I was present when you drew your arrow, and foresaw it
would not go beyond Prince Houssain's. I took it in the air, and
made it strike against the rocks near which you found it. It is in
your power to avail yourself of this favourable opportunity.'
As the fairy Pari Banou pronounced these words Prince Ahmed began
to consider that the Princess Nouronnihar could never be his, and
that the fairy Pari Banou excelled her infinitely in beauty and
agreeableness, and, so far as he could judge from the magnificence
of the palace where she resided, in immense riches. 'Madam,'
replied he, 'should I, all my life, have had the happiness of being
your slave, I should think myself the happiest of men. Pardon me my
boldness, and do not refuse to admit into your court a prince who
is entirely devoted to you.'
'Prince,' answered the fairy, 'as I have been a long time my own
mistress, and am not dependent on my parents' consent, it is not as
a slave that I would admit you into my court, but as my husband,
pledging your faith to me. I am, as I said, mistress here; and must
add, that the same customs are not observed among fairies as among
other ladies.'
Prince Ahmed made no answer, but was so full of gratitude that he
thought he could not express it better than by coming to kiss the
hem of her garment.
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