The renown of Mirza soon spread throughout all the neighboring kingdoms, and everyone praised her beauty and marvelled at her riches. The prince of a strange country fell desperately in love with her, and he sent an ambassador to sue for her hand. Mirza consented, and promised to become the wife of the prince as soon as the orange-trees blossomed. The ambassador was delighted, and hastened to announce the joyous news to his master. Magnificent feasts were given at the court of the prince, and soon everything was ready for the wedding.
As soon as the orange-trees bloomed, Mirza started on her journey to the home of the prince, accompanied by the waiting-maid who had served her in her misfortune. On the way, the princess became very hungry, and asked for something to eat. Instead of giving her sweet cakes and luscious fruits, the maid gave her bread that was so salty and so bitter the princess could scarcely swallow it. Soon she was seized with a devouring thirst.
"My good friend," she exclaimed to her maid, "what have you for me to drink?"
"Nothing, my amiable mistress," said the maid.
"What! not even a glass of water?" said the princess.
"No, your majesty."
The princess withstood the thirst as long as she could, and finally said:
"I pray you, my good friend, go and find a stream, and bring me some water to quench my thirst—only a few drops."
At this, the waiting-maid said:
"Alas! we are in a very strange country. Here, water is the dearest of all beverages."