"For a moment the Prince paused in dread; then he took courage and said humbly,
"'Is this the fountain of youth?' As he ceased the angel murmured, 'Out of death cometh all life,' and solemnly struck the skull with her wand. Instantly a purple liquid gushed from under the skull and floated in slow spirals upward through the still water.
"With a bound the Prince knelt at the skull, filled his flask and turned away in haste, for already the purple color was tinting the whole sea about him, and he remembered well the mermaid's warning.
"Three days after this Ali reached the court of King Omar. To his great joy he found the court sitting, and the King on his throne.
"So splendid was Prince Ali's dress and so noble his air that no one stopped him, and he entered freely and unquestioned. Before him sat the King his uncle. He was very old, but still vigourous enough to live for many years beyond the common span of human life.
"Ali listened while the Muftis read aloud the promise of the King that whosoever brought the cup of water from the fountain of youth should marry the Princess Jessalie.
"No sooner had they ended than Ali bowed before the throne.
"'Oh King!' said he, 'I am the Prince Ali, thy nephew, whom you would have slain. I have brought to you here a cup of the water of the fountain of youth, Drink, but read first what words have come on the flask since I filled it at the fountain. Drink then if you will, and give me the Princess, for by my sword this is water of the fountain of youth and none other.'
"'Ha!' said the King, 'Give it to me!' and tottering he arose and descending a few steps seized the flask. Then he tore from it the silver cover with which the Prince had sealed it.