But the prince cared for the maiden. Pearls were of no account to one in his frame of mind. “Calm yourself, mother dear and honored!” he said. “It was but an evidence of girlish waywardness. It proves how unworldly is this maiden. Do [[223]]not be offended, I beseech you! Remember! I am your son!”
All that night he lay, or walked the room, sleepless, and when morning came went to the queen in a most humble and beseeching manner. “Reverend and, indeed, beloved mother! I have here a most holy book. If you will deign to comfort my heart by taking this to the maiden, I trust that its sacredness will insure more reasonable action from her.”
Truth to say, the womanish curiosity of the queen was aroused. Without at all suspecting it of herself, she had become interested in this very surprising young person, and, consequently, persuaded herself to set off again, with her minister of state, to the house of their neighbor across the way.
At this visit the young princess, herself, came down the stairs to greet and escort the royal visitor into her drawing room. This surprised and gratified the queen, who, straightway, put her hand into her bosom and drew forth the Holy Book. It was received with reverence, kissed three times, and laid carefully away.
At this the queen was emboldened to press the suit of her son. “O, my dear young maiden!” she said, “since seeing you, my son, the prince, neither sleeps by night nor rests by day, for thinking upon [[224]]you. If he continues to be affected in this way, his days are numbered. Whatever happens, his fate rests with you. Will you kindly show your face to him once more and permit a little joy to come into his soul?”
When she had spoken thus the one addressed answered: “For no ordinary matter will I permit myself to be looked upon by the prince.”
“Ai, my child!” urged the queen, “order whatever pleases you. If it be possible, it shall be accomplished.”
“Verily,” was the reply, after long and slow thought, “let the prince have a golden bridge builded, with roses planted upon either side. Let him provide a seat at the farther end, in which, if he await me, I will come to him there.”
“Very well, my daughter, I will report your decision,” answered the queen. Then she returned, and, upon meeting her son, said to him:
“Of a truth, the sphinx has broken silence. But her demands are most extraordinary. If you would see her, you are to build a golden bridge, plant roses upon either side, prepare a seat for yourself at the farther end, from which, if you will await her there, she will permit you to gaze upon her. Now it is for you to say, my son, whether this extravagant request of one who came to our shores in a ship [[225]]incrusted with diamonds shall be granted. There’s no divining her next demand.”