young man looked down and saw the lion, sitting on his
haunches, at one end of the arena; he then shook hands with his
companions, and committing himself to the care of Heaven, sprang in.
The beast gave a loud roar when he saw him, and crouching down, drew
himself slowly toward his opponent, glaring fiercely on him all the
while. The Prince quailed not, but gazed steadily on the animal, and
advanced on him spear in hand; the lion now gave another loud roar,
and bounding forward, sprang over the youth's head. He then returned,
and commenced licking his hands and rubbing himself against his body.

The Vizier now called out joyfully to his young friend, telling him he
had conquered, and begging him to approach; and, with the assistance
of the slave, he lifted him out of the den, the lion following like a
dog.

"Yes, Azgid," continued the old man, embracing the Prince, "the beast
is tame and will injure no one; but, ignorant of this, you encountered
him, and the proof of your valour is complete. Come, then, and ascend
your throne, for you are worthy of it."

They then began to descend the stairs, and Azgid, observing a couple
of figures on the landing, asked the Vizier who they were.

"I know not," replied he; "I can see them, but the height is too great
for me to distinguish who they are."

In a little while they reached the platform, when the new-comers
proved to be Oaxus and Asdril.

"Azgid," said the old shepherd, "I have come to congratulate you on
your good fortune and happy deliverance; and here, too, is young
Asdril, whose music you so much admired, and whom I now present to you
as your own."

"Oaxus," replied the Prince, "I heartily thank you; and as for you,
Asdril, you are no longer a slave: from this moment you are free. You
shall be the companion of my leisure hours, and entertain me with your
delightful strains."

They now began to descend again; and Azgid, observing a group on the
second landing, asked the Vizier who they were.

"I know not," replied he; "I can see them, but the height is too great
for me to distinguish who they are."

In a little while they reached the platform, when the new-comers
proved to be the Sheik Hajaar, with a group of Arabs, leading the
beautiful horse with which the Prince had been so much pleased.

"Azgid," said the Sheik, "I have come to congratulate you on your good
fortune and happy deliverance. I have brought you as a present the
horse you used to ride when you