the Princess of China os 143

io

 

who he was, and whence he came. And upon Marzavan’s answering
that he was a subject of China and came from that kingdom, the
king cried out, ‘Heaven grant that you may be able to cure my
gon of this profound melancholy, and I shall be eternally obliged
to you; all the world shall see how handsomely I will reward you.’
Having said thus, he left the prince to converse at full liberty
with the stranger, whilst he went and rejoiced with the grand vizier.

Marzavan leaning down to the piince, spoke low in his ear,
thus: ‘Prince, said he, ‘it is time you ‘should cease to grieve.
The lady for-whom you suffer is the Princess Badoura, daughter
of Gaiour, King of China.. This I can assure your highness from
what she has told me of her adventure, and what I have learned
_of yours. She has suffered no less on your account than you have
on hers.’ Here he began to relate all that he knew of the princess’s
story, from the night of their extraordinary interview.

“He omitted not to acquaint him how the king had treated those
who had failed in their pretensions to cure the princess of her indis-
position. ‘But your highness is the only person,’ added he, ‘ that can
cure her effectually, and may present yourself without fear. How-
ever, before you undertake so great a voyage, I would have you
perfectly recovered, and then we will take such measures as are
necessary. Think then immediately of the recovery of your health’

This discourse had a marvellous effect on the prince. He found
such great relief that he felt he had strength to rise, and begged leave
of his father to dress himself, with such an air as gave the old king
incredible pleasure. oes eee

The king could not refrain from embracing Marzavan, with-
out inquiring into the means he had used to produce this wonderful
effect, and ‘goon after went out of the prince’s chamber with the

grand vizier, to publish this agreeable news. He ordered public
rejoicings for several days together, and gave great largesses to his
officers and the people, alms to the poor, and caused the prisoners