stairs. The
scoundrel contrived to come into my presence again under another
form; and once, when I wished to take some refreshments in the
garden, he brought to me, in the disguise of a slave, a potion which
transformed me into this horrible shape. As I was powerless from
fright, he brought me hither, and cried with a terrible voice into
my ear,--"

"Here shalt thou remain, ugly and despised even by the beasts, until
thy death; or until some one of his own accord shall desire to marry
thee, even in this vile shape. Thus I revenge myself on thee and thy
proud father."

"Since then, many months have elapsed. Solitary and sad, I live as a
hermit in these walls, despised by the whole world, disgusting even
to the beasts; the beauties of nature are shut from me, since I am
blind by day, and, only when the moon pours her pale light over
these walls, does the veil of darkness fall from my eyes."

She ended, and wiped her tears again with her wing, for the
narration of her sorrows had caused her to weep.

The caliph pondered deeply on the story of the princess. "If I am
not entirely in error," said he, "there is a secret connection
between our misfortunes; but where shall I find the key to this
riddle?"

The owl answered, "Sir, I have also the same feeling; for it was
prophesied to me, in my earliest youth, by a wise woman, that a
stork would bring me great good luck; and perhaps I can tell in what
manner we may deliver ourselves."

The caliph was much amazed, and asked in what manner she meant. "The
enchanter," said she, "who has rendered us both unhappy, comes once
every month to these ruins. Not far from this chamber, there is a
hall in which he is accustomed to revel with many comrades; I have
often watched them there. They relate to each other their villanous
deeds, and perhaps he may pronounce the magic word which you
have forgotten."

"O dearest Princess," exclaimed the caliph, "tell me when will he
come, and where is the hall?"

The owl was silent for a moment, and then said,--

"Do not take it ill, but I can fulfil your wish only on one
condition."

"What is it? what is it?" cried Chasid; "whatever you please; I will
agree to any thing."

"Why, I should like to obtain my own liberty also; but this is
possible only on condition that one of you shall marry me."

The storks seemed somewhat embarrassed by this proposal, and the
caliph motioned to his officer to go out with him a moment.

"Grand Vizier,