the voices, to frighten her, crying in a thundering tone,
notwithstanding the smallness of its size: "Retire, fool, and approach
no nearer."

The princess, encouraged by this sight, redoubled her speed, and by
effort gained the summit of the mountain, where the ground was level;
then running directly to the cage and clapping her hand upon it, cried:
"Bird, I have you, and you shall not escape me."

While Periezade was pulling the cotton out of her ears the Bird said to
her: "Heroic princess, be not angry with me for joining with those who
exerted themselves to preserve my liberty. Though in a cage, I was
content with my condition; but since I am destined to be a slave, I
would rather be yours than any other person's, since you have obtained
me so courageously. From this instant, I swear entire submission to all
your commands. I know who you are. You do not; but the time will come
when I shall do you essential service, for which I hope you will think
yourself obliged to me. As a proof of my sincerity, tell me what you
desire and I am ready to obey you."

The princess's joy was the more inexpressible, because the conquest she
had made had cost her the lives of two beloved brothers, and given her
more trouble and danger than she could have imagined. "Bird," said she,
"it was my intention to have told you that I wish for many things which
are of importance, but I am overjoyed that you have shown your goodwill
and prevented me. I have been told that there is not far off a Golden
Water, the property of which is very wonderful; before all things, I ask
you to tell me where it is." The Bird showed her the place, which was
just by, and she went and filled a little silver flagon which she had
brought with her. She returned at once and said: "Bird, this is not
enough; I want also the Singing Tree; tell me where it is." "Turn
about," said the Bird, "and you will see behind you a wood where you
will find the tree." The princess went into the wood, and by the
harmonious concert she heard, soon knew the tree among many others, but
it was very large and high. She came back again and said: "Bird, I have
found the Singing Tree, but I can neither pull it up by the roots nor
carry it." The Bird replied: "It is not necessary that you should take
it up; it will be sufficient to break off a branch and carry it to plant
in your garden; it will take root as soon as it is put into the earth,
and in a little time will grow to as fine a tree as