The sultan of the Indies was obliged to remain satisfied with this answer; which left him in the same uneasiness as before as to the prince’s situation.

To return to prince Ahmed.  He so often entertained the fairy Perie Banou with talking about his father, though without speaking any more of his desire to visit him, that she fully comprehended what he meant; and perceiving the restraint he put upon himself, and his fear of displeasing her after her first refusal, she inferred, from the repeated proofs he had given her, that his love for her was sincere; and judging by herself of the injustice she committed in opposing a son’s tenderness for his father, and endeavouring to make him renounce that natural affecion, she resolved to grant him the permission which she knew he so ardently desired.  One day she said to him, “Prince, the request you made to be allowed to go and see the sultan your father gave me apprehension that it was only a pretext to conceal inconstancy, and that was the sole motive of my refusal; but now, as I am fully convinced by your actions and words that I can depend on your honour and the fidelity of your love, I change my resolution, and grant you the permission you seek, on condition that you will first swear to me that your absence shall not be long.  You ought not to be uneasy at this condition, as if I asked it out of distrust.  I impose it only because I know that it will give you no concern, convinced, as I have already told you I am, of the sincerity of your love.”

Prince Ahmed would have thrown himself at the fairy’s feet to shew his gratitude, but she prevented him.  “My sultaness,” said he, “I am sensible of the great favour you grant me; but want words to express my thanks.  Supply this defect, I conjure you, by your own feelings, and be persuaded I think much more.  You may believe that the oath will give me no uneasiness, and I take it more willingly, since it is not possible for me to live without you.  I go, but the haste I will make to return shall shew you, that it is not the fear of being foresworn, but my inclination, which is to live with you for ever, that urges me; and if with your consent I now and then deprive myself of your society, I shall always avoid the pain a too long absence would occasion me.”

“Prince,” replied Perie Banou, delighted with his sentiments, “go when you please; but do not take it amiss that I give you some advice how you shall conduct yourself.  First, I do not think it proper for you to inform your father of our marriage, neither of my quality, nor the place of our residence.  Beg of him to be satisfied with knowing that you are happy, that you want nothing from him, and let him know that the sole end of your visit is to make him easy respecting your fate.”

Perie Banou then appointed twenty horsemen, well mounted and equipped, to attend him.  When all was ready, prince Ahmed took his leave of the fairy, embraced her, and renewed his promise to return soon.  A charger, which was most richly caparisoned, and as beautiful a creature as any in the sultan of the Indies’ stables, was brought to him, which he mounted with extraordinary grace, which gave great pleasure to the fairy; and after he had bidden her adieu, he set forward on his journey.