Creeping on his hands, feet, and knees, he proceeds
until he reaches the other side. Then he recalls and recollects
the two lions which he thought he had seen from the other side;
but, on looking about, he does not see so much as a lizard or
anything else to do him harm. He raises his hand before his face
and looks at his ring, and by this test he proves that neither of
the lions is there which he thought he had seen, and that he had
been enchanted and deceived; for there was not a living creature
there. When those who had remained behind upon the bank saw that
he had safely crossed, their joy was natural; but they do not
know of his injuries. He, however, considers himself fortunate
not to have suffered anything worse. The blood from his wounds
drips on his shirt on all sides. Then he sees before him a
tower, which was so strong that never had he seen such a strong
one before: indeed, it could not have been a better tower. At
the window there sat King Bademagu, who was very scrupulous and
precise about matters of honour and what was right, and who was
careful to observe and practise loyalty above all else; and
beside him stood his son, who always did precisely the opposite
so far as possible, for he found his pleasure in disloyalty, and
never wearied of villainy, treason, and felony.
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