Prince Camaralzaman, instructed by Marzavan what he was to do, and provided with all he wanted as an astrologer, came next morning to the gate of the king’s palace, and cried aloud, I am an astrologer, and am come to effect a cure on the most beautiful princess Badoura, daughter of the most high and mighty monarch Gaiour king of China, on the conditions proposed by his majesty, to marry her if I succeed, or else to lose my life for my fruitless and presumptuous attempt!

Besides the guards and porters standing at the gate, this novelty drew together a great number of people about prince Camaralzaman.  There had no physician, astrologer, nor magician, appeared for a long time on this account, deterred by the many tragical examples of ill success that had occurred; it was therefore thought there were either no more of these professions in the world, or at least that there were no more so mad as those who had gone before them.

The prince’s good mien, noble air, and blooming youth, raised pity in every one who saw him.  What do you mean, sir, said some who stood near him, to expose thus your life, which promises so much, to certain death?  Cannot the heads you see on all the gates of this city deter you from such an undertaking?  In the name of God, consider what you do, and abandon the rash attempt!

The prince continued firm, notwithstanding the remonstrances made to him; and, as he saw nobody come to introduce him, he repeated the same cry with so loud a voice as to make every body tremble.  They all then cried, Let him alone; he is resolved to die.  God have mercy upon his soul!  He then proceeded to cry out a third time in the same manner, when the grand vizier came in person, and introduced him to the king of China.

As soon as the prince came into the king’s presence, he bowed and kissed the floor.  The king, who, of all that hitherto had exposed their lives on this occasion, had not before seen one worthy of his notice, had now a real compassion for prince Camaralzaman, on account of the danger he was about to expose himself to; and perceiving in him something which merited deference and respect, he did him the more honour, and made him seat himself near him.  Young man, said he, I can hardly believe that you, at this age, can have acquired sufficient experience to enable you to cure my daughter.  I will give her to you with all my heart on that account; nay, more willingly than I should have done to others who have before offered themselves; but then I declare to you, at the same time, with, a great deal of concern, that if you fail to succeed in your attempt, notwithstanding your noble appearance, and exceedingly beautiful person, you must lose your head.