eyes.  He was charmed to behold their comeliness of favour and their graceful forms and their noble air and their courtly mien; and, after gazing at them for some time in not a little wonder and admiration, he asked them who they were and when might be their names and where they abode.  Hereto Prince Bahman made reply, “O Asylum of the Universe, we are the sons of one whose life was spent in serving the Shah, the Intendant of the royal gardens and pleasaunces.  As his days grew to a close he builded him a home without the town for us to dwell in till we should grow to man’s estate and become fit to do thy Highness suit and service and carry out thy royal commands.”  The Shah furthermore asked them, “How is it that ye go a-hunting?  This is a special sport of Kings and is not meant for the general of his subjects and dependants.”  Prince Bahman rejoined, “O Refuge of the World, we are yet young in years and being brought up at home we know little of courtly customs; but, as we look to bear arms in the armies of the Shah we fain would train our bodies to toil and moil.”  This answer was honoured by the royal approof and the King rejoined, “The Shah would see how ye deal with noble game; so choose ye whatever quarry ye will and bring it down in the presence.”  The Princes hereat remounted their horses and joined the Sovran; and when they reached the thickmost of the forest, Prince Bahman started a tiger and Prince Parwez rode after a bear; and the twain used their spears with such skill and good will that each killed his quarry and laid it at the Shah’s feet.  Then entering the wood again Prince Bahman slew a bear, and Prince Parwez, a tiger[FN#366] and did as before; but when they would have ridden off the third time the King forbade them saying, “What! would ye strip the royal preserve of all the game?  This be enough and more than enough, that Shah wished only to put your valour to the proof and having seen it with his own eyes he is fully satisfied.  Come now with us and stand before us as we sit at meat.”  Prince Bahman made reply, “We are not worthy of the high honour and dignity wherewith thou favourest us thy humble servants.  We dutifully and humbly petition thy Highness to hold us excused for this day; but if the Asylum of the Universe deign appoint some other time thy slaves will right gladly execute thy auspicious orders.”—­And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

      The end of the Six Hundred and Eighty-Second Night.

Then said she:—­I have heard, O auspicious King, that Khusrau Shah, astonished at their refusal, asked the cause thereof when Prince Bahman answered, “May I be thy sacrifice,[FN#367] O King of kings, we have at home an only sister; and all three are bound together with bonds of the fondest affection; so we brothers go not anywhere without consulting her nor doth she aught save according to our counsel.”  The King was pleased to see such fraternal love and union and presently quoth he, “By the head of