144 &. Prince Camaralzaman and

—i-

 

to be set at liberty throughout his kingdom. The joy was soon
general in the capital and every corner of his dominions.

Prince Camaralzaman, though extremely weakened by almost con-
tinual want of sleep and long abstinence from almost all food, soon
recovered his health. When he found himself in a condition to
undertake the voyage, he took Marzavan aside, and said, ‘ Dear
Marzavan, it is now time to perform the promise you have made
me. I burn with impatience to see the charming princess, and if we
do not set out on our journey immediately I shall soon relapse into
my former condition. One thing still troubles me, continued he, ‘and
that is the difficulty I shall meet with in getting leave of my father.
to go. This would be a cruel disappointment to me, if you do not
contrive a way to prevent it. You see he scarcely ever leaves me.’
At these words the prince fell to weeping : and. Marzavan said,
‘I foresaw this difficulty; let not your highness be grieved at that,
for I will undertake to prevent it. My principal design in this
voyage was to deliver the Princess of China from her malady, and
this from all the reasons of mutual affection which we have borne
to each other from our birth, besides the zeal and affection I other-
wise owe her; and I should be wanting in my duty to her, if I did
not do my best endeavour to effect her cure and yours, and exert my -
utmost skill. This then is the means I have contrived to obtain your
liberty. You have not stirred abroad for some time, therefore let the
king your father understand you have a mind to take the air, and
ask his leave to go out on a hunting party for two or three days with
me. No doubt he will grant your request; when he has done so,
order two good horses to be got ready, one to mount, the other to
change, and leave the rest to me.’

Next day Prince Camaralzaman took his opportunity. He told the
king he was desirous to take the air, and, if he pleased, would go and
- hunt for two or three days with Marzavan. The king gave his con-
sent, but bade him be sure not to stay out above one night, since too