We will listen
outside the door, and perhaps you may hear the forgotten word. Then,
when you have resumed human form, one of you can ask to marry me, that
I too may be freed from this wretched enchantment; and the prophecy
that a stork would bring me happiness would be fulfilled."
The Caliph and the Vizier withdrew and consulted over the situation.
"It is unfortunate," said the Caliph, "but if we are to meet again, I
think you will have to ask the screech owl to marry you."
"Not so, your Highness, I already have a wife, and would rather remain
a stork forever than take another; besides, I am an old man, while
you are young and unmarried, and much better suited to a beautiful
Princess."
"That is it," said the Caliph. "How do I know that she will not prove
to be some old fright?" As the Vizier was firm, the Caliph at last
said he would take the chances and do as the screech owl required.
That very night it so happened that the magicians met at the ruined
castle. The screech owl led the two storks through difficult passages
till they came to a hole in the wall, through which they could plainly
see all that transpired in the lighted hall. Handsomely carved pillars
adorned the room, and a table was spread with many dishes.
Pages:
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648