we will depart from this wretched sight into a
different thicket, where we may unmolested bewail our uncommon fates;
for although the enchantress Ulin, to disgrace our former natures, and
to make us the more sensible of our present deformity, obliges us to
meet daily before this horrid spectacle, yet our food is of the fruits
of the earth; for the wicked enchantress has not the power to make us,
even in this deformed habit, do that which is contrary to our human
nature."

While he was speaking another toad came up.

"Here," continued the first, "is another of our brethren, and another
will soon be here: we were three before you came among us.--Where, O
Princess, is the last victim of Ulin's rage?" said he to the second.

"He was basking," answered the second, "in the sand; but I aroused
him, and he is now on his way."

In a few minutes the third arrived. As soon as he had beheld the
mangled body, and, the attraction ceased, the first leading the way,
they departed into another thicket.

"Here," said the first, "O stranger, we may rest securely, and the
serpent cannot annoy us, for we are seated under the shade of the
fragrant cinnamon."

"We are obliged to you for your care of us," said Misnar; "but I am
eager to hear the cause of your transformation."

THE HISTORY OF MAHOUD.

I am (replied the toad) the son of a jeweller in Delhi, and my name is
Mahoud. My father, after a life of industry and parsimony, finding
himself declining, sent for me, and on his death-bed said, "O Mahoud,
my days have been the days of care, but success hath attended them. I
have toiled, that thou mayest reap; sown, that thou mayest gather; and
laboured, that my son may enjoy the fruits of my industry. My peace
and comfort have been sacrificed to thine; and now I die, assured that
my beloved Mahoud will not be pinched by poverty or oppressed by
penury and want."

Thus said my aged father, and expired, and my tears accompanied his
departing spirit; but these soon gave place to that ardent curiosity
which drove me to explore the riches he had left me.

I opened box after box with silent rapture, and was pleased to find
wealth sufficient to satisfy even the appetite of youth. Many diamonds
were among my father's wealth, besides large quantities of gold and
silver; so that, in my youthful judgment, there appeared no end to my
riches.

It was not wonderful that, being so suddenly put in possession of
these riches, I should seek eve