The two elder princes, notwithstanding they owed the restoration of their lives to their brother, became envious of the valuable presents he had received, and of the fame he would acquire at home for his achievement.  They said to one another, “When we reach the capital the people will applaud him, and say, ‘Lo! the two elder brothers have been rescued from destruction by the youngest.’”

The youngest prince being supplied with horses, camels, and carriages, for himself and companions, began his march homewards, and proceeded by easy stages towards the capital of his father; within one day’s journey of which was a reservoir of water lined with marble.  On the brink of this he ordered his tents to be pitched, resolving to pass the night and enjoy himself in feasting with his brothers.  An elegant entertainment was prepared, and he sat with them till it was time to repose; when they retired to their tents, and he lay down to sleep, having on his finger a ring, which he had found in the cage of the Bulbul.

The envious brothers thinking this a fit opportunity to destroy their generous preserver, arose in the dead of night, and taking up the prince, cast him into the reservoir, and escaped to their tents undiscovered.  In the morning they issued orders of march, the tents were struck, and the camels loaded; but the attendants missing the youngest prince, inquired after him; to which the brothers replied, that being asleep in his tent, they were unwilling to disturb him.  This satisfied them, and having pursued their march they reached the capital of their father, who was overjoyed at their return, and admired the beauty of the Bulbul, which they had carried with them; but he inquired with eagerness what was become of their brother.

The brothers replied, “We know nothing of him, and did not till now hear of his departure in search of the bird, which we have brought with us.”  The sultan dearly loved his youngest son; and on hearing that his brothers had not seen him, beat his hands together, exclaiming, “Alas! alas! there is no refuge or asylum but with the Almighty, from whom we came, and to whom we must return.”

We must now return to the youngest brother.  When he was cast into the reservoir he awoke, and finding himself in danger, exclaimed, “I seek deliverance from that God who relieveth his servants from the snares of the wicked.”  His prayer was heard, and he reached the bottom of the reservoir unhurt; where he seated himself on a ledge, when he heard persons talking.  One said to another, “Some son of man is near.”  “Yes,” replied the other, “he is the youngest son of our virtuous sultan; who, after having delivered his two brothers from enchantment, hath been treacherously cast into this reservoir.”  “Well,” answered the first voice, “he may easily escape, for he has a ring upon his finger, which if he will rub a genie will appear to him and perform whatever he may command.”

The prince no sooner heard these words than he rubbed his hand over the ring, when a good genie appearing, said, “Prince, what are thy commands?”