“In the midst of my happiness, the only thing that troubled me, or was capable of disturbing me, was the uneasiness I feared your majesty would experience on account of my leaving the court, and your not knowing what was become of me.  I thought it my duty to satisfy you in this point.  This was the only motive which brought me hither; the only favour I ask of your majesty is to give me leave to come occasionally to pay you my duty, and inquire after your health.”

“Son,” answered the sultan of the Indies, “I cannot refuse you the permission you ask, but I should much rather you would resolve to stay with me.  At least tell me where I may hear of you, if you should fail to come, or when I may think your presence necessary.”  “Sir,” replied the prince, “what your majesty requires is part of the mystery I spoke of.  I beg of you to allow me to remain silent on this head; for I shall come so frequently where my duty calls, that I am afraid I shall sooner be thought troublesome than be accused of negligence, when my presence may be necessary.”

The sultan of the Indies pressed Ahmed no more, but said to him, “Son, I wish to penetrate no farther into your secrets, but leave you at your liberty.  I can only tell you, that you could not have done me greater pleasure than by your presence, having restored to me the joy I have not felt for a long time; and that you shall always be welcome when you can come, without interrupting your business or your pleasure.”

Prince Ahmed stayed but three days at his father’s court, and on the fourth returned to the fairy Perie Banou, who received him with the greater joy, as she did not expect him so soon.  His expedition made her condemn herself for suspecting his want of fidelity.  She never dissembled, but frankly owned her weakness to the prince, and asked his pardon.  So perfect was the union of the two lovers, that they had but one will.

A month after prince Ahmed’s return from visiting his father, as the fairy had observed that since the time when he gave her an account of his journey, and his conversation with his father, in which he asked his permission to come and see him from time to time, he had never spoken of the sultan, whereas before he was frequently mentioning him, she thought he forebore on her account, and therefore took an opportunity to say to him one day, “Tell me, prince, have you forgotten the sultan your father?  Do not you remember the promise you made to pay your duty to him occasionally?  I have not forgotten what you told me at your return, and put you in mind of it, that you may acquit yourself of your promise when you may feel inclined.”

“Madam,” replied Ahmed, with equal animation, “as I know I am not guilty of the forgetfulness you lay to my charge, I rather choose to be thus reproached, however undeservedly, than expose myself to a refusal, by manifesting a desire for what it might have given you pain to grant.”  “Prince,” said the fairy, “I would not have you in this affair have so much consideration for me, since it is a month since you have seen the sultan your father.  I think you should not be longer in renewing your visits.  Pay him one to-morrow, and after that, go and visit once a month, without speaking to me, or waiting for my permission.  I readily consent to such an arrangement.”