satisfied, for the size of the pavilion now appeared
to him superfluous; but his son assured him that it
would always fit itself to its contents. He thanked
the Prince for bringing him so rare a present, saying,
“O my son, acquaint thy consort with my obligation
to her and offer my grateful thanks for this her bounteous
gift. Now indeed know I of a truth that she doth
love thee with the whole of her heart and soul and
all my doubts and fears are well nigh set at rest.”
Then the King commanded they should pack up the tent
and store it with all care in the royal treasury.
Now strange it is but true, that when the Sultan received
this rare present from the Prince, the fear and doubt,
the envy and jealousy of his son, which the Witch
and the malicious Wazir and his other illadvisers had
bred in his breast, waxed greater and livelier than
before; because he was now certified that in very
truth the Jinniyah was gracious beyond measure to
her mate and that, notwithstanding the great wealth
and power of the sovereign, she could outvie him in
mighty deeds for the aidance of her husband.
Accordingly, he feared with excessive fear lest haply
she seek opportunity to slay him in favour of the
Prince whom she might enthrone in his stead. So
he bade bring the Witch who had counselled him aforetime,
and upon whose sleight and malice he now mainly relied.
When he related to her the result of her rede, she
took thought for a while; then, raising her brow said,
“O King of kings, thou troublest thyself for
naught: thou needest only command Prince Ahmad
to bring thee of the water of the Lions’ Spring.
He must perforce for his honour’s sake fulfil
thy wish, and if he fail he will for very shame not
dare to show his face again at court. No better
plan than this canst thou adopt; so look to it nor
loiter on thy way.” Next day at eventide,
as the Sultan was seated in full Darbar surrounded
by his Wazirs and Ministers, Prince Ahmad came forwards
and making due obeisance took seat by his side and
below him. Hereat, the King addressed him, as
was his wont, with great show of favour saying, “It
delighteth me mightily that thou hast brought me the
tent I required of thee; for surely in my Treasury
there be naught so rare and strange. Yet one other
thing lack I, and couldst thou bring it me I shall
rejoice with joy exceeding. I have heard tell
that the Jinniyah, thy consort, maketh constant use
of a water which floweth from the Lions’ Spring,
the drinking whereof doeth away with fevers and all
other deadly diseases. I know thou art anxious
that I live in health; and thou wilt gladden me by
bringing somewhat of that water, so I may drink thereof
when occasion shall require, and well I wot that, as
thou valuest my love and affection thee wards, thou
wilt not refuse to grant me my request.”
Prince Ahmad on hearing this demand was struck with
surprise that his sire should so soon make a second
demand. So he kept silence awhile, thinking within
himself, I have managed by some means to obtain the