"
So saying, he spread it on the terrace beneath an ottoman that had
been brought forth for the princess; then seating himself at her feet-
"Who," said he, "shall counteract what is written in the book of
fate? Behold the prediction of the astrologers verified. Know, O king,
that your daughter and I long have loved each other in secret.
Behold in me the Pilgrim of Love!"
These words were scarcely from his lips, when the carpet rose in the
air, bearing off the prince and princess. The king and the
physicians gazed after it with open mouths and straining eyes until it
became a little speck on the white bosom of a cloud, and then
disappeared in the blue vault of heaven.
The king in a rage summoned his treasurer. "How is this," said he,
"that thou hast suffered an infidel to get possession of such a
talisman?"
"Alas, sir, we knew not its nature, nor could we decipher the
inscription of the box. If it be indeed the carpet of the throne of
the wise Solomon, it is possessed of magic power, and can transport
its owner from place to place through the air."
The king assembled a mighty army, and set off for Granada in pursuit
of the fugitives. His march was long and toilsome. Encamping in the
Vega, he sent a herald to demand restitution of his daughter. The king
himself came forth with all his court to meet him. In the king he
beheld the real minstrel, for Ahmed had succeeded to the throne on the
death of his father, and the beautiful Aldegonda was his sultana.
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