Page:Fairy tales from the Arabian nights.djvu/303

 way, and am in search of the speaking bird, the singing tree, and the yellow water; I know these three things are not far from here, but cannot tell exactly where they are to be found; if you know, I beg you to show me the way, that I may not lose my labour after so long a journey.'

While the prince was speaking he observed that the dervish changed countenance, looked very serious, and remained silent; which compelled him to say, 'Good father, I fancy you heard me; tell me whether you know what I ask, that I may not lose my time, and have to go and learn for myself somewhere else.'

At last the dervish broke silence. 'Sir,' said he to Prince Bahman, 'I know the way you ask, but the friendship which I felt for you the first moment I saw you, and which has grown stronger from the service you have done me, kept me in suspense as to whether I should tell you what you desire.'

'What can hinder you?' replied the prince; 'and what difficulty do you find in doing so?'

'I will tell you,' replied the dervish. 'The danger to which you are going to expose yourself is greater than you can believe. A great number of gentlemen, of as much bravery and courage as you can have, have passed by here, and asked me the same question. Though I had used all my power to persuade them to desist, they would not believe me; at last I yielded, I was compelled to show them the way, and I can assure you they have all perished, and I have never seen one come back again. Therefore, if you have any regard for your life, take my advice: go no further, but return home.'

Prince Bahman persisted in his resolution. 'I believe,' said he to the dervish, 'that your advice is sincere. I am much obliged to you for your kind feeling; but whatever the danger may be, nothing shall make me change my mind: if any one attacks me, I am well armed, and as brave as any one.'

'But they who will attack you are not to be seen,' replied the dervish, 'and there are a great many of them; how will you defend yourself against invisible persons?'

'It is no matter,' answered the prince; 'all you say shall not persuade me to do anything contrary to my duty. Since