“No, no,” replied the fairy, “I am glad that the sultan of the Indies knows that you are not indifferent to me.  I will satisfy him, and whatever advice the sorceress may give him (for I see that he hearkens to her counsel), he shall find no fault with you or me.  There is much wickedness in this demand, as you will understand by what I am going to tell you.  The fountain of lions is situated in the middle of a court of a great castle, the entrance into which is guarded by four fierce lions, two of which sleep alternately, while the other two are awake.  But let not that frighten you.  I will supply you with means to pass by them without danger.”

The fairy Perie Banou was at that time at work with her needle; and as she had by her several clues of thread, she took up one, and presenting it to prince Ahmed, said, “First take this clue of thread, I will tell you presently the use of it.  In the second place, you must have two horses; one you must ride yourself, and the other you must lead, which must be loaded with a sheep cut into four quarters, that must be killed to-day.  In the third place, you must be provided with a bottle, which I will give you, to bring the water in.  Set out early to-morrow morning, and when you have passed the iron gate throw before you the clue of thread, which will roll till it reaches the gates of the castle.  Follow it, and when it stops, as the gates will be open, you will see the four lions.  The two that are awake will, by their roaring, wake the other two.  Be not alarmed, but throw each of them a quarter of the sheep, and then clap spurs to your horse, and ride to the fountain.  Fill your bottle without alighting, and return with the same expedition.  The lions will be so busy eating they will let you pass unmolested.”

Prince Ahmed set out the next morning at the time appointed him by the fairy, and followed her directions punctually.  When he arrived at the gates of the castle, he distributed the quarters of the sheep among the four lions, and passing through the midst of them with intrepidity, got to the fountain, filled his bottle, and returned safe.  When he had got a little distance from the castle gates, he turned about; and perceiving two of the lions coming after him, drew his sabre, and prepared himself for defence.  But as he went forwards, he saw one of them turn out of the road at some distance, and shewed by his head and tail that he did not come to do him any harm, but only to go before him, and that the other stayed behind to follow.  He therefore put his sword again into its scabbard.  Guarded in this manner he arrived at the capital of the Indies; but the lions never left him till they had conducted him to the gates of the sultan’s palace; after which they returned the way they had come, though not without alarming the populace, who fled or hid themselves to avoid them, notwithstanding they walked gently and shewed no signs of fierceness.