Page 323 - Bulbul Hezar
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amazed that the brothers would do nothing without her
consent: but, added he, I hope to be better acquainted with you,
madam, after I have seen the house.
Sir, said the princess, it is only a plain country-house, and fit for
none but such people as we are, who live retired from the
world: It is not to be compared with the houses in great cities,
much less with such a magnificent palace as yours. I am of
another opinion, said the sultan, very obligingly; for, by its first
appearance, it seems otherwise; however, I will not pass my
judgment any farther upon it till I have seen it all; therefore be
pleased to conduct me through the apartments.
Then the princess led the sultan through all the rooms but the
hall; who, after he had considered them very attentively, was
mightily taken both with them and their furniture. My fair one,
said he to the princess Parizade, do you call this a country-
house? The finest and largest cities would soon be deserted, if
all country-houses were like yours. I am not at all surprised that
you take so much delight in it, and despise the town so much:
Now let me see if the gardens be answerable to the house. The
princess opened a door into the garden; and the first object
which presented itself to the sultan's view was the golden
fountain. Surprised at so rare a sight, he asked from _______
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