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.