A great many officers came to attend the prince while he
dismounted, and conducted him to the apartments of the sultan, who
was at that time conversing with his favourites. He approached the
throne, laid the bottle at the sultan's feet, kissed the rich
carpet which covered the footstool, and rising, said, 'I have
brought you, sir, the health-giving water which your majesty so
much desired to keep in your treasury; but at the same time wish
you such health that you may never have occasion to make use of
it.'
After the prince had finished speaking, the sultan placed him on
his right hand, and then said, 'Son, I am very much obliged to you
for this valuable present; also for the great danger you have
exposed yourself to upon my account, which I have been informed of
by the magician who knows the fountain of lions; but do me the
pleasure,' continued he, 'to tell me by what incredible power you
have been preserved.'
'Sir,' replied Prince Ahmed, 'I have no share in the compliment
your majesty is pleased to make me; all the honour is due to the
fairy my wife; I merely followed her good advice.' The sultan
showed outwardly all the demonstrations of joy, but secretly became
more and more jealous, retired into an inner apartment, and sent
for the magician.
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