Long ago, there lived a Prince who had read about the ‘Land of Paradise’. It had beautiful gardens with sweet smelling flowers and colourful fountains. The Prince was fascinated.
One evening, as the Prince was returning from his walk in the forest, it grew dark and windy. When the Prince climbed on some rocks, he noticed a cave with a fire burning inside. He entered the cave. There was an old woman sitting by the fire. She said, “The winds will get stronger as my sons come home. They are the four winds of heaven and this is the cave of winds.”
Soon, the North Wind came roaring inside the cave. He said, “I was in the Polar region for a whole month. That place has beautiful animals.” Then, the West Wind entered the cave and said, “I am coming from the forests where I started a storm and sent the ducks into the rivers.”
Soon, came the South Wind, who said, “I went to Africa and played a lot of mischief there.” Finally, came the East Wind and said, “I have just come from China.”
The old woman said to the East Wind, “Son, since you are going to the Land of Paradise tomorrow, make sure you drink from the fountain of wisdom and improve your knowledge.”
The East Wind replied, “I will, Mother. I will also give our greetings to the Princess.”
The Prince, excitedly, requested, “Oh! Please take me to the Land of Paradise.” The East Wind agreed to take the Prince along with him.
The next day, the Prince and the East Wind floated through the clouds. They arrived at a beautiful place where the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and delicious fruits.
The Princess welcomed them and took them to her palace. The Prince fell in love with her and said, “I want to stay here forever.”
The Princess said, “I will try to tempt you every day with various pleasures. But you must refuse. If you fall prey to any temptation, you will be sent back.”
For the next few days, the Prince was led into many temptations. But he was an honest and good man, and he refused to fall prey to all the temptations.
The Princess was pleased and said, “Prince, you are brave and honest.” She married him and they ruled over the Land of Paradise along with the Prince’s own kingdom.
