CAMARALZAMAN AND BADOURA. 265

no occasion for me to take so much trouble,” said Maimouné ;
“you can bring your princess and place her by the side of my
prince. We can then easily compare them with each other, and
thus settle our dispute.”

Danhasch consented to do as the fairy desired, and she
having explained to him where the tower was situated, he in-
stantly flew to China, and returned with inconceivable swift-
ness, bearing the beautiful princess along with him fast asleep.
Maimouné received her, and introduced her into the chamber of
Prince Camaralzaman, where they placed her by his side.

When the prince and princess were thus close to each other,
a grand contest arose on the pre-eminence of their beauty
between the genius and the fairy. They stood for some time
admiring and comparing them in silence. Danhasch was the
first to speak: “ Now you are convinced,” said he to Maimouné,
“T told you that my princess was more beautiful than your
prince. Have you any doubts remaining ?”

“How; any doubts ?” cried Maimouné; “yes, truly, I doubt
it. You must be blind not to see that my prince is infinitely
superior to thy princess, though I confess she is beautiful.”

“Were I to compare them for any length of time,” replied
Danhasch, “I should think no otherwise than I do. This,
however, will not prevent me from giving up my judgment to
yours, charming Maimouné, if you wish it” “It shall not be
so,” interrupted the fairy; “I will submit the contest to an
arbitrator.” She then struck the ground with her foot. The
earth opened, and instantly a most hideous genius appeared.
He was hunchbacked, lame, and blind of one eye, having six
horns on his head, and his hands and feet hooked. As soon as
he was out, and the ground had closed again, he perceived
Maimouné, and threw himself at her feet; and kneeling on one
knee, he asked what she desired of him.

“Rise, Caschcasch,” said she, for this was the name of the
genius ; “I sent for you hither to be judge in a dispute which
exists between me and this cursed Danhasch. Cast your eye on
that pair and tell us impartially which appears to you the most
beautiful, the young man or the young lady.”

Caschcasch looked very attentively at the prince and princess,
and shewed every mark of surprise and admiration. After
having examined them very accurately for a long time, without