`` You see , '' said the Fairy , `` that the pavilion is larger than what your father may have occasion for ; for you must know that it has one property -- that it is larger or smaller according to the army it is to cover . '' The treasurer took down the tent again , and brought it to the Prince , who took it , and , without staying any longer than till the next day , mounted his horse , and went with the same attendants to the Sultan his father . The Sultan , who was persuaded that there could not be any such thing as such a tent as he asked for , was in a great surprise at the Prince 's diligence . He took the tent and after he had admired its smallness his amazement was so great that he could not recover himself . When the tent was set up in the great plain , which we have before mentioned , he found it large enough to shelter an army twice as large as he could bring into the field . But the Sultan was not yet satisfied . `` Son , '' said he , `` I have already expressed to you how much I am obliged to you for the present of the tent you have procured me ; that I look upon it as the most valuable thing in all my treasury . But you must do one thing more for me , which will be every whit as agreeable to me . 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 XXXXX them . ''
In after as by into of than to upon with