the Talisman eyo

———j-——

aside, saying, ‘I must talk with you about an affair, Camaralzaman,
which requires much consideration, and on which I want your
advice. Come hither in the evening, and leave word at home that
you will not return; I will take care to provide you a bed.’

Camaralzaman came punctually to the palace at the hour
appointed by the princess ; she took him with her into the inner
apartment, and having told the chief chamberlain, who was preparing
to follow her, that she had no occasion for his service, and that he
should only keep the door shut, she took him into a different
apartment.

When the prince and princess entered the chamber she shut the
door, and, taking the talisman out of a little box, gave it to
Camaralzaman, saying, ‘It is not long since an astrologer presented
rae with this talisman ; you being skilful in all things, may perhaps
tell me its use. =

Camaralzaman took the talisman, and drew near a lamp to look
at it. As soon as_he recollected it, with an astonishment which
gave the princess great pleasure, ‘ Sire,’ said he to the princess, ‘ your
majesty asked me what this talisman is good for. Alas! it is only
good to kill me with grief and despair, if I do not quickly find the
most charming and lovely princess in the world to whom it belonged,
whose loss it occasioned by a strange adventure, the very recital of
which will move your majesty to pity such an unfortunate husband
and lover, if you would have patience to hear it.’

‘You shall tell me that another time, replied the princess; ‘I
am very glad to tell you I know something of it already; stay
here a little, and I will return to you in a moment.’

At these words she went into her dressing-room, put off her royal
turban, and in a few minutes dressed herself like a woman; and
having the girdle round her which she wore on the day of their
separation, she entered the chamber.

Prince Camaralzaman immediately knew his dear princess, ran