se with the bridle over his neck, and he will stand in the same
place till you return. As you ascend you will see on your right and
left a great number of large black stones, and will hear on all sides a
confusion of voices, which will utter a thousand abuses to discourage
you, and prevent your reaching the summit of the mountain. Be not
afraid; but, above all things, do not turn your head to look behind you,
for in that instant you will be changed into such a black stone as those
you see, which are all youths who have failed in this enterprise. If you
escape the danger of which I give you but a faint idea, and get to the
top of the mountain, you will see a cage, and in that cage is the bird
you seek; ask him which are the Singing Tree and the Golden Water, and
he will tell you. I have nothing more to say; this is what you have to
do, and if you are prudent you will take my advice and not expose your
life. Consider once more while you have time that the difficulties are
almost insuperable."

"I am obliged to you for your advice," replied Prince Bahman, after he
had received the bowl, "but cannot follow it. However, I will endeavour
to conform myself to that part of it which bids me not to look behind
me, and I hope to come and thank you when I have obtained what I am
seeking." After these words, to which the dervish made no other answer
than that he should be overjoyed to see him again, the prince mounted
his horse, took leave of the dervish with a respectful salute, and threw
the bowl before him.

The bowl rolled away with as much swiftness as when Prince Bahman first
hurled it from his hand, which obliged him to put his horse to the same
pace to avoid losing sight of it, and when it had reached the foot of
the mountain it stopped. The prince alighted from his horse, laid the
bridle on his neck, and having first surveyed the mountain and seen the
black stones, began to ascend, but had not gone four steps before he
heard the voices mentioned by the dervish, though he could see nobody.
Some said: "Where is that fool going? Where is he going? What would he
have? Do not let him pass." Others: "Stop him, catch him, kill him:" and
others with a voice like thunder: "Thief! assassin! murderer!" while
some in a gibing tone cried: "No, no, do not hurt him; let the pretty
fellow pass, the cage and bird are kept for him."

Notwithstanding all these troublesome voices, Prince Bahman ascended
with resolution for some time, but the