When the ship was well under way, the princess herself assumed command. The captain—who was a wise old seaman—obeyed her joyfully, and was pleased when all the slaves and maidens of her suite were drilled like soldiers.
At last they reached Yemen—for, as you may guess, that was their destination—and entering the harbor they cast anchor and remained there that night.
The director of the port was notified of their arrival. He went out upon the quay to look at the ship. When the magnificent creation met his eyes he exclaimed:
“I am lost in wonder! Whose royal ship is this? Never has one been seen like it. May Allah protect it from the Evil Eye!”
Then he turned and hastened to the palace, where he informed the shah, saying: “My padisha, yesterday a ship arrived in port, of such magnificence that no tongue can describe it. Diamonds and precious stones gleam in every part. Your majesty should gaze upon it—for, indeed, it is fitted only to be seen by the eyes of royalty.”
Then the shah sent his vizier to learn what visitor had come to his kingdom; and the vizier, nothing loath, entered a little boat and was rowed directly to the diamond ship. [[216]]
When the princess saw the boat approach, she caused the entire crew to dress themselves in scarlet clothes, and, as the boat reached the accommodation ladder, they drew up to meet the vizier and escorted him to the captain’s cabin; where he sat down and began to talk very politely.
“O, my lord bey,” said he, “the shah awaits my return. Your servant has come to secure such information as may be granted. Will you deign to give your honored name, that I may convey it to the king?”
“I am the son of a merchant,” answered the princess-captain. “I travel according to my own pleasure, going only where fancy leads.”
After further words, the vizier returned to his king and said: “My padisha, this marvelous ship is a merchant’s vessel, and its captain is so young that he has neither beard nor mustache. He is a youth who is like unto the fourteenth of the moon for beauty; and his crew is in keeping with himself. Everything is perfect. Surely your Royal Highness should visit it.”