he sea also, but that the pirate held
me. He saw my design, and therefore bound me with cords to the
main-mast, then hoisting sail, made toward the land, and got ashore. He
unbound me and led me to a little town, where he bought camels, tents,
and slaves, and then set out for Grand Cairo, designing, as he still
said, to present me to his friend, according to his promise.

"We had been several days upon the road, when, as we were crossing this
plain yesterday, we descried the black who inhabited this castle. At a
distance we took him for a tower, and when near us, could scarcely
believe him to be a man. He drew his huge cimeter, and summoned the
pirate to yield himself prisoner, with all his slaves and the lady he
was conducting. You know the end of this dreadful adventure and can
foresee what would have been my fate had you, generous prince, not come
to my deliverance."

[Illustration]

_As it drew near we saw ten or twelve armed pirates appear on the deck._

As soon as the princess had finished the recital of her adventures,
Codadad declared to her that he was deeply concerned at her misfortunes.
"But, madam," added he, "it shall be your own fault if you do not live
at ease for the future. The sultan of Harran's sons offer you a safe
retreat in the court of their father; be pleased to accept of it, and if
you do not disdain the affection of your deliverer, permit me to assure
you of it, and to espouse you before all these princes; let them be
witnesses to our contract." The princess consented, and the marriage was
concluded that very day in the castle, where they found all sorts of
provisions, with an abundance of delicious wine and other liquors.

They all sat down at table; and after having eaten and drunk
plentifully, took with them the rest of the provisions, and set out for
the sultan of Harran's court. They travelled several days, encamping in
the pleasantest places they could find, and were within one day's
journey of Harran, when Codadad, directing his discourse to all his
company, said: "Princes, I have too long concealed from you who I am.
Behold your brother Codadad! I, as well as you, received my being from
the sultan of Harran, the prince of Samaria brought me up, and the
Princess Pirouze is my mother. Madam," added he, addressing himself to
the princess of Deryabar, "do you also forgive me for having concealed
my birth from you? Perhaps, by discovering it sooner, I might have
prevented some disagreea