184 @ ~The Story of Zobeide

 

then in. The king, my father, had the same fate, for he was meta-
morphosed into a black stone, as he is to be seen in this palace’;
and the queen, my mother, had the like destiny.

‘I am the only person that did not suffer under that heavy
judgment, and ever since I have continued to serve God with more
fervency than before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that He has sent
you hither for my comfort, for which I render Him infinite thanks ;
for I must own that this solitary life is very unpleasant.’ ;

‘Prince? said I, ‘there is no doubt that Providence hath brought
me into your port to present you with an opportunity of withdrawing
from this dismal place. The ship that I came in may in some

". measure persuade you that I am in some. esteem at Bagdad, where

I have also left a considerable estate; and I dare engage to promise
you sanctuary there, until the mighty Commander of the Faithful;
who is vice-regent to our Prophet, whom you acknowledge, shows
you the honour that is due to your merit. This renowned prince
lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he is informed of your arrival in
his capital, you will find that it is not vain to implore his assistance:
It is impossible you can stay any longer in a city where all the
objects you see must renew your grief: my vessel is at. your service,
where you may absolutely command as you think fit’ Hé accepted
the. offer, and we discoursed the remaining part of the night about
our sailing. :

As soon as it was day we left the palace, and came aboard
my ship, where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves,
all very much troubled at my absence. After I had presented my.
sisters to the prince, I told them what had hindered my return to
the. vessel the day before, how I had met with the young’ prince,
his story, and the cause of the desolation of so fine a city.

The seamen were taken up several days in -unlading the
merchandise I had. brought with me, and embarking . instead all
the precious things in the palace, jewels, gold and money.: We