afterward into a superb saloon, in the middle of which was a fountain,
with a lion of massy gold at each angle: water issued from the mouths of
the four lions, and as it fell, formed diamonds and pearls resembling a
jet d'eau, which, springing from the middle of the fountain, rose nearly
to the top of a cupola painted in Arabesque.

The castle, on three sides, was encompassed by a garden, with parterres
of flowers and shrubbery; and to complete the beauty of the place, an
infinite number of birds filled the air with their harmonious notes, and
always remained there, nets being spread over the garden, and fastened
to the palace to confine them. The sultan walked from apartment to
apartment, where he found everything rich and magnificent. Being tired
with walking, he sat down in a veranda, which had a view over the
garden, reflecting upon what he had seen, when suddenly he heard the
voice of one complaining, in lamentable tones. He listened with
attention, and heard distinctly these words: "O fortune! thou who
wouldst not suffer me longer to enjoy a happy lot, forbear to persecute
me, and by a speedy death put an end to my sorrows. Alas! is it possible
that I am still alive, after so many torments as I have suffered!"

The sultan rose up, advanced toward the place whence he heard the voice,
and coming to the door of a great hall, opened it, and saw a handsome
young man, richly habited, seated upon a throne raised a little above
the ground. Melancholy was painted on his countenance. The sultan drew
near and saluted him; the young man returned his salutation, by an
inclination of his head, not being able to rise, at the same time
saying: "My lord, I should rise to receive you, but am hindered by sad
necessity, and therefore hope you will not be offended." "My lord,"
replied the sultan, "I am much obliged to you for having so good an
opinion of me: as to the reason of your not rising, whatever your
apology be, I heartily accept it. Being drawn hither by your complaints,
and afflicted by your grief, I come to offer you my help. I flatter
myself that you will relate to me the history of your misfortunes; but
inform me first of the meaning of the lake near the palace, where the
fish are of four colours; whose castle is this; how you came to be here;
and why you are alone."

Instead of answering these questions, the young man began to weep
bitterly. "How inconstant is fortune!" cried he; "she takes pleasure to
pull down those