concert of different voices and never cease. The
third is the Golden Water, a single drop of which being poured into a
vessel properly prepared, it increases so as to fill it immediately, and
rises up in the middle like a fountain, which continually plays, and yet
the basin never overflows."

"Ah! my good mother," cried the princess, "how much am I obliged to you
for the knowledge of these curiosities! I never before heard there were
such rarities in the world; but as I am persuaded that you know, I
expect that you should do me the favour to inform me where they are to
be found."

"Madam," replied the good woman, "I should be unworthy the hospitality
you have shown me if I should refuse to satisfy your curiosity on that
point, and am glad to have the honour to tell you that these curiosities
are all to be met with in the same spot on the confines of this kingdom,
toward India. The road lies before your house, and whoever you send
needs but follow it for twenty days, and on the twentieth only let him
ask the first person he meets where the Talking Bird, the Singing Tree,
and the Golden Water are, and he will be informed." After saying this,
she rose from her seat, took her leave, and went her way.

The Princess Periezade's thoughts were so taken up with the Talking
Bird, Singing Tree, and Golden Water, that she never perceived the
devout woman's departure, till she wanted to ask her some question for
her better information; for she thought that what she had been told was
not a sufficient reason for exposing herself by undertaking a long
journey. However, she would not send after her visitor, but endeavoured
to remember all the directions, and when she thought she had recollected
every word, took real pleasure in thinking of the satisfaction she
should have if she could get these curiosities into her possession; but
the difficulties she apprehended and the fear of not succeeding made her
very uneasy.

She was absorbed in these thoughts when her brothers returned from
hunting, who, when they entered the great hall, instead of finding her
lively and gay, as she was wont to be, were amazed to see her so pensive
and hanging down her head as if something troubled her.

"Sister," said Prince Bahman, "what is become of all your mirth and
gaiety? Are you not well? or has some misfortune befallen you? Tell us,
that we may know how to act, and give you some relief. If any one has
affronted you, we will resent his insolence."