The king ordered that the black snake be killed, and he ordered that the white snake be carried to a spring of water shaded by a tree. He commanded that water be poured over it and that it be given to drink until its spirit returned to it. It rose, and he set it free, whereupon it slithered away on its path.

The king spent the rest of the day in his recreation. When evening came and he returned to his home, he sat upon his throne in a private chamber where neither chamberlain nor anyone else could reach him. While he was thus situated, he suddenly saw a young man standing between the two doorposts; he possessed a youth and beauty that defied description. The young man greeted him.

The king was terrified and said, "Who are you? And who gave you permission to enter upon me in this place where no chamberlain or anyone else can reach?"

The youth replied, "Do not be afraid, O King. I am not a human being, but a youth from among the Jinn. I have come to you to reward you for the beautiful and good deed you performed for me."

The king asked, "And what is my deed toward you?"

The youth said, "I am the [white] snake that you revived this day.