how she had lost her brothers whom she loved with a love so dear, and anon she said to the Speaking-Bird, “Full many a thing I want, but first tell me if the Golden-Water, of which I have heard so much, be nigh unto this place and if so do thou show me where to find it.” The Bird directed her accordingly and the Princess took a silver flagon she had brought with her and filled it brimful from the magical fount. Then quoth she to the Bird, “The third and last prize I have come to seek is the Singing-Tree: discover to me where that also can be found.” The Bird replied, “O Princess of fair ones, behind thy back in yonder clump that lieth close at hand groweth the Tree;” so she went forthright to the copse and found the Tree she sought singing with sweetest toned voice. But inasmuch as it was huge in girth she returned to her slave the Bird and said, “The Tree indeed I found but ’tis lofty and bulky; how then shall I pull it up?” and he made answer, “Pluck but a branchlet of the Tree and plant it in thy garden: ’twill at once take root and in shortest time be as gross and fair a growth as that in yonder copse.” So the Princess broke off a twig, and now that she had secured the three things, whereof the holy woman spake to her, she was exceeding joyful and turning to the Bird said, “I have in very deed won my wish, but one thing is yet wanting to my full satisfaction. My brothers who ventured forth with this same purpose are lying hereabouts turned into black stones; and I fain would have them brought to life again and the twain return with me in all satisfaction and assurance of success. Tell me now some plan whereby mine every desire may be fulfilled.”——And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till The end of the Six Hundred and Eightieth Night.