the mountain.

When I found myself on the ground I cut the skin with the knife, and
throwing it off, the roc at the sight of me flew away. This roc is a
white bird of a monstrous size; his strength is such that he can lift
up elephants from the plains, and carry them to the tops of mountains,
where he feeds upon them.

Being impatient to reach the palace, I lost no time, but made so much
haste that I got thither in half a day's journey; and I must say that
I found it surpassed the description they had given me of its
magnificence.

The gate being open, I entered a square court, so large that there
were around it ninety-nine gates of sandalwood and wood of aloes, and
one of gold, without reckoning those of several superb staircases
that led to apartments above, besides many more which I could not see.

I saw a door standing open just before me, through which I entered
into a large hall. Here I found forty young women, of such perfect
beauty as imagination could not surpass; they were all most
sumptuously appareled. As soon as they saw me they arose, and without
waiting my salutations, said to me, with tones of joy, "Welcome!
welcome! We have long expected you. You are at present our lord,
master, and judge, and we are your slaves, ready to obey your
commands."

After these words were spoken, these ladies vied with each other in
their eager solicitude to do me all possible service. One brought hot
water to wash my feet; a second poured sweet-scented water on my
hands; others brought me all kinds of necessaries and change of
apparel; others again brought in a magnificent collation; and the rest
came, with glasses in their hands, to pour me delicious wines, all in
good order, and in the most charming manner possible. Some of the
ladies brought in musical instruments, and sang most delightful songs;
while others danced before me, two and two, with admirable grace. In
short, honored madam, I must tell you that I passed a whole year of
most pleasurable life with these forty ladies. At the end of that time
I was greatly surprised to see these ladies with great sorrow
impressed upon their countenances, and to hear them all say, "Adieu,
dear prince, adieu! For we must leave you."

After they had spoken these words, they began to weep bitterly.

"My dear ladies," said I, "have the kindness not to keep me any longer
in suspense. Tell me the cause of your sorrow."

"Well," said one of them, "to satisfy you, we must acquai