she gave me to study was the Koran. As soon as I was capable
of understanding it, she explained to me all the passages of this
excellent book, unknown to my father or any other person. She died,
but not before she had perfectly instructed me in the Mussulman
religion. After her death, I persisted in worshiping according to its
directions; and I abhor the adoration of fire.

"About three years and some months ago, a thundering voice was
suddenly sounded so distinctly through the whole city that nobody
could miss hearing it. The words were these: 'Inhabitants, abandon the
worship of fire, and worship the only God who shows mercy.' This voice
was heard three years successively, but no one was converted. On the
last day of that year, at the break of day, all the inhabitants were
changed in an instant into stone, each one in the condition and
posture in which he happened to be. The sultan, my father, and the
queen, my mother, shared the same fate.

"I am the only person who did not suffer under that heavy judgment,
and ever since I have continued to serve God with more fervency than
before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that He has sent you hither for my
comfort, for which I render Him infinite thanks, for I must own that I
have become weary of this solitary life."

On hearing these words, I said, "Prince, who can doubt that Providence
has brought me into your port, to afford you an opportunity of
withdrawing from this dismal place? I am a lady at Bagdad, where I
have considerable property; and I dare engage to promise you sanctuary
there, until the mighty Commander of the Faithful, caliph of our
prophet, whom you acknowledge, shows you the honor that is due to your
merit. This renowned prince lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he is
informed of your arrival in his capital you will find it not in vain
to implore his assistance. Stay no longer in a city where you can
only renew your grief; my vessel is at your service, which you may
absolutely command as you shall think fit." He accepted the offer, and
as soon as it was day we left the palace, and went aboard my ship,
where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves, all much
troubled at my absence. After I had presented my sisters to the
prince, I told them what had hindered my return the day before, how I
had met with the young prince, his story, and the cause of the
desolation of so fine a city.

The seamen were taken up several days in unloading the merchandise I
br