Volume Four-第60章 THE ENCHANTED HORSE.(7)

So she rose forthright and going to a chestarrayed herself in what was richest and dearest to her of her trinkets of gold and jewels of price. Then he carried her up to the roof of the palace and mounting the horsetook her up behind him and bound her fast to himself；after which he turned the peg of ascent，and the horse rose with him into the air. When her women saw thisthey shrieked aloud and told her father and motherwho rushed up to the roof of the palace and looking upsaw the ebony horse flying away with the prince and princess. At this the King was sore troubled and cried outsaying'O King's sonI conjure theeby Allahhave compassion on me and my wife and bereave us not of our daughter！'The prince made him no replybutthinking that the princess repented of leaving her father and mothersaid to her'O ravishment of the age，wilt thou that I restore thee to thy father and mother？'By AllahO my lordthat is not my desire，'answered she；'my only wish is to be with thee wherever thou art；for I am distracted by the love of thee from all elseeven to my father and mother.'At this the prince rejoiced greatly and made the horse fare softly with themso as not to disquiet the princess；nor did they stay their flight till they came in sight of a green meadowin which was a spring of running water. Here they alighted and ate and drank；after which they took horse again and fared ontill they came in sight of his father's capital. At thisthe prince was filled with joy and bethought himself to show her the seat of his dominion and his father's power and dignity and give her to know that it was greater than that of her father. So he set her down in one of his father's pleasance-gardens [without the city] and carrying her into a pavilion thereprepared for the Kingleft the horse at the door and charged her keep watch over itsaying，'Sit heretill my messenger come to thee；for I go now to my fatherto make ready a palace for thee and show thee my royal estate.'Do as thou wilt，'answered shefor she was glad that she should not enter but with due honour and observanceas became her rank.