the Princess Giauhara : oR AT.

io

 

had the utmost difficulty to conquer their obstinacy and force his
way; but at length he succeeded, and sheltered himself among
the rocks till he had recovered his breath, and dried his clothes
in the sun.

“When the prince advanced to enter the city, he met ath the
same opposition from these animals, who seemed to want to make
him understand that it was dangerous to proceed.

King Beder, however, got into the city soon after, and saw many
fair and spacious streets, but was surprised to find no man there.
This made him think it was not without cause that so many animals
had opposed his passage. Going forward, nevertheless, he observed
several shops open, which gave him reason to believe the place was
not so destitute of inhabitants as he imagined. He approached one
of these shops, where several sorts of fruits were exposed to sale, and
saluted very courteously an old man that was sitting there.

The old man, who was busy about something, lifted: up his head,
and seeing a youth who had an appearance of grandeur, started, and
asked him whence he came, and what business had brought him
there. King Beder satisfied him in a few words; and the old man.
further asked him if he had met anybody on the road: ‘You are the.
first person I have seen, answered. the king; ‘and I cannot compre-:
hend how so fine and large a city comes to be without inhabitants.’

‘Come in, sir; stay no longer upon the threshold, replied the-
old man, ‘or peradventure some misfortune may happen to you.. I

will satisfy your curiosity at leisure, and give you the reason why
it is necessary you should take this precaution.’ ;

King Beder would not be bidden twice: he entered the shop, and.
sat down by the old man: ‘The latter knew. he must want food, there-
fore immediately presented him with what was necessary to recover
his strength; and although King Beder was very anxious to know
why he had taken the précaution to make him enter the shop,
the old man nevertheless would not tell him anything till he had.