“This is only a simple country house, sire,” she said, “suitable to people like ourselves, who live a quiet life.  It cannot compare with the great city mansions, much less, of course, with the smallest of the Sultan’s palaces.”

“I cannot quite agree with you,” he replied; “even the little that I have seen I admire greatly, and I will reserve my judgment until you have shown me the whole.”

The princess then led the way from room to room, and the Sultan examined everything carefully.  “Do you call this a simple country house?” he said at last.  “Why, if every country house was like this, the towns would soon be deserted.  I am no longer astonished that you do not wish to leave it.  Let us go into the gardens, which I am sure are no less beautiful than the rooms.”

A small door opened straight into the garden, and the first object that met the Sultan’s eyes was the Golden Water.

“What lovely coloured water!” he exclaimed; “where is the spring, and how do you make the fountain rise so high?  I do not believe there is anything like it in the world.”  He went forward to examine it, and when he had satisfied his curiosity, the princess conducted him towards the Singing Tree.

As they drew near, the Sultan was startled by the sound of strange voices, but could see nothing.  “Where have you hidden your musicians?” he asked the princess; “are they up in the air, or under the earth?  Surely the owners of such charming voices ought not to conceal themselves!”

“Sire,” answered the princess, “the voices all come from the tree which is straight in front of us; and if you will deign to advance a few steps, you will see that they become clearer.”

The Sultan did as he was told, and was so wrapt in delight at what he heard that he stood some time in silence.

“Tell me, madam, I pray you,” he said at last, “how this marvellous tree came into your garden?  It must have been brought from a great distance, or else, fond as I am of all curiosities, I could not have missed hearing of it!  What is its name?”

“The only name it has, sire,” replied she, “is the Singing Tree, and it is not a native of this country.  Its history is mixed up with those of the Golden Water and the Talking Bird, which you have not yet seen.  If your Highness wishes I will tell you the whole story, when you have recovered from your fatigue.”

“Indeed, madam,” returned he, “you show me so many wonders that it is impossible to feel any fatigue.  Let us go once more and look at the Golden Water; and I am dying to see the Talking Bird.”

The Sultan could hardly tear himself away from the Golden Water, which puzzled him more and more.  “You say,” he observed to the princess, “that this water does not come from any spring, neither is brought by pipes.  All I understand is, that neither it nor the Singing Tree is a native of this country.”

“It is as you say, sire,” answered the princess, “and if you examine the basin, you will see that it is all in one piece, and therefore the water could not have been brought through it.  What is more astonishing is, that I only emptied a small flaskful into the basin, and it increased to the quantity you now see.”