"Well," said the other, smiling, "one must expose one's self to many perils when one desires to save the son of a friend. Go to my summer residence, where you will be safe from the clutches of the law. I will come to you from time to time, and keep you company, and if ever misfortune happens to you it will likewise fall on me."
At this the merchant of Bagdad opened his arms and pressed to his heart the devoted friend, thanking him for his generous offers, and relating to him the simple artifice by which he had taught his son how rare true friendship is in this world.
XI
A CHILD OF THE ROSES
Once upon a time there was a King who had three daughters as beautiful as the stars that shine in the skies, and as different in their beauty. One day the King was sitting on his gorgeous throne, and he called his children, and said:
"I love you all better than I do my life. Now tell me in turn the nature of the affection you feel for me. According to your answer I shall give each of you the husband that you deserve. The eldest approached, and said:
"I love you better than I do my golden hair and my blue eyes, and I would do anything in the world to be agreeable to you."