the Speaking Bird E55

have been better informed’ In fact, he took such pleasure in
their conversation that, after having sat at table longer than
usual, he went into his private room, where he talked a long
time with them, a concert following, and then dancing. Secing
night drawing on apace, the two princes prostrated themselves at
the sultan’s feet; and having first thanked him for the favours
and honours he had heaped on them, asked his leave to retire,
which was granted them by the sultan, who, however, said
“Remember I brought you to the palace myself only to show
you the way; you will always be welcome, and the oftener you
come the greater pleasure you will do me.’

Before they went out of the sultan’s presence, Prince Bahman
said, ‘Sir, may we presume to request that your majesty will do
us and our sister the favour to pass by our house, and rest and
refresh yourself, the first time you go hunting in our neighbour-
hood? It is not worthy of your presence; but monarchs sometimes
have condescended to take shelter in a cottage.’

‘Gentlemen,’ replied the sultan, ‘your house cannot be otherwise
than beautiful, and worthy of you. I will call and see it with
pleasure; you and your sister are already dear to me. I will be
there early to-morrow morning, at the place where I shall never
forget that I first saw you. Meet me, and you shall be my
guides.’

When the Princes Bahman and Perviz went home, they gave
the Princess Parizade an account of the honourable reception the
sultan had given them, and told her that they had invited him
to do them the honour to call at their house, and that he had
appointed the next day.

‘Then, replied the princess, ‘we must think at once of
preparing a repast fit for his majesty; I think we should consult
the speaking bird: he will tell us, perhaps, what dishes the sultan
likes best. The princes approved of her thought, and after they