The prince, upon this unexpected kindness of the monstrous simurgh, felt his heart expand like the rose at the waving of the zephyr, and inwardly assured of heavenly protection, related his adven­tures and the object of his present expe­dition. The simurgh replied, “My dear son, although, at the command of all-powerful love, thou hast under­taken a most hazardous affair, yet set thy heart at rest. For this one night fix thy hand on the cords of patience, for, through the divine auspices, thy difficulties shall to-morrow be done away, and thy labour be changed to ease.”

When the eagle of the skies, arising from his heavenly nest, soared through the regions of the firmament, the simurgh, having made the prince and Jaffier seat themselves upon her back, flew with rapidity towards Shunguldeep, and about sun-set descended with them near the capital, where the beautiful object of their search resided. She then presented Ferokh-Faul with a feather from her wing, and desired, that in any peril or danger which might occur, he would cast a small bit of it into a fire, when she would in an instant fly to his assistance on the wings of swiftness, and relieve him from his dilemmas. The prince, having thanked her for her kindness, took leave of the friendly simurgh, who soared out of sight in the twinkling of an eye.

Ferokh-Faul and Jaffier having now disguised themselves in the female apparel, proceeded to the city, bearing under their arms different instruments of music; and as the roses of their cheeks were free from down, and their side-locks and hair long, they appeared so like women, that no suspicion of their sex could arise. Fearless, therefore, of the punishment of the queen, they entered the streets in perfect self-security, and by happy chance came to a square, where were assembled a company of angel-resembling damsels, who appeared as so many hoories amusing themselves in the gardens of Paradise. Wine hav­ing loosened the restraints of bashfulness from their hearts, had immersed them in delight. The two feigned singing-girls joined the crowd, and, after the manner of strolling performers, having uttered a strain of salutation, begged pardon for their intrusion. The com­pany, observing that their dress and man­ner was different from that of their own country, said, “The odour of acquaintance with the garden of your condi­tion greets not our perception, and the roses of your circumstances have not the tinge and glow of our recol­lection. If, then, ye are strangers just arrived at this city, give us some account of your qualities, and tell us your names.”

Ferokh-Faul stepping forth, replied, “I am named Dilpuzzera Jadoonowa,* and this my sister is called Naeeda.* Led by the fame of the munificence and liberality of your august sovereign to foreigners, which extends to the extremities of the world, we formed the sacred vow of pilgrimage to her throne; and having, under the auspices of our lucky stars, overcome the difficulties of a long journey, have but just reached this heavenly city. If permitted, by your indulgence, we will present a specimen of the skill we possess, as an offering of a flower from the garden of performance.”

The company, highly pleased at this address, treated them agreeably to the customs of the hospitable to strangers, and seated them in a respectful manner. The two friends having tuned their tun­boors, sung a love song, which drew forth the plaudits of the assembly; after which they performed on the kanoon, the chung, the duff, and several other instru­ments, with such exquisite skill, as to charm into rapture the whole audience; who, one and all, bursting into exclama­tions of praise, showered pieces of gold and silver at their feet thick as rose leaves falling in the spring.

When the company broke up and retired to their homes, Dilpuzzeera and Naeeda, having fixed themselves in a lodging, congratulated each other on the success of their stratagem.

Early the following morning, a lady named Sunnobir,* who held the office of prime vizier to the queen, and was dis­tinguished for beauty, wit, and accom­plishments, having heard of the arrival of the strange musicians, sent for them to her presence. Regarding the sum­mons as the highest good fortune, they hastened to obey, and without delay repaired to her palace. Their performances so delighted the vizier, that she thought them worthy of being intro­duced to play and sing before the queen; and having presented them with the richest dresses and most valuable orna­ments, took them with her to court. Ferokh-Faul, at sight of the dazzling beauty of the original whose portrait had ensnared his heart, could with diffi­culty preserve himself from fainting, but summoning all his resolution to his aid, he composed his mind, and sang with such passion and sweetness as enraptured the princess; who conferred upon him and Jaffier the most munificent gifts, and commanded them to perform before her twice a week.