Early in the day she entered the audience chamber of her father and approached him, saying: “O, [[122]]my king! In the pleasure garden of a certain palace stands a weeping pomegranate tree, and beside it is a laughing bear. Should this youth be able to grant a third desire of my heart and bring me the tree, I will be able no longer to deny his suit, but, assuredly, will marry him.”
Whereupon the king, having already gained much, became desirous of possessing this most curious object. He summoned the youth and said to him:
“My son, in the pleasure garden of the king of the fairies stands a weeping pomegranate tree, and beside it a laughing bear. If, for her sake, you will bring this tree to me, then will I give my daughter to you with my own hand.”
To which the young prince made modest answer: “Verily, O, king! the other requests have I fulfilled. If Allah grant wisdom and strength, I will bring you, also, this tree.”
Thereupon he took leave of the king and went without the palace. When quite alone he rubbed together the hairs which were wont to bring the horse to his aid. Immediately the beautiful creature appeared and asked the prince what he desired.
This third request of the princess and her father was repeated, to which the horse made answer: “My master, the accomplishment of this feat will [[123]]be somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, if need be, let my life be given for your happiness—for, should you fail, it will mean death to me. But you have lacked neither discretion nor valor in preceding trials. Come! let us see what can be brought about.”
The prince mounted, and, like Asdar, emitting flames from mouth and nostrils, the horse flew upon his way.
After going for some time, they entered another country, where they came upon three children who were disputing, bitterly, over their inheritance, which consisted of a goatskin, a cap, a whip, and an arrow.
The horse came to a halt and said: “These articles are very necessary to us, O, prince! See if you can persuade the children to yield them to you.”
The prince went up to the three. “Children,” he said, “why are you quarreling thus? Would you have me divide the articles between you?”