They added that the minister had departed, leaving word that he had gone to find
the princess, and had taken with him his own three sons, forty soldiers, and the
treasure.
When the prince had heard these words he was struck with a stupor. But his
sorrow at having let the princess go without him was useless. He caused the
three young princes to be buried. The King shed tears, and all the people of the
household filled the air with cries and sobs, so that the noise seemed like the
bursts of thunder, while the funeral ceremonies were proceeding according to the
customs of the greatest kings. After that the King descended from his royal
throne and became a dervish, the better to seek in all lands his well-beloved
spouse. He had with him three slaves only. One of them was named Hestri.
"Go," he said to him, "go seek your mistress in all countries." And he gave him a
horse and some provisions.
Hestri said: "May your Majesty be happy! O lord, King of the world, whatever
be your commands, your servant places them upon his head." Hestri bowed low,
then mounted his horse and rode away toward the city of Bassrah.
After proceeding some time he reached Bassrah, and passed by the house of
Biyapri. At this very moment the princess Djouher-Manikam was sitting on the
roof of Biyapri's house. She looked attentively at the face of Hestri as he was
passing by the house and called to him saying: "Hestri, what brings you here?"
Hestri, casting his glance toward the roof, saw the princess Djouher- Manikam
and said to her: "I was sent by your husband to seek you, princess."
She replied: "Go away, for the present. Come back when it is night. As it is
broad daylight now I fear lest Biyapri should discover our departure."
Hestri, bowing low, replied, "Very well, princess." He walked here and there,
waiting till night should come. When it was dark he returned to the house of
Biyapri and waited a few minutes. Then he called the princess.
"Wait," she said, "for Biyapri is still watching." Hestri stooped down, and fell
asleep near Biyapri's house, having first of all tied the bridle of the horse to his
girdle.
The princess Djouher-Manikam descended from the roof, and mounted the horse