were happy and full of tenderness for each other. Within a few years the princess
had two sons, both very beautiful. The prince loved these children very fondly.
But above all he loved his wife. He was full of tender solicitude for her, and bore
himself with regard to her with the same careful attention that a man uses who
carries oil in the hollow of his hand. Some time later Princess Djouher-Manikam
had another son of great beauty. The prince loved this third child tenderly. He
gave him a great number of nurses and governesses, as is the custom for the
children of the greatest kings. And he never ceased to bestow upon him the most
watchful care.
It happened one day that the ministers, the chiefs, and the courtiers of the King,
all gathered in his presence, were enjoying all sorts of sport and amusements.
The prince showed himself very joyous, and the princess herself played and
amused herself with the three children. Her countenance shone with the
brightness of rubies; but happening to think of her father, her mother, and her
brother, she began to weep and said: "Alas, how unhappy I am! If my father,
mother, and brother could see my three children, necessarily their affection for
me would be greater." And the princess Djouher-Manikam burst into sobs. The
prince, who was not far from there, heard her, and as the princess did not stop
weeping he asked her: "O princess, why do you weep thus? What do I lack in
your eyes? Is it riches or physical beauty or noble birth? Or is it the spirit of
justice? Tell me what is the cause of your tears?"
Princess Djouher-Manikam answered: "Sovereign of the world, your Majesty
has not a single fault. Your riches equal those of Haroun. Your beauty equals
that of the prophet Joseph (peace be upon him!). Your extraction equals that of
the envoy of God (Mahomet). May the benediction of God and blessings rest
upon him! Your justice equals that of King Rouchirouan. I don't see a single
fault in you, my lord."
King Chah Djouhou said: "If it is thus, why then does my princess shed tears?"
Princess Djouher-Manikam answered: "If I wept thus while playing with my
three children, it is because I thought that if my father, my mother, and my
brother should see my three children, necessarily their affection for me would be
greater. And that is why I shed tears."
King Chah Djouhou said to her: "O my young wife, dear princess, are your
father and mother still living? What is your father's name?"