little lakes, and woods. Birds sang in the trees, which were netted
over to keep them always there.

Still the Sultan saw no one, till he heard a plaintive cry,
and a voice which said, "Oh that I could die, for I am too unhappy
to wish to live any longer!"

The Sultan looked round to discover who it was who thus bemoaned
his fate, and at last saw a handsome young man, richly clothed,
who was sitting on a throne raised slightly from the ground.
His face was very sad.

The sultan approached him and bowed to him. The young man bent
his head very low, but did not rise.

"Sire," he said to the Sultan, "I cannot rise and do you
the reverence that I am sure should be paid to your rank."

"Sir," answered the Sultan, "I am sure you have a good reason
for not doing so, and having heard your cry of distress, I am come
to offer you my help. Whose is this palace, and why is it thus empty?"

Instead of answering the young man lifted up his robe, and showed
the Sultan that, from the waist downwards, he was a block of black marble.

The Sultan was horrified, and begged the young man to tell him
his story.

"Willingly I will tell you my sad history," said the young man.