Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/197

Rh You ought to put him under arrest; I will not say take away his life, but make him a close prisoner."

This advice all the other councillors unanimously applauded.

The sorceress asked of the sultan leave to speak, which being granted, she said, "If you arrest the prince, you must also detain his retinue. But they are all genii. Will they not at once disappear by the power they possess of rendering themselves invisible, and transport themselves instantly to the fairy, and give her an account of the insult offered her husband? And can it be supposed she will let it go unrevenged? Would it not be better to turn the prince's alliance to your advantage by imposing on him some hard task, which, if he performs, will benefit you, and which, if he cannot perform, may give you an honorable pretext for your accusations against him? Request the prince to procure you a tent, which can be carried in a man's hand, and yet be large enough to shelter your whole army."

When the sorceress had finished her speech, the sultan asked his councillors if