And they replied, “This river, O princess, divides the territory of Tartary from China, and it is called the river of the Black Dragon.”
“Then is the prophecy fulfilled,” cried the pearl beyond price. “It is my destiny; and destiny who shall resist?”
She raised up her arms to heaven, and uttering a loud shriek at her unhappy fate, she plunged headlong into the boiling waters and disappeared for ever.
Thus was the prophecy fulfilled. The brother of the sun and moon had wed—beauty had been laid at the golden feet—the pearl beyond price had been found and lost. There had been joy and there had been sorrow in life—and sorrow in death. The Black Dragon had proved the foe to the celestial empire, for it had swallowed up the pearl beyond all price.
Ti-tum, ti-tum, tilly-lilly, tilly-lilly, ti-tum, ti.
The twang of the rude instrument awoke the pacha, who had been fast asleep for some time.
“Is it finished, Mustapha?” said he, rubbing his eyes.
“Yes, your highness; and the destiny foretold was truly accomplished.”
“Bismillah! but I’m glad of it. Before he had whined ten minutes, I foretold that I should go to sleep. My destiny has also been accomplished.”
“Will your highness foretell the destiny of this dog with two tails?”