His discretion was doomed, however, to be put to still further
proofs. A few mornings afterwards, as he was ruminating on the
battlements of the tower, the dove which had been released by him came
hovering in the air, and alighted fearlessly upon his shoulder.
The prince fondled it to his heart. "Happy bird," said he, "who
can fly, as it were, with the wings of the morning to the uttermost
parts of the earth. Where hast thou been since we parted?"
"In a far country, my prince, whence I bring you tidings in reward
for my liberty. In the wild compass of my flight, which extends over
plain and mountain, as I was soaring in the air, I beheld below me a
delightful garden with all kinds of fruits and flowers. It was in a
green meadow, on the banks of a wandering stream; and in the centre of
the garden was a stately palace. I alighted in one of the bowers to
repose after my weary flight. On the green bank below me was a
youthful princess, in the very sweetness and bloom of her years. She
was surrounded by female attendants, young like herself, who decked
her with garlands and coronets of flowers; but no flower of field or
garden could compare with her for loveliness. Here, however, she
bloomed in secret, for the garden was surrounded by high walls, and no
mortal man was permitted to enter. When I beheld this beauteous
maid, thus young and innocent and unspotted by the world, I thought,
here is the being formed by heaven to inspire my prince with love.
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