fugitive and the Minister replied, “Upon my head be it and mine eyes!  Thy servant hath already caused most careful research to be made in every quarter, but not the smallest clue hath yet come to hand:  and this matter troubleth me the more for that he was dear to me as a son.”  The Ministers and Grandees now understood that the King was overwhelmed with woe, tearful-eyed and heavy-hearted by reason of the loss of Prince Ahmad; whereupon bethought the Grand Wazir of a certain witch famed for the Black Art who could conjure down the stars from heaven; and who was a noted dweller in the capital.  So going to the Sultan he spake highly of her skill in knowledge of the abstruse,[FN#337] saying “Let the King, I pray thee, send for this sorceress and enquire of her concerning his lost son.”  And the King replied, “’Tis well said:  let her be brought hither and haply she shall give me tidings of the Prince and how he fareth.”  So they fetched the Sorceress and set her before the Sultan, who said, “O my good woman, I would have thee know that ever since the marriage of Prince Ali with the Lady Nur al-Nihar, my youngest son Prince Ahmad,[FN#338] who was disappointed in her love, hath disappeared from our sight and no man knoweth aught of him.  Do thou forthright apply thy magical craft and tell me only this:—­Is he yet alive or is he dead?  An he live I would learn where is he and how fareth he; moreover, I would ask, Is it written in my book of Destiny that I shall see him yet again?” To this the Witch made reply, “O Lord of the Age and ruler of the times and tide, ’tis not possible for me at once to answer all these questions which belong to the knowledge of Hidden Things; but, if thy Highness deign grant me one day of grace, I will consult my books of gramarye and on the morrow will give thee a sufficient reply and a satisfactory.”  The Sultan to this assented, saying, “An thou can give me detailed and adequate answer, and set my mind at ease after this sorrow, thou shalt have an exceeding great reward and I will honour thee with highmost honour.”  Next day the Sorceress, accompanied by the Grand Wazir, craved permission to appear before the presence, and when it was granted came forward and said, “I have made ample investigation by my art and mystery and I have assured myself that Prince Ahmad is yet in the land of the living.  Be not therefore uneasy in thy mind on his account; but at present, save this only, naught else can I discover regarding him, nor can I say for sure where he be or how he is to be found.”  At these words the Sultan took comfort, and hope sprang up within his breast that he should see his son again ere he died.  Now return we to the story of Prince Ahmad.  Whenas Peri-Banu understood that he was bent upon visiting his sire and she was convinced that his love her-wards remained firm and steadfast as before, she took thought and determined that it would ill become her to refuse him leave and liberty for such purpose; so she again pondered