Shaw Zummaun, without inquiring into the means he had used to produce this wonderful effect, could not refrain from embracing Marzavan, and soon after went out of the prince’s chamber with the grand vizier, to publish the agreeable tidings.  He ordered public rejoicings for several days together, gave great largesses to his officers and the people, and alms to the poor, and caused the prisoners to be set at liberty throughout his kingdom The joy was soon general in the capital, and in every part of his dominions.

Kummir al Zummaun, though extremely weakened by almost continual privation of sleep and long abstinence, soon recovered his 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 me.  My impatience to behold the charming princess, and to relieve her of the torments she is now suffering on my account, is such, that if we do not shortly depart, I shall relapse into my former indisposition.  One thing still afflicts me,” continued he, “and that is the difficulty I shall find, from his tender affection for me, to obtain my father’s permission to travel into a distant country.  You observe he scarcely allows me to be a moment out of his sight.”

At these words the prince wept.  Marzavan then replied, “I foresaw this difficulty, and I will take care it shall not obstruct us.  My principal design in this voyage was to cure the princess of China of her malady, and this on account of the mutual affection which we have borne to each other from our birth, as well as from the zeal and affection I otherwise owe her.  I should therefore be wanting in my duty to her, if I did not use my best endeavours to effect her cure and yours.  This is then the mode I have devised to obtain the king your father’s consent.  You have not stirred abroad for some time, therefore request his permission to go upon a hunting party with me.  He will no doubt comply.  When you have obtained his leave, obtain two fleet coursers for each of us to be got ready, one to mount, the other to change, and leave the rest to me.”

The following day the prince did as he had been instructed.  He acquainted the king he was desirous of taking the air, and, if he pleased, would go and hunt for two or three days with Marzavan.  The king gave his consent, but wished him not to be absent more than one night, since too much exercise at first might impair his health and a longer absence would make him uneasy.  He then ordered him to choose the best horses in the royal stable, and took particular care that nothing should be wanting for his accommodation.  When all was ready, he embraced the prince, and having recommended to Marzavan to be careful of him, he let him go.  Kummir al Zummaun and Marzavan were soon mounted, when, to amuse the two grooms who led the spare horses, they made as if they were going to hunt, and under this pretence got as far from the city and