But the princess, without casting the slightest glance backward, ran until she reached the side of the horse. As soon as she was upon his back, he gave a great bound and was off like the wind, leaving the jinns behind, gnashing their teeth in useless rage.
After a time they two reached the palace, where the princess dismounted, and the instant her feet touched the ground, the beautiful coal-black steed vanished. She then entered the palace and went directly into the presence of the king. [[114]]
His Majesty was surprised at seeing her, and supposed that she had come to say that the foolhardy undertaking had been abandoned. But, instead, after receiving obeisance, these were the words he heard:
“Behold, O, king! I have brought the mirror which you asked of me.”
The king’s amazement was great. He summoned his daughter—who came in, wearing the same brilliant garments—and said to her: “Look! This youth has brought the mirror which you requested!”
For the moment the girl was too amazed to speak. However, quickly recovering herself, she received the mirror, and made still another request for delay, while turning it about in her hands:
“O, my kingly father! I beg you to grant another night’s dreaming; during which I may think upon this strange feat. To-morrow shall my answer be ready.”
“Let it be as you desire,” replied her father. “Take another night in which to think upon the matter.”
Then the king’s daughter withdrew. The seeming youth, also, made obeisance and went out from the king’s audience chamber to hide away from the cooks until evening, when, as before, she stole to the door of the one to whom had been delivered [[115]]the mirror, and renewed her watch of the night previous.
After the golden basin had been placed in the middle of the floor, the same snow-white dove flew in at the window, alighted in the perfumed waters, bathed, and came forth a youth—handsome, brave, and strong as a lion. He embraced the king’s daughter, who said to him: