The caliph was much amazed, and asked in what manner she meant. "The enchanter," said she, "who has rendered us both unhappy, comes once every month to these ruins. Not far from this chamber, there is a hall in which he is accustomed to revel with many comrades; I have often watched them there. They relate to each other their villanous deeds, and perhaps he may pronounce the magic word which you have forgotten." "O dearest Princess," exclaimed the caliph, "tell me when will he come, and where is the hall?" The owl was silent for a moment, and then said,-- "Do not take it ill, but I can fulfil your wish only on one condition." "What is it? what is it?" cried Chasid; "whatever you please; I will agree to any thing." "Why, I should like to obtain my own liberty also; but this is possible only on condition that one of you shall marry me." The storks seemed somewhat embarrassed by this proposal, and the caliph motioned to his officer to go out with him a moment. "Grand Vizier," said the caliph, when they got outside of the door, "this is a stupid business, but I should think you might marry her." "Indeed!" answered he; "do you wish to have my eyes scratched out by my wife as soon as I get home? Besides, I am an old man, and you are young and unmarried; it would be more reasonable for you to give your hand to a beautiful young princess." "Ay, but there's the rub," sighed the caliph, drooping his wings composedly; "who told you that she was young and beautiful? That is what I call buying a pig in a poke!" So they talked a long while about it, till, at last, as the caliph saw that his vizier preferred remaining a stork to marrying the owl, he made up his mind to fulfil the condition himself. The owl was highly delighted. She informed them that they could not have come at a better time, for probably the enchanters would assemble that night. She left the chamber with the storks, to conduct them to the hall; they walked for a long time through a dark passage; at last, a bright light streamed towards them from a ruined wall. Having reached this, the owl advised them to remain perfectly still. From the cleft at which they stood, they could see over the whole hall. It was surrounded by columns, and splendidly ornamented. Numerous colored lamps supplied the want of daylight. In the midst of the hall, stood a round table covered with various delicacies. Round the table, was placed a sofa on which sat eight men. In one of these men the storks recognized the merchant who had sold them the magic powder. The one who sat next to him asked him to relate his newest exploits. He told, among others, the story of the caliph and his vizier. "And what word did you give them?" asked another of the magicians. "A very hard Latin one; it is called MUTABOR."