Page:Swahili tales.djvu/375

Rh "And I said, 'I am a dead man.' And I went through the forest many days. And I came out upon a single house, and I saw an old man in the house, and he gave me food and water, and I was comforted.

"And I remained there, and he loved me as his son. And he gave me all the keys of the house, and said to me, 'Open whatever you like, except this one chamber; open it not.' And I said, 'Very well, father.'

"And I stayed, and he went out travelling, and I opened it, and saw a large garden and a stream flowing. All at once three birds came, and settled there by the stream. Immediately they were changed into people, and bathed in the river, and they were three most beautiful women. And I looked at them till, when they had finished bathing, they put on their clothes, and flew away.

"And I returned, and locked the door, and could not eat anything. When my father came, he asked me, 'What is the matter with you?' And I said, 'I went into the garden, and I saw three women; they were come to bathe; they did so, and flew away, and one of them I love exceedingly; I want to marry her; if I have her not I shall die.'

"And he said to me, 'They are not to be had; they are the children of a Sultan of the genii, and their home is far away, a journey of three years.' And I said to him, 'I know not; you must get her for me.' And he said, 'Wait this time, and when they come to bathe hide yourself, and take the clothes of the one you love so much.'

"And I went and waited, till when they came and took off their clothes, I took them and hid them. And she was the youngest of them, and her name was Seyedati Shems. And when they came out, her sisters put on their clothes, and she looked for hers without finding