I am informed that the Fairy , your spouse , makes use of a certain water , called the Water of the Fountain of Lions , which cures all sorts of fevers , even the most dangerous , and , as I am perfectly well persuaded my health is dear to you , I do n't doubt but you will ask her for a bottle of that water for me , and bring it me as a sovereign medicine , which I may make use of when I have occasion . Do me this other important piece of service , and thereby complete the duty of a good son toward a tender father . '' The Prince returned and told the Fairy what his father had said ; `` There 's a great deal of wickedness in this demand ? '' she answered , `` as you will understand by what I am going to tell you . The Fountain of Lions is situated in the middle of a court of a great castle , the entrance into which is guarded by four fierce lions , two of which sleep alternately , while the other two are awake . But do n't let that frighten you : I 'll give you means to pass by them without any danger . '' The Fairy Paribanou was at that time very hard at work , and , as she had several clews of thread by her , she took up one , and , presenting it to Prince Ahmed , said : `` First take this clew of thread . I 'll tell you presently the use of it . In the second place , you must have two horses ; one you must ride yourself , and the other you must lead , which must be loaded with a sheep cut into four quarters , that must be killed to-day . In the third place , you must be provided with a bottle , which I will give you , to bring the water in . Set out early to-morrow morning , and when you have passed the iron gate throw the clew of thread before you , which will roll till it comes to the gates of the castle . Follow it , and when it stops , as the gates will be open , you will see the four lions : the two that are awake will , by their roaring , wake the other two , but do n't be frightened , but throw each of them a quarter of mutton , and then clap spurs to your horse and ride to the fountain ; fill your bottle without alighting , and then return with the same expedition . The lions will be so busy eating they will let you pass by them . '' Prince Ahmed set out the next morning at the time appointed by the Fairy , and followed her directions exactly . When he arrived at the gates of the castle he distributed the quarters of mutton among the four lions , and , passing through the midst of them bravely , got to the fountain , filled his bottle , and returned back as safe and sound as he went . When he had gone a little distance from the castle gates he turned him about , and , perceiving two of the lions coming after him , he drew his sabre and prepared himself for defense . But as he went forward he saw one of them turned out of the road at some distance , and showed by his head and tail that he did not come to do him any harm , but only to go before him , and that the other stayed behind to follow , he put his sword up again in its scabbard . Guarded in this manner , he arrived at the capital of the Indies , but the lions never left him till they had conducted him to the gates of the Sultan 's palace ; after which they returned the same way they came , though not without frightening all that saw them , for all they went in a very gentle manner and showed no fierceness . A great many officers came to attend the Prince while he dismounted his horse , and afterward conducted him into the Sultan 's apartment , who was at that time surrounded with his favorites . He approached toward the throne , laid the bottle at the Sultan 's feet , and kissed the rich tapestry which covered his footstool , and then said : `` I have brought you , sir , the healthful water which your Majesty desired so much to keep among your other rarities in your treasury , but at the same time wish you such extraordinary health as never to have occasion to make use of it . ''
After the Prince had made an end of his compliment the Sultan placed him on his right hand , and then said to him : `` Son , I am very much obliged to you for this valuable present , as also for the great danger you have exposed yourself to upon my account -LRB- which I have been informed of by a magician who knows the Fountain of XXXXX -RRB- ; but do me the pleasure , '' continued he , `` to inform me by what address , or , rather , by what incredible power , you have been secured . ''
Ahmed First Lions Paribanou Sultan clew quarter quarters rarities third