and wide. They now entered a shady
vale, and, seating themselves on a rock, the shepherd commenced
playing his flute. The Prince listened with delight, for, as we said
before, he was passionately fond of music, and had never in his life
heard any one who pleased him so much. Indeed, he made up his mind
that, if ever he left the place, he would endeavour to purchase from
Oaxus the accomplished slave, and have him as his constant companion
as long as he lived.

Thus did Azgid enjoy himself amid these delicious scenes,
congratulating himself that he had escaped from all his troubles, and
had at last reached a spot where he might live in peace and
tranquillity for ever.

But his joy was not to last long; for young Asdril on a sudden rose
up, and, taking his companion by the hand, told him it was time for
them to be gone.

"Why so?" asked the Prince. "Why should we so soon leave these
enchanting scenes?"

"Alas!" answered the shepherd, "this place is infested with lions.
They come out at a certain hour every day, and we all have to retire
within the walls of our abode and close the gates. See here,"
continued he, rolling up his sleeve, and showing a great scar on his
arm, "this is what I received in an encounter with these fierce
beasts. I once lagged behind, and was with great difficulty saved from
destruction. So, let us lose no time, but make the best of our way
home."

On hearing these words, the Prince turned pale; but he said nothing,
and they silently returned to the house.

On reaching the gate, Azgid called for his horse, and, having mounted,
told his host that he was about to leave, and thanked him for his
kindness. "Farewell, Oaxus!" said he. "Farewell, young Asdril! I
thought I should have remained here forever; but fate decrees
otherwise. I must seek another abode, another home." And, so saying,
he put spurs to his horse and galloped away.

He journeyed on and on, and soon left the groves and green valleys.
The country became more barren, trees began to disappear, and, not
long after, scarcely any verdure was visible. He was soon in the midst
of the desert. Far as the eye could reach, the vast plain spread
before him. Not a shrub or blade of grass could be seen, and nothing
met the view but, now and then, some low sand-hills, piled up by the
wind like drifts of snow, among which, with much fatigue to his horse,
he pursued his way. The sun blazed on him with great power; and it
was with much satisfact