or regale the senses. Trees loaded with all kinds of delicious fruits,
some trimmed and cut into the most curious shapes, were seen on all
sides. Statues of exquisite forms stood among them. From many of these
fountains spouted upwards to a vast height, whose waters fell
murmuring into large basins, where gold-fish, swans and other
water-fowl were seen swimming about. Peacocks and other gorgeous birds
strutted and flew around in every direction; and so many objects met
the young man's eye, as he slowly rode up the broad avenue, that he
stopped almost every moment to gaze and admire. At last lie reached
the portico, which was raised twenty steps, and adorned with twelve
columns of clear jasper.

The owner of the palace, who was an Emir of great wealth, was seated
on the portico, in company with his daughter, the golden-haired
Perizide.

On seeing a stranger of such dignified mien approaching, he rose up
and went to welcome him. He led him up the steps, and introduced him
to the young lady, who became at once interested with the looks and
demeanour of the handsome youth. The Emir then took his guest inside
the palace.

Azgid looked round with wonder. If the exterior of the building
delighted him, how much more was he pleased with its interior? The
hall was of vast size, with a noble staircase in the middle; the
apartments were spacious, and shone with gold; the walls and ceilings
were covered with the most exquisite paintings in fresco; and vases of
precious stones, statues, and all kinds of rare curiosities were
ranged around; the windows were of something that resembled pearl, and
were stained with different colours, so that, as the sun shone through
them, the tesselated floor received the rays, and glittered with all
the tints of the rainbow. Azgid gazed with astonishment. The Emir now
set before him a collation composed of the most delicate viands,
delicious fruits, and wines.

After he had finished eating, the Prince thought it his duty to inform
his kind host who he was.

"Sir," said he, "you no doubt wonder at one of my appearance thus
suddenly visiting you, and will naturally wish to inquire who I am.
This wish I can only in part gratify. Suffice it, then, to say that I
am a Prince whom troubles at home have driven abroad, but my name I
cannot tell: that is a secret lodged in my own breast, to be imparted
to no one. If no inconvenience to you, it would delight me much to
remain with you; and at some futur