Prince Ali accepted the merchant 's obliging offer , and presently afterward the crier passed by . The merchant called him by his name , and , pointing to the Prince , said to him : `` Tell that gentleman , who asked me if you were in your right senses , what you mean by crying that ivory perspective glass , which seems not to be worth much , at thirty purses . I should be very much amazed myself if I did not know you . '' The crier , addressing himself to Prince Ali , said : `` Sir , you are not the only person that takes me for a madman on account of this perspective glass . You shall judge yourself whether I am or no , when I have told you its property and I hope you will value it at as high a price as those I have showed it to already , who had as bad an opinion of me as you . `` First , sir , '' pursued the crier , presenting the ivory pipe to the Prince , `` observe that this pipe is furnished with a glass at both ends ; and consider that by looking through one of them you see whatever object you wish to behold . '' `` I am , '' said the Prince , `` ready to make you all imaginable reparation for the scandal I have thrown on you if you will make the truth of what you advance appear , '' and as he had the ivory pipe in his hand , after he had looked at the two glasses he said : `` Show me at which of these ends I must look that I may be satisfied . '' The crier presently showed him , and he looked through , wishing at the same time to see the Sultan his father , whom he immediately beheld in perfect health , set on his throne , in the midst of his council . Afterward , as there was nothing in the world so dear to him , after the Sultan , as the Princess Nouronnihar , he wished to see her ; and saw her at her toilet laughing , and in a pleasant humor , with her women about her . Prince Ali wanted no other proof to be persuaded that this perspective glass was the most valuable thing in the world , and believed that if he should neglect to purchase it he should never meet again with such another rarity . He therefore took the crier with him to the khan where he lodged , and counted him out the money , and received the perspective glass . Prince Ali was overjoyed at his bargain , and persuaded himself that , as his brothers would not be able to meet with anything so rare and admirable , the Princess Nouronnihar would be the recompense of his fatigue and trouble ; that he thought of nothing but visiting the Court of Persia incognito , and seeing whatever was curious in Schiraz and thereabouts , till the caravan with which he came returned back to the Indies . As soon as the caravan was ready to set out , the Prince joined them , and arrived happily without any accident or trouble , otherwise than the length of the journey and fatigue of traveling , at the place of rendezvous , where he found Prince Houssain , and both waited for Prince Ahmed . Prince Ahmed , who took the road of Samarcand , the next day after his arrival there went , as his brothers had done , into the bezestein , where he had not walked long but heard a crier , who had an artificial apple in his hand , cry it at five and thirty purses ; upon which he stopped the crier , and said to him : `` Let me see that apple , and tell me what virtue and extraordinary properties it has , to be valued at so high a rate . '' `` 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 XXXXX 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 .
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