First they went to the stables to visit Flame and Smoke, which whinnied as they drew near.

These they found well-fed and tended--indeed, a company of grooms were gathered round them, discussing their points and beauty, who saluted as the owners of such steeds approached.

Leaving the stable, they passed through an archway into the famous gardens, which were said to be the most beautiful in all the East.

Beautiful they were indeed, planted with trees, shrubs, and flowers such as are seldom seen, while between fern-clad rocks flowed rills which fell over deep cliffs in waterfalls of foam.

In places the shade of cedars lay so dense that the brightness of day was changed to twilight, but in others the ground was open and carpeted with flowers which filled the air with perfume.