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 the sultan than break the brotherly union we have sworn to each other. You judged right that if you had once gone, you would by degrees have decided to leave me, to devote yourselves to him. But do you think it an easy matter absolutely to refuse the sultan what he seems so earnestly to desire? Sultans will be obeyed, and it may be dangerous to oppose them; therefore, if I were to dissuade you from showing the assent he expects from you, it might expose you to his resentment, and might render myself and you miserable. This is what I think: but before we decide on anything, let us consult the speaking bird, and hear what he says; he is wise, and has promised his assistance in all difficulties.'

The Princess Parizade sent for the cage, and after she had related the fact to the bird in the presence of her brothers, she asked him what they should do in their perplexity. The bird answered, 'The princes, your brothers, must conform to the sultan's pleasure, and in their turn invite him to come and see your house.'

'But, bird,' replied the princess, 'my brothers and I love one another, and our friendship is unparalleled. Will not this step be injurious to that friendship?'

'Not at all,' replied the bird; 'it will become stronger.'

'Then,' answered the princess, 'the sultan will see me.' The bird told her it was necessary that he should see her, and that everything would go better afterwards.

Next morning the princes met the sultan hunting, who asked them if they had remembered to speak to their sister. Prince Bahman drew near, and answered, 'Sir, your majesty may dispose of us as you please; we are ready to obey you; for we have not only obtained our sister's consent with great ease, but she took it amiss that we should pay her such deference in a matter wherein our duty to your majesty was concerned. But she is so deserving of it that, if we have offended, we hope you will pardon us.'

'Do not be uneasy upon that account,' replied the sultan; 'so far from taking amiss what you have done, I approve of it, and hope you will feel the same deference and attachment to me, if I have ever so little share in your friendship.' The princes, confused at the sultan's goodness, returned no other answer than a low bow, to show their great respect.