want to refresh yourself. Come

in; eat what we have, and lie down to rest; you are very welcome.

He conducted him into his little hut, which, though small, was

clean, and well defended from the injuries of the weather. He

ordered the best provisions he had to be brought forth, and

entertained the prince so heartily, that he was charmed with it,

and at his request told him how he came there.

When he had ended his story, without hiding any part of it, he

asked him which was the nearest way to his father's territories?

For it is in vain, said he, to think of finding my princess where

I left her, wandering, as I have been, eleven days from that

place. Ah, continued he, how do I know that she is alive! and,

saying this, he burst out into tears that would have melted the

most cruel and obdurate. The gardener replied, that there was no

possibility of his going thither by land, the ways were so

difficult, and the journey so long; besides, there was no manner

of convenience for his subsisting; and if there was, he must

necessarily pass through many barbarous nations; that he would

never reach his father's; that the quickest passage would be to

go to the isle of Ebene, whence he might easily transport himself

to the isles of the children of Khaledan; that there was a ship

which sailed from the port where he was every year to Ebene, and

he might take that opportunity of returning to those islands. The

ship departed, said he, but a few nays ago, and it will be almost

a year before it makes the voyage again: if you will accept of my

house for your habitation so long, you will be as welcome to it

as to your own.

Prince Camaralzaman was glad he had met with such an asylum in a

place where he had no knowledge of any man, nor any man of him,

and where nobody could think it his interest to entertain or

preserve him. He accepted the offer, and lived with the gardener

till the time that the ship was to sail to the isle of Ebene. He

spent his time all day in working in the garden, and ail night in

thinking of his dear princess Badoura, in sighs, tears, and

complaints. But we must leave him a while, and return to the

princess, whom we left asleep in her tent.

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS BADOURA, AFTER

HER SEPARATION FROM PRINCE

CAMARALZAMAN.

The princess slept a long time, and, when she awoke, wondered

that prince Camaralzaman was not with her. She called her women,

and asked them if they knew where he was gone. They told her they

saw him enter the tent, but did not see him go out again. While

they were talking, she spied her girdle, saw it had been meddled

with, and, on examination, found the little purse open, and the

talisman gone. She did not doubt but Camaralzaman had taken it in

order to examine it, and that he would bring it back. She waited

for him impatiently till night, and could not imagine what made

him stay away so long.

When it was quite dark, and she could hear nothing of him, she

fell into a violent fit of grief: She cursed the talisman, and

him that made it; and, had she not been restrained by duty, would

have cursed her mother who gave it to her. She was the more

troubled, because she could not imagine how her talisman should

have caused the prince's separation from her. However, amidst all

her sorrow, she retained her judgment, and came to a courageous

resolution not common with persons of her sex.

She and her women only knew of the prince's being gone; for his

men were then asleep, or refreshing themselves in their tents.

The princess, fearing they would betray her if they had any

knowledge of it, first composed her mind a little, moderated her

grief, and forbade her women to say or do any thing that might

make them suspect the truth. Then she undressed herself, and put

on prince Camaralzaman's suit; being so like him in it, that the

next day, when she came abroad, his men took her for him.

She commanded them to pack up their baggage and march forward;

and when all things were ready, she ordered one of her women to

go into her sedan; she herself on horseback, riding by her side.

They travelled several months by land and sea; the princess

continuing the journey under the name of Camaralzaman. They took

the island of Ebene in their way to the isles of the Children of

Khaledan. They went to the capital of the island, where reigned a

king whose name was Armanos. The persons who first landed giving

out that they brought prince Camaralzaman, who was returning from

a long voyage towards his own country, and was forced to put in

there by a storm, the news of his arrival was presently carried

to court.

King Armanos, accompanied by most of his courtiers, went

immediately to wait on the prince, and met the princess, just as

she had landed, going to the lodgings that had been taken for

her. He received her as the son of a king who was his friend, and

with whom he had always kept a fair correspondence; and carried

her to his palace, where an apartment was prepared for her and

all her attendants; though she would fain have excused herself,

and lodged in a private house. Besides this, he was so courteous,

that doing her common honours would not content him; he

entertained her three days together with extraordinary

magnificence and royal festivals.

The days of feasting being over, and king Armanos understanding

that the princess, whom he still took for prince Camaralzaman,

talked of going aboard again to proceed on her voyage, he was so

charmed with the air and qualities of such an accomplished

prince, as he took her, that he watched his opportunity when she

was alone, and spoke in the following manner: You see, prince,

that I am old, and cannot hope to live long. It is my great

trouble that I have not a son to whom I may leave my crown.

Heaven has only blessed me with one daughter, who cannot desire

to be more happy than a prince of your virtues can make her,

whose merit is equal with your birth. Instead of going home, stay

and take her from my hand: with her I will give you my kingdom,

and retreat myself to a quiet life, free from the business and

cares of the world, having long enough had the weight of the

crown upon me; and nothing could be a greater pleasure in my

retirement, than to consider what a worthy successor sits on my

throne, and rules my happy people.

The king of the isle of Ebene's generous offer to bestow his only

daughter in marriage on the princess Badoura, who could not

accept of it because she was a woman, gave her unexpected

trouble, and she could not presently think of an expedient to

extricate herself out of it. She thought it would not become a

princess of her rank to deceive the king, and to own that she was

not prince Camaralzaman, but his wife, when she had assured him

she was he himself, whose part she had hitherto acted so well,

that her sex was not in the least suspected. She was also afraid

to refuse him; seeing him so much bent upon the conclusion of the

marriage, that there was reason to apprehend his kindness would

turn to aversion and hatred, if the honour he offered her was

rejected, and that he might attempt something even against her

life. Besides, she was not sure of finding prince Camaralzaman in

the court of king Schahzaman, his father.

These considerations, added to the prospect of obtaining a

kingdom for the prince her husband, in case she found him again,

made her resolve to do what king Armanos would have her, to marry

his daughter. So, after having stood silent some minutes, she,

with blushes which the king took for a sign of modesty, answered,

Sir, I am infinitely obliged to your majesty for your good

opinion, for the honour you do me, and the great favour you

offer, which I cannot pretend to merit, and dare not refuse.

But, sir, continued she, I cannot accept of this alliance, on any

other condition, than that your majesty will assist me with your

counsel, and that I do nothing without first having your

approbation.

The marriage treaty being thus concluded and agreed on, the

ceremony was put off till next day. In the mean time the princess

Badoura gave notice to her officers, who still took her for

prince Camaralzaman, what she was about to do, that they might

not be surprised at it, assuring them that the princess Badoura

consented to it. She talked also to her women, and charged them

to keep the secret she had intrusted them with as they valued

their lives.