The Prince and the Lions
by Various · from The Diamond Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Prince Azgid was a good prince. But he was scared of lions. He had to meet a lion. Then he could be king. This made him very afraid.
The Vizier came to see him. "You must meet the Palace Lion," he said. "Then you will be king." Azgid did not want this. The lion was big. The lion was scary. Azgid was too afraid.
So Azgid ran away. He got on his horse. He rode fast. He rode far. He left his city. He was scared. He did not want to see a lion.
Azgid rode for three days. He came to a pretty forest. He heard sweet music. A young man played a flute. His name was Isdril. Isdril was kind. He took Azgid to his friend Oaxus. Oaxus smiled. "Welcome, friend!" he said. "Stay here." Azgid liked the music. He liked the forest. Isdril said, "Lions here." Azgid was scared. He rode away fast.
Azgid rode for three more days. He came to a big desert. He met Sheik Hajaar. The Sheik was strong and kind. "Welcome!" said the Sheik. "Stay with us." Azgid liked hunting with him. He liked the Sheik's horse. Sheik said, "Hunt a lion." Azgid was scared. He rode away at night.
Azgid rode to a new place. He saw a pretty palace. He met the Emir. "My palace is yours," said the Emir. Azgid met Princess Peri. She had golden hair. She smiled at him. "Hello, Prince," she said. Azgid liked her very much. But then he saw Boulak. Boulak was a very big lion. Emir said, "He is gentle." Azgid was scared.
That night, Azgid was alone. He could hear Boulak walk. Azgid was very afraid. He thought about all the lions. Lions were at all places he went. He could not run away always. He must be brave. He must go back. He must face the Palace Lion.
In the morning, Azgid told the Emir. "I was scared," he said. "Now I will be brave." The Emir was glad. Azgid rode back to Sheik Hajaar. "I was scared," Azgid said. "But now I will face the lion." The Sheik smiled. "Be strong!" he said. Azgid rode to see Oaxus. "I was scared," Azgid said. "But now I will be brave." Oaxus said, "Go, my friend!"
Azgid rode back to his city. The Vizier was so happy. He cried happy tears. "I will meet the lion," said Azgid. He got ready. He was brave now. He would not run away.
The big day came. Azgid walked into the ring. The Palace Lion was there. It was big and red. It made a big sound. Azgid did not run. He walked forward. He was brave. The lion jumped high! It jumped over his head! Then it came to him. It licked his hands. The lion was friendly! It was happy to see him!
The Vizier called out. "You are very brave!" he said. "You can be king now!" Azgid smiled. He was happy. He was not scared now. The lion stayed by his side. It was like a big, friendly pet.
Oaxus and Isdril came to see him. Oaxus smiled. "This is for you," he said. He gave Isdril a little push. "Isdril is your friend now," said Oaxus. Azgid was so happy. "You are my friend!" he said. "Play your sweet music for me." Isdril smiled and played his flute.
Sheik Hajaar came too. He had a nice horse. It was Azgid's best horse! "This is my gift to you," said the Sheik. Azgid hugged the horse. The horse was happy to see him. Azgid thanked the kind Sheik.
The Emir came next. He had many people with him. Music played. Flags waved. "I have come for you," said the Emir. He took Azgid to a lady on a white horse. It was Peri! Azgid was so happy to see her. She smiled at him.
Azgid became king that day. He married Peri too. He was so happy. He had been brave. Now he had good friends. He had a nice horse. He had Peri. He had his kingdom. Being brave brought him joy.
It is good to be brave. When you are brave, good things happen. Azgid was scared, but he was brave. Then he was happy. Always be brave!
Original Story
The Prince and the Lions.
IN an Eastern city there once lived a young Prince named Azgid. He was virtuous and accomplished, but had one fault—he was a bit of a coward!
Prince Azgid's father had recently died, and he was looking forward to his coronation. A few days before the day fixed for the ceremony, the old Vizier called upon the Prince and informed His Royal Highness that before he could ascend the throne he must in accordance with an ancient custom, fight a certain huge red lion which was kept in a den within the precincts of the palace.
The Prince, upon hearing this, was so frightened that he made up his mind to run away. He rose in the night, dressed himself hastily, mounted his horse, and left the city. Thus he journeyed for three days.
In the course of the third day, as he rode through a beautiful thickly-wooded country, he heard the sound of exquisite music, and presently overtook a handsome youth, who was leading a few sheep, and playing upon a flute.
The young man having courteously saluted the stranger, Prince Azgid begged him to go on playing, for never in his life before, said the Prince, had he listened to such enchanting strains.
The player then told Azgid that he was the slave of the wealthy shepherd named Oaxus, to whose abode, which was close at hand, he offered to conduct the traveller.
The Prince gladly accepted this invitation, and in a few moments was entering the house of Oaxus, who accorded him a hearty welcome, and placed food and drink before him. When Azgid had finished his meal, he felt it incumbent upon him to make some sort of explanation to his host.
"Doubtless," said he, "you wonder who I am, and what is my errand in coming hither? I can tell you this much—that I am a Prince whom trouble has driven from home. Pardon me if I do not divulge my name; that is a secret which must be securely locked within my own breast. If convenient to you, I would gladly remain in this delightsome spot. I have ample means, and can remunerate you for your kindness."
Oaxus assured his guest that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to entertain him for as long a period as he cared to stay, and he begged him not to think of offering any remuneration.
"And now, Isdril," added Oaxus, addressing his slave, "show the Prince our fountains and waterfalls, our rocks and vales, for I perceive that he is one who can appreciate Nature's beauties."
The youth took up his flute and went out with the Prince.
After wandering awhile amidst romantic scenery, the two young men sat down to rest upon a rock in a shady valley. The slave put his flute to his lips, and began to play. The prince loved music passionately, and the idea had already occurred to him that, if he ever left this fair retreat, he would like to purchase from Oaxus his accomplished slave.
Suddenly Isdril broke the spell of the Prince's enjoyment by rising to his feet, with the words: "It is time for us to be going."
"Wherefore?" queried the Prince. "Why should we quit this delicious spot so soon?"
"Because," replied the other, "the neighbourhood is infested with lions. It is well, therefore, to retire early within our abodes, and close the gates. Upon one occasion I lagged behind, and see the consequence!"
He rolled up his sleeve and revealed a big scar upon his arm. Azgid turned pale, and upon reaching the house, informed his host that he had changed his mind and found himself obliged to ride on farther. He thanked Oaxus, bade farewell to him and to Isdril, and galloped off.
Again he journeyed for three days, and came to a vast desert, in the midst of which he beheld an Arab encampment.
Thankfully he rode up to the black tents, for both he and his horse were worn out with hunger and fatigue.
He was received by a dignified Sheik, to whom he made the same speech that he had addressed to the kindly Oaxus.
Sheik Hajaar, like the shepherd, answered to the effect that he desired no other remuneration than the pleasure of the Prince's society, and that he should be delighted to keep his guest for ever, if so it might be. He introduced Azgid to a large number of his friends, and provided for his use a magnificent steed.
A week passed. Day by day the Prince accompanied the Sheik in his antelope-hunting expeditions, which he enjoyed exceedingly. He quite thought that he was now happily settled for life, when one night, after he had retired to rest, Sheik Hajaar approached his couch, and said:
"My son, I have come to tell you how pleased my people are with you, more especially with the spirit you have shown in the chase. But our life is not wholly taken up in such easy recreations; we frequently engage in hard fighting with other tribes. All my men are seasoned warriors, and before they can have perfect confidence in you it is necessary that they should have some proof of your prowess. Two leagues to the south is a range of hills infested with lions. Go, then, early in the morning, mounted upon your horse, and armed with sword and spear. Slay one of these fierce beasts and bring us his skin; so shall we know that we may rely upon you in the day of battle."
"HE ROLLED UP HIS SLEEVE AND REVEALED A BIG SCAR" (p. 301).
When the Sheik had left him, Azgid rose, dressed himself, slipped quietly out of his tent, and bade a sorrowful, affectionate farewell to the horse which the Sheik had allowed him to use, now tethered with the others. Then he mounted his own steed, and rode forth into the night.
By the middle of the next day, he was rejoiced to find that he was leaving the desert, and entering a fair region of hill and dale, meadows and streams. Soon he came to a splendid palace, built of porphyry, and standing in the midst of a magnificent garden.
The owner of the palace, a rich Emir, was sitting in the porch, with his golden-haired daughter, Perizide.
Here, again, the Prince was most kindly received. The interior of the building proved to be even more beautiful than the exterior. The rooms blazed with gold and precious stones; walls and ceilings were covered with valuable paintings; the windows were of the costliest stained glass. The Emir set before his guest a collection of delicate viands.
The Prince made his accustomed speech, avowing his rank, but concealing his name. He added also his customary request, that he might be allowed to remain for a time in the house of his present entertainer.
The Emir replied politely that the prince was heartily welcome to remain until the end of his life, if he chose to do so. Then he begged his guest to excuse him for a few minutes, as he was expecting some friends, and wished to make preparations for their reception.
Thus Azgid was left alone with Perizide, with whom he was already in love. She took him into the garden, after exploring the beauties of which the pair returned to the house.
The palace, now illuminated from top to bottom, was full of company. The evening passed merrily. Observing a lute which lay upon a couch, the music-loving young Prince begged Perizide to play to him. In the midst of his enjoyment, however, he was startled by a strange, loud sound, and asked his fair companion what it might be.
"Oh!" replied she, with a laugh, "that is only Boulak, our black porter, indulging in a yawn."
"Good gracious!" exclaimed Azgid; "what uncommonly good lungs he must have!"
After the other guests had left, and Perizide had gone to bed, the Emir and the Prince chatted and smoked together for some time. By-and-by, the former offered to conduct the latter to his sleeping apartment. When they came to the foot of the grand staircase, which was of white marble, Azgid, looking up, was horrified to behold an enormous black lion stretched upon the topmost landing.
"What is that?" faltered he.
"That," returned his host, "is Boulak, our black porter. He is a tame lion, and will not harm you, if you are not afraid of him. He knows when any one fears him and then becomes ferocious."
"I fear him greatly!" whispered the Prince.
As he could not be persuaded to mount the stairs, he had to return to the saloon, and repose upon one of the divans.
After the Emir had left him, Azgid carefully locked the door and fastened the windows. Then he lay down, but not to sleep. For he could hear the lion walking about, and once the beast actually came to the door, and uttering a terrific roar, sprang against it with his forepaws.
The poor Prince made sure that the door would burst open, and that he should be devoured. Nothing of the kind happened, however. In a few moments Boulak went upstairs, and came down no more that night.
Azgid lay thinking. Evidently he had flown in the face of Providence when he had fled from the lion at home. Since then, lions had met him at every turn. He resolved to submit to what was so clearly his destined duty—to return home and fulfil the condition required.
In the morning, therefore, he told the Emir the whole truth. The kind old man had been acquainted with Azgid's father, the King Almamoun. He highly approved of the young man's resolution, and, with a parting blessing, sped him on his way. But the Prince had no opportunity of making his adieux to the fair Perizide.
Then Azgid rode back to the Arab camp, and confessed all to the good Sheik Hajaar. He also inquired after the beautiful horse.
"He is well," replied the other, "and I should be gratified if you could stay with us and use him again But it would be wrong to hinder you from your pious, undertaking. Return to your home, and do your duty like a man."
Azgid next visited Oaxus, to whom, as to the others, he revealed his name and parentage, confessed his fault, and expressed his repentance.
"I FEAR HIM GREATLY!" (p. 305).
"Go, my friend!" said the kindly shepherd, "and may Heaven give you strength to persevere in your laudable resolution!"
"Farewell!" answered Azgid; "greet Isdril from me, and tell him that I hope some day to return and listen to his sweet music in spite of the lions."
Without further interruption, the Prince rode straight home, and announced to the old Vizier his intention to fight the lion.
The old man wept tears of joy at his Prince's return, and it was arranged that the combat should take place in a week's time.
When the hour came, and the Prince entered the arena, the lion gave a loud roar, and approached his opponent slowly, with fierce looks. Azgid did not quail. With steady gaze he advanced, spear in hand. Suddenly the lion bounded forward, and, with another roar, sprang clean over the Prince's head. Then he ran joyously up to him, and began licking his hands with every demonstration of affection.
The Vizier called out to the Prince that he had conquered, and bade him leave the arena. The lion followed like a dog.
"As you now see, Prince Azgid," said the old Minister, "the lion is a tame one, and would injure no one. You, however, were ignorant of this fact, and have satisfactorily proved your courage and valour by your readiness to fight him. Now all will know that you are worthy to ascend the throne of your heroic ancestors."
Two men—one old, the other very young—came forward to congratulate the Prince. They were Oaxus and Isdril.
"With steady gaze he advanced, spear in hand." page 308
"Prince Azgid," said the old shepherd, "as a memento of this happy day, allow me to make you a present." So saying, he pushed forward his slave, Isdril.
"THE LION SPRANG CLEAN OVER THE PRINCE'S HEAD" (p. 308).
"I heartily thank you, Oaxus!" said the Prince, "and you, Isdril, are no longer a slave. From this moment you are free; but you shall be my companion, and delight me with your skill upon the flute."
Presently another little group presented itself. It was composed of Sheik Hajaar, some of his Arabs, and the horse which the Prince had learned to love.
"Azgid!" said the Sheik, "I congratulate you heartily, and beg your acceptance of this steed."
The Prince thanked and embraced the Sheik, and kissed the beautiful creature, who returned his caresses.
The Emir was the next person to appear upon the scene. He was surrounded by a brilliant retinue, with music and banners.
"I have come to congratulate you," said he to the Prince. "I have brought you no present, but I and all my belongings are yours."
"I am rejoiced to see you, noble Emir!" replied Azgid. "And how is your lovely daughter? As soon as I am crowned, I intend to set off at lightning speed to visit her!"
"That will be needless," said the Emir; "come with me." And he led the young man to a veiled lady, who sat upon a white horse. It was Perizide!
Then, by order of the Vizier, the whole procession wended its way towards the palace.
Many thoughts and emotions stirred within the breast of the young Prince. "When I fled from duty," reflected he, "everything went against me; now that I have fulfilled it, fresh happiness meets me at every step."
The coronation—and also a wedding—took place on the same day. Azgid and Perizide reigned long and happily. By the King's command, his adventures were recorded in the annals of the kingdom. And over the door of his palace were inscribed, in golden letters, these words: "Never run from the lion."
Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
Story DNA
Moral
True courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face one's fears and fulfill one's duty, which ultimately leads to happiness and success.
Plot Summary
Prince Azgid, a virtuous but cowardly heir, flees his kingdom to avoid an ancient custom requiring him to fight a lion before his coronation. During his flight, he repeatedly encounters lions or challenges involving them, causing him to flee from three different hosts: a shepherd, a sheik, and an emir whose daughter he falls in love with. Realizing his destiny, Azgid returns home to face the palace lion, which, to his surprise, is tame and affectionate, proving his courage. He is crowned king, marries Perizide, and is reunited with his supportive former hosts, having learned that true bravery is facing one's fears.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to courage to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects a generalized 'Eastern' setting common in 19th-century European literature, drawing on elements from various Middle Eastern cultures without being specific to one.
Plot Beats (15)
- Prince Azgid, a virtuous but cowardly prince, is informed by the Vizier that he must fight a lion before his coronation.
- Terrified, Azgid flees the city on horseback.
- He encounters a shepherd, Oaxus, and his flute-playing slave, Isdril, and enjoys their hospitality until he learns the area is infested with lions, prompting him to flee again.
- Azgid finds refuge with Sheik Hajaar in a desert encampment and enjoys hunting, but flees once more when challenged to slay a lion to prove his prowess.
- He arrives at a magnificent palace owned by an Emir, falls in love with the Emir's daughter, Perizide, but is again terrified by the Emir's 'tame' lion porter, Boulak.
- Alone, Azgid reflects on his repeated encounters with lions and realizes he must face his original duty.
- He confesses the truth to the Emir, then returns to Sheik Hajaar and Oaxus, confessing his cowardice and resolution to face his duty.
- Azgid returns to his city, announces his intention to fight the lion, and prepares for the combat.
- In the arena, Azgid bravely advances towards the roaring lion, which then leaps over him and affectionately licks his hands, revealing it was tame all along.
- The Vizier declares Azgid's courage proven, and he is worthy to ascend the throne.
- Oaxus and Isdril appear, and Azgid frees Isdril, making him his companion.
- Sheik Hajaar arrives with Azgid's beloved horse, which he gifts to the Prince.
- The Emir appears with Perizide, and Azgid learns she is to be his bride.
- Azgid is crowned king and marries Perizide on the same day, reflecting on how fulfilling his duty brought him happiness.
- The story concludes with the inscription: 'Never run from the lion.'
Characters
Prince Azgid
Of average height and slender build, with a youthful appearance. His features are likely refined, consistent with his royal upbringing in an Eastern city, suggesting a Middle Eastern or South Asian ethnicity.
Attire: Initially, when fleeing, he wears hastily donned, practical riding clothes, likely a simple tunic and trousers suitable for travel. Later, as a prince, he would wear fine silk tunics, possibly embroidered, with loose trousers (sirwal) and soft leather boots, perhaps a simple turban or head covering when traveling, and more elaborate court attire for his coronation.
Wants: Initially, to escape his fears and avoid confrontation. Later, to fulfill his duty, prove his worth, and reclaim his throne and honor.
Flaw: Cowardice and a tendency to flee from challenges.
Transforms from a cowardly prince who flees his responsibilities into a courageous and resolute king who faces his fears, fulfills his duty, and embraces his destiny.
Cowardly (initially), musical, reflective, repentant, determined, courageous (by the end).
Old Vizier
An elderly man, likely of slender build, with the stoop of age and wisdom. His features would be deeply lined from years of service and contemplation, typical of a seasoned advisor in an Eastern court.
Attire: Formal court attire, likely a flowing, richly embroidered silk robe (qaba or jubba) in deep colors, perhaps with a patterned sash, and a finely wrapped turban (imamah) indicating his status.
Wants: To ensure the proper succession to the throne and uphold the ancient customs of the kingdom, and to guide the young prince.
Flaw: Perhaps a strict adherence to tradition, though it serves the plot well.
Remains consistent, serving as the steadfast guardian of tradition and a mentor to Azgid.
Loyal, wise, traditional, emotional (weeps tears of joy), dutiful.
Isdril
A handsome youth, likely of a lean and agile build from his life as a shepherd's slave. His appearance would reflect the pastoral setting, possibly with sun-kissed skin.
Attire: Simple, practical shepherd's clothing: a loose-fitting linen tunic, perhaps in earthy tones, simple trousers, and sturdy sandals. He might have a rough wool cloak for cooler weather.
Wants: To serve his master, Oaxus, and survive the dangers of his environment. Later, to enjoy his freedom and companionship with Azgid.
Flaw: His enslaved status initially limits his agency.
Begins as a slave, but through his interaction with Azgid and Oaxus's generosity, he is freed and becomes Azgid's companion.
Courteous, musical, observant, cautious (due to lion encounters), loyal (to Oaxus initially).
Oaxus
A wealthy shepherd, likely robust and sturdy from his outdoor life, with a kind and welcoming demeanor. His build would suggest strength and practicality.
Attire: Comfortable, well-made shepherd's clothing, perhaps a sturdy wool tunic, loose trousers, and practical leather boots. Though wealthy, his attire would reflect his profession, not courtly splendor.
Wants: To live a peaceful life as a shepherd and offer hospitality to those in need.
Flaw: None apparent, he is a purely benevolent character.
Remains consistent as a benevolent and wise figure.
Kind, hospitable, generous, appreciative of nature, wise.
Sheik Hajaar
A dignified Arab Sheik, likely tall and commanding, with a lean, strong build honed by desert life and hunting. His presence would exude authority and experience.
Attire: Traditional Arab attire: a flowing white thobe (dishdasha), a keffiyeh (headscarf) secured with an agal (rope), and a long, ornate dagger (khanjar) tucked into a belt. His clothing would be practical yet indicative of his status.
Wants: To lead his tribe, uphold their traditions of hospitality and prowess, and ensure the strength and reliability of his men.
Flaw: His expectation of martial prowess from all who wish to join his tribe.
Remains consistent as a wise and honorable leader.
Dignified, hospitable, strong, a leader, a warrior, wise.
Perizide
A beautiful young woman with golden hair, likely of graceful build, consistent with her noble upbringing in a splendid palace.
Attire: Luxurious Eastern attire, possibly a richly embroidered silk dress or a two-piece ensemble (like a long tunic and wide trousers) in vibrant colors, adorned with fine jewelry. Her clothing would be elegant and modest, yet opulent.
Wants: To live a life of comfort and eventually find a suitable partner.
Flaw: Her sheltered nature means she hasn't faced many challenges.
Becomes Azgid's wife and queen, implying she adapts to her new royal role.
Lovely, gentle, possibly a bit sheltered.
Emir
A rich and noble Emir, likely of a distinguished and commanding presence, well-fed and well-dressed, reflecting his wealth and status.
Attire: Opulent court robes, likely made of fine silk or brocade, richly embroidered, perhaps with a jeweled turban or cap, and ornate slippers. His attire would signify immense wealth and power.
Wants: To maintain his household, offer hospitality, and ensure his daughter's happiness.
Flaw: None apparent, he is a benevolent and supportive character.
Remains consistent as a benevolent and supportive figure.
Rich, hospitable, discerning, kind, wise, generous.
The Red Lion
A huge, powerful red lion, with a magnificent, shaggy mane. Its muscles would ripple under its tawny-red coat, and its claws and teeth would be formidable.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To fulfill its role in the ancient custom, and to receive affection.
Flaw: Its tameness, which makes it harmless.
Revealed to be tame, transforming from a perceived threat into a symbol of Azgid's conquered fear.
Appears fierce and intimidating (initially), but is actually tame, affectionate, and playful.
Boulak (The Black Porter)
An enormous black lion, significantly larger than a typical lion, with a dark, possibly almost black, coat. Its size alone would be intimidating.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To guard the Emir's palace, reacting to the emotions of those around it.
Flaw: Its sensitivity to human fear, which can trigger aggression.
Serves as a catalyst for Azgid's realization about facing his fears.
Tame but sensitive to fear, becoming ferocious if sensed. Possesses a strong, intimidating presence.
Locations
Palace Den
A den within the precincts of the palace, where a huge red lion is kept.
Mood: Foreboding, intimidating, a place of ancient custom and fear.
The Prince learns of the custom to fight the lion, prompting his flight.
Shepherd Oaxus's Abode and Valley
A beautiful, thickly-wooded country with romantic scenery, featuring fountains, waterfalls, rocks, and vales. The abode is a simple, welcoming house.
Mood: Idyllic, peaceful, enchanting, but with an underlying sense of danger due to lions.
Prince Azgid finds temporary refuge and hears about the local lions, which again frightens him into leaving.
Arab Encampment in the Desert
A vast desert with black tents, providing shelter for an Arab encampment.
Mood: Rugged, communal, adventurous, but again, a place of challenge and fear.
Azgid seeks refuge with Sheik Hajaar, but is challenged to hunt a lion in the nearby hills.
Emir's Porphyry Palace and Garden
A splendid palace built of porphyry, standing in the midst of a magnificent garden. The interior features white marble grand staircase and a saloon with divans. A black lion acts as a porter.
Mood: Luxurious, refined, but with an unsettling presence of the tame lion.
Azgid encounters another lion, this time a 'tame' one, which forces him to confront his fear and resolve to return home.
Palace Arena
An open arena within the palace grounds, designed for the ceremonial combat with the lion.
Mood: Tense, expectant, ceremonial, ultimately triumphant.
Prince Azgid faces the lion, proving his courage and fulfilling the ancient custom, leading to his coronation.