Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/243

PRINCE ZEYN ALASNAM              227 gate, which a slave opened and demanded, "What is it you want, and who are you?"

"I am a stranger," answered the prince, "and having heard much of the lord Mobarec's generosity, am come to take up my lodging with him."

The slave desired Zeyn to wait while he went to acquaint his master, who ordered him to request the stranger to walk in. The slave returned to the gate and told the prince he was welcome.

Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered a hall magnificently furnished, where Mobarec received him very courteously, returning thanks for the honor he did him in accepting a lodging in his house. The prince, having answered his compliment, said to Mobarec, "I am the son of the late Sultan of Bussorah, and my name is Zeyn Alasnam."

"That sovereign," said Mobarec, "was formerly my master; but I never knew he had any children. What is your age?"

"I am twenty years old," answered the sultan. "How long is it since you left my father's court?"

"Almost two-and-twenty years," replied