n of _Iram_, [404]
and from mountains and islands, (to call whom the fairies had been
dispatched) all arrived at the court [of _Shah Bal_]. In the first
place, _Maliki Sadik_ was ordered to produce the human creature
he had in his possession; he was much vexed at it, and sad, but
having no remedy, he produced the rosy-cheeked fair one [the blind
man's daughter]. Next, he demanded of the king of _'Umman_ [405]
the daughter of one of the _jinns_ for whom the prince of _Nimroz_,
the bull rider, went mad; he likewise made many excuses, but produced
her at last. When the daughter of the king of the Franks and _Bihzad
Khan_ were demanded, all present denied having any knowledge of them,
and swore by Solomon [to that effect].

At last, when the king of the sea of _Kulzum_ was asked if he knew
anything of them, he hung down his head, and remained silent. _Malik
Shah Bal_ had a deference for him, and entreated him to give them up,
and gave him hopes of future favour and even threatened him. Then
he also joined his hands together, and said, "Please your majesty,
the particulars of that circumstance are as follows:--When the king
[of Persia] came to the river _Kulzum_ to meet his son, and the
prince from eagerness plunged his horse into the flood, it chanced
that I had gone out that day to roam about and to hunt. I passed by
the place, and the cavalcade stopped to behold the scene. When the
princess's mare carried her also into the stream, my looks met hers,
and I was enchanted, and gave instant orders to the fairy race to
bring her to me, together with the mare. _Bihzad Khan_ plunged in
also after her on horseback; I admired his bravery and gallantry,
and had him seized likewise; I took him with me, and returned home;
so they are both safe, and with me."

Saying this, he sent for them both before _Malik Shah Bal_. Great
search had been made for the daughter of the king of Syria, and strict
inquiries were put to all present, but no one acknowledged having her,
or knowing anything about her. _Malik Shah Bal_ then asked if any king
or chief was absent, and if all were arrived; the _jinns_ answered,
"Mighty sire, all are present except one named _Musalsal Jadu_, who
has erected a fort on the mountain _Kaf_ by the means of magic; he,
from haughtiness, is not come, and we, your majesty's slaves, are not
able to bring him by force; the place is strong, and he himself also
is a great devil."

On hearing this, _Malik Shah Bal_ was ver