The princess remained in the same posture some time without answering,
but at last lifted up her eyes to look at her brothers, and then held
them down again, telling them nothing disturbed her.

"Sister," said Prince Bahman, "you conceal the truth from us; there must
be something of consequence. It is impossible we could observe so sudden
a change if nothing was the matter with you. You would not have us
satisfied with the evasive answer you have given; do not conceal
anything, unless you would have us suspect that you renounce the strict
union which has hitherto subsisted between us."

The princess, who had not the smallest intention to offend her brothers,
would not suffer them to entertain such a thought, but said: "When I
told you nothing disturbed me, I meant nothing that was of importance to
you, but to me it is of some consequence; and since you press me to tell
you by our strict union and friendship, which are so dear to me, I will.
You think, and I always believed so too, that this house was so complete
that nothing was wanting. But this day I have learned that it lacks
three rarities which would render it so perfect that no country seat in
the world could be compared with it. These three things are the Talking
Bird, the Singing Tree, and the Golden Water." After she had informed
them wherein consisted the excellency of these rarities, "A devout
woman," added she, "has made this discovery to me, told me the place
where they are to be found, and the way thither. Perhaps you may imagine
these things of little consequence; that without these additions our
house will always be thought sufficiently elegant, and that we can do
without them. You may think as you please, but I cannot help telling you
that I am persuaded they are absolutely necessary, and I shall not be
easy without them. Therefore, whether you value them or not, I desire
you to consider what person you may think proper for me to send in
search of the curiosities I have mentioned."

"Sister," replied Prince Bahman, "nothing can concern you in which we
have not an equal interest. It is enough that you desire these things to
oblige us to take the same interest; but if you had not, we feel
ourselves inclined of our own accord and for our own individual
satisfaction. I am persuaded my brother is of the same opinion, and
therefore we ought to undertake this conquest, for the importance and
singularity of the undertaking deserve that name. I will take the