, "Besides all this, you must dress an
extraordinary dish to set before the emperor himself. This dish must
be of cucumbers stuffed with these pearls." And at the same time she
opened the box and showed him the pearls.

The chief cook, who had never heard of such a dish, started back, and
could make no reply, but took the box and retired. Afterward the
princess gave directions to all the domestics to have everything in
order, both in house and gardens, to receive the emperor.

Next day the two princes went to the place appointed; and as soon as
the Emperor of Persia arrived the chase began, which lasted till the
heat of the sun obliged him to leave off. While Prince Bahman stayed
to conduct the emperor to their house, Prince Perviz rode before to
show the way, and when he came in sight of the house, spurred his
horse, to inform the Princess Perie-zadeh that the emperor was
approaching; but she had been told by some attendants whom she had
placed to give notice, and the prince found her waiting ready to
receive him.

When the emperor had entered the courtyard, and alighted at the
portico, the princess came and threw herself at his feet.

The emperor stooped to raise her, and after he had gazed some time on
her beauty, said, "The brothers are worthy of the sister, and she is
worthy of them. I am not amazed that the brothers would do nothing
without their sister's consent; but," added he, "I hope to be better
acquainted with you, my daughter, after I have seen the house."

The princess led the emperor through all the rooms except the hall;
and after he had considered them very attentively and admired their
variety, "My daughter," said he to the princess, "do you call this a
country house? The finest and largest cities would soon be deserted if
all country houses were like yours. I am no longer surprised that you
take so much delight in it, and despise the town. Now let me see the
garden, which I doubt not is answerable to the house."

The princess opened a door which led into the garden; and conducted
him to the spot where the harmonious tree was planted, and there the
emperor heard a concert, different from all he had ever heard before.
Stopping to see where the musicians were, he could discern nobody far
or near, but still distinctly heard the music, which ravished his
senses. "My daughter," said he to the princess, "where are the
musicians whom I hear? Are they underground, or invisible in the air?
Such excellent