Page 323 - Bulbul Hezar
P. 323

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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