kened by the call of the
sultan at sun-rise, who was more astonished at the accomplishment
of this labour than the former, though certainly each was equally
difficult. He conducted the prince to his palace, and the day was
spent in the highest festivity.

At the approach of night the prince was conducted to his third
task, which was to complete and fit up before daylight from a
vast mass of planks of the choicest timber ready stored the
doors, windows, and balconies of an unfinished palace, much
larger than that which the sultan inhabited. The prince at the
apprehension of the consequences of failure was somewhat alarmed;
but the recollection of his former aids supported him, and after
offering up his devotions he sat down, composedly waiting for the
decision of Providence on his fate. His resignation was accepted,
for at midnight he was roused from his contemplations by the
sounds of sawing, planing, hammering, nailing, and the songs of
happy work-men. Looking up he perceived his friends of the iron
mountains; who, all saluting him, cried out, "Prince, set your
heart at rest, for we are come to repay you for your hospitable
feast." Before daylight the palace was fitted up in a manner more
elegant than can be described, and every door, window, and
balcony painted with the most brilliant colours, flowered with
silver and gold. The grateful labourers of the iron mountains
having finished their work, respectfully saluted the prince and
departed.

The prince having taken a grateful leave of his useful friends, walked
through the palace, and was eagerly employed in admiring its elegance
and the magnificence of their finishing hand, when the sultan Amir bin
Naomaun, who from his apartments at sun-rise had observed the
miraculous completion, appeared, having hastened to examine the superb
workmanship, and to congratulate his son-in-law, for as such he now
acknowledged him, and as the favoured of Allah, and of the last of
prophets. He conducted the prince to the palace, and the most
magnificent preparations being made, the nuptials with his daughter
were celebrated in the new edifice, where the bride and bridegroom
enjoyed themselves for three months, at the expiration of which the
prince begged permission to return to his father's dominions, which he
reached just in time to release him from the attack of an inimical
sultan, who had invaded the country, and laid close siege to his
capital. His father received him with raptu