ed in these tales.
The same type of tomb, with its dome or cupola, prevails throughout. A
structure of a similar fashion is celebrated in history as the Taj
Mahal at Agra, erected by the Shah Jehan, in memory of his queen,
Mumtaz Mahal. It stands on a marble terrace over the Jamna, and is
surrounded by extensive gardens. The building itself on the outside is
of white marble, with a high cupola and four minarets. In the center
of the inside is a lofty hall of a circular form under a dome, in the
middle of which is the tomb, inclosed within an open screen of
elaborate tracery formed of marble and mosaics. The materials are
lapis lazuli, jasper, bloodstone, a sort of golden stone (not well
understood), agates, carnelian, jade, and various other stones. A
single flower in the screen contains a hundred stones; "and yet," says
Bishop Heber; "though everything is finished like an ornament for a
drawing-room chimney-piece, the general effect is rather solemn and
impressive than gaudy."--Elphinstone's _India_, p. 528; and _Asiatic
Researches_, Vol. V, p. 434.]

You know the remaining part, madam, and the cause of my having the
honor to be here.

* * * * *

When the second calender had concluded his story, Zobeide, to whom he
had addressed his speech, said, "It is well; you are at liberty": but
instead of departing he also petitioned the lady to show him the same
favor vouchsafed to the first calender, and went and sat down by him.

Then the third calender, knowing it was his turn to speak, addressed
himself, like the others, to Zobeide, and began his history as
follows:

THE HISTORY OF THE THIRD CALENDER

My story, O honorable lady, differs from those you have already heard.
The two princes who have spoken before me have each lost an eye by
events beyond their own control; but I lost mine through my own fault.

My name is Agib. I am the son of a sultan. After his death I took
possession of his dominions, and continued in the city where he had
resided. My kingdom is composed of several fine provinces upon the
mainland, besides a number of valuable islands. My first object was to
visit the provinces. I afterward caused my whole fleet to be fitted
out, and went to my islands to gain the hearts of my subjects by my
presence, and to confirm them in their loyalty. These voyages gave me
some taste for navigation, in which I took so much pleasure that I
resolved to make some discoveries beyond m