Some ages back a certain sultan of Sind had a son by a concubine, who behaved so rudely to his sultana, that she became dispirited and lost her health, which her favourite woman observing, resolved by stratagem to get rid of the prince.  She advised her mistress, when he might next insult her, to say to him, “That he would never appear becoming his rank till he was beloved by Fatima, daughter of a sultan named Amir bin Naomaun.”  The queen having followed the woman’s directions, the prince resolved to travel to the country of the princess, and demand her in marriage.  Accordingly, having obtained the consent of the sultan his father, he departed with an attendance suitable to his rank.  After marching for some time he entered a desert, which was covered with a numberless flight of locusts, that had fallen exhausted for want of food.  Pitying their distress, he ordered meal to be spread on the ground, when the locusts having refreshed themselves flew away.  Some days after this incident he reached a thick forest crowded with elephants, and herds of wild animals of every description; but as they did not attempt to attack him, and were in a starving condition, he ordered some of his cattle to be killed, and distributed to them for food.  Having satisfied themselves they retired, shewing every sign that dumbness would allow of being pleased with his kind treatment.  On his march onwards the prince met a venerable old man, of whom he inquired the route to the territories of Amir bin Naomaun, and was informed that they were at no great distance; but only to be entered by a range of rugged and steep mountains composed of iron-stone, and next to impassable; also, that should he succeed in overcoming this difficulty, it was in vain to hope to attain the princess.  The prince inquiring the reason, the old man continued, “Sultan Amir bin Noamaun has resolved that no one shall wed his daughter unless he can perform three tasks which he will impose, and these are of so difficult a nature as not to be executed by the labour or ingenuity of man, and many unhappy princes have lost their heads in the attempt; for he puts them to death instantly on failure:  be advised, therefore, and give up so fruitless an expedition.”  The prince, instead of listening to the admonition of the old man, resolved to proceed; and having requested his prayers and benedictions, continued his march.  In a short time, having entered the passes of the mountains, he discovered vast caverns inhabited by a species of genii, who were employed in working upon masses of iron-stone, which they dug from the rock.  The prince having entertained them with a hospitable feast, they, in return, shewed him the easiest route through the stupendous mountains, and he at length arrived in safety before the capital of sultan Amir bin Naomaun, to whom he sent an envoy, requesting leave to encamp on the plain, and to offer himself as a candidate for the beautiful princess his daughter.  The sultan, in reply, acceded to his petition, and