Page 137 - Bulbul Hezar

wished him a good journey; but, in the midst of their adieus,
the princess remembered one thing, which she never thought of

before. Alas! brother, said she, I had quite forgot the accidents
which attend travellers; who knows whether I shall ever see you
again? Alight, I beseech you, and do not go this journey. I would
rather be deprived of the sight and possession of the talking
bird, singing tree, and yellow water, than run the risk of never
seeing you more.
Sister, replied Prince Bahman, smiling at the sudden fears of the

princess Parizade, my resolution is fixed; and were it not, I
should determine upon it now. The accidents you speak of befal
but those who are unfortunate. It is true, I may be of that
number, but there are more who are not so, than who are; but
as events are doubtful, and I may fail in this undertaking, all I
can do is to leave you this knife.
Then Prince Bahman, pulling a knife out of his pocket, and
presenting it in the sheath to the princess, said, Here, sister,
take this knife, and give yourself the trouble sometimes to pull

it out of the sheath: When you see it clean, as it is now, it shall
be a sign that I am alive; but if you find it stained with blood,
then you may believe me dead, and favour me with your
prayers.

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