and the Fairy Be QI

of his:son. They represented to him that it was but common
prudence to know where the prince had retired, and how he could
afford to live at such-a rate, since he had no revenue or income
‘assigned him; that he seemed to come to court only to brave
him; and that it was to be feared he might stir up the people’s
favour and dethrone him.

The Sultan of the Indies was so far from thinking that Prince
Ahmed could be capable of so wicked a design as his favourites
would make him believe, that he said to them, ‘You are mistaken ;
my son loves me, and I am assured of his tenderness and fidelity.
Be it as it will, I do not believe my son Ahmed is so wicked
as you would persuade me he is; however, I am obliged to you
for your good advice, and do not doubt that it proceeds from a
good intention” | .

The Sultan of the Indies said this that his favourites might not
know the impression their hints had made on his mind. He was,
however, so much alarmed that he resolved to have Prince Ahmed
watched, unknown to his grand | vizier. For this end he sent
for a sorceress, who was introduced by a private door into his
room. ‘My. son Ahmed comes to my court every month;-but I.
cannot learn from him where he resides, and I do not wish to force
his secret out of him; but I believe you are capable of satisfying
my ‘curiosity, without letting him, or any of my court, know

* anything of the matter. You know that at present he is here with
me, and is used to go away without taking leave of me, or-any
of my court.’ Go immediately out on the road, find out where he
retires, and bring me word.’

The. magician left: the sultan, and knowing the place where
Prince Ahmed found his arrow, went thither and hid. herself near
the rocks, so that nobody could see her.

The next morning Prince Ahmed set out by daybreak, without
taking leave either of the sultan or of any of his court, according to