"
"I can tell you," replied the dervish. "He was changed into a black
stone, as all I speak of have been; and you must expect the same fate
unless you observe more exactly than he has done the advice I gave
him; but I once more entreat you to renounce your resolution."
"Dervish," said Prince Perviz, "I cannot sufficiently express how much
I am obliged to you for your kind caution; but I cannot now relinquish
this enterprise; therefore I beg of you to do me the same favor you
have done my brother."
On this the dervish gave the prince a bowl with the same instructions
he had delivered to his brother, and so let him depart.
Prince Perviz thanked the dervish, and when he had remounted, and
taken leave, threw the bowl before his horse, and spurring him at the
same time, followed it. When the bowl came to the bottom of the hill
it stopped, the prince alighted, and stood some time to recollect the
dervish's directions. He encouraged himself, and then began to walk up
with a determination to reach the summit; but before he had gone above
six steps, he heard a voice, which seemed to be near, as of a man
behind him, say in an insulting tone, "Stay, rash youth, that I may
punish you for your presumption."
Upon this affront, the prince, forgetting the dervish's advice,
clapped his hand upon his sword, drew it, and turned about to avenge
himself; but had scarcely time to see that nobody followed him before
he and his horse were changed into black stones.
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