more capable of enlivening
the mind than music, you shall hear a vocal and instrumental concert
which may not be disagreeable to you."

The emperor had no sooner spoken than the musicians, who had orders to
attend, entered, and answered fully the expectations the princes had
been led to entertain of their abilities. After the concerts, an
excellent farce was acted, and the entertainment was concluded by
dancers of both sexes.

The two princes, seeing night approach, prostrated themselves at the
emperor's feet; and having first thanked him for the favours and honours
he had heaped upon them, asked his permission to retire; which was
granted by the emperor, who, in dismissing them, said: "I give you leave
to go; but remember, you will be always welcome, and the oftener you
come the greater pleasure you will do me."

Before they went out of the emperor's presence, Prince Bahman said:
"Sir, may we presume to request that your majesty will do us and our
sister the honour to pass by our house, and refresh yourself after your
fatigue, the first time you take the diversion of hunting in that
neighbourhood? It is not worthy of your presence; but monarchs sometimes
have vouchsafed to take shelter in a cottage." "My children," replied
the emperor, "your house cannot be otherwise than beautiful and worthy
of its owners. I will call and see it with pleasure, which will be the
greater for having for my hosts you and your sister, who is already dear
to me from the account you give me of the rare qualities with which she
is endowed: and this satisfaction I will defer no longer than to-morrow.
Early in the morning I will be at the place where I shall never forget
that I first saw you. Meet me, and you shall be my guides."

When the Princes Bahman and Perviz had returned home, they gave the
princess an account of the distinguished reception the emperor had given
them, and told her that they had invited him to do them the honour, as
he passed by, to call at their house, and that he had appointed the next
day.

"If it be so," replied the princess, "we must think of preparing a
repast fit for his majesty; and for that purpose I think it would be
proper we should consult the Talking Bird, who will tell us, perhaps,
what meats the emperor likes best." The princes approved of her plan,
and after they had retired she consulted the Bird alone. "Bird," said
she, "the emperor will do us the honour to-morrow to come and see our
house, and we