THE TWO SISTERS. 497

where, the bird said would be as harmonious as the tree itself,
The golden water was in a fountain close by the tree, and the
princess filled a small silver vessel which she had brought with
the precious fluid. “Something more is necessary,” said she
to the bird, “you must assist to restore my lost brothers to me.”
“Take then,” said the bird, “ the small pitcher you see there, and
with the water it contains sprinkle the black stones on each
side of you as you descend the mountain and you will thus dis-
cover your brothers.” Parizadé began to descend, and following
the bird’s instructions, no sooner was the water sprinkled on the
stones than they all became changed into their original forms of
men and horses, her brothers appearing amongst them. The
princess and her brothers having affectionately embraced each
other, and the other gentlemen having expressed their gratitude
to the princess for their transformation, all of them started to-
wards their several homes.

When the princess and her brothers had reached home she
placed the cage in the garden, and as soon as the bird began his
song the nightingales, larks, linnets, goldfinches, and a variety
of other birds, came to accompany it with their notes. The
branch of the tree was planted in a shady spot in the garden at
a little distance from the house ; it immediately took root, and
its leaves produced as much harmony as the tree from which it
had been taken. A large basin of beautiful marble was provided
for the golden water, which, on being placed in the basin, began
to bubble up, rising to the height of many feet, and forming a
beautiful object.

One day the sultan, who had been hunting in that direction,
called at the residence of the princess and her brothers to solicit
some refreshment. After he had partaken of this, Prince
Bahman requested to be allowed the honour of shewing him
through the gardens of the house. The sultan was astonished
when he beheld the golden water, and still more so on hearing
the melody proceeding from the singing tree; but his admira-
tion was unbounded when the talking bird was shewn to him.
He inquired where these wonderful curiosities had been obtained,
and on hearing the narrative ne expressed his surprise at the
bravery of the princess. He asked the bird many questions and
was astonished at the shrewdness of the replies given to him,

*1 could not have supposed,” said he turning to the princess
ai