`` Sir , '' said the crier , giving it into his hand , `` if you look at the outside of this apple , it is very worthless , but if you consider its properties , virtues , and the great use and benefit it is to mankind , you will say it is no price for it , and that he who possesses it is master of a great treasure . In short , it cures all sick persons of the most mortal diseases ; and if the patient is dying it will recover him immediately and restore him to perfect health ; and this is done after the easiest manner in the world , which is by the patient 's smelling the apple . '' `` If I may believe you , '' replied Prince Ahmed , `` the virtues of this apple are wonderful , and it is invaluable ; but what ground have I , for all you tell me , to be persuaded of the truth of this matter ? '' `` Sir , '' replied the crier , `` the thing is known and averred by the whole city of Samarcand ; but , without going any further , ask all these merchants you see here , and hear what they say . You will find several of them will tell you they had not been alive this day if they had not made use of this excellent remedy . And , that you may better comprehend what it is , I must tell you it is the fruit of the study and experiments of a celebrated philosopher of this city , who applied himself all his lifetime to the study and knowledge of the virtues of plants and minerals , and at last attained to this composition , by which he performed such surprising cures in this town as will never be forgot , but died suddenly himself , before he could apply his sovereign remedy , and left his wife and a great many young children behind him , in very indifferent circumstances , who , to support her family and provide for her children , is resolved to sell it . '' While the crier informed Prince Ahmed of the virtues of the artificial apple , a great many persons came about them and confirmed what he said ; and one among the rest said he had a friend dangerously ill , whose life was despaired of ; and that was a favorable opportunity to show Prince Ahmed the experiment . Upon which Prince Ahmed told the crier he would give him forty purses if he cured the sick person . The crier , who had orders to sell it at that price , said to Prince Ahmed : `` Come , sir , let us go and make the experiment , and the apple shall be yours ; and I can assure you that it will always have the desired effect . '' In short , the experiment succeeded , and the Prince , after he had counted out to the crier forty purses , and he had delivered the apple to him , waited patiently for the first caravan that should return to the Indies , and arrived in perfect health at the inn where the Princes Houssain and Ali waited for him . When the Princes met they showed each other their treasures , and immediately saw through the glass that the Princess was dying . They then sat down on the carpet , wished themselves with her , and were there in a moment . Prince Ahmed no sooner perceived himself in Nouronnihar 's chamber than he rose off the tapestry , as did also the other two Princes , and went to the bedside , and put the apple under her nose ; some moments after the Princess opened her eyes , and turned her head from one side to another , looking at the persons who stood about her ; and then rose up in the bed , and asked to be dressed , just as if she had waked out of a sound sleep . Her women having presently informed her , in a manner that showed their joy , that she was obliged to the three Princes for the sudden recovery of her health , and particularly to Prince Ahmed , she immediately expressed her joy to see them , and thanked them all together , and afterward Prince Ahmed in particular . While the Princess was dressing the Princes went to throw themselves at the Sultan their father 's feet , and pay their respects to him . But when they came before him they found he had been informed of their arrival by the chief of the Princess 's eunuchs , and by what means the Princess had been perfectly cured . The Sultan received and embraced them with the greatest joy , both for their return and the recovery of the Princess his niece , whom he loved as well as if she had been his own daughter , and who had been given over by the physicians . After the usual ceremonies and compliments the Princes presented each his rarity : Prince Houssain his tapestry , which he had taken care not to leave behind him in the Princess 's chamber ; Prince Ali his ivory perspective glass , and Prince Ahmed his artificial apple ; and after each had commended their present , when they put it into the Sultan 's hands , they begged of him to pronounce their fate , and declare to which of them he would give the Princess Nouronnihar for a wife , according to his promise . The Sultan of the Indies , having heard , without interrupting them , all that the Princes could represent further about their rarities , and being well informed of what had happened in relation to the Princess Nouronnihar 's cure , remained some time silent , as if he were thinking on what answer he should make . At last he broke the silence , and said to them : `` I would declare for one of you children with a great deal of pleasure if I could do it with justice ; but consider whether I can do it or no .
'T is true , Prince Ahmed , the Princess my niece is obliged to your artificial apple for her cure ; but I must ask you whether or no you could have been so serviceable to her if you had not known by Prince XXXXX 's perspective glass the danger she was in , and if Prince Houssain 's tapestry had not brought you so soon .
Ahmed Ali Houssain Nouronnihar Samarcand Sultan crier eunuchs first rarities