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At these words she burst into a flood of tears. "Noble royal maiden," answered Haschem, "how willingly would I help you! but, alas, I am only a weak man, and cannot free myself. But tell me how is it possible? You say the enchanter brings his hateful son with him: why, then, have I never seen him?" "He always sends you away when he comes," answered the Princess.
He led him through a door into a narrow passage, at the end of which they descended twenty steps. Then he opened a small metal trap-door, and Haschem again descended twenty steps more. They came to a similar door; and after descending twenty more steps to another, and so on, till after passing the ninth door, they found themselves in the open air.
At last Kadga Singa raised himself, beckoned Haschem to approach, and said, "You are a magician; such an one I have never before seen. By your magic words you have changed the mournful course of my life into the brightest sunshine.
He gave a commission to all his servants in his kingdom, high and low, and to his ambassadors in the neighbouring kingdoms, and even sent into distant lands, with the princes of which he was friendly, and on the same day dispatched messengers with the charge to search for Haschem with all diligence, and gave them a description how they might recognize him if they found him.
You are found worthy, and Heaven rewards you with Zoraine, the early companion of your youth, now to be your wife." Then Haschem turned towards Zoraine, and looked inquiringly at Saad, her father. This latter said, "With joy I listen to the will of fate: the highest wish of my heart will now be fulfilled."
Haschem, stretched beside them, listened with attention to their instructive conversation; but suddenly he sprang to his feet, and ran quickly up the woody hill, at the foot of which they were reposing. Saad and his father looked after him with astonishment, as they could not comprehend what had occasioned his sudden departure.
A costly band of gold and silver was fastened round his forehead, and the King then said, "I herewith appoint you Mundiana." And the assembled councillors cried out, "We congratulate you, hail, Mundiana!" But Haschem laughed, and said, "Forgive my ignorance: what is Mundiana?"
However anxiously Haschem strove against sleep, to watch over his companion, it at last weighed down his eyelids, and they both awoke with the first rays of the sun. Their good star soon led them to a spot where they found refreshing wood-berries, the names of which were unknown to them, and they were anxious to discover if they were poisonous; but hunger made them venture.
There was no change observable in his prison only the bird seemed harassed and mournful: it sat quiet and still on the lowest perch; its plumage was rough, and its eyes dull. "Poor creature," said Haschem, "what is the matter? Are you ill?" It seemed as if the bird was affected by these sympathizing questions; but it soon sank again into its former dejection. He mused long upon this.
The people told them the name of the country, which was unknown to Haschem and the Princess Handa. On the other side of the high mountain lay a large flat land, whose coast was washed by the sea. They received this information with great joy.
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