honoured the sultan his father, felt a great desire to know how he
was; and as that desire could not be satisfied without his
absenting himself to go and hear it in person, he mentioned it to
the fairy, and desired she would give him leave.

This discourse alarmed the fairy, and made her fear it was only an
excuse to leave her.

'My queen,' replied the prince, 'if you are offended at the leave I
asked, I entreat you to forgive me, and I will make all the
reparation I can. I did not do it with any intention of displeasing
you, but from a motive of respect towards my father, whom I wish to
free from the affliction in which my long absence must have
overwhelmed him; indeed I have reason to think he believes me
dead.'

'Prince,' said she, 'I am so fully convinced that I can depend upon
your sincerity, that I grant you leave to go, on condition that
your absence shall not be long.'

Prince Ahmed would have thrown himself at the fairy's feet, to show
his gratitude; but she prevented him.

'Prince,' said she, 'go when you please; but first do not take it
amiss if I give you some advice how you shall conduct yourself
where you are going. First, I do not think it proper for you to
tell the sultan your father of our marriage, nor what I am, nor the
place where you are settled. Beg him to be satisfied with knowing
that you are happy, and that you desire no more; and let him know
that the sole end of your visit is to make him easy about your