98 ats | | Prince Ahmed

you for the pains you have taken, and your wholesome caution.
‘I am so aware of the great importance it is to me, that I shall
take advice upon it.’

He had been consulting with his favourites, when he was told
of the magician’s arrival. He ordered her to follow him to them.
He acquainted them with what he had learnt, and communicated
- to them also the reason he had to fear the fairy’s influence over the
prince, and asked them what measures they thought most proper
to prevent so great a misfortune. One of the favourites, taking
upon himself to speak for the rest, said, ‘Your majesty knows
who must be the author of this mischief. In order to prevent it,
now that he is in your court, and in your power, you ought not to
hesitate to put him under arrest: I will not say take away his life,
for that would make too. much noise : but make him a close
prisoner while he lives’ This advice all the other favourites
unanimously applauded.

The magician, who thought it too violent, asked the sultan
leave to speak, which being granted, she said, “Sir, I am persuaded
that the zeal of your councillors for your majesty’s, interest makes
them propose arresting Prince Ahmed: but they will not take it
amiss if I suggest to your and their consideration, that. if you arrest
‘the prince, you must also detain his retinue. But they are all
genies. Do they think it will be so easy to surprise,. seize, and
secure their persons? ~ Will they not disappear, by the property
they possess of rendering themselves: invisible, and transport
themselves instantly to the fairy, and give her an account of
the insult offered to her husband? And can it be supposed she
will let it go unrevenged? But it would be ‘better, if, by any
other means which might not make so great a noise, the sultan
could secure himself against any ill designs Prince Ahmed may
have against him, and not involve his majesty’s honour. If his
majesty has any confidence in my advice, as genies and fairies :