The prince, while he spoke, observed that the dervish changed countenance, held down his eyes, looked very serious, and instead of making any reply, remained silent; which obliged him to say to him again, “Good father, I fancy you heard me; tell me whether you know what I ask you, that I may not lose my time, but inform myself somewhere else.”

At last the dervish broke silence.  “Sir,” said he to prince Bahman, “I know the way you ask of me; but the regard which I conceived for you the first moment I saw you, and which is grown stronger by the service you have done me, kept me in suspense, whether I should give you the satisfaction you desire.”  “What motive can hinder you?” replied the prince; “and what difficulties do you find in so doing?” “I will tell you,” replied the dervish; “the danger you are going to expose yourself to is greater than you may suppose.  A number of gentlemen of as much bravery and courage as you can possibly possess have passed this way, and asked me the same question.  When I had used all my endeavours to persuade them to desist, they would not believe me; at last, I yielded, to their importunities; I was compelled to shew them the way, and I can assure you they have all perished, for I have not seen one come back.  Therefore, if you have any regard for your life, take my advice, go no farther, but return home.”

Prince Bahman persisted in his resolution.  “I will not suppose,” said he to the dervish, “but that your advice is sincere.  I am obliged to you for the friendship you express for me; but whatever may be the danger, nothing shall make me change my intention:  whoever attacks me, I am well armed, and can say I am as brave as any one.”  “But they who will attack you are not to be seen,” replied the dervish; “how will you defend yourself against invisible persons?” “It is no matter,” answered the prince; “all you say shall not persuade me to do any thing contrary to my duty.  Since you know the way, I conjure you once more to inform me.”

When the dervish found he could not prevail upon prince Bahman, and that he was obstinately bent to pursue his journey notwithstanding his friendly remonstrance, he put his hand into a bag that lay by him and pulled out a bowl, which he presented to him.  “Since I cannot prevail on you to attend to my advice,” said he, “take this bowl; when you are on horseback throw it before you, and follow it to the foot of a mountain, where it will stop.  As soon as the bowl stops, alight, leave your horse with the bridle over his neck, and he will stand in the same place till you return.  As you ascend you will see on your right and left a great number of large black stones, and will hear on all sides a confusion of voices, which will utter a thousand injurious abuses to discourage you, and prevent your reaching the summit of the mountain.  Be not afraid; but above all things, do not turn your head to look behind you; for in that instant you will be changed into such