Marzavan was
extremely delighted to hear this, and informed himself of the place
where the prince was to be found. There were two ways to it; one by
land and sea, the other by sea only, which was the shortest way.
Marzavan chose the latter, and embarking on board a merchant ship,
he arrived safe in sight of the capital; but, just before it
entered the port, the ship struck against a rock through the
unskilfulness of the pilot, and foundered. It went down in sight of
Prince Camaralzaman's castle, where were at that time the king and
his grand vizier.
Marzavan could swim very well, and immediately on the ship's
sinking cast himself into the sea, and got safe to the shore under
the castle, where he was soon relieved by the grand vizier's order.
After he had changed his clothes and been well treated, and had
recovered, he was introduced to the grand vizier, who had sent for
him.
Marzavan being a young man of good air and address, this minister
received him very civilly; and when he heard him give such just and
fitting answers to what was asked of him, conceived a great esteem
for him. He also gradually perceived that he possessed a great deal
of knowledge, and therefore said to him, 'From what I can
understand, I perceive you are no common man; you have travelled a
great way: would to God you had learned any secret for curing a
certain sick person, who has greatly afflicted this court for a
long while!'
Marzavan replied that if he knew what malady it was, he might
perhaps find a remedy for it.
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