render our house complete, that without these additions it will always be thought sufficiently elegant with what it already contains, and that we can do without them.  You may think as you please; but I cannot help telling you that I am persuaded they are absolutely necessary, and I shall not be easy without them.  Therefore, whether you value them or not, I desire you to consider what person you may think proper for me to send in search of the curiosities I have mentioned.”

“Sister,” replied prince Bahman, “nothing can concern you in which we have not an equal interest.  It is enough that you have an earnest desire for the things you mention to oblige us to take the same interest; but if you had not, we feel ourselves inclined of our own accord and for our own individual satisfaction.  I am persuaded my brother is of the same opinion, and therefore we ought to undertake this conquest; for the importance and singularity of the undertaking deserve that name.  I will take that charge upon myself; only tell me the place, and the way to it, and I will defer my journey no longer than till to-morrow.”

“Brother,” said prince Perviz, “it is not proper that you, who are the head and director of our family, should be absent.  I desire my sister would join with me to oblige you to abandon your design, and allow me to undertake it.  I hope to acquit myself as well as you, and it will be a more regular proceeding.”  “I am persuaded of your good-will, brother,” replied prince Bahman, “and that you would succeed as well as myself in this journey; but I have resolved, and will undertake it.  You shall stay at home with our sister, and I need not recommend her to you.”  He spent the remainder of the day in making preparations for his journey, and informing himself from the princess of the directions which the devout woman had left her.

The next morning Bahman mounted his horse, and Perviz and the princess embraced, and wished him a good journey.  But in the midst of their adieus, the princess recollected what she had not thought of before.  “Brother,” said she, “I had quite forgotten the accidents which attend travellers.  Who knows whether I shall ever see you again?  Alight, I beseech you, and give up this journey.  I would rather be deprived of the sight and possession of the speaking bird, singing tree, and yellow water, than run the risk of never seeing you more.”

“Sister,” replied Bahman, smiling at the sudden fears of the princess, “my resolution is fixed, but were it not, I should determine upon it now, and you must allow me to execute it.  The accidents you speak of befall only those who are unfortunate; but there are more who are not so.  However, as events are uncertain, and I may fail in this undertaking, all I can do is to leave you this knife.”

Bahman, pulling a knife from his vestband, and presenting it in the sheath to the princess, said, “Take this knife, sister, and give yourself the trouble sometimes to pull it out of the sheath:  while you see it clean as it is now, it will be a sign that I am alive; but if you find it stained with blood, then you may believe me dead, and indulge me with your prayers.”