nearer.”  She obeyed.  He then rose up, and seizing her by the arm so suddenly, that she had not time to discover him, he with a blow of his cimeter cut her in two, so that one half fell one way and the other another.  This done he left the body on the spot, and going out of the Palace of Tears, went to seek the young king of the Black Isles, who waited for him with great impatience.  When he found him, “Prince,” said he, embracing him, “rejoice; you have now nothing to fear; your cruel enemy is dead.”

The young prince returned thanks to the sultan in a manner that sufficiently the sincerity of his gratitude, and in return wished him long life and happiness.  “You may henceforward,” said the sultan, “dwell peaceably in your capital, unless you will accompany me to mine, which is near:  you shall there be welcome, and have as much honour and respect shown you as if you were in your own kingdom.”  “Potent monarch, to whom I am so much indebted,” replied the king, “you think then that you are near your capital?” “Yes,” said the sultan, “I know it is not above four or five hours’ journey.”  “It will take you a whole year to return,” said the prince “I do indeed believe that you came hither from your capital in the time you mention, because mine was enchanted; but since the enchantment is taken off, things are changed:  however, this shall not prevent my following you, were it to the utmost corners of the earth.  You are my deliverer, and that I may give you proofs of my acknowledging this during my whole life, I am willing to accompany you, and to leave my kingdom without regret.”

The sultan was extremely surprised to understand that he was so far from his dominions, and could not imagine how it could be.  But the young king of the Black Islands convinced him beyond a possibility of doubt.  Then the sultan replied, “It is no matter; the trouble of returning to my own country is sufficiently recompensed by the satisfaction of having obliged you, and by acquiring you for a son; for since you will do me the honour to accompany me, as I have no child, I look upon you as such, and from this moment appoint you my heir and successor.”

The conversation between the sultan and the king of the Black Islands concluded with most affectionate embraces, after which the young prince employed himself in making preparations for his journey, which were finished in three weeks, to the great regret of his court and subjects, who agreed to receive at his hands one of his nearest kindred for their monarch.

At length, the sultan and the young prince began their journey, with a hundred camels laden with inestimable riches from the treasury of the young king, followed by fifty handsome gentlemen on horseback, perfectly well mounted and dressed They had a pleasant journey; and when the sultan, who had sent couriers to give advice of his delay, and of the adventure which had occasioned it, approached his capital, the principal officers came to receive him, and to assure him that his long absence had occasioned no alteration in his empire.  The inhabitants also came out in great crowds, received him with acclamations, and made public rejoicings for several days.