The princess was somewhat surprised at this intelligence. "It was on
my account, I know," she said, "you refused the emperor, and I am
infinitely obliged to you for doing so. For, my dear brothers, I know
by this your affection for me is equal to my own. But you know
monarchs will be obeyed in their desires, and it may be dangerous to
oppose them; therefore, if to follow my inclination I should dissuade
you from showing the complaisance the emperor expects from you, it may
expose you to his resentment, and may render myself and you miserable.
These are my sentiments; but before we conclude upon anything let us
consult the speaking-bird, and hear what he says; he is wise, and has
promised his assistance in all difficulties."
The princess sent for the cage, and after she had related the
circumstances to the bird in the presence of her brothers, asked him
what they should do in this perplexity.
The bird answered,[40] "The princes, your brothers, must conform to
the emperor's pleasure, and in their turn invite him to come and see
your house."
[Footnote 40: To understand the language of birds was peculiarly one
of the boasted sciences of the Arabians, who pretend that many of
their countrymen have been skilled in the knowledge of the language of
birds ever since the time of King Solomon. Their writers relate that
Balkis, the Queen of Sheba, had a bird called Hudhud, that is,
lapwing, which was her trusty messenger to King Solomon.
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