ented him, advising rather that she be sent to Samaria, to
her brother, Sultan Samer, with orders that she be well treated.

Not long after Pirouze had been retired to her brother's country, a most
beautiful prince was born to her. The prince of Samaria wrote
immediately to the sultan of Harran, to acquaint him with the birth of a
son, and to congratulate him on the occasion. The sultan was much
rejoiced at this intelligence, and answered Prince Samer as follows:
"Cousin, all my other wives have each presented me with a prince. I
desire you to educate the child of Pirouze, to give him the name of
Codadad, and to send him to me when I may apply for him."

The prince of Samaria spared nothing that might improve the education of
his nephew. He taught him to ride, draw the bow, and all other
accomplishments becoming the son of a sovereign; so that Codadad, at
eighteen years of age, was looked upon as a prodigy. The young prince,
being inspired with a courage worthy his birth, said one day to his
mother: "Madam, I begin to grow weary of Samaria; I feel a passion for
glory; give me leave to seek it amidst the perils of war. My father the
sultan of Harran has many enemies. Why does he not call me to his
assistance? Must I spend my life in sloth, when all my brothers have the
happiness to be fighting by his side?" "My son," answered Pirouze, "I am
no less impatient to have your name become famous; I could wish you had
already signalised yourself against your father's enemies; but we must
wait till he requires it." "No, madam," replied Codadad, "I have already
waited too long. I burn to see the sultan, and am tempted to offer him
my service, as a young stranger: no doubt but he will accept of it, and
I will not discover myself till I have performed some glorious actions."
Pirouze approved of his generous resolutions, and Codadad departed from
Samaria, as if he had been going to the chase, without acquainting
Prince Samer, lest he should thwart his design.

He was mounted on a white charger, who had a bit and shoes of gold, his
housing was of blue satin embroidered with pearls; the hilt of his
cimeter was of one single diamond, and the scabbard of sandalwood,
adorned with emeralds and rubies, and on his shoulder he carried his bow
and quiver. In this equipage, which greatly set off his handsome
person, he arrived at the city of Harran, and soon found means to offer
his service to the sultan; who being charmed with his beauty, an