Ep. 1254 - The Story of Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Paribanou, Pt. 9
Prince Ahmed never expected that the Sultan his father would have asked such a thing, which at first appeared so difficult, not to say impossible. Though he knew not absolutely how great the power of genies and fairies was, he doubted whether it extended so far as to compass such a tent as his father desired. At last he replied: ‘Though it is with the greatest reluctance imaginable, I will not fail to ask the favour of my wife your Majesty desires, but will not promise you to obtain it; and if I should not have the honour to come again to pay you my respects that shall be the sign that I have not had success. But, beforehand, I desire you to forgive me, and consider that you yourself have reduced me to this extremity.’
‘Son,’ replied the Sultan of the Indies, ‘I should be very sorry if what I ask of you should cause me the displeasure of never seeing you more. I find you don’t know the power a husband has over a wife; and yours would show that her love to you was very indifferent if she, with the power she has of a fairy, should refuse you so trifling a request as this I desire you to ask of her for my sake.’
