43¢ THE ARABTAN NIGHT?

the same instant the horse rose from the ground, bearing tne
Indian through the air as quick as lightning, to such an immense
height, that in a few minutes even those who had the longest and
clearest sight could no longer discern him.

A quarter of an hour had scarcely elapsed since the departure
of the Indian, before they perceived him high in the air, return-
ing with a palm-branch in his hand. He soon arrived over the
square, where he performed several feats amidst the acclamations
of the admiring multitude, and then came down immediately
before the throne on which the king was sitting. He got off,
and approaching the throne, prostrated himself, and laid the
branch at the feet of the king.

The king, who had witnessed with astonishment the exploit
which the Indian had just exhibited, immediately conceived
a strong desire to become the possessor of this wonderful horse.
“Judging of your horse by its exterior appearance,” said he to
the Indian, “I did not conceive that it could deserve the high
commendation which, as you have just shewn me, it so justly
merits. I am now ready to purchase it, if it is to be disposed of.”

“ Sire,” replied the Indian, “I had no doubt that your majesty,
who is said to excel all the kings who now reign over the earth
in knowledge and judgment, would bestow on my horse that
commendation with which you have honoured it. Iam not so
much attached to it as to refuse to deprive myself of it to gratify
the noble desires of your majesty. But although I make this
declaration, I have to propose conditions which must be fulfilled
before I can consent to let it pass into other hands, and with
these you may, perhaps, not be satisfied.

“J did not purchase this horse,” continued the Indian, “T
obtained it of the inventor and maker, on condition of giving
him my only daughter in marriage, and he exacted from me
a promise that I should never sell it, and that if I parted with
it, it should only be in exchange for what I might think proper.”

“JT am ready,” said the king, “to grant you anything in
exchange that you will ask of me...I have many wealthy ana
populous cities ; choose any one that you like, to be yours in
full sovereignty and power for the rest of your days.”

This exchange was far below the recompense the Indian had
proposed to himself. He replied to the king, “ Sire, I am
infinitely ohliged to your maijestv for the offer you have made