tain, 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."

At the same moment the voices ceased.

While Perie-zadeh was pulling the cotton out of her ears the bird said
to her, "Heroic princess, 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 pay an entire submission to all your
commands. I know who you are, for you are not what you seem, and I
will one day tell you more. In the meantime, say what you desire, and
I am ready to obey you."

"Bird," said Perie-zadeh, "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 to the bird, 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 this tree. 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 a fine tree."

The princess went into the wood, and by the harmonious concert she
heard, soon discovered the singing-tree.

When the princess had obtained possession of the branch of the
singing-tree, she returned again to the bird, and said, "Bird, what
you have yet done for me is not sufficient. My two brothers, in their
search for thee, have been transformed into black stones on the side
of the mountain. Tell me how I may obtain their dis-enchantment."

The bird seemed most reluctant to inform the princess on this point;
but on her threatening to take his life, he bade her sprinkle every
stone on her way down the mountain with a little of the water from the
golden fountain. She did so, and every stone she thus touched resumed
the shape of a man or of a horse ready caparisoned. Among these were
her two brothers, Bahman and Perviz, who exchanged with her the most
affectionate embraces.

Having explained to her brothers and the band of noble youths who had
been enchanted in their search after these three wonders, the means of
their recovery, Perie-zadeh placed herself at their head, and bade
them follow her to the old derv