while he with his principal officers went in. The dervishes received him with profound respect.
The sultan called their chief aside, and said, “Good Sheik, you may know the cause of my visit.” “Yes, Sire,” he answered gravely, “if I do not mistake, it is the disease of the princess which procures me this unmerited honor.” “That is the case,” replied the sultan. “You will give me new life if your prayers restore my daughter’s health.” “Sire,” said the good man, “if your majesty will be pleased to let her come hither, I am in hopes, through God’s assistance and favor, that she will be effectually cured.”
The prince sent immediately for his daughter, who soon appeared with a numerous train of ladies and attendants, veiled, so that her face was not seen. The chief of the dervishes placed a lighted brazier before the princess and caused a carpet to be held over her head, and he had no sooner thrown the seven hairs upon the burning coals, than the genie uttered a great cry and, without being seen, left the princess at liberty; upon which she took the veil from her face, and rose up to see where she was, saying, “Where am I, and who brought me hither?” At these words, the sultan, overcome with excess of joy, embraced his daughter and kissed her eyes; he also kissed the sheik’s hands, and said to his officers, “What reward does he deserve that has thus cured my daughter?” They all cried, “He deserves her in marriage.” “That is what I had in my thoughts,” said the sultan; “and I make him
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