Page:Tales from the Alhambra (IA talesfromalhamb00irvi).pdf/97

Legend of Prince Ahmed al Kamel The court physicians looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders, and smiled.

"This carpet," said the prince, "once covered the throne of Solomon. It is worthy of being placed beneath the feet of beauty."'

So saving, he spread it on the terrace beneath an ottoman that had been brought to the princess — then seating himself at her feet:

"Who," said he, "shall counteract what is written in the book of fate? Behold the prediction of the astrologers verified. Know, O king, that your daughter and I have long loved each other in secret."

These words were scarcely said when the carpet rose in the air, bearing off the prince and princess. The king and the physicians gazed after it with open mouths and straining eyes until it became a little speck, and then disappeared in the blue vault of Heaven.

The king in a rage summoned his treasurer. 81