That is the first thing . Now go , and tell him what I say . ' So the old woman returned and told the head the sultan 's first condition . ` It is well , ' he replied ; and said no more about it . For thirty-nine days the head remained in its favourite corner . The old woman thought that the task set before was beyond his powers , and that no more would be heard about the sultan 's daughter . But on the thirty-ninth evening after her visit to the palace , the head suddenly spoke . ` Good mother , ' he said , ` you must go to-night to the bridge , and when you are there cry `` Ali ! Ali ! Ali ! '' as loud as you can . A negro will appear before you , and you will tell him that he is to level the hill , and to make , in its place , the most beautiful garden that ever was seen . ' ' I will go at once , ' answered she . It did not take her long to reach the bridge which led to the city , and she took up her position on the spot where she had first seen the head , and called loudly ` Ali ! Ali ! Ali . ' In an instant a negro appeared before her , of such a huge size that the old woman was half frightened ; but his voice was mild and gentle as he said : ` What is it that you want ? ' ` Your master bids you level the hill that stands in front of the sultan 's palace and in its place to make the most beautiful garden in the world . ' ` Tell my master he shall be obeyed , ' replied Ali ; ` it shall be done this moment . ' And the old woman went home and gave Ali 's message to the head .
Meanwhile the sultan was XXXXX his palace waiting till the fortieth day should dawn , and wondering that not one spadeful of earth should have been dug out of the hill .
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