King Saleh related his case to them in few words, and putting himself at the head of a troop, while some seized the gates, he re-entered the palace.  The few officers and guards who had pursued him, being soon dispersed, he forced the king of Samandal’s apartment, who, being abandoned by his attendants, was soon seized.  King Saleh left sufficient guards to secure his person, and then went from apartment to apartment, to search after the Princess Jehaun-ara.  But she, on the first alarm, had, together with her women, sprung up to the surface of the sea, and escaped to a desert island.

While this passed in the palace of the king of Samandal, those of King Saleh’s attendants who had fled at the first menaces of that king, put the queen mother into terrible consternation, on relating the danger of her son.  King Beder, who was present at the time, was the more concerned, as he looked upon himself as the principal author of the mischief that might ensue:  therefore, not caring to abide the queen’s presence any longer, whilst she was giving the orders necessary at that conjuncture, he darted up from the bottom of the sea; and not knowing how to find his way to the kingdom of Persia, happened to land on the island where the Princess Jehaun-ara had saved herself.

The prince, not a little disturbed in mind, seated himself under the shade of a large tree, surrounded by others.  Whilst he was endeavouring to recover himself, he heard somebody talking, but was too far off to understand what was said.  He arose, and advanced softly towards the place whence the sound proceeded, where, among the branches, he perceived a beauty that dazzled him.  “Doubtless,” said he, within himself, stopping and considering her with great attention, “this must be the princess Jehaun-ara, whom fear has obliged to abandon her father’s palace; or if it be not, she no less deserves my love.”  This said, he came forward, and discovering himself, approached the princess with profound reverence.  “Madam,” said he, “I can never sufficiently thank Heaven for the favour it has done me in presenting to my eyes so much beauty.  A greater happiness could not have befallen me than this opportunity to offer you my services.  I beseech you, therefore, madam, to accept them, it being impossible that a lady in this solitude should not want assistance.”

“True, my lord,” replied Jehaun-ara, sorrowfully; “it is not a little extraordinary for a lady of my quality to be in this situation.  I am a princess, daughter of the king of Samandal, and my name is Jehaun-ara.  I was at ease in my father’s palace, in my apartment, when suddenly I heard a dreadful noise:  news was immediately brought me, that king Saleh, I know not for what reason, had forced the palace, seized the king my father, and murdered all the guards who made any resistance.  I had only time to save myself, and escape hither from his violence.”