hness; I will perform [what you desire]
with my life and soul.' On hearing these words, she called for a
_kalam-dan_, wrote a note, put it into a small purse made of pearls,
wrapped the purse in a fine muslin handkerchief, and gave it to me;
she gave me likewise a ring which she took from off her finger, as
a mark [by which I might make myself known]; she then said to me,
'On the opposite side [of the city] is a large garden, its name is
_Dil-kusha_, or "Delight of the Heart." Go you there. A person named
_Kaikhusru_ is the superintendent [of the garden]; deliver into his
hands the ring, and bless him for me, and ask a reply to this note,
but return quick, as if you ate your dinner there and drank your
wine here; [370] you will see what a reward I shall give you for this
service.' I took my leave, and went along inquiring my way. When I had
gone about two _/kos_, I saw the garden. When I reached it, an armed
man seized me, and led me into the garden gate. I saw there a young
man with the looks of a lion; he was seated on a stool of gold, with
an air of state and dignity, having on an armour [forged] by _Da,ud_,
[371] with breast plates, and a steel helmet. Five hundred young men,
holding each in his hands a shield and sword, and equipped with bows
and arrows, were drawn up in a line, and ready [to execute his orders].

"I made him my _salam_, and he called me to him; I delivered him the
ring, and, paying him many compliments, I showed him the handkerchief,
and mentioned also the circumstance of having brought him a note. The
moment he heard me, he bit his finger with his teeth, and slapping his
head, he said, 'Perhaps your evil destiny hath brought you here. Well,
enter the garden; an iron cage hangs on a cypress tree, in which
a young man is confined; give him this note, receive his answer,
and return quickly.' I immediately entered the garden; what a garden
it was! you might say that I had entered alive into Paradise. Every
individual parterre bloomed with variegated flowers; the fountains
were playing, and the birds were warbling [on the trees]. I went
straight on, and saw the cage suspended from the tree, in which I
perceived a very handsome young man. I bent my head with respect,
and saluted him, and gave him the sealed and enveloped note through
the bars of the cage. That young man opened the note and read it,
and inquired of me about the princess with great affection.

"We had not yet done speaking, when an army