44 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

‘ou may easily imagine that the sultan was much surprised _
when he saw the deplorable state of the young man. “What
you shew me,” said he to him, “fills me with horror, but at the
same time excites my curiosity. I am impatient to learn your
history, which must, no doubt, be very singular ; and I am per-
suaded that the pond and the fish have some connexion with
it. I entreat you, therefore, to relate it; and you may find
consolation by doing so, for the unhappy often experience some
relief in communicating their sorrows.” “I will not refuse you
this satisfaction,” replied the young man, “although I cannot
impart it without renewing the most poignant grief; but I must .
forewarn you to prepare your ears and your mind, nay, even.
your eyes, for what surpasses all conception.” 3

SSeS

THE HISTORY OF THE YOUNG KING OF THE
BLACK ISLES.

MUST first inform you (continued he) that my father,
who was called Mahmoud, was the king of this state.
It is the kingdom of the Black Isles, which takes
its name from four small neighbouring mountains,

that were formerly islands; and the capital where my father

resided was situated on the spot which is now occupied by that’
pond, You will know how these changes took place as I proceed
with my history.

The king, my father, died at the age of seventy years, and |
immediately ascended the throne. My first care was to marry,
and I sought to unite myself in the royal dignities with my
cousin, a charming young lady, and about my own age, and
who had since her father’s death, an event which took place
some years previously, resided in the palace. At first she was
inclined to return my love, but after a short time she displayed
an aversion towards me, and fixed her affections on a black
Indian, one of the original inhabitants of this country, as in-
famous as he was ugly: indeed, so much had he offended
against the laws, that he was in daily danger of being handed
over to the executioner.