52 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS.

successor.” This interview between the sultan and she king of
the Black Isles was terminated by the most affectionate em-
braces, atter which the young prince prepared for his journey.
In three weeks he was ready to depart, greatly regretted by his
court and subjects, who received from his hands a near relation
of his as their king.

At length the sultan and the prince set out, with a hundred
camels laden with inestimable riches, which had been selected
from the treasury of the young king, who was accompanied by
fifty handsome nobles, well mounted and equipped. Their
journey was a pleasant one; and when the sultan, who had
despatched couriers to give notice of his arrival, and relate the
reason of his delay, drew near to his capital, the principal
officers, whom he had left there, came to receive him, and to
assure him that his long absence had not occasioned any change
in his empire. The inhabitants, also, crowded to meet him, and
welcome him with acclamations and every demonstration of
joy, which lasted for several days.

The day after his arrival, the sultan assembled his courtiers,
and gave them an ample detail of the occurrences which, con-
trary to his wishes, had delayed his return ; he then declared
to them his intention of adopting the king of the four Black
Isles, who had left a large kingdom to accompany and live with
him; and at last, to reward the fidelity with which they served
him, he bestowed presents on all, according to their rank and
station.

With regard to the fisherman, as he had been the first cause
of the deliverance of the young prince, the sultan overwhelmed
him with rewards, and made him and his family happy and
comfortable for the rest of their days.