ade all possible
inquiry, but to no purpose. The sultan has forty-nine other sons, all by
different mothers, but not one of them has virtue enough to comfort him
for the death of Codadad; I say, his death, because it is impossible he
should be still alive, since no intelligence has been heard of him,
notwithstanding so much search has been made."

The surgeon, having heard this account from the host, concluded that the
best course the princess of Deryabar could take was to wait upon
Pirouze; but that step required much precaution: for it was to be feared
that if the sultan of Harran's sons should happen to hear of the arrival
of their sister-in-law and her design, they might cause her to be
conveyed away before she could discover herself. The surgeon weighed all
these circumstances, and therefore, that he might manage matters with
discretion, desired the princess to remain in the caravanserai, whilst
he repaired to the palace, to observe which might be the safest way to
conduct her to Pirouze.

He went accordingly into the city, and was walking toward the palace,
when he beheld a lady mounted on a mule richly accoutred. She was
followed by several ladies mounted also on mules, with a great number of
guards and black slaves. All the people formed a lane to see her pass
along, and saluted her by prostrating themselves on the ground. The
surgeon paid her the same respect, and then asked a calendar, who
happened to stand by him, whether that lady was one of the sultan's
wives. "Yes, brother," answered the calendar, "she is, and the most
honoured and beloved by the people, because she is the mother of Prince
Codadad, of whom you must have heard."

The surgeon asked no more questions, but followed Pirouze to a mosque,
into which she went to distribute alms, and assist at the public prayers
which the sultan had ordered to be offered up for the safe return of
Codadad. The surgeon broke through the throng and advanced to Pirouze's
guards. He waited the conclusion of the prayers, and when the princess
went out, stepped up to one of her slaves, and whispered him in the ear:
"Brother, I have a secret of moment to impart to the Princess Pirouze:
may not I be introduced into her apartment?" "If that secret," answered
the slave, "relates to Prince Codadad I dare promise you shall have
audience of her; but if it concern not him, it is needless for you to be
introduced; for her thoughts are all engrossed by her son." "It is only
abou