"Then," replied the Sultan, "take these archers, and place one at each
extremity of the ranks, an archer on the right of each rank; but,
before you station them thus, give them the following orders: 'Be
ready with your bows drawn, and your arrows fixed to the bow-string,
and, whenever the word of command is given for all the army to fall
prostrate, let your arrows fly at the man who is last to obey the word
of command.'"

The troops being all drawn forth in their ranks, and the archers
disposed according to the Sultan's orders, Misnar came forth, attended
by his eunuchs, Viziers, Emirs, and guards. The loud clarion sounded,
the notes of the trumpets were heard, and the brazen cymbals shook the
air.

The magician, who was impatient to perpetrate the malicious purposes
of his heart, was elated at the warlike sound, and beheld the Sultan's
retinue at a distance with such joy as the eagle views the flocks of
sheep on the plains of Homah.

The Sultan, having arrived at the front of his army, which he knew was
composed of his most faithful troops, commanded silence throughout the
plain.

"My brave soldiers," said he, "although neither care nor resolution
has been wanting on your parts to extirpate the rebellion of my
provinces, yet to Allah only belong the glory and the honour of your
arms; wherefore let immediate orders be issued forth among my troops,
that all do together fall prostrate on the ground before the
all-seeing Allah, the Governor of the world and the Disposer of
kingdoms and crowns."

As this order went forth through the ranks, the soldiers at once fell
prostrate before Allah, all but the magician Happuck, who was
surprised and astonished at the order, and irresolute what to do. But
little time was given him to think; for no sooner were his
fellow-soldiers fallen prostrate on each side of him, than the arrows
of the archers pierced his heart.

The magician, finding himself overpowered, and that the messengers of
death had seized him, raised his voice aloud, and, with what little
strength was left, cursed both Allah and His Prophet; but the stream
of life flowed swiftly from him, and his curses grew fainter and
fainter, till they were lost in death.

Those who were acquainted with the designs of Happuck, perceiving that
the magician was dead and their plot discovered, began to fly; and
first Ibrac essayed to head his discarded troops; but they, not being
used to march on foot, soon fell into confusion,