art."

The princess did all she could to dissuade Prince Perviz, conjuring him
not to expose her to the danger of losing two brothers; but he was
obstinate, and all the remonstrances she could urge had no effect upon
him. Before he went, that she might know what success he had, he left
her a string of a hundred pearls, telling her that if they would not run
when she should count them upon the string, but remain fixed, that would
be a certain sign he had undergone the same fate as his brother; but at
the same time told her he hoped it would never happen, but that he
should have the delight of seeing her again.

Prince Perviz, on the twentieth day after his departure, met the same
dervish in the same place as his brother Bahman had done before him. He
went directly up to him, and after he had saluted, asked him if he
could tell him where to find the Talking Bird, the Singing Tree, and the
Golden Water. The dervish urged the same remonstrances as he had done to
Prince Bahman, telling him that a young gentleman, who very much
resembled him, was with him a short time before; that, overcome by his
importunity, he had shown him the way, given him a guide, and told him
how he should act to succeed, but that he had not seen him since, and
doubted not but he had shared the same fate as all other adventurers.

"Good dervish," answered Prince Perviz, "I know whom you speak of; he
was my elder brother, and I am informed of the certainty of his death,
but know not the cause." "I can tell you," replied the dervish; "he was
changed into a black stone, as all I speak of have been; and you must
expect the same transformation, unless you observe more exactly than he
has done the advice I gave him, in case you persist in your resolution,
which I once more entreat you to renounce."

"Dervish," said Prince Perviz, "I cannot sufficiently express how much I
am obliged for the concern you take in my life, who am a stranger to
you, and have done nothing to deserve your kindness; but I thoroughly
considered this enterprise before I undertook it; therefore I beg of you
to do me the same favour you have done my brother. Perhaps I may have
better success in following your directions." "Since I cannot prevail
with you," said the dervish, "to give up your obstinate resolution, if
my age did not prevent me, and I could stand, I would get up to reach
you a bowl I have here, which will show you the way."

Without giving the dervish time to say more,