feet and told him all the story that she had invented for her parents.
For the heart of a faithful wife does not change even when she
learns that her husband is a rogue.

Then that rascal went without fear into the house of his
father-in-law and bowed low before his feet. And his
father-in-law rejoiced when he saw him and made a great feast
with his relatives, for he said: "My son is delivered alive from the
robbers. Heaven be praised!" Then Treasure enjoyed the wealth of
his father-in-law and lived with his wife Pearl.

Now one night this worst of scoundrels did what I ought not to
repeat, but I will tell it, or my story would be spoiled. Listen, O
Prince. While Pearl lay asleep trusting him, that wretch killed her
in the night, stole all her jewels, and escaped to his own country.
This shows how bad and ungrateful men are.

When the thrush had told her story, the prince smiled and said to
the parrot: "It is your turn now."

Then the parrot said: "Your Majesty, women are cruel and reckless
and bad. To prove it, I will tell you a story. Listen."

There is a city called Joyful, where lived a prince of merchants
named Virtue, who owned millions of money. He had a daughter
named Fortune, peerless in beauty, dearer to him than life. And she
was given in marriage to a merchant's son from Copper City,
whose name was Ocean. He was her equal in wealth, beauty, and
family; a delight to the eyes of men.