Now the Simurgh had given the prince a diamond weighing thirty misqals, and he ordered this to the king, who at once recognised its value, and asked where it had been obtained. “I, your slave, once had riches and state and power; there are many such stones in my country. On my way here I was plundered at the Castle of Clashing Swords, and I saved this one thing only, hidden in my bathing-cloth.” In return for the diamond, King Sinaubar showered gifts of much greater value, for he remembered that it was the last possession of the prince. He showed the utmost kindness and hospitality, and gave his wazir orders to instal the prince in the royal guest-house. He took much pleasure in his visitor’s society; they were together every day and spent the time most pleasantly. Several times the king said: “Ask me for something, that I may give it you.“One day he so pressed to know what would pleasure the prince, that the latter said: “I have only one wish, and that I will name to you in private.” The king at once commanded every one to withdraw, and then Prince Almas said: “The desire of my life is to know what the rose did to the cypress, and what meaning there is in the words.” The king was astounded. “In God’s name! if anyone else had said that to me I should have cut off his head instantly.” The prince heard this in silence, and presently so beguiled the king with pleasant talk that to kill him was impossible. Time flew by, the king again and again begged the prince to ask some gift of him, and always received this same reply: “I wish for your Majesty’s welfare, what more can I desire?” One night there was a banquet, and cupbearers carried round gold and silver cups of sparkling wine, and singers with sweetest voices contended for the prize. The prince drank from the king’s own cup, and when his head was hot with wine he took a lute from one of the musicians and placed himself on the carpet border and sang and sang till he witched away the sense of all who listened. Applause and compliments rang from every side. The king filled his cup and called the prince and gave it him and said: “Name your wish! it is yours.” The prince drained off the wine and answered: “O king of the world! learn and know that I have only one aim in life, and this is to know what the rose did to the cypress.” “Never yet,” replied the king, “has any man come out from that question alive. If this is your only wish, so be it; I will tell you. But I will do this on one condition only, namely, that when you have heard you will submit yourself to death.” To this the prince agreed, and said: “I set my foot firmly on this compact.” The king then gave an order to an attendant; a costly carpet overlaid with European velvet was placed near him, and a dog was led in by a golden and jewelled chain and set upon the splendid stuffs. A band of fair girls came in and stood round it in waiting.