be nigh unto this place and if so do thou show me where to find it.”  The Bird directed her accordingly and the Princess took a silver flagon she had brought with her and filled it brimful from the magical fount.  Then quoth she to the Bird, “The third and last prize I have come to seek is the Singing- Tree; discover to me where that also can be found.”  The Bird replied, “O Princess of fair ones, behind thy back in yonder clump that lieth close at hand groweth the Tree;” so she went forthright to the copse and found the Tree she sought singing with sweetest toned voice.  But inasmuch as it was huge in girth she returned to her slave the Bird and said, “The Tree indeed I found but ’tis lofty and bulky; how then shall I pull it up?” and he made answer, “Pluck but a branchlet of the Tree and plant it in thy garden; ’twill at once take root and in shortest time be as gross and fair a growth as that in yonder copse.”  So the Princess broke off a twig, and now that she had secured the three things, whereof the holy woman spake to her, she was exceeding joyful and turning to the Bird said, “I have in very deed won my wish, but one thing is yet wanting to my full satisfaction.  My brothers who ventured forth with this same purpose are lying hereabouts turned into black stones; and I fain would have them brought to life again and the twain return with me in all satisfaction and assurance of success.  Tell me now some plan whereby mine every desire may be fulfilled.”—­And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

        The end of the Six Hundred and Eightieth Night.

Then said she:—­I have heard, O auspicious King, that the Speaking-Bird replied, “O Princess, trouble not thyself, the thing is easy.  Sprinkle some of the Golden-Water from the flagon upon the black stones lying round about, and by virtue thereof each and every shall come to life again, thy two brothers as well as the others.”  So Princess Perizadah’s heart was set at rest and taking the three prizes with her she fared forth and scattered a few drops from the silver flagon upon each black stone as she passed it when, lo and behold! they came to life as men and horses.  Amongst them were her brothers who she at once knew and falling on their necks she embraced them, and asked in tones of surprise, “O my brothers, what do ye here?” To this they answered, “We lay fast asleep.”  Quoth she, “Strange indeed that ye take delight in slumber away from me and ye forget the purpose wherefor ye left me; to wit, the winning of the Speaking-Bird and the Singing-Tree and the Golden-Water.  Did ye not see this place all bestrown with dark hued rocks?  Look now and say if there be aught left of them.  These men and horses now standing around us were all black stones as ye yourselves also were; but, by the boon of Almighty Allah, all have come to life again and await the signal to depart.  And if now ye wish to learn by what strange miracle both ye and they have recovered human shape, know ye